Category: Audio

July 20, 2024
Xiaomi Buds 5 Launched: ANC, aptX Lossless, Spatial Audio in China
Xiaomi recently unveiled a range of new products, including foldable devices, a smartphone, a smartwatch, and the Buds 5 TWS earphones. These should not be mistaken for the Redmi Buds 5, which are available internationally. The Xiaomi Buds 5 replace the Buds 4, which launched back in 2022. Let's dive into what these new earphones bring to the table.
Xiaomi Buds 5 Specifications
The Xiaomi Buds 5 sport a dual-tone design featuring a glossy stem and matte-textured earbuds, providing a premium aesthetic. Weighing just 4.2 grams, these earphones are designed for a comfortable fit that follows the curve of the human ear. They are IP54-certified for dust and water resistance, offering durability in various conditions. Additionally, the Buds 5 come with smart controls for multiple functions, including one-click content summaries.
In terms of audio capabilities, the Xiaomi Buds 5 are equipped with 11mm drivers and feature active noise cancellation to minimize ambient noise. Each earbud includes three built-in mics with AI noise cancellation to ensure clear call quality. The earphones also support Qualcomm aptX Lossless for uncompressed, original quality audio. Xiaomi has collaborated with Harman’s Golden Ear Team to offer customized sound effects and various audio enhancements. The device also provides a spatial sound experience and supports Dolby Atmos when connected to a compatible Xiaomi phone.
Battery and Connectivity
The Xiaomi Buds 5 are powered by a 480mAh battery, with each earbud containing a 35mAh cell. This setup delivers up to 6.5 hours of usage on a single charge, extending to 39 hours with the charging case. The earphones can quickly pair when the case is opened and are capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously.
The Xiaomi Buds 5 are priced at CNY 699 (~$). They are available in Moon Shadow Black, Snow Mountain White, and Titanium Gold colors.
Tags: Affordable TWS Earphones, Intelligent active noise cancellation, Xiaomi Buds 5
July 20, 2024
Dyson OnTrac Headphones: Best Noise Cancellation & Luxury Comfort
Dyson has recently unveiled its latest headphone model, the Dyson OnTrac, which promises superior audio quality and what it claims to be top-tier noise cancellation.
Dyson OnTrac Headphones: Specs & Features
The OnTrac is equipped with an 8-microphone system and a custom Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) algorithm that can cancel out up to 40dB of ambient noise. The headphones deliver high-fidelity audio with a broad frequency range from 6Hz to 21kHz, ensuring clear highs and rich bass.
Comfort has been prioritized in the design, featuring ultra-soft microfiber cushions, multi-pivot gimbal arms for a snug fit, and balanced weight distribution thanks to a uniquely placed battery in the headband. Additionally, users can personalize their headphones with over 2,000 color combinations for ear cups and caps, available in finishes like CNC aluminum, copper, nickel, or a ceramic-feel painted option.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The battery life is notably long, offering up to 55 hours of use with ANC on, which equates to about two weeks of listening on a single charge. The MyDyson app provides functionalities to monitor sound levels, adjust EQ settings (Bass Boost, Neutral, Enhanced), and receive automatic software updates.
Additional Features
- Head Detect: Automatically pauses audio when the headphones are removed and resumes when they are put back on.
- Intuitive Joystick: Allows users to play, pause, skip tracks, or activate voice commands.
- Crystal-Clear Calls: Dual beam-forming microphones ensure clear voice capture.
- Real-time Soundtracking: Monitors both in-ear and external volume levels, alerting users to potentially harmful levels via the MyDyson app.
The Dyson OnTrac headphones are priced at $499.99, with additional ear cup and cap colors available for $49.99 each.
In other news, Beats by Dr. Dre has collaborated with Minecraft to launch special edition Solo 4 headphones in celebration of the game’s 15th anniversary. These headphones feature a Minecraft-themed design and include a customized storage case and a redemption code for in-game items. They support Bluetooth, USB-C, and 3.5mm connectivity, offer up to 50 hours of battery life, and come with personalized spatial audio.
Tags: Dyson OnTrac, Premium Headphones
July 17, 2024
Skullcandy Dime Evo Wireless Earbuds with Unique Charging Case
The Skullcandy Dime Evo wireless headphones have recently been introduced. This new audio gadget from Skullcandy features a charging case that can be conveniently attached to a key ring or clothing, enhancing its portability. The Dime Evo stands out in the crowded wireless headphone market with its unique design and enhanced versatility.
