Tag: Bluetooth Headphones

  • Edifier’s New Over-Ear Headphones with ANC and LDAC Now Discounted

    Edifier’s New Over-Ear Headphones with ANC and LDAC Now Discounted

    Key Takeaway

    1. Improved Gen 2 WH950NB headphones offer up to 80 hours of battery life with ANC off, and 45 hours with ANC on.
    2. Features include 40mm titanium-coated drivers, LDAC support, Google Fast Pair, and Bluetooth multipoint for easy, high-quality connection.
    3. Active noise cancellation with adjustable levels enhances sound experience, and a quick 15-minute charge provides 13 hours of playback.
    4. Available on Amazon at a discounted price of approximately $153, down from $199.99.

    Introducing The New Edifier WH950NB Gen 2

    Edifier has recently announced the release of their improved second-gen version of the WH950NB over-ear headphones. These are not for those seeking something covert since they’re quite bulky and are more ideal for everyday casual use rather than sports or exercise. Currently, they’re available at a discounted rate of about $153, thanks to a launch deal and a special 15% coupon that you have to activate yourself. The standard retail price for these is $199.99.

    Sound Quality And Connectivity Features

    The headphones come equipped with 40mm drivers that are coated with titanium, providing what’s described as a rich, balanced audio experience. The sound quality remains consistent even when connected to a smartphone or other device, with LDAC support ensuring high-quality wireless transmission. For quick and easy setup, Edifier utilizes Google Fast Pair technology. They also feature Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, so you can connect them to two devices simultaneously without disconnecting from either. Active noise cancellation is part of the package, and it can be adjusted at multiple levels to suit your environment.

    Battery Life And Controls

    According to Edifier, these headphones boast up to 80 hours of playtime when ANC is off. However, when Active Noise Cancellation is activated, the maximum battery life is approximately 45 hours. In a pinch, a quick 15-minute charge provides about 13 hours of playback, making them quite practical for on-the-go use. The headphones feature several physical buttons that control volume, media playback, and other functions. Users can also customize settings further through a dedicated app for a more personalized experience.

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  • TDM Neo Headphones: Transform into Bluetooth Speaker on Kickstarter

    TDM Neo Headphones: Transform into Bluetooth Speaker on Kickstarter

    Key Takeaways

    1. Dual Functionality: The TDM Neo can transform from headphones to a portable Bluetooth speaker by twisting the earcups, addressing the need for both private and shared audio experiences.

    2. Technical Features: It includes four 40mm drivers, dual amplifiers, adjustable EQ, and supports multiple audio codecs, alongside Bluetooth 6.0 and Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC).

    3. Battery Life: The headphones offer over 200 hours of battery life in headphone mode, but only about 8 hours in speaker mode, with quick charging capabilities.

    4. User-Friendly Design: The battery is user-replaceable and the earcups can be swapped out when worn, enhancing the longevity of the product.

    5. Pricing and Funding: Available for pre-order on Kickstarter at $189, significantly lower than the retail price of $249, with successful funding exceeding $79,000 against a $10,000 goal.


    If you’re looking for headphones that can also function as a Bluetooth speaker, the TDM Neo might be just what you need. Initially introduced at CES 2026, this innovative audio accessory is now up for grabs on Kickstarter.

    Design and Functionality

    At first glance, the Neo resembles standard headphones with its soft headband and comfy memory foam ear cushions. However, it cleverly morphs into a portable Bluetooth speaker when the earcups are twisted in a special way. This is quite different from the JLab Blue XL, which is a Bluetooth speaker styled like oversized headphones.

    TDM claims that the Neo addresses the hassle of switching between headphones and bulky speakers when transitioning from private listening to shared sound. Interestingly, the twisting mechanism is not just practical for using the headphones as a speaker; it also facilitates easy storage, taking up minimal space.

