Category: Audio

  • JVC Kenwood TH-WD05 Soundbar: Dolby Atmos with Wood-Cone Speakers

    JVC Kenwood TH-WD05 Soundbar: Dolby Atmos with Wood-Cone Speakers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sound Quality: Features three 20-watt speakers and a 40-watt woofer, with wood-cone speakers for deep bass and vibrant high frequencies.
    2. Clear Voice Mode: Includes a Clear Voice mode to enhance dialogue clarity for better understanding.
    3. Night Mode: Offers a night mode that adjusts audio for clearer sound at lower volume levels, suitable for late-night viewing.
    4. Bluetooth Capability: Functions as a Bluetooth speaker and includes a wireless transmitter for sending TV audio to Bluetooth headphones.
    5. Compact Size and Price: Dimensions of 697 x 77.5 x 110 mm and a weight of 3.5 kg, priced at 59,840 yen (approximately $390).

    JVC Kenwood has introduced their new TH-WD05 3.1 Dolby Atmos soundbar featuring wooden cone speakers, specifically in Japan.

    Compact Design and Powerful Sound

    This sleek soundbar includes three 20-watt speakers and a 40-watt woofer, allowing it to connect to TVs through optical, RCA, or HDMI cables. The center speaker is designed with a flat driver, which helps direct dialogue toward the listeners. JVC claims that the device offers a Clear Voice mode that enhances spoken words for clearer understanding. The company has created wood-cone speakers in-house, which are praised for delivering deep bass and vibrant high frequencies.

    Enhanced Listening Experience

    For those late-night viewing sessions, a night mode is available that adjusts the audio to be more audible at reduced volume levels. Additionally, the soundbar features a wireless transmitter that can send TV audio to Bluetooth headphones, perfect for when quiet is necessary in the room. Users can also utilize the soundbar as a Bluetooth speaker to enjoy high-quality audio from their smartphones, and it supports high-resolution music playback, including formats like WAV and FLAC from a USB flash drive.

    Specifications and Pricing

    The dimensions of the TH-WD05 are 697 x 77.5mm x 110 mm (27.4 x 3.1 x 4.3 in.) and it weighs in at 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs.), making it convenient for placement on smaller TV stands. The suggested retail price for the JVC Kenwood soundbar is 59,840 yen (approximately $390), and it can be purchased from the company’s store in either natural wood or brown wood finishes.

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  • JVC Kenwood SP-WS10BT Wireless TV Speaker for the Hard of Hearing

    JVC Kenwood SP-WS10BT Wireless TV Speaker for the Hard of Hearing

    Key Takeaways

    – Enhanced Dialogue Focus: The speaker is tuned to improve dialogue frequencies, making it easier for users to hear speech clearly.
    – User-Friendly Design: It features a large volume dial and oversized control buttons for easy operation.
    – Portable and Lightweight: With a stylish wood finish and rotating handle, the speaker weighs only 2.3 lbs and is easy to move.
    – Long Battery Life: The battery can last up to 15 hours, providing extended use without frequent recharging.
    – Versatile Connectivity: Supports Bluetooth 5.4, optical and analog audio connections, and includes headphone and audio input jacks for multiple device compatibility.

    JVC Kenwood has launched the SP-WS10BT, a portable wireless speaker for TVs, aimed at people who have difficulty hearing.

    Design and Features

    This portable speaker is equipped with two 3-watt drivers and a single 14-watt woofer. According to the manufacturer, it is specially tuned to enhance dialogue frequencies, making it simpler to catch what is being said. A conveniently large volume dial and oversized control buttons are placed on the top.

    Size and Portability

    The speaker has a stylish natural wood finish and a rotating aluminum handle. Its dimensions are 210 x 85 x 92 mm (8.3 x 3.3 x 3.6 in.), with a weight of 1,052 g (2.3 lbs.), making it easy to relocate around the room as needed. JVC claims the battery can last for up to 15 hours.

