Tag Archives: Audio

Is Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Worth It? In-Depth Review and User Experience

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PROS:


  • Exceptional Audio Quality: The Buds 3 Pro delivers clear highs and deep bass, enhanced by features like 360 Audio for an immersive listening experience.

  • Advanced Noise Cancellation: Effective ANC, Adaptive Noise Control, and Ambient Sound modes provide a customizable listening experience that is ideal for various environments.

  • Seamless Samsung Integration: They integrate smoothly with Samsung devices, offering features like real-time translation and enhanced audio quality through the Scalable Codec.

  • Durability and Comfort: With an IP57 rating, the earbuds are water and dust-resistant. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit during extended use.

CONS:


  • Awkward Case Design: The charging case requires twisting the earbuds into place, which can be inconvenient and lead to accidental drops.

  • Battery Life Limitations: Real-world usage shows shorter battery life than advertised, especially with all features enabled.

  • Feature Limitations Outside Samsung Devices: Some features are optimized for Samsung products, limiting the full benefits for users with non-Samsung devices.

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

Galaxy Buds 3 Pro deliver stellar sound and noise cancellation, redefining what wireless earbuds can achieve in any environment.

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds3 Pro has made a strong entrance with its stylish stem design and practical features. These earbuds offer a powerful audio experience thanks to a dual-driver system that delivers clear highs and deep bass, making them perfect for music lovers. The ergonomic silicone tips ensure a snug fit, providing comfort during long listening sessions, and their IP57 rating adds protection against water and dust, making them great for active users.

Designer: Samsung

Packed with smart features, these buds include AI-powered sound adjustments that adapt to your environment, enhancing your listening experience. The real-time translation feature is a handy tool for travelers and language enthusiasts. While some features work best with Samsung’s latest devices, the Buds 3 Pro offers a strong mix of style, technology, and sound quality. Whether you’re on a call, streaming music, or navigating through your day, these earbuds are built to meet the needs of everyday life.

Design and Aesthetics

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro embraces a design that marries functionality with elegance. The stem-style structure enhances usability and audio performance by incorporating advanced components like control sensors and batteries within the stems, contributing to superior sound quality and call clarity.

The customizable “blade lights” on the stems offer a neat and stylish feature, but they may not appeal to everyone looking for simplicity. While the lighting adds flair, my focus remains on sound quality, comfort, and overall performance. The lights are a nice touch but not a critical factor in choosing these earbuds.

The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit, with silicone tips that improve noise isolation and enhance sound quality. With an IP57 rating, these earbuds are reliable for various environments, whether you’re at the gym or exploring outdoors. We’ll explore the performance aspects further down, diving into how these features impact real-world use and contribute to the overall listening experience.

From a design perspective, there are limited ways to create Bluetooth headsets. They can fit directly in the ear or include a stem, as seen in the Buds3 Pro. This design is practical, enhancing usability by allowing better placement of components like microphones and batteries.

While the Buds 3 Pro’s design draws inspiration from other successful models, the inclusion of unique features like customizable lighting and advanced audio technology sets these earbuds apart. They offer a compelling combination of high performance and style, making them attractive for those who value both aesthetics and functionality in their wireless audio gear.

Ergonomics

From my perspective, the design of the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro case has its pros and cons. I like that the case is lightweight and features practical additions like a USB-C charging port and an LED indicator for charging status. The transparent lid is also a nice touch, allowing me to see the earbuds without opening the case.

However, inserting and removing the earbuds can be awkward. They require a specific twist to fit properly, which isn’t the most user-friendly experience, especially when I’m on the go. I’ve actually dropped the earbuds a couple of times, twice on an airplane while fumbling around in the dark. It’s definitely not ideal. This is an area where the design could use some improvement to make handling the earbuds more intuitive and prevent such mishaps.

The earbuds are offered in two colors, white and black, with small red and blue dots to help indicate the correct placement in the case. While this color coding is helpful, it doesn’t completely resolve the awkwardness of fitting the earbuds into the case.

