Category: Audio

  • Spotify Raises Prices for All Major Plans in the US

    Spotify Raises Prices for All Major Plans in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. Spotify has officially confirmed price increases for subscription plans in the US and other regions, following prior reports.
    2. The price adjustments aim to reflect the value provided to users and enhance the listening experience while supporting artists.
    3. Updated pricing includes: Individual Premium plan at $12.99, Duo plan at $18.99, Family plan at $21.99, and Student Premium plan at $6.99.
    4. The last price hike in the US was in 2024, with analysts estimating a potential $500 million increase in annual revenue from the current changes.
    5. New prices will apply on the next billing date for current subscribers, while new subscribers will see the updated prices immediately.

    Just last month, there were reports suggesting that Spotify intended to raise its prices in the US during the first quarter of 2026, following similar hikes in the UK and Switzerland last autumn. These reports have turned out to be correct, as Spotify has now officially confirmed new price increases in various regions, including the United States, Estonia, and Latvia.

    Reason Behind the Changes

    In its announcement, Spotify stated that these adjustments in pricing are designed to mirror the value it offers to its users. They also highlighted the need to continue enhancing the overall listening experience and to provide better support for artists. Along with this clarification, the company disclosed the revised pricing for all of its key subscription plans in the US.

    Updated Pricing Details

    Under the revised pricing model, the Individual Premium plan now costs $12.99 per month, up from the previous price of $11.99. The Duo plan, which accommodates two users, has increased from $16.99 to $18.99 monthly. The Family plan has also seen a rise, moving from $19.99 to $21.99 per month. Students are affected as well, as the Student Premium plan has gone up from $5.99 to $6.99 per month.

    Impact of the Changes

    It’s interesting to note that the company last raised prices in the US back in 2024, with an increase of $1 across most plans. While this change may appear minor, analysts predict that even a $1 increase in the US alone could lead to about $500 million in extra annual revenue.

    For current subscribers, the new pricing will not take effect immediately. Instead, the updated rates will apply on their next billing date. However, new subscribers will encounter the updated prices instantly upon signing up.

    Spotify’s

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  • Ultimea Skywave F40 Soundbar: 29% Off with Surround Sound & Wi-Fi

    Ultimea Skywave F40 Soundbar: 29% Off with Surround Sound & Wi-Fi

    Key Takeaways

    1. Discounted Price: The Ultimea Skywave F40 is currently available for $199.99, down from the retail price of $279.99, making it a good value for buyers.
    2. 5.1.2 Sound System: It features a 5.1.2 sound system with Dolby Atmos, two wireless surround speakers, and a wired 5.25-inch subwoofer with BassMX technology.
    3. Simple Setup: The setup process is straightforward, with wireless surround speakers and a wired connection for the subwoofer, allowing for flexible placement.
    4. Sound Quality: The system uses drivers that bounce sound off the ceiling for an immersive experience, but performance may not match a traditional surround sound system.
    5. Connectivity Options: It supports HDMI eARC, optical connections, USB playback (up to 128 GB, MP3 format), and Bluetooth 5.4 for easy device connections.

    The Ultimea Skywave F40 has an official retail price of $279.99 but is currently available for $199.99 on Amazon. According to various reviews, this sound system is seen as a great value for its price. Customers get a 5.1.2 sound system featuring Dolby Atmos, two surround speakers, and a 5.25-inch wired subwoofer equipped with BassMX technology, among other notable features.

    Simple Setup Process

    Setting up this sound system looks to be quite simple. The surround speakers receive audio wirelessly from the soundbar, making the wiring less complicated and allowing them to be placed behind the user as designed. However, both speakers require electrical power—one speaker has a power cord, while it connects to the other speaker with a separate cord. The subwoofer links to the soundbar through a cable.

    Sound Quality Considerations

    Ultimea employs drivers intended to project sound waves by bouncing them off the ceiling, creating an immersive experience. However, whether the Ultimea Skywave F40 can match the performance of a genuine surround sound system is a matter of discussion: it’s advisable for potential buyers to check online reviews from previous customers for further insights. The system can receive audio signals through HDMI eARC or an optical connection. You can also play files from a USB stick, supporting up to 128 GB, with MP3 format compatibility. Additionally, Bluetooth 5.4 is included for easy connections with devices like smartphones and tablets.

