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The OPPO smartwatch trailer. (Source: GSMArena)

OPPO drops glimpses of its 2020 smartwatch and truly wireless earbuds

OPPO's Inno Day 2019 event was mostly dominated by upcoming products such as its AR headset. However, it also teased new wearables that may launch soon as well. They are a new pair of truly wireless (TWS) earbuds, as well as a square-faced smartwatch.

Deirdre O Donnell, 10 Dec 2019 16:16

Samsung's flagship Galaxy Note 10 ditched the headphone jack. (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite renders reveal welcome presence of the headphone jack

New renders of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite have revealed that the smartphone apparently sports a headphone jack. It also appears to have a central punch-hole front-facing camera and a square housing for the rear-facing camera setup. The Note 10 Lite, which may also be known as the Galaxy A81 in some markets, is expected to come with 6 GB RAM and an Exynos 9810 SoC.

Daniel R Deakin, 04 Dec 2019 19:54

The new Intel NUC 10 Performance series. (Source: Intel)

Intel debuts its new NUC 10 Performance series

Intel has released its latest Next-Unit Computing- (NUC) form-factor PCs. They are powered by 10th-generation Core processors, and have i3, i5 and i7 variants. This applies to the kits and the mini PCs in this series, which also have Thunderbolt 3, Wi-Fi 6 and 4 USB 3.1 ports, 1 of which is type C.

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Nov 2019 13:36

The Surface Earbuds are delayed for at least 3 months. (Source: Microsoft)

Surface Earbuds delayed to spring 2020

Microsoft has announced it has delayed its recently unveiled Surface Earbuds. Originally set to ship this holiday season, the Surface Earbuds have now been delayed into Spring 2020, roughly another quarter away.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 23 Nov 2019 02:08

The Dripp Dropp truly wireless earbuds. (Source: Indiegogo)

The Dripp Dropps are the "most affordable" truly wireless earphones with Qualcomm tech on Indiegogo

Dripp Audio is a new company that has put its interestingly-named true-wireless earbuds on Indiegogo. The "Dropps" are described as the cheapest products in their category to have Qualcomm aptX and cVc noise-cancelling tech. They also have Bluetooth 5.0 and IP5X ingress protection, and start at US$39.

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Nov 2019 21:48

The Huawei Sound X smart speaker is packed with hardware. (Image source: Weibo)

Huawei Sound X smart speaker images and specifications leaked

The information guide for Huawei’s Sound X smart speaker has leaked online ahead of the device’s expected launch. The Sound X offers an interesting collection of hardware specifications that includes two 60 W subwoofers and a 1.5 GHz quad-core processor. But will consumers be willing to place a hefty listening device from a controversial manufacturer in their homes?

Daniel R Deakin, 19 Nov 2019 07:16

The new Lenovo Smart Display 7. (Source: Lenovo)

Lenovo announces a new version of its Google Assistant-powered Smart Display

Lenovo has launched the Smart Display 7, which, like its predecessors, is a smart speaker with an in-built touchscreen. This new version has its display above its speakers this time, although they are still 10-watt (W) drivers. It also has Google Assistant, Wi-Fi 802.11ac and an ambient color sensor.

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Nov 2019 20:16

The Samsung Galaxy A51's new renders. (Source: OnLeaks/PriceBaba)

New Samsung Galaxy A51 renders hint at a punch-hole display, quad cameras and a 3.5mm jack

The Galaxy A51 will probably be one of Samsung's new phones for 2020. It has attracted its first 360-degree set of renders (from OnLeaks), which incorporate rumors and theories about the phone such as that it will have quad rear cameras. The phone is also now depicted as having a punch-hole camera in its display.

Deirdre O Donnell, 12 Nov 2019 16:56

An example of a home theater in a box. (Source: Lifewire)

The home theater market could be worth US$13.4 billion by 2025

Home theaters brought in a total of US$7.7 billion last year. However, this market value is thought to be capable of growing by up to $5.7 billion more over the next 6 years. The sound bar sector may grow at the greatest rate over this period.