One thing I wish was smaller is the case itself. While it’s compact enough to fit in the coin pocket of my jeans, similar to the AirPods Pro case, it does bulge out more than I’d like. A smaller case would be more convenient for carrying around when I’m out and about.

Despite these concerns, the overall design remains stylish, and the case complements the sleek look of the earbuds. It supports wireless charging, which is a plus, but streamlining the handling and size of the case would greatly enhance the overall experience.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro delivers exceptional audio quality, particularly when paired with newer Samsung devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or S24 series. Featuring a two-way speaker system with a planar tweeter and dual amplifiers, these earbuds provide crisp, airy sound with robust bass. The 360 Audio feature enhances the soundstage, creating an immersive experience, although it can sometimes emphasize higher frequencies.

A key feature that enhances the audio experience is Samsung’s Scalable Codec. This codec adjusts the bit rate dynamically to ensure stable audio quality over Bluetooth connections. It provides near-lossless sound when the connection is strong, making it ideal for high-resolution audio playback on compatible Samsung devices.

The noise-canceling capabilities are impressive, offering Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Adaptive Noise Control, and Ambient Sound modes. ANC effectively reduces background noise, making it easier to enjoy music without distractions. Ambient mode is handy for staying aware of your surroundings while listening, and adaptive mode adjusts noise cancellation based on the environment. During my flight to Tokyo from Dallas and back, the active noise cancellation canceled out nearly all the humming from the engine, making the journey pleasant. Just note that for long-haul flights, you might need two pairs of earbuds. In my case, I had a pair of AirPods Pro to swap out. That said, I dare say the Buds3 Pro is competitive when it comes to sound quality and noise cancellation.

The sound quality of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro truly shines across various musical genres. In “Hotel California” by the Eagles, the earbuds reproduce the intricate guitar work with remarkable clarity, allowing you to hear every detail as if you’re right there at the performance. The Buds3 Pro handles Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” with precision, capturing the sharpness and detail in his vocals and ensuring the instrumental elements are delivered with crystal clarity. When it comes to bass-heavy tracks like “Royals” by Lorde, the earbuds provide a strong yet balanced bass response that complements the vocals without overshadowing them. The complex musical arrangement in “Take Five” by The Dave Brubeck Quartet showcases the Buds3 Pro’s ability to maintain clarity and balance across a wide range of frequencies, with the piano and saxophone lines coming through with excellent definition and depth.

The Buds3 Pro excels in call quality as well. The triple-mic array ensures clear voice transmission even in noisy settings, while the transparency mode allows ambient noise to enter naturally during calls, enhancing the conversation experience.

Battery life is an area where expectations might differ. Samsung claims up to 6 hours of playback with ANC on and up to 30 hours with the charging case. However, real-world usage often shows battery life closer to 5 to 5.5 hours with ANC, 360 Audio, and high-resolution streaming enabled. Wireless charging and quick charging capabilities add convenience, but for extended listening sessions, having a backup or access to charging is advisable.

The Buds3 Pro also impresses with its sweat-proof performance. I’ve used them to mow the yard in 100-degree weather, and they remain in my ears exceptionally well without any issues with performance. Their IP57 rating ensures they can handle both sweat and dust, making them a reliable choice for outdoor activities and workouts.

Compared to the standard Galaxy Buds 3, the Buds 3 Pro offers enhanced audio quality, more advanced noise control options, and longer battery life. While the non-Pro model provides good sound and basic ANC, it lacks the Pro version’s premium features and audio experience.

Overall, the Buds3 Pro is impressive in performance, making it a top choice for anyone in search of high-quality wireless earbuds with a rich, immersive sound experience.

Sustainability

Samsung has integrated sustainability into the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro by using post-consumer materials in their construction, which helps reduce the environmental impact of new plastic production. The company is committed to increasing the use of recycled materials across its product line, aiming to incorporate them into every component by 2030 as part of its goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

The packaging for the Buds3 Pro is also made from recycled paper, which aligns with Samsung’s sustainability initiatives and helps further reduce waste. These efforts demonstrate Samsung’s dedication to creating products that combine advanced technology with environmental responsibility.