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  • Xiaomi Launches Affordable Smart Glasses with 12-Day Battery Life

    Xiaomi Launches Affordable Smart Glasses with 12-Day Battery Life

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi has launched the Smart Audio Glasses as part of its Mijia series, focusing on audio features rather than built-in displays.
    2. The new glasses are thinner and provide a standby time of 12 days, with 13 hours of usage on a single charge.
    3. They have an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, support Bluetooth 5.4, and are compatible with Android 10.0 or iOS 14 and later.
    4. The glasses feature four microphones, cameras for short videos, and touch gesture controls for voice assistants.
    5. The Mijia Smart Audio Glasses are priced at €179.99 in the Eurozone and £169.99 in the UK, available for purchase now.

    Xiaomi has unveiled the Smart Audio Glasses as part of its Mijia series. Unlike traditional smart glasses such as the Xreal R1, which have built-in displays, these glasses are more similar to Ray-Ban Meta glasses (currently priced at $459.99 on Amazon) with integrated speakers and cameras.

    Thinner Design with Improved Performance

    In essence, Xiaomi is positioning its Mijia Smart Audio Glasses against its previous models. These new glasses are slimmer than the existing Xiaomi Smart Audio Glasses and offer an impressive standby time of 12 days, with 13 hours of usage on a single charge.

    Features and Compatibility

    Additionally, the smart glasses come with an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, support Bluetooth 5.4, and are compatible with devices running Android 10.0 or iOS 14 and later. Furthermore, Xiaomi has equipped the glasses with four microphones, cameras for taking short videos, and a touch gesture feature to activate voice assistants.

    The Mijia Smart Audio Glasses are now available for purchase throughout the Eurozone and the UK. At this moment, you can order these new smart glasses for €179.99 and £169.99, respectively. For more information, visit Xiaomi’s official website.

    Xiaomi Germany and Xiaomi UK

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  • Sony Hints at ‘New Form of Listening’ for January Release

    Sony Hints at ‘New Form of Listening’ for January Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony is hinting at a new audio product with a focus on a ‘new way of listening.’
    2. A teaser video suggests the product may be headphones that rest on the ears, not in-ear models.
    3. The official reveal date for the new device is set for January 21 at 16:00 UTC.
    4. Recent leaks indicate that the WF-1000XM5 will not be replaced until February.
    5. Speculation exists about the possibility of new in-ear earbuds being introduced alongside the teaser.

    Sony is beginning to give hints about an intriguing new audio product. At this moment, the company isn’t sharing much information about what they’re planning. They have only suggested that a ‘new way of listening is in the works.’

    Teaser Video Release

    Right now, we only have one video to refer to. The video, which is linked below, mentions that Sony will reveal its new device on January 21 at 16:00 UTC. From what we can see, the unnamed device appears to be a set of headphones that rest on the ears instead of fitting inside them. This makes it seem less likely that Sony is hinting at the much-anticipated launch of the WF-1000XM6.

    Speculation on New Products

    According to recent leaks and gossip, Sony isn’t expected to replace the WF-1000XM5 (currently priced at $149.99 – renewed on Amazon) until February. On the other hand, The Walkman Blog suggests that this teaser could indicate a new set of in-ear earbuds, which adds fuel to the speculation about a new WF-1000X release. In the end, the video below is open to interpretation, despite the hints pointing towards a February launch for the WF-1000XM6.

    Sony via The Walkman Blog

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  • Brandenburg Labs Launches Okeanos Pro: 360° Headphones for Audio Pros

    Brandenburg Labs Launches Okeanos Pro: 360° Headphones for Audio Pros

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Okeanos Pro headphones, priced at €5,000/$5,871, are designed for professional audio engineers and sound enthusiasts, featuring up to 16 virtual speakers in a 360-degree space.
    2. They can replace expensive sound studios by allowing users to switch between various virtual formats, from mono to 9.1.6 surround sound, using a web browser for processing.
    3. The headphones offer ultra-low latency connections like AES67 and Dante, with latency as low as 10 ms for binaural audio streams, and support audio quality up to 32-bit at 48 kHz.
    4. Users can measure the DTF (directivity transfer function) of physical speakers for more accurate sound virtualization, enhancing sound reproduction on and off-center.
    5. Interested buyers can purchase the Okeanos Pro by contacting Brandenburg Labs via email, with delivery expected in about one month; budget alternatives include the Steven Slate Audio VSX Immersion One and Sony Inzone H5 headphones.

