Tag Archives: Audio

Headphone jacks on smartphones are making a comeback for your listening pleasure

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There are some heated discussions right now about how a YouTuber may have single-handedly killed a startup, but big companies do that every time. In 2016, Apple may have put the audio industry on notice when it banished the headphone jack from the iPhone forever. Of course, the 3.5mm connector is used in more than just smartphones, but this change caused a ripple that pushed wireless audio technologies to innovate and improve. Although it’s becoming more common for smartphones to rely on Bluetooth headphones and speakers, many audiophiles still swear by wired equipment to deliver high-fidelity lossless sound, and it seems that there’s a growing trend of bringing the venerable headphone jack back to smartphones to satisfy these audio cravings.

MOONDROP MIAD01

It isn’t enough just to have a 3.5mm headphone jack and expect to have high-quality audio output. You still have to make sure that the digital-to-analog conversion process is just as good, usually with some help from dedicated hardware designed for that purpose. Hi-Fi audio equipment maker MOONDROP knows that only too well, which is probably why it’s making an ambitious attempt to corner a niche market with an upcoming MIAD01 smartphone made specifically for discerning audiophiles.

Designer: MOONDROP

Aside from a few teaser images, details on this “Hi-Fi” smartphone are still pretty slim other than the mention of 3.5mm+4.4mm interfaces. The latter of the two is known as “balanced” output used by high-impedance headphones and speakers, resulting in even better output quality. It’s not yet known, however, if the phone will have two headphone jacks or have a single 4.4mm port with a 3.5mm adapter. Either way, it’s something that music lovers on the Android side of the smartphone camp will want to keep an eye, or an ear, out for.

nubia Music Phone

Although technologically less ambitious, ZTE subsidiary nubia is putting a different twist on enjoying music on smartphones. The nubia Music Phone does have two headphone jacks, both 3.5mm, but their main purpose is to simply connect two wired headphones at the same time. It brings back the social aspect of listening to music by sharing your favorite tunes with a friend or loved one while still keeping it private among yourselves. Of course, the fact that you can connect high-performance headphones is definitely a plus as well.

Designer: nubia (ZTE)

The nubia Music Phone also puts a fun and quirky spin on that activity with a design that will appeal to music lovers. It has a large speaker on its back, in itself already an oddity, and it’s made to look like a turntable together with dual camera lenses. Its colorful designs just scream vibrancy and playfulness, characteristics that will pull at the heartstrings of a younger crowd.

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

It isn’t just audiophiles who will appreciate good sound output, however. Poor audio can also break the immersion of a mobile game, especially as these titles become more sophisticated and more resource-intensive. While most of its features naturally revolve around graphics and processing, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro doesn’t skimp on the audio side of the equation, whether it’s the “multi-magnet” dual speakers or hi-res 3.5mm headphone jack.

Designer: ASUS ROG

More than just doing the bare minimum, the ROG Phone 8 Pro boasts 384kHz/32-bit audio quality from that wired connection. It also implements spatial sound for headphones and provides listening profiles for different situations. It’s definitely one of the very few premium smartphones these days that have a headphone jack, something that hardcore mobile gamers will surely appreciate.

Sony Xperia 1 V

Speaking of high-end phones, Sony hasn’t completely given up yet on the smartphone market, and neither is it turning back on the features that differentiate its remaining devices. It bears an unusual ultra-wide, ultra-tall screen aspect ratio which Sony claims to be the best format for watching videos. It also shows off its display-making prowess which it also uses on a bigger scale on TVs.

Designer: Sony

The entertainment and electronics company naturally also knows that video is only half the battle. The phone also has a headphone jack to support hi-fi lossless audio output through wired headphones and speakers, something you’d expect from a device designed to deliver a cinematic watching experience on mobile.

TECNO Camon 20 Pro 5G

It’s almost ironic that mid-range and lower smartphone tiers are the remaining bastions of the 3.5mm port, probably as a form of cost-savings on more expensive wireless technologies. At the same time, however, some brands continue to support the feature even on their higher-end models. That’s definitely true for last year’s TECNO Camon 20 Pro 5G, which combines stylish design with a well-balanced set of features, including that headphone jack.

