Tag Archives: Audio Technology

Amazon discounts the Echo Buds to only $25 ahead of Prime Day

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Amazon Prime Day will officially be here on July 16, but we're already starting to see discounts pop up, particularly on Amazon's own devices. The Amazon Echo Buds are half off in this early Prime Day deal. The wireless earphones, already one of Engadget’s top picks for budget on-the-go buds at $50, are only $25 today. That’s a record low for the latest model, which arrived last year.

This latest iteration of the Echo Buds doesn’t plunge into your ear canals. Instead, the buds have a semi-open fit with a stem, similar to Apple’s standard AirPods. The Echo Buds include removable silicone ear covers (not tips) to help with grip and comfort without stuffing something inside your ear, which can be uncomfortable for some folks.

That means they lack noise cancelation, so don’t expect them to tune or block out the outside world (apart from your music drowning things out if it’s loud enough). This style works better for those who want to maintain awareness of their surroundings while avoiding the feeling of full ear canals.

The third-gen Echo Buds can last up to five hours per charge (up to six with Alexa’s wake-word detection disabled). However, their charging case adds another 15 hours, and you can add a quick two hours to the buds with a quick 15-minute charge.

Sound quality will be noticeably lower than that of competitors in the $200-ish range, but Amazon would’ve been performing miracles if it matched that. Instead, you get a perfectly solid sound profile (lacking a bit of bass) that performs beyond what you’d expect for $50 earbuds. At $25 today, it’s hard to imagine anything else coming close in that price range.

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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-discounts-the-echo-buds-to-only-25-ahead-of-prime-day-123058567.html?src=rss

JLab’s Flex Open Earbuds are a $50 version of the Bose Ultra Open

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Bose surprised everyone when it debuted its clip-on Ultra Open Earbuds early this year. The premise was part fashion and part function, leaving your ears open to ambient sounds while you listen to tunes or podcasts. That model is $299 though, a price that's prohibitive for anyone looking to give the unique wear style a try. Enter JLab, the budget audio company with a solid track record for sound quality and features for under $100, and its new model: the Flex Open Earbuds. At just $50, it's much easier to take a gamble on the clip-on design, especially if you don't want make these your all-day buds. 

The Flex Open Earbuds offer the same basic premise as the Bose model. They clip onto the back of your ear while situating a speaker just outside of your ear canal. This leaves your ears open to outside noise you actually want to hear while also keeping your ears unplugged and comfy. JLab promises that the Flex Open Earbuds are suitable for calls, and multipoint Bluetooth allows you to switch devices with ease. Google Fast Pair is available on Android devices, so you can connect as soon as you take the buds out of the case.

Where the Flex Open Earbuds actually surpass the Ultra Open Earbuds is durability and battery life. The $50 JLab version is IP55 rated where the Bose model is IPX4. The Flex Open Earbuds will also last over seven hours on a charge, according to the company, which is at least two hours more than I got on the Ultra Open Earbuds during my tests. 

In terms of audio, JLab employs 12mms drivers that it says are tuned to satisfy both bass lovers and listeners who love crisp, clear treble. The JLab app also provides a Bass Boost feature that leverages an algorithm for "astonishing" performance and "a truly immersive audio experience." I wouldn't expect sound quality on the level of Bose here, but JLab's reputation is solid enough that these will probably get the job done audio-wise. Plus, I mean, you're saving $250 in the process. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/jlabs-flex-open-earbuds-are-a-50-version-of-the-bose-ultra-open-173339211.html?src=rss

JLab’s Flex Open Earbuds are a $50 version of the Bose Ultra Open

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Bose surprised everyone when it debuted its clip-on Ultra Open Earbuds early this year. The premise was part fashion and part function, leaving your ears open to ambient sounds while you listen to tunes or podcasts. That model is $299 though, a price that's prohibitive for anyone looking to give the unique wear style a try. Enter JLab, the budget audio company with a solid track record for sound quality and features for under $100, and its new model: the Flex Open Earbuds. At just $50, it's much easier to take a gamble on the clip-on design, especially if you don't want make these your all-day buds. 

