Tag Archives: Sony

Sony Alpha 7 V Integrates AI Processing Into Its Imaging Engine, Rewrites Full-Frame Expectations

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Sony’s Alpha 7 line has defined full-frame mirrorless photography for over a decade. The fifth generation arrives with a fundamental change: the AI processing unit now lives inside the BIONZ XR2 imaging engine rather than running on a separate chip. Every imaging function shares the same processing backbone, and the performance gains cascade through autofocus, subject recognition, color science, continuous shooting, and video.

Designer: Sony

The Alpha 7 V (ILCE-7M5) pairs that integrated processing architecture with a new partially stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor. At approximately 33 megapixels, it strikes a balance between resolution and file manageability, but the real story is readout speed: 4.5 times faster than the Alpha 7 IV. Faster readout means reduced rolling shutter distortion during fast panning. It means blackout-free continuous shooting up to 30 fps with full AF/AE tracking. It means 14-bit RAW capture at that same 30 fps speed without compromising autofocus performance. Sony also announced the FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II (SEL28702), a compact standard zoom designed to match these capabilities.

The Pre-Capture function deserves its own attention. It records up to one second before you press the shutter, storing frames in a rolling buffer until you commit to the shot. For unpredictable subjects (pets, children, sports action), this changes the timing equation entirely. Still image performance reaches 16 stops of dynamic range in mechanical shutter mode, ensuring tonal detail across highlights and shadows even in scenes with extreme contrast.

The Real-time Recognition AF system now identifies humans, animals, birds, insects, cars, trains, and airplanes. Sony claims a 30% improvement in eye recognition performance compared to the Alpha 7 IV, measured through internal testing. The 759 phase-detection points cover 94% of the frame, and low-light autofocus extends down to EV -4.0. AF/AE calculations run 60 times per second, continuously adjusting both parameters during high-speed shooting.

Color science gets its own AI treatment. A newly introduced AI-driven Auto White Balance leverages deep learning technology for light source estimation, automatically identifying the shooting environment’s light source and adjusting color tones for natural, stable color reproduction. This should reduce post-production workload for photographers who shoot across varied lighting conditions.

Video capabilities expand significantly for hybrid creators. The Alpha 7 V introduces 7K oversampled 4K 60p recording in full-frame mode and 4K 120p recording in APS-C/Super 35mm mode. Full pixel readout without pixel binning enables highly detailed footage. Dynamic Active Mode provides smooth stabilization for handheld shooting. An Auto Framing function automatically maintains optimal subject composition during recording. New in-camera noise reduction and improved internal microphone functionality address the audio side.

The operability improvements read like a professional wish list: Wi-Fi 6E GHz compatibility, dual USB Type-C ports, vertical format support, adjustable electronic shutter sound, a 4-axis multi-angle monitor combining tilt and vari-angle design, and an improved grip. Battery life reaches approximately 630 shots using the viewfinder (CIPA standards), with a Monitor Low Bright mode extending that further. Thermal management supports extended 4K recording at approximately 90 minutes at 25°C and 60 minutes at 40°C.

The Companion Lens and What It Costs

The FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II earns attention beyond its kit lens positioning. When paired with compatible cameras, it offers up to 120 fps AF/AE tracking, continuous shooting up to 30 fps, seamless body-lens coordinated image stabilization, AF available during zooming, and built-in breathing compensation support. This addresses the original 28-70mm kit lens’s sharpness and autofocus speed criticisms while maintaining the lightweight profile that full-frame mirrorless shooters expect.

Sony aligned this release with its Road to Zero environmental initiative. Manufacturing facilities for imaging products operate at 100% renewable energy. The packaging uses Sony’s Original Blended Material (bamboo, sugarcane fibers, post-consumer recycled paper) instead of plastic.

The Alpha 7 V body arrives by the end of December 2025 for approximately $2,899 USD ($3,699 CAD). The kit with the SEL28702 lens follows in February 2026 for approximately $3,099 USD ($3,899 CAD). The lens alone: $449 USD ($599 CAD), also February 2026. All products will be sold through Sony and authorized dealers throughout North America.

