Category: Audio

April 29, 2025
CMF Buds 2 Plus: LDAC, Hi-Res Audio & 60+ Hour Battery Life
Key Takeaways
1. The CMF Buds 2 Plus features a stem design and clamshell charging case, positioned between CMF Buds Pro 2 and Buds 2 in the product lineup.
2. They are available in Blue and Light Grey, with an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, and include advanced microphone technology for clear calls.
3. Equipped with 50dB hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) and a smart adaptive mode, the earbuds adjust noise cancellation based on the environment.
4. Each earbud has a 12mm LCP driver for studio-quality audio, supports LDAC, and features a personalized audio profile test powered by Audiodo.
5. The battery life lasts 14 hours on a single charge (ANC off), up to 61.5 hours with the case, and will be priced at €59.95 upon launch on May 5.
The CMF Buds 2 Plus is one of the two new earbuds introduced alongside the CMF Phone 2 Pro. It sits in the product lineup just below the CMF Buds Pro 2, but above the CMF Buds 2 and CMF Buds 2a. Similar to its siblings, the Buds 2 Plus features a stem design and comes with the same clamshell-style charging case that has a dial on top.
Color Options and Durability
Offered in Blue and Light Grey, the CMF Buds 2 Plus are rated IP55, which means they’re resistant to dust and water. They also boast six HD microphones equipped with Clear Voice Technology 3.0 and Wind Noise Reduction 3.0, mirroring the features found in the Buds Pro 2 and Buds 2. This technology ensures clear calls even in breezy conditions. Furthermore, the Buds 2 Plus earbuds include 50dB hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC), which has a smart adaptive mode that adjusts the noise cancellation level automatically depending on the surrounding noise.
Sound Quality and Features
According to CMF, each earbud is fitted with a 12mm LCP driver that uses N52 magnets and high-purity copper, delivering studio-quality audio. The Buds 2 Plus also support LDAC and come with a Hi-Res Wireless Audio certification. Additionally, there’s a unique audio feature powered by Audiodo, which enables users to craft a personalized audio profile after completing an auditory test. The earbuds further support spatial audio and have a low-latency mode for gaming, achieving 105ms when linked to a Nothing OS smartphone.
Battery Life and Pricing
The battery life of the CMF Buds 2 Plus lasts for 14 hours on a single charge when ANC is turned off, and they can provide a total of 61.5 hours with the charging case. A quick 10-minute charge can offer up to 8.5 hours of listening time (with the case). Set to launch on May 5, they will be priced at €59.95. They are also expected to be sold in the US, similar to the Buds 2 and Buds Pro 2, which are currently available on Amazon for $59.
Source:
Link
Tags: Active Noise Cancellation, CMF Buds 2 Plus, Hi-Res Wireless Audio
April 29, 2025
Affordable CMF Buds 2a: ANC, IP54 Water Resistance & More
Key Takeaways
1. Product Launch: The CMF Buds 2a are introduced as the entry-level option in the Buds 2 lineup, alongside the premium Buds Pro 2.
2. Design and Color Options: The Buds 2a come in Dark Grey, Light Grey, and Orange, featuring an in-ear design with IP54 rating for dust and water resistance.
3. Audio Features: Equipped with 12.4mm drivers, active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, and AI-driven environmental noise cancellation for clear calls, along with touch controls and Bluetooth Multipoint.
4. Battery Life: Each earbud has a 43mAh battery, offering 8 hours of use (ANC off) and a total of 35.5 hours with the charging case. A quick 10-minute charge provides up to 5.5 hours of use.
5. Pricing and Availability: The CMF Buds 2a are priced at €39.95 and will be available for purchase starting May 5th.
Along with the CMF Phone 2 Pro, Nothing’s sub-brand has also unveiled new earbuds, including the CMF Buds 2a. The Buds 2a serves as the entry-level option in the Buds 2 lineup, whereas the Buds Pro 2 can be found on Amazon for $59 as the premium model. The Buds 2a maintains the same design style seen in other CMF earbuds.
