Category: Audio

  • JLab Launches Compact JBuds Mini ANC Earbuds for Ultimate Sound

    JLab Launches Compact JBuds Mini ANC Earbuds for Ultimate Sound

    Key Takeaways

    1. Compact Design: The JBuds Mini ANC earbuds are 30% smaller than the Go Pop+ model, with a charging case that is 50% smaller, offering portability without sacrificing performance.

    2. Battery Life: These earbuds provide 6.5 hours of playtime on a single charge, and over 24 hours when using the charging case.

    3. Enhanced Calling: The earbuds feature ENC microphones to reduce background noise during calls and support multipoint Bluetooth for easy device switching.

    4. Customizable Controls: Users can customize touch controls and audio settings through the JLab app, which also includes a Be Aware mode for awareness of surroundings.

    5. Pricing and Availability: The JBuds Mini ANC earbuds will be available in March 2026 for $39.99 in four colors: Graphite, Midnight Navy, Ruby Red, and Blush Pink.

    JLab has introduced the JBuds Mini ANC earbuds, which are their tiniest model featuring noise cancellation.

    Compact and Efficient Design

    According to the company, these new earbuds are 30 percent smaller than the Go Pop+ model, while the charging case is reduced by 50 percent. Despite this small size, the earbuds provide a runtime of 6.5 hours on a single charge, and with the charging case, users can enjoy a total of over 24 hours of playtime.

    Enhanced Calling Experience

    These active noise-cancelling earphones come equipped with environmental noise-canceling (ENC) microphones, which effectively lessen background sounds during calls. They also support multipoint Bluetooth connections, making it easier to switch between devices without hassle.

    The JBuds Mini ANC feature touch controls, which can be customized via the JLab app. This app not only enables users to adjust audio equalization but also manage active noise control, including a Be Aware mode that keeps users informed of their surroundings.

    Availability and Pricing

    The JLab JBuds Mini ANC earbuds are set to be available in March 2026 at a price of $39.99. They will come in four colors: Graphite, Midnight Navy, Ruby Red, and Blush Pink, and can be purchased from the JLab store on Amazon.

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  • Shure MV88 USB-C Microphone: Compact Solution for Creators

    Shure MV88 USB-C Microphone: Compact Solution for Creators

    Key Takeaways

    1. The MV88 USB-C microphone features a direct USB-C connection for easy compatibility with iOS and Android devices, eliminating the need for adapters.
    2. It operates without batteries, drawing power from the host device, making it compact and user-friendly for mobile workflows.
    3. Shure’s MOTIV apps offer advanced audio controls, including a five-band equalizer, limiter, compressor, and high-pass filter for sound customization.
    4. The microphone includes four selectable polar patterns and an auto-level mode for adjusting gain in real-time, ensuring consistent audio quality.
    5. It comes with a foam windscreen and a protective case for safe transport, enhancing its portability for journalists and content creators.

    Shure has introduced the MV88 USB-C stereo microphone at CES Unveiled 2026. This new model is an upgrade of the classic MV88, featuring a USB-C connector. This allows it to connect directly to the latest iOS and Android devices without needing any adapters. The microphone is currently available for a retail price of $159 / £145 / €169, making it ideal for journalists and content creators who seek to capture high-quality audio while on the move, without the hassle of carrying extra gear.

    Streamlined User Experience

    The company prioritizes a simplified user experience by removing the need for batteries and complicated pairing processes. It draws power from the host device through the USB-C connection, keeping the microphone small and easy to transport, fitting perfectly into mobile workflows. The software support is a significant feature of its capabilities: with Shure’s MOTIV Video and MOTIV Audio mobile apps, along with MOTIV Mix for desktops, users can access advanced audio controls. This includes a five-band equalizer, limiter, compressor, and high-pass filter for sound customization.

