Category: Audio

  • Top 5 AI Music Generators That Actually Deliver Great Results

    Top 5 AI Music Generators That Actually Deliver Great Results

    We are surrounded by AI tools that can create almost anything you can think of. From written stories to images and videos, generating content is just a few text prompts away.

    It’s probably not shocking to anyone that music AI generators exist as well. While they might not turn you into a Grammy-winning musician, they can be entertaining to play with. Here are five music generators that you should definitely check out.

    Beatoven: Create Music for Free

    Beatoven is designed for podcasters and streamers, letting you create royalty-free music. There’s a free plan available, though it’s limited, so you can try out your ideas before committing. To download your music, though, you’ll need to pay.

    The subscription costs $6 per month for 15 minutes of downloadable music, $10 for 30 minutes, and $20 for 60 minutes. If you need extra time, you can get additional minutes for $3 each.

    The platform has a neat and user-friendly layout. At the top, you’ll find a text box for prompts along with examples and tips. The music generated sounds surprisingly decent, though it might feel somewhat standard. It handled the different genres I tested without issue, but I did notice some strange audio overlaps when mixing two genres. Luckily, you get four options for each prompt, and I usually found one that I liked. Overall, it’s a solid option for video creators and streamers.

    MusicGen: Meta’s Free Offering

    MusicGen is a free music generator created by Meta, part of its Audiocraft project, and it’s available on Hugging Face, a platform for AI and machine learning. This tool can produce high-quality music from simple text prompts, but good luck getting it to work consistently. It often displays a message saying, "Something went wrong. This application is too busy. Keep trying!" This might be due to heavy traffic. I managed to use it successfully just once, but if you’re patient enough, it can be a worthwhile tool. Plus, you can upload audio samples to imitate a certain style.

    Loudly: Customizable Music Creation

    Loudly is a highly flexible music generator that allows for extensive customization in your music creation. While the interface could be simplified a bit, it remains user-friendly. You can generate tracks using either a set list of variables or text prompts. It also supports uploading audio files as examples, although this feature is still in beta.

    The free plan lets you create 25 songs each month, with each track lasting up to 30 seconds. For $8 per month, you can produce 900 songs that are up to 3.5 minutes long, while $24 monthly increases that to 3000 songs at 7 minutes each.

    Suno.ai: Lush Musical Compositions

    Suno.ai can generate rich songs with lyrics and vocals or even grand orchestral pieces for films. You can create music using both text prompts and audio samples. My favorite part is the Explore tab, which acts like a random generator, allowing you to create music by selecting a style or rolling the dice for a surprise.

    However, there is a cost involved, as the free plan only provides 50 credits daily, which is about 10 songs. For $10 a month, you can get 2500 credits (about 500 songs), and $30 will give you 10,000 credits (around 2000 songs).

    Soundraw: An Interface-Driven Experience

    Unlike the other generators, Soundraw doesn’t use text prompts to create music; instead, it relies solely on its interface. You begin by selecting the length and tempo, then choose a genre, and let it do its magic.

    Once your song is generated, you can refine it using a detailed studio interface. This allows you to adjust the mood for each part, change the length or tempo, use different instruments, and experiment with key changes.

    The free plan does not limit how many songs you can create, but downloading them isn’t an option. The pricing plans are divided into two categories: one for content creators and another for music professionals. The creator plan costs $12.99 a month, giving you unlimited downloads but without ownership of the music.

    The music professionals tier starts at $25.99 and allows you full ownership of your songs.


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  • Sony Updates WF-1000XM5, WH-1000XM5, LinkBuds S with New Features

    Sony Updates WF-1000XM5, WH-1000XM5, LinkBuds S with New Features

    A month ago, Sony introduced the WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM5 in new Smoky Pink colors (currently priced at $399.99 on Amazon). Sadly, these updates didn’t come with any new features for these premium wireless audio devices. Instead, Sony is counting on a new firmware update to enhance their functionality, and this update will be available worldwide for all models of the WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM5, including the latest Smoky Pink versions.

    New Features Available

    The WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM5 now support a couple of fresh features that expand on previous capabilities like LDAC Multipoint connectivity and Head Tracking. One of the additions is Auto Switch, which enables these earbuds and headphones to seamlessly send audio to the recently launched LinkBuds Speaker.

