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JBL TUNE and VIBE True Wireless Headphones Designed for the Perfect Fit

The JBL TUNE and JBL VIBE Series expands to now include three new true wireless style options - buds, open sticks and closed sticks for consumers looking to get more out of their audio experience with high quality sound and convenient features. For the ultimate listening experience, choose from the variety of ear tip options included in each package and access the JBL Headphone app to learn how to achieve the best seal and fit for all ear types.

"JBL lives at the center of innovation and style, and our new true wireless headphones deliver on both," said Dave Rogers, President, HARMAN Lifestyle Division. "JBL is committed to pushing boundaries in the audio industry with design concepts and products that elevate the user experience through superior audio at an affordable price point."

Jabra Showcases TWS Earbuds for Consumer, Enterprise and Medical Applications

Jabra, leader in personal sound and office solutions, is showcasing its extensive true wireless range at CES with the latest additions to its Elite, Evolve and Enhance series. Jabra Elite 5 is the newest product to Jabra's flagship Elite line-up, featuring Hybrid ANC and 6-mic call technology for powerful calls and music from anywhere. Jabra Evolve2 Buds, the newest product in Jabra's Evolve series, are earbuds designed for flexible, hybrid and remote working. Jabra Enhance Plus, offered in the new over-the-counter hearing aid category, enables hearing enhancement, music and calls in a miniaturized true wireless form factor.

All three products have been named honorees in the 2023 CES Innovation Awards, with Jabra Elite 5 and Evolve2 Buds as honorees in the personal audio and headphones category and Jabra Enhance Plus as an honoree in the digital health category.

The All-New OnePlus Buds Pro 2 is an Audiophile's Dream Thanks to Collaborations with Dynaudio

Global technology brand OnePlus is on a mission to provide high-quality audio through its flagship wireless earbuds, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2. Equipped with exciting new features, the upcoming OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are set to deliver a rich and natural sound that is tailor-fit for its users, thanks to its unique partnerships with Danish loudspeaker manufacturer Dynaudio. "Dynaudio has years of experience producing exceptional sound quality," said Kinder Liu, President of OnePlus. "It's a pleasure for us to co-create the Dynaudio, this partnership helps fulfil our goal of bringing an immersive audio experience to our users."

In collaboration with Dynaudio, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 holds the key to unlocking pure harmony. Built into the buds is the MelodyBoost Dual Drivers co-created with Dynaudio, a sophisticated technology derived from premium speakers. This powerful technology is installed and compacted into the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 to produce the same deep thumping bass, sans the rumbling and crisp vocals.

Dyson's High Fidelity, Active Noise Cancelling Headphones with Air Purification Set for Sale at US$949 From January

Dyson has announced the full specification of the Dyson Zone headphones, which go on-sale from January in China and March in the US, UK, Hong Kong SAR and Singapore. Announced earlier this year, the Dyson Zone headphones provide a pure, immersive listening experience and on-the-go air purification when you need it. Following five years of research and development, the headphones deliver up to 50 hours of ultra-low distortion, advanced noise cancellation and faithful, full-spectrum audio reproduction. The Dyson Zone also captures 99% of particle pollution as small as 0.1 microns, whilst K-Carbon, potassium-enriched carbon filters target prevalent acidic gases most associated with city pollution, including NO2 and SO2.

More than half of the global population lives in cities. This is expected to reach 7 in 10 by 2050. As urban populations grow, so does associated infrastructure - transport, construction, traffic - all of which impact the environment in which we live, polluting the air and generating noise.
  • An estimated 90 per cent of New York City mass transit users are exposed to levels exceeding the recommended decibel limit. In the EU, noise pollution affects 1 in 5 citizens.
  • Air pollution is also a global problem. 99% of the world's population live in areas that exceed the World Health Organisation (WHO) safe levels for pollution.
  • In many geographies, local man-made pollution isn't the biggest threat - in Europe, West Asia and Africa, the primary source of air pollution according to the United Nations Environment Programme is windborne dust.

Sony Electronics Announces the New LinkBuds S "Earth Blue" Noise Canceling Truly Wireless Headphones and "LinkBuds UC for Microsoft Teams"

Sony Electronics Inc. today announced that it will release LinkBuds S noise canceling truly wireless headphones in a new color variation. Following the white, black, and ecru color versions that have been available since May 2022, a new stylish color, "Earth Blue," has been added to the line-up, created using recycled water bottle materials. Multi-point connection is also being brought to LinkBuds and LinkBuds S for seamless connection between devices will be available. Additionally, a new model "LinkBuds UC for Microsoft Teams" will be released with new features that are compatible with Microsoft Teams.

