Category: Audio

March 5, 2024

CMF Neckband Pro, CMF Buds Featuring ANC Launched In India

Along with the introduction of the Nothing Phone (2a), the brand has unveiled two new audio products within its sub-brand, expanding its range. These new offerings include the CMF Neckband Pro and CMF Buds. The CMF Buds appear to be a simplified version of the CMF Buds Pro, which made its debut last September. While the Neckband Pro and Buds share similarities, their distinct designs set them apart from each other.

Specifications of CMF Neckband Pro and CMF Buds

The CMF Neckband Pro is a neckband-style Bluetooth wireless earphone, featuring IP55 certification for dust and water resistance. It comes with a smart dial for intuitive sound control and the earbuds can magnetically attach to each other when not in use. The Neckband Pro boasts 50dB hybrid active noise cancellation and a 13.6mm custom dynamic driver. It includes five mics with AI noise cancellation for clear call quality and environment-adaptive ANC with three intensity settings. Users can adjust five bass levels with the ultra bass technology in the Nothing X app. The Spatial Audio effect aims to provide a 360-degree listening experience, along with wind noise reduction.

The CMF Neckband Pro offers 37 hours of battery life with ANC on and 23 hours with ANC off. A 10-minute charge is said to provide 18 hours of usage.

CMF Buds Features and Pricing

The CMF Buds sport a similar in-ear design to the Buds Pro, featuring a stem and silicone ear tips. These TWS earphones are IP54-rated against dust and water and come with a square-shaped case that includes the brand’s aluminum alloy dial for attaching it to various lanyards. With a 12.4mm bio-fiber and custom TPU driver, the Buds offer 42dB ANC, transparency mode, four microphones for call clarity, and HD audio tuned by Dirac, along with wind noise reduction. The CMF Buds provide 8 hours of usage with ANC enabled and 5.6 hours with ANC disabled, offering a total of 35 hours of battery life with the charging case.

Both the CMF Neckband Pro and Buds feature Bluetooth 5.3 and dual-device connectivity, along with Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair support. The CMF Neckband Pro is priced at Rs 1,999, while the CMF Buds are available for Rs 2,499. These devices are offered in Black, White, and Orange color options and will be sold through Flipkart and Myntra.

Tags: CMF Neckband Pro, Nothing, Wireless Earphones
March 5, 2024

HARMAN Takes Action Against JBL Product Counterfeiters in India

HARMAN, the maker of the highly popular JBL audio brand, has launched an initiative aimed at combating counterfeiters of JBL products in India. The subsidiary of Samsung Electronics revealed that it has taken legal measures against manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and sellers involved in the production or sale of fake JBL items.

Campaign Against Counterfeiters

In a recent operation in collaboration with law enforcement, HARMAN's investigation team seized 54 counterfeit JBL car speakers from various car accessories stores in five locations within Kashmiri Gate, New Delhi.

Tips to Identify Fake JBL Products

To assist consumers in differentiating between genuine and counterfeit JBL products, Harman has shared guidelines. Customers are advised to be cautious of extremely low-priced JBL items that compromise on quality. Discrepancies in cosmetic features serve as red flags for counterfeit products, as authentic JBL devices exhibit consistent packaging with accurate logo placement and color.

Moreover, fake JBL products may exhibit characteristics such as light weight, chemical odors, or indications of inferior craftsmanship. Buyers can also consider the reputation of the seller as a factor in avoiding counterfeit JBL merchandise.

Vikram Kher, Vice President of Lifestyle at HARMAN India, emphasized the company's stringent legal actions against individuals involved in the distribution of counterfeit JBL goods. Kher stressed the importance of JBL customers remaining vigilant and purchasing exclusively from authorized retailers.

The investigation into counterfeit JBL products remains ongoing, with plans for continuous efforts to combat the spread of such items throughout India. While no arrests have been reported yet, the issue of counterfeiting appears to be a significant concern in the region.

Tags: Anti-counterfeiting campaign
March 4, 2024

Mivi DuoPods i7 Earbuds: 13mm Drivers AI ENC Tech Launch – March 18

Mivi, an Indian electronics company, is gearing up to leave a mark on the Indian market by introducing its latest product, the DuoPods i7 earbuds. This new release, scheduled for launch on March 18, 2024, aims to deliver high-quality audio at an affordable cost.

