Category: Audio

October 14, 2024
Oppo Enco X3 Launches with New Design on Official Website
The Oppo Enco X3 TWS earphones are set to be unveiled alongside the Find X8 series on October 24 in China. Recently, the earphones appeared on the official website, marking a successor to the Enco X2 that was launched in 2022. The official images reveal that the device will be available in two color choices: Beige and Black.
Charging Options
According to the listing, the Enco X3 TWS earphones will be available in two versions: one with wired charging and another with wireless charging. The design of the earbuds has changed compared to the previous version, but they still feature ‘L’ and ‘R’ markings for easy identification. The charging case showcases a leather-like finish on both the front and back, with the OPPO logo displayed prominently on the front, while the sides feature a matte finish. Overall, the design of the case resembles that of its predecessor, and there’s a physical button on the side for pairing purposes.
Enhanced Audio Features
In terms of sound quality, the Enco X3 is said to incorporate dual drivers—an 11mm bass driver and a 6mm tweeter—to provide a richer listening experience. Additionally, the earphones are fitted with a custom dual DAC (digital-to-analog converter), three microphones, and a VPU bone sensor, all aimed at enhancing voice capture. It is also expected to support a transmission rate of up to 1 Mbps and offer 192kHz / 24bit lossless wireless transmission. Previous reports have indicated support for LHDC 5.0 and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring reliable and lossless audio transmission.
Processing and Noise Cancellation
Regarding processing, the TWS utilizes the BES2700 chipset, which is also found in the newly launched Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2. This chipset is designed for ultra-low power Bluetooth devices focused on noise cancellation and AI-driven voice features. With this chipset, the Enco X3 is expected to achieve 50dB adaptive active noise reduction, a step up from the 45dB seen in its predecessor. However, the battery specs remain quite similar: 58mAh for the earbuds (an increase from 57mAh) and 566mAh for the charging case (unchanged from before). It supports 10W wired and wireless charging, which also mirrors the previous model. Nonetheless, improvements in battery life are anticipated due to the new chipset.
The Oppo Enco X3 may feature an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, which should protect the internal components from sweat and light rain.
Tags: Bluetooth 5.4, Oppo Enco X3, TWS earphones
October 11, 2024
Edifier Neodots: New TWS Earbuds with Hybrid ANC & 17-Hour Battery
Edifier has introduced its latest true wireless earbuds, the Neodots. These new in-ear headphones feature 10mm dynamic drivers and connect using Bluetooth 5.4. They also offer Google Fast Pair and can connect to two devices at once.
Design and Features
The design of the Neodots shows a slight improvement compared to last year’s version. The new model is more compact and lighter in weight. According to Edifier, the earbuds provide 12 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation (ANC) on, and 17 hours without it. When combined with the charging case, the total battery life extends to 56 hours. The earbuds have both wired and wireless charging capabilities, and a quick 15-minute charge can deliver up to 5 hours of playback.
Additional Specifications
The Neodots come in a pebble-shaped case that has an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance. Users can expect standard codec support like LDAC, AAC, and SBC. The earbuds also work with Edifier’s ConneX app, allowing for equalizer customization, control settings, and quick volume adjustments. For clearer call quality, Edifier has integrated six microphones, three in each earbud.
In the United States, you can already find the Edifier Neodots for $129.99 on Amazon. They are available in two colors: Sand White and Black.
Edifier via PRNewswire.
Tags: Bluetooth 5.4, Edifier Neodots, True Wireless Earbuds
October 11, 2024
Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Special Edition Now Available
Sennheiser is broadening the global reach of its Accentum Wireless Special Edition (SE) over-ear headphones. To give some background, the Accentum Wireless SE are positioned between the Accentum Wireless and the Accentum Wireless Plus within Sennheiser’s wireless lineup, providing a budget-friendly option compared to the higher-end Momentum 4 over-ear headphones.
