Category: Audio

February 6, 2025
Sonos Announces Layoffs of 200 Employees During Restructuring
Founded in 2002, Sonos employed over 1,700 people by the year 2024. Unfortunately, the past few years have been filled with numerous challenges due to the global economic downturn, alongside various controversies related to software and product support. As a result, the company is reorganizing its Product division into distinct teams focusing on hardware, software, design, quality, and operations. Regrettably, this restructuring will also lead to job cuts.
Job Cuts and Severance Packages
In a public letter from interim CEO Thomas Conrad, it was noted that “about 200 positions” will be eliminated, with impacted employees receiving a severance package that reflects their time with Sonos. Moreover, their RSUs will keep vesting until the vest date on February 15, and those on the quarterly bonus scheme will get a Q1 bonus if it is achieved. US workers facing layoffs will maintain their healthcare coverage throughout the severance period.
Improving Project Prioritization
According to the letter, Sonos is striving to enhance project prioritization. Thomas Conrad feels that the company’s recent tendency to commit to too many projects requires adjustment. Meanwhile, for those keen on Sonos products, they can check out Amazon to snag the Era 100 Alexa-enabled smart speaker at $199, reduced from its original price of $249 due to a limited-time 20% discount. This speaker comes in both black and white, with both options currently on sale.
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Tags: Era 100, Job cuts, Sonos
February 6, 2025
boAt Nirvana X TWS Earbuds: LDAC, 60ms Low Latency, 40H Battery
boAt has launched the Nirvana X TWS earbuds in India, featuring dual drivers, AI-enhanced call clarity, and gaming-oriented capabilities. These earbuds are currently being offered at a special discounted price for a short period.
Features and Specifications
The boAt Nirvana X TWS comes equipped with 10mm Dynamic and Knowles HiFi Balanced Armature Dual Drivers, which are crafted to elevate sound quality. They also allow multi-point connectivity, letting users connect to two devices simultaneously.
When it comes to calls, the earbuds boast a quad-mic array with AI-ENx technology that boosts voice clarity. They support Hi-Res Audio with LDAC mode, and users have the ability to modify settings via the boAt Hearables App. Additional features include boAt Spatial Audio, boAt Adaptive EQ powered by Mimi, Beast Mode for 60ms low-latency gaming, in-ear detection, and Google Fast Pair. Plus, these earbuds carry an IPX5 rating, making them resistant to dust and splashes.
Battery and Charging
With the Nirvana X TWS, users can enjoy up to 40 hours of playback. The fast charge capability allows 120 minutes of playback after just a 15-minute charge, thanks to ASAP Charge technology.
Price and Availability
The boAt Nirvana X TWS is available on Amazon India for INR 2,799. It’s also marked as “Coming Soon” on Flipkart. Customers can choose from four colors: Galactic Red, Cosmic Onyx, Mist Blue, and Smoky Amethyst.
In other updates, Realme has recently released the Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC in India, along with the Realme 14 Pro series. These neckband earphones are equipped with a 13.6mm dynamic bass driver, 50dB hybrid ANC with adaptive noise reduction, and 360° spatial audio. They also feature Bluetooth 5.4, 45ms low latency, and the ability to connect to two devices at once.
Tags: AI-ENx Technology, boAt Nirvana X, TWS earbuds
February 6, 2025
Philips Unveils Compact 2025 Soundbars Featuring Dolby Atmos
TP Vision has introduced three new Philips soundbars: the B8500, B8200, and B6100. Each model is said to cater to different home cinema setups.
B8500 Features
The B8500 is a powerful 300W 5.1-channel soundbar, specifically made to pair with the newest Philips MLED950 and OLED810 televisions. Its dimensions are 900 x 65 x 105 mm (approximately 35.4 x 2.6 x 4.1 inches), and it boasts an elliptical shape that fits well beneath the TV’s central stand, finished in a stylish Satin Chrome Sheen. It includes two 2.25-inch drivers along with two additional 2-inch drivers for side-firing channels. The subwoofer has an 8-inch driver and can be placed either horizontally or vertically. This model features an HDMI 2.1 FRL port, allowing for 4K@120Hz passthrough, plus Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connections.
