Category: Audio

  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Now Under Rs. 10,000 on Amazon India

    Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Now Under Rs. 10,000 on Amazon India

    Samsung is preparing to unveil its Galaxy Buds 3 series earbuds, likely in conjunction with the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 smartphones. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, which were introduced in August 2022, are now available at a significant discount in India.

    Initially priced at ₹17,999, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro can now be purchased for as low as ₹9,999. On Amazon India, the earbuds are listed at ₹10,949. Additionally, there is a ₹1,250 discount available for HDFC Bank Credit Card EMI transactions over 6 or 9 months. For those preferring shorter commitments, there’s also a ₹1,000 discount on a 3-month EMI using an HDFC Bank debit card.

    Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Specifications

    The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro features a design akin to the original Galaxy Buds Pro, complete with silicone ear tips that enhance fit and noise isolation. They come equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) capable of reducing ambient noise by up to 33dB and also offer a transparency mode.

    These earbuds utilize Bluetooth 5.3 and boast an IPX7 water resistance rating. Each earbud is fitted with a 10mm driver, delivering 24-bit Hi-Fi sound for clear and rich audio. They support 360-degree audio for an immersive listening experience and incorporate Dolby Head Tracking for a cinematic soundscape.

    For call quality, the Buds 2 Pro are outfitted with three microphones—two external and one internal—to minimize background noise. The Voice Detect feature automatically transitions from ANC to Ambient Mode when you start speaking, making conversations clearer.

    Samsung states that the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offers up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge with ANC turned off and up to 29 hours in total when used with the charging case. The earbuds can be recharged via a USB-C port or wirelessly, with a quick five-minute charge providing around 55 minutes of listening time.

    Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Now Under Rs. 10,000 on Amazon India
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  • Marshall Minor IV Bluetooth LE, Wireless Charging Launched in India

    Marshall Minor IV Bluetooth LE, Wireless Charging Launched in India

    Marshall has widened its selection of TWS earphones in India, which now includes just three models. The newest addition from the renowned British audio brand is the Marshall Minor IV true wireless earbuds. This model showcases the company’s classic design aesthetic, somewhat resembling Apple’s AirPods. However, the TWS earphones do not feature ANC despite their price point. Let’s delve into what the device offers straight out of the box.

    Marshall Minor IV specifications and features

    The Marshall Minor IV are in-ear TWS earphones that come with silicone ear tips. They boast a leather-like texture and knurled stems for an upscale appearance, with the bottom part of the stem highlighted in Gold. These earphones are also IPX4 water-resistant. Users can perform various functions by tapping on the stems, and music will automatically pause when the earphones are removed and resume when reinserted.

    Equipped with 12mm dynamic drivers, the Marshall Minor IV promises to deliver the brand’s signature sound, consistent with other devices in their lineup. The earbuds are acoustically tuned to offer a well-balanced sound and provide excellent call quality without distractions. They are Bluetooth LE audio-ready, ensuring higher audio quality and future-proofing.

    Connectivity and Battery Life

    The Marshall Minor IV supports Bluetooth Multipoint, allowing connection to multiple devices simultaneously. The earphones are said to provide 7 hours of use on a single charge, with the battery life extending up to 30 hours when using the charging case. An in-app battery management feature is included to help prolong battery life, along with over-the-air software updates for ongoing improvements. The device also supports wireless charging and has a USB-C port for added convenience.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Marshall Minor IV is priced at Rs 11,999 and is available for pre-order on Amazon, with shipping starting on June 15. Alternatively, they can be purchased from Marshall’s official website.

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  • Edifier M125 Bluetooth Speaker Sale: Now Only $23

    Edifier M125 Bluetooth Speaker Sale: Now Only $23

    Edifier has unveiled its latest wireless portable speaker, the Edifier M125, which features a highly compact design and Bluetooth compatibility, along with the ability to play audio locally.

    Speaker Specifications

    The Edifier M125 is equipped with dual 36mm full-range speakers and an 86 x 35mm large-size passive radiator, delivering a total output of 2x 4W. While it offers Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, it employs the SBC audio codec, which may result in compressed audio quality compared to speakers that support codecs like AAC.

    Compact Design and Functionality

    Measuring 17.6cm in length, 6.7cm in width, and 2.9cm in thickness, and weighing 260g, the Edifier M125 is remarkably compact. It can play audio via Bluetooth and includes an SD card slot for playing music stored locally on a memory card. Charging is done through its USB Type-C port.