Innovative Features of DuoPods i7

The standout feature of the DuoPods i7 is its 3D Sound Stage technology, designed to offer a clear and immersive music experience. Equipped with 13mm Hi-fidelity driver units, users can anticipate precise audio output with deep bass and support for AAC to ensure lossless audio quality. Additionally, these earbuds are integrated with AI ENC technology, which enables noise-free calls, enhancing the overall conversational clarity.

Special Launch Offer

During a limited promotional period, the DuoPods i7 will be available at a discounted launch price of Rs. 1,499, a significant reduction from the original price of Rs. 4,999.

Tags: MIVI Duopods, Premium Audio Experience
March 4, 2024

Zebronics Zeb-Havoc & Zeb-Blitz C Gaming Headsets with Dolby Atmos Launched in India

Zebronics has introduced new gaming headphones in the Indian market, showcasing impressive specifications and features. The latest offerings, Zeb-Havoc and Zeb-Blitz C headsets, are now accessible for purchase in India, boasting compatibility with Dolby Atmos and more. Let’s delve into the specifics, including their features and pricing details.

Zebronics Zeb-Havoc

The Zeb-Havoc stands out as the pricier option, presenting itself as a lightweight gaming headset with captivating multicolor lighting effects. This RGB lighting can be activated through a USB connection, while the audio transmission is facilitated via a 3.5mm headphone jack. Weighing in at 330 grams, this headset incorporates a suspension headband design and soft ear cushion for enhanced comfort. Equipped with 50mm Neodymium drivers supporting Dolby Atmos, the Zeb-Havoc ensures an elevated audio immersion. Notably, it includes a microphone with a pop filter, a dedicated volume controller, and a mic on/off switch.

Zebronics Zeb-Blitz C

In contrast, the Zeb-Blitz C weighs a mere 260 grams and boasts a padded headband along with soft earcup cushions for prolonged gaming sessions. Similar to its counterpart, this headset features 50mm Neodymium drivers for robust bass output and Dolby Atmos compatibility. Additionally, it comes with a flexible microphone featuring a pop filter, a volume controller, and multicolor lighting effects. However, the Zeb-Blitz C’s connectivity is solely through a USB Type C interface.

Pricing and Availability

Both the Zebronics Zeb-Havoc and Zeb-Blitz C gaming headphones are currently up for grabs on Zebronics’ official website and Amazon India. The Zeb-Havoc is priced at 1,999 INR (approximately 24 US Dollars), while the Zeb-Blitz C comes in at 1,299 INR (roughly 16 US Dollars). The Zeb-Havoc is available in various color options such as white, black, and purple, whereas the Zeb-Blitz C is offered solely in a sleek black variant.

Tags: Dolby Atmos, Gaming Headphones
March 4, 2024

Zen Air Dot TWS with 24-Hour Battery Life and Bluetooth 5.3

Innovation has introduced a new affordable wireless earphone choice, the Zen Air Dot TWS, on JD.com, priced at only 99 yuan (approximately $15 USD). These earphones offer a 24-hour battery life when used with the charging case, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and environmental noise cancellation features.

Lightweight and Powerful

Weighing just 33 grams, the Zen Air Dot is crafted for comfortable extended usage. Equipped with 13mm drivers, they deliver robust sound quality. The presence of dual microphones with noise reduction and ENC environmental noise cancellation aims to enhance call clarity and create an immersive audio setting. Moreover, its IPX4 sweat resistance rating ensures suitability for workouts and light rain conditions.

Extended Battery Life

Although the exact battery capacity of the earbuds remains undisclosed, Innovation claims a 7-hour playtime on a single charge, with the charging case providing an extra 17 hours. This totals the battery life to a claimed 24 hours, making the Zen Air Dot ideal for users requiring earphones that last throughout the day without constant recharging.

Affordable and Functional

The Innovation Zen Air Dot TWS is tailored for casual listeners seeking a blend of affordability and functionality. With features like extended battery capacity, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and noise cancellation technology, this earphone model presents an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals in search of a dependable and comfortable everyday wireless audio solution.

