Category: Audio

  • Edifier Hecate G2500bar Gaming Speakers: 7.1 Surround Sound & RGB

    Edifier Hecate G2500bar Gaming Speakers: 7.1 Surround Sound & RGB

    Edifier has introduced a new desktop gaming speaker named the Hecate G2500bar in China. This speaker is available for 299 yuan ($41) and can be found on JD.com. Let’s take a look at its main features.

    Key Specifications of the Edifier Hecate G2500bar

    The Edifier G2500 soundbar is designed to be compact, making it about 30% shorter than traditional soundbars. This compactness makes it a great fit for smaller desktops without occupying too much space. It is equipped with 53mm dual full-range neodymium magnetic drivers along with a dual reflex tube acoustic system, which produces a rich and immersive audio experience with strong bass.

    Advanced Features for Clear Communication

    This soundbar is outfitted with second-generation Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) technology, which helps to provide clear communication by removing echoes during voice chats. Furthermore, it includes an integrated DSP chip to ensure precise audio processing, offering three distinct sound modes: gaming, music, and movies. The soundbar also supports 7.1 virtual surround sound, which enhances the listening experience with a professional sound field and accurate audio positioning.

    Dynamic Lighting and Connectivity Options

    The G2500 features TempoFlow RGB lighting technology that offers 12 different dynamic lighting effects that sync with sound, adding a visual element to the experience. Users have the ability to customize these effects via the Hecate Connect Center software on their PC or the Edifier Connect App on mobile devices. The speaker provides dual connectivity options, such as a USB sound card and Bluetooth 5.4, making it compatible with a variety of devices including smartphones, tablets, PCs, PS4/PS5, and Nintendo Switch. It also comes with a detachable microphone that features AI noise reduction and anti-feedback technology for clear audio capture, adjustable according to user needs.

    Design and Performance Specs

    The speaker is designed with a 5° tilt angle, optimizing sound delivery to minimize sound wave reflection and ensuring a direct path to the listener’s ears. It has a physical button interface for volume control, light mode switching, anti-slip feet, and a convenient one-click mute function. The soundbar provides R/L 2.5W + 2.5W power and operates within a frequency range of 90Hz to 15kHz. It maintains minimal noise with a sound level of ≤20dB (A) and a signal-to-noise ratio of ≥85dB (A). The design features a sleek cyber-mechanical look with sharp lines and a semi-transparent front panel, and it comes in two colors: Cosmic Grey and Pearl White.

    In other news, EarFun has launched the UBOOM X speaker, boasting an 80W output, an IP67 rating, and up to 30 hours of playback time. Additionally, if you are a console gaming enthusiast, you might be interested in whether the Nintendo Switch 2 can compete with Sony’s PS5 Pro.

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  • Geeks Bypass AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid Restrictions for Grandmas

    Geeks Bypass AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid Restrictions for Grandmas

    Apple has recently rolled out Hearing Health features for the AirPods Pro 2 with the latest 7B19 firmware update. These features include Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection options. However, the first two features are limited to certain regions due to regulations. Sadly, users in India can’t access these features yet, as the country is not included in Apple’s list of supported locations.

    Creative Workaround Found

    Despite this limitation, a resourceful group of tech enthusiasts has discovered a way to bypass Apple’s geo-restrictions. Upon the release of the iOS 18.1 update, Rithwik Jayasimha (@thel3l on X) bought a pair of AirPods Pro 2 for his grandmother, only to find out that the much-anticipated features were unavailable in India. Instead of giving up on the shiny new earbuds, Rithwik and his colleagues at Lagrange Point devised a method to sidestep Apple’s geolocation checks.

    Technical Exploration

    You can check out the complete story on how they managed to bypass Apple’s restrictive geolocation measures. Essentially, Rithwik found out that iOS relies on three primary methods to determine the location of an iPhone: a GET request to a specific endpoint (https://gspe1-ssl.ls.apple.com/pep/gcc), the location of the Apple Store, and probably the device’s timezone and region settings. For cellular devices, Apple also utilizes GPS and an internal database that helps calculate location based on mobile country/network codes (MCC/MNC) received from the network.

    Overcoming Challenges

    The first logical step taken was to simplify the identification of location from MCC/MNC. Rithwik and his team used an iPad 10th generation that only had Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities, avoiding cellular connection. However, spoofing the location turned out to be more complex than anticipated. They tried changing the device’s locale, manipulating the GET request to reflect a US location, and even using Xcode to simulate location, but all efforts were futile. While the iPad did alter its apparent location, it seemed to recognize that something was amiss.

