Category: Audio

August 12, 2024
Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones on Sale for $198 on Amazon US
Sony WH-1000XM4, the well-known high-end headphones, are now available at their lowest price of $198 in the US. Prospective buyers can visit Amazon US to take advantage of this attractive offer. It might be a limited-time deal, so it's worth considering if you're in the market for quality headphones.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Deal on Amazon US
The Sony WH-1000XM4 features top-tier active noise cancellation and typically retails for about $348. With the current discount, buyers can purchase it for a reduced price of $198.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Specifications and Features
The Sony WH-1000XM4 boasts a sleek matte finish that is both smooth and pleasant to touch. These headphones provide a comfortable listening experience, powerful sound, and robust bass. They come in three colors: silver, blue, and black.
Offering up to 20 hours of battery life and quick charging capabilities, the Sony WH-1000XM4 can deliver 5 hours of playback after just 10 minutes of charging. In addition to the impressive headphones, users benefit from extensive multipoint connections, ambient sound control, touch sensor controls, a smart listening Sense engine, and other features.
Meanwhile, if you're interested in the latest Sony WH-1000XM5, these are also available at an 18% discount. Originally priced at $400, they are now $328. While the new model includes enhancements such as eight microphones and the V1 chip, it also comes at a higher cost.
Nevertheless, the price difference between the two models seems more significant than the benefits offered by the Sony WH-1000XM5. We recommend taking advantage of the current deal if you're in pursuit of new headphones.
Tags: Amazon Deal, Headphone Discount, Sony WH-1000XM4
August 12, 2024
OnePlus Buds Pro 3 Launch Confirmed for August 20
OnePlus has announced the release of their upcoming flagship earbuds, the Buds Pro 3, set to debut in India and other regions on August 20th. The launch event is scheduled to start at 6:30 PM IST (9:00 AM EST, 2:00 PM BST, 3:00 PM CEST).
Pricing and Specifications
According to recent leaks, the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro will be priced at €199, which is slightly more than the previous version. The earbuds will come equipped with an 11mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter, with sound tuning handled by Dynaudio. Enhanced noise cancellation of up to 50dB is another highlight, although gamers might find the 94ms audio delay less than ideal.
Battery Life and Features
The battery life is expected to be impressive, offering up to 43 hours of playback when used with the case. A quick charge of just 10 minutes will provide up to 5 hours of listening time. The earbuds will also support LHDC 5.0 for high-fidelity audio, have IP55 dust and water resistance, and feature Bluetooth 5.4.
Additionally, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 may come with a redesigned case that includes a leather-like material. The company is likely to start teasing more details about the Buds Pro 3 in the coming days.
Xiaomi Smart Band 9
In other news, Xiaomi’s Smart Band 9, which launched in China last month, is anticipated to reach global markets soon, with a probable starting price of €39.99 (~US$47). The band boasts a 1.62-inch AMOLED display with 1200 nits brightness, over 200 watch faces, and more than 150 workout modes. It also includes health-tracking sensors and offers up to 21 days of battery life with the Always-On Display (AOD) turned off.
Tags: Earbuds Launch, OnePlus Buds Pro 3
August 12, 2024
Moondrop Block True Wireless Earbuds: VDSF Tuning, 55ms Latency
Moondrop has introduced its latest creation, the Block true wireless earbuds. These earbuds are designed to rest on the outer ear, providing comfort and avoiding the usual plugged-in sensation associated with in-ear models.
Equipped with a 13mm Bass-Enhanced Dynamic Driver that uses bio-diaphragm technology, the Block promises high-resolution, punchy sound, making it suitable for various musical genres. They utilize Bluetooth V5.4 for stable connectivity and reduced latency. Additionally, the dual-microphone beamforming ENC ensures high-quality noise reduction for clear calls.
Advanced Tuning and Features
The earbuds are calibrated with the B&K5128 HATS system for precise sound reproduction, and the VDSF tuning delivers a natural timbre. They feature a 55ms low-latency game mode, making them perfect for gaming. The seamless monaural-binaural switching allows for easy use of either one or both earbuds. With a battery life of 6 hours, plus an extra 15 hours provided by the charging case, they’re built for extended use.
Pricing & Availability
The Moondrop Block TWS earbuds come in three colors: Pink, White, and Black. They will be available starting August 9, 2024, at 17:00 (GMT+8) for $19.99 USD.