    Versatile Polar Patterns

    The MV88 USB-C provides four selectable polar patterns to accommodate various recording situations. Users can select stereo (adjustable width between 60 and 135 degrees), mono cardioid for targeted audio capture, mono bi-directional for interviews, and raw mid-side. Shure has added an auto-level mode that actively adjusts gain in real-time to respond to changes in volume, ensuring consistent sound quality even in lively environments. Additionally, an intelligent real-time denoiser is incorporated to minimize unwanted background sounds. The microphone comes packaged with a foam windscreen and a protective case for safe transport.

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  • EarFun Wave Pro X Headphones: Lossless Audio & 8-Mic ANC

    EarFun Wave Pro X Headphones: Lossless Audio & 8-Mic ANC

    Key Takeaways

    1. High-Quality Audio: The Wave Pro X headphones feature dual drivers (10 mm LCP and 40 mm DLC) for high-resolution audio playback, supporting aptX Lossless and Sony LDAC codecs.

    2. Advanced Noise Cancellation: Equipped with an eight-mic hybrid ANC system that uses AI technology to reduce background noise during music and calls.

    3. Long Battery Life: The headphones offer up to 60 hours of playback with ANC on, and they take only two hours to recharge.

    4. Enhanced Connectivity: Features include support for Auracast music sharing, Google Fast Pair, and multipoint connections, powered by the Qualcomm QCC3095 SoC.

    5. Lightweight Design and Pricing: Weighing 256 g and measuring 188 x 168.3 x 86.7 mm, the Wave Pro X will be available for $129.99 starting June 2026.

    EarFun has introduced the Wave Pro X headphones, which feature dual drivers designed for high-resolution audio, ultra-low latency Bluetooth 6.0, and advanced hybrid active noise cancellation.

    Specifications and Features

    These over-ear headphones are equipped with a 10 mm LCP driver alongside a 40 mm DLC driver in each ear cup. The Wave Pro X is capable of lossless music playback via the aptX Lossless audio codec and supports lossy Hi-Res Audio with the Sony LDAC codec. Additionally, low-latency audio streaming is available through the LE Audio codec, as well as wired playback from USB-connected devices.

    Noise Cancellation and Battery Life

    The design prioritizes comfort and is enhanced by an eight-mic hybrid ANC system that uses AI technology to minimize background noise during calls and while listening to music. This ANC functionality is also active during wired listening. According to EarFun, the Wave Pro X can operate for up to 60 hours with ANC turned on and takes two hours to fully recharge.

    Connectivity and Availability

    The Qualcomm QCC3095 SoC provides support for Auracast music sharing, Google Fast Pair, and multipoint connections. The headphones are lightweight at 256 g (9.03 oz.) and have dimensions of 188 x 168.3 x 86.7 mm (7.40 x 6.63 x 3.41 in.).

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  • EarFun Clip 2: Hi-Res Audio Earbuds with AI Translation

    EarFun Clip 2: Hi-Res Audio Earbuds with AI Translation

    Key Takeaways

    1. Translation Capabilities: The Clip 2 can translate over 100 languages in real-time, activated by customizable actions through the EarFun app.

    2. High-Quality Audio: Equipped with a 12 mm dual-magnetic titanium driver and supports Hi-Res Audio playback using the Sony LDAC codec.

    3. Battery Life: Offers up to 6 hours of use with LDAC on (22 hours total with the charging case) and 11 hours with LDAC off (40 hours total).

    4. Additional Features: Includes 3D surround sound, Google Fast Pair, low-latency LE Audio, and the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously.

    5. Design and Durability: The IP55-rated earbuds weigh 49.6 g and have dimensions of 70 x 48.1 x 29.2 mm, designed for a comfortable open-ear fit.

    EarFun has introduced the Clip 2 ear-clip earbuds, featuring high-resolution music capability, low-latency Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity, and AI language translation.

    Translation Features

    The Clip 2 is capable of translating more than 100 languages, which can be activated through a customizable action, like a tap or double-tap on the earbuds, set via the EarFun app. When someone speaks, the translated words are played through the earbuds in real-time. The company claims to limit cloud data collection and only processes what’s needed for translations.