    Additional brainstorming led them to realize that the iPad was likely triangulating its position using a mix of GPS, Wi-Fi SSIDs, and MAC addresses from nearby devices. They attempted to modify the Skylift ESP32 project to mimic SSIDs from Menlo Park, California, but this too was unsuccessful. Moreover, it was nearly impossible to eliminate all Wi-Fi networks from their surroundings.

    The Faraday Cage Solution

    For those unfamiliar, a Faraday cage is a structure that blocks electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves. A common example is a microwave oven, which operates at a frequency similar to Wi-Fi. Thus, a microwave can also act as a Wi-Fi jammer. The team’s approach involved placing the ESP32 inside a cardboard box lined with aluminum foil to emit California SSIDs to the iPad. This setup was then placed on top of a microwave oven that should ideally block out 2.4 GHz signals. Initially, the iPad still recognized it was in India, but after some adjustments, it finally acknowledged its location as being in the US.

    With anticipation, they opened the AirPods Pro 2 case and awaited the outcome. To their delight, the Hearing Assistance features were immediately activated on the AirPods Pro 2.

    Final Thoughts

    The team also discovered that the hearing aid feature essentially functions as an equalizer preset, replacing the transparency mode, and should theoretically work even with older firmware. An added bonus is that once activated using this hack, all devices linked to your iCloud account can access the Hearing Health features on the AirPods Pro 2 without going through the entire process again.

    Rithwik and his team have since constructed a more effective Faraday cage with assistance from a friend and are even hosting a small camp at Lagrange Point to assist others in need. While the AirPods Pro 2 are not the cheapest true wireless earbuds on the market, they certainly provide an economical alternative for hearing aids.

    If you or someone you know owns an AirPods Pro 2 and would benefit from these features, reach out to Rithwik on X for assistance.

    Source: Link,Link,Link

  • Urbanista Copenhagen 2 Earbuds: 36 Hours Playback, $49

    Urbanista Copenhagen 2 Earbuds: 36 Hours Playback, $49

    When looking for earbuds, consumers have a vast array of options across different price ranges. Recently, the Urbanista Copenhagen 2 has been introduced, bringing a vibrant selection of colors and priced below $50.

    Design and Features

    The new Urbanista earbuds adopt a half-in-ear style similar to the AirPods 4 (currently listed on Amazon for $119). They come with a clamshell charging case that allows the earbuds to rest flat. With 12mm dynamic drivers, the Copenhagen 2 earbuds also support the SBC codec. They are equipped with four microphones; two of these are designed to reduce background noise and ensure clearer phone calls.

    Sound Quality and Connectivity

    While the AirPods 4 variant features active noise cancellation (ANC), the Copenhagen 2 earbuds do not include this option. However, users can enjoy three equalizer settings: Default, Bass Boost, and Treble Boost. Switching between these presets is made easy through the touch controls on the earbuds.

    These earbuds utilize Bluetooth 5.4 and offer Bluetooth multipoint connection, enabling users to connect to two devices at once. This functionality can be activated directly on the earbuds or via the charging case. Additionally, they have an IPX4 rating for water resistance, making them a good choice for exercising.

    Battery Life and Compatibility

    The Urbanista Copenhagen 2 earbuds work well with both Android and iOS devices and support voice assistants. The total battery life is impressive at 36 hours, split into 7 hours for the earbuds themselves and an extra 29 hours provided by the charging case. The case includes four LEDs to show battery levels and charging status, and it charges through a USB-C port.

    At a price of $49, the Copenhagen 2 earbuds are $20 cheaper than the previous model. Although the promotional video showcases four color options, they are currently available for purchase in just three shades: Cloud White, Lavender Purple, and Midnight Black, on the official site.

    Source: Link

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  • NTT Unveils Active Noise Cancellation for Open-Ear Headphones

    NTT Unveils Active Noise Cancellation for Open-Ear Headphones

    NTT has revealed that it’s working on new active noise cancellation tech designed for open-ear headphones, like the nwm ONE open-ear headphones. These types of headphones let in surrounding sounds, which means users can stay aware of important alerts and announcements at all times.

    Innovative Hardware and Software

    To create the extra noise-cancelling effect that minimizes sound leakage from open-ear headphones, NTT has engineered new hardware and software solutions. The hardware includes reference and error feedback microphones, featuring ultra-low latency circuitry, alongside specially designed speakers. On the software side, they use ANC algorithms that have low computation delays and don’t require much processing power.

