Category: Audio

August 12, 2024
Sennheiser HD 620S Launched in India: Closer-Back Design Features
Sennheiser has launched the HD 620S in India, expanding its HD 600 series. These headphones are designed for audiophiles who seek detailed sound, featuring a closed-back design that excels in sound isolation, effectively blocking external noise.
Sennheiser HD 620S Headphones
The HD 620S comes equipped with a 42mm driver, delivering balanced audio with clear bass, similar to Sennheiser’s open-back models. Its design incorporates metal reinforcements for enhanced durability and an angled baffle to improve sound precision.
Despite being closed-back, the HD 620S offers a broad soundstage, avoiding the typical drawbacks of closed-back headphones. The package includes a detachable cable with both standard and 6.3mm jacks, along with an optional balanced cable for greater compatibility.
Specifications
Covering a frequency range of 6 Hz to 30 kHz and maintaining low distortion (less than 0.05%), the HD 620S is ideal for audiophiles and gamers who seek a reliable, high-quality listening experience.
Pricing & Availability
The Sennheiser HD 620S is now available at a launch price of Rs. 32,990. It can be purchased from the Sennheiser webshop, Amazon.in, and Flipkart.com.
In other news, Sennheiser has also released the MOMENTUM Sport TWS earphones for fitness enthusiasts in India. Priced at Rs 34,990, they offer IP55-certified sweat, dust, and shock resistance, a 10mm transducer for robust bass, and hybrid adaptive noise cancellation. Key features include built-in health tracking sensors like a PPG heart-rate monitor, body temperature sensor, and a 3-axis accelerometer.
Tags: Audiophile Headphones, Sennheiser HD 620S
August 8, 2024
EarFun Air Pro 4 Budget Noise Cancelling Earbuds with aptX Lossless
EarFun recently launched its new in-ear headphones, the Air Pro 4, at a price point of $90. These earbuds aim to deliver quality sound and practical features for a reasonable cost.
High-Quality Audio and Connectivity
Powered by Qualcomm’s QCC3091 SoC, the Air Pro 4 supports aptX Lossless and LDAC codecs, enhancing sound quality. Future firmware updates will introduce LE audio and Auracast compatibility. The 10mm composite dynamic drivers ensure rich and detailed audio. Additionally, the earbuds support multi-device connectivity, allowing users to switch between devices effortlessly.
Effective Noise Cancellation and Clear Calls
The Air Pro 4 includes QuietSmart 3.0 Adaptive Noise Cancellation, featuring six microphones and AI algorithms that reduce ambient noise by up to 50 dB. ANC levels can be adjusted through the EarFun Audio app. The combination of the six-microphone setup and cVc 8.0 technology ensures clear call quality, even in noisy settings.
Long Battery Life and Easy Charging
These earbuds provide up to 11 hours of playback on a single charge, extending to 52 hours with the charging case. The case supports both USB Type-C and wireless charging, and a quick 10-minute charge adds 2 hours of listening time.
User-Friendly Features and Durability
Google Fast Pair allows quick pairing with Android devices, and in-ear detection pauses playback when the earbuds are removed. A low-latency gaming mode reduces latency to 50 milliseconds. The Air Pro 4 is IPX5-rated for water and sweat resistance, making it suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. As mentioned earlier, the EarFun Air Pro 4 is available for around $90 and can be purchased through Amazon.
Tags: Active Noise Cancellation, EarFun Air Pro 4, Long Battery Life
August 7, 2024
Vivo TWS 3e with ANC, Dual Connectivity Launched in India
Vivo has unveiled its V40 series smartphones in India today. Alongside, the company introduced a new TWS earphone named the Vivo TWS 3e. This audio device boasts impressive specifications and features at a budget-friendly price, positioning itself as a competitor to the Redmi Buds 5, Realme Buds Air 6, OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro, among others. Let’s delve into what the Vivo TWS 3e brings to the table.
Vivo TWS 3e Specifications
The Vivo TWS 3e sports an AirPods-like design with a long stem and silicone ear tips. These earphones are IP54-certified, making them resistant to dust and splashes. Various functions can be performed by tapping on the stem. Additionally, they feature wearing detection, automatically pausing the music when removed and resuming playback when worn again.