B8200 Specifications
Next is the B8200, a smaller and more compact 2.1-channel soundbar that measures 81 x 37 x 42 mm (3.2 x 1.5 x 1.7 inches), also designed for TVs with a central stand. Each channel features a tweeter paired with a full-range racetrack driver, offering a combined total of 160W RMS power. It comes with a subwoofer rated at 120W that includes two drivers. This mid-range option supports Bluetooth 5.3 and an HDMI 2.1 TMDS port for easy connectivity.
B6100 Overview
The smallest of the trio, the B6100, measures 600 x 65 x 105 mm (around 23.6 x 2.6 x 0.6 inches), making it ideal for 48 to 55-inch TVs. This 2.1-channel sound system features two 2.25-inch drivers with 200W RMS power and a matching 120W subwoofer. Like the B8500, it supports Bluetooth 5.4 but uses the HDMI 2.1 TMDS port instead.
All three soundbars are compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and can be managed through the Philips Entertainment app. The Philips B6100 soundbar is set to launch first in May, followed by the B8200 in August, and the premium B8500 in September, expected to retail for around €350. The company has not yet revealed the pricing for the smaller models, which are anticipated to be available in various global markets.
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Tags: Philips B6100, Philips B8200, Philips B8500
February 5, 2025
Zebronics Zeb Pods O: Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds with 40-Hour Battery
Zebronics has introduced the Zeb Pods O, stepping into the Open-Ear Wireless (OWS) earbuds market in India. These earbuds are designed for comfort and to keep users aware of their surroundings while they listen to music or other audio.
Features and Specifications
The Zeb Pods O is equipped with Neodymium drivers that enhance sound quality, alongside Bluetooth v5.4 for reliable connectivity. Users can enjoy features such as Flash Connect, dual pairing, and integration with voice assistants. With touch controls and a special gaming mode, these earbuds are suitable for casual listeners and gamers alike.
For clear communication, the earbuds utilize Quad-microphone Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 40 hours at a volume of 50%. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 10-minute charge through the Type-C port allows for 90 minutes of playback. Additionally, they are splash-proof, making them durable for outdoor activities and workouts.
Pricing and Availability
The Zeb Pods O is available for Rs. 1,699 and can be purchased in Black and Green on Amazon India and Flipkart. They also come with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
Tags: Open-Ear Wireless, Zeb Pods O, Zebronics
February 5, 2025
Audio-Technica Launches AT-LP5X Turntable in India for Audiophiles
Audio-Technica has introduced the AT-LP5X direct-drive turntable in India, refreshing the original AT-LP5 model. While it keeps the classic aesthetic, it includes several new features such as a direct-drive motor with three speed settings (33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM), a built-in MM/MC phono pre-amp, and USB connectivity for easy digitizing of vinyl records.
Key Features of the AT-LP5X Turntable
The AT-LP5X utilizes a quartz-locked DC servo direct-drive motor that guarantees stable rotation at 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM. Note that to use the 78 RPM setting, you’ll need the AT-VM95SP stylus, which is sold separately. The turntable comes equipped with the AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet stereo cartridge, which is already mounted on an AT-HS6 headshell, making it easy to upgrade styluses within the VM95 range.
Design and Performance
This turntable maintains its signature J-shaped tonearm, drawing inspiration from Audio-Technica’s models from the 1960s and 70s. It features a metal gimbal suspension system that promotes accurate tracking. The adjustable dynamic anti-skate control improves playback quality, and the precision-machined aluminum platter reduces vibrations, resulting in clearer audio.
A built-in switchable Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) phono/line pre-amplifier means you can connect it directly to your home stereo systems, powered speakers, and computers without the need for an external phono stage. The USB output makes it simple to digitize vinyl records, and it comes with a PC connection cable and Audacity software.
