The Shokz OpenFit Pro open-ear buds, priced at $249.95, feature a new noise reduction technology that significantly improves environmental noise dampening through a triple microphone array and adaptive algorithms, making them more effective for moderate noise environments like cafes and at home, though they still fall short of true active noise cancellation. The design remains bulky, and fit can be an issue, but the improved bass and additional features like Dolby Atmos support enhance their appeal for users who want awareness and decent sound quality during everyday activities.
Bluetooth 6.0, released by the Bluetooth SIG in September 2024, introduces significant improvements in device pairing, lower latency, and universal device tracking, promising enhanced wireless audio experiences. While smartphones are beginning to adopt Bluetooth 6.0, most headphones and earbuds have yet to catch up, though future models are expected to incorporate these advancements, benefiting gamers, AR/VR users, and those seeking better device findability.
The article discusses the likely upcoming features of the AirPods Max 2, suggesting that Apple may introduce 10 new features to enhance its wireless headphones, although specific details are not provided.
Apple has launched the Powerbeats Fit, a rebranded and improved version of the Beats Fit Pro, featuring a more flexible wingtip design, a smaller case, and enhanced comfort and durability, with a focus on fitness and active use, priced at $199.99.
Qualcomm is developing a new tech called XPAN that allows wireless earbuds to seamlessly switch from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi, extending their range and potentially enabling listening from anywhere in the world via Wi-Fi access points, with minimal latency and support for lossless audio, aiming to improve user experience and reduce range limitations of current wireless earbuds.
Bang & Olufsen has launched the Beo Grace earbuds, blending luxury jewelry-inspired design with advanced acoustic features, including adaptive noise cancellation, spatial audio, and a durable, miniaturized aluminum build, aiming to redefine high-end wearable sound.
Technics has launched the SL-40CBT and SL-50C direct drive turntables at CEDIA 2025, featuring modern designs, high-quality performance, and convenient features like wireless connectivity and pre-mounted cartridges, catering to both new and experienced vinyl enthusiasts. Both models combine classic Technics engineering with contemporary aesthetics and are available in stylish colors for around $899.
JBL announced its largest battery-powered party speaker, the PartyBox 720, with 800W power, 15 hours of playtime, and advanced features like AI Sound Boost and light shows, priced at $1,099. They also introduced the Boombox 4, an upgraded portable speaker with similar tech, lighter design, and longer battery life, costing $550, both available for pre-order with shipments in September.
Amazon's Prime Day offers significant discounts on over 30 Anker products, including power banks, projectors, home security, and audio devices. Shoppers are encouraged to take advantage of these deals to avoid future price hikes due to tariffs, but should be aware of a recent recall on some power banks. The event features notable discounts on portable projectors, waterproof speakers, noise-canceling headphones, smart home devices, and security cameras, making it a prime opportunity for tech upgrades at reduced prices.
Nothing's first over-ear headphones, weighing 329g and featuring 40mm drivers partnered with KEF, are set to be announced on July 1. They offer up to 80 hours of playback with ANC off and include features like Google Fast Pair, on-head detection, and low lag mode, aiming to compete with premium headphones like the AirPods Max.
Bose has announced upgraded QuietComfort Ultra wireless earbuds featuring improved adaptive active noise cancellation with a smoother response to sudden noise spikes, enhanced call quality using hearing aid technology, and a new wax guard for easier cleaning. The earbuds, priced at $299, will be available later this summer, along with upgraded SoundLink Micro and a new SoundLink Plus Bluetooth speaker, offering longer battery life, better sound, and new features.
Scientists in Canada have developed the AudioDome, an advanced 3D sound system with high fidelity speakers that can create virtual soundscapes indistinguishable from real environments, offering new opportunities for auditory perception research, despite some limitations at higher frequencies.
Bluesound has launched its new flagship wireless music streamer, the NODE ICON, priced at $999. The device features advanced engineering with a Dual-Mono DAC architecture, MQA Labs’ QRONO d2a technology, and THX AAA headphone amplifier technology. It offers expanded connectivity options, including balanced XLR outputs and HDMI eARC, and is designed for integration into the BluOS multi-room platform. The NODE ICON aims to set a new standard in high-resolution audio performance and is available worldwide.
Former OpenAI researcher Alexis Conneau has launched WaveForms, a startup focused on developing AI with emotional general intelligence (EGI) capabilities, backed by $40 million in seed funding from a16z. The company aims to enhance AI's ability to understand and respond to spoken language nuances, such as tone and inflection, which current AI assistants like Alexa and Siri lack. Conneau's departure from OpenAI was driven by his desire to focus on audio AI as a "social-emotional layer" of artificial general intelligence.