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Nov 2019 22:44

The new Mi TV 5 series. (Source: MySmartPrice)

Xiaomi launches the Mi TV 5 and 5 Pro

Xiaomi also promised details on a fifth generation of its smart TVs during the Mi CC9 Pro debut. The OEM made good on this - less expectedly, it introduced 2 new variants of the same during the event. The Mi TV 5 Pro is the one that gets the leaked 4K QLED panel, as well as some other impressive specs.

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Nov 2019 18:54

The new House of Marley Exodus headphones. (Source: House of Marley)

House of Marley updates its Exodus headphones with ANC

House of Marley's Exodus is a pair of premium over-ear headphones with 50-millimeter (mm) drivers and a sustainable provenance. Their latest refresh has active noise cancellation (ANC). They are also rated for a 28-hour battery life with this feature on, and up to 80 hours without.

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 Nov 2019 23:09

Google's Recorder is smarter than the average dictation app. (Source: Google)

Google's advanced Recorder facility is coming to older Pixel devices

Google introduced a new kind of Recorder app with the Pixel 4 series. It is not merely capable of capturing audio, but of transcribing it in real time and making the resulting text searchable with the help of AI. A Mountain View representative has confirmed that it is coming to older phones of the same line soon.

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Nov 2019 19:34

Orbita believes AI assistants can do a lot for healthcare. (Source: Orbita)

New research asserts many adults want smart assistants to help look after their health

Orbita, a company that makes a personal assistant-like AI platform focused on healthcare, has published the results of a study that shows this is what the US adults recruited to it want from their voice-controlled searches. It apparently concludes that 7.5% of this group has used services such as Alexa for this purpose, whereas over 50% would like to.

Deirdre O Donnell, 31 Oct 2019 18:53

SiriusXM content will become playable on Google Nest products soon. (Source: SiriusXM)

The Google Assistant will start integrating SiriusXM soon

Google and SiriusXM have partnered in order to enable streaming of the latter on smart speakers from the former. In addition, the content provider's subscribers will be able to activate and control their channels by asking the Assistant on their phones to do so. This update will start rolling out shortly in the US and Canada.

Deirdre O Donnell, 31 Oct 2019 15:33

Apple pulls iOS 13.2 after multiple reports of bricked HomePod smart speakers

Do not install iOS 13.2. If you have a HomePod and have installed iOS 13.2, DO NOT RESET YOUR HOMEPOD. Multiple users are reporting that iOS 13.2, released yesterday, bricked their HomePod smart speakers. Apple has since pulled the update.

Sam Medley, 29 Oct 2019 18:35

Apple announces AirPods Pro: New design, higher price

Apple unveiled its new AirPods Pro wireless earbuds earlier today. The buds feature a new design and active noise cancellation. However, the $249 price tag is significantly higher ($90) than the current AirPods'. AirPods Pro will be available for purchase starting October 30th.

Sam Medley, 29 Oct 2019 04:53

The new SHIELD TV and TV Pro. (Source: NVIDIA)

The 2019 NVIDIA SHIELD TV and SHIELD TV Pro are now live

NVIDIA now stocks the new Pro and non-Pro variants of the SHIELD TV on its official site. As projected, the latter is a 4K streaming stick with HDR 10. Both new Android 9.0 devices support Dolby Audio, can access GeForce NOW and have Google Assistant built in.

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Oct 2019 16:39

Google Home speakers are left unresponsive after a firmware update. (Image via Reddit user Umagafr3sh.)

Firmware update bricks Google Home and Google Home Mini smart speakers

A firmware update pushed out to Google Home and Google Home Mini smart speakers earlier this month has been bricking devices, leaving them completely unresponsive. Google has acknowledged the problem and promised a resolution in the near future. Unfortunately, the tech giant is apparently not replacing out-of-warranty devices.

