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The next Xiaomi Black Shark is set to have a headphone jack

Xiaomi's Black Shark 2 is a powerful gaming phone that can be spec'd out to as much as 12GB in RAM. However, it does have one drawback: no 3.5mm jack. However, a brand spokesperson has indicated that this discrepancy will be recti...

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Apr 2019 18:36

Skype for Mobile now allows for screen-sharing. (Source: Digital Trends)

New Skype Insider Preview build adds screen-sharing on iOS and Android

Skype for Mobile now offers the user an option to share their screen with a caller. This could enable people on a Skype call to share things such as slideshows, webpages, a homescreen and so on. The new function is found in the '....

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Apr 2019 14:42

The AirPower has been cancelled some 18 months after being officially introduced by Apple. (Source: Apple)

The prevailing theory about why AirPower failed

The ultimate demise of the AirPower charging mat appears to have been foretold by Apple insider Sonny Dickson several months ago. In the absence of any official word from Apple, other than it cancelled AirPower because it couldn’t...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 31 Mar 2019 06:16

Google leaked its apparently upcoming Nest Hub Max device. (Source: Android Police/Google)

Google leaks its Nest Hub Max smart home device

Google has accidentally leaked a new product in its Google Home range. The Nest Hub Max, which was spotted by Android Police, was featured in the Connected Home section of the tech giant’s website. The information about the Nest H...

Daniel R Deakin, 30 Mar 2019 06:51

AirPods were the most popular true-wireless earbuds for the last quarter of 2018. (Source: Apple)

Apple got at least one thing right: AirPods were the most popular true-wireless earbuds in 2018

Apple's original AirPods snatched the majority of the true wireless earphone market at the end of 2018, according to Counterpoint Research. Its latest report on the subject put the earbuds' share at 60%. Jabra, Samsung, JLabs and ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 29 Mar 2019 18:32

LG G8 ThinQ US launch set for April; preorders on Sprint start sooner

The G8 ThinQ is LG's latest flagship, and introduces its Crystal Sound technology among other features. This smartphone will become available in the United States from April 11, 2019. However, those who want it on Sprint can pre-o...

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Mar 2019 19:13

The Jabra Evolve 65e neckbuds. (Source: Jabra)

The new Jabra Evolve 65e is a pair of neckbuds with "professional-grade sound quality"

Jabra has released its latest generation of neckbuds, the Evolve 65e. The audio company claims that this wireless set of earphones has consumer-grade comfort with professional levels of audio. This product has attained Skype for B...

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Mar 2019 18:24

The Apple Music app has been downloaded over 40 million times on the Google Play Store. (Source: Apple)

Apple Music for Android is surprisingly popular

Apple Music on Android has been more popular than you would think. New data from SensorTower shows that since it has launched, over 40 million users have downloaded the app from the Google Play Store.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 27 Mar 2019 11:18

The Huawei CEO introduces the company's most unusual wearable yet. (Source: YouTube)

Huawei unveils its own line of smart glasses

Huawei also revealed the existence of some new wearables at its early-2019 launch event in Paris. The least expected of these are the new 'smart' glasses the OEM has developed with the eyewear company Gentle Monster. Their main fu...

Deirdre O Donnell, 26 Mar 2019 17:34

The new Beats PowerBeats Pro earphones have been spotted in iOS 12.2. (Source: 9to5 Mac)

Apple’s black AirPods leak out, but they are from Beats and don’t look ridiculous

Apple subsidiary Beats will be launching its first pair of truly wireless earphones imminently. The discovery of the name PowerBeats Pro and black and white versions was uncovered by 9to5 Mac in the code for iOS 12.2 which went li...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 26 Mar 2019 01:07

The connected living room is a billion-dollar marketplace these days. (Source: Amazon)

The "connected living room" is a concept that may make a US$900+ billion market in 5 years

Transparency Market Research's latest report is based on the observation that the demand for a 'smart' or 'connected' living room is growing steadily these days. It may consist of entertainment or media hardware that works seamles...

Deirdre O Donnell, 25 Mar 2019 18:24

Apple is reportedly losing traction in China. (Source: Apple)

Apple is losing its majority in the Chinese smartphone market

Apple's market share in China has reportedly fallen by 26.6% in 2018. Unsurprisingly, the culprits are more 'local' OEMs such as Huawei and Xiaomi, who offer more innovative features in premium handsets that go for less than those...