The comfortable LinkBuds S will be available in the new "Earth Blue" color. Parts of the body and case of LinkBuds S in Earth Blue are made from recycled water bottle materials which creates a unique, one-of-a-kind marble pattern. It was originally developed by Sony in pursuit of a new design expression with the aim of expanding the potential use of recycled materials.

OneOdio Announces A10 2-in-1 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

Designed by manufacturer of professional-grade audio equipment, OneOdio, the A10 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones are the perfect travel companion. With both wired and wireless functionality, and equipped with unique Talk-in through technology and Ambient Listening Mode, wearers will no longer miss any important flight/train information when on the go. The OneOdio Hybrid Active A10 Headphones are available on Amazon for $79.99 and Amazon UK for £69.99.

The Hybrid Active noise cancelling technology reaches a depth of 35db, meaning that 95% of low and mid-range noises are completely blocked whilst the headphones are in use. This high-quality noise-cancelling technology ensures music and podcasts can be enjoyed without distractions from the outside world, creating an uninterrupted listening experience for users. The ANC can conveniently be turned on and off with a simple press of a button, meaning users may flip between noise-cancelling and ambient modes as required. In addition to their noise-cancelling capabilities, the headphones also support Hi-Res audio quality with separate low, mid, and high frequency transmission to provide hyper pure and clear sound for users.

KEF Launches Mu7 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones Designed by Ross Lovegrove

An exercise in both engineering and aesthetic excellence, KEF has continued its partnership with visionary designer Ross Lovegrove to produce the Mu7. Renowned for his innovative approach and flowing, sculptural forms, Lovegrove has created an over-ear headphone design which is refined, sleek, and a harmonious addition to the wider Ross Lovegrove Collection for KEF. Lovegrove has previously worked alongside the brand to shape the definitive Muon loudspeakers, Muo portable speakers, and Mu3 earphones.

KEF draws upon years of commitment to technological innovation and high-performance audio equipment to continue its mission to present music as it was made to be heard. Focusing on the nuances that imbue sound with heightened levels of significance, KEF preserves the integrity of a recording with little intervention, presenting a revealing listening experience that offers a pure and accurate representation of the original recording.

Focal Unveils its First-ever Hi-Fi Bluetooth and ANC headphones: Bathys

Focal presents Bathys, its first wireless headphones with Active noise cancellation. Benefiting from the brand's savoir-faire in sound and high-end headphones prowess, Bathys delivers a pure hi-fi sound, via 5.1 Bluetooth multipoint or wired connection thanks to its USB-DAC mode. The headphones boast Focal speaker drivers made in France, high-performance noise cancelling technology, over 30 hours of battery life, high-grade materials and a number of attractive features: Bathys is the new must-have Bluetooth headphone set to enhance all your travels.

Bathys offers a detailed, precise and dynamic sound, showcasing the high-fidelity sound responsible for Focal's reputation for over 40 years, both in France and worldwide. It offers two noise-cancelling modes for a total escape into your music: a "Silent" mode optimised for journeys with high background noise (planes, trains, etc.) and a "Soft" mode to help with focus at home, in the office, etc. It also features a "Transparency" mode that allows you to hear sounds around you when needed.
Easily accessible control buttons and Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants are provided for effortless use. It also has an adjustable EQ to customise the sound. The voice assistants, EQ and other settings are available in the dedicated app developed by Focal. Compatible with SBC, AAC, Apt-X and Apt-X Adaptive
codecs, Bathys provides an extensive choice of connectivity modes (Bluetooth, Jack, USB). It also has a Clear Voice Capture microphone technology for crystal clear telephone conversations. In terms of battery life, Bathys offers over 30 hours of use, with its fast-charging function giving you 5 extra listening hours in just 15 minutes. Finally, two cables (4ft (1.2 m) 3.5 mm Jack and 4ft (1.2 m) USB-C) are supplied with the headphones for optimal wired listening to suit all uses.

Skullcandy Amplifies Gaming Experience with All-New, Multi-Platform Compatible Headsets

Skullcandy, the #1 selling brand in Stereo Headphones and True Wireless Earbuds under $100, announced today its re-entry to the gaming category with a trio of value-packed headsets for all skill levels. Offering compatibility across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and mobile, the all-new SLYR, SLYR Pro and PLYR Multi-Platform Gaming Headsets were purpose built for gamers, delivering rich, detailed sound, crystal-clear communications and all-day comfort. The collection is rolling out now at Skullcandy.com, starting at $59.99 MSRP for SLYR and ranging to $129.99 MSRP for PLYR.