New Market Launch
Previously, the Accentum Wireless SE was only available in regions like the UK and the US, where they are priced at £169.99 and $199.99, respectively. Now, Sennheiser is introducing these headphones to the Indian market along with the BTD 600 Bluetooth dongle. For your information, the Accentum Wireless SE comes with several impressive hardware features:
Pricing and Discounts
In India, the official retail price for the Accentum Wireless SE is set at INR 19,990 (about $238), which includes the BTD 600 Bluetooth adapter and a USB Type-C charging cable in the package. Nonetheless, Sennheiser is launching these over-ear headphones with a special 40% discount, lowering the price to INR 11,990 (roughly $143) along with the same accessories. For further information, check out Sennheiser’s official website.
Sennheiser through GSMArena.
Tags: Accentum Wireless SE, BTD 600, Sennheiser
October 4, 2024
3M Launches WorkTunes Connect: Solar Hearing Protector with Bluetooth
3M has launched the 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector, which features Bluetooth connectivity and adaptive noise reduction. This hearing protection device is specially crafted for people who work in loud and messy settings, like gardeners and construction workers. It boasts a sturdy metal headband and resilient plastic earcups that have long-lasting earpads. Regular noise-cancelling headphones often can’t handle the harsh conditions found in tough job sites. Additionally, this headset is resistant to sweat and water.
Enhanced Noise Reduction
To help avoid hearing damage while using loud tools like string trimmers, the 3M WorkTunes employs Intelligent Background-Noise Reduction and a physical noise-blocking structure. This combination enables the headset to achieve an impressive 26 dB noise reduction rating (NRR). The Bluetooth headset comes with an auto-volume limiter, allowing users to answer calls and enjoy music without being exposed to harmful volume levels.
Innovative Solar Charging
Equipped with a built-in Powerfoyle solar cell, the 3M WorkTunes headset can be charged both indoors and outdoors. This feature significantly cuts down on the need for daily recharging, and the battery can last up to 40 hours without light. The flexible Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSC) was created by the Swedish company Exeger, ensuring it has the durability necessary to be included in the adjustable headband.
The 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector is priced at $169.99 and is currently available on Amazon.
3M WorkTunes, 3M press release, 3M on YouTube
3M has unveiled the WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector, marking it as the first-ever headset that offers continuous solar charging for everyday users.
Tags: 3M WorkTunes, Bluetooth Noise Reduction, Solar Hearing Protector
October 3, 2024
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro Headphones: Enhanced ANC & Touch Bar
Anker has introduced its latest wireless headphones known as the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro. These headphones promise impressive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) thanks to a setup that includes seven sensors—six microphones and a barometer. They can recalibrate every 0.3 seconds, which helps them adjust swiftly to changes in the surrounding environment. While they claim a 12.2-decibel improvement in noise reduction in the frequency range of 600 to 700 Hz, the true effectiveness of the ANC will only be revealed through testing.
Charging Case Features
In addition to focusing on ANC, Anker has also enhanced the charging case. This case features a display and a touch bar, allowing users to modify settings directly on the case instead of just using an app. The display provides information on the charging status, and the battery life is impressive, lasting up to 40 hours with additional charges.
Sound Quality and Specifications
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro utilize a sound generation system that includes two drivers: a 10.5 mm driver for rich bass and a tweeter. To ensure excellent sound quality during calls, the headphones are equipped with six microphones that effectively filter out wind noise. They also support spatial audio and come with an IPX5 rating for water resistance. In the USA, the Liberty 4 Pro can be purchased for US$130, and buyers will receive a travel bag as a complimentary gift.
Tags: Active Noise Cancelling, Anker, Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
October 2, 2024
Sony Launches LinkBuds Speaker with 25-Hour Battery Life
Sony has introduced its initial LinkBuds speaker, named the ‘LinkBuds Portable Wireless Speaker’. This announcement comes alongside the release of the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open; for more information on these earbuds, check out our related launch article.