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The best wireless earbuds for 2025

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Wireless earbuds have become the go-to choice for listening on the move. Whether you’re at the gym, commuting or relaxing at home, the best wireless earbuds give you comfort, freedom and solid sound quality without tangled cables. They’re lightweight, slip easily into your pocket and connect quickly to your phone, tablet or laptop.

The tricky part is choosing the right pair. Some models focus on powerful noise cancellation while others put battery life or affordability first. Then you’ve got features like water resistance for workouts or touch controls for quick track changes. With so many choices, finding the best wireless earbuds depends on what matters most to you, and that’s exactly what this guide will help you figure out.

When it comes to shopping for earphones, the first thing to consider is design or wear style. Do you prefer a semi-open fit like AirPods or do you want something that completely closes off your ears? If you’re shopping for earbuds with active noise cancellation, you'll want the latter, but a case can be made for the former if you want to wear them all day or frequent places where you need to be tuned in to the ambient sounds. The overall shape of earbuds can determine whether you get a comfortable fit, so can the size and weight, so you’ll want to consider all that before deciding. And remember: audio companies aren’t perfect, so despite lots of research, the earbud shape they decided on may not fit you well. Don’t be afraid to return ill-fitting earbuds for something that’s more comfortable.

As wireless earbuds have become the norm, they’re now more reliable for basic things like consistent Bluetooth connectivity. Companies are still in a race to pack as much as they can into increasingly smaller designs. This typically means a longer list of features on the more premium sets of earbuds with basic functionality on the cheapest models. Carefully consider what you can’t live without when selecting your next earbuds, and make sure key items like automatic pausing and multipoint connectivity are on the spec sheet. You’ll also want to investigate the volume and touch controls as you’ll often have to sacrifice access to something else to make that adjustment via on-board taps or swipes. Some earbuds even offer app settings to tweak the audio profiles or firmware updates to improve performance over time.

For those in the Apple ecosystem, features like auto-pairing with devices, especially with AirPods Pro 3, can be an added advantage, while Android users may want to look for models that offer similar cross-device functionality.

When it comes to battery life, the average set of earbuds lasts about five hours on a single charge. You can find sets that last longer, but this is likely enough to get you through a work day if you’re docking the buds during lunch or the occasional meeting. You’ll want to check on how many extra charges are available via the case and if it supports wireless charging.

Companies will also make lofty claims about call quality on wireless earbuds. Despite lots of promises, the reality is most earbuds still leave you sounding like you’re on speakerphone. There are some sets that deliver, but don’t get your hopes up unless reviews confirm the claims.

Sound can be subjective, so we recommend trying before you buy if at all possible. This is especially true if you're an audiophile. We understand this isn’t easy when most of us do a lot of shopping online, but trying on a set of earbuds and listening to them for a few minutes can save you from an expensive case of buyer's remorse. If a store doesn’t allow a quick demo, most retailers have return policies that will let you take earbuds back you don’t like. Of course, you have to be willing to temporarily part with funds in order to do this.

We also recommend paying attention to things like Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, 360 Reality Audio and other immersive formats. Not all earbuds support them, so you’ll want to make sure a perspective pair does if that sort of thing excites you, especially if you plan to use them for playback of high-quality audio.

The primary way we test earbuds is to wear them as much as possible. We prefer to do this over a one- to two-week period, but sometimes embargoes don’t allow it. During this time, we listen to a mix of music and podcasts, while also using the earbuds to take both voice and video calls. Since battery life for earbuds is typically less than a full day, we drain the battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level (usually around 75 percent).

To judge audio quality, we listen to a range of genres, noting any differences in the sound profile across the styles. We also test at both low and high volumes to check for consistency in the tuning. To assess call quality, we’ll record audio samples with the earbuds’ microphones as well as have third parties call us.

When it comes to features, we do a thorough review of companion apps, testing each feature as we work through the software. Any holdovers from previous models are double checked for improvements or regression. If the earbuds we’re testing are an updated version of a previous model, we’ll spend time getting reacquainted with the older buds. Ditto for the closest competition for each new set of earbuds that we review.

The WF-C710N is a set of compact and comfy earbuds that offer several of Sony’s best features. While the ANC performance is above average for this price ($120), sound quality isn’t as good as the company’s slightly more expensive options. Battery life fell below stated figures and call performance isn’t good enough to use these buds for work.