In other news, EarFun has released the Air Pro 4 in-ear headphones, which are priced at $90. These headphones deliver high-quality audio powered by Qualcomm’s QCC3091 SoC, and they support aptX Lossless and LDAC codecs. Featuring QuietSmart 3.0 Adaptive Noise Cancellation, six microphones, and AI algorithms, they offer effective noise reduction and clear call quality.
Tags: Moondrop Block TWS, wireless earbuds
August 12, 2024
Sennheiser HD 620S Launched in India: Closer-Back Design Features
Sennheiser has launched the HD 620S in India, expanding its HD 600 series. These headphones are designed for audiophiles who seek detailed sound, featuring a closed-back design that excels in sound isolation, effectively blocking external noise.
Sennheiser HD 620S Headphones
The HD 620S comes equipped with a 42mm driver, delivering balanced audio with clear bass, similar to Sennheiser’s open-back models. Its design incorporates metal reinforcements for enhanced durability and an angled baffle to improve sound precision.
Despite being closed-back, the HD 620S offers a broad soundstage, avoiding the typical drawbacks of closed-back headphones. The package includes a detachable cable with both standard and 6.3mm jacks, along with an optional balanced cable for greater compatibility.
Specifications
Covering a frequency range of 6 Hz to 30 kHz and maintaining low distortion (less than 0.05%), the HD 620S is ideal for audiophiles and gamers who seek a reliable, high-quality listening experience.
Pricing & Availability
The Sennheiser HD 620S is now available at a launch price of Rs. 32,990. It can be purchased from the Sennheiser webshop, Amazon.in, and Flipkart.com.
In other news, Sennheiser has also released the MOMENTUM Sport TWS earphones for fitness enthusiasts in India. Priced at Rs 34,990, they offer IP55-certified sweat, dust, and shock resistance, a 10mm transducer for robust bass, and hybrid adaptive noise cancellation. Key features include built-in health tracking sensors like a PPG heart-rate monitor, body temperature sensor, and a 3-axis accelerometer.
Tags: Audiophile Headphones, Sennheiser HD 620S
August 8, 2024
EarFun Air Pro 4 Budget Noise Cancelling Earbuds with aptX Lossless
EarFun recently launched its new in-ear headphones, the Air Pro 4, at a price point of $90. These earbuds aim to deliver quality sound and practical features for a reasonable cost.
High-Quality Audio and Connectivity
Powered by Qualcomm’s QCC3091 SoC, the Air Pro 4 supports aptX Lossless and LDAC codecs, enhancing sound quality. Future firmware updates will introduce LE audio and Auracast compatibility. The 10mm composite dynamic drivers ensure rich and detailed audio. Additionally, the earbuds support multi-device connectivity, allowing users to switch between devices effortlessly.
Effective Noise Cancellation and Clear Calls
The Air Pro 4 includes QuietSmart 3.0 Adaptive Noise Cancellation, featuring six microphones and AI algorithms that reduce ambient noise by up to 50 dB. ANC levels can be adjusted through the EarFun Audio app. The combination of the six-microphone setup and cVc 8.0 technology ensures clear call quality, even in noisy settings.
Long Battery Life and Easy Charging
These earbuds provide up to 11 hours of playback on a single charge, extending to 52 hours with the charging case. The case supports both USB Type-C and wireless charging, and a quick 10-minute charge adds 2 hours of listening time.
User-Friendly Features and Durability
Google Fast Pair allows quick pairing with Android devices, and in-ear detection pauses playback when the earbuds are removed. A low-latency gaming mode reduces latency to 50 milliseconds. The Air Pro 4 is IPX5-rated for water and sweat resistance, making it suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. As mentioned earlier, the EarFun Air Pro 4 is available for around $90 and can be purchased through Amazon.
Tags: Active Noise Cancellation, EarFun Air Pro 4, Long Battery Life
August 7, 2024
Vivo TWS 3e with ANC, Dual Connectivity Launched in India
Vivo has unveiled its V40 series smartphones in India today. Alongside, the company introduced a new TWS earphone named the Vivo TWS 3e. This audio device boasts impressive specifications and features at a budget-friendly price, positioning itself as a competitor to the Redmi Buds 5, Realme Buds Air 6, OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro, among others. Let’s delve into what the Vivo TWS 3e brings to the table.
Vivo TWS 3e Specifications
The Vivo TWS 3e sports an AirPods-like design with a long stem and silicone ear tips. These earphones are IP54-certified, making them resistant to dust and splashes. Various functions can be performed by tapping on the stem. Additionally, they feature wearing detection, automatically pausing the music when removed and resuming playback when worn again.