    Technical Specs

    The TDM Neo is equipped with four 40mm drivers, dual amplifiers, and an adjustable EQ. It supports various audio codecs, including SBC, AAC, LC3, MSBC, and CVSD. Weighing in at 330 grams, it also features Bluetooth 6.0, Bluetooth Multipoint support, Google Fast Pair, and a Find Me option. Additionally, there is an aux port and a USB-C port. Although it lacks Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the specs indicate it has Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) that utilizes four microphones for clear voice calls.

    The headphones boast a battery life exceeding 200 hours, but this decreases to around 8 hours when used in speaker mode. Quick charging is available, with just a 5-minute charge providing 8 hours of playback in headphone mode. TDM mentions that the battery is user-replaceable and users can also swap out the earcups when they become worn.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can pre-order the TDM Neo on Kickstarter at an early bird price of $189, which is a notable reduction from the retail price of $249. At the time of writing, TDM has garnered over $79,000 from backers, far surpassing its $10,000 target. Shipping is expected to begin in July 2026.

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  • Loewe Leo Headphones Launch: LC3+ Hi-Fi Sound & Translation

    Loewe Leo Headphones Launch: LC3+ Hi-Fi Sound & Translation

    Key Takeaways

    1. Loewe Leo headphones are priced at €1,299, featuring premium materials like aluminum and authentic leather.
    2. Earpads and headbands are easily replaceable, but battery replacement details are not provided.
    3. The headphones offer active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and an AI voice assistant, with a subscription required after a one-year trial.
    4. They utilize 50mm OCE membrane drivers, a Texas Instruments amplifier, and support Bluetooth Multipoint and the LC3+ codec for high-quality audio streaming.
    5. The headphones provide up to 65 hours of usage and can be customized via an equalizer in a dedicated smartphone app.


    The Loewe Leo are marketed as high-end headphones, with a retail price of €1,299. To support this cost, the company highlights a premium construction mainly consisting of aluminum and authentic leather. Users can easily replace the earpads and headband once they become worn after extended use.

    Battery Concerns

    Unfortunately, Loewe hasn’t shared any details about whether the battery can be replaced. This is a downside, since the battery typically impacts the longevity of Bluetooth headphones more than other parts. On the bright side, the Loewe Leo features active noise cancellation (ANC) and a transparency mode, plus an AI voice assistant capable of real-time translation. However, after a one-year trial, a subscription is necessary for this feature, costing €7.99 monthly.

    Audio Quality

    Loewe uses relatively larger OCE membrane drivers, measuring 50mm in diameter, along with a Texas Instruments amplifier and a cutting-edge Bluetooth chip that enables Bluetooth Multipoint and the high-quality LC3+ codec. Music can be streamed wirelessly at up to 24-bit and 96 kHz, although it is compressed to 500 kbit/s for each channel. Additionally, users can customize the sound to their liking through an equalizer in the dedicated smartphone app. The battery reportedly offers an impressive 65 hours of usage.

    The Loewe Leo over-ear headphones are currently available for €1,299 at the manufacturer’s European online store. This pricing puts Loewe in direct competition with some of the top-tier Bluetooth headphones available, such as the B&O Beoplay H100.

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  • FiiO QX13: Magnetic Smartphone Accessory with Dual Headphone Jacks

    FiiO QX13: Magnetic Smartphone Accessory with Dual Headphone Jacks

    Key Takeaways

    1. The FiiO QX13 is a compact headphone amplifier designed to attach magnetically to smartphones, addressing the lack of headphone jacks.
    2. It is compatible with MagSafe and Qi2, allowing easy connection to various devices, including Apple iPhones and modern Android smartphones.
    3. The QX13 features an ESS Sabre Pro DAC chip, supporting high-quality audio decoding up to 32-bit at 768 kHz or DSD512.
    4. The amplifier can output up to 570 mW per channel in mobile mode and up to 900 mW in desktop mode.
    5. The device is priced at $219 / £219 / €239 and will soon be available in select stores.


    FiiO has introduced a new device to adapt to the trend of smartphones lacking headphone jacks. The QX13 is a small, high-quality headphone amplifier designed to attach magnetically to the back of smartphones. Users can either use wireless Bluetooth headphones or opt for a dongle, but this new device aims to provide a more compact solution.