Pricing and Availability
The AT-LP5X is available at a price of ₹66,340 (MRP) and ₹65,990 (MOP) in India. You can find it online on Amazon and through the distribution network of Audio-Technica.
Tags: AT-LP5X, Audio Technica, turntable
February 4, 2025
Nuance Audio Hearing Glasses Get FDA Approval for Hearing Loss
EssilorLuxottica’s Nuance Audio branch promotes its Hearing Glasses as a fantastic new wearable solution for individuals who are noticing they have increasing trouble keeping up with conversations over time, but who prefer avoiding traditional in-ear hearing aids.
Advanced Technology
The company emphasizes that its version of open-ear audio is improved with beam-forming technology, which aids users in focusing on the sounds they want to hear while blocking out unwanted background noises. This advancement makes it easier for users to follow conversations in various environments.
Customizable Features
Users can further personalize the “listening experience” through the Nuance Audio app. The Hearing Glasses are also designed to handle sound with “exceptionally low latency,” though details regarding the specific technical aspects remain scarce. Additionally, the glasses can be fitted with prescription lenses, but they come standard with Transitions GenS lenses.
Unique Comparison
These smart glasses stand in stark contrast to products like the new Loomos glasses available on Kickstarter or even Razer’s Anzu glasses, which can currently be purchased on Amazon. The Hearing Glasses have obtained FDA approval for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, having previously received CE certification as well.
Future Plans
Therefore, Nuance Audio is set to begin marketing these innovative glasses in European nations like France and Germany, as well as in the US, as a type of medical device by mid-2025.
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Tags: EssilorLuxottica, Hearing Glasses, Nuance Audio
February 4, 2025
Future Galaxy Buds with UWB: Enhanced Location Tracking & Audio
Samsung is looking into adding UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology to its earbuds, as shown by a patent application it filed in November 2023.
What is UWB?
Ultra-Wideband is a short-range wireless communication technology that functions at very high frequencies, ranging from 3.1 to 10.6 GHz. This tech allows for accurate location tracking and fast data transfer over brief distances while using minimal power. Unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, UWB can pinpoint objects with centimeter-level accuracy.
Benefits for Future Galaxy Buds
The Galaxy S and Z series smartphones already feature this technology, which could improve the location tracking of the upcoming Galaxy Buds when paired with those devices.
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Enhanced Audio Quality
UWB offers greater bandwidth than Bluetooth, potentially leading to better audio transmission. Sammobile thinks this could result in higher-fidelity sound in the Galaxy Buds. The patent mentions a new way of connecting the earbuds to the phone using both Bluetooth and UWB. However, the phone or any device must also support UWB, which could make it a premium feature initially available to a limited audience.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
What makes this development intriguing is the chance that other brands might adopt this technology and create a seamless connection within their ecosystems. Eventually, most devices from different brands could include UWB, allowing them to work together much like Bluetooth does today.
Patent Application Insights
The patent abstract states: “A method for controlling a set of wireless earphones, including: establishing a first Bluetooth (BT) connection between a first earphone of the set of wireless earphones and a source apparatus; based on the source apparatus supporting Ultra Wide Band (UWB) connections: establishing a first UWB connection between the first earphone and the source apparatus, and a second UWB connection between a second earphone of the set of wireless earphones and the source apparatus; and receiving, by the first earphone, audio data from the source apparatus using the first UWB connection, wherein the audio data is received from the source apparatus by the second earphone using the second UWB connection.”
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Tags: Galaxy Buds, Samsung, Ultra Wideband
February 3, 2025
Apple Powerbeats Pro 2 Launching Next Week with AirPods Pro 2 Chip
Apple is set to release its new fitness-oriented earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro 2, possibly as early as next week, according to insights from Apple analyst Mark Gurman. Recent weeks have seen a series of leaks that have given us a glimpse into the design and important features of these earbuds. This latest information not only backs up previous claims but also hints at a potential launch date and pricing in the US.