"Everyone knows Skullcandy offers a premium sound experience and getting back into gaming is something our fans have been requesting for years-We're stoked to release our new multi-platform gaming collection into the wild," said Jason Luthman, Director of Global Product Management, Skullcandy. "As gamers will attest, exceptional audio, seamless communication and comfort are absolutely crucial. From illuminating unique nuances with personalized audio profiles, to executing crystal-clear player-to-player comms, we packed PLYR, SLYR Pro and SLYR with the must-have technologies gamers demand for fully immersive play."

1MORE Unveils the SonoFlow Wireless Headphones with ANC

1MORE, a globally distributed premium consumer audio company, will today release its first over-ear Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) headphone, the SonoFlow at $99. The inclusion of High-Resolution Wireless Audio and support for LDAC that can transmit three times more data than conventional Bluetooth audio, an ultra-long playtime of 70-hours, and the ability to fast charge the headphones in 5-minutes to gain 5-hours of continuous playback are just the start of what these headphones have to offer. They also include a plethora of other standout features including 1MORE's trademark QuietMax Intelligent Noise Cancellation with ENC microphone for calls, Multi-Point Connectivity, as well as 12 studio-grade EQ presets to personalize your sound.

The SonoFlow's remarkable sound is attributed to 1MORE's use of a large 40 mm dynamic driver that features both a diamond-like carbon composite diaphragm and a soft, but thin, polyethylene terephthalate film that reduces the distortion caused by the powerful driver at lower frequencies. This combination allows the 1MORE SonoFlow to produce a robust bass with warm mids and crisp highs, all whilst covering an ultra-wide frequency response range reaching up to 40 kHz.

Logitech's New Brio 500 Series Webcams and Zone Vibe Headphones are Designed for the Hybrid Work Era

Today, Logitech unveiled two new product series, Brio 500 webcams and Zone Vibe headphones, designed to meet the evolving needs of hybrid workers.A recent study showed more than 89% of work-from-home adults struggle with unflattering camera angles, poor lighting conditions, and field-of-view limitations when using a built-in laptop camera.* Brio 500 webcams and Zone Vibe headphones address the challenges users face when working from home, while modernizing work and play experiences. Both make it easier for IT managers to equip their organizations' remote and hybrid workforces in an environmentally sustainable way.

"Many remote and hybrid workers are still underequipped and grappling with pre-pandemic era solutions," said Scott Wharton, general manager of Logitech Video Collaboration. "Our innovative new genre of Brio webcams and Zone Vibe headphones answer the call of modern workers who need business-grade quality, style, and affordability for work and play. Transformational features like Brio's Show Mode open up new sharing opportunities for teachers, designers, and architects to easily present physical objects, notes, and sketches remotely over video."

OneOdio Launches its Monitor 60 Professional Wired Headphones

OneOdio, designer and manufacturer of professional-grade audio equipment, today launches the latest edition to its audio range; the Monitor 60 professional wired headphones. The Monitor 60 headphones are designed to provide maximum comfort to users, so that they may be worn for long periods of time and are available on Amazon for $79.99 and Amazon UK for £67.99 using the coupon code.

Ideal for DJs and pros, the Monitor 60 headphones are suitable for use in recording studios, post-production, or within broadcasting situations and also perform well just plugged into the TV, phone or for other daily usage activities. With Industry-leading ultra-high resolution audio, and developed by OneOdio's professional tuning team who conducted thousands of sound adjustments and tried hundreds of earmuffs, the Monitor 60 reproduce rich details and achieve the ideal sound performance.

Nectar Sound Releases New Nectar Bee Planar Headphones

Nectar Sound Research is known to those in the electrostatic headphone game as the company behind the popular HiveX—an e-stat that comes in $649 and challenges the whole notion of how good electrostats have to be expensive. There are plans in motion to get a review of the HiveX done here, but in the meantime the company has been busy. When I say company, I really should be one person given everything is done by a single guy from design to prototyping to assembly to sales and even customer support. Somehow the person behind Nectar Sound found enough time to work on a brand new headphone concept that, fitting in the company theme, is called the Nectar Bee. It uses a 12 µm thick diaphragm and single-sided magnets to make for a planar magnetic driver that is extremely low in impedance at all of 10 Ω. The Nectar Bee has been undergoing private tests for a while now and has an adaptable sound signature courtesy external removable ear cup covers too. Those interested might want to check out the company website where you will see the Nectar Bee is now shipping for $619.

