Category: Audio

  • Triangle Launches Garden 7 Outdoor Speaker with LED and Coaxial Driver

    Triangle Launches Garden 7 Outdoor Speaker with LED and Coaxial Driver

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Triangle Garden 7 outdoor speaker features a simple design available in green or grey and has an IP66 rating for dust and rain protection.
    2. It includes a coaxial driver with a 160 mm bass-midrange driver and a 25 mm tweeter, providing even sound distribution and a frequency range of 63 Hz to 22 kHz.
    3. The speaker has an integrated LED that produces 105 lumens, allowing it to function as garden lighting after dark.
    4. As a passive speaker, it requires an external amplifier and two cables for installation: one for audio and one for power to the LED lighting.
    5. The price of the Triangle Garden 7 in Europe is €399, available through the official online shop and select specialist retailers.

    The Triangle Garden 7 outdoor speaker has just been revealed, featuring a simple design that comes in green or grey. This speaker has an IP66 rating, which means it is well protected against both dust and rain. Additionally, it includes an integrated LED that produces 105 lumens, allowing it to also function as garden lighting after dark.

    Sound Quality and Design

    The speaker is built with a coaxial driver unit that includes a 160 mm bass-midrange driver along with a 25 mm tweeter. This design helps spread sound evenly in all directions. Official specifications indicate that the speaker handles frequencies from 63 Hz to 22 kHz, with a sensitivity rating of 86 dB and an impedance of 8 ohms. The Garden 7 is made to be installed at a depth of 5 cm (1.97 in) in the ground, and it is best secured to a base slab using screws.

    Installation Requirements

    As a passive speaker, the Triangle Garden 7 needs an external amplifier to generate sound. This means that two cables are necessary for installation: one to connect to the amplifier and another to a standard power source for the built-in LED lighting, which can also be used with a light switch. To stream audio, the speaker should be paired with a compatible amplifier or audio player.

    Pricing and Availability

    In Europe, the Triangle Garden 7 outdoor speaker is currently priced at €399, available through the official online shop and select specialist retailers. For more information on pricing and availability in other areas, you can check the company’s website.

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    Triangle Launches Garden 7 Outdoor Speaker with LED and Coaxial DriverTriangle Launches Garden 7 Outdoor Speaker with LED and Coaxial DriverTriangle Launches Garden 7 Outdoor Speaker with LED and Coaxial DriverTriangle Launches Garden 7 Outdoor Speaker with LED and Coaxial Driver

     

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  • Noctua’s Quest for the Perfect Fan: Overcoming Design Limitations

    Noctua’s Quest for the Perfect Fan: Overcoming Design Limitations

    Key Takeaways

    1. Blade Angle and Angle of Attack: Blade angle (stagger angle) affects airflow; angle of attack influences air interaction, changing along the blade’s length.

    2. Impact of Blade Count on Noise: The number of blades affects fan noise frequency; fewer blades can create deeper sounds, but may lead to reduced pressure and stiffness.

    3. Trade-offs in Design: Reducing blade count may require larger blades or higher RPM to maintain performance, potentially negating noise benefits.

    4. Preferred Configurations: Noctua favors nine-blade designs for their 120mm fans, balancing airflow, pressure, durability, and sound.

    5. Importance of Understanding Fan Dynamics: Knowledge of blade angles and counts is essential for optimizing cooling solutions while minimizing noise.

    Dellinger explains that “blade angle” (also known as stagger angle) is the tilt of the fan blade in relation to the rotation plane, while “angle of attack” refers to how the blade interacts with the air that comes towards it. These angles change along the length of the blade—steeper near the center and flatter toward the end—so they can align with how fast the fan spins. A bigger blade angle can boost airflow with each rotation, but it also risks stalling, which can cause flow separation and more noise. Even tiny changes in blade angle, like just 1°, can significantly affect airflow efficiency and noise levels.