Color Options and Design
The CMF Buds 2a comes in three colors: Dark Grey, Light Grey, and the striking Orange shade as seen in the CMF Phone 2 Pro. These earbuds feature an in-ear design with a blend of matte and glossy finishes, and they boast an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. Although the charging case does not carry an IP rating, it includes a space for attaching a lanyard.
Audio Features and Technology
Each earbud is equipped with a 12.4mm driver crafted from a mix of bio-fibre and a high-elasticity TPU diaphragm. CMF claims that these earbuds have been fine-tuned by Dirac and incorporate Ultra Bass Technology 2.0 for enhanced bass, along with an adjustable EQ setting.
There are four HD microphones on the earbuds, which provide 42dB of active noise cancellation (ANC), a transparency mode, and AI-driven environmental noise cancellation (ENC) for clear calling. The Buds 2a also feature touch controls, Bluetooth Multipoint for connecting to two devices at once, and a Low Lag mode that minimizes latency while gaming. This Low Lag mode activates automatically when paired with a Nothing smartphone.
Battery Life and Pricing
The CMF Buds 2a holds a 43mAh battery in each earbud, complemented by a 460mAh battery in the case, offering a battery life of 8 hours (with ANC off) and a total of 35.5 hours when using the case. When the battery runs low, a quick 10-minute charge can yield up to 5.5 hours of use (with the case).
Priced at €39.95, the CMF Buds 2a will be ready for purchase starting May 5th.
Source:
Link
Tags: Active Noise Cancellation, CMF Buds 2a, Nothing
April 29, 2025
Sony WH-1000XM6 Release Date Leaked: Latest Updates and News
Key Takeaways
1. Sony has not officially announced the WH-1000XM6 but is currently promoting the WF-C710N headphones.
2. The WH-1000XM6 has reportedly received MFi certification from Apple, associated with the model number YY2984.
3. MFi certification typically indicates an upcoming product launch, suggesting the WH-1000XM6 may be revealed soon.
4. Rumors suggest the WH-1000XM6 could be announced in May, with no successors for the WF-1000XM5 at that time.
5. The WF-1000XM6 is expected to be released later this year, with separate timelines for the WH-1000XM6 and WF-1000XM6.
It seems the much-anticipated WH-1000XM6 may soon be coming out. Sony hasn’t officially announced anything regarding a new version of the older WH-1000XM5. Instead, the company is currently focusing on promoting the WF-C710N, which is priced at $119.99 on Amazon. This product was launched last month alongside updates to the WH-CH520 and WH-CH720N over-ear headphones.
New Certificaton Found
However, The Walkman Blog has uncovered an important detail regarding the WH-1000XM6. According to a screenshot shared, Sony has obtained the Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad (MFi) certification from Apple for a device with the model number YY2984. While this certification doesn’t clarify what YY2984 actually is, this model number has been previously associated with the WH-1000XM6.
Release Timeline
Usually, Apple announces MFi certifications just before a product is launched. Recent rumors suggest that Sony might reveal the WH-1000XM6 in May, though they won’t be introducing successors for the WF-1000XM5 at the same time. In contrast, the WF-1000XM6 is anticipated to be released later this year. There hasn’t been any solid information online regarding the WF-1000XM6 yet, indicating that they will follow a different release timeline. Meanwhile, the presence of the WH-1000XM6 in Apple’s MFi certification database hints that we could see more detailed leaks about it appearing online soon.
Source:
Link
Tags: MFi Certification, sony, WH-1000XM6
April 29, 2025
Beats Pill Refresh: Celebrating Its First Anniversary
Key Takeaways
1. New Color Choices: Two new colors, Navy Blue and Blush Pink, have been added, bringing the total to five options.
2. Retail Exclusivity: Navy Blue is available only at Walmart, while Blush Pink can be found exclusively at Target.
3. Original Pricing: Both new colors are priced at $149.99, with some other colors available for as low as $99.99 on Amazon.
4. Enhanced Features: The updated Beats Pill includes a larger woofer, a separate tweeter to reduce distortion, and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
5. Connectivity Options: Users can connect two speakers for stereo sound, enjoy lossless audio via USB-C, and utilize compatibility with Apple’s Find My and Android’s Find My Device.