Designer: TECNO

Among TECNO’s flagship Camon line, the Camon 20 Pro has the distinction of winning a few design awards, thanks to the unique geometric patterns on its back, including an uneven hexagon shape for the camera bump. Unfortunately, it will also now have the distinction of being the last TECNO Camon to include that 3.5mm port, as the brand seems to be finally shifting this family of smartphones to a wireless future.

Final Thoughts: Hear Ye, Hear Ye

Just because smartphones no longer have headphone jacks doesn’t mean that it’s obsolete technology. Many aspects of the audio industry and the wider multimedia industry still rely on wired connections, and the 3.5mm connector and those like it continue to offer a standard and space-efficient solution. At least for now, wires still have bigger bandwidth and more reliability, even with potential losses when converting between digital and analog.

Wireless audio is thankfully still improving, but it might take some time for it to be a more common technology that can deliver the needed high-fidelity lossless audio transmission. In the push for thinner phones, it’s this aspect that has unfortunately been sacrificed, even if it came at the expense of consumers as well. It’s a good thing, then, that there are still some brands that try to cater to audiophiles, music lovers, and gamers, and we might even see an uptick in these devices as more people become more aware of the critical role that good sound quality plays in an immersive experience.

The post Headphone jacks on smartphones are making a comeback for your listening pleasure first appeared on Yanko Design.

Phone-powered smart speaker concept reads your mood to play the right music for work

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Not everyone likes listening to music, but even those will perhaps begrudgingly agree that certain kinds of music can have different effects on one’s mood or mental state. Next to entertainment or the sheer joy of listening to favorite tunes, the most common use of music is to set the right mood, whether it’s to relax, to get pumped, or to be more productive. That said, musical tastes can be quite subjective, and even the kind of harmonies that you like could be affected by your mood at any given time. It can be quite taxing to change playlists or tracks every time, so rather than relying on your fingers and your own mind, why not let your phone do the work for you? This desk speaker concept does exactly that, analyzing your mood and picking the right music to help you finish your work, studies, or any other task you need to get done.

Designer: Junyoung Lee

People who love playing music while they work most likely have a library of tunes selected to help massage their grey matter, especially during slow hours. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of music can be thwarted by moods, emotions, and physical conditions. Sometimes we’re just stuck in a slump and manually picking out a more appropriate playlist only adds to the stress and traps you in a vicious mental cycle.

MIX:X is a smart speaker system that uses the power of your smartphone and machine learning to automate that process so you won’t have to lift a finger when your brain or heart is just too tired to care. You simply dock the phone in front of the tall, boxy speaker to start the process. The large camera at the bottom keeps a constant watch on the person’s face in front of it, particularly their facial expressions, and using computer vision, machine learning, and algorithms, it tries to identify the mood that the person is in. Depending on what mood that is, it will switch to a different playlist that will help get you into a more productive working state.

Part of the MIX:X speaker’s solution is actually not the device itself but the app that comes with it. Here you select the songs that you like and associate them with certain moods. The app’s AI analyzes the music selection and uses that as a pool to choose from when your mood shifts one way or another. It doesn’t simply get music out of thin air (or the Internet), giving you some amount of control to limit the choices to your preferences.

In that sense, the MIX:X speaker is simply a box with speakers facing sideways and a camera, though it definitely has an interesting aesthetic. It has transparent panels for its sides and back, putting the sophisticated electronics inside on display. The rest of the device’s design is pretty minimal, with a single dial for the volume. If there’s one glaring flaw in its design, it’s the fact that it seems to support only a specific model or size of a specific phone, namely an iPhone, which severely limits how much this concept can be used outside of that single device.

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Nothing Ear and Ear (a) Buds Review: It’s Nothing To Scoff At

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PROS:


  • Vibrant and more ergonomic Nothing Ear (a) design

  • Beautiful, eye-catching design with a competitive price tag

  • Quality audio output with plenty of convenient smart features

CONS:


  • Nothing Ear only available in Black or White options

  • Nothing Ear (a) case only has IPX2 water resistance


RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Nothing Ear and Ear (a) builds on an already successful formula without straying from the brand's design identity.