    Impact of Blade Count

    The number of blades on a fan influences the blade passing frequency, which is linked to how people hear fan noise. For instance, a fan with seven blades turning at 2000RPM produces a deeper 233Hz sound compared to a nine-blade fan that generates a 300Hz tone. However, cutting down the blade count comes with drawbacks in terms of pressure creation and stiffness of the blades. Designers need to make up for this by using larger blades or increasing the RPM, which might cancel out the noise advantages. Noctua currently prefers nine-blade configurations for their 120mm fans, as they find them to strike a good balance between airflow, pressure, sturdiness, and sound.

    Insights from GamersNexus

    On their YouTube channel, GamersNexus discusses these aspects in detail, providing insights into fan designs and their performance characteristics. Their analysis highlights the importance of understanding how different angles and blade counts affect not only efficiency but also the noise that fans produce. This knowledge is crucial for anyone looking to optimize their cooling solutions without sacrificing peace and quiet.

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  • Spotify Surpasses Competitors in Price: What You Need to Know

    Spotify Surpasses Competitors in Price: What You Need to Know

    Key Takeaways

    1. Spotify is raising the price of its Premium service in various regions outside the U.S., with notifications expected next month.
    2. The monthly fee may increase from €10.99 to €11.99, but it is unclear if this will apply to all countries in the affected regions.
    3. The price hike could position Spotify Premium as one of the more expensive music streaming options compared to competitors like Apple Music and Tidal.
    4. Spotify’s streaming quality and song library are limited compared to rivals; it offers 100 million songs and streams at a bitrate of 256 kbit/s.
    5. The company is focusing on podcasts and audiobooks to attract users, but the current audiobook offer of 15 hours per month is often insufficient.

    Spotify has recently announced in a press release that the cost of its music streaming service will rise in various regions outside the United States. Customers in Europe, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific will receive notifications next month about the upcoming price hike for Spotify Premium. The monthly fee is expected to go up from €10.99 to €11.99, although Spotify has not yet confirmed if this increase will apply to every country in these regions.

    Increased Competition

    This change will likely make Spotify Premium one of the pricier music streaming options available, as its main competitors—Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, Tidal, and YouTube Music—currently charge €10.99 per month. Additionally, Spotify provides fewer features in many aspects. Although there have been ongoing rumors about a new Spotify HiFi subscription, the existing Spotify Premium service only streams music in a compressed format (AAC) at a bitrate of 256 kbit/s. In contrast, both Apple Music and Tidal offer lossless streaming capabilities of up to 24-bit at 192 kHz.

    Catalog Limitations

    Moreover, Spotify’s song library falls short compared to its rivals; Spotify Premium has about 100 million songs while Tidal boasts over 110 million. To draw in more users, Spotify is placing greater emphasis on podcasts and audiobooks, but it only provides 15 hours of audiobooks each month with its Premium subscription. Often, this amount is insufficient for completing a single audiobook. The price increase appears to be essential, especially since Spotify reported a net loss of €86 million despite having 696 million active users in the last quarter.

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  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE Leak: Bigger Battery Coming Soon

    Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE Leak: Bigger Battery Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung is developing a new version of the Galaxy Buds 3, rumored to be a Fan Edition (FE).
    2. The design of the new earbuds resembles the Buds 3 Pro, with sharper angles, and may have a higher price than the original Buds FE.
    3. The new earbuds’ case could be larger, with a model number EP-QR420, featuring a 900mAh capacity compared to the 515mAh of the Buds 3.
    4. Each Galaxy Bud 3 FE is expected to have a standard battery capacity of 200mAh.
    5. The official reveal of the new earbuds may coincide with the launch of the Galaxy S25 FE.

    Samsung’s upcoming flagship wireless earbuds may not be finished yet in 2025, as rumors suggest that the company is developing a new version. This new model is expected to be a Fan Edition of the Galaxy Buds 3, featuring a popular attribute to match its name.

    Design and Pricing Insights

    Reports indicate that these accessories have surfaced in a slightly blurry render, showing a design similar to the Buds 3 Pro, which have sharper angles, unlike the rounder Buds 3. As a result, they could be priced higher than the original Buds FE, currently available for as low as $51.49 on Amazon.