Deirdre O Donnell, 23 Mar 2019 19:57

The Powerbeats are Beats' take on the wireless earphone. (Source: Amazon)

Next-generation Powerbeats could come in true-wireless form and with the new Apple AirPods' features

Beats by Dr. Dre has been an Apple subsidiary for some time now. The brand's next product may be a pair of truly-wireless earbuds. According to a CNET report, they may run on the new Apple H1 chip, which is also found in the newly...

Deirdre O Donnell, 23 Mar 2019 14:56

The Blue Yeti is apparently the best USB mic. (Source: Amazon)

The best USB microphone is made by Blue: new analysis

In a world where everyone seems to be a streamer or caster or some kind, a USB microphone may be a viable purchase. They combine the possible advantage of improved audio with a power source that is already built into your machine....

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Mar 2019 13:54

The latest LG OLED TVs will be available for purchase soon. (Source: LG USA)

LG announces US availability of 2019 OLED TVs - and that they will be super expensive

LG has stated its US dollar prices for its new OLED TVs. These state-of-the-art panels were previewed at CES 2019, and come with Dolby Vision, ThinQ AI and inbuilt Google Assistant. They start at US$2,499 - and work their way up t...

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Mar 2019 00:34

Myspace has lost all the music that once made it the world's most visited website. (Image source: Myspace)

Myspace has corrupted and lost 12 years of music uploaded to its website

In an embarrassing admission, Myspace has confirmed that it has lost every piece of music that users uploaded between 2003 and 2015, which equates to over 50 million files. The company reports that there is no way to recover the l...

Alex Alderson, 18 Mar 2019 22:36

In-ear Bluetooth headphones could pose a health risk, despite relatively low emissions. (Source: Notebookcheck)

If AirPods pose a potential health risk, what are the options?

Our article about the possible detrimental health effects of wireless devices including Apple’s AirPods, among others, seemed to strike a chord with a lot of readers. We are exposed to a lot of EMF radiation on a daily basis and 2...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 14 Mar 2019 11:06

Do wireless headphones like Apple's AirPods post a cancer risk? (Source: Notebookcheck)

250 scientists sign petition warning of dangers posed by AirPods, other wireless devices

Concerns have been raised by a group of scientists about the possible carcinogenic effects of electromagnetic radiation emitted by modern devices. Of particular concern are wireless headphones like Apple’s popular AirPods as they ...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 12 Mar 2019 10:40

The AirPods 2 device might offer more color options than just white. (Source: Cult of Mac)

Leak claims AirPods 2 and case can be fully charged wirelessly in just 15 minutes

A new leak has claimed that Apple’s next generation of wireless earbuds will incorporate extremely fast charging technology. According to a post on Twitter made by XDA Portal writer Max Weinbach, the Apple AirPods 2 will be able t...

Daniel R Deakin, 04 Mar 2019 11:49

The new Alcatel 3T 10 tablet. (Source: Alcatel)

MWC19 | Alcatel's newest tablet has a stand that is also a full-sized speaker

The TCL subsidiary Alcatel has launched its new 3T 10 tablet at MWC19. This device has a 10-inch screen and runs Android 9.0 (Pie) out of the box. It also comes with a Google Assisant pre-install. The Alcatel 3T 10 is compatible w...

Deirdre O Donnell, 25 Feb 2019 18:50

OnLeaks' latest AirPods rumor suggest that the next generation will come in colors beside white. (Source: Colorware)

New Apple AirPod 2 rumors result in 2 possible launch dates in the same day

A new post on the Greek Apple leaks site iPhoneHellas alleges that the second-generation AirPods will launch in March. However, a second tipster, OnLeaks, has also asserted that his sources say they will be released 'in the fall'....

Deirdre O Donnell, 12 Feb 2019 17:36

The very good Surface Pro 6 will be available in new markets such as the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and Norway. (Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft brings the Surface Pro 6, Laptop 2, Studio 2, and Surface Headphones to many new markets

Microsoft has announced in a blog post that the Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, and Surface Studio 2 devices are now launching in 20 more markets worldwide. The tech giant also revealed that its Surface Headphones will be coming ...

Daniel R Deakin, 07 Feb 2019 23:01

Reverse wireless charging between the Samsung Galaxy S10+ and the new Galaxy Buds. (Source: Twitter/Roland Quandt)

Major Samsung Galaxy S10 leaks: Live images and reverse wireless chargeable Galaxy Buds

A new set of leaks concerning the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S10 has appeared, including information and a picture of a brand-new product. There are some live photos of two different Galaxy S10 devices in the hand, and there is an im...

