Category: Audio

  • Final ZE3000 SV Earbuds: Comfort ANC, LDAC Audio & Gaming Mode

    Final ZE3000 SV Earbuds: Comfort ANC, LDAC Audio & Gaming Mode

    Final has begun accepting pre-orders for the ZE3000 SV earbuds, featuring Comfort active noise cancellation, support for Hi-Res music, and low-latency Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint connections.

    Advanced Noise Cancellation

    The technology for active noise cancellation (ANC) incorporates microphones to detect sounds from the outside and then produces an opposite sound wave to negate it before it hits the eardrums. Less advanced ANC headphones often create a strange pressure feeling in the ears. The ZE3000 SV employs Comfort ANC, which lessens this discomfort while effectively dampening outside noise and wind sounds. Additionally, the design of the earbuds ensures a secure fit in the ear, minimizing the pressure they exert.

    Hi-Res Audio and Gaming Features

    These Final earbuds are capable of Hi-Res music playback via Bluetooth, utilizing the LDAC audio codec that supports 96kHz 24-bit audio transfer. The ZE3000 SV enhances music playback thanks to its larger 10mm F-Core SV drivers, which are paired with f-LINK acoustic ports for clean reproduction of low-frequency bass and clear vocal sounds. Furthermore, a special gaming mode decreases latency to below 60ms.

    Battery Life and Availability

    With ANC activated, these splash-proof earbuds offer a battery life of seven hours, and the charging case extends this by an additional 28 hours. Full recharging takes about 1.5 hours.

    The Final ZE3000 SV earbuds are priced at 12,800 yen (~$85). Pre-orders are currently available on the Final Japan website, with shipping set to begin on December 12, 2024. They are also anticipated to be found at the Final store on Amazon US soon after.

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  • Anker Recalls Soundcore, PowerConf Speakers Over Fire Hazard

    Anker Recalls Soundcore, PowerConf Speakers Over Fire Hazard

    The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has mandated that Anker Innovations recall two specific models of Anker Bluetooth speakers that were exclusively available on Amazon during 2023.

    Fire Hazard Concerns

    These speakers have been identified as a potential fire risk due to numerous reports indicating that the lithium-ion batteries can overheat. In some situations, the devices have produced smoke and even small flames, with one incident resulting in a minor burn injury.

    Affected Models and Details

    The models involved in the recall are the Anker Soundcore Bluetooth speaker, model A3102, and the Anker PowerConf Bluetooth Speakerphone, model A3302. The recall specifically affects the lithium-ion batteries in the Bluetooth speakers identified by model numbers A3102016, A3302011, and A3302031. Anker has assured that those who are impacted will receive a complimentary replacement.

    According to information on the CPSC website, more than 69,000 units of these speakers have been sold in the United States, with an additional 9,764 units sold in Canada. Both Anker and Amazon have reportedly reached out to all identified purchasers, but the CPSC has advised that owners of these speaker models can verify if their units are part of the recall by entering the serial number (found on the bottom of the speaker) on Anker’s recall page.

    Important Safety Recommendations

    As of the time this was written, there was no information available regarding the recall on the website, making it difficult for owners to confirm if their speakers are affected. However, if you possess a speaker with one of the aforementioned model numbers, it is strongly recommended that you turn it off and cease usage immediately. Additionally, unplug it if it is connected to a charger.

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  • JBL Wave Beam 2 Launch in India: Noise Cancellation & Long Battery Life

    JBL Wave Beam 2 Launch in India: Noise Cancellation & Long Battery Life

    JBL is set to introduce its newest true wireless earbuds, called the Wave Beam 2, in India on December 17, 2024. These earbuds are crafted to provide exceptional sound quality, crystal-clear calls, and robust performance for users.

    Design and Features

    With a ‘stick’ design, the earbuds are made to fit securely and comfortably. They come with an IP54 rating, ensuring they are resistant to water and dust, making them suitable for daily use as well as outdoor adventures. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature effectively blocks outside noise, allowing for a more immersive listening experience. Additionally, the Smart Ambient Sound function lets users remain aware of their environment when necessary.