Battery Life and Charging Features
According to Sony, the LinkBuds Portable Wireless Speaker can provide up to 25 hours of playtime on a single charge. Additionally, it includes a charging station that allows it to function as a wired speaker when needed. The speaker is also rated IPX4, meaning it is resistant to water splashes. However, it’s important to note that the ‘X’ indicates that it hasn’t been tested for particle protection.
Design and Compatibility
As illustrated in the video below, the LinkBuds Portable Wireless Speaker features a tweeter and an X-Balanced woofer, all housed in a compact design measuring 110 x 84 x 90 mm and weighing 520 g. The speaker can be used in stereo pairs, similar to Bose’s latest SoundLink speaker. Furthermore, this new LinkBuds speaker is compatible with Sony’s Sound Connect app.
Availability and Pricing
At present, the LinkBuds Portable Wireless Speaker can be purchased directly from Sony or Amazon for $179.99, available in both black and white color options. For further information, please visit Sony’s official website.
Tags: IPX4-certified, LinkBuds Portable Wireless Speaker, sony
October 1, 2024
Sony LinkBuds Open and Fit Launch: All You Need to Know
The latest additions to Sony’s lineup are the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open. Sony claims these models provide "improved wearability," primarily due to their newly designed wings. Dubbed "Air Fitting Supporters," these wings help to minimize pressure points, enhancing the comfort of the wireless earbuds.
Design Features
Among the two models, the LinkBuds Open share a design reminiscent of the first wireless earbuds released in this series. They feature an "open ring design" that allows ambient sound to enter, promoting better awareness of the surroundings. Although these newer earbuds are notably smaller, they are equipped with a new 11 mm driver.
Sony highlights that this driver enhances bass performance and delivers louder sound compared to the previous version. Additionally, the LinkBuds Open introduce voice controls that do not rely on any smart assistant. The processing occurs directly on the device, allowing users to execute voice commands for actions like skipping tracks and adjusting volume.
Upgrades in Fit Model
On the other hand, the LinkBuds Fit serve as an upgraded iteration of the LinkBuds S that Sony launched in 2022. These earbuds are lighter and more compact, but their reduced size does come at the cost of battery life. The LinkBuds Fit offer a runtime of up to 5.5 hours, whereas their predecessors provided 6 hours.
However, there is a positive aspect to the LinkBuds Fit, as they can achieve up to 21 hours of battery life when used with the charging case, marking an improvement over earlier models. Another significant feature is the inclusion of the same V2 processor found in the flagship Sony WF-1000XM5.
Additionally, they incorporate the Dynamic Driver X technology from the premium models, ensuring high-quality audio performance. The LinkBuds Fit also come with built-in voice controls.
Pricing and Availability
In terms of pricing, both the LinkBuds Fit and the LinkBuds Open are priced at $199.99. The Open variant is available in black and white, while the Fit comes in black, white, and purple. Both models are currently open for pre-order.
Tags: LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open, sony
October 1, 2024
Soundcore C40i: Anker’s Clip-On Wireless Earbuds with Big Drivers
Wireless earbuds have taken on various shapes and styles. Recently, a new design has become quite popular. These are clip-style earbuds, which don’t fit snugly inside the ear or use ear hooks; instead, they are simply ‘clipped’ onto the ear. While Huawei offers these types of headphones at a higher price, Anker also has options available. Anker’s C30i is set to be replaced with a new version. Although Anker has not yet officially detailed this release, some information has surfaced on Reddit.
Insider Information
This information seems to come from someone inside the company and has been proven accurate in the past. The upcoming C40i model is identified by the code A3331, featuring relatively large drivers that measure 12 x 17 millimeters. Since these headphones do not need to sit inside the ear canal, the drivers can be larger, which might enhance sound quality.
