Creative Technology today announced the launch of the follow-up to the critically-acclaimed Creative SXFI AMP - the Creative SXFI AIR series. Comprising the SXFI AIR and SXFI AIR C, these are the very first headphones featuring built-in Super X-Fi technology, the game-changer which has captured the imagination of users by delivering the listening experience of a high-end multi-speaker system, simply through a pair of headphones.

"After the SXFI AMP, it was a natural next step to develop headphones with built-in Super X-Fi technology. With the SXFI AIR series, users can now enjoy the magic of headphone holography, complemented by the best of our headphone engineering. The SXFI AIR is meant to pave the way for the headphone industry to adopt Super X-Fi into all future headphones," said Sim Wong Hoo, CEO of Creative Technology.

At CES 2019 Audio-Technica is exhibiting an unprecedented number of new products. The wide variety of products on exhibit include the company's standard-setting ATH-M50xBT wireless studio monitor headphones, an all-new turntable lineup, the new top-of-the-line QuietPoint ATH-ANC900BT wireless noise-cancelling headphones and much more. The recently introduced ATH-M50xBT wireless over-ear headphones (SRP: US$199, available now) bring Bluetooth wireless technology to one of the world's most acclaimed pro audio and consumer headphones, the ATH-M50x. The ATH-M50xBT offers the same sonic signature that has made the ATH-M50x an audio industry standard, along with the convenience of on-the-go wireless operation.

The closed-back ATH-M50xBT's 45 mm large-aperture driver, rare-earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire (CCAW) voice coils deliver studio-quality sonic accuracy and musical enjoyment. The ATH-M50xBT utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 and is compatible with aptX and AAC codecs for the best-possible wireless audio reproduction. Controls mounted on the left earcup provide easy handling of phone calls and music listening. An internal battery provides up to 40 hours on a full charge, and the headphones can also be used in wired mode. Like all of Audio-Technica's new wireless headphones, the ATH-M50xBT is compatible with Audio-Technica's new Connect smartphone app, which provides an array of convenient tools and features.

Creative's audiophile and studio brand E-MU unveiled two new around-the-ear monitors featuring user-replaceable wood enclosures. Headphones and monitors with wood enclosures are sought after for sounding more natural, with deeper lows and crisper mid-range; compared to most common headphones with ABS plastic enclosures. Among the two headphones launched are the heavier E-MU Teak and lightweight E-MU Walnut. The E-MU Teak features 50 mm neodynium drivers with bio-cellulose diaphragms, while the E-MU Walnut features smaller 40 mm drivers with the same quality of magnets and diaphragms as as the E-MU Teak.

The star attraction here is their enclosures, which are made of specialized single-origin woods - teak, walnut, rose, etc. The outer surface is polished for protection, while the inner one facing the driver is exposed. The enclosures ship in separate airtight, dehydrated jewel-cases. The E-MU Teak has an astounding frequency range of 5 Hz to 45 kHz, 106 dB sensitivity, and 25 Ω impedance. The E-MU Walnut, on the other hand, provides 10 Hz to 30 kHz frequency range, 103 dB sensitivity, and 30 Ω impedance. Both ship with 1.2-3 m long deoxygenated copper cables.

Beyerdynamic had a lot for us to check out at CES 2019 including their new Soul BYRD In-ear Headset which they debuted at the event. Designed to be an all-rounder it delivers well-balanced sound along with a universal three-button remote with microphone that allows for full functionality with Android and iOS devices giving users access to both platforms respective virtual assistants along with the flexibility of media playback, and phone calls. They use a closed design to prevent sound penetrating out while still being focused on comfort via its ergonomic shape that gives users a snug fit. It even has aluminum faceplates giving the Soul BYRD a clean, premium feel. To accommodate various ear shapes and sizes, Beyerdynamic includes five in ear tip sizes from XS to XL. MSRP is listed as $89.00.