It’s not unusual to see a company take a different direction after it launches a successful product or two. Improvements have to be made, of course, but there are times when upgrades turn into almost completely different products that seem to stray away from what made those successful designs successful. By renaming its earbuds to a simple “Ear” and dropping the number after it, some might think that Nothing has gone back to the drawing board to rebrand and redesign. Fortunately, there’s nothing to worry about since the new Ear and Ear (a) look almost exactly the same, so we give it a test to see, or rather hear, if its beauty is skin deep or if it’s something you’ll want to listen to.

Designer: Nothing

Aesthetics

At its birth, Nothing made bold claims and used Apple-like language to describe its design philosophy, and for the most part, it has been able to prove its words. It has established a distinct aesthetic not just with the Nothing Phone at also with all iterations of its Ear wireless buds. Technically the fourth generation after two numbered Ears and one Stick, the new Ear and Ear (a) thankfully retains that transparent stem design paired with opaque buds, staying true to form and keeping what its customers love about its products.

Of course, that does also mean that you won’t be able to distinguish the new Ear from the Ear (2), at least not visually. All of the changes are internal, which you can technically see because of the transparent design but not recognized. You get the upgraded experience and new features without losing the Ear’s eye-catching design, nor do you miss out on the quality materials that give the buds and its case their premium character.

If you want something fresh, you’ll have to look at the Nothing Ear (a) instead. While the buds themselves remain the same, the case transforms into a more rectangular shape that still has a transparent cover like the regular Ear. The new case also has a few important usability improvements, which we’ll get to later. The biggest difference between the Ear and Ear (a), however, is the bright new yellow color available only for the Ear (a) model. The choice of color wasn’t simply based on a whim, as Nothing compares it to its design philosophy of transparency, stripping away unnecessary colors and leaving only the primary hues. Perhaps it’s a hint that future Ears will be available in Cyan and Magenta.

In terms of aesthetics, Nothing has thankfully stayed true to both the spirit and the application of its design philosophy. You have an elegant and minimalist earbud design that embodies transparency literally and figuratively. The Ear (a) takes that a bit further in the direction of joyful play with a bright yellow finish. It would have been great if both Ear and Ear (a) shared the same color selection, but it’s understandable that Nothing wants to target different groups with different designs while still holding true to its core design values.

Ergonomics

One of the benefits of sticking to a tried and tested design is that you don’t have to worry about whether it works or not. In this case, the Nothing Ear’s usability has already been proven since the first generation, so you can be sure that you will be enjoying a tight seal and a comfortable fit like others before it. That said, there will always be exceptions, especially for those with ear shapes that the included tips don’t support. Unfortunately, Nothing has yet to provide a solution to that problem, like with extra tips to fit less common ears.

Since the case of the Nothing Ear hasn’t changed in the slightest, its ergonomics remain the same as the Ear (2). You still have a compact square shape that opens up like a clamshell, complete with that odd dimple that lets you precariously use the case as a fidget toy. It almost means, however, that the new Ear’s case still bears the same shortcomings as well, which the Ear (a)’s case thankfully fixes.

The rounded rectangular case of the Nothing Ear (a) has softer edges that make it more comfortable to hold in the hand. More importantly, however, you can clearly see its orientation so you won’t have to pause for a second to figure out which direction it opens. And unlike the Nothing Ear case, this yellow bubble-like container has markings to make it easy to see which bud goes in which slot. The red dot matches the dot of the same color on the right Ear (a) bud, while white is the color for the left bud. It’s a trivial addition but one that has a significant impact on the product’s usability.

Performance

You’ve undoubtedly come across designs that are so captivating yet fail to impress when it comes to functionality. That is fortunately not the case for the new Nothing Ear and Ear (a), and this is where the earbuds really prove to be worthy upgrades. Suffice it to say, you won’t be disappointed by the sound that you will hear, especially when you consider how much the buds cost.