The charging case of the Dime Evo is elongated and equipped with a loop, allowing it to be easily carried by attaching it to a key ring or clothing. The headphones feature a common in-ear design and are fitted with 6mm drivers that can deliver frequencies ranging from 20Hz to 20,000Hz. The Dime Evo offers 8 hours of battery life, which can be extended to 36 hours with the charging case. Additionally, a quick 10-minute charge provides up to 2 hours of playback. The headphones are also sweat and water-resistant.
Advanced Connectivity and Modes
The Skullcandy Dime Evo supports Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and Google Fast Pair, ensuring seamless pairing with Android devices. It offers preset EQ modes such as Music, Bass Boost, and Podcast. Users can customize settings through the Skullcandy app. The Dime Evo also includes a Stay Aware mode and a low latency mode for gaming. Users can control music playback and manage calls directly via the headphones.
Pricing and Availability
The Skullcandy Dime Evo wireless headphones are priced at $59.99 and are available for purchase on the Skullcandy online store. For added convenience, Skullcandy offers an installment payment option, allowing buyers to make four interest-free payments of $14.99. The headphones are expected to become available on other retail platforms like Amazon in the near future.
Tags: Bluetooth 5.3, Skullcandy Dime Evo, Wireless Headphones
July 17, 2024
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Launched: 49dB ANC, BassWave 2.0 & More
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro has been launched in conjunction with the Nord 4 smartphone, Pad 2 tablet, and Watch 2r. These TWS earphones offer high-end features at a budget-friendly price, specifically under the Rs 4,000 bracket. Marketed as an affordable flagship option, they are designed for young, tech-savvy consumers. Let’s delve into what this audio device brings to the table.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Specifications
The design of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro is reminiscent of Apple AirPods Pro and the newly released Samsung Galaxy Buds 3. Featuring a stem and earbuds with silicon tips, they also boast an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance.
In terms of audio, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro includes a 12.4mm large titanium driver delivering powerful bass and clear treble. It offers up to 49dB active noise cancellation to block out ambient noise. The smart noise cancellation feature adapts automatically to the required level of noise reduction. Additionally, the earbuds are equipped with three microphones and OnePlus’s Crystal Clear Call technology for clear and stable call quality. The transparency mode allows users to stay aware of their surroundings. These earbuds also feature the flagship BassWave 2.0 algorithm for fine-tuning bass frequencies, along with Master EQ, enabling users to choose from three different modes.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro claims a 12-hour playback time with ANC turned off. The battery life extends to 44 hours when using the charging case. The TWS earphones support simultaneous connection to two devices and come with Bluetooth 5.4 and Google Fast Pair.
Pricing and Availability
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro are priced at Rs 3,299 / EUR 79 / $79 in India, Europe, and the US, respectively. They are available in two colors: Starry Black and Soft Jade. The TWS earphones will be available for purchase starting July 20.
Tags: Affordable TWS Earphones, Intelligent active noise cancellation, OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro
July 17, 2024
Beats x Minecraft Solo 4 Headphones: Special Edition for $199.99
Beats by Dr. Dre has teamed up with Minecraft to launch a special edition of its Solo 4 headphones in honor of the game’s 15th anniversary. These headphones feature a distinct Minecraft-themed design with neon green highlights and pixelated patterns while maintaining the audio features of the standard Solo 4 model.
Custom Design Extends to the Storage Case
The Minecraft aesthetic is carried over to the included storage case, which also showcases the game’s iconic elements. Buyers of these limited edition headphones will receive a redemption code to unlock in-game headphone character creator items.
With Bluetooth, USB-C wired, and 3.5mm wired connectivity options, the Solo 4 offers up to 50 hours of battery life on a single charge and supports customized spatial audio. The headphones are compatible with both iOS and Android devices, featuring one-click pairing, iCloud/Google account-based device setup, and Siri voice activation for iOS users.
Promotional Campaign and Special Event
To mark the product launch, Beats and Minecraft have released an animated short film featuring Imagine Dragons’ "Wake Up" and a specially curated Spatial Audio playlist on Apple Music. A special event celebrating the collaboration will take place at the Apple Fifth Avenue store on July 18.