    Improved Noise Reduction

    This combination leads to a notable decrease in noise within the 1 kHz to 3 kHz frequency range, outperforming existing ANC technology for open-ear headphones that typically only cancels noise below 1 kHz. Testing showed an average noise reduction of 7.8 dB, with some instances reaching up to 13.7 dB. NTT plans to further develop this ANC technology before making it available commercially, aiming to broaden the ANC frequency range bandwidth.

    Upcoming Showcase and Availability

    The new technology will be presented at the 2024 R&D Forum, scheduled for November 25-29, 2024. For those eager to try out NTT’s open-ear headphones with active noise cancellation, the current model, the nwm ONE without ANC, is available on Amazon for $299.

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  • Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus: Built-in Subwoofer & Surround Sound

    Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus: Built-in Subwoofer & Surround Sound

    Along with the release of the Fire TV Omni mini-LED series, a new soundbar has been introduced by Amazon. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is positioned as a more premium option compared to the Fire TV Soundbar that came out in 2023.

    Design and Size

    The design of the Fire TV Soundbar Plus is sleeker and flatter than its earlier version. Notably, it’s much bigger, measuring 37” in length, while the original Fire TV Soundbar is only 24” long. The larger size allows for a built-in subwoofer, which supports a 3.1 speaker channel.

    Audio Features

    This soundbar is equipped with advanced audio technologies such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS TruVolume, along with a special dialogue channel. It has a Dialogue Enhancer feature that boosts voice clarity, making them stand out against background noise.

    While the integrated subwoofer certainly provides an advantage for the Fire TV Soundbar Plus over its predecessor, Amazon also gives consumers the choice to buy it with an external sub-woofer, or even with both an external sub-woofer and surround speakers for a true home theater vibe. The soundbar can either be mounted on the wall (a mount kit is included) or set on a TV stand.

    Connectivity and Control

    Being an audio-only product, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus doesn’t come with built-in Alexa or Fire TV capabilities. It includes its own remote and has physical buttons on top, but users who own a compatible Fire TV device can control the soundbar with its remote as well. Connectivity options include an optical port, an HDMI eARC port, and a USB port. Plus, it supports Bluetooth, allowing you to link it to your smartphone or tablet.

    The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is now available on Amazon for $249.99. This is more than double the price of the Fire TV Soundbar, which retails for $104.99. If you opt for the Soundbar Plus with an external sub-woofer, the cost rises to $374.99, and if you choose to add the external sub-woofer along with two surround sound speakers, the total comes to $489.99.

    Source: Link

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  • Noise Buds Trooper TWS Earbuds: Long Battery Life & Low Latency

    Noise Buds Trooper TWS Earbuds: Long Battery Life & Low Latency

    Indian electronics brand Noise has introduced its newest TWS earbuds, the Noise Buds Trooper, which are tailored for gaming and high-quality sound for those on the move.

    Features of Noise Buds Trooper

    The Buds Trooper is equipped with a 13mm driver that provides rich bass and crisp audio, enhancing the gaming experience by capturing everything from footsteps to loud explosions. Its unique Visor Design along with Breathing LEDs gives it a stylish appearance.

    For gamers, these earbuds come with Quad Mic Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology, which helps to minimize background sounds, allowing for clear and uninterrupted conversations during online matches. With an impressive battery life of up to 45 hours, the Instacharge feature allows users to enjoy 150 minutes of playtime after just a quick 10-minute charge.

    Gaming Performance

    The TWS earbuds feature an ultra-low latency of 40ms, which is essential for quick audio feedback during intense gaming and streaming sessions. Additionally, the included HyperSync technology enhances connectivity, making it easy to switch between devices while maintaining a stable Bluetooth v5.3 connection with minimal lag. Built for active lifestyles, the Noise Buds Trooper boasts an IPX5 water resistance rating, making them ideal for gaming and outdoor adventures.

    Specifications

    • Battery: Up to 45 hours
    • Driver: 13mm
    • Latency: 40ms ultra-low
    • Charging: Instacharge, 150 minutes of playtime with a 10-minute charge
    • Design: Visor with Breathing LEDs
    • Connectivity: Bluetooth v5.3, HyperSync

    Pricing & Availability

    The Noise Buds Trooper comes in four vibrant colors—Knight Black, Storm Grey, Mighty White, and Fiery Yellow—and is priced at INR 999. They can be found on gonoise.com and Amazon.