The Beats Pill Bluetooth speaker is almost a year old, and while there’s no news about a new version coming soon, it has received a bit of an update.
New Color Choices
Beats by Dre has introduced two fresh colors for the Beats Pill, increasing the total color choices to five. The newly added shades are Navy Blue and Blush Pink, which are ready for purchase now. However, these colors aren’t available on the official Beats online store.
The Navy Blue version of the Beats Pill is exclusively sold at Walmart, while the Blush Pink variant can only be found at Target. Both options maintain the original price of $149.99 for the speaker. Nevertheless, some of the other colors are currently priced as low as $99.99 on Amazon.
Features and Specs
Last year saw the launch of the Beats Pill, arriving nine years after the previous model. This version features a larger woofer compared to older models and includes a new tweeter that is housed separately to minimize distortion. The speaker boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, offers up to 24 hours of battery life, and can even serve as an emergency power bank.
Users have the option to connect two speakers together, creating a stereo sound experience or simply boosting the volume. It also supports lossless audio through USB-C and is compatible with Apple’s Find My as well as Android’s Find My Device networks.
Source:
Link
Tags: Beats Pill, Blush Pink, Navy Blue
April 29, 2025
Lucyd Launches Reebok Smart Eyewear: Audio Glasses for Athletes
Key Takeaways
1. Reebok and Lucyd Eyewear launched four new audio smart glasses: Flash, Nitrous, Octane, and Voltage.
2. The glasses are designed for athletes, allowing hands-free navigation, AI interaction, phone calls, and music playback during outdoor activities.
3. Features include vented, polarized, anti-fog lenses, 8-hour battery life, magnetic charging, clear sound speakers, and AI noise-cancelling microphones.
4. The Nitrous model can be customized with prescription lenses.
5. The glasses have an MSRP of $219, with a promotional launch price of $199, available for purchase on the Lucyd website and Amazon.
Reebok has teamed up with Lucyd Eyewear to launch four new audio smart glasses as part of its Smart Eyewear collection: Flash, Nitrous, Octane, and Voltage.
Designed for Active Lifestyles
These glasses are aimed at athletes and those who love sports, offering a hands-free way to receive navigational guidance, interact with AI chatbots like ChatGPT, make phone calls, and enjoy music while engaging in outdoor activities.
Features and Specifications
Each model comes equipped with vented, polarized, and anti-fog lenses, tailored for various functions. The eyewear boasts an 8-hour battery life with magnetic charging, speakers designed for clear sound during outdoor workouts, AI-enhanced noise-cancelling microphones for improved call quality, and polarized lenses to reduce glare from sunlight. The Nitrous model can also be customized with prescription lenses.
Pricing and Availability
The Reebok Smart Eyewear collection is priced at an MSRP of $219, though there is a launch promotional price of $199. Customers can purchase these glasses directly from the Lucyd website today. For those interested in different styles, there are more options available on the Lucyd store on Amazon.
Source:
Link
Tags: audio smart glasses, Lucyd Eyewear, Reebok Smart Eyewear
April 28, 2025
Fiio FT7 Headphones: Perfect for High-Res Music Lovers
Key Takeaways
1. High-Resolution Audio: The FT7 headphones offer Hi-Res Audio with a frequency range of 5 Hz to 40 kHz, ensuring excellent sound quality for audiophiles.
2. Advanced Driver Technology: Equipped with 106 mm drivers and 1μm thin diaphragms, the FT7s provide quick adaptation to sound vibrations, enhancing audio performance.
3. Innovative Magnetic Design: Fiio’s patented magnetic field design reduces sound distortion, using a push-pull configuration for balanced sound quality.
4. Premium Materials: The headphones feature a carbon fiber body for comfort, swappable lambskin and suede earcups, and West African zebra wood earcups to minimize sound interference.
5. Pricing and Urgency: The FT7 is priced between $700 to $2,700 on Aliexpress, with a significant 40% price increase set for May 1, 2025, due to tariffs.