In terms of audio quality, the Vivo TWS 3e houses an 11mm bionic composite cashmere biofibre driver engineered by the Golden Ear Acoustics team. It offers intelligent active noise cancellation up to 30dB, allowing users to enjoy an uninterrupted listening experience by blocking ambient noise. Furthermore, the earphones include AI call noise reduction and wind noise elimination, and they feature DeepX 3.0 sound effects for an immersive audio experience.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The Vivo TWS 3e can connect to two devices simultaneously and supports Google Fast Pair. It also features an 88ms low latency mode and the ability to locate the earbuds via Find My Earphones. Depending on the usage, the battery life varies; with ANC enabled, the device offers 36 hours of battery life, and with ANC disabled, it extends to 42 hours. Each earbud provides 8.5 hours of playback with ANC and 10.5 hours without ANC.
Pricing and Availability
The Vivo TWS 3e is available in Bright White and Dark Indigo colors. It is priced at Rs 1,899 for a special launch and can be purchased starting today from Flipkart and Vivo’s official website.
Tags: Active Noise Cancellation, Affordable Earphones, Vivo TWS 3e
August 6, 2024
Huawei FreeBuds 6i and Special Edition Launch in China from $84
Huawei has unveiled the FreeBuds 6i TWS earbuds at their recent product launch event in China. These earbuds were previously introduced in the global market earlier this year.
Pricing and Availability
The FreeBuds 6i are priced at 599 Yuan ($84) and will be available for purchase starting today at 18:08 (CST). Pre-sales began at the end of the previous month. Consumers can choose from three colors: Streamer Purple, Sky White, and Midnight Black.
Huawei has also released a special edition of the earbuds, in collaboration with Pop Mart, called the FreeBuds 6i Streamer Melody Edition. This version is priced at 899 Yuan ($126). Pre-sales for this edition start today at 18:08, with official sales beginning on August 17th at 10:08 (CST).
Specifications of Huawei FreeBuds 6i
The earbuds feature an 11mm four-magnet dynamic driver designed to enhance audio quality. They include a 10-band equalizer, enabling users to personalize the sound output to their liking.
The Huawei FreeBuds 6i offers a noise cancellation depth of 27 dB, employing the Intelligent Dynamic Noise Cancellation 3.0 algorithm. This system adapts in real-time to different environments, adjusting every second for a comfortable listening experience in places like cafes, airplanes, and subways.
Additional Features
The earbuds come equipped with three microphones and a resonance damping chamber for effective mid-to-high frequency noise reduction. They also boast a 2.4x computing power upgrade to enhance the accuracy and speed of noise cancellation.
Other features include intuitive touch controls, quick charging, and up to 35 hours of total music playback. The earbuds support multi-device connectivity, IP54 dust and water resistance, and audio sharing, making them suitable for a wide range of user needs.
Tags: Active Noise Cancellation, Huawei FreeBuds 6i
August 5, 2024
China’s Bluetooth Headset Market Grows 20.8% YoY in H1 2024
International Data Corporation (IDC) has unveiled its “China Wireless Headset Market Monthly Tracking Report,” stating that wireless earphone shipments have hit 55.4 million units in the first six months of this year. This marks a 20.8% increase compared to the same period last year.
Growing Popularity of TWS and Open-Back Headphones
Out of the 55.4 million units, 35.08 million were TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earphones, reflecting a 5.6% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, the open-back headphone segment has seen a remarkable surge, with 11.84 million units shipped in the first half of 2024, a year-on-year rise of 303.6%.
Although the growth of TWS earphones has decelerated in the first half of this year, the competition within this market remains intense. Leading brands are focusing on entry-level products, and the market is buzzing with new technologies offered at competitive prices, resulting in enhancements like extended battery life, better noise reduction, and superior audio quality.
TWS earphones priced under 200 Yuan (~$28) now constitute 65% of the market, an 11% increase from the same timeframe last year.
Bone Conduction and Neckband Earphones
Despite facing technical challenges and catering to a niche market, bone conduction earphones have reached a relatively stable phase of development, showing a 34% year-on-year increase in shipments for the first half of this year.
Conversely, neckband earphones have witnessed a 24.1% decline in shipments year-on-year in the first half of 2024. This downward trend is expected to persist as TWS headphones gain more traction. Moreover, leading manufacturers have reportedly scaled back their investments in this product category.
Future Market Predictions
IDC forecasts that the total market shipments of Bluetooth headsets will continue to experience slow growth in the coming years. TWS earphones are expected to sustain their popularity, and the growth rate of open-back headsets is likely to stabilize after 2024.