    In related news, Red Magic has launched its new gaming smartphones, the Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+, in China. These devices feature the newest Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, along with the Red Core R3 chip, advanced cooling systems, shoulder triggers, and stereo speakers.

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  • Fiio JM21 Digital Audio Player with Dual DACs & High-Res Bluetooth

    Fiio JM21 Digital Audio Player with Dual DACs & High-Res Bluetooth

    Fiio JM21 Digital Audio Player is designed for serious music lovers and audiophiles who want high-resolution sound while they are on the move. It comes packed with features such as dual DACs, top-notch amplification, many connectivity options, and a sharp display. This device really stands out in terms of both sound quality and usability. You can purchase the Fiio JM21 Digital Audio Player for $179.99 at Geekwills.

    Stunning 4.7-Inch Screen

    The Fiio JM21 features a 4.7-inch IPS screen that has a resolution of 750×1334 pixels, ensuring clear images and straightforward navigation. This high-res display makes it enjoyable to browse through album covers, tweak settings, or organize your playlists.

    Dual DACs for Exceptional Sound

    At the core of the Fiio JM21 lies its robust audio processing capabilities. It includes dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs paired with SGM8262 amplification. This setup minimizes cross-talk and delivers clean, detailed audio, making it perfect for those who want a high-fidelity sound experience. The dual DAC configuration is a major highlight for a DAP at this price point, delivering quality comparable to much pricier players.

    Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 Processor

    The Fiio JM21 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset, which is an 8-core processor built on a 6nm process. This ensures that the device runs smoothly without lag and has enough power to operate its Android 13 system effortlessly. The Snapdragon 680 allows the Fiio JM21 to manage high-quality audio files and multitasking without losing performance.

    USB DAC Functionality for PCs

    One of the standout aspects of the Fiio JM21 is its capability to serve as a USB DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) for computers. When plugged into a computer, it operates as a high-quality sound card and headphone amplifier, supporting sampling rates up to 384kHz/32bit. This feature is perfect for anyone looking to improve their computer’s audio performance with a high-quality DAC and amplifier.

    Advanced Wireless Features

    For audiophiles who enjoy wireless sound, the Fiio JM21 is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0. This modern Bluetooth chip supports various codecs like SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LHDC, and LDAC, ensuring top-notch audio quality even when streaming wirelessly. The JM21 can function as both a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver, offering flexibility in connecting to many audio devices.

    Powerful Output and Flexible Connectivity

    With an impressive output of 700mW + 700mW, the Fiio JM21 has a dedicated power supply system to empower its amplifier, enabling it to drive even the most demanding headphones. It includes both a 4.4mm balanced headphone jack and a 3.5mm single-ended headphone jack, making it compatible with a wide range of headphones. Additionally, it supports SPDIF and USB audio output for varied connectivity options.

    Extended Battery Life

    Featuring a battery that enables up to 12.5 hours of playback on single-ended output and about 9.5 hours using the balanced output, the Fiio JM21 is an excellent choice for those who require a DAP capable of long listening sessions without needing frequent recharges.

    Key Specifications:

    • Display: 4.7-inch IPS, 750×1334 pixels
    • DAC: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs
    • Processor: 6nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, 8-core
    • Memory: 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM
    • Amplification: 700mW + 700mW output power
    • Battery Life: 12.5 hours (single-ended), 9.5 hours (balanced)
    • Operating System: Android 13
    • Audio Outputs: 4.4mm balanced + 3.5mm single-ended jacks
    • Connectivity: SPDIF, USB audio output
    • Bluetooth: Version 5.0, supports SBC/AAC/aptX/aptX HD/LHDC/LDAC

    The Fiio JM21 Digital Audio Player merges high-end audio technology with versatile functionality and a user-friendly design. Whether it’s used as a portable DAP, a USB DAC for computers, or a Bluetooth receiver, the Fiio JM21 offers amazing audio quality, making it a superb choice for music lovers wanting top sound while on the go.

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  • DJI Mic Mini Launch: Pricing, Battery Life, and Leak Details

    DJI Mic Mini Launch: Pricing, Battery Life, and Leak Details

    Only a short while ago, Igor Bogdanov disclosed some interesting information regarding DJI’s upcoming budget microphone. To give some background, DJI already has products like the DJI Mic 2 and the more affordable older model, the DJI Mic, which is currently priced at $249 on Amazon. Nevertheless, reports suggest that the new DJI Mic Mini will be even less expensive.