    Connectivity Options

    This TV speaker connects wirelessly to its transmitter using Bluetooth 5.4. The transmitter links to the TV through either an optical or analog audio cable and is powered by AC electricity. Additionally, the speaker can function as a Bluetooth speaker for mobile devices and features 3.5 mm headphone and audio input jacks.

    The JVC Kenwood SP-WS10BT is priced at 31,020 yen (around $200) and can be bought directly from the company’s store.

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    JVC Kenwood SP-WS10BT Wireless TV Speaker for the Hard of HearingJVC Kenwood SP-WS10BT Wireless TV Speaker for the Hard of Hearing

     

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  • B&O Beolab 90 Titan Edition: 18 Speakers, 8200 Watts in Metal Case

    B&O Beolab 90 Titan Edition: 18 Speakers, 8200 Watts in Metal Case

    Key Takeaways

    1. Bang & Olufsen is celebrating its 100th anniversary with five exclusive versions of the Beolab 90, starting with the Titan Edition.
    2. The Titan Edition features a unique aluminum design that displays all 18 speakers, with a sandblasted surface and laser engraving for its limited edition status.
    3. It includes impressive sound capabilities with a total output of 8,200 watts and a frequency range of 12Hz to 43kHz, adapting to its environment automatically.
    4. The Titan Edition is available through authorized sellers, with pricing yet to be disclosed; the standard Beolab 90 pair costs €167,200.
    5. Four additional limited edition models will be revealed in the coming months, following the Titan Edition launch.

    Bang & Olufsen is marking its centenary by launching five exclusive versions of the Beolab 90. The first model, known as the Titan Edition, has been revealed, showcasing a 143-lb aluminum structure that lacks the typical fabric coverings.

    Unique Design Features

    This special design allows all 18 speakers to be prominently displayed, and a laser engraving signifies its limited edition status. Crafted in Denmark, the speaker enclosure features a sandblasted surface for a pristine appearance. The technology present in the Titan Edition remains the same as in the standard Beolab 90, which is still quite remarkable. Moreover, Bang & Olufsen has outfitted the speaker with one 330mm woofer and three 254mm woofers, each powered by a Class D amplifier providing 1,000 watts.

    Impressive Sound Capabilities

    In addition, there are seven 114mm midrange drivers and seven 25mm tweeters, each paired with 300-watt amplifiers. Consequently, a single Beolab 90 can produce an astonishing total output of 8,200 watts. These speakers are designed to reproduce a frequency range that spans from 12Hz to 43kHz, achieving a volume of up to 126dB when used in pairs. The system can also automatically adapt to the unique acoustics of its environment.

    Availability and Pricing

    The Bang & Olufsen Beolab 90 Titan Edition Hi-Fi speaker is now available through authorized sellers, though B&O has yet to disclose a specific MSRP. The Titan Edition is the premier model in a series of five limited editions of this flagship speaker, with the remaining four versions set to be unveiled in the next few months. For comparison, the standard Beolab 90 is priced at €167,200 for a pair. More information regarding the Titan Edition can be found on B&O’s official site.

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    B&O Beolab 90 Titan Edition: 18 Speakers, 8200 Watts in Metal CaseB&O Beolab 90 Titan Edition: 18 Speakers, 8200 Watts in Metal CaseB&O Beolab 90 Titan Edition: 18 Speakers, 8200 Watts in Metal CaseB&O Beolab 90 Titan Edition: 18 Speakers, 8200 Watts in Metal Case

     

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  • Anker Soundcore P31i Earbuds with LDAC and ANC Now in Stock

    Anker Soundcore P31i Earbuds with LDAC and ANC Now in Stock

    Key Takeaways

    1. The soundcore P31i earbuds feature 11 mm titanium-coated drivers for strong bass and clear treble, and they have six built-in microphones.
    2. They offer adaptive noise cancelling (ANC) that reduces background noise by up to 52 dB, which is significantly more effective than the previous P30i model.
    3. An AI translation tool in the P31i can translate over 100 languages in real-time, enhancing communication on the go.
    4. The earbuds provide about 10 hours of playback on a single charge, extendable to 50 hours with the case, and support quick charging for 3.5 hours of use after just 10 minutes.
    5. The pricing for the P31i is $44.99 in the US, £29.99 in the UK, and €59.99 in parts of Europe, with various discounts applied from their original prices.