The newest version of the Powerbeats Pro have an improved, comfortable design, balanced bass and new H2 chips and a heart rate sensor inside. But heart rate support is currently limited on iOS.

The Galaxy Buds 3 combine ANC with an open-type design, which renders the noise-blocking abilities of the earbuds mostly useless. Still, there’s great low-end tone with ample bass when a track demands it. There are also lots of handy features, most of which require a Samsung phone. But at this price, there are better options from Google, Beats and Sony

I really like the overall shape of the Momentum Sport earbuds. They’re more comfortable than the Momentum True Wireless 4 and fit in my ears better. What’s more, the body temperature and heart rate sensors work well, sending those stats to a variety of apps. However, that sport-tracking feature works best with Polar’s app and devices, so there’s that consideration. Also, the audio quality and ANC performance isn’t as good as the MTW4, and these earbuds are pricey.

There’s a lot to like about the Solo Buds for $80. For me, the primary perk is they’re very comfortable to wear for long periods of time thanks to some thoughtful design considerations. You only get the basics here in terms of features and, as expected, the overall sound quality isn’t as good as the pricier models in the Beats lineup. You will get 18 hours of battery life though, since the company nixed the battery in the case and beefed up the listening time in the buds themselves.

Bose created something very unique for this set of earbuds that allows you to stay in-tune with the world while listening to audio content. The clip-on design is very comfortable, but sound quality suffers due to the open-type fit, especially when it comes to bass and spatial audio.

These stick buds have a compact design that’s comfortable to wear and the warm sound profile is great at times. However, overall audio performance is inconsistent and there’s no automatic pausing.

Master & Dynamic MW09

Retooled audio, better ambient sound mode and reliable multipoint Bluetooth are the best things the MW09 has to offer. They’re expensive though, and you can find better ANC performance elsewhere.

Most wireless earbuds will last five hours on a single charge, at the least. You can find some pairs that have even better battery life, lasting between six and eight hours before they need more juice. All of the best wireless earbuds come with a charging case, which will provide additional hours of battery life — but you'll have to return each bud to the case in order to charge them up.

Comparing sound quality on earbuds and headphones is a bit like comparing apples and oranges. There are a lot of variables to consider and the differences in components make a direct comparison difficult. Personally, I prefer the audio quality from over-ear headphones, but I can tell you the sound from earbuds like Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 3 is also outstanding.

With new models coming out all the time, tracking the hours of battery life for each this can be difficult to keep tabs on. The longest-lasting earbuds we’ve reviewed are Audio-Technica’s ATH-CKS5TW. The company states they last 15 hours, but the app was still showing 40 percent at that mark during our tests. The only downside is these earbuds debuted in 2019 and both technology and features have improved since. In terms of current models, Master & Dynamic’s MW08 offers 12 hours of use on a charge with ANC off (10 with ANC on) and JBL has multiple options with 10-hour batteries.

There are plenty of options these days when it comes to increased water resistance. To determine the level of protection, you’ll want to look for an IP (ingress protection) rating. The first number indicates intrusion protection from things like dust. The second number is the level of moisture protection and you’ll want to make sure that figure is 7 or higher. At this water-resistance rating, earbuds can withstand full immersion for up to 30 minutes in depths up to one meter (3.28 feet). If either of the IP numbers is an X, that means it doesn’t have any special protection. For example, a pair of wireless earbuds that are IPX7 wouldn’t be built to avoid dust intrusion, but they would be ok if you dropped them in shallow water.

A secure fit can vary wildly from person to person. All of our ears are different, so audio companies are designing their products to fit the most people they can with a single shape. This is why AirPods will easily fall out for some but stay put for others. Design touches like wing tips or fins typically come on fitness models and those elements can help keep things in place. You’ll likely just have to try earbuds on, and if they don’t fit well return them.

PlayStation 5 doesn’t support Bluetooth audio without an adapter or dongle. Even Sony’s own gaming headsets come with a transmitter that connects to the console. There are universal options that allow you to use any headphones, headset or earbuds with a PS5. Once you have one, plug it into a USB port on the console and pair your earbuds with it.

September 2025: Updated to add AirPods Pro 3 to our top picks.

