Latest news with #audioquality
Geeky Gadgets
13-06-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 26 Apple AirPods: Every Essential New Feature You Need to
Apple's iOS 26 introduces a comprehensive set of updates for AirPods, designed to enhance audio quality, usability, and accessibility. Whether you're a music enthusiast, a multitasker, or someone who values convenience, this update offers a more refined and personalized listening experience. In the video below, HotshotTek gives us a look at the most notable features that make this update significant. Watch this video on YouTube. Enhanced Audio Quality With iOS 26, AirPods deliver a noticeable improvement in audio performance. The update refines the frequency balance, resulting in richer bass, crisper treble, and overall clearer sound. These enhancements are particularly evident when streaming high-resolution audio or using Apple Music's Lossless Audio feature. Whether you're enjoying your favorite playlist, listening to podcasts, or taking calls, the improved audio clarity ensures a more immersive and detailed experience. This update underscores Apple's commitment to delivering high-quality sound for all types of content. Smarter Adaptive Noise Cancellation The noise cancellation feature receives a significant upgrade with adaptive capabilities that dynamically adjust to your surroundings in real time. For instance, when you're in a noisy environment like a bustling café or on public transport, the system minimizes background noise while maintaining audio clarity. This ensures that you can focus on your content without distractions. The adaptive nature of this feature makes it versatile, offering a seamless listening experience whether you're in a quiet room or a noisy outdoor setting. Personalized Spatial Audio Spatial Audio becomes even more advanced with iOS 26, offering a customized 3D audio experience. By using the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone, the system maps your unique ear shape to optimize sound positioning. This personalization enhances the sense of immersion, making it feel as though you're surrounded by the audio source. Whether you're watching a movie, playing a game, or listening to music, the tailored Spatial Audio feature delivers a heightened level of realism and depth, setting a new standard for immersive sound. Improved Battery Management Battery performance is thoughtfully enhanced in this update, addressing both longevity and usability. Smarter charging algorithms now reduce battery wear over time, helping to extend the lifespan of your AirPods. Additionally, more accurate battery level notifications allow you to plan your charging cycles effectively. For users who rely on their AirPods throughout the day, these improvements mean fewer interruptions and longer listening sessions, making sure your device is ready whenever you need it. Seamless Device Switching Switching between Apple devices becomes faster and more reliable with iOS 26. AirPods can now detect and connect to the active device almost instantly. For example, if you're watching a video on your iPad and receive a call on your iPhone, the transition happens effortlessly. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who frequently multitask across multiple Apple devices, offering a smoother and more integrated experience. Customizable Controls iOS 26 introduces expanded options for customizing AirPods controls, allowing you to assign specific functions to different touch gestures. For example, you can configure gestures to skip tracks, adjust volume, or activate Siri. This flexibility enables you to tailor the controls to suit your preferences, making your AirPods more intuitive and convenient to use. The ability to personalize these settings ensures that your AirPods adapt to your unique needs and habits. Enhanced Find My AirPods Integration The integration of AirPods with the Find My app sees significant improvements in iOS 26. New features include precise location mapping and proximity alerts, making it easier to locate misplaced AirPods. Additionally, the update introduces a 'Separation Alert' that notifies you if you leave your AirPods behind. These enhancements reduce the likelihood of losing your device and provide peace of mind for users who rely on their AirPods daily. Accessibility Enhancements Apple continues to prioritize inclusivity with new accessibility features for AirPods. The iOS 26 update introduces tools such as enhanced audio amplification and customizable sound profiles, specifically designed to support users with hearing impairments. These updates ensure that AirPods remain accessible to a broader audience, offering an inclusive listening experience that meets diverse needs. By focusing on accessibility, Apple reinforces its commitment to creating technology that is usable by everyone. Why This Update Matters The iOS 26 update represents a meaningful evolution for AirPods, addressing a wide range of user needs with thoughtful enhancements. Key improvements include: Enhanced audio quality for a richer and more detailed listening experience. Smarter adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts to your environment in real time. Personalized Spatial Audio for a fully immersive sound experience. Improved battery management to extend device longevity and