The Nothing Ear and Ear (a) both boast new 11m drivers, though the higher-end model uses a ceramic material for even better audio clarity. In practice, this means that both buds are nearly equal in terms of audio output, producing clear, bold sounds with depth, especially when you turn on the bass enhance setting on the Nothing X app. Admittedly, it’s not going to compete with premium earbuds that cost nearly twice as much, but you won’t find both Ears lacking either. You get a well-balanced audio performance that makes listening to music, especially to classical music, a joy.

You can, of course, tweak the experience with the equalizer available in the mobile app, but the Nothing Ear does one thing more than the Ear (a). You can create a personalized sound profile by going through a series of tests so that you can be assured of the best quality possible given your ear shape and the tips you’re using. It takes the Ear’s performance to the next level, but not all people will be willing to pay the literal price for advanced features they may or may not even notice.

The good news is that, for all intents and purposes, the two new Nothing earbuds have the same feature set and perform quite similarly in that regard. Active Noise Cancellation, which has three levels of sensitivity, is quite effective, though definitely not on the same level as those more expensive brands. You can also set the app to automatically switch between ANC levels depending on the amount of ambient noise, which doesn’t always kick in immediately. There’s also a transparency mode that works in the opposite direction to let external sounds in, useful when you need to talk to someone or be aware of your surroundings.

Another trait the two share in common is dual connectivity, where you can pair the buds to two devices at the same time. They will switch between the two depending on which device is active, so you can take a call on your phone and then resume listening to music from your laptop afterward. In-ear detection is also automatic, and it will pause or resume playback when you remove and put back one or both of the buds in your ear.

Battery life is also one of the key upgrades in this generation of Nothing earbuds. The Ear can last a little over 5 hours with ANC on, while the Ear (a) somewhat ironically lasts longer over 5.5 hours in the same condition. Those figures nearly double if you turn ANC off, and the cases can charge the buds around three more times for extended use.

Sustainability

Nothing has always been a strong proponent of sustainable practices from the get-go, and the Ear and the Ear (a) thankfully don’t diverge from that path. The buds themselves might not be made from recycled materials, aside from the 100% recycled tin solder paste, but everything else about their manufacturing and packaging takes positive steps towards taking care of the environment. In addition to plastic-free packaging and carbon footprint labels, Nothing also uses renewable energy in the final assembly of the earbuds.

Given their size, the tendency to lose at least one of the pair, and their fragile designs, many earbuds have become almost disposable accessories, even if you’d cry over their price tag. The Nothing Ear and Ear (a) are thankfully built to last, though not exactly on equal footing. Both buds are IP54 dust and water-resistant, but only the Ear’s case enjoys an IP55 rating. The Ear (a), unfortunately, can only claim IPX2 water resistance, so you’ll probably be more careful that the yellow box doesn’t meet accidents.

Value

Despite the upgrades, the Nothing Ear doesn’t change its price tag from the $149 of its predecessor. The Nothing Ear (a), on the other hand, introduces a new $99 option in between the Ear and the $79 Ear (stick). Given its impressive performance and eye-catching design, those prices are quite a steal. The bigger question, however, is which of the two you should grab.

Unfortunately, things don’t seem to be in favor of the Nothing Ear. Yes, it has more features like a personal sound profile, a slightly better audio quality, and a more durable case, but not all of these will be deal breakers. In contrast, the Ear (a) offers comparable performance, a slightly longer battery life, a more ergonomic case, and a new yellow color option in addition to the typical white and black, all for a $50 lower price tag. There is a chance that the majority of buyers will prefer the Nothing Ear (a), especially the yellow option, but more discerning audiophiles won’t go wrong with the higher-end Nothing Ear.

Verdict

At first glance, the Nothing Ear seems like a simple rehash of an old design. It does, however, invite us to look deeper to go beyond what the eyes can see, and the product’s transparency is exactly a metaphor for that mindset. It brings together a familiar, stylish design and quality performance without extraneous features that distract you from the essentials. Best of all, it doesn’t even ask for more despite the noticeable improvements in the overall experience.

The Nothing Ear (a) sends a slightly different message with its vibrant color and more playful shape. It still clearly has Nothing’s design DNA but mixes it up with a fun identity that doesn’t skimp on the important bits. It says that you don’t have to go overboard, both in features and in price, to have a good time, and both the Ear and Ear (a) offer a delightful design that not only gets the basics right but goes above and beyond for a truly memorable experience each time you put them on.