    Battery Specifications

    So far, the case for these new earbuds hasn’t been shown, but it might be larger than the case of the Buds 3. SGS Fimko has supposedly evaluated it, and it is referred to by the model number EP-QR420, boasting a significant 900mAh capacity, outpacing the 515mAh of the Buds 3 series until now.

    Each “Galaxy Bud 3 FE” (also known as “SM-R420”) reportedly has a standard capacity of 200mAh. There’s currently no announcement on when these new earbuds will be officially revealed; however, they could potentially debut alongside the Galaxy S25 FE soon.

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    Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE Leak: Bigger Battery Coming SoonSamsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE Leak: Bigger Battery Coming Soon

     

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  • Sony Files Trademark for 1000X Series Amid WF-1000XM6 Rumors

    Sony Files Trademark for 1000X Series Amid WF-1000XM6 Rumors

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony is rumored to be releasing the WF-1000XM6 earbuds, following the WH-1000XM6 headphones.
    2. The company has filed trademarks for “1000X The Collexion” and “1000X The Collection” in Canada and Japan.
    3. These trademarks suggest potential special edition versions of existing Sony audio products.
    4. Fans are hopeful that the new trademarks are linked to the upcoming WF-1000XM6.
    5. The official unveiling of the WF-1000XM6 is expected sometime this fall.

    The WF-1000XM6 has been in the talks for a while now, especially after the WH-1000XM6 was released earlier this year (currently priced at $428 on Amazon). So far, the only hints about the WF-1000XM6 have come from import records and a short display in the Sound Connect app. Recently, The Walkman Blog discovered that Sony has taken steps to patent something quite interesting on an international level.

    Unusual Trademarks

    As the images below reveal, Sony has applied for trademarks for ‘1000X The Collexion’ and ‘1000X The Collection’ with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. Additionally, a similar filing was made with the Japan Patent Office. According to the provided details, 1000X The Collection includes not just headphones but also earbuds and other audio-related devices.

    Hints at Special Editions

    In the opinion of The Walkman Blog, these new trademarks suggest that there may be special edition versions of current Sony headphones and earbuds in the works. However, considering the timing with the rumors around the WF-1000XM6, fans are optimistic that these patents are related to Sony’s upcoming premium wireless earbuds. At this moment, it is anticipated that Sony will unveil the WF-1000XM6 sometime this fall, making it plausible that ‘1000X The Collection’ could somehow connect to the WF-1000XM6.

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    Sony Files Trademark for 1000X Series Amid WF-1000XM6 RumorsSony Files Trademark for 1000X Series Amid WF-1000XM6 RumorsSony Files Trademark for 1000X Series Amid WF-1000XM6 Rumors

     

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  • Kali Audio Launches Project Highland Park HP-1 ANC Headphones

    Kali Audio Launches Project Highland Park HP-1 ANC Headphones

    Key Takeaways

    1. Kali Audio’s Project Highland Park HP-1 headphones are designed for studio monitoring and casual listening, marking the company’s first entry into the headphone market.
    2. Equipped with 40 mm drivers, the headphones offer a frequency response of 18 Hz to 22 kHz and feature active noise cancellation.
    3. The headphones include a digital signal processor (DSP) with three audio presets: Bass Heavy, Consumer, and Studio, each catering to different listening preferences.
    4. Connectivity options include a wired 3.5 mm cable and wireless Bluetooth, with a battery life of up to 40 hours and a USB-C charging port.
    5. The HP-1 headphones are priced at a suggested retail of $199 and are available through Kali’s authorized dealers.

    Kali Audio has introduced the Project Highland Park HP-1 over-ear headphones that are designed for both studio monitoring and casual listening. Since its inception in 2018, Kali Audio has been known for its studio monitors, like those found on Amazon. The HP-1 marks the company’s initial entry into the headphone market from its base in California.

