Category: Audio

  • Hatch Restore 2 Sleep Clock with Kentucky Fried Chicken ASMR

    Hatch Restore 2 Sleep Clock with Kentucky Fried Chicken ASMR

    Hatch has partnered with KFC to bring the calming sounds of fried chicken cooking to the Restore 2 smart sleep clock, which is accessible through a Hatch+ subscription. This unique ASMR audio is just one of many options offered to help users build a tranquil atmosphere for better sleep.

    Light’s Influence on Sleep

    The human retina responds to light, which causes various reactions in the brain and body. Notably, specific light colors, particularly blue light that we see during bright days, promote wakefulness. The shift from light to darkness throughout the day also plays a pivotal role in our circadian rhythm. This rhythm governs essential functions in our brain, organs, and immune system, such as sleep and cell repair. However, the increased use of screens from computers, TVs, tablets, and smartphones raises exposure to blue light, making it difficult for some individuals to enjoy quality sleep.

    Features of the Restore 2

    The Restore 2 smart clock merges the functions of a clock, alarm, and light, while also providing Wi-Fi downloadable audio content. This includes channels featuring dreamscapes, relaxation exercises, curated music, and sleep stories designed to enhance the sleep experience. The clock’s light gradually dims during the night, emitting a warm glow that doesn’t disrupt the circadian rhythm. Its alarm gently awakens users with soft sounds and a warm light that mimics a sunrise. Two large buttons on the top allow users to silence the alarm and start the night’s calming sounds.

    The Hatch Restore 2 is priced at $169.99 and is currently available on Amazon. For $4.99 per month, the Hatch+ subscription gives users access to a variety of sounds, including the ‘Kentucky Fried Chicken Rain’ recording, across all Hatch sleep devices in their homes. The Restore 2 has dimensions of 7.24 x 2.43 x 5.31 inches (18.4 x 6.1 x 13.5 cm) and weighs 1.27 pounds (0.58 kg).

    Conclusion

    With the collaboration between Hatch and KFC, users can now enjoy a unique auditory experience that aids in relaxation and sleep. This innovative approach to sleep enhancement is part of a broader trend in wellness technology, aiming to improve the quality of rest for many individuals.

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  • Mackie CR Series Monitors: Switch from Desktop to Bookshelf Speakers

    Mackie CR Series Monitors: Switch from Desktop to Bookshelf Speakers

    Search for suggestions on affordable monitor speakers, and you’ll struggle to find a list that doesn’t highlight Mackie’s Creative Reference (CR) series as a top choice. These speakers not only provide a fairly neutral frequency response ideal for tasks such as recording and mixing, but they also come at a very reasonable price. The ability to stream wirelessly via Bluetooth on some models makes them even more appealing.

    Great for Budget Users

    When someone is watching their spending, they likely don’t want to invest in a second pair of speakers just for casual listening, and Mackie clearly gets this. With the introduction of the new CR Series Gen 3, they’ve incorporated some essential features that turn it into a remarkably adaptable product, fitting for multiple uses.

    Enhanced Features

    To start, a new “location switch” on the back lets you toggle between desktop or near-field mode (suitable for gaming, content creation, or music production) and bookshelf or far-field mode (like standard hi-fi speakers placed further from the listener). The latter mode is achieved by gently boosting the mids and highs to achieve better reach.

    Additionally, there’s now a tone-control knob located on the front panel, quite different from the standard one-knob controls that merely shift the sound from bass-heavy to treble-heavy. This control begins with a flat frequency response when turned all the way down and transitions towards a somewhat V-shaped EQ setting that enhances both the bass and treble for a more dynamic sound. This adjustment could be particularly enjoyable for certain music styles or when being used as a party speaker.

    Speaker Lineup and Prices

    The lineup includes six pairs of speakers, with four of them featuring Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. The main differences lie in the woofer size (indicated by the model name, in inches) and higher power ratings for the larger units. In terms of connectivity, they are all the same, offering 6.35 mm TRS (balanced/unbalanced), 3.5 mm TRS (unbalanced), RCA, and Bluetooth 5.0 for specific models. A headphone jack is conveniently added to the front for easy access.

    There’s also the CR8SBT subwoofer, which provides Bluetooth connectivity to any powered speaker connected to it. Since subwoofers typically sit on the floor, this model includes a wired remote for desktop use, allowing for volume and bass control.