In terms of audio quality, the Vivo TWS 3e houses an 11mm bionic composite cashmere biofibre driver engineered by the Golden Ear Acoustics team. It offers intelligent active noise cancellation up to 30dB, allowing users to enjoy an uninterrupted listening experience by blocking ambient noise. Furthermore, the earphones include AI call noise reduction and wind noise elimination, and they feature DeepX 3.0 sound effects for an immersive audio experience.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The Vivo TWS 3e can connect to two devices simultaneously and supports Google Fast Pair. It also features an 88ms low latency mode and the ability to locate the earbuds via Find My Earphones. Depending on the usage, the battery life varies; with ANC enabled, the device offers 36 hours of battery life, and with ANC disabled, it extends to 42 hours. Each earbud provides 8.5 hours of playback with ANC and 10.5 hours without ANC.
Pricing and Availability
The Vivo TWS 3e is available in Bright White and Dark Indigo colors. It is priced at Rs 1,899 for a special launch and can be purchased starting today from Flipkart and Vivo’s official website.
Tags: Active Noise Cancellation, Affordable Earphones, Vivo TWS 3e
August 6, 2024
Huawei FreeBuds 6i and Special Edition Launch in China from $84
Huawei has unveiled the FreeBuds 6i TWS earbuds at their recent product launch event in China. These earbuds were previously introduced in the global market earlier this year.
Pricing and Availability
The FreeBuds 6i are priced at 599 Yuan ($84) and will be available for purchase starting today at 18:08 (CST). Pre-sales began at the end of the previous month. Consumers can choose from three colors: Streamer Purple, Sky White, and Midnight Black.
Huawei has also released a special edition of the earbuds, in collaboration with Pop Mart, called the FreeBuds 6i Streamer Melody Edition. This version is priced at 899 Yuan ($126). Pre-sales for this edition start today at 18:08, with official sales beginning on August 17th at 10:08 (CST).
Specifications of Huawei FreeBuds 6i
The earbuds feature an 11mm four-magnet dynamic driver designed to enhance audio quality. They include a 10-band equalizer, enabling users to personalize the sound output to their liking.
The Huawei FreeBuds 6i offers a noise cancellation depth of 27 dB, employing the Intelligent Dynamic Noise Cancellation 3.0 algorithm. This system adapts in real-time to different environments, adjusting every second for a comfortable listening experience in places like cafes, airplanes, and subways.
Additional Features
The earbuds come equipped with three microphones and a resonance damping chamber for effective mid-to-high frequency noise reduction. They also boast a 2.4x computing power upgrade to enhance the accuracy and speed of noise cancellation.
Other features include intuitive touch controls, quick charging, and up to 35 hours of total music playback. The earbuds support multi-device connectivity, IP54 dust and water resistance, and audio sharing, making them suitable for a wide range of user needs.
Tags: Active Noise Cancellation, Huawei FreeBuds 6i
August 5, 2024
China’s Bluetooth Headset Market Grows 20.8% YoY in H1 2024
International Data Corporation (IDC) has unveiled its “China Wireless Headset Market Monthly Tracking Report,” stating that wireless earphone shipments have hit 55.4 million units in the first six months of this year. This marks a 20.8% increase compared to the same period last year.
Growing Popularity of TWS and Open-Back Headphones
Out of the 55.4 million units, 35.08 million were TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earphones, reflecting a 5.6% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, the open-back headphone segment has seen a remarkable surge, with 11.84 million units shipped in the first half of 2024, a year-on-year rise of 303.6%.
Although the growth of TWS earphones has decelerated in the first half of this year, the competition within this market remains intense. Leading brands are focusing on entry-level products, and the market is buzzing with new technologies offered at competitive prices, resulting in enhancements like extended battery life, better noise reduction, and superior audio quality.
TWS earphones priced under 200 Yuan (~$28) now constitute 65% of the market, an 11% increase from the same timeframe last year.
Bone Conduction and Neckband Earphones
Despite facing technical challenges and catering to a niche market, bone conduction earphones have reached a relatively stable phase of development, showing a 34% year-on-year increase in shipments for the first half of this year.
Conversely, neckband earphones have witnessed a 24.1% decline in shipments year-on-year in the first half of 2024. This downward trend is expected to persist as TWS headphones gain more traction. Moreover, leading manufacturers have reportedly scaled back their investments in this product category.