Daniel R Deakin, 07 Feb 2019 06:26

Casio's slimmest-ever digital grand piano is a fully up-to-date piece of audio hardware. (Source: Casio)

Casio has released the "world's slimmest" digital grand piano

Casio has updated its line of digital pianos with the Privia PX-S1000 and PX-S3000, 2 variants of what the company claims is the "world's slimmest grand piano". The new models use Smart Scaled Hammer Action to replicate the tactil...

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Jan 2019 12:13

The part of the iOS 12.2 code that may refer to a new iPod Touch. (Source: Twitter)

iOS 12.2 code hints at possible new iPads and iPod Touch

The well-regarded leaker Steve Troughton-Smith claims to have found references to unfamiliar iPads while diving into the code for the iOS 12.2 update. It suggests that new 11-inch iPads, as well as an iPad Mini, are on their way. ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 26 Jan 2019 18:33

Apple's AirPods may or may not be getting an update soon. (Source: Apple)

2nd-gen Apple AirPods may get launch date in first half of 2019

Our last report on the Apple AirPods 2 covered rumors that they could have been released by now, at least. However, their maker failed to live up to this leak, and the 2nd generation of these wireless earbuds has yet to appear. A ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Jan 2019 23:43

The Sonos high-fidelity Play:5 speaker currently costs US$499. (Source: Sonos)

Smart speaker specialist Sonos could be targeting the headphones market

There has been a report published stating that the American consumer electronics manufacturer Sonos is planning a foray into the headphones market. The company is probably best known for its work with smart speakers and other home...

Daniel R Deakin, 24 Jan 2019 21:52

Spotify may release its first hardware later this year. (Image source: Reddit)

Spotify is reportedly working on an in-car music player

Spotify, the popular music and podcast streaming service, is planning on releasing its own hardware. The Financial Times reports that the device will be an in-car music player and could cost US$100.

Alex Alderson, 21 Jan 2019 19:37

The latest form of iPod Touch. (Source: Apple)

iPod Touch will be resurrected for 2019 with USB type C: new rumor

Apple has not refreshed or updated the iPod Touch since 2015. That year saw the 6th generation of the device, which was not heard of much since. However, that fact did not stop a Japanese outlet posting claims that a supplier had ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 Jan 2019 19:04

The HyperX Cloud MIX HX-HSCAM-GM has a detachable Discord, and TeamSpeak certified boom microphone. (Image source: HyperX)

HyperX Cloud MIX: A Hi-Res Audio gaming headset and Bluetooth headphones in one

HyperX has announced its Cloud MIX headphones, a wired gaming headset that also doubles as a set of lightweight and portable Bluetooth headphones. The Cloud MIX has an understated design, 20 hours of battery life over Bluetooth an...

Alex Alderson, 15 Jan 2019 13:19

The Google Chromecast Audio supported lossless high-resolution audio. (Source: Google)

Google discontinues Chromecast Audio

Google has officially confirmed the discontinuation of the Chromecast Audio device. A quick glance at Google’s online store lists the music-streaming gadget as out of stock, after recently receiving a heavy price cut from US$35 to...

Daniel R Deakin, 11 Jan 2019 23:54

The Jabra 85h headphones. (Source: Jabra)

CES 2019 | Jabra debuts the new 85h noise-cancelling headphones, rated for 32 hours of battery life

Jabra is one of many prominent audio companies at CES this year. It has come to present its new 85h headphones, which, as Jabra claims, can allow playback with active noise-cancelling (ANC) for as long as 32 hours. These new audio...

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Jan 2019 19:35

The LG Rollable TV has a product name and model number for its third run at CES. (Source: LG)

CES 2019 | LG's rollable TVs are here again, but they're close to retail this time

TVs that can curl up and store themselves in a box are becoming a staple of CES. This technology, introduced by its maker LG in 2017, has yet to appear in stores. However, this year, the company has brought them to the event again...

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Jan 2019 19:00

Asus is offering a smart decluttering solution with Lyra Voice. (Source: Asus)

CES 2019 | Asus combines a Wi-Fi router and a smart speaker to create Lyra Voice

Taiwanese manufacturer Asus has announced the Lyra Voice device, or 3-in-1 Smart Voice Router. The gadget combines an AC2200 tri-band mesh Wi-Fi router with two 8 W stereo speakers and includes Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant. Th...

Daniel R Deakin, 07 Jan 2019 11:30

Amazon's Alexa-enabled Echo Dot speakers have sold out for the month. (Source: TechWiser)

Amazon executive reveals sales of over 100 million Alexa-enabled devices

In an interview with The Verge, Amazon’s SVP of devices and services, David Limp, has revealed how many devices have been sold that have Alexa built into them. Apparently, over 100 million speakers, smartphones, gadgets and other ...