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Rode Interview Pro Wireless Handheld Microphone

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What is the Rode Interview Pro?

The Rode Interview Pro is a wireless handheld condenser microphone designed to capture professional-quality audio in various content creation and broadcast scenarios. It seamlessly integrates with Rode’s Series IV wireless receivers and features state-of-the-art 2.4GHz digital transmission technology. This microphone offers a robust range of up to 656 feet line of sight, making it suitable for diverse recording environments from field reporting to studio interviews.

Who is it Targeted At?

The Rode Interview Pro is targeted at professionals in media, broadcasting, and content creation who require reliable, high-quality audio capture. It’s ideal for journalists, podcasters, and videographers looking for a versatile microphone that delivers clear, broadcast-quality sound without the constraints of cables.

Similar Products

TV reporter holding Interview PRO

Similar products in the market include other high-end wireless microphones like the Sennheiser AVX, Shure ULXD2, and other models within Rode’s own lineup, such as the Wireless GO II. These products also aim to offer professional-grade audio capture with the convenience of wireless operation.

Things to Consider

Interview PRO connected to MacBook showing RØDE Central

When considering the Rode Interview Pro, potential buyers should evaluate:

  • Audio Quality and Features: The microphone includes features like 32-bit float recording, GainAssist, and timecode compatibility which are crucial for ensuring high-quality audio capture and ease in post-production syncing.
  • Compatibility and Integration: It works seamlessly with all Rode Series IV wireless receivers, which is a significant advantage for those already invested in Rode’s ecosystem.
  • Range and Reliability: The microphone provides a substantial operational range of up to 656 feet and features an omnidirectional condenser capsule that captures sound naturally and clearly.
  • Price and Value: Priced competitively in the professional microphone market, it’s important for buyers to consider if the advanced features align with their specific needs and workflow.

The Rode Interview Pro stands out for its advanced audio capabilities and ease of use, making it a compelling choice for professionals who need reliable and high-quality audio capture in a versatile and portable format

The post Rode Interview Pro Wireless Handheld Microphone appeared first on OhGizmo!.

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First Time Using the Apple Vision Pro: It Blew My Mind

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From the moment I set my eyes on the Apple Vision Pro, the intuitive nature of its interface struck me. Controlling the device through natural gestures—like tapping fingers together for selection or pinching to zoom—felt like an extension of my own movements, creating a seamless user experience that was truly impressive. “Everything’s all eye track,” I marveled, amazed by the device’s responsiveness, which made every interaction feel intuitive and natural.

Designer: Apple

During the initial setup, the Digital Crown—borrowed from the Apple Watch—brought up the home view with a simple press. The blend of futuristic technology with familiar elements made the icons react as I looked at them, creating a magical experience. This immediate and responsive engagement reinforced the intuitive nature of the user interface. As I explored this advanced technology, I remember thinking, “I haven’t read any reviews on the Vision Pro, and that’s a good thing.” Approaching the device without any preconceptions allowed me to truly immerse myself in the experience.

As I navigated through a demo photo library, the ambient lighting dimmed, focusing my attention on images that transported me to places like Iceland and the Oregon coast, displayed panoramically. “That was so amazing,” I exclaimed, overwhelmed by the vividness and the immersive experience the photos provided.

Viewing spatial photos and videos added incredible depth to everyday moments. Watching a family birthday party captured with the Apple Vision Pro felt as if I stood among the celebrating children, bringing these moments to life. “So no one else can see this except you and me, huh?” I remarked to Avnish, my guide through this journey, who was able to see what I saw through an iPad. This added layer of interaction enhanced my appreciation for the technology as I watched a spatial video shot with the iPhone 15 Pro, captivated by the depth and realism.

The design of the Apple Vision Pro was notably sleek and modern, with a lightweight, comfortable frame suitable for extended wear. The minimal physical buttons enhanced its streamlined appearance, highlighting its advanced gesture and eye-tracking capabilities. A dedicated button for capturing spatial photos and videos added real-world interactions into vivid digital clarity, showcasing Apple’s meticulous attention to hardware design.