    Audio and Design

    These open-ear headphones are equipped with a 12 mm dual-magnetic titanium driver in each earbud. The Clip 2 is compatible with Hi-Res Audio playback, utilizing the Sony LDAC codec. They also feature a quad-mic ENC system that helps to cut down background noise during calls and while listening to music.

    Battery Life and Charging

    With LDAC on, the earbuds can last up to six hours (22 hours total with the charging case), and they can run for 11 hours with LDAC off (40 hours when using the charging case). The ear-clips take just one hour to recharge inside the case, which itself charges in two hours with any USB-C 5V/1A power source.

    Additional Features

    The Clip 2 also offers 3D surround sound, Google Fast Pair, low-latency LE Audio, and can connect to two devices simultaneously. The IP55-rated earbuds weigh 49.6 g (1.75 oz.) and have dimensions of 70 x 48.1 x 29.2 mm (2.76 x 1.89 x 1.15 in.).

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  • Oxtak Launches Moneypenny: AI Voice Recorder with Summaries & Translation

    Oxtak Launches Moneypenny: AI Voice Recorder with Summaries & Translation

    Key Takeaways

    1. Oxtak’s Moneypenny AI voice recorder is priced at $249, with pre-orders starting in February 2026.
    2. The device offers features like meeting summaries, real-time translations, and inquiry responses using various AI services, requiring an annual subscription ranging from $39 to $399.
    3. Users can customize the recorder by using any third-party AI large language model (LLM) via an API key and can opt for an Enterprise version for localized solutions.
    4. Technical specifications include dual-MEMS microphones, a 4-inch color touchscreen, ARM Cortex A53 processor, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, and a fingerprint scanner for security.
    5. The Moneypenny aims to improve how users capture and manage meeting information, with an alternative option available in the Plaude Note Pro AI voice recorder on Amazon.

    Oxtak has introduced the Moneypenny AI voice recorder at CES 2026, priced at $249. Pre-orders are set to start in February 2026.

    Features of the Moneypenny

    This innovative recorder is capable of offering meeting summaries, real-time translations, and responding to inquiries by leveraging AI services such as Claude, Deepseek, Gemini, Grok, and OpenAI. To access these features, users will need an annual subscription which varies from $39 to $399 per year. Recordings will automatically sync with the Oxtak service, and users can retrieve AI-generated summaries and translations via the Oxtak mobile apps or website.

    Customization and Enterprise Solutions

    Furthermore, users have the option to utilize any third-party AI large language model (LLM) by using an API key. There is also an Enterprise version available for businesses wishing to implement a fully localized solution that operates on their internal servers.

    Technical Specifications

    Equipped with dual-MEMS microphones, the device records meetings while its integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities enable real-time AI translations that appear on its 4-inch color touchscreen. Additionally, wireless microphones can be paired with Moneypenny. Users can listen to recordings through the device’s built-in speaker.

    The recorder operates on an ARM Cortex A53 processor with a tailored operating system, featuring 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. It houses a 2,000 mAh battery within a compact body measuring 123 x 80 x 12 mm (4.8 x 3.1 x 0.5 in.). For security, a fingerprint scanner is incorporated into the device.

    For those eager for instant meeting notes, the Plaude Note Pro AI voice recorder is available on Amazon, offering an alternative option.

    Oxtak’s new product aims to revolutionize how users capture and manage meeting information.

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  • SmallRig S70 Wireless Microphone: 9 EQ Presets, 40Hr Battery

    SmallRig S70 Wireless Microphone: 9 EQ Presets, 40Hr Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. The SmallRig S70 wireless microphone features a lightweight design at only 8.7 grams and delivers professional sound quality with 360° clarity, fine-tuned by Grammy Award-winning engineer Luca Bignardi.

    2. It offers advanced functionalities including automatic limiting, anti-distortion, three adjustable noise cancellation levels, and three recording modes: mono, stereo, and safety track.

    3. The microphone boasts an impressive battery life of 40 hours and allows users to adjust settings through a companion app.

    4. The S70 can transmit signals up to 984 feet in open spaces and includes nine built-in EQ presets and automatic clipping protection.