    Features and Specifications

    The Highland Park headphones are equipped with 40 mm drivers, allowing for a frequency response between 18 Hz and 22 kHz. They also feature active noise cancellation, which helps to minimize background sounds. For convenience, a built-in microphone allows users to take phone calls without hassle.

    Sound Quality and Modes

    These headphones are powered by a digital signal processor (DSP) chip, which modifies the sound reproduction with a slight delay of 17 msec. Users can switch between three audio presets by simply pressing a button: Bass Heavy, Consumer, and Studio. According to the company, the Studio mode aims to deliver the most accurate and neutral sound. The other two modes are tailored to provide a more enjoyable listening experience, with an emphasis on bass and other features that enhance musical enjoyment.

    Connectivity and Battery Life

    The headphones can connect to audio devices through a wired 3.5 mm cable or via wireless Bluetooth, compatible with SBC and AAC audio codecs. For charging, there is a USB-C port, and the lithium battery is said to provide up to 40 hours of playtime, as per Kali’s claims. The dimensions of the HP-1 are about 7.75 inches tall (19.7 cm) and it weighs 0.4 lbs. (181 g).

    The Project Highland Park HP-1 over-ear headphones are priced at a suggested retail of $199 and can be purchased from Kali’s authorized dealers. If you’re exploring alternatives, you might want to check out a well-rated option available on Amazon.

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  • Fiio Launches Snowsky Melody Wooden DAC with Hi-Res Audio Support

    Fiio Launches Snowsky Melody Wooden DAC with Hi-Res Audio Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. Premium Build: The Snowsky Melody DAC features a casing made from high-quality aged wood sourced from North America.

    2. High-Resolution Support: It supports various high-resolution audio formats, including DSD256 and 384 kHz 32-bit PCM, powered by dual Cirrus Logic MasterHIFI DACs.

    3. Exceptional Sound Quality: The DAC offers a frequency range of 20 Hz to 50 kHz, with extremely low total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) and a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

    4. Powerful Output: It can drive single-ended headphones with up to 100 mW and balanced headphones with up to 250 mW, with improved channel crosstalk using balanced connections.

    5. Versatile Connectivity: Compatible with multiple devices, including Android/iOS smartphones, Windows/macOS computers, and gaming consoles, and offered in maple and walnut finishes for $62.26.

    Fiio has introduced the compact Snowsky Melody digital audio converter (DAC), designed for those who love high-resolution music. This DAC features a casing made from premium aged wood sourced from North America. It supports a variety of high-resolution music formats, such as DSD256 and 384 kHz 32-bit PCM, thanks to its dual Cirrus Logic MasterHIFI digital-to-analog converters.

    Outstanding Sound Quality

    The DAC delivers audio with a frequency range between 20 Hz and 50 kHz while achieving a THD+N of less than 0.00066% (0 dB, 32 Ω) and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) exceeding 123 dB (32 Ω, A-weighted) through 3.5 mm single-ended headphone outputs. Alternatively, when using 4.4 mm balanced headphone connections, it achieves a THD+N of less than 0.0003% (0 dB, 32 Ω) and an SNR above 127 dB (32 Ω, A-weighted).

    Power and Performance

    The Melody can power single-ended headphones with up to 100 mW (32 Ω) per channel and balanced headphones with a maximum of 250 mW (32 Ω). By using the balanced output jack, the channel crosstalk is significantly reduced from approximately 76 dB to about 121 dB at 1 kHz (32 Ω).

    Versatile Connectivity

    This DAC is compatible with USB Audio Class (UAC) 1 and 2, allowing it to connect to Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, Windows and macOS computers, as well as gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5.

    The dimensions of the DAC are 42 x 22.5 x 11.5 mm (1.65 x 0.89 x 0.45 in.) and it weighs in at 10 g (0.35 oz.). The Snowsky Melody can be purchased from Fiio’s AliExpress store for a suggested retail price of $62.26, available in both maple and walnut finishes. Those in search of a more compact DAC or one featuring an OLED display might want to explore other models offered by Fiio on Amazon.