Manipulating my environment with a turn of the Digital Crown was particularly impressive. I could adjust my immersion levels from partial to full, exploring digital renditions of places like Mount Hood National Forest as if I were truly there. This smooth transition back to reality, while remaining connected with those around me, showcased the device’s seamless integration into personal and social settings.

Spatial multitasking introduced a new way to interact with applications, allowing me to manipulate windows in a spatial context as if handling physical objects. This dynamic, intuitive approach transformed traditional interfaces into a vibrant, three-dimensional workspace.

The entertainment capabilities of the Apple Vision Pro were striking. Watching 3D movies like “Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Avatar: The Way of Water” transformed any space into a personal cinema. The high-resolution display and spatial audio created a viewing experience that far surpassed traditional setups. “That’s impressive,” I remarked, blown away by the depth and immersion of the features.

The Apple Immersive Video demo was a highlight, transporting me to the center of the action—flying over landscapes, diving with sharks, and standing on a soccer field. This segment was so engaging that I was left nearly speechless, managing only to say, “That was so amazing.”

An interactive session where a butterfly landed on my hand and a close encounter with a dinosaur showcased the Apple Vision Pro’s unique capabilities, blurring the lines between digital and physical realities. These experiences felt real and tangible, enhancing my appreciation for the device’s ability to create such vivid and interactive moments.

Finally, with the Apple Vision Pro, I got the chance to rehearse—well, more like pretend—to present Apple’s infamous “one more thing” on the stage of the Steve Jobs Theater. It felt so real that I almost waved to the nonexistent crowd! I’ve been to press events there before, but never on stage. The closest I’ve gotten was the last third of the theater.

Photo credit: YouTuber MKBHD demonstrates Keynote on Vision ProMKBHD on YouTube

After the demo—and yes, I highly encourage anyone and everyone remotely interested in spatial computing to visit your local Apple store—I had the option to purchase a brand new Vision Pro constructed right there. The Solo Knit Band, Dual Loop Band, and importantly, the Light Seal are available in size 21W, which fits me perfectly. Apple has streamlined the sizing process in the Apple Store app, which now includes a 3D scan of the face for a customized fit, guiding you through capturing the necessary facial dimensions.

The Apple Vision Pro demo was a breathtaking introduction to futuristic technology that felt straight out of science fiction. Its intuitive interface and gesture controls impressed me immediately, making every interaction feel natural and fluid. While the immersive experience of exploring vibrant, distant locales and engaging with life-like spatial videos was captivating, the demo ended too soon, leaving me eager for a more extended, immersive exploration with the Vision Pro. I’m looking forward to delving deeper into its potential in a longer session.

The post First Time Using the Apple Vision Pro: It Blew My Mind first appeared on Yanko Design.

Symphony headphones boast a mini vinyl player to toggle the music playing experience

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Vinyl records bring a more immersive listening experience when stacked against the more modern digital formats. This is attributed to the superior music quality, since there is no data loss and the music plays as intended by the composer. And who can deny that distinctive sound and the warm tone teleport audio lovers to a different realm?

Some premium headphones paired with high-end equipment can come close to the quality of vinyl. So a concept artist decided to fuse the two audio parallels into one gadget. These are the Symphony headphones that bring the distinct feeling of analog audio to your ears. Of course, they match the whole experience with immersive sound delivery, and we are already yearning for them to someday come alive as a real pair of headphones.

Designer: Przemysław Wolnicki

The unusual user interaction blends modern technology with the nostalgic charm of the vinyl records. On the outside of each of those cans is a mini vinyl record for controlling the music. Rotating the record makes the song seek forward or rewind backward, while the subtle movement of the needle toggles the current track being played. The tone of the playback can also be adjusted with the player needle which is so damn cool.

This modern headphone design is fused with the nostalgic element of vinyl players most dramatically. There’s no complaining about the luxury and premium looks in this design. The designer has chosen brushed stainless steel for a very audiophile-centric appeal and those elongated bars on each of the head cups remind me of the concept hypercars. The use of see-through glass material further adds to the charm of these dope headphones. Something that Nothing would be inspired by for their next pair of headphones. So, what do you think, are these cans worth all the attention?