Future Market Predictions
IDC forecasts that the total market shipments of Bluetooth headsets will continue to experience slow growth in the coming years. TWS earphones are expected to sustain their popularity, and the growth rate of open-back headsets is likely to stabilize after 2024.
Tags: Decline of Neckband Earphones, TWS and Open-Back Headphones Popularity, Wireless Earphone Market Growth
August 5, 2024
boAt Airdopes ProGear: Open-Ear Design, 100H Battery Launch in India
boAt has introduced its first open-ear wearable stereo earphones in India, named the boAt Airdopes ProGear. These earphones feature an open-ear design, which means they don’t fully block the ear canal. They are set to compete with other products in the market, such as the Noise Pure Pods and Bose Ultra Open. Here’s a breakdown of what the boAt Airdopes ProGear has to offer.
boAt Airdopes ProGear Specifications
The boAt Airdopes ProGear boasts an open-ear design complemented by a skin-friendly ear hook, ensuring a secure fit. This design enables users to stay alert to their surroundings. Additionally, the earphones are extremely lightweight and come with IPX5 splash and sweat resistance, making them perfect for workout sessions.
These earphones are equipped with powerful 15mm drivers and feature air conduction technology, which promises rich, detailed sound with minimal leakage. They also come with quad microphones integrated with AI ENx technology to reduce unwanted noise and enhance call clarity. There is a 40ms low latency mode specifically designed for gaming.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The boAt Airdopes ProGear supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Insta Wake N’ Pair technology. The earphones come in a square case that houses a 500mAh battery, claimed to provide up to 100 hours of battery life. The case features a transparent lid and a USB-C port, which can deliver 10 hours of usage with just 10 minutes of charging. Each earbud is powered by a 65mAh battery.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at Rs 1,999, the boAt Airdopes ProGear is available in Active Black and Sporting Green colors. These earphones can be purchased starting today from the brand’s website, Amazon, Flipkart, and retail stores.
Tags: Bluetooth 5.3 LE, boAt Airdopes ProGear, Open-ear stereo earphones
August 5, 2024
Tmall Genie IN Sugar 6: Hi-Res Audio Smart Speaker with Display
Tmall has introduced a new wireless speaker, the Genie IN Sugar 6, in China. This smart speaker is priced at 179 yuan ($25) and is currently available on JD.com. There’s also a special Zhou Shen gift box edition, which costs 249 yuan ($35). Let’s explore its main features.
Tmall Genie IN Sugar 6 Speaker Specifications
This speaker aims to provide high-quality audio with a 550cc sound chamber, an 8045 racetrack-shaped speaker, and 33W peak power. It includes a U-shaped bass reflex tube design that boosts bass by 3dB and a loudness tracking algorithm. The speaker has Hi-Res certification, ensuring it can deliver high-resolution audio.
The Tmall Genie IN Sugar 6 has a unique circular interactive screen that shows information such as time, temperature, and pixelated emojis. It also offers themed visuals for special events.
The speaker supports various smart home control features, including voiceprint recognition, white noise generation, timer countdowns, and schedule management.
Tmall Genie IN Sugar 6 Speaker
The standard version comes in three colors: Brown Sugar, Milk Sugar, and Orange Sugar. It has a classic cubic design with a 3D lychee texture material, created using a five-axis laser texturing process, and features a metal mesh grille.
The Zhou Shen gift box edition, available in Blue Sand, includes Zhou Shen’s signature and a personalized greeting from the artist upon startup. This version also comes with a Zhou Shen voice package and an exclusive Zhou Shen-themed music playlist.
The speaker is equipped with a built-in temperature and humidity sensor, enabling it to connect with other home appliances to automatically adjust the indoor environment. It supports Bluetooth 4.2 and dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4G and 5G) for a seamless network connection.
Extensive Music Platform Integration
The Tmall Genie IN Sugar 6 smart speaker integrates with major music platforms such as Kugou Music, QQ Music, Kuwo Music, NetEase Cloud Music, and Ximalaya, offering access to a vast array of audio content.
The product includes a 12W power adapter and buttons for volume control, mute, and multi-function use. The Zhou Shen gift box version also comes with extras like two Zhou Shen postcards, a refrigerator magnet, and premium gift box packaging.
Tags: Tmall Genie IN Sugar 6, Wireless Smart Speaker, Zhou Shen Edition