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    Fiio Launches Snowsky Melody Wooden DAC with Hi-Res Audio SupportFiio Launches Snowsky Melody Wooden DAC with Hi-Res Audio SupportFiio Launches Snowsky Melody Wooden DAC with Hi-Res Audio Support

     

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  • Starling Shows Audio Data Transfer by Replicating Spectrogram Image

    Starling Shows Audio Data Transfer by Replicating Spectrogram Image

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ben used a high-definition 192kHz/32-bit setup to capture a European Starling mimicking a synthetic sound pattern.
    2. The Starling’s vocalization showed a visual pattern matching the synthetic spectrogram after repeated exposure, indicating precise audio reproduction.
    3. Starlings have a unique syrinx that allows complex control over their vocalizations, enabling them to imitate various sound properties.
    4. The experiment advances bioacoustics by showing that living creatures can encode and reproduce waveform-based information.
    5. Accessible tools like BirdNET-Pi and professional equipment are merging biology and acoustic engineering for new experimental possibilities.

    Using a high-definition 192kHz/32-bit ultrasonic recording setup with Sonorous S04 stereo microphones along with a Zoom F3 field recorder, audio researcher and YouTuber Ben captured a European Starling mimicking a synthetic spectrogram image through its vocal sounds. The original sound file, which represented a bird’s silhouette in audio form, was created using a spectral synthesizer and played on repeat near the bird. After a few days, while analyzing the spectrogram of the Starling’s song, the same visual pattern emerged in its vocalization. The reproduced waveform kept its form throughout the 4000Hz spectrum, with pitch fluctuations below 60Hz—sufficient to classify it as a precise reproduction of about 176 kilobytes of audio data.

    Advanced Vocal Capabilities

    Starlings differ from parrots in that they possess a syrinx which allows for separate control of airflow from both lungs, giving them the ability to modulate amplitude and frequency more complexly. This biological version of dual-channel FM synthesis means they can imitate not only pitch and rhythm but also the reverb and envelope properties of synthetic and mechanical sounds. Ben’s application of ultrasonic analysis facilitated playback at slower speeds while maintaining quality, uncovering modulated layers that are beyond human auditory perception.

    A New Era in Bioacoustics

    Although the experiment may not be practical for storing data, it represents a significant advancement in the field of bioacoustics—demonstrating that waveform-based information can be encoded, remembered, and re-sung by a living creature. With free tools like BirdNET-Pi and professional-grade ultrasonic equipment now accessible to enthusiasts, this project merges the realms of biology, acoustic engineering, and experimental data transmission in an intriguing way.

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  • Rhythm Launches Crankspeaker: Versatile Bluetooth Speaker & More

    Rhythm Launches Crankspeaker: Versatile Bluetooth Speaker & More

    Key Takeaways

    1. Versatile Gadget: The Crankspeaker combines multiple functions, including a hand-crank charger, powerbank, Bluetooth speaker, area light, flashlight, clock, and FM radio.

    2. Battery Performance: It features a 4,000 mAh battery that can provide extensive usage: 44 hours of radio, 50 hours of flashlight, and 266 hours of area light when fully charged.

    3. Cranking Power: One minute of hand-cranking can power the radio for about 5.1 minutes, the flashlight for 5.6 minutes, and the area light for 30 minutes, plus provide 2 minutes of smartphone talk time.

    4. Audio and Controls: The device includes a 45 mm driver for sound, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, an LCD screen for displaying time and battery level, and various control buttons for different functions.

    5. Dimensions and Price: The Crankspeaker measures 195 x 72 x 78 mm and weighs 450 g, available in black and light grey for 14,800 yen (~$110) on Rakuten.

    Rhythm has launched the Crankspeaker in Japan, a versatile gadget that merges a hand-crank charger with a powerbank, Bluetooth speaker, area light, flashlight, clock, and FM radio into one device.

    Battery Specifications

    The 4,000 mAh battery can be recharged without needing an outside power source during emergencies, but it can also be charged via a USB Type-C power supply (DC 5V/2A). When the battery is fully charged, it can offer up to 44 hours of radio use, 50 hours of flashlight usage, and 266 hours of area light operation, as stated by the company.

