Category: Audio

May 9, 2024

Sennheiser HD 620S Headphones Launched: Features 42mm Drivers

Sennheiser has introduced the latest addition to the HD 600 series with the unveiling of the HD 620S headphones. These headphones aim to provide an exceptional closed-back listening experience for personal use, delivering high-fidelity sound along with isolation, without compromising on quality. Let’s delve into the specifics of this new headphone release.

Custom-Tuned Transducers for Immersive Sound

The HD 620S features custom-tuned 42mm dynamic transducers that promise a “reference-grade sound” for users, ensuring an immersive audio experience. With an ultra-light 150-ohm aluminum voice coil, these headphones offer improved clarity and precise audio representation, delivering a dynamic sound profile across all frequencies.

Comfortable Design for Extended Wear

Designed for prolonged usage, the lightweight chassis of the HD 620S ensures comfort during long listening sessions, aiming to prevent fatigue. Sennheiser highlights that this headphone not only provides a pleasant tactile experience but also effectively manages internal reflections. Drawing inspiration from the premium HD 600 and 500 series, the HD 620S features steel-reinforced headband sliders, spacious ear cup covers, and artificial leather ear pads.

Connectivity and Accessories

The HD 620S comes equipped with a 1.8-meter detachable cable featuring a 3.5mm plug. Additionally, the package includes a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter, enabling connectivity to a wider range of audio devices, along with a convenient storage pouch.

The HD 620S is currently available for pre-order on Sennheiser’s official website at a price of $349.95, with shipping set to commence on June 6. There are plans to introduce an optional ultra-long 4.4mm cable later in the summer for those seeking an alternative.

For those inclined towards compact and wireless solutions, Sennheiser has recently launched the ACCENTUM TWS earbuds, featuring hybrid ANC technology, priced at $199.99.

Tags: headphones, Sennheiser
May 9, 2024

Moto Buds+ & Moto Buds Launch in India with ANC & Dolby Tracking

Motorola has recently introduced the Moto Buds and Buds+ TWS earphones in India, following their global debut by about a month. These earbuds boast appealing features such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Hi-Res audio support, and the Moto Buds+ being fine-tuned by Bose.

Moto Buds+ Features

The Moto Buds+ stands out as the more upscale option of the two, showcasing dual dynamic drivers with an 11mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter within each earbud. Tuned by Bose, these earbuds support Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Head Tracking, and various audio codecs like LHDC5.0, AAC, SBC, and LC3.

Advanced Technology

Equipped with Active Noise Cancellation technology from Bose, capable of blocking up to 46dB of external noise, users can seamlessly switch between ANC, an adaptive mode responsive to ambient sounds, and a transparency mode allowing external sounds to pass through.

Connectivity and Battery Life

Utilizing Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity, these earbuds support simultaneous connection to two devices through the Moto Buds app. The app also offers EQ tuning for users to customize their audio profiles. Each earbud features a triple microphone system enhancing call clarity via Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC).

Moto Buds Specifications

Featuring 12.4mm dynamic drivers in each earbud, the Moto Buds provide balanced audio with robust bass. These earbuds hold Dolby Audio certification, Hi-Res Audio mode, and 50dB ANC for noise suppression, offering three cancellation modes – Adaptive, Noise Cancellation, and Transparency.

Pricing and Availability

The Moto Buds+ is priced at ₹9,999, while the Moto Buds come in at ₹4,999. However, during the initial launch period starting May 15 on Flipkart, the Moto Buds+ will be available for ₹7,999, and the Moto Buds for ₹3,999. Color options include Forest Grey and Beach Sand for Moto Buds+, and Starlight Blue, Glacier Blue, and Coral Peach for Moto Buds.

Tags: Motorola, Premium TWS Earphones, User Experience Enhancements
May 8, 2024

Oppo Enco Air 4 Pro Earbuds Spotted on SIRIM Website

Back in January 2023, Oppo introduced the Enco Air 3 Pro earbuds in various markets, including India. These earbuds were essentially a rebranded version of the Oppo Enco Free 3 earbuds. Now, there are hints of the imminent launch of the Enco Air 4 Pro earbuds, as they have appeared on Malaysia’s SIRIM certification website.