Fiio has introduced the FT7 over-the-ear planar headphones, designed with an open-back structure for audiophiles who seek high-resolution music. These headphones feature gold and silver-coated diaphragms that deliver Hi-Res Audio across a frequency range of 5 Hz to 40 kHz, ensuring excellent sound quality. With swappable lambskin and suede earcups, users can enjoy an expansive soundstage with intricate details or a comfortable fit that enhances vocal clarity. Weighing in at 427 grams (15 oz.), the carbon fiber body allows for prolonged use without discomfort.
Advanced Driver Technology
Equipped with 106 mm drivers, the FT7s utilize 1μm thin diaphragms that can quickly adapt to rapid sound vibrations. The surface of these diaphragms features gold and silver traces deposited through a 28 nm process technology, which is similar to that used in CPU fabrication. The gold contributes to a smooth reproduction of low and mid-range frequencies, while the silver accentuates the high frequencies.
Innovative Magnetic Design
A unique magnetic field design, patented by Fiio, ensures a consistent magnetic field across the planar driver, reducing sound distortion. The magnets are strategically arranged in a push-pull configuration on either side of the diaphragms for a balanced and responsive sound. The earcups are crafted from West African zebra wood, with slots aligned to the magnets to minimize sound wave interference and distortion.
The headphone cable is made from cryogenically-treated, oxygen-free (99.99998%) monocrystalline copper wires, which are protected by PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) insulation. This construction helps produce a more mellow and rich sound profile. The included 4.4 mm balanced cable comes with adapters for 6.5 mm and XLR connections, making it compatible with high-end audio devices. When not in use, the FT7 and its cable can be stored in a soft, woven linen case.
Pricing and Availability
The Fiio FT7 can be found on Aliexpress with a price range of $700 to $2,700, though it has yet to be listed in the Fiio Amazon US store. Notably, Fiio will implement a 40 percent price hike starting May 1, 2025, due to tariffs imposed by President Trump’s trade policies with China. Hence, those interested in the FT7 or other Fiio products, such as the premium R7 desktop DAP available on Amazon, should consider purchasing before the deadline to avoid higher costs.
Source:
Link
Tags: Fiio FT7, Hi-Res Audio, planar headphones
April 28, 2025
Oppo Enco Clip Design Unveiled Ahead of Reno 14 Launch in May
Key Takeaways
1. Oppo is set to launch the Reno 14 smartphone series and new earbuds, possibly named Oppo Enco Clip, in May.
2. The launch event is expected around May 23, following last year’s Reno 12 series release on the same date.
3. The Reno 14 series will feature a 6.59-inch OLED display for the standard model and a 6.83-inch OLED for the Pro version, both with 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.
4. The series will be powered by the Dimensity 8350 chip, LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, and a battery over 6,000mAh with 80W charging.
5. The Reno 14 smartphones are anticipated to have a 50-megapixel front camera and a starting price of about 3,299 Yuan (~$450).
Oppo is planning to host a launch event in May to showcase the Reno 14 smartphone series. The company might introduce several devices, including a distinctive pair of earbuds alongside the Reno 14 models. An executive from Oppo has shared the first glimpses of these upcoming earbuds today.
Teasers for Oppo Enco Clip Design
Oppo Smart Ecosystem Product Director, Qiao Jiadong, has hinted at a product launch event that is just over two weeks away, with official teasers set to kick off soon. He has stated that the eagerly awaited Oppo earbuds, which many fans are excited about, are finally on their way. To generate buzz, he even posted a hand-drawn sketch of the new earbuds, indicating they might look like small beans.
Speculations About the New Earbuds
Rumors indicate that the upcoming earbuds will be named the Oppo Enco Clip when they are released in the Chinese market. Sadly, the details regarding the specifications of the Enco Clip remain a mystery at this time.
Expected Launch Date for Reno 14 Series
Last year, the Reno 12 series was launched on May 23 in China. Therefore, it’s possible that the Reno 14 series could also be announced on May 23 this year or at least within the latter part of May.