    Mackie

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  • DVDFab Launches Bookfab AI for Profitable Audiobook Creation

    DVDFab Launches Bookfab AI for Profitable Audiobook Creation

    DVDFab has introduced the BookFab AudioBook Creator, aimed at audiobook producers, with a retail price of $59.99. This software, powered by AI, swiftly transforms text into audio files, offering 20 diverse AI voices in both English and Japanese.

    Accessibility for All

    Many individuals across the globe struggle with reading for various reasons, such as being visually impaired or simply lacking the time to spend long periods on printed text. Take truck drivers, for instance; they often spend over eight hours on the road daily, making it unfeasible to read a book, even when they have ample time to listen to something interesting.

    Growing Popularity of Audiobooks

    Audiobooks have become one of the most popular and profitable forms of audio entertainment worldwide. According to Deloitte, the leading formats for audio entertainment in 2024 are ranked in a specific order, highlighting the growing trend of audiobooks.

    The software is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows, including 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11. Users need at least 4 GB of RAM and 40 GB of available storage. Moreover, an Internet connection is essential for converting copied text or TXT files into MP3 and OPUS audio formats.

    Customization Options for Creators

    Users can effortlessly adjust pronunciations for tricky words and personalize the reading rules of the text. Additionally, abbreviations can be linked to custom spoken outputs. The 20 available voices can be fine-tuned for expressivity, prosody, pauses, and speed, ensuring an ideal vocal delivery in English or Japanese. Future updates may include the option to clone human voice actors.

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  • OPPO Enco X3 Earbuds: Lossless Audio & Impressive Noise-Cancellation

    OPPO Enco X3 Earbuds: Lossless Audio & Impressive Noise-Cancellation

    Oppo recently introduced its flagship Find X8 series smartphones in a launch event held in China. In addition to these powerful devices that come equipped with the Dimensity 9400 chip, Oppo has also unveiled the Oppo Enco X3 earbuds in the Chinese market.

    Features of Oppo Enco X3

    The Enco X3 is powered by the BES2700 chipset and boasts a dual-driver setup, which includes an 11mm bass driver and a 6mm tweeter. This combination ensures a strong bass, clear mid-range sounds, and sharp treble, creating a well-rounded and engaging listening experience.

    With its noise-cancellation technology, the Enco X3 effectively cuts down surrounding noise by as much as 50 dB, allowing users to immerse themselves in their music without interruptions. Additional features like AI Call Noise Reduction, VPU Bone Voiceprint Recognition, and an updated anti-wind noise algorithm significantly improve noise management, ensuring clear calls even in bustling environments.

    Enhanced Audio Quality

    For better voice clarity, the earbuds incorporate real-time human voice detection, which increases noise reduction efficiency by 200%. A dual DAC and a three-microphone system further enhance both audio quality during calls and when listening to music.

    Music lovers will relish the wireless lossless audio transmission that boasts a transfer rate of 1 Mbps. Bluetooth 5.4 and LHDC 5.0 enable playback at 192kHz/24bit, ensuring a high-quality listening experience. The sound is fine-tuned by DYNAUDIO, and the earbuds also offer support for spatial audio for a fully immersive experience.

    User-Friendly Features

    The Enco X3 features gesture controls that let you play or pause music, manage calls, and adjust the volume with simple hand movements. They come with an IP55 rating, making them resistant to both dust and water, so you can use them even in slightly wet conditions.

    Every earbud has a 58mAh battery, while the charging case carries a capacity of 566mAh. Both wired and wireless charging are available, with wireless charging supporting up to 10W.

    Pricing and Availability

    The wired charging version of the Enco X3 earbuds is available for 899 yuan, while the version with wireless charging is priced at 949 yuan.

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  • Tribit StormBox Blast 2: Powerful 200W Portable Speaker Launch

    Tribit StormBox Blast 2: Powerful 200W Portable Speaker Launch

    The StormBox Blast 2, from Tribit, is marketed as more than just your average speaker with a handy handle. It boasts a powerful subwoofer that delivers up to 80W, supported by "large" dual passive radiators to enhance the bass even more.

    Sound Features

    In addition, the speaker comes equipped with dual 15W tweeters and mid-range 45W drivers, creating a "panoramic" sound experience. The Blast 2 is also fitted with "advanced" titanium amplifiers, which provide a "balanced and dynamic" 2.1-channel audio performance.

    Connectivity and Lighting

    Another cool feature is its tunable and dynamic RGB lighting, along with dual 6.35mm jacks for karaoke use. However, keep in mind that you’ll need wired microphones, which may have to be bought separately.