    Compatibility with Google’s Services

    Moreover, the devices now support Google’s Find My Device service, but this only works when they are connected in ‘Classic Audio’ mode. Sony has also added support for Google Fast Pair using Low Energy Audio (LE Audio). The updated firmware is version 2.3.1 for the WF-1000XM5 and version 4.0.2 for the WH-1000XM5. To get these updates, users must use Sony’s Sound Connect app on a device that has at least Android 9.0 or iOS 16.0. Interestingly, the LinkBuds S also received these same features via firmware version 4.2.1.

    via Mishaal Rahman & The Walkman Blog

  • SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2: Top Sound Quality & Weather Resistance

    SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2: Top Sound Quality & Weather Resistance

    The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 Eliud Kipchoge Limited Edition is a revolutionary headset for those who love fitness and sports. Featuring advanced bone conduction tech and a distinct design, this headset provides high-quality audio while ensuring safety for runners, cyclists, or anyone who exercises in different environments.

    Comfort for Active Individuals

    A standout aspect of the OpenRun Pro 2 is its remarkable comfort level. With optimized weight distribution and improved body balance, this headset stays firmly in place, no matter how hard you push yourself. Made from strong Titanium alloy, it’s both tough and lightweight, giving you a secure fit without any fear of it falling, shaking, or moving around during your activities. Its open-ear design helps users remain aware of their surroundings, making it a safer and more enjoyable experience, even in wet or sweaty conditions.

    Made for Tough Conditions

    The OpenRun Pro 2 is designed to withstand harsh environments. It’s resistant to both sweat and rain, making it ideal for athletes training in various weather scenarios. The dual-layer mesh construction and hydrophobic nano-coating keep water from entering the headset, protecting it from rain and perspiration. Whether you’re tackling a long run or pushing through a hard workout, the OpenRun Pro 2 can keep pace with your active life.

    Superior Sound and Technology

    The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 provides outstanding audio quality, designed to inspire you during your workouts. With features like Shokz TurboPitch™ and directional sound field technology, the headset delivers deep bass and a three-dimensional audio experience. The bone conduction unit ensures clear highs and rich mids, enveloping you in your music while allowing you to hear surrounding sounds for your safety.

    The low-frequency enhancement unit boosts the lower mid-range frequencies, giving you a more powerful and dynamic audio experience. With these upgrades, you’re sure to feel energized and motivated during your exercise sessions.

    Clear Communication and Easy Connectivity

    This model is equipped with dual noise-canceling microphones, ensuring your calls are clear even while working out. Whether you’re speaking with a coach or handling a crucial call, the precise microphone setup captures your voice flawlessly.

    Moreover, the OpenRun Pro 2 can connect with two devices at once, so you can easily switch between your phone and another Bluetooth gadget, like a computer or smartwatch. This feature makes multitasking effortless, allowing you to stay connected while concentrating on your fitness routine.

    Impressive Battery Life and Fast Charging

    With a battery life of up to 12 hours, the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 is perfect for extended training sessions and endurance events. The rapid charging feature provides 150 minutes of use with just a 5-minute charge, while a full charge takes only 30 minutes, offering you up to 9 hours of listening time — ideal for marathon training.

    Key Specs:

    • Battery Life: 12 hours
    • Charging Time: 5 minutes for 150 minutes of use, 30 minutes for 9 hours of use
    • Water Resistance: Sweat and rain-resistant (dual-layer mesh and nano-coating)
    • Microphone: Dual noise-canceling
    • Connectivity: Supports dual Bluetooth device connection
    • Weight: Lightweight with a Titanium alloy body for durability
    • Sound Quality: Shokz TurboPitch™ low-frequency enhancement, directional sound field technology
    • Operation: Mechanical buttons for easy control

    Price and Availability:
    The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 Eliud Kipchoge Limited Edition is priced at $239.00 on Geekwills. This premium headset combines advanced sound quality, durability, and comfort, making it a fantastic option for athletes and fitness lovers. Don’t miss out on the chance to enhance your workouts with this high-performance device, designed with both safety and superior sound in mind.