Anticipated Specifications of Reno 14 Series
Reports suggest that the Reno 14 will sport a 6.59-inch OLED display, while the Pro version is expected to have a larger 6.83-inch OLED screen. Both models are likely to come with LTPS panels that support a resolution of 1.5K and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The series is expected to be powered by the Dimensity 8350 chip, along with LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, and a battery exceeding 6,000mAh that supports 80W charging.
The Reno 14 series smartphones are anticipated to include a 50-megapixel front camera. The standard model may feature a triple camera setup with a 50-megapixel main camera (with OIS), an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and another 50-megapixel telephoto camera (Samsung JN5). Meanwhile, the Pro variant is expected to have a 50-megapixel triple camera setup that includes a periscope telephoto sensor rather than a standard telephoto camera. The starting price for the Reno 14 lineup is expected to be around 3,299 Yuan (~$450).
Tags: Enco Clip, Oppo, Reno 14
April 27, 2025
AI Hearing Aids by NewSound: On-Device Speech Enhancement
Key Takeaways
1. NewSound launched new over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids in March 2025, featuring the Femtosense Sparse Processing Unit 001 (SPU-001) technology for improved sound clarity.
2. The SPU-001 chip enhances speech and reduces noise through AI-driven processing directly on the device, eliminating the need for cloud processing.
3. These hearing aids are designed to adapt to various challenging sound environments, helping users with mild to moderate hearing loss in noisy situations.
4. The global ear health market, including hearing aids, is projected to grow from USD 1.4 billion in 2021 to USD 1.9 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 6.3%.
5. Independent reviews of the performance of these new hearing aids are currently unavailable.
NewSound has rolled out a fresh series of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids in March 2025, as shared in an official news release on BusinessWire. These new devices use the Femtosense Sparse Processing Unit 001 (SPU-001) technology, which enhances speech on the device itself through AI-driven noise reduction. This innovation aims to boost sound clarity without needing cloud processing.
Enhanced Technology Features
The SPU-001 chip, engineered by Femtosense in California, utilizes sparse neural networks for real-time audio improvements while conserving energy. NewSound claims that its hearing aids adjust dynamically to various challenging sound settings, like busy places or city sounds, to enhance understanding of speech. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) states that many individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss struggle to hear well in noisy situations.
Market Growth Predictions
A report from MarketsandMarkets in 2024 anticipates that the worldwide ear health market, which encompasses hearing aids, is set to rise from USD 1.4 billion in 2021 to USD 1.9 billion by 2026, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%.
With a focus on on-device processing, these new devices are designed to tackle privacy and delay issues often linked to cloud-based AI solutions. NewSound promotes these models as OTC hearing aids, typically suited for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, and emphasizes their availability through OTC outlets. This strategy aligns with the overall trend in the industry towards making hearing technology more accessible.
Independent Reviews Still Pending
As of now, there have been no independent assessments regarding the performance of these devices.
Source:
Link
Tags: NewSound, OTC Hearing Aids, SPU-001
April 27, 2025
Fiio Unveils Snowsky Anywhere Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Key Takeaways
1. The Fiio Snowsky Anywhere (F3401S) features a magnetic base for attachment to steel surfaces and has a rounded, portable design weighing only 190 grams.
2. It is rated IPX6 for water resistance, making it durable against water splashes, and is available in white, pink, and olive green colors.
3. The speaker uses Bluetooth 5.4 technology, supports Auracast for multi-device streaming, and allows pairing of two speakers for a stereo setup.
4. It has a 1,400 mAh battery that offers up to 21 hours of playback time and can be recharged via USB-C in just two hours.
5. The Snowsky Anywhere is priced between $39 and $59 on Aliexpress, but a 40% price increase is set for May 1, 2025, due to tariffs, making early purchase advisable.
Fiio has introduced the Snowsky Anywhere (F3401S), a portable Bluetooth speaker that stands out with its magnetic base, allowing attachment to any steel surface, even in an upright position.