reduce interruptions. Seamless device switching for effortless multitasking across Apple devices. Customizable controls for greater convenience and personalization. Upgraded Find My integration to prevent loss and locate your AirPods easily. Accessibility tools to ensure inclusivity for users with hearing impairments. This update not only enhances the functionality of AirPods but also ensures they remain versatile and user-friendly. Whether you're focused on sound quality, seamless integration, or inclusive design, iOS 26 delivers features that cater to a wide range of preferences and requirements. Browse through more resources below from our in-depth content covering more areas on iOS 26 AirPods Features. Source & Image Credit: HotshotTek Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Gadgets News, Guides, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Gizmodo
13-06-2025
- Gizmodo
These AirPods-Style Earbuds Are Nearly Free, Amazon Slashes Prices by 86% Just Before Prime Day
These wireless earphones may look very much like AirPods or Galaxy Buds at first glance, but they're obviously distinct products. But with a record low price tag of just $21, currently discounted by 86% from a typical $160 price on Amazon, these represent a compelling trade-off for whoever is willing to sacrifice wireless audio quality but without a huge expense outlay. While you should not expect the premium finish or advanced features of higher-priced companies, these earbuds have been highly rated with a 4.7 out of 5-star rating and nearly 10,000 units sold in a single month. For this price, it is hard to find a better bargain in the market today. See at Amazon Up to 40 Hours of Playtime On the technical front, these wireless earbuds are powered by Bluetooth 5.4 technology which offers seamless pairing, reduced latency and a steadier connection over a range of 15 meters. While this latest version of Bluetooth enhances the experience itself, it also extends battery life which is a crucial aspect for a user who uses earbuds throughout the day. The earbuds themselves deliver up to 8 hours of playback at 80% volume and the charging case provides an impressive total of 40 hours of playtime. These earbuds feature a 13mm vibration diaphragm and AAC/SBC audio codec for deep bass and clear, detailed sound. They also have their Hi-Fi stereo sound boosted by ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) technology that uses four microphones to eliminate background noise and wind noise when making calls. They thus qualify as suitable bets for hands-free calling in even louder environments or while outdoors. The earbuds come with uncomplicated touch controls so that you can play/pause music, answer/terminate a call, skip songs and even activate voice assistants like Siri without putting your hands on your phone. The charging case features a dual LED display that shows the remaining battery level for both the earbuds and the case, so you're never caught off guard by a dead battery. They also have the IP7 certification for water resistance which means they can withstand immersion into water one meter deep for 30 minutes. This implies that they can be used while exercising, running, or even in the rain. They have an ergonomic shape that forms a snug, secure fit on most ears, and the light material that they are made of makes them tolerable for extended use. The fit is tight enough for active wear so you don't need to worry about them coming off while you work out or make your daily commutes. If you're searching for a reliable pair of wireless earbuds at a decent price point, don't miss this deal. See at Amazon
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Forbes
Bose Vs. Sony: Which Headphones Are Best?
A good pair of headphones should accomplish three tasks: They should have stellar audio quality, exceptional active noise cancellation (ANC) and a long battery life to last through an international flight. Two of my favorite pairs of wireless headphones, the Bose QuietComfort Ultras and the Sony WH-1000XM6s, go toe to toe with these must-have features. But if you're stuck trying to decide between Bose versus Sony headphones, there are a few things to consider before you add them to your cart. I tested both pairs of headphones for at least three weeks to determine which pair is best. The short answer: It's complicated, and it truly comes down to what you're seeking to get out of your next pair of wireless headphones. Here are the standout features, and here's what can help you decide between Bose versus Sony headphones. Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Battery life: 24 hours (with ANC) | Drivers: 35mm | Weight: 9 ounces | Case: Hard case | Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (up to two connections) | Wired connectivity: 2.5mm Best for: Skip if: Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Battery life: 30 hours (with ANC) | Drivers: 30mm | Weight: 8.9 ounces | Case: Hard case | Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (up to two connections) | Wired connectivity: 3.5mm Best for: Skip if: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are built of mostly plastic, and it's this plastic that's my main knock against the brand. For a flagship pair of headphones, the design feels a little cheap. That shouldn't sway die-hard audiophiles from this pair of headphones, though. The Bose QuietComfort Ultras are sturdy—I've taken them on multiple international flights, dropped them and more. I also don't use the bulky carry case because it's just another thing to haul on a plane. To date, they still look brand-new, so they're pretty darn sturdy. The design has plush, swappable leatherette ear pads that are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The longest flight I've taken this pair on was a 13-hour flight to Seoul, South Korea; I wore them most of that flight with my glasses on in comfort. I only wish that the design was a little less front and center and mechanical. While Bose prides itself on its audio quality (more on that in a second), it looks very utilitarian. While the Bose headphones have a design that feels more mechanical, Sony opted for a sleeker build. Bose places its branding front and center on each ear cup; you know that someone is wearing the Bose headphones. Sony keeps its branding more subtle, placing it just above the ear cup. I'm a huge fan, and it's a good design choice—the headphones look luxe. Another feature that Sony added back into the headphones' design from their predecessor, the WH-1000XM5s? A foldable design. The WH-1000XM5s couldn't fold into a more portable package; they could only flip the ear cups in and out. It's a necessary addition, and I'm glad Sony added it back in. When I initially unboxed them, I worried that the swappable ear cups—less plush than the Bose headphones I tested—might not be enough to wear for long periods of time. The headphones quickly proved me wrong. Glasses wearers may have some minor wear issues, but that's not my biggest design gripe: The midnight blue color I received shows my fingerprints and natural facial oils. It's easy to wipe it down, but I recommend opting for the Platinum Silver finish to reduce the dirt. If you had asked me even a couple of months ago which pair of headphones had the better sound quality, I would have said without hesitation: It's Bose. Now that the Sony WH-1000XM6s have launched, it's more complicated. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones have a rich audio quality, and it's partially why I named them the best wireless headphones you can buy right now. They can easily hit deep bass frequencies with ease on Ashnikko's and Kendrick Lamar's songs, and the audio balance in Remi Wolf's funk-infused 'Cinderella' and 'Photo ID' is simply lovely. Bose also stands out for its intuitive app. Don't expect dedicated EQ presets, as Bose doesn't offer any, but you can adjust bass, mids and trebles up and down six points to find a sound that suits you. The app also offers two other listening modes, Motion and Still. Motion puts you in the center of the action for a more immersive experience, while Still is built for when you're sitting at your desk. Turn your head to the left and right, and the music stays firmly in front of you for a concert-like sound. These come at the minor cost of audio quality, though. The Bose headphones also offer a slew of technologies to keep the audio quality consistent. Your headphones are only as good as the data transfer. These headphones include aptX Adaptive codec, which can dynamically transfer higher amounts of data, and thus higher-resolution audio quality; it's specifically for Android. The headphones also offer advanced audio coding (AAC), which essentially does what aptX does, only for Apple devices, so its audio quality is great across both Android and iOS devices. Whereas the Sony WH-1000XM5s couldn't match the Bose QuietComfort Ultras, the Sony WH-1000XM6s now rival the competition. Bose sounds more professionally balanced, or 'cinematic,' if you will, and can immerse you in the action with those modes; Sony focuses on putting you in the center of the action. 'Ma Meilleure Ennemie' and 'Sucker' from the Arcane soundtrack sound more like they're being performed live in my living room, and it's a boon to the listening experience. The headphones support LDAC, which is a sound codec that allows for more data transfer, and thus allows for a richer audio experience. They also support AAC, but not aptX Adaptive. That said, the Sony Sound Connect app is lackluster: It's not nearly as intuitive as the Bose app. Open it, and you can see Ambient Sound Control, which controls your ANC. You can also see what's called Listening Mode; this mode gives you two different sub-modes to turn your music into a background 'coffee shop' sound or cinema mode for movies. To be blunt, these modes are mediocre. You can choose from a handful of EQ presets, or you can create custom EQ if you prefer. You can do this by listening through a couple of different options to find your preferred balance. There are a slew of other features, like spatial audio, scene analyzers (which can analyze your environment and make audio adjustments on the fly) and listening habits, the latter of which can help you maintain safe listening levels, but they're sprinkled in hard-to-find spots. If you prefer a more lifelike experience to your listening, the Sony WH-1000XM6s should be your go-to. Just keep in mind that the app may be difficult for you to navigate at times. However, if you prefer more cinematic listening sessions, the Bose headphones are best for you. You really can't go