Value and Verdict

For anyone within the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro is an easy recommendation. These earbuds integrate seamlessly with a wide range of Samsung products, including smartphones like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and S24 series and Samsung tablets, laptops, and other smart devices. They offer features like adaptive noise cancellation and enhanced audio quality through Samsung’s Scalable Codec, making them an ideal companion for any Samsung device. This integration allows for smooth transitions between devices and enhances the overall user experience, making the Buds3 Pro a perfect choice for those who rely on Samsung’s ecosystem for their tech needs.

Even if you’re not part of the Samsung ecosystem, the Buds3 Pro is worth considering. They are compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device and deliver exceptional sound quality, noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit, making them a versatile choice for all users. I enjoy having them as part of my everyday gear, whether in my go-bag for travel or daily use. Their performance and reliability make them a great addition to any tech setup, offering high-quality audio and convenience wherever you go.

The post Is Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Worth It? In-Depth Review and User Experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

BMW Motorrad x Vagabund electric bike has integrated umbrella and Teenage Engineering speaker

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BMW Motorrad Austria has joined forces with design studio VAGABUND to create a custom CE 02 eParkourer ride. The electric bike has a futuristic vibe and retro flair that’ll appeal to Gen-Z and millennials too.

Unlike other electric scooters, this one-off ride gives a sneak peek of where the future of two-wheelers is headed. That’s because it has an integrated BT speaker, hidden umbrella and a strapped skateboard grip tape for all your city riding needs.

Designer: BMW Motorrad

The urban commuter will spark interest in electric bikes that can otherwise have the style and feature-rich element missing. It has a two-tone look which goes perfectly with the needs of the modern crowd. Coming on to the BMW CE 02 bike, it tops at a speed of 59 mph and we expect this special version to have the same 48-volt electric motor and drivetrain. It churns out a peak output of 11 kW and offers a range of 55 miles on a single charge. This bike differs in visual appeal as it has a bit more spark with the contrasted white accents. This white influence is carried onto the half-white wheels.

What makes this electric scooter distinct is the integrated OB-4 Magic Radio by Teenage Engineering and a running board with skateboard grip tape. That cool exhaust that you see is for aesthetics, as well as storing a foldable umbrella for the untimely downpour. All these added elements resonate well with the retro-futuristic vibe of the EV. Mixed with the white and black tones is the lively tan of the saddle.

BMW Motorrad has not detailed a lot about the CE 02 x Vagabund edition, however, it is ultra-exclusive simply because of the $549 TE speaker that has a minimalistic theme.

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Tesla is selling Car-aoke Microphones so you can play Carpool Karaoke in your EV

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If your EV wasn’t already on the bleeding edge of technology, with sensors and cameras galore, the folks at Tesla decided to spice things up even further. Meet the CaraokeMic a set of wireless microphones designed to let you host your very own episode of carpool karaoke with all the professional gear you could possibly need – indoor dashcam not included. The set consists of two wireless microphones and one receiver that plugs into your car’s infotainment center. Set it up and your microphones let you sing along with any music playing on your car’s sound system. Sure, you could yell out the lyrics without a microphone too, but there’s something truly dignified (and fun) about belting tunes into a mic as if there’s an imaginary crowd cheering for you!

Designer: Tesla

To harness the full potential of the CaraokeMic, your Tesla needs the 2024.26 firmware update and either an Intel Atom or AMD Ryzen processor. Once equipped, you can seamlessly integrate the microphones with Tesla’s media apps, including the dedicated Caraoke app. Whether you’re in the driver’s seat or a backseat passenger, the magic of karaoke is just a touch away on either touchscreen. Each microphone boasts an impressive battery life of over 10 hours, ensuring uninterrupted performances. ‘Anti-howling’ technology guarantees crystal clear vocals, while the wireless design maintains easy access to vehicle controls.