Daniel R Deakin, 05 Jan 2019 03:42

The Zanco smart pen is available on Kickstarter now. (Source: Zanco)

A crowd-funding campaign for a mobile phone in pen form has raised 575% of its goal already

The Zanco smart pen is a stylus with (nearly) all the features of a smartphone crammed into it. It has physical buttons, a click-pad, front and rear cameras and even a teeny tiny screen. It is intended as a smartphone replacement ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Dec 2018 17:09

Dirac will add another string to its phone-audio bow at CES 2019. (Source: Dirac)

Dirac plans to bring a smartphone-speaker bass enhancer to CES

Even the best speakers in smartphones struggle to produce even a relatively small amount of bass. Dirac, a rapidly-growing name in device audio, wants to change that with its new Dirac Bass feature. This tweak, which boosts the ba...

Deirdre O Donnell, 22 Dec 2018 18:16

The Pixel 3 and 3XL may have yet more issues. (Source: Engadget)

Pixel 3 and 3XL users allege call-quality issues in their phones

A number of Pixel 3 and 3XL owners have reportedly taken to the Google Product Forums to complain about issues with voice-calls on their devices. These problems apparently include low-quality in-call audio, connection issues and m...

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Dec 2018 17:30

The ROG phone has multiple USB ports to support accessories like this one. (Source: Android Authority)

Reddit post shows what happens when the ASUS ROG Phone is connected to itself

The ASUS ROG Phone has multiple USB type C ports, so that it can support accessories that need two of these ports. A Redditor has demonstrated that this feature can be hi-jacked in order to make it appear that the phone can charge...

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Dec 2018 19:32

The Antlion ModMic Wireless. (Source: Antlion)

Antlion Audio wants you to turn any set of headphones into a gaming headset with its ModMic Wireless

Antlion Audio claims that its ModMic Wireless attachment adds mic capabilities to any kind of headphone. It has the aptX low-energy Bluetooth codec, 16-bit 48khz audio and a USB type A receiver. The ModMic Wireless also has a pate...

Deirdre O Donnell, 27 Nov 2018 19:50

Beleaguered Windows 10 1809 update breaks audio playback for some Intel display drivers

The latest issue in the growing string of problems with the Windows 10 1809 update affects devices using certain versions of Intel's display drivers. The Windows 10 October update breaks audio playback through monitors or TVs conn...

Sam Medley, 23 Nov 2018 21:22

Huawei claims that you can charge other phones wirelessly with the Mate 20 Pro. (Source: Huawei)

Huawei Mate 20 Pro's reverse wireless charging was tested and found to be extremely slow

Huawei introduced a new feature known as reverse (or inverted) wireless charging with the Mate 20 Pro. It means that the new flagship can be used as a charging pad for other devices with compatible technology. However, Android Aut...

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Nov 2018 01:12

Spotify shares were affected by less than completely positive earnings reports. (Source: djtimes.com)

Spotify shares sank by 11% due to pessimistic earnings forecast

The shares of the company Spotify were down 11% at the start of today (November 1, 2018) due to a forecast that shows relatively poor fourth-quarter performance. In addition, Spotify is now reported to be committed to new investme...

Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Nov 2018 19:20

Huawei launches the new Huawei AI Speaker powered by Dynaudio high-end audio. (Source: Engagdet)

Huawei launches HomePod clone

Huawei has used its home market launch event for the Mate 20 series of smartphones to debut its Huawei AI Speaker. More than a little reminiscent of Apple's HomePod, the new speaker has been co-developed with famed Dutch audio spe...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 28 Oct 2018 10:21

Both speakers in this iPhone XS Max diagram should function to play audio. (Source: iphonefaqs.com)

Stereo-gate: iPhone XS and XS Max hit with new bug (audio this time)

The latest Apple flagship smartphones are facing yet another issue that means they do not work out of the box as described. This time, it seems that one of their dual speakers does not fire while playing audio. The bug has been re...

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Oct 2018 18:56

Spotify has a refreshed Wear OS app. (Source: Spotify)

Spotify releases improved Wear OS app update

The music streaming service Spotify has finally pushed an update for the app used on Android smartwatches. This version takes on the functions users formerly had to turn to 3rd-party solutions for. For example, the new Spotify for...