Smart innovation meets ultimate high-fidelity audio with the new JBL Tour PRO 2 True Wireless and Tour ONE M2 headphones

JBL launches its most powerful and feature-rich headphones yet - meet the JBL Tour PRO 2 True Wireless Earbuds and the JBL Tour ONE M2. The latest additions to the JBL Tour lineup push performance to the next level with a smart, seamless user experience and superior audio, including immersive JBL Spatial Audio and the first true wireless earbuds to be encased in JBL's innovative smart case.

JBL Tour PRO 2 launches with the world's first smart charging case. Transform your TWS experience beyond audio - just tap the 1.45" inch LED touch display to manage your music, customize your earbuds, receive calls, messages and social media notifications in real time without touching your phone. Simplified navigation and customisation without the need to take out your phone or open the JBL Headphones app connects you to the things that matter most.

Klipsch and EAR Micro Launches the $2,500+ T10 Bespoke Ear Computers

EAR Micro and Klipsch Audio proudly announce the launch of T10 Bespoke Ear Computers at the Motorlux Event, Monterey Jet Center, August 18-19, 2022, to coincide with the 71st Concours D'Elegance.

T10 Bespoke represents an entirely new category of advanced hearables technology—tiny in-ear computers about a third of the size of traditional wireless earphones, yet significantly more advanced. T10 Bespoke Ear Computers seamlessly blend high-style luxury materials and hand craftsmanship typical of fine jewelry and watchmaking with state-of-the-art wireless hi-fi audio. The audio signal path boasts a stunning 96kHz/24-bit audio resolution rendered through the LDAC codec, further enhanced by twin Cadence/Tensilica Hi-fi DSP's, passed next through ultra-efficient class-D amplifiers, and finally into your ears through acoustically accurate Sonion precision balanced-armature transducers.

Skullcandy Launches the Transparency Series of Headphones with Net-Zero Carbon Footprint

Skullcandy, the #1 selling brand in Stereo Headphones and True Wireless Earbuds under $100, announced today its limited-edition Transparency Series, designed to create visibility around environmental impact, while progressing an overarching commitment to carbon reduction. The series is available exclusively at Skullcandy.com with a portion of proceeds helping fund the critical climate advocacy of Protect Our Winters.

Skullcandy has partnered with EcoChain to assess, minimize and publish associated carbon emissions, setting the bar for future carbon reduction. A partnership with TerraPass has enabled Skullcandy to invest in certified carbon-capture programs to offset impacts, resulting in a net-zero footprint for products in the Transparency Series.

LG's New TONE Free Earbuds Deliver Enhanced Audio Quality, Up To 10h Battery Life and ANC

LG Electronics' (LG) 2022 lineup of TONE Free true wireless earbuds provides the ultimate sound experience with advanced audio technologies, a better-fitting design and a host of useful, new features. Demonstrating LG's ongoing commitment to user-centric innovation, the new TONE Free earbuds are the perfect everyday companions for today's on-the-go lifestyles.

This year's flagship model (T90) TONE Free earbuds deliver impressive sound thanks to several upgrades, including a new internal structure with larger drivers that helps generate deeper, more satisfying bass. The use of graphene, a premium material that reduces vibration while boosting audio quality, enables the T90s to produce incredibly dynamic, yet balanced and crisp sound. A treat for the ears in more ways than one, LG's T90 earbuds integrate the performance enhancing capabilities of Meridian Headphone Spatial Processing (HSP), a specialized technology from LG's long-standing partner in delivering superior sound, Meridian Audio. With HSP inside, the earbuds present a full, more natural sound stage with a clear center image - making one feel like they're listening to music played through real stereo sound system. In addition, Meridian's Perfect Balance technology enables the T90 earbuds to achieve a consistent tonal balance at any volume.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones with ANC Leak Ahead of Launch

After having launched the Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds, Sennheiser is about to release a new set of wireless headphones that goes under the name of Momentum 4 Wireless. The new headphones will go up against the likes of Sony's WH-1000XM5 and Bose's QuietComfort 700 models and it looks like Sennheiser might end up with a few wins here. The Momentum 4 Wireless design could be described as a more refined version of what Sony did with the WH-1000XM5, but with a wider headband and seemingly a lot more metal. The headphones come with a travel case that has dedicated space for all the cables, as well as a travel adapter.