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  • JLab Go Pop ANC: Affordable Noise-Cancelling Earbuds Launch

    JLab Go Pop ANC: Affordable Noise-Cancelling Earbuds Launch

    JLab has introduced the Go Pop ANC, their most affordable active noise cancelling earbuds, priced at $29.99 MSRP (coming soon to Amazon). These earbuds carry an IP55 rating, meaning they are both waterproof and dustproof, so direct water sprays won’t harm them. Users can easily connect the Go Pop ANC to several devices within a range of 30 feet (9.1 meters) thanks to Google Fast Pair and the multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities.

    Powerful Sound Performance

    The JLab earbuds are equipped with a large 10mm driver that delivers strong sound performance across a frequency spectrum of 20Hz to 20 kHz. They feature dual solid-state MEMS microphones which help with noise cancellation during outdoor calls. Both calls and music are transmitted using the universal SBC Bluetooth codec.

    User-Friendly Controls

    Basic controls for the earbuds can be managed through the touch functionality built directly into them. Moreover, the JLab smartphone app offers extra control over sound equalization, noise cancellation, and modes for music and movies, along with safe hearing features and updates. There’s a unique Be Aware mode that lets important ambient sounds in for safety in situations where users need to stay alert. The Dual Connect feature allows for one earbud to be used on its own, independent from the other.

    Impressive Battery Life

    With noise cancellation turned on, the Go Pop ANC earbuds can last for 6 hours before needing to be recharged. The included charging case, which comes with a built-in USB-C charging cable, can quickly charge the earbuds, offering one hour of playtime after just ten minutes of charging. The case itself provides an extra 21 hours of battery life. A complete charge for the earbuds or case takes around two hours.

    Compact Design

    The dimensions of the Go Pop ANC earbuds are 0.80 x 0.68 x 0.87 inch (20.3 x 17.3 x 22.1 mm), and they weigh only 0.29 ounce (8.2 grams). The charging case measures 2.2 x 1.0 x 1.6 inch (55.9 x 25.4 x 40.6 mm) and weighs 0.78 ounce (22 grams).

    While the noise cancellation of the Go Pop ANC may be satisfactory, those in search of the highest quality ANC earbuds available could consider the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds (available here on Amazon) which retail for $299.99.


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  • Baseus Bowie 30 Max: Noise-Cancelling Headphones with 65-Hour Battery

    Baseus Bowie 30 Max: Noise-Cancelling Headphones with 65-Hour Battery

    Baseus, a popular brand known for its charging accessories, has just introduced its new over-ear headphones called the Bowie 30 Max. This latest model in the Bowie series features notable improvements compared to previous models like the Bowie H1i and Bowie D05.

    Design and Build

    The Bowie 30 Max keeps the familiar design seen in earlier versions, showcasing flattened, rounded, and slightly rectangular earcups that bear a resemblance to the Apple AirPods Max. It has a foldable structure with an adjustable headband and earcups that can rotate up to 120 degrees.

    Sound Quality Features

    Baseus upgraded the sound drivers in the Bowie 30 Max to 50mm, compared to the 40mm PET drivers found in the Bowie H1i. Bigger drivers are known to deliver stronger bass and a broader sound range, so users can expect a similar audio experience with these headphones.

    While details about the chip are lacking, the company has disclosed that these headphones support LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs. They also feature -45dB active noise cancellation (ANC) and the latest Bluetooth 5.4 for smooth connectivity. Users can connect to two devices at once with multipoint connection, but unfortunately, there’s no support for Microsoft Swift Pair or Google Fast Pair.

    Microphone and Battery Life

    These over-ear headphones contain dual ENC-enabled microphones, which is a reduction from the four microphones in the previous Bowie H1i model. Baseus states that these dual microphones can reduce unwanted noises by up to 40 decibels.

    As for battery life, the headphones can operate for up to 50 hours with ANC activated and 65 hours without it, all while maintaining a volume level of 70%. They incorporate Baseus’s Rapid Charge technology, allowing a 10-minute quick charge to provide up to 14 hours of listening time.

    Companion App and Pricing

    A dedicated Baseus companion app is available for the Bowie 30 Max, offering features like EQ customizations, low latency mode, and bass enhancement.