    Connectivity and Battery Life

    The Edifier M125 supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices. You can control the settings using Edifier’s mobile app on your smartphone. The speaker houses a 2600mAh battery, providing up to 13 hours of continuous playback. Initially launched in China, the Edifier M125 is priced at 169 CNY, which is roughly 23 USD.

    Edifier M125 Bluetooth Speaker Sale: Now Only
    Edifier M125 Bluetooth Speaker Sale: Now Only
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  • Nu Republic Launches Cyberstud Spin TWS Earbuds with Fidget Spinner

    Nu Republic Launches Cyberstud Spin TWS Earbuds with Fidget Spinner

    Nu Republic, an Indian brand renowned for its wearable technology, has just unveiled an intriguing new audio product with a standout design. The company had previously hinted at the Cyberstud Spin, a TWS earbud that also functions as a fidget spinner. Now, this innovative hearable has officially debuted in India.

    Nu Republic Cyberstud Spin: Versatile TWS Meets Fidget Spinner

    The truly wireless earbuds feature a unique 2-in-1 design with vibrant colors. Developed as part of Nu Republic’s “wear tech” lineup, the standout feature is its charging case, which sports a metallic finish and a special design that allows it to be used as a fidget spinner. The earbuds have a semi-transparent appearance and boast Nu Republic’s proprietary X-Bass technology, thanks to its 13mm Neodymium audio drivers, which ensures clear vocals and rich bass.

    The Cyberstud Spin connects via Bluetooth 5.3 and includes a dedicated gaming mode that reduces latency to just 40ms. It offers a connectivity range of up to 15 meters. According to the brand, a single full charge provides up to 70 hours of usage and supports fast charging. The earbuds also feature ENC (Environment Noise Cancellation) for better call quality. With an IPX5 rating, they are resistant to splashes and sweat, making them ideal for rigorous workouts. Additional features include touch controls for ease of use, 310 hours of standby time, and Dual Mode (Game/Music).

    Pricing and Availability

    Nu Republic announced the launch in the Indian market today (12th June 2024). The starting price is 2,499 INR (approximately 30 US Dollars). These earbuds are available for purchase on the brand’s official website. If you’re interested in this audio product, you can click here to visit the official listing.

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  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 & Buds 3 Pro Pass BIS Certification Pre-Launch

    Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 & Buds 3 Pro Pass BIS Certification Pre-Launch

    Samsung is gearing up to enhance its audio lineup with the release of the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. These new models are expected to debut at the forthcoming Unpacked event, alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro was recently leaked, showcasing a design overhaul. Moreover, a recent certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) confirms that these earbuds will soon be available in India, following their global launch.

    The BIS certification lists the devices with model numbers SM-R630 for the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and SM-R530 for the Galaxy Buds 3. While the listing does not provide specific details regarding the features or specifications, it does suggest that an Indian release is imminent.

    Design Overhaul

    Samsung appears to be moving away from the previous bean-shaped design, opting instead for a stem design. This change aligns the new Buds more closely with competitors like Apple’s AirPods and OnePlus Buds. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro will feature a dual-driver design and support Bluetooth 5.4, enhancing audio performance. Additionally, the Pro version will come with an IP57 rating, ensuring resistance to water and dust, and is expected to offer up to 30 hours of battery life.

    Anticipated Features

    As the Galaxy Buds 3 series begins to appear on more certification websites, more details about their features and specifications are likely to emerge. For now, let’s examine the specifications and features of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro to get a sense of what to expect from its successor.

    Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Specs

    The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro boasts silicone ear tips for a secure fit and effective noise isolation. These earbuds come equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that reduces ambient noise by up to 33dB and include a transparency mode. They support Bluetooth 5.3 and have an IPX7 rating for water resistance.

    With 10mm drivers and 24-bit Hi-Fi sound, the Buds 2 Pro deliver clear and rich audio. The earbuds also support 360-degree audio and Dolby Head Tracking for a more immersive listening experience. Three microphones (two external, one internal) ensure clear calls and minimize background noise.

    The Voice Detect feature switches the earbuds from ANC to Ambient Mode when you start speaking to someone. According to Samsung, the earbuds can last up to 8 hours on a single charge without ANC, and up to 29 hours total with the charging case. They support USB-C and wireless charging, offering about 55 minutes of listening time with just a five-minute charge.

    Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 & Buds 3 Pro Pass BIS Certification Pre-Launch
    Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 & Buds 3 Pro Pass BIS Certification Pre-Launch
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  • Spotify to Charge $5 More Monthly for Premium Hi-Fi Audio Feature

    Spotify to Charge $5 More Monthly for Premium Hi-Fi Audio Feature

    Spotify is reportedly close to introducing a high-fidelity audio add-on for its streaming service, according to a Bloomberg report. This new premium tier is expected to cost an additional $5 per month and will come with several new features, aside from the enhanced audio quality.

    Existing Spotify Premium subscribers will have the option to integrate the HiFi tier into their current plan, resulting in a total monthly cost of $16.99, considering the upcoming base price increase to $11.99 for Premium. According to Bloomberg, this add-on will also feature playlist creation tools tailored for specific activities, dates, or seasons. Although Spotify had initially announced its HiFi audio plans for 2021, the launch was never realized. Since then, there have been various speculations regarding this premium tier. Last year, Bloomberg mentioned a potential “Supremium” HiFi plan at a higher price, while The Wall Street Journal indicated that the add-on might include a remix feature that allows users to adjust playback speed.

    Features and Leaks

    In 2023, code discovered within the Spotify app provided additional hints about the potential features of the HiFi add-on. This leaked code suggested the inclusion of 24-bit lossless audio, AI-driven playlist creation, and a mood-based song filtering tool for playlists. More recently, a Reddit user found code mentioning “lossless has arrived” within the app. Another user later shared leaked UI elements that referenced lossless quality reaching up to 2,117kbps and the availability of 24-bit/44.1kHz for certain songs using the FLAC audio format.

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  • CMF Buds 2, Watch Pro 2 Teased for Launch with Phone 1

    CMF Buds 2, Watch Pro 2 Teased for Launch with Phone 1

    Last week, CMF confirmed the launch of its Phone 1 smartphone, which will feature an Orange leather back panel and a smart dial. Leaks and rumors have shed light on some key aspects of the device. Recently, the Nothing sub-brand shared a 15-second teaser video on its X handle, titled ‘Reinventing the Wheel,’ which references the smart dial. The teaser remains quite cryptic, keeping us guessing about what CMF has in store.

    CMF Watch and Buds Also Teased for Launch

    The teaser showcases three dials rotating slowly, seemingly belonging to different devices. The first device is clearly the CMF Phone 1, confirmed to have a dial at the bottom right side of its back panel. A noticeable screw under the dial suggests it could double as a lanyard, hinting at additional functionalities. The teaser also reveals that the upcoming phone will be available in Matte Black, alongside the previously confirmed Orange.

    The second product in the teaser likely represents the CMF Buds 2, as its dial resembles that of its predecessor. Meanwhile, the third device could very well be the CMF Watch Pro 2, featuring a rotating dial. This suggests that the dial can be replaced to customize the smartwatch’s appearance. We can anticipate more details about these upcoming products from the Nothing sub-brand in the coming days, hopefully with less ambiguity.

    Expected Specifications and Pricing

    According to leaks, the CMF Phone 1 is expected to come with a 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED display, a 50MP rear camera, and a 16MP front camera. The device will reportedly be powered by a Dimensity 7200 SoC and is tipped to have a box price of Rs 19,999.

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  • JBL LIVE BUDS 3 Launch: Touchscreen Case & 7-Level Adaptive ANC

    JBL LIVE BUDS 3 Launch: Touchscreen Case & 7-Level Adaptive ANC

    JBL launched the LIVE FLEX 3 TWS last week in China for 1,399 yuan ($212) with 12mm dynamic drivers and a built-in touch screen. The company has now introduced another TWS earphone with a similar touch screen called the LIVE BUDS 3. You can learn more about the LIVE FLEX 3 here. Let’s check out the latter one here.

    The LIVE BUDS 3 will be available for purchase at 0:00 tomorrow in China with an initial price tag of 1,299 Yuan (~$179).

    JBL LIVE BUDS 3 specs and features:

    Audio and ANC

    This set of TWS earphones features 10mm composite diaphragm driver units with neodymium magnets, delivering a concert-like presence with crisp and clear audio. The product also supports 3D spatial audio.

    The earbuds come with an in-ear detection feature that can automatically pause the audio when you remove the earbuds or receive a phone call when you’re wearing them. This adds convenience and can save battery power. You can also customize the sound output using the equalizer to adjust the bass to your preference, aiming for a balanced sound output.

    The earphones have an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature that can switch between seven levels of noise cancellation depending on the environment. You can also control it yourself via the JBL Headphones app.

    The microphone matrix inside and outside the headset is equipped with a digital noise reduction software engine, which helps the earbuds generate reverse sound waves with high precision to achieve noise reduction and noise cancellation. The earplugs are also reportedly soundproof, designed to keep environmental noise out of your ear canal.