Sam Medley, 24 Oct 2019 16:36

1More announces the release of its first ANC true-wireless earbuds

1More is the ODM responsible for Xiaomi's audio wearables. However, it also releases these products under its own brand. The latest of these are truly wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC).

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Oct 2019 20:35

Pharrell has helped with the some of the colors on the new Beats Solo Pro. (Source: Beats)

Apple drops new Beats Solo Pro with active noise cancelling

Apple’s wholly-owned subsidiary Beats has launched an all-new Beats Solo Pro range. Effectively the Beats Solo 4, the all-new design also brings improved audio performance as well as active noise cancelling to the Solo line for the first time.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 16 Oct 2019 08:59

Google launches its first pair of true wireless earbuds

Google unveiled its second-generation Pixel Buds at its 2019 'Made By' event. They are truly wireless products that, as the OEM claims, have been designed to be as compact and streamlined as possible. Nevertheless, they are rated for 5 hours of battery life, or 24 hours from their charging case.

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 Oct 2019 19:21

The Skullcandy Vert earbuds. (Source: Skullcandy)

Skullcandy invents the clip-on wireless earbud set

Skullcandy has released Vert, a new set of Bluetooth wireless earbuds. Unlike most products in this category, however, they are not of the typical "neckbud" form-factor. Instead, the buds are linked to a dial-like clip-on module, which may fit in better with pursuits needing heavy gloves or helmets.

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Oct 2019 23:22

The Turtle Beach Atlas Edge USB audio adapter. (Source: Turtle Beach)

Turtle Beach claims its new Atlas Edge USB adapter gives any 3.5mm-jack headset an audio edge

Turtle Beach has released the Atlas Edge, a new USB adapter for any conventional wired headset. It is intended to enhance any headset connected to it with an in-house panel of software called Control Studio. This suite is designed to convert audio through the Atlas Edge into a "full panoramic 3D audio experience".

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Oct 2019 23:02

Sony unveils its new a9II full-frame flagship camera

Sony has launched its latest alpha-series flagship, the a9II. This new 24.2MP premium unit is distinctly pitched at professional photographers in sports reporting and other fast-moving fields. It is designed for continous shooting while still delivering top-flight auto-focus and auto-exposure.

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Oct 2019 15:43

The Surface Pro 7 is unveiled on stage. (Source: Microsoft)

The Surface Pro 7 defines itself through power, performance - and USB type C ports

The Surface Pro 7 has finally stepped up to USB type C support. Otherwise, it remains a 12.3-inch 2-in-1 with advanced Pen features and a refined Type Keyboard attachment. The Pro 7 starts at US$749 and ships from October 22, 2019.

Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Oct 2019 18:25

The LG Tone+ Free truly wireless earbuds. (Source: LG)

LG launches its first true wireless earbuds in South Korea

LG has unveiled new products called the Tone+ Free earbuds in its home country. Unlike the OEM's earlier similar products, these wearables are completely wireless and come in a charging case like the AirPods and other similar devices. They come in black or white and are available for pre-order from now.

Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Oct 2019 23:47

The new Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro earbuds. (Source: Soundcore)

Soundcore claims to have made the world's first "sonically aligned" truly wireless earbud

Soundcore has unveiled its new Liberty 2 Pro truly wireless earbuds. The company claims that they have been designed in a way that produces true "sonic alignment", thus delivering a more accurate soundstage, clear bass and distinct treble. They will be available in October 2019 for about US$150.

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Sep 2019 19:34

The Amazon Echo Studio is targeted at the Sonos One and Apple HomePod. (Source: Amazon)

Amazon intros Echo Studio speaker and Echo Buds in-ear Bluetooth headphones with Bose NC tech

Amazon has introduced a new Echo Studio speaker and Echo Buds in-ear wireless headphones. Both feature the latest sound technologies including support for Dobly Atmos in the former and Bose active noise-cancelling circuitry in the latter.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 26 Sep 2019 11:45

The new PuroGamer headset. (Source: Puro Sound Labs)

The latest Puro Sound Labs headset aims to boost aural health in gaming

Puro Sound Labs describes itself as "the world's leading manufacturer of premium, safe-listening headphones". It has developed the PuroGamer, a "studio-grade" headset with 50-millimeter (mm) graphene drivers for better audio at lower volumes. This product also has a noise-canceling, detachable boom mic.