    5. Priced at $89.99, the SmallRig S70 is targeted at content creators, streamers, and professionals, providing a compact and versatile audio solution.

    SmallRig, a prominent manufacturer of solutions for content creation, has introduced its latest compact wireless microphone, the S70. This new addition goes head-to-head with competitors like the DJI Mic mini and the Insta360 Mic Air.

    Design and Features

    The S70 comes in a sleek metallic body and is designed to be both compact and lightweight, weighing only 8.7 grams. In comparison, the DJI Mic Mini is slightly heavier at 10.7 grams. According to SmallRig’s press release, the microphone has been fine-tuned by Grammy Award-winning engineer Luca Bignardi to deliver professional sound quality with 360° clarity. The S70 is aimed at content creators, streamers, and professionals, boasting a 48 kHz sampling rate, 24-bit depth, a signal-to-noise ratio of 70 dB, and a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 120 dB.

    Advanced Functionality

    Notably, the microphone comes equipped with features such as automatic limiting, anti-distortion, and three levels of noise cancellation that can be adjusted based on your surroundings. Additionally, it has physical buttons that allow users to activate noise cancellation and start video recordings. It also provides three recording modes: mono, stereo, and safety track. The safety track records an extra -6 dB backup to avoid audio clipping during sudden loud sounds.

    Battery Life and Connectivity

    In terms of battery performance, the S70 wireless microphone offers an impressive 40 hours of operation, making it suitable for long recording sessions. Similar to the DJI Mic Mini, users can adjust settings on the new wireless microphone through a companion app. The receiver can transmit signals up to 984 feet in open spaces without any obstacles or interference. Other notable features include nine built-in EQ presets, easy one-tap switching, automatic clipping protection, and a gain preset that ensures compatibility with various devices.

    The SmallRig S70 wireless microphone is available for $89.99 and can be purchased directly from SmallRig’s official website or at B&H Photo.

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  • Nuclear Music Player: Find and Play Free Music Easily

    Nuclear Music Player: Find and Play Free Music Easily

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nuclear music player is available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, allowing music search and streaming from platforms like Soundcloud and Bandcamp.
    2. The latest version introduces plugins for features like lyrics display and enhanced streaming options.
    3. A new interface with customizable themes and significant performance improvements using Tauri and Rust support is on the way.
    4. The app focuses on freely available music from connected services, gathering content without hosting it.
    5. Developers can expect a simplified plugin workflow in the upcoming version, encouraging community involvement.

    For those who haven’t heard of Nuclear music player, it’s a program for playing music that works on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It has features that allow users to search for music right within the app. The program can connect to platforms like Soundcloud and Bandcamp, enabling users to queue songs and download tracks from these sites. In the latest version, there are various plugins that enhance its capabilities, such as showing lyrics and adding more streaming options. The team behind Nuclear emphasizes that all music accessed through their app is freely available on the connected services, and the program simply gathers what’s out there.

    Exciting Features Coming

    The upcoming version of the Nuclear music player is set to have a fresh interface that allows for customizable themes. Performance improvements will be significant, as the current Electron framework will be replaced with Tauri. With Tauri bringing in Rust support, parts of the application will be rewritten in Rust to boost performance even more. Other improvements include the addition of more streaming services and a better plugin workflow, which will simplify the process for developers looking to create plugins for the player. For those who are curious, more information about the new version and how to download the latest release can be found at the links below.

    Get Involved

    If you’re interested in checking out Nuclear Music Player, you can find it on GitHub.

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  • DIY Cassette Player: Record Spotify Sessions in Real Time

    DIY Cassette Player: Record Spotify Sessions in Real Time

    Key Takeaways

    1. Julius Curt has created a unique Bluetooth music player that captures audio in real-time onto a cassette loop, offering a nostalgic lo-fi sound experience.

    2. The player connects to smartphones via Bluetooth, converting digital audio into an analog signal and mixing it into mono for playback on a modified cassette deck.

    3. Developing this device involved overcoming technical challenges, including complex electrical designs and creating custom circuits for functionality.