Spec wise, it appears that Sennheiser has gone with a Qualcomm chipset, as the Momentum 4 Wireless supports aptX and aptX Adaptive, as well as the SBC and AAC codecs. Bluetooth 5.2 is said to be supported, but it appears that Bluetooth LE audio might be missing. The headphones still feature a 3.5 mm jack, for when the 60 hour battery life isn't enough. Charging is done via USB-C, but it's unclear if this can be used for audio as well or not. Sennheiser has moved to touch based controls, something the Momentum 3 headphones lacked. ANC is of course also part of the package and Sennheiser has implemented what the company calls adaptive noise cancelling and there's also a transparency mode. There's also a four microphone array, which Sennheiser claims offers crystal-clear voice calls. Other features include automatic pausing and on/off when the headphones aren't being used. The Momentum 4 Wireless should come in both black and white colour options, but it appears that the new design isn't foldable, much like its competitors' new headphones. No word on pricing, but the Momentum 4 Wireless are expected to launch later this month.

HiBy RS2: Seek Splendid Sound with New Darwin-based R-2R Digital Audio Player

Last year, HiBy released the revolutionary RS6 digital audio player. The player laid the foundation of premium R2R-based Darwin Architecture for portable digital audio players for the brand. Bringing the legacy set by the RS6 forward, HiBy has released the latest RS2 portable digital audio player. With HiBy's in-house developed Darwin audio architecture, RS2 brings the goodness of R2R DACs with modern functions like adjustable FIR filter, Harmonic controller, NOS/OS Switch, etc. It is a pure audio player with the HiBy OS PureAudio version.

There is no Android, just pure musical pleasure awaits you with the latest RS2. HiBy has designed the RS2 with a compact form factor, packing a complete R2R array in a retro design. The player comes loaded with a specially tailored pure OS for a simplified user interface and menu structure. Based on the same Darwin Audio Architecture, the latest RS2 brings the R2R Resistor Ladder Network DAC Array to a more pocket-friendly segment. It is launched officially for $479 and is currently available on pre-order.

Introducing Dobuds ONE, True Wireless Active Noise Canceling Earbuds with Hybrid Drivers

Today Donner, the global music technology company focusing on developing instruments that over-deliver on tone, value and innovation, announces the US debut of Dobuds ONE, its first true wireless and active noise canceling earbuds featuring both dynamic driver and balanced armature driver. Available now at Amazon Marketplace. The Donner Dobuds ONE comes in four colors: matte black, mint green, snow white and navy blue. After a decade of research on musical instruments, Donner's new headphones will continue to bring exceptional sound experience to global music lovers.

"Dynamic drivers are good for delivering warm sounds with strong bass, but lack detail in the upper frequencies and as a result produce unbalanced sound." Said Sutter Zhao, product manager of Donner Headphones Division. "With a hybrid design of 1 large dynamic driver for rich bass response and 1 customized balanced armature driver for more delicate sound in the high frequencies, Dobuds ONE effectively delivers the sparkling details of your music by offering better balanced, and multi-layer sound."

NACON Launches PRO Series of RIG Gaming Headsets Across Europe

NACON, a major player in the design and distribution of video games and gaming accessories, today announced the launch of the RIG PRO Series Gaming Headsets in its European markets. The PRO Series comprises of nine headsets from the popular 300 PRO, 500 PRO, and 800 PRO ranges and will be available from this autumn 2022.

"It's great to be able to launch the next generation of PRO headsets in Europe, that offers gamers many options to suit their play style," said NACON Global Business Director for RIG, Gregory Morquin. "We also wanted to deliver a significant upgrade to the popular 800 Series of wireless headsets by adding a unique charge dock with a removeable USB wireless adaptor. The entire PRO series gives players audio performance to help them play better at an incredible price."

Master & Dynamic Launches the Wireless MW75 ANC Headphones

We are thrilled to introduce the all-new MW75 Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones, the latest addition to Master & Dynamic's superior lineup of premium sound tools, fusing bold and modern design with unrivaled audio technology. The MW75 is constructed from aluminium, lambskin leather, and memory foam, and features expansive acoustics and expertly tuned ANC, delivering powerful sound in a refined silhouette. "We set out to create a headphone with a polished, intentional design and Active Noise-Cancellation that does not detract from the overall sound experience, but enhances it. With the MW75, you can go anywhere and hear your music as it was intended to sound," says Master & Dynamic Founder & CEO Jonathan Levine.