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Sep 2019 21:15

Huawei's first own-brand TV represents the OEM's Vision of the smart home

Huawei also unveiled a new smart TV at its Mate 30 launch. It is called the Huawei Vision, and will come in 55- to 85-inch variants. The OEM asserts that it can also act as a full smart home control, and has AI-powered user interaction.

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Sep 2019 19:25

The JAM Audio Live Free truly wireless earbuds. (Source: JAM Audio)

JAM Audio claims that its new true wireless earbuds can last over 54 hours per charge

The Live Free truly wireless earbuds are the latest products from the company JAM Audio. It is claimed that they are smaller and more comfortable than their predecessors. They also come in a handy case that is rated for a battery life of 54 hours or more.

Deirdre O Donnell, 17 Sep 2019 20:48

Some of the Huawei smart glass variants. (Source: GizmoChina)

The Huawei smart glasses are now on sale in China

Huawei unveiled a new line of smart glasses along with the P30 smartphone series. However, nothing has been heard of them since. Now, however, they have reportedly been released to the Chinese market in several different styles and opacities.

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 Sep 2019 22:36

IFA 2019 | Huawei unveils the FreeBuds 3: AirPod-alikes but with a round charging case

Huawei has taken to IFA to unveil new wireless earbuds alongside the Kirin 990 SoC. They are the latest in the Freebuds line of wearables, and are thus AirPod clones (in their looks at least). These 3rd-gen products have a dedicated dual-Bluetooth chipset of their own, "intelligent" noise cancellation and a unique charging case.

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Sep 2019 17:20

The new JBL Pulse 4 in action. (Source: JBL)

IFA 2019 | JBL introduces the Pulse 4, a 20W portable LED speaker

The JBL Pulse 4 is the latest in a series of portable Bluetooth speakers that also light up as they stream audio. This iteration also has an IPX7 rating and an estimated 12 hours of playback. Its LEDs are controlled by a proprietary app, which also allows it to sync with multiple compatible devices from the same brand.

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Sep 2019 00:05

The Xiaomi AirDots Pro. (Source: Xiaomi)

2nd-gen Xiaomi AirPod clones inadvertently make their way onto Weibo

The AirDots Pro are Xiaomi devices that conform to the "toothbrush" form factor of truly-wireless earbuds. Chinese social media users have spotted what looks like their packaging, but with a new product name, in a photograph. The box suggests that these wearables have, if anything, become more Apple-esque than their predecessors.

Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Sep 2019 20:12

The Liberate Air earbuds. (Source: House of Marley)

The new truly-wireless earbuds from House of Marley are made from 100% recycled materials

The Liberate Air earphones are made from reclaimed silicone and have a bamboo finish. In addition, they have a charging case described as made from recycled aluminium, wood, cotton and plastic. These new House of Marley products are also reportedly superior in sound quality to the Apple AirPods.

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Aug 2019 18:23

Sony has won an award for its Real-Time Eye AF technique. (Source: Sony)

Sony smashes through records at the 2019 EISA Awards

Sony has announced that it has hit a new record for wins at the Expert Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) awards for this year. The company won 7 times at this event, 3 of which were for its innovative, extensive G-series FE lenses. Its advanced Real-time Eye auto-focus (AF) technology was also recognized at this show.

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Aug 2019 18:50

The AI-powered YI Home Camera 3. (Source: YI)

The latest YI home security camera has AI for smarter, more selective user alerts

The YI Home Camera 3 is an AI-powered security camera. It notifies the user about possible intrusions - however, it solves the problem of potentially indiscriminate, unnecessary messages by using its new software to judge which ones will be important. The new YI camera also has a magnetic stand, so it can be installed anywhere.