    Pricing Details

    According to both Bogdanov and Jasper Ellens, the starting price for the Mic Mini is expected to be just €59 (about $62). For an extra €30, users can get a version that includes a transmitter and receiver, bringing the total to €89 (around $94). Additionally, a full bundle containing two transmitters, a receiver, and a charger will be priced at €169 (approximately $179).

    Release Date Expectations

    Sadly, there is still no confirmed release date from the popular leakers. However, Ellens has mentioned that the launch of the DJI Mic Mini is “coming up real soon.” This leads to the reasonable assumption that DJI might officially unveil its first true budget microphone by the end of this month, at the very latest.

    Battery Life Insights

    On another note, Ellens has indicated that this microphone can operate for up to 10 hours on one charge when connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth. In comparison, its proprietary charger is said to deliver up to 48 hours of battery life before needing a recharge. Ultimately, DJI doesn’t have much more to disclose about the Mic Mini. Meanwhile, Ellens has also shared new promotional images of the product, which can be seen above and below.

    Jasper Ellens (1) (2)

    Source: Link,Link

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  • Rode Launches Compact Wireless Microphone for Mobile Creators

    Rode Launches Compact Wireless Microphone for Mobile Creators

    After achieving great success with its Wireless Go II and Wireless ME microphone systems, the Australian audio brand Rode is now focusing on smartphone content creators. The new Wireless Micro is more compact and stylish compared to its predecessors, featuring a receiver that connects directly to smartphones through a USB-C or Lightning dongle.

    Innovative Design Features

    Each microphone incorporates a “patent-pending acoustic chamber design” that enhances sound clarity while minimizing wind noise. Additionally, furry windshields are provided for use in extremely windy situations. The GainAssist technology from Rode automatically regulates the audio levels, preventing issues with clipping or low volume.

    Lightweight and Portable

    Weighing just 12 grams, the microphones can be easily attached using the built-in clip or with a magnetic option. They offer a transmission range exceeding 100 meters, making them ideal for outdoor recording. The microphones have a battery life of 7 hours, and the charging case provides two extra charges, totaling 21 hours of usage.

    The whole system, contained in the charging case, measures only 72 x 58 x 30 mm (2.8 x 2.3 x 1.2 inches) and has a weight of 102 grams (3.6 oz). The microphone itself, which can be secured with either the built-in clip or magnetic attachments, weighs a mere 12 grams.

    Competitive Market Landscape

    Though there are several other wireless mics available, including the DJI Mic 2 and Hollyland Lark M2, Rode maintains a strong reputation for producing high-quality microphones, especially in its professional studio lineup. Given the success of its other wireless devices, the Wireless Micro is likely to be a dependable and high-quality option that also comes at a fair price.

    The Rode Wireless Micro can be purchased for $150 on Amazon and Rode’s official website. It is offered in black or white colors and is available with either a USB-C or Lightning connector.

    Source: Link

  • FiiO BTR17: Qualcomm aptX Lossless & 650mW Amp for $199

    FiiO BTR17: Qualcomm aptX Lossless & 650mW Amp for $199

    Most modern smartphones have ditched the headphone jack, with high-end devices like the Apple iPhone 16 only using highly compressed Bluetooth codecs such as AAC and SBC. The FiiO BTR17 headphone amplifier aims to address these issues. When connected to a smartphone through USB-C, users have the option to plug in their headphones via either a 3.5 mm or a balanced 4.4 mm jack.

    Superior Sound Quality

    To provide exceptional audio, the FiiO BTR17 is equipped with an ESS Sabre ES9069Q DAC along with a powerful 650 mW amplifier, making it suitable for even the most demanding headphones. Users can also connect Bluetooth headphones, as the FiiO BTR17 supports Sony LDAC and Qualcomm aptX Lossless, courtesy of the Qualcomm QCC5181 Bluetooth chip. This allows for streaming music in CD quality without any loss. Weighing around 73 grams, this device boasts a battery life of about eight hours.

    User-Friendly Interface

    The gadget features a small 1.3-inch IPS display that shows the current settings and music quality. A dedicated rotary control allows users to adjust the volume, while a 10-band equalizer enables customization of sound preferences. Firmware updates can be easily installed through the FiiO Control app on a smartphone. The device has a desktop mode for peak performance, while the smartphone mode helps save battery life by preventing excess power drain from the smartphone.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can purchase the FiiO BTR17 headphone amplifier for $199, available in blue or black colors. FiiO also provides a leather carrying case and a USB-C cable with the product. For more information, you can visit the official product page.

    Source: Link,Link

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