Tags: budget-friendly, Wireless Earphones
March 3, 2024

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 ANC Earbuds: Lossless Audio in Europe

Sennheiser has unveiled the Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds during CES 2024, building on the success of the Accentum Plus Wireless over-ear headphones. Priced at 299.90 euros, these earbuds are offered in Black Copper, Black Graphite, and White Silver variations and can be bought directly from Sennheiser or through Amazon.

Technological Advancements

The Momentum True Wireless 4 showcases advancements over its predecessor by integrating the Qualcomm Snapdragon S5 Sound Gen 2 platform and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring a reliable, top-notch audio experience. Featuring Snapdragon Sound Technology and AptX support, users can enjoy crystal-clear sound and minimal latency, with compatibility for AptX Adaptive, AAC, and SBC codecs.

Enhanced Features

Noteworthy enhancements include upgraded active noise cancellation (ANC) for superior noise isolation and an extended battery life of up to 7.5 hours on one charge, providing a total playtime of approximately 30 hours when considering the charging case. The case now boasts a chic fabric cover and supports both USB Type-C and Qi wireless charging, adding convenience and versatility.

Comprehensive Package

With the purchase, customers receive a collection of four ear adapters and three ear fins in various sizes to ensure a comfortable and secure fit, along with a USB-C charging cable.

Tags: Momentum True Wireless 4, Premium Audio Technology, Sennheiser
March 3, 2024

Adobe Reveals Text-to-Music Tool for AI Music Generation

Adobe recently introduced an innovative tool known as Project Music GenAI Control. This groundbreaking AI system enables users to generate and edit music directly within a unified interface, all through simple text descriptions. For instance, if you desire an impressive electronic introduction, you can just input "epic electronic" and let the AI take care of the rest. The integration of generative AI into music creation is becoming more accessible to a wider audience.

Enhanced Music Editing Capabilities

Beyond music generation, Project Music GenAI Control offers extensive editing features. Users can refine their musical compositions by adjusting tempo, structure, repetition, and intensity to align perfectly with their artistic vision. Furthermore, the tool provides options to expand the length of tracks, remix sections, create seamless loops, and transform existing audio based on a reference melody, unlocking a multitude of creative possibilities.

Precise Editing and Streamlined Workflow

Setting itself apart from other AI music tools, Project Music GenAI Control empowers users with precise editing functionalities, likened to manipulating pixels in Photoshop but tailored for audio content. This seamless editing process eliminates the need to switch between multiple applications, thus enhancing the efficiency of the creative workflow.

Responsible AI Implementation

Adobe underscores the importance of responsible AI practices by ensuring that the music generated through Project Music GenAI Control is suitable for commercial usage. Additionally, the tool incorporates Content Credentials, akin to "nutrition labels," that transparently reveal the AI-assisted nature of the creations, promoting ethical and informed content creation practices.

Developed in collaboration with renowned academic institutions, Project Music GenAI Control remains in its experimental phase. While a user-friendly interface is still in progress, this glimpse into the future of audio creation suggests the imminent arrival of a powerful and intuitive tool that promises to revolutionize music production.
March 2, 2024

Google Pixel Watch 3 Rumored in Larger Size, Pixel Buds Pro 2 in Development

Apple and Samsung provide a range of sizes for their smartwatches, offering choices to consumers. In contrast, Google's Pixel Watch is currently only available in one size, which may disappoint potential buyers. However, recent reports suggest that Google might address this limitation with the upcoming Pixel Watch 3, introducing multiple size options for customers. According to sources cited by 9to5Google, details about the size variants of the Pixel Watch 3 and the development of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have been revealed.

Pixel Watch 3 Size Options and Pixel Buds Pro 2 Development

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 and 6 Classic come in 40mm, 44mm, 43mm, and 47mm sizes, providing users with a variety of choices. Similarly, the Apple Watch Series 9 offers sizes of 41mm and 45mm. In comparison, both generations of the Pixel Watch have featured a fixed 41mm diameter, which may not suit individuals with larger wrists.

