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Alienware AW988 Wireless Gaming Headset now up for sale mid-June 2018 (Source: Dell United States)

The Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset (AW988) hits the market

The first such accessory by Alienware in almost a decade, the AW988 is a wireless 7.1 surround gaming headset with LED lights, active noise canceling, and a frequency response range of 20 to 20,000 Hz. Covered by a two-year manufa...

Sony Xperia Ear Duo headphones will ship May 31. (Source: Sony)

Futuristic Sony Xperia Ear Duo headphones up for pre-order, ship May 25

Sony's futuristic Xperia Ear Duo headphones are now up for pre-order in the US. The headphones allow listeners to hear both music or voice overs at the same time as being able to hear ambient sounds around them.

Barclays: Apple won't include Lightning to 3.5mm adapter this year

Barclay's analyst Blayne Curtis is predicting that Apple will stop bundling the Lightning to 3.5mm audio adapter with the iPhone released this fall. If this prediction comes true, iPhone users that want wired audio would have to s...

Pre-orders for the Apple HomePod were apparently strong, but sales of the device have been slow. (Source: Apple)

Apple has reportedly reduced HomePod production

A report from Bloomberg has stated that Apple has had to cut manufacturing orders with Inventec in regard to the HomePod. Apparently, the smart speaker has not been selling in huge numbers and Apple workers have commented that sto...

SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC gaming headset (Source: SteelSeries)

SteelSeries intros the Arctis Pro lineup of gaming headsets

The family of gaming headsets introduced by SteelSeries earlier this month includes the Arctis Pro + GameDAC, which is the first certified Hi-Res Audio headset in the gaming world, and the Arctis Pro Wireless. Their prices are US$...

Bose Audio AR prototype sunglasses. (Source: Bose)

Bose surprises with audio-focused AR smart glasses

Bose has launched a new type of AR technology that it is calling Audio AR. The prototype sunglasses on show at SXSW use an audio layer to supplement a user's interaction with their surrounds to provide more information and context...

The new Xperia Ear Duo earphones offer a "dual listening" experience. (Source: Sony)

MWC 2018 | Sony intros anti-noise-cancelling Xperia Ear Duo headphones

Sony has used MWC to introduce a new "dual listening" experience headset it calls the Xperia Ear Duo. The headphones allow users to interact with music, or notifications, at the same time as being able to hear their immediate envi...

Archos has presented 'Hello', a portable smart display running Google Assistant in two different sizes. (Source: Archos)

Archos presents 'Hello' portable smart home display with Google Assistant

Archos has presented Archos Hello, the company's first smart home device. Hello is a smart display with a built-in battery for optional portable use. The device runs on Android Oreo with Google Assistant and will come in two diffe...

Apple's third-rated HomePod speaker (presumably not on a wooden shelf). (Source: Apple)

HomePod comes third in blind audio test, leaves marks on wooden furniture

Apple's HomePod has come third, after the Google Home Max and the Sonos One, in an independent blind audio test. It only finished ahead of the relatively weak audio quality of the Amazon Echo Plus in a test conducted by Yahoo tech...

Roccat introduces the Khan AIMO, a lightweight RGB gaming headset with integrated sound card. (Source: Roccat)

Roccat unveils Khan AIMO RGB gaming headset with integrated soundcard

Roccat has announced the Khan AIMO RGB, their new gaming headset with large 50mm drivers, a built-in soundcard and support for the company's own AIMO RGB ecosystem.

Sony headquarters, Toyko, Japan. (Source: Zimbio)

Sony reports strong quarterly financial results, but loses ground in smartphones

Sony's third quarter results for 2017/18 show the company is performing well regarding profitability, with gaming, financial, semiconductor, and music standing out for income contribution. Mobile communication profitability drops ...

Kazuo Hirai at Mobile World Congress 2013. (Source: Cellanr via flickr)

Kazuo Hirai steps down from Sony CEO role, replaced by man responsible for selling off VAIO

During the presentation of Sony's Q3 2017 financial ressults, they announced the resignation of their current President and CEO, Kazuo Hirai, to be replaced by Kenichiro Yoshida. Hirai's time at the top was defined by a return to ...

The Apple HomePod packs a powerful CPU, directional speakers, and a 6-microphone array. (Source: Apple)

Apple HomePod up for pre-order on Jan 26, arriving Feb 9

Apple's wireless HomePod speaker is finally launching on February 9 for US$349 with pre-orders starting tomorrow in the US, UK, and Australia. The HomePod features an enhanced Siri experience, spatial awareness, and a wide soundst...