Next up during our little tour was the Beat BYRD which is another in-ear design that focuses on delivering balanced sound and powerful bass. It uses an ergonomically shaped housing for a secure fit much like the Soul BYRD with flexible cabling for extended comfort during use. The ones on display featured bright orange wiring indeed living up the high-flier moniker in the placard. However, unlike the Soul BYRD, the Beat BYRD in-ears are just headphones. Meanwhile, the Blue BYRD offering gets rid of the wires altogether and instead uses Bluetooth for connectivity. Like the Soul BYRD, it offers a universal three-button remote and microphone. They also had an active noise canceling Blue BYRD ANC on hand as well which is a neckband in-ear option that makes use of Bluetooth.

Sennheiser's iconic MOMENTUM range of headphones continues to change the game through its fusion of advanced technology, uncompromised sound performance and the highest quality materials. Now, the audio specialist brings the MOMENTUM ethos to an exceptional new product, the MOMENTUM True Wireless: these exquisitely crafted Bluetooth earphones set new standards for audio quality, with characteristic MOMENTUM style and comfort.

The first model in a new generation of the iconic MOMENTUM family redefines the audio benchmark for true wireless earphones with superior stereo sound performance that is guaranteed by Sennheiser's audiophile 7 mm dynamic drivers. With the latest Bluetooth technology, AAC codec support, and Qualcomm aptX compatibility, this exceptional hi-fi sound is delivered without any compromise. "The MOMENTUM range has always stood for a fusion of excellent sound, progressive technology and craftsmanship. We are pleased to now introduce the newest member of the family, which brings the essence of MOMENTUM to a truly wireless form for the first time", said Frank Foppe, Product Manager at Sennheiser.

beyerdynamic, one of the world's leading manufacturers of headphones, microphones and conferencing products, announces the TEAM TYGR bundle, pairing the TYGR 300 R gaming headphones with FOX Professional USB Studio Microphone. beyerdynamic will showcase TEAM TYGR during CES 2019 from January 8 - 11, 2019.

beyerdynamic's TYGR 300 R is the ultimate gaming headphone with adjustable yokes and a spring steel headband to adapt to any head size. Designed for gaming applications in quiet environments, the TYGR 300 R features an innovative acoustic fleece with soft ear cushions. The single-sided connection cable is terminated with a 3-pole, gold-plated mini jack plug and a screw-on gold plated adapter.

1MORE, whose products have been featured on TechPowerUp multiple times before, today added to their portfolio of audio peripherals with what they call their first truly wireless headphones. This is not necessarily their first wireless headphones, or even their first wireless in-ear headphones, but 1MORE's usage of the phrase here refers to these having no wires connecting both pieces of the headphones either- as opposed to the necklace style wireless headphones they had before.

Called simply the Stylish True Wireless In-Ear Headphones, which no doubt will make it harder to look them up in the long run, these new headphones come in black or gold color offerings and resemble many of the newer Bluetooth earphones in design. However, 1MORE says that they have used the uncommon non-conductive vacuum metallization (NVCM) process to get the final color and finish on these, as opposed to the more popular physical vapor deposition or even electroplating of metal surfaces. They claim is "an eco-friendly vacuum plated coating process that provides both a sleek metallic finish and stable signal transmission".

The new Beat BYRD in-ear headphones from beyerdynamic, Inc. combines legendary sound with an ultra-flat headphone housing for maximum comfort. The unique Y signet and the orange cable are part of the new beyerdynamic brand design. The Beat BYRD is now available exclusively at the beyerdynamic online shop for $24.99 US and €24.90 EUR, respectively (recommended retail price).

The name, Beat BYRD, was inspired by jazz saxophonist Charlie "Bird" Parker who performed in his legendary club "Birdland" in New York. His "Free-Bird" lightness and power mirrors the unique qualities of the new in-ear headphones. "Their casing is designed to be ultra-flat, so they do not protrude from the auricle and will not press on the ear - even when the user is lying on their side," explains Alan Feckanin, Director Americas. With three included soft silicone ear tips (S, M, L), the Beat BYRD offers a perfect fit - you almost forget that you are wearing them. Optionally, the Beat BYRD can be used with Comply (Series 400) ear tips for even better shielding against ambient noise.