Tags: Decline of Neckband Earphones, TWS and Open-Back Headphones Popularity, Wireless Earphone Market Growth
August 5, 2024
boAt Airdopes ProGear: Open-Ear Design, 100H Battery Launch in India
boAt has introduced its first open-ear wearable stereo earphones in India, named the boAt Airdopes ProGear. These earphones feature an open-ear design, which means they don’t fully block the ear canal. They are set to compete with other products in the market, such as the Noise Pure Pods and Bose Ultra Open. Here’s a breakdown of what the boAt Airdopes ProGear has to offer.
boAt Airdopes ProGear Specifications
The boAt Airdopes ProGear boasts an open-ear design complemented by a skin-friendly ear hook, ensuring a secure fit. This design enables users to stay alert to their surroundings. Additionally, the earphones are extremely lightweight and come with IPX5 splash and sweat resistance, making them perfect for workout sessions.
These earphones are equipped with powerful 15mm drivers and feature air conduction technology, which promises rich, detailed sound with minimal leakage. They also come with quad microphones integrated with AI ENx technology to reduce unwanted noise and enhance call clarity. There is a 40ms low latency mode specifically designed for gaming.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The boAt Airdopes ProGear supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Insta Wake N’ Pair technology. The earphones come in a square case that houses a 500mAh battery, claimed to provide up to 100 hours of battery life. The case features a transparent lid and a USB-C port, which can deliver 10 hours of usage with just 10 minutes of charging. Each earbud is powered by a 65mAh battery.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at Rs 1,999, the boAt Airdopes ProGear is available in Active Black and Sporting Green colors. These earphones can be purchased starting today from the brand’s website, Amazon, Flipkart, and retail stores.
Tags: Bluetooth 5.3 LE, boAt Airdopes ProGear, Open-ear stereo earphones
August 5, 2024
Tmall Genie IN Sugar 6: Hi-Res Audio Smart Speaker with Display
Tmall has introduced a new wireless speaker, the Genie IN Sugar 6, in China. This smart speaker is priced at 179 yuan ($25) and is currently available on JD.com. There’s also a special Zhou Shen gift box edition, which costs 249 yuan ($35). Let’s explore its main features.
Tmall Genie IN Sugar 6 Speaker Specifications
This speaker aims to provide high-quality audio with a 550cc sound chamber, an 8045 racetrack-shaped speaker, and 33W peak power. It includes a U-shaped bass reflex tube design that boosts bass by 3dB and a loudness tracking algorithm. The speaker has Hi-Res certification, ensuring it can deliver high-resolution audio.
The Tmall Genie IN Sugar 6 has a unique circular interactive screen that shows information such as time, temperature, and pixelated emojis. It also offers themed visuals for special events.
The speaker supports various smart home control features, including voiceprint recognition, white noise generation, timer countdowns, and schedule management.
Tmall Genie IN Sugar 6 Speaker
The standard version comes in three colors: Brown Sugar, Milk Sugar, and Orange Sugar. It has a classic cubic design with a 3D lychee texture material, created using a five-axis laser texturing process, and features a metal mesh grille.
The Zhou Shen gift box edition, available in Blue Sand, includes Zhou Shen’s signature and a personalized greeting from the artist upon startup. This version also comes with a Zhou Shen voice package and an exclusive Zhou Shen-themed music playlist.
The speaker is equipped with a built-in temperature and humidity sensor, enabling it to connect with other home appliances to automatically adjust the indoor environment. It supports Bluetooth 4.2 and dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4G and 5G) for a seamless network connection.
Extensive Music Platform Integration
The Tmall Genie IN Sugar 6 smart speaker integrates with major music platforms such as Kugou Music, QQ Music, Kuwo Music, NetEase Cloud Music, and Ximalaya, offering access to a vast array of audio content.
The product includes a 12W power adapter and buttons for volume control, mute, and multi-function use. The Zhou Shen gift box version also comes with extras like two Zhou Shen postcards, a refrigerator magnet, and premium gift box packaging.
Tags: Tmall Genie IN Sugar 6, Wireless Smart Speaker, Zhou Shen Edition
August 4, 2024
ThundeRobot H51 Gaming Headset: 50mm Drivers, Bluetooth 5.4
ThundeRobot has introduced its latest H51 tri-mode over-ear Bluetooth gaming headset in China. The product will be available for purchase starting August 5th on JD.com, with an introductory price of 149 Yuan ($21). Here are the main features.