Connectivity and Features
The earbuds will connect to smartphones, tablets, and other devices using Bluetooth 5.3, which supports Multipoint connectivity. This allows the earbuds to connect to multiple devices at once, simplifying the pairing process. While this information is not yet confirmed, it’s reported that the Soundcore C40i will have an IPX4 rating, meaning they offer some protection against dust and water. The battery life is expected to last up to 25 hours, based on intermittent charging with the case.
Charging Case and Controls
The charging case has a straightforward design, featuring an operating light that likely indicates when the earbuds are charging and shows battery status. There are also buttons for controlling common functions like music playback and managing calls without needing to grab your smartphone.
So far, there has been no official announcement regarding the launch date or pricing. The previous model, the Soundcore C30i, is currently priced at $69.99 on Amazon, and it is also available directly from the manufacturer at a discount (10% off in the US and 25% off in Europe).
Tags: Anker, Soundcore C40i, wireless earbuds
October 1, 2024
Bose Launches New SoundLink Speaker with Bluetooth and USB-C Audio
Bose has introduced a fresh addition to its lineup: the ‘SoundLink Home Bluetooth Speaker.’ This speaker made its first appearance in China a couple of weeks ago and features a design that sets it apart from earlier SoundLink models. The SoundLink Home Bluetooth Speaker appears to hover within its casing, thanks to a fabric mesh that conceals its internal components.
Compact Design and Specifications
The dimensions of the speaker are 215.9 x 111.2 x 58.4 mm, and it has a weight of 875 g, making it relatively small compared to other Bluetooth speakers. Unfortunately, Bose has not disclosed specifics about the speaker’s driver. However, it has confirmed that this model supports Bluetooth 5.3 and offers up to nine hours of battery life.
Connectivity Options
In addition to Bluetooth, the SoundLink Home Bluetooth Speaker includes a USB Type-C port for those who prefer a wired audio connection. The speaker is also equipped with a built-in microphone, allowing users to handle calls and voice assistant commands. Additionally, two speakers can be connected together to provide a stereo sound experience.
Intended Use and Pricing
It’s important to note that the SoundLink Home Bluetooth Speaker is designed for indoor use only. Therefore, it does not come with any water or dust resistance features, unlike the SoundLink Flex, which is currently priced at $149 on Amazon. At present, Bose is only selling the SoundLink Home Bluetooth Speaker in China and North America, with a price tag of $219 in the US. The company has not yet announced plans for its availability in other regions.
Tags: Bluetooth 5.3, Bose, SoundLink Home Bluetooth Speaker
October 1, 2024
Sound Blaster GS5: Compact Gaming Soundbar with Bluetooth 5.3
Creative Technology has launched a small soundbar, the Sound Blaster GS5, designed to occupy minimal space. This makes it perfect for desktop setups, but it can also be used with televisions and other devices.
Impressive Audio Features
The Sound Blaster GS5 features advanced full-range racetrack drivers along with an integrated port tube. It boasts a peak power of 60W, which is adequate for desktop applications. Thanks to its SuperWide technology, the soundbar enhances the audio experience by broadening the soundstage for a more immersive and lifelike listening experience. There are two distinct SuperWide modes available: "Near Field," which is optimized for close-range desk use, and "Far Field," which suits larger rooms.
Customizable Design and Connectivity
Underneath the Sound Blaster GS5, Creative Technology has added adjustable RGB lighting, allowing users to customize it to their preferences. The soundbar includes a variety of connectivity options at the back, such as USB-C, AUX-in, and an optical input. It also supports Bluetooth 5.3, enabling wireless connections not only to desktop PCs and laptops but also to televisions, gaming consoles, smartphones, and other devices. A remote control is also included with the soundbar.
Pricing and Availability
The Creative Technology Sound Blaster GS5 soundbar is now available for pre-order directly from the manufacturer at a price of $69.99. For those who prefer immediate options, soundbars from Rythflo are recommended.
Tags: compact soundbar, Creative Technology, Sound Blaster GS5