Get ready to propel yourself to higher levels of competitive play and more podium wins as leading gaming audio brand Turtle Beach (NASDAQ: HEAR), today announced its flagship Elite Pro 2 + SuperAmp Pro Performance Gaming Audio Systems for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 have started hitting retail stores. Developed in collaboration with top pro esports teams, including OpTic Gaming, Splyce, and the Houston Outlaws, the Elite Pro 2 + SuperAmp delivers a perfect balance of powerful amplified professional-grade sound, unmatched build quality and comfort, and groundbreaking mobile app-based controls. The Elite Pro 2 + SuperAmp is available on the Turtle Beach website and participating retailers across Europe for a SRP of £219.99.

"The Elite Pro 2 + SuperAmp is the perfect successor to the original Elite Pro, once again offering gamers our signature professional-grade audio performance and unmatched comfort, now paired with a revolutionary new way to connect, amplify and control their audio," said Juergen Stark, CEO, Turtle Beach. "We designed the Elite Pro 2 + SuperAmp in collaboration with some of the world's best pro gamers, so if you're a serious player looking to get an edge on the competition, you owe it to yourself to check it out because this headset is built to help you win."

Creative Technology Ltd announced today the release of the Sound BlasterX H6 gaming headset, which elevates both gaming and audio experiences to the next level.

Featuring an all-new design, the Sound BlasterX H6 packs massive performance with a plethora of enhanced features - including pro-tuned 50mm Neodymium drivers, breathable memory foam fabric mesh pads, detachable noise-reducing ClearComms microphone technology and RGB lighting.

Alongside refreshes galore to their Surface hardware lineup of laptops, all-in-one devices and convertible PCs, Microsoft did have a surprise announcement as part of their media event earlier today. This included a whole new product genre under the Surface brand in the form of headphones.

The new Surface headphones join the current trend of audiophile-rated wireless headphones, which sounds like a misnomer in itself, and comes with 13 levels of noise cancellation with 8 microphones for the process controlled via an adjustment dial as per Anandtech. This is an over-the-ear style headphones offering beam-forming for hands-free calling and Cortana support for when you want to use Microsoft's take on the virtual assistant. Pairing via Bluetooth and coming in the now-standard Surface gray color scheme, the Surface headphones are priced at $349 and will be available later this year.

Leading gaming headset and audio accessory brand Turtle Beach (NASDAQ: HEAR) officially enters the PC gaming headset market with today's announcement that the company's all-new Atlas line of headsets built for PC is now available at participating retailers worldwide. Designed in collaboration with leading esports teams, including Astralis, OpTic Gaming, and the Houston Outlaws, Turtle Beach's Atlas line features three different models, including the Elite Atlas Pro Performance PC Gaming Headset, the powerful Atlas Three Amplified PC Gaming Headset, and the versatile Atlas One PC Gaming Headset. Each Atlas headset offers PC gamers an innovative set of features, functionality and pricing, starting with the Elite Atlas with a MSRP of £89.99, and the Atlas Three and Atlas One with MSRPs of £69.99 and £39.99, respectively. Read below for full details of each Atlas PC gaming headset.

"We worked with some of the best pro gamers in the world to make sure our new Atlas line delivers PC gamers the superior audio performance and comfort Turtle Beach is known for," said Juergen Stark, CEO, Turtle Beach. "Turtle Beach's success is rooted in our ability to innovate and offer a broad portfolio of products designed for all types of gamers, from professional competitive esports athletes to those just getting into gaming, and that's what we're now bringing to the PC market with our Atlas headsets. We knew we needed more than just a single offering, so we built the Atlas lineup to cater to the various types of PC gamers out there - whether they're shopping based on specific features or budget."

HyperX, the gaming division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., today announced the release of HyperX Cloud Earbuds . Developed for Nintendo Switch and mobile gamers, Cloud Earbuds feature signature HyperX comfort coupled with new patent pending, HyperX designed soft silicone ear tips, giving gamers the ultimate in comfort and superior sound for an immersive gaming experience on the go.