    Brandenburg Labs has introduced the Okeanos Pro headphones, priced at €5,000/$5,871, aimed at professional audio engineers, researchers, and anyone keen on mimicking a top-notch sound studio. These headphones feature up to 16 virtual speakers that can be positioned anywhere in a full 360-degree space.

    Revolutionizing Sound Production

    The company claims that the Okeanos Pro headphones can replace the necessity of building expensive sound studios with various multi-channel speaker setups for sound mastering and production. Users can easily change between different virtual formats—ranging from mono to stereo to 9.1.6 surround sound—by using a web browser on their connected computer, which handles all the processing for speaker virtualization.

    Advanced Connectivity and Audio Support

    These headphones offer ultra-low latency connections such as AES67, Dante, and Ravenna to studio audio networks, boasting latency as low as 10 ms for binaural audio streams. The Okeanos Pro supports audio quality up to 32-bit at 48 kHz, with plans for 96 kHz audio in the future.

    For a more accurate virtualization of custom sound studios, Brandenburg Labs states that each physical speaker’s DTF (directivity transfer function) can be measured. This data can be utilized within the virtualization software to enhance sound reproduction both on and off-center.

    How to Purchase and Alternatives

    Those interested in the Brandenburg Labs Okeanos Pro immersive headphones can buy them by contacting the company via email, with an expected delivery time of around one month. For a budget-friendly alternative, readers might look into the Steven Slate Audio VSX Immersion One headphones, which also offer virtual sound environments. Gamers seeking to improve their targeting might opt for the Sony Inzone H5 headphones, which feature 360 Spatial Sound for Gaming technology.

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  • New Compact IKEA Bluetooth Speaker Coming Soon

    New Compact IKEA Bluetooth Speaker Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. The IKEA Kallsup Bluetooth speaker was introduced at CES 2026 and is the brand’s first product at this event.
    2. It features a cube-like design, Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility, and can connect with up to 100 devices.
    3. The compact speaker offers about nine hours of playback time and has a replaceable battery that charges via USB-C.
    4. It measures 2.75 inches on each side and has a plastic shell with four small feet for stability.
    5. The Kallsup will launch in the US in April 2026 for $10, with vibrant color options available.

    IKEA has revealed its new compact Kallsup Bluetooth speaker. This product was introduced at CES 2026, marking the brand’s debut at this event. It follows closely behind the recent launches of the Solskydd speaker and the Kulglass speaker lamp.

    Design and Features

    The Kallsup features a cube-like shape and includes two small buttons for control. These buttons allow users to turn the speaker on and pair it with devices, providing audible feedback during use. It’s compatible with Bluetooth 5.3, enabling connections with as many as 100 units to enhance the listening experience.

    Portability and Battery Life

    Thanks to a built-in battery, the Kallsup is portable, offering about nine hours of playback time at 50% volume, according to the company. The battery can be recharged through USB-C and is marketed as being replaceable. This compact speaker has a plastic shell and measures 2.75 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches (approximately 70 x 70 x 70 mm), featuring four small feet on its base.

    Pricing and Availability

    The IKEA Kallsup Bluetooth speaker is set to launch in the US in April 2026 at a price of $10. Information regarding its release in Europe is still pending. Customers will have the option to choose from vibrant colors like hot pink, bright green, and white.

    Gizmodo, The Verge

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  • AI Glasses: Sunglasses with Camera & Translation Features

    AI Glasses: Sunglasses with Camera & Translation Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. The One Mac glasses are audio-focused and function like a Bluetooth headset, requiring a smartphone for full features.
    2. They include a high-resolution camera (3,280 x 2,464) with AI-driven image recognition, pending practical performance tests.
    3. The built-in battery lasts up to three days under normal use, but only around 12 hours with continuous music playback.
    4. The glasses are rated IP67, making them dustproof and water-resistant.
    5. Users can adjust the lens tint using voice commands or touch, thanks to electrochromic technology.