The Tesla CaraokeMic starts as a $215 kit and is currently only available in the USA excluding Puerto Rico, Alaska, Virgin Islands, and Hawaii.

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This Baroque AirPods Case turns Everyday Tech into a Precious Work of Art

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From a boring-looking white case of dental floss to an ornate jewelry box – Eslam Mohammed’s take on the AirPods case is a masterclass in uplifting design through intricate detailing. While most tech companies spend millions trying to make their products sleeker and more minimalist, Mohammed does the exact opposite, harking back to the 17th century to borrow from regal art and architecture of the time. Aptly titled ‘The Case’, Mohammed’s take on the plain white plastic AirPods case is simply bedazzling, as it uplifts your cutting-edge tech to an absolutely new level of art.

Designer: Eslam Mohammed

Mohammed’s take on making tech ornate isn’t a new venture – just in April, he designed a Baroque wireless mouse with a similar interplay between old-world artistry and new-world innovative gadgets. The idea was to turn factory-made mass-produced gadgets into something that looks like something worthy of a museum.

The Case features gorgeous, highly detailed floral carvings wrapped around what is essentially still the AirPods case form factor. The earbuds on the inside stay the same given that they need to be ergonomic and easy to clean, but the case itself looks and feels almost jewel-like. An oxidized silver finish elevates the entire design to new heights, allowing it to catch reflections with the appeal of literal jewelry.

The lip separating the case from the lid gets treatment on the front and the back, with the words ‘Limited Edition’ on the front and a serial number for the limited 100 units on the back. The charging LED on the front also gets a rotating lock mechanism, giving the case a little US uplift.

Sadly, Eslam’s baroque AirPods case is just a concept for now, although I don’t see why he couldn’t release 3D files so people could print their own covers to attach to their existing cases. If you’re reading this, Eslam, we need those CADs right now!

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Bluetooth speaker concept moves a tiny gondola lift while your music plays

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Wireless speakers are a dime a dozen these days, and they come in a wide variety of forms, ranging from rugged tubes to glamorous art objects. The ones that are meant to stay indoors often hide their physical controls or do away with them completely in order to blend in with the rest of the room’s decor. Many don’t even have displays so you can’t view information at a glance without having to pick up your phone and unlock it. It doesn’t have to be an “either-or” situation, however, and you can maintain a speaker’s analog simplicity and beauty while still providing a useful visual, as this concept design for a travel-inspired Bluetooth speaker demonstrates.

Designer: Sungmin Hwang

Truth be told, a gondola lift is probably the last thing you’d associate with music. Also known as cable cars, these compact boxes carry a small group of passengers from one height to another, allowing them to see the journey from a completely different perspective. It adds a sense of wonder and awe, and maybe even a bit of thrill, as you slowly make your way to your destination, which is often on the top of a mountain or tower.

That’s the association that the Gondola Bluetooth speaker design concept makes between playing music and the journey, both of which take you into exciting new worlds that feel different from your current situation. The speaker’s design is specifically inspired by the cable car system that goes to and from Korea’s famous Namsan Tower, a magical journey even for frequent visitors. The two ends of the speaker house cones, one of which is significantly taller and represents Mount Namsan where the tower stands. This cone is actually the speaker, which diverges from the conventional cylindrical form of Bluetooth speakers

Connecting these two points are two fishing lines representing the cables of the gondola lift. Two tiny modules move back and forth between these lines, which represents the speaker’s main gimmick. The movement of these miniature gondolas syncs with the playback time of the current track playing on the speaker, giving a visual representation of the digital progress bar found in most music apps. This mechanism allows the user to see how far along the music is even without looking at their phones. Admittedly, not many people probably do that anyway, but the movement of gondolas still creates an almost magical atmosphere that could surface joyful memories of travels and adventures.