May 2025: Updated to ensure top picks and buying advice remain accurate.

March 2025: Updated the top pick for the best sounding wireless earbuds - runner up.

January 2025: Updated the top pick for best sounding wireless earbuds.

July 2024: Updated our list to include the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-wireless-earbuds-120058222.html?src=rss

Sony made a PS gaming monitor with a holder for DualSense controller, and you can buy it soon

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When you read that headline, you could have two questions: Was it really necessary? And/or, why didn’t someone think of it before? If you think your monitor is doing just fine with the PS5 (like it is for me), you will probably have the answer to the second question. But if you have been following the recent PlayStation, moreover console gaming, updates Sony is making, I am sure you’ll guess why Sony is investing in an official monitor for its game console.

Sony recently dropped the first wireless desktop speakers – Pulse Elevate – to pair with the PlayStation 5. At first, you could presume these speakers matched the aesthetic sophistication of the gaming console, while providing audio quality that serious gamers would demand. That’s true, but now with the follow-up; this dedicated monitor, it all seems like a bigger plan. A plan to create Sony’s own gaming ecosystem that feels like a natural extension of the PlayStation’s futuristic design language.

Designer: Sony

However you feel about it, Sony’s new monitor, ‘designed from the ground up for the PlayStation 5’ demands your attention. Even though it is made specially for the PS5, it can be used with a PC. Highlight, of course, is the integrated charging hook, attached to the monitor stand, which holds and recharges your DualSense wireless controller when you’re not using it. That USB-C cable you have been losing all this time can now go into a safe drawer for good (until you break the holder loose from the monitor that is).

The 27-inch 1440p LCD monitor designed for gaming, per se, was unveiled at PlayStation’s State of Play Japan recently. It features a Quad high-definition (2560 x 1440) IPS screen that offers HDR and Auto HDR Tone Mapping support. The display, Sony affirms, has a refresh rate of 120 Hz when playing games on the PlayStation 5. But with variable refresh support, it can scale that up to 240 Hz with a compatible PC or Mac.

According to the press information, this official PlayStation monitor is slated to be available in the US and Japan sometime in 2026. Sony remains tight-lipped about the pricing for the monitor, which features two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, a pair of USB Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack for connectivity. It also has a built-in stereo speaker to make your gaming sessions more intriguing.

Alongside the 27-inch gaming monitor, Sony has also unveiled a PlayStation 5 Digital Edition for Japan only. It will be priced at ¥55,000 (approx. $355) and will begin shipping in Japan from November 21, 2025.

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PlayStation Portal is finally catching up to the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck

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What is the point of being portable if you can’t exactly carry it everywhere? Granted, you can indeed bring the PlayStation Portal anywhere inside the house as long as it’s within range of a Wi-Fi network that’s connected to your PlayStation 5. That’s definitely fine if that’s all you ever want to do, but not in the age of gaming handhelds.

Launching after the Nintendo Switch, the Steam Deck, and a whole host of other gaming PC handhelds, the PS Portal definitely felt limiting and disappointing. Fortunately, it seems that Sony is finally giving what PS fans have been clamoring for, allowing remote cloud access to PlayStation games anywhere they are.

Designer: Sony

To be fair, the official branding of the PlayStation Portal calls it a “Remote Player for PS5 Console.” Its large size, practically an 8-inch tablet flanked by split DualShock controllers, isn’t something you can easily stash inside a bag anyway. Given the popularity of handheld consoles these days, not to mention the absence of an Xbox handheld as well, the limited “local network” functionality of the PS Portal still felt like a step backward.

A new system update for the remote player device is finally taking steps in the right direction. It is enabling cloud streaming support for PlayStation Plus Premium members, which practically means they’ll be able to play a select number of games from anywhere. Even better, they don’t even need to own a PS5 console since they will be streaming from Sony’s servers.

The feature is still in beta, so there are a few caveats like maxing out quality at 1080p/60fps and no access to PS4 or PS3 games in the catalog. A few PS Plus features are also not available, including party voice chat and in-game commerce, but these restrictions are to be expected during the early testing stages anyway.