    Rollme has just launched a new pair of AI glasses called One Mac, priced at $100. It’s important for interested buyers to realize that the One Mac isn’t a typical set of AR glasses that display information in the wearer’s line of sight. Instead, these glasses function mainly through audio, acting like a Bluetooth headset that connects users with digital assistants, which includes a translation feature. However, to use these functions, a smartphone is required since the headset lacks its own NPU or AI system. Users can also control music playback and the camera using voice commands.

    Camera and Features

    The One Mac is equipped with a camera that boasts a resolution of 3,280 x 2,464, allowing for high-quality recordings. The glasses promote AI-driven image recognition as one of their main selling points. Yet, only practical tests will verify how effective this feature truly is. The device has a built-in battery rated at 260 mAh, which supposedly lasts up to three days, although this drops to around 12 hours when continuously playing music.

    Durability and Functionality

    These glasses are rated IP67, which means they are protected against dust and can withstand water exposure. Additionally, users have the option to darken the lenses through voice commands or touch. The manufacturer has employed electrochromic technology, which modifies the optical characteristics of the lenses using an electrical voltage, eliminating the need for lens replacement.

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  • Moondrop Skyland Open-Back Planar Headphones with Lambskin Earpads

    Moondrop Skyland Open-Back Planar Headphones with Lambskin Earpads

    Key Takeaways

    1. Innovative Technology: Moondrop’s Full Drive technology enhances the magnetic induction field, reducing treble and timbre distortion for clearer sound.

    2. Impressive Specs: Frequency response ranges from 8 Hz to 34 kHz with total harmonic distortion (THD) below 0.05% at 1 kHz.

    3. Versatile Connections: Features 3.5 mm audio jacks in both earcups and includes adapters for 4.4 mm-to-6.35 mm and 4.4 mm-to-XLR connections.

    4. Premium Build Quality: Made with CNC-machined aluminum earcups, soft lambskin earpads, and a durable carbon fiber headband for comfort.

    5. Pricing and Availability: The Skyland headphones are priced at $799.99 and available for purchase at Shenzhenaudio and on Amazon.

    Moondrop has introduced the Skyland open-back planar headphones aimed at those who love high-resolution music.

    Innovative Technology

    The brand has increased the effective area driven by the magnetic induction field compared to traditional planar headphones by employing its unique Full Drive technology, which operates with 500 nm thick diaphragms. Moondrop claims this innovation minimizes treble and timbre distortion, allowing for a clear and airy music experience. To maintain transparency in sound reproduction, they have incorporated delicate fine-wire mesh grilles over the drivers.

    Impressive Specs

    These headphones feature a frequency response range from 8 Hz to 34 kHz, and they boast a total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 0.05% at a frequency of 1 kHz. The design includes 3.5 mm audio jacks in both earcups, allowing users to connect to 4.4 mm balanced audio sources using the detachable cable that comes with the product. Additionally, there are adapters provided for 4.4 mm-to-6.35 mm and 4.4 mm-to-XLR connections.

    Premium Build Quality

    Inside the headphones, CNC-machined aluminum earcups house the drivers, and they are complemented by soft lambskin earpads. The headband is made from a durable, flexible carbon fiber material, featuring a soft, floating, 3D-printed pad underneath for added comfort.

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  • Samsung Music Studio 5 & 7 Support Alexa+ and Smarter Bixby

    Samsung Music Studio 5 & 7 Support Alexa+ and Smarter Bixby

    Key Takeaways

    1. Smart Assistant Compatibility: Both Music Studio 5 and Music Studio 7 are compatible with Alexa+, Bixby, and Google Gemini, enhancing user interaction.

    2. Advanced Features of Alexa+ and Bixby: Alexa+ offers a more conversational experience powered by generative AI, while Bixby will receive upgrades and connect to various services.