Apple's HomePod smart speaker is expected to launch soon. (Source: Apple)

Apple HomePod gets FCC certification, signals impending release

Apple is well behind the smart speaker 8-ball when it comes to the launch of its Siri-powered HomePod. First unveiled in June, it has now received FCC certification suggesting its launch can't be too far away.

The Alexa-powered Echo from Amazon is the top selling smart speaker. (Source: Amazon)

Smart speaker penetration in US households strong says study

A new study shows that there is strong consumer interest in smart speakers. As many as one in six households in the US have purchased a smart speaker with sales peaking during the recent holiday period.

LG ThinQ WK9 speaker with 8-inch display (Source: LG)

LG ThinQ speaker has an 8-inch touch screen

LG has launched its ThinQ WK9 Google Assistant Touch Screen Speaker. The AI-powered device also features audio tuned by high-end audio maker Meridian Audio.

The Anker PowerHouse 200 is suited to glamping. (Source: Anker Innovations)

CES 2018 | From Anker Innovations: A 200 Wh battery bank, portable projector with speaker, and an Alexa car kit

Anker Innovations, who is perhaps best known for their line of portable power banks, has announced a mammoth power bank, an Alexa powered car kit, and the expected availability of the Nebula Capsule

The ZOLO Model Zero suits a modern minimalist design asthetic. (Source: Anker)

CES 2018 | From Anker Innovations: A funky home speaker with Google Assistant, and truly wireless Bluetooth earbuds

Anker Innovations has announced the ZOLO Model Zero, a new home speaker with a unique design, and a release date for the upcoming ZOLO Liberty+ Earbuds.

Spotify has 70 million paid subscribers

Compared to September 2016, Spotify now has 50 percent more paid subscribers. The count of 70 million comes just in time since Spotify apparently filed for its direct listing IPO at the end of December.

LG ThinQ Smart Speaker powered by Google Assistant. (Source: LG)

CES 2018 | LG previews their premium Google Assistant ThinQ smart speaker ahead of CES

We can expect three new audio products from LG at CES in the form of a 5.1.2 channel soundbar, an 1800-Watt party speaker, and a premium smart speaker powered by Google Assistant that likely sits between the Google Home and Google...

Xiaomi Yeelight Smart Assistant Speaker. (Source: Xiaomi)

The Xiaomi Yeelight Smart Assistant Speaker is a US$30 Alexa Dot

Xiaomi has announced a new smart speaker produced via their Yeelight subsidiary which will start shipping in early 2018. A dual AI system uses Xiaomi's AI technology inside China and Amazon Alexa worldwide.

Razer is offering a free Bluetooth speaker with its phone for a limited time. (Source: Razer)

Razer offering free Leviathan Mini speaker with its Razer Phone

Razer is offering a free Leviathan Mini portable Bluetooth speaker worth US$179 with its Razer Phone for a limited time. The deal lasts until December 20 or while stocks last.

The trusty 3.5mm headphone jack is a versatile connection with support from many devices, and is capable of handling high-quality audio. (Source: Webandi/Pixabay)

69% of those polled wouldn't buy a phone without a 3.5 mm headphone jack

A GSM Arena poll regarding 3.5 mm headphone jacks on phones found that 69% of those polled wouldn't consider phones without a headphone jack, 14% didn't care, 9% had switched to Bluetooth/USB-C/Lightning products, and 8% were livi...

Microsoft will remove option to sign in to Skype using Facebook account

The Skype desktop software and web interface will receive the update treatment soon to match the Android, iOS, and UWP applications. When this happens, the legacy feature to sign in using your Skype account will disappear so any a...

Razer CEO says that the missing headphone jack is a feature. (Source: Razer)

Razer Phone CEO explains headphone jack absence

Min-Liang Tan has posted an explanation of why the gaming company dropped the venerable audio jack on its new Razer Phone. The demise of the headphone jack is all about giving users better features, according to Razer's CEO.

Razer Hammerhead paired with the Razer Phone. (Source: Razer)

Razer Hammerhead earbuds get USB-C and Lightning Port options for iPhone, Razer Phone, and other android phones

Razer has refreshed their Hammerhead line of earbuds with two new digital based models using USB-C and Lightning Port connectors. The USB-C version comes with a DAC for improved audio.