wrong with either in terms of audio quality; both are rich and detailed. The Bose QuietComfort Ultras can last up to 24 hours on a single charge, but there are a few caveats to hit that number. For one, the Motion and Still immersive modes need to be off; using them drains more battery, to around 18 hours. If they get low on battery, a 15-minute charge gets 2.5 hours of music playback, which is significantly more time for less playback than Sony offers. The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones can last up to 30 hours—with ANC on. That's a massive difference that, if you tend to take long-haul flights or forget to charge your headphones, can make or break your listening experience. In the event you do forget to charge them, three minutes of charging can get three hours of music playback in a pinch. If you frequently forget to charge your headphones, pick up the Sony headphones. Both pairs of headphones offer stellar noise-cancellation technology, and both dive deeper so you can get the level of ANC that you prefer. Bose offers three different modes: Aware, which is a transparency mode so you can hear outside noises; Immersion, which turns on Still or Motion, depending on your preferences; and Quiet, which is the ANC mode. It's worth noting that while Quiet mode offers noise control, it's locked, so you can't change it. But you also shouldn't have to change it—the ANC is powerful enough that airplane engines sound whisper quiet, which is exactly what you want in a pair of noise-canceling headphones. In fact, these are currently my best noise-canceling headphones pick. Sony's WH-1000XM6s offers three modes, too: Off, which turns off the transparency and the noise-canceling modes; Ambient Sound, which is the transparency mode; and Noise Canceling, which activates the ANC. It's good enough for most needs, but I live next to not one but two elementary schools, and I look out onto a lovely park. When the children get out and play at the park, I can still hear some sounds slip past the ANC. It also couldn't compete against the New York City subway noise as trains whizzed by me. It's on par with Bose, but Bose slightly edges out the Sony WH-1000XM6s. If you value ANC above all else, Bose is the answer here, and you should opt for them. If you're considering the Bose versus Sony headphones, it boils down to a few features. Both have incredible audio quality that showcase a rich audio quality. Both are very comfortable, and both have a sturdy, durable build that should last for some time. If you tend to forget to charge your gear, the Sony headphones may be the better option: It's hard to put a price on that 30-hour battery life. And if you prefer a sleeker design, the Sony headphones are the best choice for you. However, if you want unparalleled ANC, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones should be your pick. There's also something to be said about using an intuitive app. I've found Bose's app easy to use in my two years of experience testing them as my main pair of travel headphones, and that's important when you're on the move. The Forbes Vetted team has published hundreds of tech and electronics guides that leverage our hands-on testing and research, including audio stories for all of your listening needs, like wireless headphones, wireless earbuds, outdoor speakers and more.
Phone Arena
06-06-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
Generous 32% discount drops the premium AirPods Pro 2 to must-buy price
There are quite a few high-end wireless earphones that can complement your iPhone, but some of the best earbuds for an Apple user are, without a doubt, the AirPods Pro 2. Delivering premium sound, these puppies are a no-brainer if you demand to enjoy your favorite songs in the best audio quality possible. Thanks to their Spatial Audio support, they create a three-dimensional listening experience that fully immerses you in the music. Plus, with the EQ in the Apple Music app, you can customize the audio to suit your taste perfectly. $80 off (32%) The AirPods Pro 2 are still available at their lowest price of 2025! Amazon's latest deal knocks 32% off, giving you serious value for your money. Grab a pair now and save while the offer lasts. Buy at Amazon Another highlight is their top-tier ANC. Turn it on, and it'll block almost every noise from the outside world, letting you listen to your favorite tunes without any distractions. And with the earbuds' solid battery life, you can keep the music going for up to 6 hours on a single charge without Spatial Audio or 5.5 hours with it enabled. Add the charging case, and you're looking at a total of 30 hours of listening course, all these bells and whistles come at a cost. Priced at around $250, Apple's premium earbuds aren't exactly cheap. However, from time to time, they get great discounts at retailers like Amazon. The best part? You can currently snag a pair for much less than usual! The retailer is offering a sweet 32% discount on the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C charging, so you can grab a pair for just under $170. That means you'll save $79 if you don't dilly-dally and tap the offer button at the top of the article right away. The deal has been available for a while, so chances are it may expire soon. Therefore, don't hesitate—save while you can!