Oppo Enco Air 4 Pro Certification

TheTechOutlook has recently discovered the Oppo Enco Air 4 Pro listed on Malaysia’s SIRIM certification website under the model number ETEA1. Unfortunately, the certification listing does not provide any specific details about the earbuds’ specifications and features. To gain insights into what the upcoming Enco Air 4 Pro might offer, we can refer to the specifications and features of the Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro.

Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro Overview

The Oppo Enco Free 3 earbuds bear a resemblance to Apple AirPods in terms of design, featuring an oval-shaped charging case. These earbuds stand out as the first True Wireless Stereo (TWS) device to incorporate 12.4mm bamboo fiber drivers. They utilize Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity and support various codecs such as LDAC, LC3, AAC, and SBC.

These earbuds are certified for Hi-Res Audio Wireless and come equipped with Oppo’s proprietary spatial audio technology. They offer features like up to 49dB of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a low latency mode of 47ms for gaming, touch gesture controls, and the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. Additionally, boasting an IP55 rating, they deliver 7 hours of playback time, which extends to 30 hours when coupled with the charging case, under AAC encoding with ANC turned off.

Tags: Enco Air 4 Pro, Oppo, wireless earbuds
May 8, 2024

Huawei FreeClip Earbuds Now Available in New Beige Color Option

Huawei recently showcased a range of new products at a global event, including the MatePad 11.5″ tablet, MateBook 14, Watch Fit 3, MateBook X Pro, and Freebuds 6i earbuds. Additionally, they introduced a new Beige color variant for their FreeClip earbuds.

New Color Option for FreeClip Earbuds

The FreeClip earbuds, previously available in Black and Purple, now come in a stylish Beige color. This new option is now on sale in various markets such as Europe and the UK, typically priced at €199 and £179.99, respectively. Notably, Huawei has reduced the price of all color choices in the UK to £159.99 until June 11th.

Huawei FreeClip Earbuds Specifications

The FreeClip Open-Ear Buds have made waves as the industry’s first open headset without left-right ear differentiation, emphasizing comfort at just 5.6g per ear. Featuring the Comfort Bean, Acoustic Ball, and C-bridge, these earbuds offer a blend of comfort and functionality.

These earbuds support dual-device connectivity and are compatible with Android and iOS devices, thanks to SBC, AAC, and L2HC compatibility. With an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, they provide an impressive 36 hours of battery life, with 8 hours per charge. Fast charging capabilities deliver 3 hours of playback in just 10 minutes and a full charge in 40 minutes.

Tags: Float Run earbuds, Huawei
May 8, 2024

Realme Buds Air 6 to Launch Alongside Realme GT Neo 6 on May 9

Realme is preparing to introduce the GT Neo 6 smartphone model in China shortly. Accompanying this launch, the brand will also unveil the Realme Buds Air 6. Here’s all the information we have gathered so far.

Realme Buds Air 6 Launch Date

The Buds Air 6 and Buds Air 6 Pro were quietly introduced by the Chinese manufacturer through a listing on their official website. While the key specifications were disclosed, details regarding pricing and availability were kept under wraps. A recent teaser from the company has now confirmed that these earbuds will be released alongside the GT Neo 6 on May 9, 2024, which is tomorrow. The unveiling is scheduled for 2 PM CST.

Exciting Features of Realme Buds Air 6

The teaser has revealed that the Realme Buds Air 6 will boast up to 50 decibels of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), LHDC 5.0 support, and Hi-Res certification. These truly wireless earbuds are equipped with 12.4mm audio drivers and incorporate six built-in microphones. Realme promises a battery life of up to 40 hours on a single full charge when using the charging case, although this duration may vary with ANC activated.

Impressive Charging Capabilities

Users can enjoy 7 hours of audio playback with just a 10-minute charge. Moreover, the Realme Buds Air 6 will come with an IP55 rating, ensuring resistance to water and dust. On the other hand, the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro will offer similar specifications but will feature 3D spatial sound effects for an enhanced audio experience, along with a larger battery capacity.