    4. The final product features a glowing VU meter, a stainless steel body, a clear acrylic front, and large knobs for adjusting recording levels and output volume.

    5. While the project is intriguing for DIY enthusiasts, it requires soldering skills, making simpler options like the FiiO CP13 a better choice for those seeking an easy-to-use cassette player.

    Streaming platforms today offer good audio quality directly to our devices, but a DIY enthusiast and YouTuber, Julius Curt, known as Julius Makes, is pushing the boundaries further. He has crafted a unique Bluetooth music player inspired by cassette tapes.

    Instead of simply playing music, this player captures audio in real-time onto a cassette loop. It then replays the sound, creating a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere with a touch of lo-fi sound and gentle saturation.

    The Ingenious Design

    The idea is both smart and straightforward. The player connects to your phone via Bluetooth, transforming the audio into an analog signal. It then mixes this signal into mono before sending it to the record head of a modified cassette deck.

    Once this process is complete, the tape loop travels around specially designed 3D-printed guides and moves past a playback head. The sound can be enjoyed through either a built-in speaker or headphones. This detailed journey through the cassette system adds a natural compression and imperfections that digital plugins aim to copy but generally fail to replicate, given the authentic analog aspect of this music player.

    Overcoming Challenges

    Yet, developing this analog music streaming device was far from easy. Older cassette decks involve complex electrical designs, like grounding the casing to the positive power rail instead of the ground, which can lead to short circuits when Bluetooth modules are in use.

    Julius invested months in diagnosing issues, experimenting with isolation transformers and custom voltage regulators before he could get the analog streaming device to function. He also had to create five unique PCBs using KiCad, plus circuits to convert stereo audio to mono, play pre-mapped audio with EQ, and set up auto-start for the Bluetooth module.

    An Engaging Final Product

    To enhance the experience further, he incorporated a glowing VU meter that dims when the music reaches loud peaks.

    The final product is an analog Bluetooth cassette deck designed for Spotify, encased in a stainless steel body with a clear acrylic front that showcases its inner workings. The visible tape loop guides the brown tape, similar to traditional music players. Plus, it includes large orange knobs for adjusting recording levels to create distortion or modifying the output volume.

    In conclusion, this project is a fascinating DIY venture, though it does come with added complexity for some due to the soldering required, even if instructions are followed precisely. For those who prefer a straightforward cassette player with essential features like USB-C charging, the FiiO CP13 is a recommended choice, albeit on the pricier side.

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  • Sony WF-1000XM6 Leak Hints at Lower Price Than WF-1000XM5

    Sony WF-1000XM6 Leak Hints at Lower Price Than WF-1000XM5

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony’s WF-1000XM6 earbuds are priced at 299.99 euros in Europe, lower than the original WF-1000XM5 launch price of 319.99 euros.
    2. The WF-1000XM6 is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026, with a possible announcement at CES 2026.
    3. The model number YY2985 linked to the WF-1000XM6 was discovered in Sony’s Sound Connect app, indicating its development.
    4. A parts retailer confirmed the WF-1000XM6’s color options (black and silver) and provided a tentative ship date of February 27, 2026.
    5. Speculations suggest the new earbuds may feature a MediaTek MT2855 platform with built-in AI and DSEE Ultimate upscaling, though battery life impact remains unclear.

    Sony’s upcoming flagship noise-cancelling earbuds have been slowly making waves for several months. A recent report finally shares a European price for the much-anticipated successor to the WF-1000XM5 earbuds, which are currently priced at $228 on Amazon.

    Pricing Details

    French source Dealabs reports that the WF-1000XM6 will be available in Europe in two colors—black and silver—for a price of 299.99 euros. This is actually lower than the original launch price of the WF-1000XM5, which was 319.99 euros. While specific specifications and a precise release date remain a mystery, the report suggests a target launch in the first quarter of 2026. There are also whispers that an announcement might occur during CES 2026 in Las Vegas.