Deirdre O Donnell, 09 Aug 2019 18:57

The HomePod captured more inadvertant Siri recordings than other devices like the iPhone. (Source: Apple)

Apple suspends Siri eavesdropping program in wake of privacy scandal

Apple has suspended a controversial Siri grading program that allowed contractors to listen to recordings of customers using the voice recognition software. The purportedly privacy focused company was caught out by a whistleblower who revealed details of the program that raised serious user privacy concerns.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 02 Aug 2019 13:30

The Galaxy Buds may now come in this new Aura shade for the Galaxy Note 10 launch. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung develops new colorway for Galaxy Note 10 line - and the Galaxy Buds

Some up-to-date renders of the Galaxy Note 10 are depicted as having an unfamiliar finish that appears as a gradient from pale purple to pale green. The latest rumors indicate that this is in fact an official color option, called Aura Glow. It may feature on the upcoming 2019 Galaxy Notes, as it now does on matching Galaxy Buds.

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Jul 2019 22:39

The TicPods Free. (Source: Buzz This Viral)

Deal | Mobvoi is offering TicPods Free at US$30 right now

The TicPods Free are some of the most prominent AirPod alternatives out there. They are made by Mobvoi, also known for the Ticwatch Pro. This OEM is selling their wireless earbuds at US$99.99, or $30 less than their recommended price.

Deirdre O Donnell, 26 Jul 2019 20:42

The Vuzix Blade 3000 smart glasses: would you take calls on them? (Source: Vuzix)

New update will bring video-calling to Vuzix smart glasses

Smart glasses are useful in many contexts, most of them enterprise-related. However, it is also possible to replicate the smartphone experience to some degree using some of these devices, Vuzix-brand ones included. This company claims that a new development will bring peer-to-peer video calling to its Blade devices.

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Jul 2019 16:31

Spotify Lite is far easier on a phone's memory compared to the regular vision. (Source: Spotify)

Spotify launches a Lite version of its app for Android

The ability to use Spotify on your phone may be restricted in terms of the storage it can take up. The new Lite version of this Android app, however, takes up about a tenth of the space compared to the regular download. It also has a meter for the cellular data used while streaming music.

Deirdre O Donnell, 10 Jul 2019 17:46

Logitech is targeting esports gamers with its new G PRO X and G PRO gaming headsets. (Source: Logitech)

Logitech rolls out the G PRO X and G PRO headsets aimed at esports gamers

Logitech has released new G PRO X and G PRO gaming headsets for 2019. The new models have been designed with the input of esports gamers while the G PRO X also features a collaboration with Blue microphones on a new Blue VO!CE feature.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 09 Jul 2019 13:03

Samsung may be getting 2nd-gen Galaxy Buds ready for release. (Source: Samsung)

New Samsung AKG-linked wireless audio products may be on the way

Samsung's SmartThings app has been found to contain diagrams of heretofore-unreleased pairs of headphones and wireless earbuds. The latter have AKG branding, whereas the former have these 3 letters as part of their model number. It is now thought that they may be products that could be unveiled at the next Galaxy Unpacked event.

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Jul 2019 22:37

Amazon keeps a record of tasks carried out using Alexa. (Source: VentureBeat)

Amazon keeps records of users' Alexa interactions - and may not delete them

A United States Senator has obtained a response to a letter sent to Amazon HQ concerning user privacy as it relates to the retail giant's Alexa platform. It advised the public representative that, although a given user can delete their own voice data from their accounts at will, the voice assistant's responses to queries are recorded and retained by Amazon for its own purposes.