    Compatibility and Connection

    The QX13 is compatible with MagSafe and Qi2, allowing it to connect easily to Apple iPhones, the HMD Skyline, Qi2 cases, as well as many modern Android devices. With a simple USB-C cable connection to a smartphone, users can plug in wired headphones through a 3.5 mm or a balanced 4.4 mm headphone jack. In mobile mode, the amplifier can output up to 570 mW per channel, while in desktop mode, it can reach an impressive 900 mW.

    Design and Specifications

    Featuring an ESS Sabre Pro (ES9027PRO) DAC chip, the QX13 is engineered for exceptional audio performance, supporting music decoding up to 32-bit at 768 kHz or DSD512. The device has a compact size of 6.4 x 3 x 1.3 centimeters and is made from either carbon or aluminum, depending on the chosen color. It weighs between 33 and 39 grams, making it lightweight and portable. The front boasts a 1.99-inch IPS display that shows the current volume and music quality.

    The FiiO QX13 headphone amplifier and DAC will be hitting select stores soon, priced at $219 / £219 / €239. To learn more about its features, visit the FiiO website for additional information.

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  • Sony WF-1000XM6 Leak Revealed After WH-1000XM6 Launch

    Sony WF-1000XM6 Leak Revealed After WH-1000XM6 Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony may release a new version of its WF-1000X earbuds, the WF-1000XM6, this year.
    2. The model number YY2985 has been referenced in Sony’s Sound Connect app and found in a shipping document.
    3. The WF-1000XM6 is expected to be available in multiple colors, not just black.
    4. The specific design changes from the WF-1000XM5 are currently unknown.
    5. The release date for the WF-1000XM6 is uncertain, but it may be introduced in late fall or early winter 2025, as it appears to still be in the testing phase.


    A new version of Sony’s WF-1000X earbuds might be coming this year. At first, it was thought that Sony would launch the WF-1000XM6 along with the WH-1000XM6 at the same time (currently priced at $448 on Amazon). Although that hasn’t happened yet, Sony has been seen adding references to the WF-1000XM6 in its Sound Connect app, which includes the model number YY2985.

    Shipping Manifest Discovery

    Recently, The Walkman Blog found the same model number in a shipping document. These earbuds are labeled as ‘Bluetooth headphones without [a] frame’, suggesting that Sony plans to offer the WF-1000XM6 in multiple colors beyond just the black option mentioned earlier. The specific design updates compared to the current WF-1000XM5 are not known at this point.

    Release Timeline Uncertain

    It is still not certain when Sony will formally replace the WF-1000XM5 with the WF-1000XM6. However, the ‘description of goods’ indicates that Sony may still be in the testing phase for these high-quality wireless earbuds instead of preparing for their launch. For comparison, similar shipping documents for the WH-1000XM6 appeared several months before Sony started selling the latest over-ear headphones. Therefore, we believe the WF-1000XM6 might be introduced in late fall or early winter 2025.

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  • Ultralight Retro Wireless Headphones Km5 HP1 – Order Now!

    Ultralight Retro Wireless Headphones Km5 HP1 – Order Now!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lightweight Design: The km5 Hp1 headphones weigh only 3.6 ounces, featuring a minimalist headband without padding for comfort and reduced weight.

    2. Nostalgic and Modern Blend: Inspired by ’80s and ’90s models, the headphones incorporate modern technology like Bluetooth 5.4 and LE Audio for enhanced connectivity.

    3. Long Battery Life: The Hp1 offers up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge, with a full recharge taking approximately three hours via USB-C.

    4. High-Quality Sound: Equipped with dynamic 40mm drivers, the headphones deliver audio at 24-bit and 96 kHz, with a frequency range of 20Hz to 25kHz and low distortion.

    5. Independent Powering: Each earcup has its own battery and must be powered on/off separately, with dedicated buttons for playback and volume control on both sides.