Tags: Realme, Realme Buds Air 6, Realme GT Neo 6
May 8, 2024

Huawei FreeBuds 6i: Quad Magnet Drivers, Hi-Res Audio

Huawei has introduced a new set of mid-range True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds called the FreeBuds 6i. These earbuds from Huawei are equipped with quad magnet drivers and support Hi-Res Audio output, marking them as part of a range of recently launched products by the Chinese tech giant. In addition to the FreeBuds 6i, Huawei has also unveiled other new products for the global market, including the Watch GT 4, the MateBook X Pro 2024, and the FreeClip open earbuds. This release signifies Huawei’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its position as a leader in the global technology market.

Upgraded Features

The Huawei FreeBuds 6i shares some similarities with its predecessor, the FreeBuds 5i, but it also incorporates several enhancements aimed at providing users with a superior experience. Notably, the new model features larger 11mm dynamic drivers compared to the FreeBuds 5i. These new drivers also support quad magnet technology, a first for the series. The TWS earbuds include triple adaptive equalization and Hi-Res Audio Wireless capability for improved sound quality.

Enhanced Battery Life and Noise Cancellation

The Huawei FreeBuds 6i offers up to 35 hours of battery life when using the included charging case. The model is equipped with intelligent Dynamic Active Noise Cancellation 3.0, which can significantly impact battery life when activated. The advertised battery life is based on using the earbuds without the noise cancellation mode. Additionally, the FreeBuds 6i incorporates features found in the higher-priced Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3. These new earbuds will be available in multiple color choices.

Pricing and Availability

As of now, pricing details for the Huawei FreeBuds 6i TWS earbuds have not been disclosed and will be announced later. For reference, the Huawei FreeBuds 5i is currently priced at $105 on Amazon. It is anticipated that the FreeBuds 6i will be priced higher than its predecessor. Furthermore, Huawei has not provided information on the global availability of these new wireless earbuds at this time.

Tags: Huawei
May 8, 2024

Sonos Unveils Premium Ace Headphones: Sony & Bose Rivals

Sonos is gearing up to introduce its inaugural wireless headphones, the Ace, aiming at the high-end market segment currently dominated by Sony, Apple, and Bose. Priced at an estimated $450, the Ace comes packed with top-notch features like active noise cancellation and transparency modes, putting it in direct competition with the top players in the industry.

Cutting-Edge Features

The Ace headphones provide users with lossless audio capabilities through Bluetooth and incorporate dynamic head tracking to enhance the spatial audio experience. Additionally, they are capable of delivering spatial audio for Dolby Atmos content when paired with a Sonos soundbar, offering a seamless TV audio passthrough experience. Similar to AirPods Max, the Ace is equipped with detachable magnetic ear cushions for convenient replacement, along with a sturdy metal build ensuring durability without compromising on a lightweight design for extended listening comfort. The headphones boast a battery life on par with Sony’s 1000XM5, lasting up to 30 hours on a single charge.

Integration and Connectivity

While the headphones excel in individual TV audio listening scenarios, questions linger regarding the depth of integration with Sonos’ comprehensive whole-home audio ecosystem. It remains uncertain whether the Ace will support Wi-Fi streaming or multi-room functionality. In terms of connectivity, the headphones offer both 3.5mm and USB-C wired options to cater to audiophiles seeking lossless audio experiences.

An official unveiling of the Ace is on the horizon, with expectations pointing towards a potential announcement in June. Sonos is anticipated to shed more light on the Ace and their upcoming hardware strategies during today’s second-quarter earnings call.

Tags: Sonos Era, Wireless Headphones
May 8, 2024

Sennheiser ACCENTUM True Wireless Earbuds with Hybrid ANC

After introducing the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 ANC earbuds earlier this year, the brand has now revealed the ACCENTUM True Wireless earbuds to the market. These latest earbuds are outfitted with 7mm dynamic True Response Transducers, delivering robust bass, distinct mid-tones, and crisp treble. One standout feature of these earbuds is the hybrid noise cancellation technology, offering users the choice to either block external noise using Hybrid ANC mode or remain aware of their surroundings with Transparency Mode. To ensure a secure and comfortable fit, the earbuds come with four sizes of ear tips.