Bose noise-masking sleepbuds. (Source: Bose)

Bose wants to improve your sleep with noise-masking 'sleepbuds'

Bose has started an Indigogo campaign for prototype testing of their new noise-masking sleepbuds. These sleepbuds are ultra-compact earbuds which isolate external noise and play soothing nature sounds to aid in achieving a good ni...

Microsoft patent could keep the 3.5 mm audio jack alive

The flexible 3.5 mm port would be smaller than a standard 3.5 mm port at the cost of higher complexity and likely higher manufacturing costs.

Google introduces Fast Pair for quick pairing with Bluetooth headphones. (Source: Google)

Android "Fast Pair" takes on Apple's AirPods

Google has introduced Fast Pair for Android devices. It brings a far easier way of pairing Bluetooth headphones that is very similar to what Apple is doing with its AirPods for iPhone.

The Megablast speakers are taller than the Blast ones. (Source: Logitech/UE)

Logitech presents the UE Blast and Megablast Bluetooth speakers with Alexa

Featuring the latest Alexa voice assistant that comes with the UE Blast and Megablast wireless speakers can play your favorite music, control IoT-enabled devices and perform more than 25,000 other tasks.

Google introduces Home Mini and Max smart home managers

Google is spicing up their Home line of smart home management devices with Home Mini and Home Max. Mini is a smaller version of home, while Max is a massive smart speaker with dual subwoofers.

JLab Audio JBuds Pro Bluetooth wireless earbuds now available

JLab Audio launchess three new wireless earbuds

The three new products that succeed the award-winning Epic2 Bluetooth Sport Earbuds retail at prices between $24.99 USD and $39.99 USD, all offering a six-hour battery life and, IP55 dust/sweatproof rating, as well as Bluetooth 4....

New feature, same minimalist approach: the updated Google Duo. (Source: Google Play)

Google Duo's audio-calling feature now available worldwide

Google Duo now allows voice calling from anywhere in the world. The feature should appeal to users who are interested in the app but are subject to carrier-imposed data restrictions.

Vivo X5 Max with 3.5 mm audio jack, this connector might soon disappear

The 3.5 mm audio jack might disappear earlier than expected

Since the latest iPhone and the HTC Bolt, Moto Z, or the latest LeEco smartphones dropped this old connector, it would not be a surprise to see all high-end handsets abandon it by the end of the year.

Samsung may not be able to include Harman audio in 2018 devices

A class lawsuit could delay Samsung's acquisition of the US-based auto parts maker which was originally planned to be finalized by the end of 2017. Samsung intends to make every effort to finalize the deal, but it may be a drawn-o...

The speakers in the MacBook Pro can be damaged by loud pops from a faulty Boot Camp audio driver.

Apple MacBook Pro: Boot Camp Windows audio driver can damage speakers

Boot Camp Windows users on the new MacBook Pro are complaining about loud pops that can damage the speakers. It may be a faulty Boot Camp audio driver that is causing these problems, apparently.

Prototype iPhone 7 case adds a 3.5 mm audio jack

The user-made case is a heavily modified iPhone 6s case that connects to the Lightning port of the iPhone 7 for added functionality.

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak comments on dropping the 3.5 mm audio jack

"If it's missing the 3.5mm earphone jack, that's going to tick off a lot of people".

Latest iPhone 7 rumors claim 3 GB RAM, no audio jack, no IP68 certification, and new color options

We've compiled a quick update on some of the newest rumors one month before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 6s successor(s).

Samsung already mocking smartphones with no audio jack

The slight jab during the Galaxy Note 7 presentation was clearly aimed at Lenovo and the speculation surrounding Apple's upcoming iPhone refresh and its potential Lightning-only port.

Latest leak claims Apple will drop the common audio jack on the iPhone 7

A picture of Lightning-only earbuds is another hint that Apple may be moving away from the universal 3.5 mm audio port found on nearly every consumer smartphone.

USB Type-C could replace the traditional audio jack

Audio through USB Type-C would allow for extra features, though it would also call for new authentication protocols and adapters for existing earphones.

Next Apple iPhone may have no 3.5 mm audio jack

The universal port may be axed on the iPhone 7 in favor of a thinner chassis design.

Leaked image of HP Tegra Note 7 with Beats Audio technology

HP brings Beats Audio to Tegra Note 7

The upcoming slate will use the reference NVIDIA Tegra Note 7 design spiced up with Dr. Dre's premium audio technology and the price will probably reflect this as well.

HTC takes 51% in the mobile audio player Beats Electronics

HTC finalized a deal to acquire US-based mobile audio specialist Beats Electronics

Audio