    At first sight, the km5 Hp1 headphones bring to mind the vintage models that were once paired with Sony Walkmans and Discmans from years past. While the headband lacks padding and might seem a bit uncomfortable, this design feature helps keep the weight down to a mere 3.6 ounces, which supposedly makes any cushioning unnecessary. In contrast, the ear pads are crafted from soft fabric and are attached magnetically, allowing for easy replacement.

    Nostalgic Meets Modern

    These headphones strive to blend the vibes of the ’80s and ’90s with current technology since the Hp1 supports Bluetooth 5.4, including Bluetooth LE Audio. Km5 claims the headphones can last for 24 hours on a single charge, and a full recharge via USB-C takes approximately three hours. When connected to a smartphone or computer through USB-C, they can stream music at a stunning 24-bit and 96 kHz, which should give a frequency range of 20Hz to 25kHz.

    Advanced Sound Features

    The Hp1 comes equipped with dynamic 40mm drivers, boasting a sensitivity of 122 dB/mW and a minimal total harmonic distortion of 0.2%. On both earcups, there are dedicated buttons that allow users to manage playback and change volume levels. Uncommonly for Bluetooth headphones, users must power each side on and off separately as there’s no connecting cable. Each side is fitted with its own 120mAh battery that requires independent charging.

    Currently, the km5 Hp1 Bluetooth headphones can be purchased directly from the manufacturer’s website. The price is set at $189, not including shipping costs. The manufacturer also notes that additional import fees might be applicable.

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  • Fiio Launches Lightweight Anytime Bluetooth Headphones

    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!

  • Focal Bathys MG Wireless Headphones Launching April 2025

    Focal Bathys MG Wireless Headphones Launching April 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Focal’s Bathys MG Bluetooth headphones feature magnesium drivers for improved sound quality, with production based in France.
    2. They include active noise cancellation with three settings: Silent, Soft, and Transparent, plus built-in microphones for enhanced clarity.
    3. The headphones support high-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/192kHz via a USB-DAC mode.
    4. Battery life varies: 30 hours in wireless mode, 35 hours with a wired jack, and 42 hours in USB-DAC mode, with fast charging allowing 5 hours of playback after a 15-minute charge.
    5. Launching in April 2025, the headphones are priced at €1,199 and will be compatible with the Focal & Naim app for customizable settings.


    Focal has unveiled its new Bathys MG Bluetooth headphones, which are set to hit the market in April 2025. These headphones are equipped with magnesium drivers featuring “M”-shaped domes, which aims to offer crisp bass and treble. The manufacturing of these drivers takes place in France.

    Features and Specifications

    The Bathys MG comes with active noise cancellation that has three different settings: Silent, Soft, and Transparent. Built-in microphones enhance sound clarity across various environments. Additionally, there’s a USB-DAC mode that supports high-resolution audio playback, reaching up to 24-bit/192kHz.

    Design-wise, these headphones follow the style of Focal’s Clear MG model, boasting a Chestnut finish and a backlit logo made from a mix of aluminum and magnesium. They are crafted to be lightweight for added comfort, and include a leather headband along with foam earpads.

    Battery Life and Connectivity

    Battery life differs depending on the mode being used: 30 hours when in wireless mode, 35 hours using the wired jack, and 42 hours in USB-DAC mode. Fast charging features allow for 5 hours of playback after just a 15-minute charge.

    For connectivity, the headphones support Bluetooth 5.2 and feature access to the Focal & Naim app. This app lets users modify EQ settings, switch between noise cancellation modes, and even conduct a hearing test. Note that these headphones do not have internal storage; playback is facilitated through Bluetooth and USB-DAC.

    Pricing and Launch Details

    The Bathys MG headphones are anticipated to be available in April 2025, with European retailers listing the price at €1,199. More details can be found on the official product page.