The upcoming Pixel Watch 3 is rumored to introduce a larger variant, potentially with a 45mm dial size. This change would cater to users looking for a bigger smartwatch option. It is speculated that Google might continue offering the next-generation Pixel Watch in the existing 41mm size as well. The larger 45mm variant could include enhancements such as a bigger battery, additional sensors, and a larger display.

In addition to the Pixel Watch 3, reports suggest that the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have been in development for some time. While the exact name of these earphones remains uncertain, they could serve as a follow-up to the Pixel Buds Pro launched in 2022. Google typically follows a two-year release cycle for its TWS earphones, indicating a possibility of the Buds Pro 2 hitting the market this year.

Tags: Google Pixel Watch 3, Pixel Buds Pro 2
March 1, 2024

iQOO TWS 2 Price and Specifications Confirmed for Sale

Earlier this week, iQOO introduced the iQOO Pad Air and iQOO TWS 2 devices in China. These devices have been up for pre-orders since the announcement, and now they are officially available for purchase. The listings of these gadgets have revealed their prices and specifications.

iQOO TWS 2 specifications and features

The iQOO TWS 2 earbuds weigh around 4.8 ± 0.3 grams each, with a total weight of approximately 42.5 ± 0.3 grams for the complete set. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 Gen 2 audio platform, these earbuds boast a 12.2mm ultra-wideband speaker covering a frequency range from 16Hz to 48kHz. They support various audio decoding formats such as LDAC, APTX adaptive, AAC, and SBC.

The TWS 2 integrates features like DeepX 3.0 stereo sound effects, ear-customized sound effects, adaptive EQ, and Monster Sound e-sports sound effects. It offers noise reduction functionalities including active noise reduction and call noise reduction technologies, providing up to 55dB/5000Hz ultra-wideband noise reduction. With a 540mAh battery and a USB-C charging interface, the TWS 2 delivers a battery life of up to 11 hours per earbud and up to 45 hours with the charging case.

Additional features of iQOO TWS 2

The iQOO TWS 2 supports wireless recording, Vlog 3D binaural recording, and boasts a 44ms low latency suitable for gaming. It is equipped with Bluetooth 5.4 and includes functionalities like quick pairing, interactive control through pressure-sensitive operations, real-time translation, and incoming call broadcasts. Furthermore, it offers IP54-rated water resistance.

iQOO TWS 2 pricing in China

The iQOO TWS 2 comes in two color variants: Phantom Yellow and Electric White, with a price tag of 399 Yuan (~$55). There are speculations that this device might be rebranded as the Vivo TWS 4 in China after a few weeks.

Tags: iQOO, iQOO TWS 2, wireless earbuds
February 29, 2024

boAt Stone Spinix Pro Bluetooth Speaker: Unveiled with 20W RMS Output & INR 2,999 Price Tag

The popular Indian audio and wearables brand boAt has recently unveiled the Stone Spinix Pro Bluetooth speaker, set to be launched on March 8th. Boasting a cylindrical design with an LED light strip, this speaker is designed to captivate both visually and acoustically.

Powerful Sound Quality and Visual Appeal

The boAt Stone Spinix Pro is engineered to deliver a robust 20W RMS output, ensuring the brand’s renowned sound quality. Adding a visual flair to the audio playback, this speaker features dynamic RGB lights that enhance the overall listening experience.

Enhanced Connectivity and Immersive Experience

Equipped with True Wireless Stereo (TWS) technology, users can pair two Stone Spinix Pro speakers simultaneously for a more immersive audio experience. The speaker offers a range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.0, AUX, USB, TF Card, and FM radio, catering to diverse user preferences.

Versatile and Resilient Design

While not fully waterproof, the boAt Stone Spinix Pro boasts an IPX4 rating, making it resistant to splashes of water and light rain. This durability ensures that the speaker is suitable for various settings, whether it’s an indoor gathering or an outdoor adventure.

This exciting new product will be available for purchase at a special introductory price of Rs.2,999 ($36) on Amazon. Interested buyers can already explore the dedicated page for the boAt Stone Spinix Pro on the platform to discover its features before the official launch.

Tags: Bluetooth Speakers, boAt