The Gondola speaker concept pays tribute to the Namsan Tower in another way. The small conical stub on top of the speaker has an LED light that changes color depending on the state of the speaker, signifying things like pairing, playing, battery level, and the like. It’s definitely an interesting idea that shows relevant information without relying on screens, integrating such controls into the theme of the design in a seamless and beautiful manner.

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Headphones concept reimagines comfort with clear silicone headbands

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Even with the popularity and ubiquity of wireless earbuds, many audiophiles and gamers still have a soft spot for over-ear headphones. Despite their bulkiness, they still promise better noise isolation and fuller sounds, which is to be expected given their size. They are also expected to be less comfortable to wear over longer periods of time, despite many attempts at using different materials and even designs. This concept design for an aptly named “Comfortably Headphones” takes another stab at that problem, but its solution is more ambitious and, if we’re being honest, less practical. Then again, having a flexible and transparent silicone band is sure to get you some attention, at least during the time you’re comfortably wearing them.

Designers: Belrtarducci, Garabatfire (MinimalChat Studio)

Headphone headbands have always been solid and rigid for a reason. They need to provide sufficient structure and support to hold the large and heavy ear cups together while also ensuring the whole device sits securely on your head. That said, that same rigidity is one of the biggest sources of discomfort for users, and many designers have tried to alleviate the issue with comfortable fabrics or soft materials wrapped around the band or, better yet, make the band slightly more bendable to accommodate different head shapes.

This design concept, however, throws tradition out the window completely by replacing the usual metal bands with nothing but silicone, a material known for its flexibility and plasticity. Silicone can retain the shape it was formed into during production, but it can also slightly bend and even twist with enough force. It won’t perfectly conform to everyone’s head shapes, but it will at least put less pressure on your head while you’re wearing it, at least in theory.

It isn’t just regular silicone that was chosen for this design either; it is a transparent variety. This creates reflections and refractions that add a unique visual flavor to the headphones. At least under some light, it creates more playful and more natural rainbow colors better than what any RGB LED lighting can provide. Of course, it doesn’t do much in the dark, but even the organic form of shadows can become a source of fascination.

Sadly, such a mesmerizing design does have its share of flaws, particularly with the longevity of silicone as a material. It can warp and deform over time, and discoloration is a common phenomenon with “clear” silicone products. Then there’s also the fact that wires bridging the two halves of the headphones mars the transparent beauty of the silicone band unless the headphones are completely wireless even internally. At that point, however, the benefits of such large audio equipment become moot, and people might as well switch to lighter earbuds. Of course, you could just create a solid, opaque silicone band, but then where would be the fun in such a design?

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Top 10 Cutting-Edge Earbuds Alternatives To The AirPods

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I love a good pair of earbuds! In fact, I really can’t function without my personal earbuds. Once my earbuds are in, the rest of the world is out. I deep dive into the world of my favorite tunes, away from real-world problems, happy in my own little audio bubble. Hence, owning a pair of innovative and perfect earbuds is an absolute necessity for me, and I’m sure that’s the case for most music lovers out there as well. Quite a few of us are Team AirPods all the way. Let’s remember that great earbuds go beyond Apple as well. This nifty list includes all of them. This collection of exciting designs has a pair of earbuds for everyone. These earbuds provide unique design solutions and are a must-have for audiophiles.

1.BD-1

Say hello to BD-1 – a pair of conceptual TWS earbuds that have been modeled on Teenage Engineering’s OP-1 synthesizer. The OP-1 synth became quite popular when it was used in the Swedish House Mafia’s first music video. The BD-1 mimics the same design cues, and it is quite boxy and white, with colorful ear tips that match the colors of the OP-1 synth. The earbuds come in a case with a small AMOLED display like the one found on the OP-1.

2. Flex Open Earbuds

JLab has created an open clip style earbuds design quite similar to the Bose Ultra Open earbuds seen at CES 2024. The new earbuds design at CES had a price tag of $300, and they attracted a lot of attention. JLab’s version is called the Flex Open Earbuds and they provide the same features as the high-end earbuds, but they’re much more economical! Priced at $50, the open-ear accessory is a must-try for anyone who loves experimenting with new audio accessories.

3. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds3 Pro

Samsung recently introduced its latest audio devices called the Galaxy Buds3 and the Buds3 Pro. The new earbuds have been created to uplift and enhance your everyday audio listening experience, irrespective if you’re home, working out, or simply on the go. It is amped with nifty and handy features, and it also showcases a refined design, which has something unique and appealing for almost everyone.

4. Immortal 121 Earbuds

Designed by boAT Lifestyle, these TWS earbuds have been shaped like Deadpool’s mask. The Immortal 121 earbuds are equipped with cutting-edge features, packed in an incredible package that costs only USD 20.35. The Deadpool earbuds offer 40 hours of playback, 40 milliseconds of latency, Bluetooth 5.3, adjustable EQ, IPx4 water resistance, and a game-changing 10-minute charging time so you’re never out of energy!

5. Gravastar Sirius P5 Buds

Named the Gravastar Sirius P5 buds, these super cool earbuds have charging cases inspired by the futuristic genre. They have names like Defense Armor, Defense Mecha, and Defense Crystal. The earbuds are made from either zinc alloy or a“ LEGO-like material prized for strength and rigidity”. The cases have a pretty distinct character and are quite appealing to fans of particular subsets of the sci-fi genre.

6. The Cell Buds

Designed by Minwoo Kim, the Cell Buds are an incredible evolution of the earbuds into a wearable that helps the blind navigate through crowded spaces, or be aware of what’s going on around them with the help of sound cus. The buds are amped with nano camera units that keep track of important information. This removes the need for transparency mode to keep an eye on your surroundings, or in situations where strong ANC is needed.

7. The Logitech G Fits

The Logitech G Fits are quite similar to the Ultimate Ears’ UE Fits earbuds which are equipped with the Lightform feature. The features make the custom molded fit possible. The G series earbuds have a feature list that is great for gamers and power users. The pill-shaped earbuds when inserted into the ear canals urge the user to push a button so that the gel tips harden with flashing LEDs, occupying the ear’s canal shape in a 60-second setup.

8. Bored Buds

Called the Bored Buds, these earbuds concept are intuitively designed and also meant to be multi-functional. The earbuds also form part of a Bluetooth speaker. When you’re not listening to music using earbuds, they are tucked away in the speakers through the protective case, and they function as control buttons. The speaker does not have any interface or displays, so the earbuds function as your on/off, pause/play, and volume up/down buttons.

9. The Nothing Ear (Stick)

The Nothing Ear (Stick) is a new case design for the Ear (1) buds, but unlike the old design which is square-shaped, this one has the same shape and size as lipstick, or if you’re looking for a more mundane term then a nebulizer. However, we are unsure if the earbuds within the Ear (Stick) are the same old earbuds or new ones. However, this new SKU will receive a new revamping in the form of a spec upgrade.

10. Quite Comfort Earbuds II

Called the Quite Comfort Earbuds II, these earbuds by Bose take Apple head-on. They’re claimed to be the “world’s best noise cancellation”, and they are quite notice-worthy. The earbuds are one-third the size of their predecessors, and are equipped with better ergonomic comfort and fit. They call it the Fit Kit. They come with the Custom Tune sound calibration that were seen earlier in the SoundControl hearing aids.

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Dyson OnTrac Headphones: A Comeback After Dyson Zone’s Air Purifier Headphone Flop?

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When Dyson Zone headphones with a visor for beaming fresh air into your nose were released a couple of years ago, we were taken aback by the idea. Although the prospective buyers didn’t show much affinity towards the unconventional ANC cans costing $1,000, we knew Dyson was working under wraps to reclaim lost glory in the headphones segment. They were poised to take the heat to Sony 1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Apple AirPods Max, Bowers & Wilkins PX7, and Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless.