The post Symphony headphones boast a mini vinyl player to toggle the music playing experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

These chunky earbuds with built-in cooling fan are made for people with hot ears

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On the streets all around, one can see people hooked onto their audio-listening gadgets. Some sport headphones while others dissolve the ambient world around them with the noise isolating earbuds. While the former are a bit light on the ears, the latter can damage the ears if not used in moderation. Being a fan of earbuds, I’m always wary of not using them too long, at high volume levels.

Even though I listen to my favorite pair of Elite 10 earbuds for a prolonged duration of time (yes, they are that comfortable) at volumes that are well below the recommended 80-decibel mark, the only problem is the build-up of dust and air blockage. Wear them on hot days and you have a build-up of sweat which is not good in the long run as it can cause problematic ear infections.

Designer: BEBOP Design

This concept pair of earbuds eliminates any moisture build-up or uneasiness due to trapped heat since it comes with an in-built electric fan. Yes, you read that right, the DearBuds SE earbuds do look bulky but they are the optimal choice for people who sweat a lot and can’t live with the irritating feeling of hot ears. The design of these earbuds resembles a fused set of pebbles with a vent in between to facilitate smooth airflow. The built-in sensors detect the temperature inside the ear canal and set the fan into action as soon as the temperature rises.

You can safely call these chunky earbuds the “wearable ear dehumidifier” suited for really hot climate zones. The size can be the only deal breaker as current-gen earbuds like the Jabra Elite 10, Apple AirPods, Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds, or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are considerably smaller in size compared to this one. The size of the earbuds doesn’t leave much room for space in the charging case, hence, to keep the overall size of the case down, the closing lid is eliminated. Each of the buds stack on each other and the top one doubles as the charging port.

Definitely, these are not the ones to choose if you are a sleeptime music listener or even for active individuals who like to hit the gym. The only advantage here is the inclusion of a cooling solution that will come in handy for hot ears.

The post These chunky earbuds with built-in cooling fan are made for people with hot ears first appeared on Yanko Design.

Towering speaker gets the party started with 360-degree lights and powerful bass

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The majority of new home speakers coming out these days embrace more minimalist and discreet designs that make them blend with the rest of the room. After all, it’s really their sound that counts more than their appearance, though aesthetics also play an important role when it comes to integrating such devices into your overall interior decor. Of course, there will always be exceptions, including speaker designs that are meant to be seen with their more artistic and elegant appearances. This large and tall speaker, however, is none of those but unabashedly makes its presence known with psychedelic lighting and overwhelming audio output, making it better suited for home parties than a mellow movie night.

Designer: Sony

There’s no escaping how speakers need to be large in order to be really loud, though there are designs that try to get around this physical limitation through tricks and sleights of hand. The new Sony ULT Tower 10 speaker, however, makes no excuses for its size. In fact, it uses its hulking form to its advantage, making sure that partygoers not only feel but also see the power that it holds inside its towering form.

As part of Sony’s new ULT POWER SOUND series, the ULT Tower 10 bears two specially marked buttons that activate bass-related features. One enables deeper, low-frequency bass while the other turns on powerful, punch bass, presuming you can differentiate between these two distinct modes. Either way, the omnidirectional audio coming from this large speaker is more than enough to fill a whole room, ensuring all your guests hear the rumbling music as they dance to the beat.

The Sony ULT Tower 10 is made for parties in more ways than just its powerful output. With 34 different LED light zones, the tall speaker also boasts 360-degree light shows that can synchronize with the music. And given how many people love belting out songs during these parties, the speaker actually comes with a wireless microphone in addition to two other mic inputs. And though it was designed for such music-filled gatherings, the speaker can also connect wirelessly to other sound systems and TVs for an immersive movie-watching experience.

Given its size and power, not to mention its 29kg weight, it’s no surprise that the Sony ULT Tower 10 speaker isn’t something you’ll want to move around a lot, unlike its more portable ULT speaker siblings. It also needs to be plugged in, which limits its outdoor use. Besides, only its top, which houses the physical controls, is splashproof, which is meant to protect it more from accidental beverage spills than a rain shower. Admittedly, this speaker seems to target a very specific and niche market, one that will be willing to spend $1,199.99 for a speaker that’s clearly made to party.