    Anker has introduced the soundcore P31i Wireless Earbuds with Immersive Adaptive ANC worldwide. Earlier this year, some details about the product leaked through a sketch, hinting at its specifications.

    Features and Specifications

    The soundcore P31i earbuds feature 11 mm (~0.4 inch) titanium-coated drivers designed to deliver strong bass and clear treble. They also come equipped with six built-in microphones. The earbuds utilize LDAC technology with Hi-Res Audio for an engaging listening experience. Their adaptive noise cancelling (ANC) can decrease background noise by up to 52 dB, which Anker claims is three times more effective than the noise cancellation offered by the previous P30i model.

    Additional Capabilities

    One notable addition to the P31i is an AI translation tool capable of translating over 100 languages in real-time. With Bluetooth 6.1 connectivity, these earbuds support Multipoint Connection and Google Fast Pair. According to the product information, they can last for about ten hours on a single charge, or eight hours if ANC is activated. Moreover, the case extends the total usage time to around 50 hours, with a quick 10-minute charge giving you 3.5 hours of playback. The earbuds are rated IP55 for dust and water resistance and come in four color options: black, white, sky blue, and pink.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can purchase the Anker soundcore P31i Wireless Earbuds for $44.99 in the US from the brand’s website or Amazon, reflecting a $5 discount (10%) from the original price of $49.99. In the UK, they are available for £29.99, which is a 40% reduction from the £49.99 RRP. Meanwhile, in European countries like France, the earbuds are priced at €69.99 but can be found on Amazon for €59.99.

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    Anker Soundcore P31i Earbuds with LDAC and ANC Now in Stock

     

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  • Xiaomi Soundbar Pro 2.1 Ch Launches in Europe – Award-Winning Audio

    Xiaomi Soundbar Pro 2.1 Ch Launches in Europe – Award-Winning Audio

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi Soundbar Pro 2.1 ch features a powerful output of up to 300W with two full-range speakers and a 6.5-inch external wireless subwoofer.
    2. It offers six audio modes (Music, Film, Game) and supports Dolby Audio and DTS:Virtual X for an immersive sound experience.
    3. The soundbar includes various ports (HDMI, Optical, Coaxial) and supports Bluetooth and NFC for easy smartphone pairing.
    4. It comes with an infrared remote, touch controls on top, and has a stylish black metallic design, measuring 840 x 87 x 60 mm.
    5. Priced at €199.90, the soundbar is currently available in Germany and may expand to other markets soon.

    The Xiaomi Soundbar Pro 2.1 ch has officially made its debut in Europe. Earlier this year, this model was seen on the company’s global website. It is an upgrade from the Xiaomi Soundbar 2.0 ch, which hit the shelves in this region at the start of 2025.

    Impressive Features and Performance

    The Xiaomi Soundbar Pro 2.1 ch offers an impressive power output of up to 300W, featuring two full-range speakers along with an external wireless subwoofer that is 6.5 inches in size. Users can select from six different audio modes, including Music, Film, and Game. Thanks to technologies like Dolby Audio and DTS:Virtual X, the soundbar provides an immersive surround sound experience. It comes equipped with several ports, such as HDMI (ARC), Optical, and Coaxial, and also supports Bluetooth connectivity. Additionally, NFC functionality allows users to simply tap their smartphones on the soundbar for quick pairing.

    Design and Controls

    Included with the soundbar is an infrared remote control, and there’s a discreet display that shows various settings. Touch controls are conveniently located on the top of the device. With a stylish black metallic finish, the soundbar measures 840 x 87 x 60 mm (approximately 33.1 x 3.4 x 2.4 inches), while the wireless subwoofer measures 363 x 249 x 249 mm (around 14.3 x 9.8 x 9.8 inches). Notably, this model has been awarded the 2025 Red Dot Design Award.