HyperX Cloud Earbuds offer rich sound quality with Hi-Fi capable 14 mm drivers to deliver clear low, mid and high tones with enhanced bass and ambiance for a more captivating gaming experience. The earbuds include a rubberized, tangle-free cable connection that features a 90-degree angled plug optimized for handheld mode. The Cloud Earbuds also offer direct connectivity for voice chat functionality supporting Nintendo Switch with a slim in-line mic. For added mobile convenience, the in-line mic can also be used for mobile calls, and features convenient single button control for calls and streaming media.

American global audio specialist, Mixcder, is today pleased to announce the availability of the E8, which feature the company's latest advancements in ANC technology to deliver superior noise-cancelling performance and audio quality, along with improved wireless convenience. The new sleek, all black design of the E8 and premium, soft foam pads are designed to combine style with exceptional comfort to be the perfect accessory for travelers and commuters. The hybrid active noise cancellation also means they will no longer be disturbed by any external sounds. The Mixcder E8 headphones are available in the UK for £59.99 from Amazon.

The Mixcder E8 Bluetooth headphone is built with a hybrid ANC technology, which uses a recently developed active noise cancellation system that works in a wider frequency range in the low to midrange frequencies than most ANC designs, and provides an improved degree of noise cancellation. It also delivers improved isolation for better noise cancellation outside the active range. When an incoming noise is detected by the headphones, a digital signal processor (DSP) analyses the sound waves and creates inverse waves to cancel out the ambient sound. Simple to activate, users simply switch on the ANC button on the left ear cup to shut out from the world and relax with their music or film without being disrupted by noisy neighbors on a train or plane.

Plantronics, an audio pioneer and communications technology leader, today announced the RIG 500 PRO Series of gaming headsets, created to deliver high-fidelity audio in an ultra-lightweight design for the truly competitive gamer. RIG 500 PRO Series are the first gaming headsets to feature an exoskeleton earcup design with isolated inner acoustic chambers to reduce distortion, creating the ideal audio solution for today's high-resolution gaming platforms.

Premium 50 mm drivers deliver wide-range frequency response while dual-material ear cushions provide the combination of noise reduction and comfort competitive gamers need for long, focused sessions. In addition, the Xbox and PlayStation officially licensed editions come with the patent-pending RIG Game Audio Dial, a 3.5 mm connector with integrated volume control for wireless game controllers. Console gamers can now adjust volume directly from the controller without lifting their hands. PC models feature an inline volume slider.

This morning, leading gaming headset and audio accessory brand Turtle Beach, unveils the latest entries in its award-winning lineup of gaming headsets as the company opens this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). The two new headsets - the Recon 200 and Stealth 300 - are perfectly suited for the explosive growth of the Battle Royale genre, delivering the high-quality audio, crystal-clear chat, and unmatched comfort and durability that gives gamers the edge needed to ascend the leaderboards. Both new wired models feature amplified audio to further immerse players in their games, impressive build quality with metal-reinforced headbands, and unique suites of features and functionality - all combined to deliver a competitive advantage through precision audio. The Recon 200 and Stealth 300 have an MSRP of $59.95 and $79.95, respectively, and full details on both new models can be found below.

"We've seen unprecedented industry growth this year in the headset market, with Turtle Beach outpacing that industry growth by nearly 38% because we deliver the high-quality headsets gamers want and need to be successful in popular Battle Royale games like Fortnite and PUBG, as well as all genres," said Juergen Stark, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. "Gamers demand superior audio and comfort no matter their level of play, and that's what we bring to the table with a variety of products to suit every type of gamer. The new Recon 200 and Stealth 300 headsets give every player a definitive audio advantage and the premium comfort they need to weather the storm, for a price that doesn't break the bank."

LucidSound, the fastest growing gaming headset brand, announced today their full roster of premium headsets being shown off at the E3 Electronics Entertainment Expo. The fresh line-up of headsets includes the all new LS31 and LS41 Wireless Headsets, alongside the eSports developed LS25, and the Xbox-licensed LS15X and LS35X. As one of the only independent 'pure play' gaming headset companies, LucidSound's primary focus is to create audio products for the new generation of multiplatform gamers. The LS15X, LS35X, LS25, LS31, and LS41 all target the audio and comfort needs of specific types of players with the exact feature set they require.