Cutting-Edge Features

The ACCENTUM True Wireless earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 for dependable connectivity and include functionalities like Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast for sharing audio streams. They are compatible with Sennheiser Smart Control, offering users a 5-band equalizer and diverse sound modes for customization.

Impressive Battery Life

These earbuds boast up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, with an additional 20 hours provided by the charging case. Additionally, they feature fast charging capabilities, granting up to one hour of playback after just 10 minutes of charging.

Pricing & Availability

The ACCENTUM True Wireless earbuds are presently available for pre-order at $199.99 and are scheduled for an official launch on May 21. Customers can purchase them from select retailers or Sennheiser-hearing.com in either Black or White color options.

Tags: Sennheiser
May 7, 2024

OnePlus Buds 3: 49db ANC + 100 Yuan Discount in China

This iteration of the OnePlus Buds, known as the OnePlus Buds 3, made its debut in China at the end of the previous year alongside the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Ace 3 models. It hit the global market in late January, sporting a price tag of $99.99 (499 Yuan, Rs 5,499).

Special Mother's Day Promotion for OnePlus Buds 3

To mark Mother's Day, JD.com in China is offering a special deal on the OnePlus Buds 3. Customers can now enjoy an instant discount of 50 yuan, coupled with a time-limited coupon worth 50 yuan. This promotional offer brings the total cost down to 399 yuan, which can be paid in three interest-free installments. Moreover, ordering and sharing the purchase qualifies customers for an additional 10 yuan reward, effectively reducing the price to just 389 yuan.

Features of the OnePlus Buds 3

The OnePlus Buds 3 is equipped with noise cancellation capabilities of up to 49db, employing AI for call noise cancellation. These earbuds provide 6.5 hours of playback time with noise cancellation enabled, and 10 hours with noise cancellation off. When used with the charging case, playback time extends to 28 hours with noise cancellation on and 44 hours with it off. Recharging the earbuds takes 80 minutes, while the charging case requires 120 minutes. The product features a USC Type-C port for charging.

In terms of battery capacity, each earbud and the charging case house 58mAh and 550mAh batteries, respectively. The earbuds are lightweight at under 5 grams (4.81 grams), while the charging case weighs 40.8 g and 50.4 g with and without the earbuds, respectively.

Connectivity and Specifications

The Buds 3 TWS earphones utilize Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity, offering a range of 10 meters. They support AAC/SBC/LHDC 5.0 codec for enhanced audio transmission with compatible devices. Available in Space Gray and Sunny Blue, the Buds 3 also come with an IP55 dust and water-resistant rating.

Tags: OnePlus Buds 3, Premium TWS Earphones
May 7, 2024

Apple Music Spatial Audio on LG Smart TVs: Exclusive Trial Offer

LG Electronics recently updated its Smart TV lineup, which includes OLED and QNED models, to incorporate support for Apple Music with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos, marking a significant advancement in TV technology.

Apple Music Integration

Users can now seamlessly access the vast Apple Music library, boasting a collection of over 100 million songs, 30,000 playlists without interruptions from ads, exclusive live content, and interviews.

Free Trial Offer

LG is introducing a generous three-month free trial of Apple Music, starting this week, for users of compatible Smart TVs dating back to 2018 that are powered by webOS 4.0 or later. This offer extends to unique models like StanbyME, StanbyME Go, and MyView Smart Monitor.

Enhanced Sound Quality

The incorporation of Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos on these TVs brings a notable enhancement to the sound quality. When paired with compatible LG soundbars, the TVs effortlessly deliver music in immersive high-quality surround sound.

LG has made it possible for TVs that do not directly support Dolby Atmos to still deliver the Spatial Audio experience when connected to a compatible Dolby Atmos LG soundbar. The company has confirmed compatibility with various soundbar models from 2022 to 2024, including the latest SxxTR and SxxTY series, ensuring a seamless experience for users seeking top-notch audio quality.

Tags: Apple Music, LG Electronics, Spatial Audio