    Battery life and charging

    The LIVE BUDS 3 offer 10 hours of battery life on a single session and 30 hours with the charging case. It supports fast charging, offering 4 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging. Note that the battery life mentioned is likely tested with ANC turned off; turning it on will consume more power, resulting in a relatively lower battery backup.

    Something special

    As shown in the image, there is a 1.5″ LCD color screen that supports one-finger touch control. You can also change the wallpaper on the screen.

    Sometimes it can be more convenient to use the case rather than the touch controls on the earbuds. This is where the screen on the case becomes handy. It allows the user to switch between noise reduction, spatial audio, sound effect modes, and sleep aid mode from the charging case.

    JBL LIVE BUDS 3 Launch: Touchscreen Case & 7-Level Adaptive ANC
    JBL LIVE BUDS 3 Launch: Touchscreen Case & 7-Level Adaptive ANC
    JBL LIVE BUDS 3 Launch: Touchscreen Case & 7-Level Adaptive ANC
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  • JBL Live Beam 3 Earbuds with ANC Teased on Amazon India

    JBL Live Beam 3 Earbuds with ANC Teased on Amazon India

    JBL recently revealed its latest Live TWS 3 series at CES 2024, highlighting the Live Beam 3 earbuds, which will soon be accessible in India and other global markets.

    Though the exact launch date hasn’t been disclosed, these earbuds are already listed on Amazon and JBL’s Indian websites. On the JBL site, the price is set at Rs. 24,999 in India. However, it’s likely a placeholder as Amazon India suggests the earbuds will be priced below Rs. 20,000. Specifications and features are detailed below.

    JBL Live Beam 3 Earbuds Specifications

    The Live Beam 3 features 10mm dynamic drivers delivering JBL’s signature sound quality. The earbuds boast up to 48 hours of battery life on a single charge without noise cancellation, and up to 40 hours with noise cancellation turned on. A quick charge option provides 4 hours of playtime after just 15 minutes of charging.

    These earbuds include a customizable SmartCase that allows for sound settings and call control, and even lets you personalize the case’s screensaver. Additional features include Hi-res audio, adaptive noise cancellation for enhanced sound clarity in noisy settings, and six microphones to improve call quality.

    Additional Features

    The Live Beam 3 supports wireless charging and can be managed via the JBL Headphones app, enabling users to adjust EQ, audio, and video settings. With the latest Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, they ensure stable pairing and are available in black, blue, and gray.

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  • Nokia Unveils New Immersive Phone Call Technology

    Nokia Unveils New Immersive Phone Call Technology

    Nokia’s CEO Pekka Lundmark recently made a phone call utilizing a cutting-edge technology known as “immersive audio and video.” This innovation aims to enhance call quality by introducing a three-dimensional effect, making the listening experience more lifelike. The demonstration was conducted with Stefan Lindström, Finland’s Ambassador of Digitalisation and New Technologies.

    Nokia anticipates their 3D calling technology will soon set the industry standard. They are urging network providers, chipset manufacturers, and handset makers to adopt and integrate this immersive calling feature into their products.

    A Step Towards Realistic Communication

    The objective of this new technology mirrors Google’s Project Starline, albeit with fewer prerequisites. The CEO’s demonstration showcased the future of voice communication, akin to his participation during the introduction of 2G calling.

    For years, the core technology and output of voice calls have remained mostly unchanged. Initially, calls employed heavy compression to minimize file size for transmission. Despite the current infrastructure’s capability to handle high-quality, multi-channel audio, we still rely on monophonic systems. Nokia’s 3D audio-based immersive calling represents a significant advancement in calling technology.

    A Leap in Live Voice Calling

    Nokia’s innovation will not only enhance auditory experience but also allow users to visualize the caller’s environment. “It is the biggest leap forward in the live voice calling experience since the introduction of monophonic telephony audio used in smartphones and PCs today,” stated Jenni Lukander, Nokia’s president.

    This new calling method’s advantage lies in its simplicity; it doesn’t necessitate special audio equipment to experience the 3D effect. A stereo microphone setup, common in most modern smartphones, is sufficient to create this immersive experience.

    Practical Demonstration and Future Prospects

    For those concerned about transmission, the demonstration used a standard 5G-enabled smartphone. As shown in the image above, CEO Pekka Lundmark was holding a Pixel device. Besides one-on-one calls, this immersive technology can also be applied to conference calls.

    Nokia plans to license this new technology and make it publicly accessible within a few years.

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