    Audio Quality

    Equipped with 8mm dynamic drivers, the Wave Beam 2 promises to deliver JBL’s signature bass-heavy sound. A quad-microphone system boosts voice clarity during calls, even in loud settings.

    Connectivity and Battery Life

    For connectivity, these earbuds utilize Bluetooth 5.3 along with Google Fast Pair, which allows for quick pairing with devices. They also support multi-device connectivity, making it simple to switch between two devices. Users can customize EQ settings and gesture controls through the JBL Headphones app.

    The Wave Beam 2 offers up to 40 hours of total playback time, inclusive of the charging case, ensuring long-lasting usage. JBL has taken steps towards sustainability by incorporating recycled materials in their packaging. On the same launch day, JBL will also reveal the Wave Buds 2, which will feature a classic earbud design and similar specifications. Pricing and availability details are anticipated to be shared closer to the launch date.

    Other Launches

    In related news, Xiaomi is gearing up to unveil the Redmi Buds 6 in India on December 9th. This new model of TWS earbuds includes dual drivers to improve audio quality, ANC capability of up to 49dB, and spatial audio features. The earbuds promise up to 42 hours of total playback time, Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, and smart functionalities like dual-device connection and remote shutter control.

    Source: Link

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  • Sony LinkBuds Bluetooth Speaker: 25h Playback, IPX4, Stereo Pairing

    Sony LinkBuds Bluetooth Speaker: 25h Playback, IPX4, Stereo Pairing

    Earlier this year, Sony introduced the LinkBuds Bluetooth Speaker to the worldwide market. Now, the speaker has made its way to China and is currently up for grabs. Let’s dive into some of the main specifications.

    Specifications of Sony LinkBuds Speaker

    The Chinese edition of the Sony LinkBuds Bluetooth speaker has been fine-tuned to cater to the tastes of Chinese listeners. It boasts a playback time of 25 hours at 50% volume, providing a continuous listening session for long durations. This device also offers fast charging, allowing for 70 minutes of playback after just a 10-minute charge.

    It features a dual-speaker system that includes a 16mm high-frequency driver with 10W of power and a 48x56mm mid-low frequency driver that delivers 12W. Furthermore, there are two passive radiators that improve the bass response and enhance overall sound quality. A built-in S-Master amplifier ensures the audio is both clear and immersive.

    Connectivity Features

    The speaker is equipped with Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring smooth connectivity and multi-point pairing, which lets it connect to two devices at the same time. The Auto Switch feature enables seamless transitions between compatible Sony headphones and the speaker when listening to music.

    This functionality is compatible with models like the WH-1000XM5, WF-1000XM5, LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open, and LinkBuds S, and it requires the Sony Sound Connect App for updates and setup.

    User-Friendly Design

    There’s a Quick Access button that makes it easy for users to play their favorite tracks from apps like QQ Music or Endel. The speaker also supports stereo pairing, which allows two speakers to work together to create a surround sound experience.

    Its compact and portable design includes a special wireless charging dock and a convenient built-in handle. Plus, it has an IPX4 rating, meaning it’s resistant to everyday splashes.

    The Sony Sound Connect App enhances usability with various features, such as an equalizer, Auto Play, and customizable settings. The dimensions of the speaker are 84x110x90mm, and it weighs around 520g.

    Pricing and Where to Buy

    The Sony LinkBuds Bluetooth speaker is priced at 1,299 yuan ($178). It is available in black and light grey color choices and can be purchased in China through Sony’s official channels and authorized sellers.

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  • Xiaomi Launches Affordable TV Speakers with NFC Pairing

    Xiaomi Launches Affordable TV Speakers with NFC Pairing

    Xiaomi has launched two new soundbars: the TV Speaker 2.0 and the TV Speaker 2.1. Both models feature a sleek rectangular shape with a black exterior and can be placed on a media unit or mounted on the wall.