"The LucidSound team is a renegade group of gamers gathered from the top gaming headset companies in the industry who are focused on innovation and determined to reinvent the gaming headset," said Chris Von Huben, CEO of LucidSound. "Our focus is on exceptional comfort, outstanding sound quality, durability, clear chat communication and easy-to-use controls. We are proud to present the LS15X, LS35X, LS25, LS31, and LS41 at E3 this year."

Taiwanese motherboard manufacturer ECS unveiled the Liva Aston Smart, the world's first headphones with Alexa built-in. Basically what this means is that consumers will be able to interact with Alexa in the cloud without the need to have a smartphone or Amazon Echo present. Setup is a breeze since all you have to do is connect the Liva Aston Smart to your router. Featuring 40 mm drivers, users can use the headphones to play music, listen to news, obtain weather forecasts, and many other activities.

The ECS Liva Aston Smart even allows consumers to control home automation systems like lights, outlets, and other smart devices as long as they are connected to the same WiFi network. The headphones also comes with Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity for those occasions where the users doesn't have access to WiFi. With a 1100 mAh battery, the Liva Aston Smart is good for up to 5 hours of usage. ECS will offer the headphones in both a standard and a premium edition, which comes with ANC and Hi-Res audio support.

Plantronics, an audio pioneer and communications technology leader, today announced its Plantronics BackBeat GO 600 Series: wireless, over-the-ear immersive headphones featuring unique capabilities for people who put music first, at an economical price point.

To ensure music lovers can create the listening experience they prefer, BackBeat GO 600 comes equipped with dual equalization (EQ) modes, to allow the listener to easily alternate between 'Bass Boost' and 'Balanced' EQ. Balanced EQ mode is Plantronics' signature sound, which is tuned to be the most accurate possible representation of the source audio across all genres of music. Listeners can move between modes with a single push of a button - a feature not typically found on headphones in this price range. BackBeat GO 600 is slim and lightweight with an over-ear design and soft memory foam ear cushions that provide the ideal balance of comfort and isolation resulting in deep, rich sound with minimal distraction.

In the business world, companies fail all the time, and startups are no exception either. Ossic is the latest startup to make the headlines after announcing over the weekend that the company is shutting its door. The audio startup had successfully raised $3.2 million through Indiegogo and Kickstarter campaigns to produce their high-end "3D sound" Ossic X headphones. The headphones, which costed between $199 to $299, incorporated special head-tracking technology to deliver surround sound in VR environments. Apparently, they were also capable of determining the shape of the user's ears and customize the sound profile to match the user.

Ossic had received over 22,000 pre-orders over the company's life. Unfortunately, the company only managed to produce 250 pairs of their Ossic X headphones and delivered around a dozen of them to Kickstarters. As the well has run dry, Ossic has no other alternative but to cease operations. Kickstarter backers are extremely angry - and with right as they will not receive their headphones or refunds. A Facebook group with over 2,500 members threaten to pursue a class action lawsuit against the company.

Sennheiser's new CX SPORT brings joy to any workout with brilliant sound. The in-ear Bluetooth headphones offer the freedom of wireless listening in an ultra-lightweight, splash- and sweat-resistant design. Designed to move, the new CX SPORT features ergonomic fins that keep the earbuds comfortably secure. The headphones can either be worn around the neck or in front, with a cable organizer that adjusts the cable length, and an optional clip that can be used to fix the CX SPORT on the workout shirt. With a choice of three fin sizes and a selection of four sizes of ear adapters, it is easy to find a perfect fit that blocks outside noise and helps athletes stay focused.

Thanks to Sennheiser's exacting quality standards, the CX SPORT is tough enough to take on any challenge with extra assurance provided by splash and sweat resistance. The headphones are equipped with a proprietary speaker system from the audio specialist, delivering clear, detailed sound with an enhanced bass response.