ThundeRobot H51 Headset Specifications
The H51 headset is equipped with a 50mm neodymium magnet dynamic driver, specifically designed to offer high-quality, immersive audio with distinct, layered sound. This enhances both gaming and multimedia experiences by providing detailed soundscapes and precise sound positioning.
This headset supports tri-mode connectivity, offering Bluetooth 5.4, 2.4G wireless, and wired options. This makes it compatible with a variety of devices including PCs, gaming consoles, and Android gadgets. It ensures a stable connection with ultra-low latency of just 27 milliseconds in wireless mode, guaranteeing a seamless, lag-free gaming experience.
Design and Comfort
Weighing approximately 318 grams, the H51 headset is crafted for comfort. It features large, skin-friendly protein leather ear cushions that ensure breathability, reducing fatigue during long gaming sessions. These ear cushions are also easy to clean and replace, making the headset ideal for extended use.
The headset also includes a retractable noise-canceling microphone. This microphone can be extended for clear communication during gaming and retracted when not needed. Positioned close to the mouth, it captures the voice accurately while minimizing background noise.
Convenient Features
For user convenience, the headset has centralized controls on one side, including buttons for power, microphone, volume adjustment, and RGB lighting control. The RGB lighting adds a visual element to the headset, with customizable flowing light effects that can be turned off according to the user’s preference.
Equipped with a 1000mAh battery, the H51 offers around 30 hours of continuous usage on a single charge. The headset is designed for durability and performance, featuring a frequency response range of 20Hz-20KHz and an impedance of 32Ω, meeting the needs of serious gamers.
Tags: Bluetooth Gaming Headset, ThundeRobot H51, Tri-Mode Connectivity
August 3, 2024
OnePlus Buds Pro 3 Price Leaked: Specs and Details Revealed
In recent developments, information has surfaced about the forthcoming OnePlus Buds 3 Pro, shedding light on its features and pricing. The earbuds are anticipated to be priced at €199, which is slightly higher than last year’s OnePlus Buds Pro 2 at €179.
OnePlus Buds Pro 3
The OnePlus Buds 3 Pro is expected to retain the same design as its predecessor, featuring an 11mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter. OnePlus will likely continue its partnership with Dynaudio for sound tuning, ensuring high sound quality.
OnePlus Buds Pro 2
The new model is projected to deliver a maximum noise cancellation of 50 dB, surpassing the Buds Pro 2’s 48 dB. However, the Buds 3 Pro may not appeal to gamers due to its reported delay of 94ms, compared to the 54ms delay of the Buds Pro 2. This latency could be an issue for users requiring low-delay audio.
On a positive note, the Buds 3 Pro promises impressive battery life, offering up to 43 hours of playback time when used with the charging case. Additionally, a quick 10-minute charge can provide up to 5 hours of playback, which is convenient for those on the move.
Additional Features
The leak also indicates that the earbuds will support LHDC 5.0 audio technology, which allows for a transmission rate of 1Mbps and enables high-quality wireless audio playback. Other likely features include IP55 dust and water resistance, along with a Bluetooth 5.4 connection for enhanced stability. As the official release approaches, more details are expected to emerge. Stay tuned for further updates.
Tags: Features and Pricing, Noise Cancellation and Battery Life, OnePlus Buds 3 Pro
August 3, 2024
Raytheon H51: New RGB Bluetooth Headset, Only 149 Yuan ($21)
Raytheon has introduced a new wireless headset named the H51, which offers three different connection modes along with RGB lighting effects. The H51 will be available for purchase on JD.com starting August 5th at 8:00 PM, with an initial price of 149 yuan (around $21 USD).
The H51 Features Bluetooth 5.4 and a 50mm Dynamic Driver
Designed with comfort in mind, the H51 includes white, skin-friendly protein leather earmuffs and physical buttons that allow for easy control over lighting, microphone, and volume settings.
This headset employs Bluetooth 5.4 technology to ensure a stable wireless connection. It features a 50mm dynamic driver unit for robust sound quality and weighs roughly 318 grams. Additionally, it includes built-in noise reduction and a retractable microphone to improve call clarity. The 1000 mAh battery offers up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge.
The Raytheon H51 is an excellent choice for users looking for a comfortable and feature-rich Bluetooth headset at an affordable price.
Tags: Bluetooth 5.4 Earphones, Raytheon H51, RGB lighting