    Availability and Pricing

    You can purchase the Xiaomi Soundbar Pro 2.1 ch in Germany for €199.90 through the company’s online store. Considering that the Xiaomi Soundbar 2.0 ch was launched in other nations like Spain, it is anticipated that this new model may become more widely available in the near future.

    Xiaomi’s

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  • WiiM Sound Smart Speaker: Multi-Room Audio & Voice Control

    WiiM Sound Smart Speaker: Multi-Room Audio & Voice Control

    Key Takeaways

    1. WiiM has introduced the new smart speaker, WiiM Sound, available in black and soon in white, priced at €349.
    2. The speaker features high-fidelity audio with a 4-inch woofer, two tweeters, and a total output of 100 watts, supporting high-resolution audio at 24-bit 192 kHz.
    3. It includes AI RoomFit for automatic room correction, enhancing sound quality throughout the space.
    4. Users can control the speaker via the WiiM Home app, which integrates streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, and Alexa Cast, and offers connectivity options like WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
    5. The device has a 1.8-inch touchscreen for playback management and comes with the WiiM Voice Remote 2 Lite for voice commands using Alexa or Google Assistant.

    WiiM is broadening its range of audio streaming devices by introducing a new smart speaker. Recently, the company unveiled the WiiM Sound, which is soon to be available for purchase. The black variant is already listed on the official site of the manufacturer in select areas, and a white version, along with availability on Amazon, is expected to come shortly. The recommended retail price is set at €349.

    Features and Specifications

    The WiiM Sound is promoted as delivering high-fidelity audio quality, smart connectivity, and multi-room management. The dimensions of the speaker are approximately 6 x 6 x 8 inches, and it features a 4-inch woofer plus two tweeters that provide a total output of 100 watts and support high-resolution audio at 24-bit 192 kHz. Thanks to its automatic room correction, named AI RoomFit, the compact WiiM Sound aims to create immersive sound throughout the room.

    Control and Connectivity

    Users can manage the smart speaker through the dedicated WiiM Home app. This application enables control over all speakers, streamers, and amplifiers from the brand in one convenient location, while also offering direct access to well-known streaming services like Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, DLNA, and Alexa Cast. In terms of connectivity, it boasts WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio, Ethernet, and a 3.5mm jack.

    Additional Features

    At the front of the device, there’s a 1.8-inch touchscreen for managing playback, equalizer adjustments, and input selections. The package also includes the WiiM Voice Remote 2 Lite. In addition to its standard buttons, the remote allows for push-to-talk voice commands that can be interpreted by either Alexa or Google Assistant.

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    WiiM Sound Smart Speaker: Multi-Room Audio & Voice Control

     

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  • House of Marley Positive Vibration Rebel: 130-Hour ANC Headphones

    House of Marley Positive Vibration Rebel: 130-Hour ANC Headphones

    Key Takeaways

    1. Long Battery Life: Up to 130 hours without ANC and 75 hours with ANC activated.
    2. Sustainable Materials: Made with FSC-certified wood, aluminum, and eco-friendly fabric, enhancing durability and sustainability.
    3. Comfortable Design: Features foldable ear cups for portability and an IPX5 rating for sweat and light rain protection.
    4. Audio Features: Includes adaptive noise cancellation and supports Bluetooth 5.4, but specifics on sound quality are yet to be assessed.
    5. Pricing and Availability: Priced at $149 in beige or black, with worldwide release details still pending.

    The latest House of Marley Vibration Rebel ANC over-ear headphones are designed to lead the market with an astonishingly long battery life. Specifically, the company claims you can get up to 130 hours of listening time without ANC, or 75 hours when the noise cancellation feature is activated.

    Design and Durability

    In addition to their impressive battery life, these headphones are said to offer comfort and portability, featuring a design with foldable ear cups. The materials used, including FSC-certified wood, aluminum, and “eco-friendly” fabric, are meant to enhance the sustainability of the product. They also come with an IPX5 rating, which should protect against sweat and light rain. Plus, the headphones feature dynamic 40mm drivers for audio performance.