Game streaming has its fair share of downsides, particularly when it comes to the required Internet bandwidth. Even streaming at just 720p requires a steady 7Mbps connection, while 1080p needs a good 13 Mbps speed. It still doesn’t have the true portability of other handheld consoles that let you play games installed locally, but it’s an acceptable compromise for the PlayStation ecosystem.

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This GameCube-inspired Transparent PS5 Controller is the Sony-Nintendo Collab of our dreams

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We truly are in a retro-transparent era! With transparent phones and earbuds from Nothing, transparent smart glasses from Meta, and even transparent Cipher controllers for the Xbox, it’s safe to say that the golden age of design has come full circle. Pioneered by Nintendo and then popularized by Apple with their transparent era just before pivoting to aluminum, transparency adds depth and character to design – literally. Instead of a boring opaque form, you get to see what’s underneath the hood and appreciate all the intricacy that goes into a product’s design from the bottom up.

Inspired by the iconic aesthetics of the Nintendo GameCube, this custom gamepad from the folks at Killscreen aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia while maintaining the functionality that PS5 players expect. The CubeSense features a matte purple front shell paired with a transparent back, reminiscent of the original GameCube’s indigo colorway. It sports red, green, and light gray face buttons, evoking the playful palette of the classic console, though the layout remains aligned with Sony’s traditional configuration. The controller also includes custom joysticks, emulating the design of the GameCube’s yellow C-stick with a distinctive nub. However, unlike the asymmetrical stick layout of the GameCube, CubeSense’s dual analog sticks are positioned side by side, maintaining the modern PlayStation feel.

Designer: Killscreen

What makes the CubeSense special isn’t just its GameCube-inspired exterior but how it merges the old-school charm with PS5’s next-gen capabilities. Unlike other retro-themed controllers that only change the color scheme, the CubeSense reimagines the tactile feel of gameplay. The joysticks, for example, mirror the distinct yellow C-stick of the GameCube, yet they are adapted to Sony’s signature symmetrical layout. It’s an homage, but with purpose—tailoring the grip to fit the demands of today’s games while offering a nostalgic nod to those who cut their teeth on classics like Super Smash Bros. Melee.

Customization is where CubeSense comes into its own, offering more than just a change of shells. For those who crave a competitive edge, Killscreen has engineered clicky triggers and bumpers with shorter travel distances, designed specifically for the split-second precision needed in FPS games. These upgrades elevate the way you interact with your games, offering a heightened response time that makes the standard DualSense feel sluggish by comparison. And if you’re after a tactile upgrade across all inputs, the option to switch to microswitches provides that crisp click with every press, bringing a level of feedback reminiscent of high-end mechanical keyboards. But here, it’s all about the feel under your thumbs, ensuring that each input is as intentional as the next.

The CubeSense retains everything that makes the PS5’s DualSense great: adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and seamless integration with the console. This means you get all the sensory depth of Sony’s flagship controller, yet in a package that feels uniquely yours. Imagine playing a game like Astro’s Playroom, where the haptics make you feel the pitter-patter of rain, but with the satisfying weight of the CubeSense’s upgraded buttons beneath your fingers. It’s a tactile treat that combines nostalgia with technical refinement, pushing beyond the simple remakes and remasters we see in the gaming world.

There’s a reason Killscreen’s take on transparency is more than a passing trend—it’s a design philosophy that speaks to the desire for openness in a world of black-box tech. The clear shell offers a glimpse into the intricate circuit boards and mechanisms, a nod to the days when devices came with diagrams of their inner workings. It aligns with what brands like Nothing are doing, where the appeal lies as much in seeing the product as it does in using it. The CubeSense is a device that encourages you to appreciate what’s inside, even though controllers aren’t meant to be seen—they’re meant to empower gaming while your eyes are hooked on the screen.

Priced at $149 for the base model and scaling up to $179 with all the upgrades, the CubeSense may not be the cheapest way to play PS5 games, but it’s certainly one of the most distinctive. It’s a controller for those who care about more than just performance—they want personality, history, and a tactile connection to their gaming past. And yes, this obviously isn’t an official Sony-Nintendo collaboration. Nintendo is infamously protective of its IP and extremely litigious, so a formal collaboration probably isn’t anywhere in the works. Fan-made creations, however, are always a pleasant surprise!

Images via Killscreen

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