Priced at $199.99, the Beats x Minecraft Special Edition Solo 4 headphones will be available starting July 18 from Apple, Target, and EE.
Tags: Beats Solo 4, Limited Edition Release, Minecraft Collaboration
July 16, 2024
Edifier W830NB Wireless Headphones: 40mm Drivers, 45dB ANC
Edifier has introduced the W830NB wireless headphones globally, building on their recent release of the HECATE G2 headphones in China.
Edifier W830NB Headphones Specifications
The W830NB supports LDAC high-resolution audio, providing detailed sound quality. It features 40mm drivers that cover a broad sound spectrum from 20 Hz to 40 kHz.
These headphones are lightweight, weighing only 9.42 ounces (267 grams), and include soft ear pads and an adjustable headband for extended comfort.
Advanced Hybrid ANC Technology
The W830NB boasts enhanced hybrid ANC technology, reducing noise by up to -45dB, an 18% improvement over earlier models. Users can toggle between different modes such as High Noise Cancellation, Medium Noise Cancellation, Wind Reduction, and Ambient Sound to match their environment.
DNN (Deep Neural Network) noise reduction ensures clear voice calls in noisy settings. The Ambient Sound Mode allows users to stay aware of their surroundings without removing the headphones.
Versatile Listening Modes
The W830NB offers various modes tailored to different activities. Game Mode features low latency, ensuring audio matches on-screen actions. Spatial Sound Mode provides a surround sound effect for an immersive listening experience. Music Mode delivers rich and detailed audio.
The Edifier W830NB offers up to 94 hours of playback with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) off, and up to 54 hours with ANC on. This makes them ideal for long periods of use without frequent recharging.
Connectivity and Price
For connectivity, the W830NB uses Bluetooth 5.4, supporting dual device connectivity. It also includes a USB-C cable for wired use when necessary.
The Edifier W830NB headphones are available in black, gray, and sand white. They can be purchased on Amazon for $79.99, currently with a 20% discount.
Tags: Edifier W830NB, Intelligent active noise cancellation, Wireless Headphones
July 16, 2024
Moto Buds i40 ANC TWS Earbuds Launched in Singapore: 13mm Drivers
Motorola has launched the Moto Buds i40 ANC TWS earbuds in Singapore. Available on Lazada for SGD 71, these earbuds feature noise reduction, superior sound quality, extended battery life, and a low latency mode.
Moto Buds i40 ANC TWS Earbuds Specifications
Weighing just 3.4 grams, the Moto Buds i40 ANC are designed for comfort and ease of use. They are equipped with a 13mm sound unit to deliver clear audio. The Active Call Noise Reduction feature minimizes background noise during phone calls. Additionally, the low latency feature makes them ideal for watching videos and gaming.
These earbuds support Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring a stable connection. They can last up to 40 hours on a full charge and offer up to 720 hours of standby time. Charging is facilitated via a Type-C port.
Pricing and Availability
As previously mentioned, the Moto Buds i40 ANC TWS earbuds are priced at SG$ 71 on Lazada. They are available in three colors: White, Black, and Grey.
Tags: ANC TWS earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4, Moto Buds i40
July 16, 2024
Realme Buds Air 6 in Royal Violet Now Available in India
Realme has recently unveiled a vibrant “Royal Violet” variant for its Buds Air 6 earphones in India. This new shade is currently available for purchase through online platforms such as Flipkart and the official Realme website.
Typically retailing at Rs 3,299, the Royal Violet Buds Air 6 can now be bought for Rs 2,999 on Realme’s official India website. The launch offer includes a Rs 200 discount and an additional Rs 100 off with a coupon code.
Limited-Time Offer
This promotional offer is valid until July 22nd and exclusively on the Realme India website. Although Flipkart advertises the Royal Violet Buds Air 6 for Rs 2,999, their current listing shows a slightly higher price of Rs 3,099.
Realme Buds Air 6 Specifications
The Realme Buds Air 6 features 12.4mm drivers and a dynamic bass boost for enhanced bass clarity. These earphones are Hi-Res Wireless audio certified and support LHDC 5.0 audio decoding, ensuring high-quality audio streaming.