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Oct 2018 09:28

Winamp 2 default interface, Winamp 6 coming in 2019

Winamp is rising from the dead, version 6 coming in 2019

If everything works as planned, Winamp 5.8 will arrive tomorrow with a bunch of fixes in tow and — the best part of it all — without the paid options previously reserved to the users of the Pro version. However, this iconic piece ...

Codrut Nistor, 17 Oct 2018 10:15

The audio jack will soon lose its last supporters. (Source: Android Central)

Samsung may ditch the 3.5 mm audio jack on the Note 10 and Galaxy S11 models

A strong supporter for the 3.5 mm audio jack in the past, Samsung may soon be forced to get with the times and move on to wireless headphones. A recent report informs that at least the flagship smartphone models launching from fal...

Bogdan Solca, 11 Oct 2018 22:29

New Chrome OS tablet debuts at Made by Google event

The Pixel Slate is Google's latest tablet. It comes in one colour (Midnight Blue) and has an optional Pixelbook pen and keyboard with a dedicated Google Assistant button. The Pixel Slate runs Chrome OS and has its own Play Store a...

Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Oct 2018 00:44

Audio

The next Xiaomi Black Shark is set to have a headphone jack

New Skype Insider Preview build adds screen-sharing on iOS and Android

Apple AirPods 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds

The prevailing theory about why AirPower failed

Google leaks its Nest Hub Max smart home device

Apple got at least one thing right: AirPods were the most popular true-wireless earbuds in 2018

LG G8 ThinQ US launch set for April; preorders on Sprint start sooner

The new Jabra Evolve 65e is a pair of neckbuds with "professional-grade sound quality"

Apple Music for Android is surprisingly popular

Huawei unveils its own line of smart glasses

Apple’s black AirPods leak out, but they are from Beats and don’t look ridiculous

The "connected living room" is a concept that may make a US$900+ billion market in 5 years

Apple is losing its majority in the Chinese smartphone market

Next-generation Powerbeats could come in true-wireless form and with the new Apple AirPods' features

The best USB microphone is made by Blue: new analysis

LG announces US availability of 2019 OLED TVs - and that they will be super expensive

Myspace has corrupted and lost 12 years of music uploaded to its website

If AirPods pose a potential health risk, what are the options?

250 scientists sign petition warning of dangers posed by AirPods, other wireless devices

Leak claims AirPods 2 and case can be fully charged wirelessly in just 15 minutes

MWC19 | Alcatel's newest tablet has a stand that is also a full-sized speaker

New Apple AirPod 2 rumors result in 2 possible launch dates in the same day

Microsoft brings the Surface Pro 6, Laptop 2, Studio 2, and Surface Headphones to many new markets

Major Samsung Galaxy S10 leaks: Live images and reverse wireless chargeable Galaxy Buds

Casio has released the "world's slimmest" digital grand piano

iOS 12.2 code hints at possible new iPads and iPod Touch

2nd-gen Apple AirPods may get launch date in first half of 2019

Smart speaker specialist Sonos could be targeting the headphones market

Spotify is reportedly working on an in-car music player

iPod Touch will be resurrected for 2019 with USB type C: new rumor

HyperX Cloud MIX: A Hi-Res Audio gaming headset and Bluetooth headphones in one

Google discontinues Chromecast Audio

CES 2019 | Jabra debuts the new 85h noise-cancelling headphones, rated for 32 hours of battery life

CES 2019 | LG's rollable TVs are here again, but they're close to retail this time

CES 2019 | Asus combines a Wi-Fi router and a smart speaker to create Lyra Voice

Amazon executive reveals sales of over 100 million Alexa-enabled devices

A crowd-funding campaign for a mobile phone in pen form has raised 575% of its goal already

Dirac plans to bring a smartphone-speaker bass enhancer to CES

Pixel 3 and 3XL users allege call-quality issues in their phones

Reddit post shows what happens when the ASUS ROG Phone is connected to itself

Antlion Audio wants you to turn any set of headphones into a gaming headset with its ModMic Wireless

Beleaguered Windows 10 1809 update breaks audio playback for some Intel display drivers

Huawei Mate 20 Pro's reverse wireless charging was tested and found to be extremely slow

Spotify shares sank by 11% due to pessimistic earnings forecast

Huawei launches HomePod clone

Stereo-gate: iPhone XS and XS Max hit with new bug (audio this time)

Spotify releases improved Wear OS app update

Winamp is rising from the dead, version 6 coming in 2019

Samsung may ditch the 3.5 mm audio jack on the Note 10 and Galaxy S11 models

New Chrome OS tablet debuts at Made by Google event

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