The post Towering speaker gets the party started with 360-degree lights and powerful bass first appeared on Yanko Design.

Fairphone Fairbuds TWS earbuds tout replaceable batteries, titanium drivers and microphones

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Fairphone has strongly proposed the idea of a repairable and modular smartphone, and they ventured into a new product category last year with the release of Fairphone headphones dubbed Fairbuds XL. The pair of cans offered a more flexible ecosystem of individual components that give audio lovers the option to swap an outdated or broken piece of hardware. That’s in the landscape of big names like Sony, Sennheiser and Bose who don’t give this liberty.

Now the Dutch electronics manufacturer has revealed a similar option for listeners like me who prefer the compactness of a pair of true wireless earbuds. While the audio accessories come with a host of advantages few disadvantages could cost you money. Prime on being, losing one of them down the street potholes, or battery going rouge after frequent cycles of use. With the Fairphone Fairbuds you don’t have to worry about either of them!

Designer: Fairphone

The pair looks a lot like the Samsung Galaxy Buds with the usual features like ANC, multipoint connectivity and IP54 rating for water and sweat resistance. What makes them different is the flexibility to replace seven parts without any hassle. These replaceable components include the battery on the buds, the charging case battery, microphones, silicone ring and earbud ear tips. That means you are no longer forced to throw the buds in the trash can once the battery goes dead. Fairphone will also replace one of the earbuds if you are the more carefree audio listener who’s always searching for them after a couple of hours of non-listening time. The red cherry on top is the three-year warranty for complete peace of mind.

For listeners who value sound quality more than anything else, you’ll not be disappointed either. The Fairbuds come loaded with 11mm titanium-coated drivers and three microphones on each bud for superior ANC and call quality. These can seamlessly switch between two devices courtesy of Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. The earbuds will last around five hours with ANC turned on, and the charging case extends that number to 26 hours in total. The intuitive app (Android and iOS) offers an 8-band equalizer.

The best thing is the offer price of €149 (~$162) in Europe and £140 in the UK which makes Fairphone Fairbuds so lucrative. Considering some premium earbuds cost $300 or more for the same set of features, the Fairbuds stand out with their value-for-money proposition.

 

The post Fairphone Fairbuds TWS earbuds tout replaceable batteries, titanium drivers and microphones first appeared on Yanko Design.

LG PICK floor standing speaker concept houses a beam projector to satisfy your entertainment cravings

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There’s something magical about audio accessories that grabs my attention without bounds. This concept floor-standing speaker conceptualized for LG piqued my interest for more reasons than one. The primary one is the versatility of use and the multifunctional properties that in no way overpower the minimal aesthetics.

Picturing the LG PICK speaker in a living room or a geeky WFH setup won’t be hard, and I already wish this was a real product coming out of the South Korean electronics giant’s production lines. The movable speaker rightly called the Sound Tree Audio System brings with it maximum freedom to set up your audio listening space without too many frills.

Designer: KDM+

The standing base of the speaker has one resounding advantage of fitting in one more useful gadget and functionality that any user will love. Case in point a beam projector and a clamp to hook on your smartphone for watching content. That’s not it, the rear side of the speaker is a display that shows vital information like current weather, music playing interface, clock, or anything a widget is good for. The speaker module can be oriented in any direction or simply taken out to function as a portable speaker.

The beam projector can be used in conjunction with the speaker to enjoy multimedia content like movies or videos. You can project the image on any plain surface such as a wall or ceiling. On the lower end of the floor stand is the mount compatible with most devices like a smartphone or tablet. On the base lies the charging port to keep the whole thing juiced up and act as a charging pod for the detachable speaker and the projector.

Overall, the concept envisioned for LG seems like a practical product for modern lifestyle needs. The aesthetics are also on point to please any enthusiast no matter the age or gender. For me, the PICK Sound Tree System scores very high in terms of a winning design.

 

 

The post LG PICK floor standing speaker concept houses a beam projector to satisfy your entertainment cravings first appeared on Yanko Design.