Irish Times
29-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Shokz OpenFit 2 review: Comfort and good sound quality without ambient noise intrusion
Shokz OpenFit 2 Price : €190 Website : Where To Buy : Harvey Norman When it comes to earbuds, I usually prefer to block out the world rather than let the ambient noise filter in. That means active noise cancelling is a must and the buds need to have swappable silicone tips. But the Shokz OpenFit 2 don't fit any of those requirements. As the name suggests, the buds are open fit, sitting outside your ear rather than plugging your ear canal. There are times though when you need to hear what is going around you. When you are out walking, for example, it is useful to stay aware of your surroundings so you can hear people approach or be aware of cars around you. But at the same time, you don't want to sacrifice audio quality. Over the years I've reviewed some open-fit buds that promise a lot but really only deliver tinny, weak audio that is drowned out by the background audio. READ MORE I had higher hopes for the OpenFit 2. Shokz is known for perfecting open-fit earbuds, from the bone conduction technology it helped bring to the mainstream audio sector to the open-fit earbuds it is now pitching at runners and other audio fans. The Shokz OpenFit 2 are new to the Irish market. The buds have an ear hook design, with a flexible silicon hook that sits comfortably over your ear and position the speaker so you can hear the audio without blocking out the outside world completely. [ Mixx Streambuds Solo 2 review: Budget Bluetooth earbuds that sound pretty good for the price Opens in new window ] Out of the box, you might need instructions to tell you how to actually position them correctly on your ears, particularly if you have been using in-earbuds for the past few years. The Shokz app will help you get the most out of the buds – luckily, because I realised I was wearing them out of place. The app will also let you change EQ settings, with preset options that include vocal, bass booster and treble boost. There is also a custom setting so you could create your own personalised audio and save it for future use. Shokz has done some work on the audio side for the OpenFit 2. Its bass algorithm has been upgraded, with precisely directed bass tones that still maintain clarity in the higher frequency ranges. The end result was surprising. I expected that with the open fit nature of the buds, the ambient noise would be intrusive, particularly if the buds were being used near busy streets. But it wasn't an issue – I could still hear a podcast playing even with traffic close by. It was the same for music, with powerful bass without the rest of the audio feeling muddy. [ Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds: another leap forward in quality and comfort Opens in new window ] The Shokz have built-in microphones so you can use them for phone calls, video calls and accessing the voice assistant on whatever device they are connected to. Again, the sound quality here was good. On the other end of the call, I came through loud and clear. That is down to a couple of things: the two microphones built into each earbud, and the AI technology that Shokz has included to boost the audio. Sound leak was a concern. With open fit, you are likely to get a little leakage, but for the OpenFit 2, it was only audible at higher volumes. Still, I would be more wary of discussing anything too confidential in public, which incidentally should hold true regardless of what you are using to make or take your calls. The Shokz buds have another distinguishing feature: physical buttons. While many earbuds have opted solely for touch controls, the OpenFit 2 come with small physical buttons. The single click can play or pause tracks. The double and triple click are used for skipping or replaying tracks, while the long press can control volume. Those buttons can be customised, but there is a limit to how much you can do so. The single click, for example, can only be set to the default of play and pause, or disabled. The options for the double and triple click include having the left earbud control skipping to the next track, while the other goes back one track, or some mix of that. The long press can be changed to activate the voice assistant. That is it, however. Touch controls are limited to a single option – a long press – which is disabled by default. The only feature you can assign to it is the voice assistant for your phone. It's no real loss though if you decide to leave it doing nothing; the touch control is more awkward to activate correctly than the physical button. The buds also support multipoint pairing, which means you can pair two devices to them and switch seamlessly between the two, for example your smartphone and a laptop. Best of all, the OpenFit 2 didn't budge, even during the most strenuous workouts. If you've ever had to chase down an errant earbud, you'll appreciate the certainty that brings. Good Comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The buds are so lightweight and fit perfectly over your ear that you almost forget you are wearing them. They are particularly good if you find in-earbuds too uncomfortable to wear. Battery life is decent too. You get 11 hours of listening, with up to 48 hours when the backup battery on the case is taken into account. Bad The ear-hook design may not work for some people, particularly if they wear glasses – or sunglasses. However, the hook itself is quite thin, so it may still work for most wearers. The design of the buds means the case is a bit larger than some earbuds out there. Sound leak is definitely less of an issues than with other open-fit devices, but is still there. Everything else The buds are rated as IP55, which means they will withstand dust, light rain and sweat. Verdict Comfortable earbuds with great sound quality that won't budge during exercise.