    Specifications of the Soundbars

    The Xiaomi TV Speaker 2.0 includes two mid-bass speakers and two tweeters, delivering a maximum power of 84W. In contrast, the TV Speaker 2.1 has the same four units but adds a built-in subwoofer, providing a higher peak power of 120W. Both soundbars are equipped with Bluetooth for easy connectivity, offering quick device pairing through NFC, and come with various ports like HDMI (ARC), optical, and coaxial inputs. Users have the option to choose from six sound modes, including Movie, Music, and Game. Additionally, the soundbars are bundled with accessories such as a remote control and HDMI cable. The TV Speaker 2.0 measures 840 x 87 x 60 mm (approximately 33.1 x 3.4 x 2.4 inches) and weighs 2.3 kg (about 50.7 lbs), while the TV Speaker 2.1 is slightly longer at 1,070 x 87 x 60 mm (around 42.1 x 3.4 x 2.4 inches) and weighs 3.0 kg (approximately 6.6 lbs).

    Pricing and Availability

    Currently, the Xiaomi TV Speaker 2.0 is priced at CNY 399 (around $55), and the Xiaomi TV Speaker 2.1 costs CNY 599 (roughly $83) in China. However, it’s not clear if or when these products will be available in other regions, such as Europe. Xiaomi already markets other audio devices in countries like Germany, like the Mi Bluetooth Speaker, which is listed for €44.99 on Amazon.

    Source: Link,Link,Link

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  • Xiaomi Launches 2.1 and 2.0 TV Speakers with NFC and Multi-Connectivity

    Xiaomi Launches 2.1 and 2.0 TV Speakers with NFC and Multi-Connectivity

    Xiaomi Youpin has introduced two new TV speaker models, the Xiaomi TV Speaker 2.1 and the Xiaomi TV Speaker 2.0, which are now ready for purchase in China. These speakers are designed to deliver powerful sound, offering up to 120W, and come equipped with features such as NFC quick pairing and a built-in display.

    Xiaomi TV Speaker 2.1

    The Xiaomi TV Speaker 2.1 is available for 599 yuan (around $85 USD), which includes a 15% government subsidy. This speaker system is capable of achieving a peak power of 120W. It includes 2 mid-high-range drivers, 2 tweeters, and a dedicated subwoofer, creating a strong audio experience for users.

    Xiaomi TV Speaker 2.0

    On the other hand, the Xiaomi TV Speaker 2.0 is a more budget-friendly option, priced at 399 yuan ($57 USD) with the same 15% subsidy. This model provides 84W of peak power and features 2 built-in subwoofers along with 2 tweeters, resulting in a well-rounded sound profile.

    Key Features of Both Models

    • NFC Fast Pairing: Quickly connect your devices with just a tap.
    • Built-in Display: View settings and information with ease.
    • Multiple Connection Options: Options include HDMI (ARC), optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth.
    • Six Sound Modes: Tailor audio for movies, games, music, and more.
    • Sleek Design: Modern look fits well with your home decor.

    Currently, these models can only be found in China, and there’s no information about when they might be available worldwide. However, Xiaomi has recently launched its Soundbar 2.0ch 15W speakers globally and also offers the Soundbar 3.1ch with 430 W output for around $199.

    In other news, Xiaomi’s sub-brand had a big launch event in China for its K80 series smartphones. At this event, they also revealed new gadgets like the Redmi Watch 5 and the Redmi Buds 6 Pro. These new devices are anticipated to be released globally in the upcoming months.

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  • Redmi Buds 6 Pro Launch: Spatial Audio, Noise Cancellation, 36Hr Battery

    Redmi Buds 6 Pro Launch: Spatial Audio, Noise Cancellation, 36Hr Battery

    Earlier today, Xiaomi held a launch event in China where it presented its new Redmi K80 series smartphones along with several other gadgets, like the Redmi Watch 5 and the Redmi Buds 6 Pro. We have already gone over the watch in a different article, so let’s dive into the specifics of the Redmi Buds 6 Pro in this one.