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Jul 2019 19:40

Sony launches WF-1000XM3 Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling in-ear headphones

Sony has launched its latest truly wireless in-ear buds. The new WF-1000XM3 aims to deliver a light-weight alternative to Sony's hugely successful WH-1000XM3 wireless and noise cancelling over-ear headphones.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 05 Jul 2019 12:06

The Sharkoon Gaming DAC Pro S. (Source: Sharkoon)

Sharkoon claims its Gaming DAC Pro S can deliver sound card-level audio via any USB port

The Sharkoon Gaming DAC Pro S is a new product to which any headset with a 3.5mm jack can connect. It also has a USB type A interface to link the same to a PC. This may confer an improvement on the audio coming through the DAC.

Deirdre O Donnell, 27 Jun 2019 18:45

Audio

OPPO drops glimpses of its 2020 smartwatch and truly wireless earbuds

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite renders reveal welcome presence of the headphone jack

Intel debuts its new NUC 10 Performance series

Surface Earbuds delayed to spring 2020

The Dripp Dropps are the "most affordable" truly wireless earphones with Qualcomm tech on Indiegogo

Huawei Sound X smart speaker images and specifications leaked

Lenovo announces a new version of its Google Assistant-powered Smart Display

New Samsung Galaxy A51 renders hint at a punch-hole display, quad cameras and a 3.5mm jack

The home theater market could be worth US$13.4 billion by 2025

Xiaomi launches the Mi TV 5 and 5 Pro

House of Marley updates its Exodus headphones with ANC

Google's advanced Recorder facility is coming to older Pixel devices

Apple AirPods Pro Review: Expensive earplugs or the real Hi-Fi deal?

New research asserts many adults want smart assistants to help look after their health

The Google Assistant will start integrating SiriusXM soon

Apple pulls iOS 13.2 after multiple reports of bricked HomePod smart speakers

Apple announces AirPods Pro: New design, higher price

The 2019 NVIDIA SHIELD TV and SHIELD TV Pro are now live

Firmware update bricks Google Home and Google Home Mini smart speakers

1More announces the release of its first ANC true-wireless earbuds

Apple drops new Beats Solo Pro with active noise cancelling

Google launches its first pair of true wireless earbuds

Skullcandy invents the clip-on wireless earbud set

Sennheiser GSP 370 Hands-On

Turtle Beach claims its new Atlas Edge USB adapter gives any 3.5mm-jack headset an audio edge

Sony unveils its new a9II full-frame flagship camera

The Surface Pro 7 defines itself through power, performance - and USB type C ports

LG launches its first true wireless earbuds in South Korea

Soundcore claims to have made the world's first "sonically aligned" truly wireless earbud

Amazon intros Echo Studio speaker and Echo Buds in-ear Bluetooth headphones with Bose NC tech

The latest Puro Sound Labs headset aims to boost aural health in gaming

Huawei's first own-brand TV represents the OEM's Vision of the smart home

JAM Audio claims that its new true wireless earbuds can last over 54 hours per charge

The Huawei smart glasses are now on sale in China

IFA 2019 | Huawei unveils the FreeBuds 3: AirPod-alikes but with a round charging case

IFA 2019 | JBL introduces the Pulse 4, a 20W portable LED speaker

2nd-gen Xiaomi AirPod clones inadvertently make their way onto Weibo

The new truly-wireless earbuds from House of Marley are made from 100% recycled materials

Sony smashes through records at the 2019 EISA Awards

The latest YI home security camera has AI for smarter, more selective user alerts

Apple suspends Siri eavesdropping program in wake of privacy scandal

Samsung develops new colorway for Galaxy Note 10 line - and the Galaxy Buds

Deal | Mobvoi is offering TicPods Free at US$30 right now

New update will bring video-calling to Vuzix smart glasses

Spotify launches a Lite version of its app for Android

Logitech rolls out the G PRO X and G PRO headsets aimed at esports gamers

New Samsung AKG-linked wireless audio products may be on the way

Amazon keeps records of users' Alexa interactions - and may not delete them

Sony launches WF-1000XM3 Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling in-ear headphones

Sharkoon claims its Gaming DAC Pro S can deliver sound card-level audio via any USB port

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