The Flex Open Earbuds offer the same basic premise as the Bose model. They clip onto the back of your ear while situating a speaker just outside of your ear canal. This leaves your ears open to outside noise you actually want to hear while also keeping your ears unplugged and comfy. JLab promises that the Flex Open Earbuds are suitable for calls, and multipoint Bluetooth allows you to switch devices with ease. Google Fast Pair is available on Android devices, so you can connect as soon as you take the buds out of the case.

Where the Flex Open Earbuds actually surpass the Ultra Open Earbuds is durability and battery life. The $50 JLab version is IP55 rated where the Bose model is IPX4. The Flex Open Earbuds will also last over seven hours on a charge, according to the company, which is at least two hours more than I got on the Ultra Open Earbuds during my tests. 

In terms of audio, JLab employs 12mms drivers that it says are tuned to satisfy both bass lovers and listeners who love crisp, clear treble. The JLab app also provides a Bass Boost feature that leverages an algorithm for "astonishing" performance and "a truly immersive audio experience." I wouldn't expect sound quality on the level of Bose here, but JLab's reputation is solid enough that these will probably get the job done audio-wise. Plus, I mean, you're saving $250 in the process. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/jlabs-flex-open-earbuds-are-a-50-version-of-the-bose-ultra-open-173339211.html?src=rss

Sonos has discounted refurbished speakers and soundbars by up to 25 percent

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Sonos speakers and soundbars are up to 25 percent off as part of a sitewide sale on refurbished products. This includes the well-reviewed Beam Gen 2, which found a place on our list of the best soundbars. You can scoop up a refurbished Beam for $300, which is a discount of $100 or 25 percent.

We picked it as the best choice for consumers looking for a mid-range soundbar that provides pro-level features without breaking the bank. That’s even more true now with today’s sale. The Beam Gen 2 boasts solid sound quality, Dolby Atmos support and a compact form factor that won’t call attention to itself.

As with most Sonos products, the Beam Gen 2 can team up with other models to create a robust home sound system. It’s also incredibly easy to set up and use. There are no upward-firing speakers here, but Sonos has addressed this limitation by tweaking the audio timing and frequency. On the downside, it only features a single HDMI port, so you won’t be able to directly connect a gaming console to the soundbar.

If Dolby Atmos doesn’t matter to you, the original Sonos Beam is available for $191 instead of $319. The company’s subwoofer, the Sub Gen 3, is available for $480 instead of $640 and the entry-level Ray soundbar is $164 instead of $220. These are all refurbished b-stock items but ship with the company’s standard warranty.

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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sonos-has-discounted-refurbished-speakers-and-soundbars-by-up-to-25-percent-164042803.html?src=rss

Skullcandy expands its earbud lineup with three sport models all under $100

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Skullcandy has revealed a trio of earbud models it says were designed with the "most active and adventurous consumers" in mind. The Active Collection lineup ranges from $60 to $100 and were engineered to deliver reliable performance in any conditions, according to Skullcandy.

The Push Play Active, Push ANC Active and Sesh ANC Active all have a few common features. They all support multipoint pairing and rapid charging — a 10-minute charge will allow two hours of playback time. A Sidetone feature is said to counteract occlusion and make it easier to hear our own voice. Meanwhile, the adjustable stay-aware mode lets you tweak things so that it's easier for you to remain alert and hear what's going on around you.

Push Play Active earbuds and charging case
Skullcandy

The $60 Push Play Active buds have over-the-ear hooks and an IP55 rating for sweat and water resistance. Skullcandy claims that a smart mic will reduce background noise for "crystal clear" calls. The Push Play Active earbuds have several equalizer presets and you'll be able to set up your own custom five-band EQ as well. They offer up to 34 hours of battery life, according to Skullcandy, with the earbuds running for up to 10 hours on a single charge and the charging case adding an extra 24 hours of use.

The other two models have some shared features as well. Push ANC Active and Sesh ANC Active are IP67 rated, meaning they're sweatproof and waterproof. Both models use a four-mic array for adjustable active noise cancellation (ANC). The earbuds are compatible with the Skullcandy app, which will allow you to customize the onboard controls and equalizer levels. There's a personal sound feature too — you'll be able to take a real-time audio test to create a profile for optimized sound levels.