This time the UK-based consumer tech giant has come up with a more conventional pair of headphones that are ultra-customizable. Meet the Dyson OnTrac headphones that tout class-leading ANC performance akin to the QuietComfort Ultra and AirPods Max. Audio quality is also the USP just like B&W PX7 or Momentum 4 Wireless. Priced at the upper end of the consumer tech segment, the cans have enough meat to pack a punch.

Designer: Dyson

The color customization of the headphones makes them stand out from the crowd with more than 2,000 possible combinations of the interchangeable outer cap covers and ear cushions made out of ultra-soft microfiber material. This is on top of the 4 basic color options in different material choices including CNC Copper, CNC Aluminium and CNC Black Nickel. OnTrac will also come in a special Ceramic Cinnabar version draped in a painted finish with a ceramic feel.

The headphones have an eight-microphone system capable of 40 decibels of reduction in unwanted sound courtesy of the 384,000 sound sampling per second. Good sound quality is a priority for the creators of the headphones, hence, the OnTracs feature 40mm drivers to reproduce the frequencies as intended by the artist. The frequency range of 6Hz to 21,000Hz makes you feel the rumble of sub-bass without muffling things and the highs are crystal clear. The Bluetooth codecs supported include SBC, AAC and the newer LHDC version.

The superior performance of the ANC doesn’t take a toll on the battery as Dyson promises 55 hours of impressive backup with Active Noise Canceling turned on. A charge of half an hour will juice them up for around 9 hours of playback. The controls for toggling volume levels, track change and ANC on/off are done with a tactile joystick button on the outside of either cup. Comfort is also important so the multi-pivot gimbal arms ensure the right amount of clamping force to prevent any pressure on the ears.

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Samsung Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro: Your New Everyday Earbuds

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Samsung has introduced its latest audio devices, the Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro. These new earbuds are designed to enhance your daily listening experience, whether at home, on the go, or working out. They come with handy features and a refined design, offering something for everyone.

Designer: Samsung

Galaxy Buds3: Versatile and Reliable

The Galaxy Buds3 are open-ear earbuds, perfect for those who need a dependable set for everyday use. They have a comfortable, ergonomic design that fits snugly in your ears, ensuring they stay put even during intense activities. Available in black, white, and navy, the Buds3 has a simple and clean look that works with any style.

The Buds3 delivers clear sound across all frequencies, with improved drivers that enhance bass response for a rich audio experience. Whether listening to music, taking calls, or watching videos, the Buds3 provides quality sound without fuss.

A standout feature of the Galaxy Buds3 is their active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. This feature helps block out background noise, allowing you to focus on your music or conversation. The transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings when needed, making it easy to switch between focused listening and situational awareness.

The Buds3’s battery life is solid. It offers up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge and an additional 20 hours with the charging case. The case is compact and easy to carry, ensuring your Buds3 are always ready to go. Fast charging means you can get an hour of playback from just a 10-minute charge.

The Galaxy Buds3 also works seamlessly with other Galaxy devices. You can easily switch between your phone, tablet, and watch without missing a beat. Touch controls on the earbuds let you manage your music, answer calls, and activate your voice assistant with a simple tap.

Galaxy Buds3 Pro: Premium Audio Performance

For those looking for a bit more from their earbuds, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers advanced features and high-quality sound. These in-ear earbuds are designed with audiophiles in mind, delivering great sound in a compact, wireless form. Available in black, white, navy, and burgundy, the Buds3 Pro adds a touch of sophistication to your audio gear. 

The Buds3 Pro features Samsung’s advanced dual-driver technology, combining a woofer and tweeter in each earbud to provide detailed sound across all frequencies. The enhanced ANC technology in the Buds3 Pro is more effective, reducing ambient noise significantly. This creates an immersive listening experience in a noisy office or on a busy street.

The Buds3 Pro also includes a new 3D audio feature. This feature creates a surround sound experience that adapts to your head movements, making it feel like you’re in the center of the action. This feature is great for watching movies or playing games, providing a more dynamic and engaging audio experience.