    Cranking Power

    Using the hand-crank for one minute can yield about 5.1 minutes of radio playback, 5.6 minutes of flashlight use, and 30 minutes of area lighting. Moreover, one minute of cranking can give enough power for a smartphone for 2 minutes of talk time or extend its standby time by 30 minutes, according to Rhythm.

    Audio and Control Features

    The Crankspeaker is equipped with a 45 mm driver and a passive radiator to deliver sound when paired with Bluetooth 5.3 audio devices or through its built-in FM radio. At the top, an LCD screen shows the current radio station or time, alongside the battery level. Control buttons on the side manage the device, including the flashlight (95 lumens high, 20 lumens low) and area light (20 lumens high, 2 lumens low). The USB Type-A port allows for charging smartphones and other gadgets (DC 5V/2.1A max).

    Dimensions and Weight

    This IP44-rated product measures 195 x 72 x 78 mm (7.7 x 2.8 x 3.1 in.) and has a weight of 450 g (15.9 oz.).

    The Crankspeaker can be purchased from the Rhythm store on Rakuten at a price of 14,800 yen (~$110) in black and light grey colors. For readers in America looking for something alike, there is a hand-crank radio available on Amazon US that features a built-in solar panel, flashlight, and powerbank.

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    Rhythm Launches Crankspeaker: Versatile Bluetooth Speaker & MoreRhythm Launches Crankspeaker: Versatile Bluetooth Speaker & MoreRhythm Launches Crankspeaker: Versatile Bluetooth Speaker & More

     

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  • Pixel Buds 2a: Redesigned Case and Improved Stabilizer Arcs

    Pixel Buds 2a: Redesigned Case and Improved Stabilizer Arcs

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Pixel launch event will reveal new smartphones and the Pixel Buds 2a, successors to the Pixel Buds A-series from 2021.
    2. The Pixel Buds 2a feature a new design with a rounder white case and will be available in three colors: Iris, Strawberry, and Fog Light.
    3. The earbuds have updated features, including modified stabilizer arcs for a better fit and large recessed microphone holes covered with black mesh.
    4. While specific technical features are not yet known, the Pixel Buds 2a are expected to offer improvements over the previous model.
    5. The Pixel Buds 2a will compete with other brands like OnePlus, Nothing, and CMF in the earbuds market.

    The Pixel launch event set for later this month is expected to introduce not only new smartphones but also a fresh set of earbuds — namely, the Pixel Buds 2a. These new earbuds will serve as the successors to the Pixel Buds A-series that debuted in 2021. A leak has surfaced prior to the event, showcasing the design of the upcoming earbuds.

    Design Preview

    According to details from Android Headlines, the Pixel Buds 2a feature a new design that still resembles the previous model. The leaked images show a white case that looks slightly rounder compared to the original Pixel Buds A-series case. Google has also maintained its design approach of matching the case color to the earbuds. The source mentions that this color is called Iris, which aligns with one of the shades of the Pixel 9a. In addition, the Pixel Buds 2a will come in two other colors, Strawberry and Fog Light.

    New Features

    The inside of the case has been updated due to the new look of the earbuds. Unlike the Pixel Buds A that had sticking-out stabilizer arcs for a snug fit, the Pixel Buds 2a seem to have a different design. It’s likely that these arcs are still present but have been modified to resemble those found on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 (currently sold on Amazon for $189).

    Moreover, the new earbuds are equipped with large but recessed microphone holes. However, these holes are covered with black mesh material rather than a color-matched one like what is seen in the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

    Competition Ahead

    While the exact technical features of the Pixel Buds 2a are still a mystery, they are expected to offer improvements over the previous generation. However, they will likely have enough differences to set them apart from the higher-end pro model. Upon their release, the Pixel Buds 2a will likely face tough competition from brands like OnePlus with their Buds 4, Nothing Ear (a), and CMF Buds 2 Plus.

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