Push ANC Active earbuds and charging case
Skullcandy

The Push ANC Active earbuds are the most expensive option of the three at $100. Skullcandy claims you'll get up to 37 hours of use with ANC on (seven hours from the earbuds and 30 extra from the charging case) and as much as 58 hours of use with ANC off. The brand says you'll be able to use the earbuds for up to 12 hours before having to return them to the charging case. In addition, the case supports wireless charging.

It's worth noting that while the Push ANC Active option has an over-the-ear hook, there's a more traditional true wireless design for the Sesh ANC Active. Skullcandy says these earbuds have a "fit grip" to keep them in your ears. They have a promised battery life of up to 28 hours with ANC on (seven hours in the earbuds, 21 in the charging case) and up to 48 hours with ANC off (12 hours and 36 hours, respectively). The Sech ANC Active earbuds will run you $90.

Sesh ANC Active earbuds and charging case
Skullcandy

Skullcandy has earned a reputation for offering solid products at relatively budget-friendly prices, so these are options worth considering if you're on the lookout for a set of earbuds to use while you're working out. All three models will be available on Skullcandy's website starting on June 25.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/skullcandy-expands-its-earbud-lineup-with-three-sport-models-all-under-100-120021846.html?src=rss

UE’s Everboom speaker is a smaller, floatable version of its Epicboom

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Ultimate Ears is expanding its lineup of portable Bluetooth speakers with the Everboom. This one should be pretty safe to take with you on your wildest adventures, as it has a rugged design and an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. It can even float, so you can bring it with you into the pool or lake. There's also an Outdoor Boost button, which you can press to bump up the bass and optimize the audio for the great outdoors.

The oval-shaped Everboom, which is essentially a smaller version of UE's Epicboom, offers 360-degree audio and a 180-foot Bluetooth range. UE says the battery will run for up to 20 hours before you need to recharge it via USB-C. In addition, there's one-touch NFC connectivity that works with compatible smartphones running at least Android 8. UE says that this will allow you to quickly switch between several people's playlists when multiple phones are connected — perfect for a campfire singalong.

Ultimate Ears Everboom speakers in several colours with carabiner clips.
Ultimate Ears

Meanwhile, the Logitech-owned brand has updated its Wonderboom, Boom and Megaboom speakers with USB-C charging ports and new colorways that are made entirely from post-consumer recycled fabric. The Boom 4 and Megaboom 4 are built with a larger proportion of recycled materials than previous models and have "enhanced deep bass radiators to unlock an even bigger sound," UE says. As for the Wonderboom 4, that introduces a podcast mode — the previous model is one of our favorite Bluetooth speakers.

In addition, UE is introducing a new feature for all speakers that work with its Boom app. With Megaphone, users can speak into their phone and project their voice through the speaker.

The Everboom and refreshed speakers are all available in North America starting today and are set to hit Australia, New Zealand and Europe in the coming months. The $250 Everboom comes in Charcoal Black, Azure Blue, Enchanting Lilac or Raspberry Red. You can pick up the Wonderboom 4 in an Active Black, Hyper Pink, Cobalt Blue or Joyous Bright colorway for $100. As for the $150 Boom 4 and $200 Megaboom 4, those are available in Active Black, Cobalt Blue, Raspberry Red and Enchanting Lilac.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ues-everboom-speaker-is-a-smaller-floatable-version-of-its-epicboom-070124605.html?src=rss

JLab’s new $70 sport earbuds let you change equalizer presets with a few taps

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Audio gear maker JLab has revealed its latest set of budget-friendly sport earbuds. The JBuds Sport ANC 4 are said to deliver over 14 hours of listening time on a single charge, with the charging case adding an extra 47 hours if active noise cancellation (ANC) is switched off — so over 60 hours in total. With ANC on, you’ll get over 40 hours of use before having to juice up the USB-C charging case, JLab says.

The earbuds have many of the features you'd expect, including multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, an IP66 rating for sweat resistance, sound customization through an app and a few different gel tips to help you get the right fit. They employ a hook design to help keep them securely in your ears too.