    You can purchase the Baseus Bowie 30 Max for $69.99, thanks to a 33% discount and an additional $30 coupon valid until November 3, 2024. The headphones are available on Amazon in the USA, UK, and EU, as well as on Baseus’s official website. After the promotional period, the headphones will revert to their regular price of $149.99, and they are offered in a single Black color option.


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  • Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Lite: 12.4mm Drivers, 42dB ANC, 36-Hour Battery

    Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Lite: 12.4mm Drivers, 42dB ANC, 36-Hour Battery

    Xiaomi has introduced its affordable earbuds, the Redmi Buds 6 Lite, in China after their recent global release. These earbuds are priced at 139 yuan ($20) and are currently available for pre-order on JD.com. Let’s take a look at their main features.

    Redmi Buds 6 Lite Features

    The Redmi Buds 6 Lite boasts a comfy in-ear style and comes in three stylish colors: blue, white, and black. They are equipped with 12.4mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers, which provide high-quality sound with powerful bass and clear treble.

    Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation

    With four preset EQ sound profiles and customizable EQ options, users can enjoy a sound experience tailored to their favorite music types. The earbuds also support the AAC codec, which improves audio quality on compatible devices. They offer 42dB active noise cancellation (ANC), a notable enhancement compared to earlier models. Xiaomi’s dual-microphone AI wind noise reduction allows them to handle wind speeds of up to 6m/s, making them perfect for outdoor activities like jogging or biking. The ANC feature can reduce noises up to 2.5kHz, making these earbuds suitable for bustling urban environments or during commutes.

    Battery Life and Quick Charging

    In terms of battery life, the Redmi Buds 6 Lite shines with up to 7 hours of playback on one charge and a total of 36 hours when using the charging case (Type-C). They also offer quick charging, giving 2 hours of listening time from just a 10-minute charge. While the global version claims a slightly longer 38-hour battery life, this difference is minimal for most users.

    Additional Features

    The earbuds allow "audio sharing" with certain Xiaomi and Redmi devices, enabling two pairs of earbuds to connect to one device. This feature works with flagship smartphones like the Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi 13, and the Redmi K70 series. Additionally, users can download the Xiaomi Earbuds App to customize their listening preferences by adjusting settings, monitoring battery life, and setting up personal EQ profiles. The app also provides firmware updates to ensure the earbuds function effectively.

  • Oppo Enco X3 Launches with New Design on Official Website

    Oppo Enco X3 Launches with New Design on Official Website

    The Oppo Enco X3 TWS earphones are set to be unveiled alongside the Find X8 series on October 24 in China. Recently, the earphones appeared on the official website, marking a successor to the Enco X2 that was launched in 2022. The official images reveal that the device will be available in two color choices: Beige and Black.

    Charging Options

    According to the listing, the Enco X3 TWS earphones will be available in two versions: one with wired charging and another with wireless charging. The design of the earbuds has changed compared to the previous version, but they still feature ‘L’ and ‘R’ markings for easy identification. The charging case showcases a leather-like finish on both the front and back, with the OPPO logo displayed prominently on the front, while the sides feature a matte finish. Overall, the design of the case resembles that of its predecessor, and there’s a physical button on the side for pairing purposes.

    Enhanced Audio Features

    In terms of sound quality, the Enco X3 is said to incorporate dual drivers—an 11mm bass driver and a 6mm tweeter—to provide a richer listening experience. Additionally, the earphones are fitted with a custom dual DAC (digital-to-analog converter), three microphones, and a VPU bone sensor, all aimed at enhancing voice capture. It is also expected to support a transmission rate of up to 1 Mbps and offer 192kHz / 24bit lossless wireless transmission. Previous reports have indicated support for LHDC 5.0 and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring reliable and lossless audio transmission.

    Processing and Noise Cancellation

    Regarding processing, the TWS utilizes the BES2700 chipset, which is also found in the newly launched Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2. This chipset is designed for ultra-low power Bluetooth devices focused on noise cancellation and AI-driven voice features. With this chipset, the Enco X3 is expected to achieve 50dB adaptive active noise reduction, a step up from the 45dB seen in its predecessor. However, the battery specs remain quite similar: 58mAh for the earbuds (an increase from 57mAh) and 566mAh for the charging case (unchanged from before). It supports 10W wired and wireless charging, which also mirrors the previous model. Nonetheless, improvements in battery life are anticipated due to the new chipset.