    3. User-Friendly Design: Both speakers have a top button for easy access to favorite streaming services like Amazon Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music.

    4. Hi-Res Audio for Audiophiles: Spotify Premium users can enjoy high-resolution audio streaming up to 24-bit/44.1kHz using FLAC files.

    5. Versatile Connectivity Options: The speakers support AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Google Cast, and Bluetooth, with the Music Studio 7 also supporting Samsung Seamless Codec for Galaxy phones.

    We recently talked about Samsung’s new wireless speakers, the Music Studio 5 and Music Studio 7, but we didn’t dive into the smart and connectivity features since Samsung hadn’t shared this info yet. Now, thanks to PCWorld, we have the details. Both speakers will be compatible with Alexa+, Samsung’s Bixby, and Google Gemini.

    Smart Features Explained

    Alexa+ is Amazon’s enhanced AI assistant that feels more like a real conversation. It’s powered by generative AI, which means it can do things for you, making it feel more interactive. Meanwhile, Bixby is also set to receive a significant upgrade, including large language models and connections with services such as Perplexity, The Weather Channel, and Uber.

    User-Friendly Design

    The design of the hardware is quite intuitive. The Music Studio 5 and Music Studio 7 both feature a button on top that lets you easily play your favorite tracks from streaming platforms like Amazon Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music with just a single tap. For audiophiles, there’s good news: Spotify Premium users can enjoy Hi-Res Audio streaming using FLAC files at a high resolution of up to 24-bit/44.1kHz.

    Connectivity Options

    These new wireless speakers are versatile, supporting AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Google Cast, and Bluetooth. The Music Studio 7 even offers support for the Samsung Seamless Codec when playing music from a Galaxy phone. As for pricing, we anticipate that the Music Studio 5 will retail for $249, while the Music Studio 7 is expected to be priced at $499 when they launch later this year.

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  • Audeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Planar Gaming Headset Launches

    Audeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Planar Gaming Headset Launches

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Maxwell 2 features 90 mm planar drivers for high-resolution sound, with a frequency range of 10 Hz to 50 kHz and low total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 0.1% at 100 dB.

    2. It offers versatile connectivity options, including wireless Bluetooth 5.3 and wired connections via USB-C and 3.5mm jacks, with up to 80 hours of wireless battery life.

    3. The headset includes a detachable hypercardioid boom microphone with AI background noise reduction for clear in-game conversations.

    4. The PlayStation version is priced at $329, while the Xbox variant costs $349, with each offering unique audio enhancements when connected to their respective consoles.

    5. Both models are compatible with various platforms, including PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch 2, and Android and Apple devices.

    Audeze has introduced the Maxwell 2 wireless gaming headset, which features ultra-thin planar drivers. This new model is a sequel to the original Maxwell headset that was released in 2022.

    Impressive Audio Quality

    The Maxwell 2 is equipped with 90 mm planar drivers that deliver high-resolution sound. It boasts a frequency range from 10 Hz to 50 kHz, and it maintains a total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 0.1% at 100 dB. This headset includes a detachable hypercardioid boom microphone along with AI background noise reduction, ensuring that in-game conversations are crystal clear.

    Connectivity Options

    This headset allows wireless connections via Bluetooth 5.3, supporting various codecs such as LC3, LC3plus, LDAC, AAC, and SBC. Additionally, users can connect through wired options like USB-C and 3.5mm jacks with any audio device. It offers a remarkable wireless battery life of up to 80 hours on a single charge. Just 20 minutes of charging can provide a 25% battery boost, while a full two-hour charge will completely power the Maxwell 2.

    Pricing and Compatibility

    The PlayStation version is available at an MSRP of $329, while the Xbox variant is priced at $349. The PlayStation model enhances the experience with Tempest 3D spatial audio when paired with a PlayStation console, whereas the Xbox version supports Dolby Atmos when connected to an Xbox. Both models are compatible with PC and Mac systems, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch 2 gaming consoles, as well as Android and Apple smartphones and tablets.

    The PlayStation version has an MSRP of $329 and the Xbox version costs $349. Consumers can purchase the Maxwell 2 directly from Audeze’s website or watch for it in the Audeze store on Amazon.

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