JLab Sport ANC 4 earbuds and charging case
JLab

There are some new features as well. One is called Hybrid Active Noise Cancelation. There are three noise control modes and "optimal noise reduction for up to 25 dB," JLab says. The idea here is to help you stay more aware of your surroundings during outdoor workouts or to filter out noise in loud gyms.

Another first for JLab is the introduction of combo swipe and touch controls. Along with controlling media playback, you can use these to cycle between three equalizer presets. Last but not least, the earbuds support Google Fast Pair and Find My Device for Android.

JLab makes some of the best budget-friendly earbuds around, so a new model with some intriguing features is worth paying attention to. The JBuds Sport ANC 4 are available now from the brand's website for $70.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/jlabs-new-70-sport-earbuds-let-you-change-equalizer-presets-with-a-few-taps-130100674.html?src=rss

Skullcandy expands its earbud lineup with three sport models all under $100

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Skullcandy has revealed a trio of earbud models it says were designed with the "most active and adventurous consumers" in mind. The Active Collection lineup ranges from $60 to $100 and were engineered to deliver reliable performance in any conditions, according to Skullcandy.

The Push Play Active, Push ANC Active and Sesh ANC Active all have a few common features. They all support multipoint pairing and rapid charging — a 10-minute charge will allow two hours of playback time. A Sidetone feature is said to counteract occlusion and make it easier to hear our own voice. Meanwhile, the adjustable stay-aware mode lets you tweak things so that it's easier for you to remain alert and hear what's going on around you.

Push Play Active earbuds and charging case
Skullcandy

The $60 Push Play Active buds have over-the-ear hooks and an IP55 rating for sweat and water resistance. Skullcandy claims that a smart mic will reduce background noise for "crystal clear" calls. The Push Play Active earbuds have several equalizer presets and you'll be able to set up your own custom five-band EQ as well. They offer up to 34 hours of battery life, according to Skullcandy, with the earbuds running for up to 10 hours on a single charge and the charging case adding an extra 24 hours of use.

The other two models have some shared features as well. Push ANC Active and Sesh ANC Active are IP67 rated, meaning they're sweatproof and waterproof. Both models use a four-mic array for adjustable active noise cancellation (ANC). The earbuds are compatible with the Skullcandy app, which will allow you to customize the onboard controls and equalizer levels. There's a personal sound feature too — you'll be able to take a real-time audio test to create a profile for optimized sound levels.

Push ANC Active earbuds and charging case
Skullcandy

The Push ANC Active earbuds are the most expensive option of the three at $100. Skullcandy claims you'll get up to 37 hours of use with ANC on (seven hours from the earbuds and 30 extra from the charging case) and as much as 58 hours of use with ANC off. The brand says you'll be able to use the earbuds for up to 12 hours before having to return them to the charging case. In addition, the case supports wireless charging.

It's worth noting that while the Push ANC Active option has an over-the-ear hook, there's a more traditional true wireless design for the Sesh ANC Active. Skullcandy says these earbuds have a "fit grip" to keep them in your ears. They have a promised battery life of up to 28 hours with ANC on (seven hours in the earbuds, 21 in the charging case) and up to 48 hours with ANC off (12 hours and 36 hours, respectively). The Sech ANC Active earbuds will run you $90.

Sesh ANC Active earbuds and charging case
Skullcandy

Skullcandy has earned a reputation for offering solid products at relatively budget-friendly prices, so these are options worth considering if you're on the lookout for a set of earbuds to use while you're working out. All three models will be available on Skullcandy's website starting on June 25.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/skullcandy-expands-its-earbud-lineup-with-three-sport-models-all-under-100-120049446.html?src=rss

Beyerdynamic debuts its first open-ear true wireless headphones

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Several audio companies have been hopping on the open-ear earbuds bandwagon, a headphone design where the speaker rests outside the listener's ear rather than inside it. Beyerdynamic is the latest to offer this listening option with the VERIO 200, the brand's first set of open-ear true wireless headphones. The set retails for $220 and is available to order today.

Open-ear headphones can come with some sacrifices to audio quality, but this set features a custom 16.22mm graphene driver. Using the lightweight graphene in speakers can cut down on sound distortion, so the high-end material could help negate that usual performance tradeoff with this style. The open-ear approach can also be more comfortable if you don't enjoy the usual in-ear earbud experience. And you'll be able to hear your surroundings much better with this design, something that can be important for people wearing these in outdoor settings. VERIO 200 has a hook design that is intended to keep the headset secure even during physical activity.