    Features of Redmi Buds 6 Pro

    The Buds 6 Pro come with a triple-driver configuration aimed at enhancing sound quality. They are equipped with a 6.7mm piezoelectric ceramic dual driver paired with an 11mm titanium-coated dynamic driver. This setup allows for clear highs, a well-rounded midrange, and powerful bass. Xiaomi has utilized its “Golden Ears” acoustic tuning, which boosts high-frequency loudness by 10% compared to the earlier model.

    Immersive Audio Experience

    These earbuds also support spatial audio, providing a more engaging listening experience. They are compatible with advanced audio codecs such as MIHC, LDHC 5.0, and LC3. The design includes Deep Space Noise Reduction 2.0, which can cut down noise levels by as much as 55dB. Additionally, a 3-mic AI ENC system helps reduce wind noise during calls, even in gusts reaching up to 12m/s.

    Battery Life and Gaming Edition

    With a total playback time of up to 36 hours, these earbuds are built for long listening sessions. They also feature fast charging, which allows for 2 hours of listening with just 5 minutes of charging. Xiaomi has also introduced a gaming version of the Redmi Buds 6 Pro, tailored for gamers. This edition comes with a low-latency flash connector 2.0, built-in storage for quick access, and an ultra-low latency of just 20ms. Additionally, it supports the high-fidelity LHDC Lossless audio codec and introduces Xiaomi’s first wireless microphone function, capable of transmitting audio up to 130 meters away.

    Pricing and Availability

    The standard Redmi Buds 6 Pro is available in Jade Green, White, and Black, with a price tag of 399 yuan (about $55), and they are currently being sold in China. The gaming version is set at 499 yuan (approximately $69) and will hit the shelves in China starting from December 3rd.

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  • HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4 Launches with HarmonyOS NEXT & Noise Cancellation

    HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4 Launches with HarmonyOS NEXT & Noise Cancellation

    HUAWEI has recently held a launch event where they introduced the Mate 70 series and Mate X6 smartphones, the MatePad Pro 13.2 tablet, along with the Watch Ultimate Design smartwatch. The event also highlighted the new FreeBuds Pro 4, which are the latest true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds from the company, and they are the first ones to run on the HarmonyOS NEXT operating system.

    Features of HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4

    The FreeBuds Pro 4, released under the Yuezhang name, is equipped with the Kirin A2 chip which allows for fast transmission speeds of 2.3 Mbps and supports high-resolution audio up to 48kHz/24-bit. These earbuds come with advanced dual drivers: an 11 mm four-magnet dynamic driver and a micro-planar tweeter that work together to deliver superior sound quality. They utilize digital frequency division technology, have dynamic EQ, active noise cancellation (ANC), and voice-transparent modes, providing users with flexible listening experiences.

    The AI-driven noise reduction is an upgrade that enhances the clarity of calls, aided by four microphones and a reverse bone conduction pickup mic, which effectively reduces background noise while capturing the speaker’s voice. The system boasts an impressive 100 dB call noise cancellation and is capable of filtering out wind noise at speeds of up to 10 m/s. For those who love high-quality sound, the FreeBuds Pro 4 supports various codecs such as SBC, AAC, L2HC 4.0 (for HarmonyOS 4.0 or newer), and LDAC.

    Enhanced Usability and Durability

    Running on HarmonyOS NEXT, the earbuds include features like face-to-face translation, immersive spatial audio, and a Star Flash search capability that enhance the overall user experience and situational awareness. They also have an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, which ensures they can withstand different environmental conditions. Each earbud weighs just 5.8g, while the accompanying charging case is 47g. The 55mAh battery in each earbud can last up to 6.5 hours of playback without ANC, or 4.5 hours with it. Meanwhile, the 510mAh charging case offers a total battery life of up to 33 hours without ANC and 23 hours with ANC.

    Pricing and Availability

    The HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4 are available in three colors: Obsidian Black, Snow White, and Spruce Green, with a price tag of 1,499 yuan (around $206). Pre-orders have already begun, and sales are set to kick off in China on December 4.