The MW75 Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones arrive with a variety of new features crafted to elevate the user's listening experience. Enjoy every detail of music courtesy of optimally angled 40 mm Beryllium drivers and 3 Active Noise-Cancelling modes engineered to maintain the integrity of Master & Dynamic's signature sound. New to the MW75 is Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation that uses 4 microphones to intuitively adjust the ANC to match the noise level of the user's surroundings, providing a seamless audio experience no matter where they are. For a further customized and immersive music experience, the user can access two additional ANC modes, adjust their sound with EQ presets, and utilize Ambient Listening modes to tune into their surroundings within the M&D Connect App.

MOONDROP Releases DAWN Portable DAC/Amp Dongle with 4.4 mm Balanced Output

After a successful launch of its MOONRIVER 2 portable DAC/amplifier (review coming up on TechPowerUp), MOONDROP announced a cut-down version using the same dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips and dual crystal oscillators, but in a dongle form factor. Making the DAWN quite novel in the dongle market is the output adopting a 4.4 mm balanced TRRS connector rather than the usual 3.5 mm audio jack, meaning you will have to get adapters or go with headphones/earphones that use 4.4 mm cables. In return, this fully balanced connection provides some truly excellent and independently verified metrics including an SNR of 132 dB and THD+N 0.00017% with up to 4 Vrms output in high gain that translates to an output power of 230 mW@32 Ω and 54 mW@300 Ω to easily drive the vast majority of consumer headphones even, let alone earphones/IEMs. The MOONDROP DAWN with its aluminium alloy shell weighs under 14 g, measures 120 x 16.4 mm, can decode PCM playback up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD256, and costs $70 from the likes of HiFiGo and SHENZHENAUDIO for those interested.

Edifier continues search for perfection by reviving the legendary audio brand STAX

Innovative audio specialists Edifier have released the S3, the brand's first premium Hi-fi headphone designed for audiophiles and the first product in their new STAX SPIRIT product line - which brings absolute audio fidelity firmly to the foreground for Hi-fi enthusiasts, music lovers, musicians, and producers alike. For those who may not be familiar, STAX was a legendary Japanese audio brand which Edifier acquired in 2012. Best known for developing the first ever electrostatic headphones, or "EARSPEAKERS", the name 'STAX' has been at the forefront of every major sonic innovation since 1938. The S3 continues in this tradition and builds upon the name's renowned legacy and pursuit of faithfully reproducing a 'live' sound.

Inspired by the delicacy of exceedingly more precise electrostatic technology, the Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3 achieves a level of audio fidelity previously unheard of at this consumer level ($399.99). Designed with audio professionals and enthusiasts in mind, the S3 set a high technical threshold using finely tuned Planar technology. Planar combines both the benefits of Dynamic and Electrostatic Driver to achieve exceedingly detailed lower frequencies and clearer, more consistent high frequency performance. Utilizing a combination of Snapdragon audio technology; three patented planar driver solutions; Hi-Res Audio technology and innovative acoustic-friendly materials, the S3 delivers a truly memorable, lossless, and low distortion audio experience.

xMEMS Microspeakers Should Start to Arrive in Headphones Later This Year

MEMS or microelectromechanical systems have been around for some time and the technology has allowed for the miniaturisation of a wide range of things. If you're not familiar with MEMS, then the quick version is that it's a way of making movable parts out of the same type silicon used to make semiconductors out of, in the same kind of fabs. xMEMS is a company that has specialised in making what the company calls microspeakers using MEMS technology and the first headphones based on its microspeakers should arrive later this year. The company was demoing a 3D printed mockup together with an OEM manufacturer called Vencer at Computex and we got some hands and ear on time with them.

The 3D printed units aren't what you'd call amazing looking and the fit was far from perfect, especially as the foam eartips that were installed didn't form a proper seal for yours truly. As such it was impossible to make any kind of sound quality judgement on the show floor, but it would appear that MEMS earphones share a lot with balanced armatures, in that a good seal is needed for them to sound good. The demo unit connected via USB-C and what's not in the picture, was a rather big and unsightly three button control unit on the cord, which also contained a CX31988 audio codec from Synaptics. One interesting aspect of MEMS speakers is that they can be used in both open and closed modes, where the open mode would be used for things like having phone calls or instead of enabling ambient mode on ANC type earbuds. The closed mode would work like a normal pair of driver units inside your earbuds. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for a final product to arrive and put it through its paces, but we weren't given any indication on when retail products could be available, beyond sometime later this year.
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