Beyerdynamic VERIO 200
Beyerdynamic

Battery life is always a concern with true wireless devices, but Beyerdynamic claims pretty solid longevity. The company says that the VERIO 200 has up to eight hours of battery life, and its charging case adds another 27 hours. The buds are Bluetooth 5.3-compatible and can pair with both iOS and Android devices. They can be controlled by voice or through Beyerdynamic's new mobile app, which offers full custom EQ capabilities and sound tuning.

The company has secured several firsts in its recent product launches, including its first wireless gaming headset in 2023 and its first true wireless earbuds in 2022.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/beyerdynamic-debuts-its-first-open-ear-true-wireless-headphones-140008310.html?src=rss

Jabra updated its Elite earbuds with an LE Audio case, improved ANC and more

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Jabra's Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active earbuds debuted in August, but the company isn't waiting for an annual update to unveil a second-generation model for both of those sets. Neither of them will look different, except for some new color options, but there are big upgrades to both. The company has taken this opportunity to make changes to noise cancellation, audio features, spatial sound and other areas.

First, both the new Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active will come with what Jabra calls "the world's first LE Audio smart case." This will allow you to plug the charging case into any USB-C or 3.5mm jack to wirelessly transmit sound to the earbuds. While in-flight entertainment might be a primary use case here, other possibilities abound, including audio from workout equipment, TVs and more. The company says the revamped cases are equipped with a new chip to transmit LE Audio with lower latency than similar options already on the market. Jabra also promises better overall sound quality when using the feature, including "Hi-Fi" playback.

Next, Jabra says it also improved the active noise cancellation (ANC) performance on both the new Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active. The company is promising to block "up to twice as much noise" as the previous generations. To do so, Jabra explains that it fine-tuned the internal feedback microphones to provide better noise blocking for mid- and low-frequency sounds. What's more, ANC algorithms have been updated to better utilize their adaptive capabilities, so the earbuds should handle things like airplane noise and the roar of the gym more effectively. 

Jabra also did some fine-tuning to its HearThrough mode. The ambient sound feature on both the new Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active has been tweaked for enhanced sound outdoors with a dedicated Natural HearThrough mode. This new setting offers increased wind noise reduction that's twice as effective as that of the previous generation, according to the company. Algorithms expand the frequency range of the regular HearThrough mode to make this possible.

Jabra Elite 8 Active can stream sound from cardio equipment thanks to its LE Audio-equipped case.
Jabra Elite 8 Active (2nd gen)
Jabra

While the Elite 8 Active had Dolby Audio and and the Elite 10 offered Dolby Atmos with head tracking, Jabra says the second-generation models both offer improved tuning for spatial sound. The company explains that during testing, 95 percent of its "expert panel" preferred the new audio profile to that of the previous gen. Lastly, Jabra is promising improved call quality on both the new Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active thanks to updated noise-reduction algorithms that provide enhanced voice recognition in subpar environments. 

All of the other stats on both sets of earbuds are holdovers from the previous generation. That includes the IP68 rating on the Elite 8 Active (case is IP54) and the IP57 rating on the Elite 10 (no case rating). You can also still expect up to six hours of battery life with ANC on for the Elite 10 (27 hours total with the case) and up to eight house of noise-cancelling use on the Elite 8 Active (32 hours total with the case). Bluetooth multipoint connectivity is still here, as are Fast Pair, Swift Pair and Spotify Tap. The second-gen Elite 10 can also still connect directly to smartwatches, so long as they support HFP, A2DP and AVRCP Bluetooth profiles. 

The Elite 10 (2nd gen) will be available in titanium black, gloss black, brown, blue and white for $280. The Elite 8 Active (2nd gen) comes in navy, black, coral and olive green for $230. Both of those prices are $30 more than the first versions that debuted last year and these two upgraded models will be available mid-June.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/jabra-updated-its-elite-earbuds-with-an-le-audio-case-improved-anc-and-more-090046844.html?src=rss