    The Oppo Enco X3 may feature an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, which should protect the internal components from sweat and light rain.


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  • Edifier Neodots: New TWS Earbuds with Hybrid ANC & 17-Hour Battery

    Edifier Neodots: New TWS Earbuds with Hybrid ANC & 17-Hour Battery

    Edifier has introduced its latest true wireless earbuds, the Neodots. These new in-ear headphones feature 10mm dynamic drivers and connect using Bluetooth 5.4. They also offer Google Fast Pair and can connect to two devices at once.

    Design and Features

    The design of the Neodots shows a slight improvement compared to last year’s version. The new model is more compact and lighter in weight. According to Edifier, the earbuds provide 12 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation (ANC) on, and 17 hours without it. When combined with the charging case, the total battery life extends to 56 hours. The earbuds have both wired and wireless charging capabilities, and a quick 15-minute charge can deliver up to 5 hours of playback.

    Additional Specifications

    The Neodots come in a pebble-shaped case that has an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance. Users can expect standard codec support like LDAC, AAC, and SBC. The earbuds also work with Edifier’s ConneX app, allowing for equalizer customization, control settings, and quick volume adjustments. For clearer call quality, Edifier has integrated six microphones, three in each earbud.

    In the United States, you can already find the Edifier Neodots for $129.99 on Amazon. They are available in two colors: Sand White and Black.

    Edifier via PRNewswire.

  • Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Special Edition Now Available

    Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Special Edition Now Available

    Sennheiser is broadening the global reach of its Accentum Wireless Special Edition (SE) over-ear headphones. To give some background, the Accentum Wireless SE are positioned between the Accentum Wireless and the Accentum Wireless Plus within Sennheiser’s wireless lineup, providing a budget-friendly option compared to the higher-end Momentum 4 over-ear headphones.

    New Market Launch

    Previously, the Accentum Wireless SE was only available in regions like the UK and the US, where they are priced at £169.99 and $199.99, respectively. Now, Sennheiser is introducing these headphones to the Indian market along with the BTD 600 Bluetooth dongle. For your information, the Accentum Wireless SE comes with several impressive hardware features:

    Pricing and Discounts

    In India, the official retail price for the Accentum Wireless SE is set at INR 19,990 (about $238), which includes the BTD 600 Bluetooth adapter and a USB Type-C charging cable in the package. Nonetheless, Sennheiser is launching these over-ear headphones with a special 40% discount, lowering the price to INR 11,990 (roughly $143) along with the same accessories. For further information, check out Sennheiser’s official website.

    Sennheiser through GSMArena.


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  • 3M Launches WorkTunes Connect: Solar Hearing Protector with Bluetooth

    3M Launches WorkTunes Connect: Solar Hearing Protector with Bluetooth

    3M has launched the 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector, which features Bluetooth connectivity and adaptive noise reduction. This hearing protection device is specially crafted for people who work in loud and messy settings, like gardeners and construction workers. It boasts a sturdy metal headband and resilient plastic earcups that have long-lasting earpads. Regular noise-cancelling headphones often can’t handle the harsh conditions found in tough job sites. Additionally, this headset is resistant to sweat and water.

    Enhanced Noise Reduction

    To help avoid hearing damage while using loud tools like string trimmers, the 3M WorkTunes employs Intelligent Background-Noise Reduction and a physical noise-blocking structure. This combination enables the headset to achieve an impressive 26 dB noise reduction rating (NRR). The Bluetooth headset comes with an auto-volume limiter, allowing users to answer calls and enjoy music without being exposed to harmful volume levels.

    Innovative Solar Charging

    Equipped with a built-in Powerfoyle solar cell, the 3M WorkTunes headset can be charged both indoors and outdoors. This feature significantly cuts down on the need for daily recharging, and the battery can last up to 40 hours without light. The flexible Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSC) was created by the Swedish company Exeger, ensuring it has the durability necessary to be included in the adjustable headband.

    The 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector is priced at $169.99 and is currently available on Amazon.

    3M WorkTunes, 3M press release, 3M on YouTube

    3M has unveiled the WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector, marking it as the first-ever headset that offers continuous solar charging for everyday users.


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