    Power and Availability

    Even with its fantastic specifications, there are a few downsides to the Blast 2’s upgrades, mainly that it must be plugged in to reach its full 200W rating. On battery, it can deliver up to 180W and is said to last for up to 30 hours before needing a recharge. Charging can be done via USB-C or an AC connector, but the USB-C option is reported to be "significantly" slower than the AC method.

    The StormBox Blast 2 is currently available from either Tribit or Amazon, priced at $299.99.

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  • Microsoft Launches Xbox Wireless Headset: Dolby Atmos, 20h Battery

    Microsoft Launches Xbox Wireless Headset: Dolby Atmos, 20h Battery

    The Xbox Wireless Headset has a familiar look, resembling its predecessor (about US$170 on Amazon, Starfield Special Edition), yet it brings several enhancements. Notably, the battery life has extended from 15 hours to 20 hours, and charging through USB-C still requires three hours. While the ear cup dials have lost their green accents, they still allow for separate adjustments for game audio and chat volume.

    Enhanced Microphone Features

    The updated microphone is built to better block out unwanted background noise and can automatically mute itself when folded up. This new headset now supports Bluetooth 5.3, making it compatible not just with Xbox One or Xbox Series X, but also with PCs and smartphones. Additionally, it offers spatial sound capabilities via Dolby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X.

    Consistent Core Features

    Most of the fundamental features remain the same; the Xbox Wireless Headset continues to utilize dynamic drivers with a 40-millimeter diameter, capable of producing a frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The ear pads are made of PU synthetic leather combined with foam cushioning, and the headband is padded as well, ensuring comfort despite the headset’s weight of 312 grams.

    Pricing and Availability

    According to the press release, the new Xbox Wireless Headset is available right now for US$109.99, which is the same price listed on the Xbox Store.

    Microsoft (Press release | Product page)

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  • Soundcore AeroFit 2: Wireless Headphones with LDAC & IP55 Rating

    Soundcore AeroFit 2: Wireless Headphones with LDAC & IP55 Rating

    Anker is launching a new pair of open-ear headphones called the Soundcore AeroFit 2, priced at US$99.99 on Amazon.

    Open-Ear Design Explained

    These headphones work by using speakers that face the ear canal, instead of being inserted inside it. This design allows Anker to include larger drivers, measuring 20 x 11.5 millimeters, and they claim to deliver excellent sound quality. The brand particularly highlights the accurate reproduction of bass frequencies. Users can enjoy high-quality playback without any loss, as the Soundcore AeroFit 2 supports LDAC for Bluetooth transmission.

    Comfortable Fit and Durability

    To keep the headphones securely in place, they come with an adjustable ear hook that can rotate in four different ways. According to the company, these hooks are even more comfortable than those on the earlier model. They are also covered in a silicone layer that aims to enhance comfort during use. With an IP55 rating, these headphones can withstand rain, making them suitable for outdoor activities like running.

    Impressive Battery Life

    The Soundcore AeroFit 2 boasts a battery life of up to 10 hours. When using the charging case, users can enjoy a total of up to 42 hours of playtime. A quick 10-minute charge can provide an extra 4 hours of listening time, making these headphones convenient for on-the-go use.

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  • Sonos Plans New Premium Headphones and Ace Price Cut

    Sonos Plans New Premium Headphones and Ace Price Cut

    A few months back, Sonos released the Ace, their first headphones. Sadly, these high-end headphones, priced at $449, haven’t performed as well as the company had hoped. A recent report suggests that Sonos is thinking about creating a new top-tier model.

    Sales Numbers Disappoint

    This information comes from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg. He mentioned that the Sonos Ace isn’t selling great, with only around 20,000 units sold last month. Earlier reports indicated that the headphones’ lackluster reception led Sonos to cut its yearly production targets from 1 million units down to a mere 100,000 units.

    Product Quality in Question

    It’s not that the Sonos Ace (currently available on Amazon for $439) is a bad product. In fact, it has garnered mostly positive feedback. However, issues with the Sonos app and the Ace’s steep price compared to competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5 (which goes for $399 on Amazon) might have hurt its sales figures.

    New Headphones on the Horizon

    Rumor has it that Sonos is working on a new pair of headphones that will be even more upscale than the Ace. The project, codenamed "Roundhouse," is still in its infancy and details are not finalized. Nonetheless, the plan includes launching these new headphones at a price of $450, while also making a permanent price reduction for the Sonos Ace to $399.