Expected Launch Date and Pricing
Gurman suggests that the Powerbeats Pro 2 will officially be available on Tuesday, February 11, with a price tag of $250 in the United States. The earbuds are said to be equipped with an Apple H2 chip, which is also found in the AirPods Pro 2. This means users can look forward to a significant enhancement in sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life compared to the first generation of Powerbeats Pro. Additionally, a new feature has been introduced: an optical heart rate sensor built directly into the earbuds to track workout performance. This was highlighted in several leaks and is now backed by Gurman’s report.
Design and Features
Leaked images show that the Powerbeats Pro 2 will sport a refreshed design featuring sleek ear hooks and will be offered in at least four color options: Jet Black, Hyper Purple, Quick Sand, and Electric Orange. While specifics about battery life, charging capabilities, and water resistance remain unclear, it’s reasonable to assume there will be some improvements in these aspects, especially considering that the original Powerbeats Pro launched back in 2019 for $153.49 on Amazon.
European Pricing Insights
In Europe, the anticipated price is expected to be around €299.95, according to an earlier leak from Deallabs and @billbil_kun.
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Tags: Apple, fitness earbuds, Powerbeats Pro 2
February 3, 2025
Noise Master Buds with Bose Sound Launching in India on Feb 11
Noise has recently hinted at an exciting new flagship range of products called the Master series. The company has now disclosed the launch date for the Noise Master Buds, showcasing a teaser image that also reveals a partnership with another well-known audio brand. Here’s what we know so far.
Collaboration with Bose
Noise has partnered with Bose to bring the Master Buds to life. This series promises high-quality audio and advanced technology, ensuring a superior listening experience. Earlier in 2023, Noise secured a significant investment from Bose, a respected name in the premium audio sector, renowned for its headphones and earbuds. Their collaboration now extends to the upcoming Master Buds.
Features of the Noise Master Buds
The teaser image shared by Noise provides insight into the design and confirms the collaboration with Bose. The Noise Master Buds are labeled with “Sound by Bose,” suggesting that the audio is fine-tuned by this esteemed brand. Additionally, the teaser hints at a design element, featuring an LED strip that may be part of the charging case, located in the center. This news comes shortly after the release of the Airwave Max 5 wireless headphones.
While specifics like pricing and specifications are still under wraps, it’s anticipated that the Noise Master Buds will include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a selection of audio codecs for high-fidelity sound over Bluetooth. There are rumors about a refreshed design, but these details remain unconfirmed at this stage. Noise is preparing for a launch on February 11, 2025, so stay tuned for further updates.
Tags: ANC, Bose, Noise Master Buds
February 3, 2025
Grooves Fort Gaming TWS Earbuds: 45dB ANC, 80 Hours Battery
Grooves has launched a new set of gaming-oriented TWS earbuds in India known as the Grooves Fort. This release follows the Grooves Delta Gaming TWS, which was introduced last month in the country.
Design and Comfort
These earbuds showcase a distinctive ABS design inspired by spaceships, complete with Jaguar Mechanical RGB lights and a breathing RGB charging case, giving them a striking gaming appearance. To ensure comfort during long gaming sessions, each earbud is designed to be lightweight, weighing only 5.5 grams.
Audio Features
The audio experience is powered by 13mm dynamic drivers, delivering rich bass and crisp highs. The Fort TWS features up to 45dB noise cancellation, along with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) and CVC filtering technologies. These enhancements aim to boost voice clarity and reduce background sounds, whether for gaming or calls.
Connectivity and Battery Life
Connectivity is managed via Bluetooth v5.3, and there’s a low latency mode of 40ms for better audio sync in gaming and video. Users can easily control volume, power, and playback with touch controls. The earbuds come with a 400mAh charging case that provides up to 80 hours of playtime.
Pricing & Availability
The Grooves Fort Gaming TWS is priced at Rs. 1,699 and comes in Grey. Those interested can purchase them from grooveslifestyle.com, Amazon.in, and Flipkart.com. A one-year warranty is provided with the purchase.
Tags: Bluetooth 5.3, Gaming TWS Earbuds, Grooves Fort