    Audio Quality and Features

    While House of Marley has not disclosed specific information regarding the drivers or sound quality, independent reviewers will need to assess whether the audio performance is worth the $150 price tag. Nonetheless, the headphones do offer adaptive noise cancellation and support for Bluetooth 5.4, though it’s unclear if Bluetooth Multipoint and Hi-Fi codecs are included.

    The House of Marley Positive Vibration Rebel ANC headphones are available for $149 in shades of beige or black. Information regarding their worldwide release is yet to be announced, but given that the earlier Vibration XL model (priced at €229 on Amazon Germany) is accessible in Europe, it seems like just a matter of time before these new headphones are launched.

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    House of Marley Positive Vibration Rebel: 130-Hour ANC HeadphonesHouse of Marley Positive Vibration Rebel: 130-Hour ANC HeadphonesHouse of Marley Positive Vibration Rebel: 130-Hour ANC HeadphonesHouse of Marley Positive Vibration Rebel: 130-Hour ANC Headphones

     

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  • Convert PDFs to Audio Summaries with NotebookLM on Google Drive

    Convert PDFs to Audio Summaries with NotebookLM on Google Drive

    Key Takeaways

    1. Google is launching a feature called “Audio Overviews” that converts lengthy documents in Google Drive into short audio clips using Gemini AI.
    2. Users can access this feature by clicking the “Audio Overview” button when viewing a PDF in their web browser, generating audio files that last between two to ten minutes.
    3. The audio clips are stored in a new “Audio Overviews” folder in Google Drive, and users receive email notifications when they are ready.
    4. The feature is designed for multitasking, allowing users to listen to important information while commuting or doing other tasks.
    5. Currently, “Audio Overviews” is only available to paying Google Workspace users and supports PDFs in English only.

    We all have those documents stored in Google Drive: the extensive industry report, the long meeting notes, or the complicated contract that you have been meaning to read. Using ChatGPT or Gemini to generate a summary might sound like a good plan. But what if you could convert these files into podcast-like audio clips? That’s precisely what Google’s new Gemini AI experiment is aiming to achieve.

    New Feature Introduction

    Google is introducing “Audio Overviews” directly within Google Drive, a fresh feature powered by Gemini that simplifies the process of understanding lengthy PDFs and documents on the go by transforming them into short audio clips.

    The tool, which utilizes technology from Google’s well-liked research application NotebookLM, is quite straightforward. When you open a PDF in your web browser, a new “Audio Overview” button will appear in the upper toolbar. Clicking this button opens the Gemini side panel, and after a few moments of processing, you’ll receive a short audio file lasting from two to ten minutes.

    Accessing Your Audio Files

    This audio file is automatically stored in a new folder labeled “Audio Overviews” in your Drive. You’ll even receive an email notification once it’s ready, allowing you to access it from either your smartphone or your computer.

    Google emphasizes the importance of multitasking with this feature. The company claims it will enable you to “absorb vital information” while you’re commuting, exercising, or completing household tasks.

    Limitations of the Feature

    Nonetheless, this new AI feature may not be suitable for everyone. Currently, it is only accessible to paying Google Workspace users — specifically those on Business Standard/Plus, Enterprise Standard/Plus — and subscribers to the Google One AI Pro plan. At its launch, it only supports PDFs in English.

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  • JVC Kenwood Wood Master Earphones: Self-Healing Paint & Rosewood Drivers

    JVC Kenwood Wood Master Earphones: Self-Healing Paint & Rosewood Drivers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Premium Design and Colors: The Wood Master earbuds are available in sunburst brown and piano black, featuring a stylish design with a self-healing paint finish.

    2. Advanced Audio Technology: They utilize African rosewood in hybrid diaphragms, 10 mm drivers, LDAC Bluetooth codec, and offer sound personalization through an app.

    3. Unique Ear Tip Design: The Spiral Dot Pro SF ear tips enhance high-frequency clarity and detail without muddiness, thanks to their oval shape and innovative sound openings.

    4. Long Battery Life: The earbuds provide up to 7 hours of playback with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and an additional 14 hours with the charging case, plus a fast recharge time of 2 hours.