Comfort is critical with the Galaxy Buds3 Pro. They come with multiple ear tip sizes and wing tips, ensuring a secure fit for all-day wear. The buds are also sweat—and water-resistant, making them ideal for workouts and outdoor activities.

The Buds3 Pro’s battery life is excellent. With ANC on, it offers up to 7 hours of playback on a single charge and an additional 21 hours with the charging case. The case supports wireless and fast charging, so you can quickly boost your battery.

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro also features intelligent active noise control, which automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your environment. This makes it easy to enjoy your music without constantly fiddling with settings.

Complementary Features with Galaxy Ring and Watch

The Buds3 and Buds3 Pro provide a complete health and connectivity experience when paired with the Galaxy Ring or Galaxy Watch. The seamless integration allows for effortless switching between devices, ensuring you stay connected and informed throughout the day. Whether you’re tracking your health metrics with the Ring, managing your fitness with the Watch, or enjoying high-quality audio with the Buds, Samsung’s ecosystem works together to make your day smoother.

Final Thoughts

Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro offer a range of features to fit different needs. The Buds3 provides reliable performance and essential features, making them perfect for everyday use. Meanwhile, the Buds3 Pro delivers a premium audio experience with advanced noise cancellation and immersive sound. Both models integrate seamlessly with Samsung’s other wearables, creating a connected experience that fits your lifestyle. We’re excited to try these earbuds out in different scenarios and share our thoughts. For more information and to pre-order these devices, visit Samsung’s official website.

 

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Amazon Echo Spot returns with a fresh new look that ditches the camera

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We rarely hear about new smart speakers these days. Either they have died off or that all wireless speakers are expected to be smart anyway. Even rarer, however, is news on smart speakers with displays, a.k.a. smart displays, outside of a few select devices, like the Google Pixel Tablet, and rumors, like a new Apple HomePod with a screen. Even Amazon, arguably the brand that really kicked off the smart speaker market, is pretty silent, at least until now. Seven years after it first launched, the controversial Echo Spot is making a comeback, bearing an aesthetic that is more modern, more soothing, and, more importantly, more privacy-focused.

Designer: Amazon

The first Amazon Echo Spot launched in 2017 as the smaller sibling to the Echo Show, perhaps the market’s first smart display. It had a funky circular screen and was positioned as a hi-tech bedside alarm clock rather than a general-purpose smart speaker with a display like the Echo Show. Unfortunately, two things made it less palatable even to Amazon’s loyal following: its price and the fact that it had a camera, a big no-no for something that’s supposed to stay in a very private part of your home.

After what felt like forever, the second-gen Echo Spot is finally rolling out with a design that addresses both concerns. At $79.99, it’s immediately half the launch price of its predecessor, and Prime Members can even get it for only $44.99 for Prime Day. It also no longer has a camera, but you can still make audio calls as usual. At least you won’t have to worry about people peeking at you, accidentally or otherwise.

With that functionality out of the way, there’s no longer a reason for a full display on the front, freeing Amazon to adopt a new design that is admittedly more suited for a bedroom. It still has a spherical shape that looks more like a tilted bowl, and the outer surface is still the same matte plastic material. The front, however, is now split in half, with a brighter and more vibrant screen taking up the upper portion, and a fabric-covered 1.73-inch front-facing directional speaker. The new Echo Spot also comes in a new Ocean Blue colorway in addition to the traditional Black and Glacier White.

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You can still touch that screen to control some of the speaker’s smart functions, though it really shines more when giving visual feedback to queries and commands. Being Amazon, the focus is on voice control and AI smarts, including routines and the ability to control other smart devices in the house. This does mean that the Echo Spot is always listening even if it is never watching, but there’s a physical mute button on its back when you really want that privacy in the bedroom.

The post Amazon Echo Spot returns with a fresh new look that ditches the camera first appeared on Yanko Design.