    Source: Link

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  • Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven Earbuds: Replaceable Batteries Explained

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven Earbuds: Replaceable Batteries Explained

    Bang & Olufsen is recognized for its high-end audio devices that often come with a hefty price tag. Their newest earbuds, the Beoplay Eleven, are priced at an astonishing $499. This amount is only $50 less than purchasing two pairs of Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, which are currently priced at $153.99 on Amazon.

    Design and Build Quality

    Similar to the AirPods Pro 2, the Beoplay Eleven earbuds feature noticeable stems. Each earbud weighs about 6 grams, while the charging case comes in at 53 grams. The specifications indicate that both the earbuds and the case are crafted from a blend of materials, including aluminum, specialized toughened glass, polymer, and silicone. They boast an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance, making them quite durable.

    Noise Cancellation and Sound Features

    Bang & Olufsen asserts that the noise cancellation in the Beoplay Eleven is the best they’ve ever offered in an earbud. Reportedly, it is twice as effective as the noise cancellation found in the Beoplay Ex, which is currently available for $279 on Amazon. Additionally, the transparency mode in these earbuds is said to be 1.8 times superior compared to that of the Beoplay Ex.

    Technical Specs and Connectivity

    The Beoplay Eleven earbuds come equipped with a 9.2mm driver in each unit, along with six MEMS omni-directional microphones. They have touch controls and a feature called Wind Guard, which can be activated through the app to reduce wind noise during calls. These earbuds support Bluetooth 5.2, including Bluetooth Multipoint, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair. They also hold a Made for iPhone (MFi) certification, and support various codecs such as aptX Adaptive, AAC, and SBC.

    Battery Life and Sustainability

    Bang & Olufsen claims that with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled, the Beoplay Eleven can last up to 6 hours on a single charge (20 hours when using the case). If ANC is turned off, users can enjoy up to 8 hours of playback time (28 hours total with the case). A unique aspect of these earbuds is their replaceable batteries, although users must go through a service center for replacements rather than doing it themselves.

    This design choice aligns with the EU’s sustainability goals set for 2027, which require that consumer products feature replaceable batteries. The charging case supports charging via USB-C and Qi wireless charging. Included in the package are four different sizes of silicone tips and a USB-C charging cable.

    Availability

    The Beoplay Eleven is now on sale for $499/€499 directly from the manufacturer’s website. Currently, they are available in Natural Aluminum, with a second color option, Copper Tone, set to launch on December 17.

    Source: Link

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  • Boya Mini: World’s Lightest Wireless Microphone Launched

    Boya Mini: World’s Lightest Wireless Microphone Launched

    The Boya mini aims to provide external audio gear that can boost video quality beyond what typical smartphone recordings offer. This compact device is similar in size to a case for a pair of wireless earbuds. It includes transmitters that weigh approximately 5 grams (g) each, complete with a built-in lapel clip for easy attachment.

    Battery Life and Charging

    Each transmitter comes equipped with a battery that offers around 6 hours of use per charge. However, this can be extended up to 30 hours when stored in the provided charging case, making it quite convenient for extended recording sessions.

    Audio Quality and Specifications

    The Boya mini system boasts an impressive audio recording capability, featuring a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of up to 80 decibels (dB) when measured at a sound pressure level (SPL) of 120dB. Its frequency response spans from 20 to 20,000 kilohertz (kHz), which is quite expansive for portable audio equipment. The system is said to support 48 kHz/16-bit audio, although this is lower than the 24-bit offered by competitors like the Hollyland Lark M2.

    Pricing and Availability

    Currently, the Boya mini is sold with dual transmitters and a USB-C receiver, making it suitable for newer iPhones and many Android devices, priced at $47.99 on Amazon. In comparison, the Hollyland Lark M2, even with Black Friday 2024 discounts, retails for $90. Additionally, Boya has introduced other receiver options, including TRX, available on its AliExpress page.

    Source: Link

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