    5. Connectivity Features: They support multipoint Bluetooth 6.0 connections for linking two devices simultaneously and include a low-latency mode for gaming.

    JVC Kenwood has introduced the premium Wood Master in-ear wireless earbuds in Japan, available in two stylish colors—sunburst brown and piano black.

    Advanced Audio Technology

    These earphones feature African rosewood in their hybrid diaphragms and utilize 10 mm drivers to ensure Hi-Res Audio playback via the LDAC Bluetooth audio codec. They also support standard SBC and AAC codecs. Users can personalize sound settings through an app, which optimizes acoustics based on the unique shape of their ears. Additionally, there is an option for spatial audio, while AI noise cancellation helps to minimize background sounds during music playback and phone calls.

    Unique Design Features

    The Wood Master earbuds come equipped with Spiral Dot Pro SF ear tips, crafted in an oval shape with tiny sound openings on the inner wall. This innovative design enhances the clarity of high-frequency sounds and intricate details without creating muddiness, as stated by JVC.

    The earbuds’ casing is finished with a self-healing paint that automatically repairs scratches over time, helping to sustain their look. They also boast an IP55 rating, making them resistant to both dust and water.

    Impressive Battery Life

    According to JVC, the Wood Master earphones can last up to 7 hours with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled and recharge fully in 2 hours. The included charging case provides an additional 14 hours of playback time (with ANC on). These earbuds support multipoint Bluetooth 6.0 connections, allowing users to connect to two devices at the same time, and they come with a low-latency mode tailored for gaming.

    In Japan, consumers can buy these earphones from the JVC website for 41,800 yen (about $300), or from Amazon Japan, with shipping set to start on November 20, 2025. Unfortunately, customers in America will only have access to JVC’s more basic options available on Amazon US.

    JVC Kenwood, JVC Kenwood press release.

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  • Repairing Defective Apple AirPods Max: The Freezer Fix Guide

    Repairing Defective Apple AirPods Max: The Freezer Fix Guide

    Key Takeaways

    1. Users of Apple AirPods Max are experiencing a defect indicated by a blinking LED light, known as the “three amber lights of death,” which often cannot be fixed by restarting or restoring the device.

    2. A temporary workaround involves placing the headphones in the freezer for 40 minutes, which has shown to restore functionality for a short period.

    3. The effectiveness of the freezer method is limited, as the headphones typically only work properly for a few days afterward.

    4. Some issues may stem from a dirty Lightning charging port, suggesting that basic cleaning could sometimes resolve the problem.

    5. There is uncertainty about whether the newly released AirPods Max with USB-C are affected by this defect, as it usually arises after several years of use.

    On both Reddit and Threads, users of Apple AirPods Max have been sharing their experiences with a troubling defect that makes the headphones nearly unusable. This issue can be recognized by a blinking LED light. In many instances, the so-called “three amber lights of death” can’t be resolved by merely restarting or restoring the device to its original settings.

    Temporary Solution Found

    Interestingly, a Reddit user named Crush145 has suggested a workaround. They claim that placing the over-ear headphones in the freezer for 40 minutes can temporarily fix the issue. Following this tip, CNET put their AirPods Max in the freezer for an hour, and to their surprise, the headphones worked again. The speculation from CNET is that this problem might stem from tiny cracks in the internal wiring, which close up when exposed to cold temperatures. However, it’s important to note that this fix is not a long-lasting solution.

    Short-lived Fixes

    In the case of CNET, their AirPods Max only functioned properly for a few days after being taken out of the freezer. Additionally, for some users, the problem might also originate from a dirty Lightning charging port, meaning a basic cleaning could occasionally resolve the issue. As of now, Apple hasn’t released any statements regarding this defect, leaving many questions unanswered about the cause of the “three amber lights of death” and how widespread it really is.

    Concerns Over Newer Models

    Furthermore, there’s uncertainty about whether the newly released AirPods Max with USB-C (starting at $499 on Amazon) are impacted, since this defect generally develops after several years of use. The refreshed AirPods Max were just released in September 2024, so it remains to be seen if they share the same issues as their predecessors.

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