The earbuds come with 50dB active noise cancellation and adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts to the surrounding environment. Each earbud is equipped with three microphones for superior call quality and includes a 55ms low latency mode for better performance.
Battery Life and Additional Features
The Realme Buds Air 6 offers up to 40 hours of battery life, with the earbuds themselves providing up to 10 hours of use when ANC is turned off. They also support Google Fast Pair for seamless connectivity. Moreover, they are IP55-certified for water resistance and come with smart touch controls for various functionalities.
Tags: Realme Buds Air 6, Royal Violet
July 16, 2024
iQOO TWS 1i Earbuds: AI Noise Reduction, 55ms Latency, Bluetooth 5.3
iQOO has recently launched its new TWS earbuds, the iQOO TWS 1i, in China. These earbuds are available in two colors: Mech Armor White and Pearl Yellow. The Mech Armor White version is priced at just 99 yuan ($14).
iQOO TWS 1i Specifications
The iQOO TWS 1i earbuds are notably lightweight, with each earbud weighing only 4.3 grams. They come with antibacterial silicone ear tips, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic fit.
Inside, the iQOO TWS 1i features a 10mm high-resolution sound unit that delivers rich audio across a wide frequency range. The earbuds also incorporate Monster Sound technology, which enhances the gaming experience by optimizing low-frequency sounds and reducing mid-to-high frequencies for clearer in-game audio.
The earbuds offer 3D panoramic audio, accurately reproducing four mainstream sound field modes: theater, concert, studio, and music hall. Additionally, the DeepX 3.0 stereo sound effects allow users to customize their listening experience with four different sound styles.
Low-Latency and Battery Life
For gamers, the iQOO TWS 1i provides a low-latency connection of just 55ms, ensuring smooth audio and video synchronization during gameplay. The earbuds also feature AI call noise reduction, which filters out background noise for clearer communication during voice calls.
In terms of battery life, the earbuds can last up to 10 hours on a single charge, and the charging case provides an additional 35 hours, bringing the total battery life to an impressive 45 hours. The case supports fast charging, delivering 3 hours of playback time with just a 10-minute charge.
Additional Features
The earbuds come with an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, making them suitable for various environments, including workouts and rainy conditions.
Several smart features are included with the iQOO TWS 1i, such as personalized cute pet pop-up animations when opening the charging case, voice control support for music playback and calls, message broadcast for receiving notifications directly through the earphones, and a “Find My Headset” function to locate lost earbuds.
Tags: AI Gaming Features, Earbuds Specifications, iQOO TWS 1i
July 15, 2024
Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport with Hybrid ANC, Health Tracking in India
Last month, Sennheiser introduced the Accentum TWS earphones in India. Now, the brand has unveiled another product named the MOMENTUM Sport. As indicated by its name, this release is aimed at fitness and outdoor enthusiasts. Besides audio capabilities, the new device also includes support for various health-tracking metrics. Continue reading to discover its features.
Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport Specifications
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport boasts an in-ear design with interchangeable ear tips and shark fins to ensure a secure fit. Moreover, they are IP55-certified, making them resistant to sweat, dust, and shock.
On the audio front, the MOMENTUM Sport is fitted with a 10mm Transducer driver that promises impressive bass. Its semi-open design helps minimize noise generated by the user's movements and allows for better awareness of the surroundings. The TWS earphones come with hybrid adaptive noise cancellation to block out unnecessary sounds. Additionally, there is anti-wind noise reduction. Each earbud is equipped with three microphones to ensure clear call quality.
Health-Tracking Features
One standout feature of the MOMENTUM Sport is its built-in tracking sensors. These include a PPG heart-rate sensor, body temperature monitoring, and a 3-axis accelerometer for tracking vital health data. The earphones are compatible with popular fitness apps and smartwatches, offering guidance on when to reduce effort, hydrate, or take a break.
Battery Life and Pricing
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport offers a total battery life of 24 hours, with each earbud providing 6 hours of usage on a single charge.
Priced at Rs 34,990, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport TWS earphones are available in Polar Black, Burned Olive, and Metallic Graphite colors. Starting today, they can be purchased. For a limited time, they are available at a discounted price of Rs 25,990 on the brand’s official website and Amazon.
Tags: Fitness Earphones, Health Tracking, Sennheiser Momentum Sport