    Potential Impact of Price Cuts

    While introducing a new headphone model less than a year after the Ace’s debut might not seem like the best move, fans of Sonos will likely welcome a price drop for the Ace. The sooner this price adjustment happens, the better, especially with the holiday season approaching, which could lead to an increase in sales.

    Sonos Stays Active

    Despite these challenges, Sonos has been busy lately. They recently unveiled the Arc Ultra, a premium smart soundbar priced at $999, alongside the $799 Sub 4 wireless subwoofer. Both new products are available for pre-order and are set to ship on October 29.

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  • Amazfit Launches Up Earbuds: Open-Ear, Noise Reduction & Fitness

    Amazfit Launches Up Earbuds: Open-Ear, Noise Reduction & Fitness

    Amazfit has introduced the Amazfit Up open-ear earbuds, designed specifically for fitness enthusiasts and those seeking daily convenience. Unlike standard earbuds, the Amazfit Up features a unique clip-on design that keeps the ear canal open, ensuring both comfort and awareness of what’s happening around you.

    Features of Amazfit Up Open-Ear Earbuds

    These earbuds utilize an AI algorithm to minimize background noise during phone calls, enhancing clarity even in noisy environments. When linked with an Amazfit smartwatch, users can receive real-time updates on their workouts and turn-by-turn directions.

    Each earbud weighs just 5 grams and has an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. They are compatible with Bluetooth 5.3 and support Bluetooth Multipoint, enabling simultaneous connections to two devices. The battery life extends to 6 hours on a single charge, with an additional 18 hours provided by the charging case, which takes 2 hours to fully recharge via USB-C. The earbuds are available in black, featuring a textured finish, and come with a physical button for easy control of playback, calls, and voice assistants.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Amazfit Up is available for $49.99/£44.90/€49.90. Up until October 27, customers in selected markets can receive the earbuds for free when purchasing an Amazfit Balance or T-Rex 3 smartwatch.

    In other news, Nothing has recently released its own open-ear style earbuds known as the Nothing Ear (Open). These earbuds come equipped with a curved headband for a secure fit and showcase the brand’s unique transparent design. They also have an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance and are fitted with 14.2mm titanium-coated drivers along with a ‘Bass Enhance’ algorithm. Additionally, the earbuds feature AI-driven Clear Voice 3.0 for clearer calls, a Sound Seal System to avoid audio leakage, and Bluetooth 5.3 for dual-device connectivity.

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  • Oppo Enco X3 Full Specs Revealed Before October 24 Launch

    Oppo Enco X3 Full Specs Revealed Before October 24 Launch

    Oppo is set to host an event on October 24, where it will unveil the Find X8 series. In addition to the smartphones, the company plans to showcase multiple accessories, such as the Pad 3 Pro, the Oppo Mag magnetic wireless charger, and a new color option for the Watch X.

    New Earbuds Launch

    The event will also mark the introduction of the Enco X3 TWS earbuds. Before the event, Oppo has already launched a product page on its Chinese website that discloses the complete specifications of the earbuds.

    Specs of the Enco X3

    The Enco X3 is designed with a dual dynamic driver arrangement, featuring an 11mm bass driver alongside a 6mm tweeter, all powered by the BES2700 chipset. These in-ear earbuds are equipped with noise-cancellation technology that can cut down background noise by up to 50 dB. They also come with AI Call Noise Reduction, VPU Bone Voiceprint Recognition, and an innovative anti-wind noise algorithm to enhance sound clarity.

    Moreover, the earbuds apply real-time human voice calculations for noise reduction, which boosts voice denoising capabilities by 200%. A dual DAC and a three-microphone system also improve audio quality during calls and playback.

    Audiophile-Friendly Features

    For those who love high-quality sound, the Enco X3 provides support for wireless lossless audio transmission with a transfer speed of 1 Mbps. With Bluetooth 5.4 and LHDC 5.0, the earbuds can deliver playback at 192kHz/24bit, offering a more immersive listening experience. The sound profile is specifically tuned by DYNAUDIO, and it also supports spatial audio for a more dynamic soundstage.

    You can control playback and answer calls using hand gestures on the earbuds. Plus, even if your hands are a little damp, there’s no need to worry, as the earbuds have an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance.

    Battery Life and Charging

    Each earbud contains a 58mAh battery, while the charging case has a capacity of 566mAh. Users can charge the earbuds both wired and wirelessly, supporting up to 10W wireless charging. Although the official price hasn’t been revealed yet, Oppo is currently taking pre-bookings on its website. Detailed pricing and availability information will be shared on October 24.

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