  • Focal Bathys MG Headphones: aptX Adaptive, USB-DAC, Magnesium Drivers

    Focal Bathys MG Headphones: aptX Adaptive, USB-DAC, Magnesium Drivers

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Focal Bathys MG features a 40mm magnesium driver, delivering sound frequencies from 10Hz to 22kHz with low distortion below 0.2%.
    2. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.2, 3.5mm AUX, and USB-C, with the USB-C enabling 24-bit audio processing at 192kHz.
    3. The headphones offer up to 30 hours of battery life with Bluetooth and 35-40 hours with a wired connection, along with advanced noise-cancelling features.
    4. Additional features include Google Fast Pair, Bluetooth Multipoint, and automatic music pause when removed.
    5. The Focal Bathys MG are set to launch in May at a price of €1,199.


    Positioned as a pricier option compared to the previous Focal Bathys, the latest Focal Bathys MG aim to wow listeners with their exceptional audio quality. Focal has introduced a newly crafted magnesium driver measuring 40mm, capable of delivering sound frequencies ranging from 10Hz to 22kHz, with total harmonic distortion kept below 0.2 percent.

    Connectivity Options

    The Bathys MG come equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 that supports SBC, AAC, and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive codecs. Alternatively, users can connect through a provided 3.5mm AUX or USB-C cable. When using the USB-C connection, the Focal headphones activate a unique DAC mode, allowing for music processing up to 24-bit at 192kHz, though it should be noted that the microphones are inactive in this setting. Additionally, the equalizer in the related smartphone app allows users to tailor audio settings according to their taste.

    Battery Life and Features

    Focal claims a battery lifespan of as much as 30 hours when using Bluetooth wirelessly, while the wired connection can last between 35 to 40 hours. Equipped with eight microphones, the noise-cancelling and transparency features are reported to be more advanced than prior models. Plus, the Focal Bathys MG weigh in at 12.3 oz and offer several handy functionalities, such as Google Fast Pair, Bluetooth Multipoint, and the capability to automatically pause music when the headphones are removed.

    Release Information

    The Focal Bathys MG are anticipated to launch in May. Initial European retailers have begun to list the headphones at a price of €1,199. For further details regarding the features and specifications, interested individuals can visit the official product webpage.

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  • Belkin SoundForm Surround Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Launch Deal

    Belkin SoundForm Surround Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Launch Deal

    Key Takeaways

    1. Affordable Pricing: The SoundForm Surround headphones are priced at $40, with a 15% launch discount bringing the cost down to $34.

    2. Connectivity Features: They support Bluetooth 5.4 Multipoint, allowing simultaneous connections to two devices, and also include a 3.5mm jack for wired use.

    3. Impressive Battery Life: The headphones offer up to 60 hours of music playback and 35 hours for phone calls, with USB Type-C charging.

    4. Noise Cancellation: While they provide some noise cancellation for calls, they do not feature active noise cancellation (ANC).

    5. Eco-Friendly Design: Made with recycled plastics, the headphones come in three colors and their packaging is completely plastic-free.


    The SoundForm Surround headphones are now up for grabs. Belkin lists them at $40, but they come with a 15% launch discount, bringing the price down to a wallet-friendly $34. It’s clear that the SoundForm Surround headphones are pretty straightforward, not aimed at serious gamers or high-end audio fans.

    Features and Connectivity

    Because of this, there’s no info on low latency or high-fidelity sound using lossless codecs like LHDC. Nevertheless, these Belkin headphones feature Bluetooth 5.4 Multipoint, allowing connections to two devices simultaneously, which is super handy for toggling between a smartphone and a tablet. You can also use a 3.5mm jack to connect them. These over-ear headphones boast an impressive battery life of up to 60 hours for music playback and 35 hours for phone calls. The battery can be charged using USB Type-C.

    Noise Cancellation and Design

    While they offer noise cancellation for outside sounds during calls, proper active noise cancellation isn’t included. These wireless headphones come with 40mm drivers and physical buttons for volume control and playback. Belkin claims that the SoundForm Surround (AUD009) contains recycled plastics, and their packaging is completely plastic-free. Lastly, you can choose from three different color options.

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