Audio-Technica is now shipping its ATH-ANC700BT QuietPoint over-ear wireless active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones, which feature the company's latest advancements in ANC technology to deliver superior noise-cancelling performance and audio quality, along with improved wireless convenience.

The ATH-ANC700BT wireless headphones with Bluetooth technology employ a newly-developed active noise cancellation system that operates in a wider frequency range in the low through midrange frequencies than typical ANC designs, and provides a greater degree of noise cancellation. The ATH-ANC700BT also provides improved isolation for better cancellation outside the active range. This enables the headphones to have much more effective noise-cancelling performance by responding to and cancelling a wider range of outside noise.

Cyrus Audio, the UK's leading premium audio manufacturer, announced today the soundKey PC Gamers Edition, a high-resolution gaming headphone DAC (Digital Analogue Converter) and amp. Expected to be on sale beginning July 2018, the soundKey is designed to significantly upgrade the performance of any wired PC gaming headset, through the application of their decades of experience in high-end audio. Many gamers wisely choose their headset with care, conscious of the winning edge crystal clear positional audio can make to their performance. Even the finest headset however, will be hamstrung by the limitations of on-board audio cards used on even premium desktop or laptop PCs.

The amount of electronic system 'noise' in a PC, especially of gaming specification, means that even those equipped with good quality audio-grade components (and most are not), can only achieve a sound output that is a fraction of its true potential. The award-winning soundKey from Cyrus plugs discreetly into the USB socket and mic input of the PC, automatically configuring itself and negating the need for software or drivers. Gamers simply plug their standard PC wired headset in to the 3.5mm output located on the soundKey with no further setup or maintenance required. soundKey bypasses the PC's internal audio circuitry, relying on its own advanced technology to decode and process the in-game audio, resulting in a superlative gaming experience. soundKey is fully compatible with Hi-Res and lossless audio formats.

Vibrant melodies, pulsating rhythms, driving basses: music and movement go together marvelously. That is why the new Amiron wireless combines the flawless sound experience of the legendary Tesla technology by beyerdynamic with the complete freedom of movement that only wireless Bluetooth-headphones can provide. With Amiron wireless, music becomes a dynamic experience in every room and even the finest nuances become audible like never before. The innovative sound personalization via the ground-breaking MIY app takes these closed over-ear headphones to a completely new level of perfection. This makes Amiron wireless the ideal headphones for anyone who wants to enjoy their music without limits and in every room.

INDIVIDUAL LISTENING EXPERIENCE VIA MIY APP
Can tonal perfection be enhanced further? The confident answer to this question by beyerdynamic is "yes". The human ear differs from person to person and changes greatly in the course of a lifetime - as has been confirmed by latest audiology research. That is why beyerdynamic worked with the German experts at Mimi Hearing Technologies in Berlin to design its wireless headphones. Their common goal: headphones that adapt perfectly to the individual hearing of the wearer like a custom-tailored suit - consistent with the motto of the new wireless line of headphones by beyerdynamic: MAKE IT YOURS.

Once more beyerdynamic redefines mobile listening delight. The closed mid-size Aventho wired headphones combine stylish looks, maximum comfort, selected materials and the legendary Tesla technology by the audio specialists from Heilbronn, Germany. These headphones amaze listeners with sound quality and richness of detail previously unknown from on-ear models. With their mobile, timeless look the new Aventho family also won the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2018. Aventho wired is the ideal companion for audiophile music lovers who prefer a high-quality cable connection. It has never been easier to immerse oneself into a musical world and to hear even the finest nuances in detail - no matter if on the road or at home.

UNIQUE SOUND EXPERIENCES WITH TESLA TECHNOLOGY
The new Aventho wired bridges the gap between classic, timelessly designed mobile headphones and innovative next-generation audio technology that only beyerdynamic can achieve. Once listeners experience the superiority of the beyerdynamic Tesla transducers, they would not want to go back to regular headphone technology. It is no surprise that Tesla technology is considered a milestone in the more than 90-year history of the Heilbronn-based audio specialist.