Design and Durability
The Snowsky features a rounded design and is rated IPX6, meaning it can withstand water splashes. It’s available in white, pink, and olive green colors. Weighing just 190 grams (6.7 oz.), the speaker comes with a built-in strap for easy transport. You can also use a carabiner to attach it to backpacks or purse straps.
Features and Performance
Equipped with the newest Bluetooth 5.4 technology, the speaker supports audio streaming from multiple devices through Auracast, along with low-latency audio. You can pair two Snowsky Anywhere speakers to enjoy a stereo setup. The 1,400 mAh battery powers a 45 mm driver, providing up to 21 hours of playback time on a single charge. It can be recharged via USB-C in just two hours.
Pricing and Availability
You can purchase the Fiio Snowsky Anywhere on Aliexpress, priced between $39 and $59. However, it hasn’t been listed in the Fiio store on Amazon US yet. Fiio has also announced a price increase of 40 percent set to take effect on May 1, 2025, due to President Trump’s tariffs on China. Therefore, if you’re interested in the Snowsky Anywhere or other Fiio products, like the high-quality R7 desktop DAP available on Amazon, it’s wise to buy before the price hike goes live.
Source:
Link
Tags: Bluetooth 5.4, Fiio Snowsky Anywhere, Portable Bluetooth Speaker
April 27, 2025
Fiio Launches Lightweight Anytime Bluetooth Headphones
Key Takeaways
1. Chic Design: Fiio Anytime headphones feature a retro aesthetic with rounded shapes, available in pink, black, and titanium, and designed for comfort with soft earpads and a gentle headband pressure.
2. Impressive Sound Quality: The headphones are equipped with 40 mm drivers for robust bass and include active noise cancellation and a transparency mode for awareness of surroundings.
3. Long Battery Life: With a 500 mAh battery, the headphones offer up to 35 hours of playtime with ANC on and 58 hours with it off, recharging fully in just two hours via USB-C.
4. Advanced Connectivity: Utilizing Bluetooth 5.4, the headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, and a game mode reduces latency to 60 milliseconds for improved audio-visual sync.
5. Pricing Alert: Currently priced between $39 to $69 on Aliexpress, a 40% price increase is set to take effect on May 1, 2025, so early purchase is advisable to avoid higher costs.
Fiio has recently introduced the Anytime (F4439E) on-ear Bluetooth headphones, showcasing a chic retro aesthetic available in pink, black, and titanium. The design of the Fiio Anytime features rounded shapes with swiveling earcups, along with a headband that applies gentle pressure for a comfortable fit. The headphones weigh only 155 grams (5.5 oz.) and come with soft earpads, making them suitable for long listening sessions.
Impressive Sound Features
Equipped with 40 mm drivers, these headphones are engineered to deliver robust bass sounds. They also come with active noise cancellation, which helps to block out external noises. Additionally, a transparency mode lets users stay aware of their surroundings without the need to take off the headphones. The battery, with a capacity of 500 mAh, offers up to 35 hours of playtime with ANC activated and an impressive 58 hours when it’s turned off. A USB-C charging cable allows for a full recharge in just two hours.
Connectivity and Performance
The Anytime headphones utilize the Bluetooth 5.4 standard, allowing for connection to two audio devices at the same time. When the game mode is turned on, the latency reduces to 60 milliseconds, significantly improving the sync between sound and visuals, which is a great feature for gamers.
The Fiio Anytime can be found on Aliexpress for a price range of $39 to $69, but currently, it hasn’t shown up in the Fiio store on Amazon US. Fiio has also announced a price hike of 40 percent that will take effect on May 1, 2025, as a result of President Trump’s trade issues with China. Therefore, if you’re considering the Snowsky Anytime or other Fiio items like the premium R7 desktop DAP available on Amazon, it’s wise to make a purchase before the deadline hits.
Conclusion
For those looking for stylish and functional headphones, the Fiio Anytime offers a great combination of design and advanced features. With its comfort and sound quality, it’s a worthwhile option for music lovers and gamers alike. Be sure to grab them before the price increase!
Tags: Active Noise Cancellation, Bluetooth Headphones, Fiio Anytime