    Background of the Leak

    This news comes after a series of hints over the past few months. The Walkman Blog first uncovered the model number YY2985 hidden in Sony’s Sound Connect app back in May 2025, linking it to the WF-1000XM6 branding before the earbuds went through regulatory checks in various countries. Recently, parts retailer Encompass listed components for the WF-1000XM6 in both black and silver, lending more credibility to the leak, and confirming its connection to the YY2985 model number. The listed ship date of February 27, 2026, is likely just a tentative placeholder.

    Speculation on Features

    Additionally, previous reports suggest that Sony is considering a shift to a MediaTek MT2855-based platform with built-in AI, along with the introduction of DSEE Ultimate upscaling to its true wireless earbuds for the very first time. However, it’s still uncertain how these changes might impact battery life. If these rumors are true, we can expect an official announcement from Sony very soon.

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  • Cearvol Launches Three New Hearing Aids: Wave, Liberte, Lyra

    Cearvol Launches Three New Hearing Aids: Wave, Liberte, Lyra

    Key Takeaways

    1. Cearvol has launched three products for people who are hard of hearing: Wave in-ear earbuds, Liberte ear-clip earphones, and Lyra smart hearing glasses, each catering to different wearing preferences.

    2. The Lyra glasses feature prescription lens options and use NeuroFlow AI 2.0 technology with four microphones to enhance voice clarity while minimizing background noise, offering gains of up to 50 dB.

    3. The Liberte ear-clip earphones are open-ear, allowing users to stay aware of their environment while using AI for voice enhancement, with a gain of 30 dB and a maximum runtime of 30 hours.

    4. The Wave earbuds also utilize four microphones and provide a higher voice amplification gain of 40 dB, with a charging case that includes a touchscreen for easy control and a remote microphone feature.

    5. Pricing and availability for all three products have not yet been disclosed.

    Cearvol has introduced a trio of products aimed at people who are hard of hearing: the Wave in-ear earbuds, the Liberte ear-clip earphones, and the Lyra smart hearing glasses. Each of these items caters to various preferences for wearing styles.

    Lyra

    The Lyra glasses can come with prescription lenses, which means no more searching for separate hearing aids in the morning. These Bluetooth glasses utilize NeuroFlow AI 2.0 amplification technology. This tech helps differentiate voices from background sounds thanks to four microphones, allowing conversations to be amplified without making the wearer’s own voice louder.

    In the Lyra (OWS) dynamic driver model, a gain of 35 dB +/- 3 dB (FOG 50 HFA average) is produced. On the other hand, the Lyra (RIC) version has a balanced armature receiver that gives a gain of 50 dB +/- 3 dB, with a frequency response between 200 Hz and 6,500 Hz. The replaceable lithium battery lasts up to 14 hours, as stated by the company.

    Liberte

    The Liberte ear-clip earphones are designed to be open-ear, which means no more discomfort from inserting earbuds deep into the ear canals. They allow users to listen to their environment constantly for added safety. The Bluetooth earphones also use four microphones like the Lyra to enhance voice clarity with AI.

    These ear-clips feature dynamic drivers that offer a gain of 30 dB +/- 5 dB, and they have a frequency response range from 200 Hz to 6,000 Hz. The Liberte’s charging case allows for a maximum runtime of up to 30 hours.

    Wave

    The Wave earbuds also incorporate four microphones to enhance voice amplification through AI. Their in-ear structure helps to block out surrounding noise, providing a higher AI voice amplification gain of 40 dB +/- 5 dB. Using balanced armature drivers, the earbuds also have a frequency response of 200 Hz to 6,000 Hz. With the charging case, the Wave can last up to 22 hours.

    The charging case includes a built-in LCD touchscreen for comprehensive control over earbud settings, eliminating the need for a smartphone app. It also serves as a remote microphone that can be placed up to 10 meters (33 ft.) away, making it easier to hear others during large meetings or lectures. Additionally, an AUX-IN port lets users connect the case to wired audio sources, enabling them to listen wirelessly via the Wave earbuds.

    Pricing and availability details have not been revealed yet.

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