Today, Shure introduced its highly anticipated AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Gen 2. Drawing on decades of stage and studio expertise, the AONIC 50 Gen 2 Headphones break new ground with a revolutionary spatialized audio experience, designed to captivate music enthusiasts and discerning audiophiles alike. Building on the success of the AONIC 50 Headphones, this second generation sets a new standard for premium, high-fidelity audio, enhanced active noise cancellation, and more than double the battery life of the first generation, with up to 45 hours of runtime.

Meticulously crafted with premium materials and studio-quality sound through custom-engineered 50 mm dynamic drivers, AONIC 50 Gen 2 Headphones are an embodiment of comfort and style that take listening to the next level. They have been designed by leveraging Shure's experience designing headphones for studio professionals with long hours in mind. With customizable EQ features and new hybrid active noise cancellation technology, users can tailor their unique preferences using the free ShurePlus Play App for a personalized audio experience.

Bigger, better, bolder. JBL's popular PartyBox speakers have a new headline act, introducing the JBL PartyBox Ultimate. Packed with superior JBL Original Pro Sound, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, and a breathtaking light show moving in sync with your beat, the JBL PartyBox Ultimate will be available in North America October for $1,699.95. The JBL PartyBox Ultimate is guaranteed to level up any party, anywhere.

Feel the sound, don't just hear it. The JBL PartyBox Ultimate is the best-sounding and loudest JBL PartyBox yet, featuring superior JBL Original Pro Sound with two high-sensitivity mid-range drivers and dual tweeters so you can listen to all the details of your favorite tracks, even at the loudest volumes. No space is too big - the JBL PartyBox Ultimate can rock the size of two basketball courts as a pair of 9-inch subwoofers provide thunderous bass you can feel from anywhere in the room. Dolby Atmos puts you in the center of your favorite songs as the music comes alive around you with unparalleled clarity and depth.

Edifier International, prominent designer and award-winning manufacturer of consumer audio electronics for both the lifestyle and multimedia markets announces an update to the popular TWS1 earbuds: the TWS1 Pro 2. The TWS1 Pro 2 is a pair of truly wireless in-earbuds which combine Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, Ambient Sound Mode and a Titanized Hybrid Diaphragm to provide you with the ultimate true wireless, musical experience.

The new Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 feature Active Noise cancellation with multiple ANC mode, the earbuds boast a noise cancellation performance of up to -42dB, furnishing users with an exclusive, quiet experience. Users can customize different levels of noise cancellation in the Edifier Connect App - eg - High or Low Noise Cancellation; Wind Reduction or even Noise Cancellation Off.

CORSAIR, a world leader in high-performance gear for gamers and content creators, announced the launch of new peripherals that empower you to craft a customized gaming experience like no other.

This launch includes a game-changing new keyboard: The K70 MAX Magnetic-Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. The first keyboard with adjustable CORSAIR MGX magnetic-mechanical switches, the K70 MAX offers an unprecedented level of configurability in every keystroke. Whether for blistering speed or impeccable typing accuracy, the K70 MAX is the ideal device for those who seek maximum keyboard performance.

With each PlayStation 5 system software release, we've introduced new features designed to enhance the many ways you can access your favorite content, navigate your console, or create new gaming memories with friends. Today, we're thrilled to roll out a new PS5 system software beta that introduces new accessibility features as well as audio options that allow 3D Audio powered by Tempest 3D AudioTech to be enjoyed on compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices such as sound bars, TVs, or home theater systems. The beta also includes more options to quickly find games and console tips, new ways to connect with other players and customize your multiplayer sessions, and support for larger-capacity M.2 SSDs (up to 8 TB).

While beta access will be limited to invited participants in select countries*, we plan to release the update globally later this year. If you're selected to participate in the beta, you'll receive an email invitation today when it's available to download. Some features available during the beta phase may not make it into the final version or may see significant changes. Without further ado, here are some of the highlights from the beta release...

Sony Electronics Inc. today announced the WF-1000XM5 earbuds - the latest truly wireless model of the award-winning 1000X series. This new model offers the Best Noise Canceling by reducing external noise over a wide bandwidth, from low to high frequencies so you can focus on your music. Following its predecessor, the WF-1000XM4, the WF-1000XM5 raises industry standards with astonishing sound and Sony's best ever call quality, despite a smaller and lighter design.

The WF-1000XM5 earbuds deliver cutting-edge technology and premium sound quality with the best noise-canceling performance. Real-time audio processors and high-performance mics power the specially designed driver unit, Dynamic Driver X, for wide frequency reproduction, deep bass, and more detailed vocals.

TP Vision, the company responsible for the design, manufacturing, sales and marketing of Philips branded TVs and audio products has announced that it will partner with sister TPV Group company AOC to launch a range of AOC branded sound products targeted at typically younger audiences. The activity will initially focus on the rapidly growing portable audio segment with the introduction of three portable speakers each offering a particularly, wide and authentic stereo sound from a single unit. The activity will also focus on the theme of music and dance 'on-the-go' to reach younger audiences.

AOC is a leader in display technology and is already one of the world's most successful monitor brands AOC has already enjoyed huge success selling products into the gaming sector thanks to the popularity for the company's range of AOC Agon dedicated gaming displays - currently enjoying the global No 1 position for gaming monitors. The new AOC range will initially focus on three portable speakers - the compact AOC Speaker O1, the larger version AOC Speaker O2 and AOC Speaker O3 party model - each has been able to call upon the existing TP Vision teams' proven expertise in design, sound quality, product engineering and manufacturing, with all combining to allow a rapid development process.

London-based consumer tech brand Nothing has launched Ear (2), a set of true wireless earbuds that celebrates Nothing's iconic transparent design with elite engineering and next-level personalization for the ultimate audio experience.

Ear (2) delivers an authentic sound experience, boasting Hi-Res Audio certification and LHDC 5.0 technology. Users can also create their own Personal Sound Profile by completing a hearing test through the Nothing X app. Ear (2) will then adjust the equaliser settings accordingly in real-time for optimal sound quality. The earbuds feature an 11.6 mm custom driver for deep, powerful bass and crystal-clear highs, and a new dual-chamber design enhances the overall sound quality with smoother airflow. Moreover, Ear (2) features Dual Connection for easy device switching, improved wind-proof and crowd-proof Clear Voice Technology, and Personalised Active Noise Cancellation that adapts to the unique shape of a user's ear canal.

Jabra, leader in personal sound and hybrid work solutions, today launched the Elite 4, the latest addition to its flagship Elite lineup. Following in the footsteps of the entry-level Elite 3, the new true wireless earbuds offer an elevated experience from its predecessor, ideal for the modern earbud user seeking advanced features at an affordable price.

The Elite 4 has been tailored to provide comfort, optimal sound and convenience. For users that need to connect to two different devices simultaneously, the Jabra Elite 4 offers Bluetooth Multipoint, facilitating smooth and stress-free switching, without skipping a beat. The initial pairing of earbuds to a device is simple, with Fast Pair connecting instantly to a mobile device and Swift Pair linking straight to a laptop or computer.

-NTT sonority, Inc. (President: Hiroshi Sakai), a member of the NTT Group, one of the world's largest technology and business solutions companies, has entered the consumer electronics market via the development of an entirely new type of earphone using a unique technology called the "Personalized Sound Zone" (PSZ). The company has announced plans to commercially release the world's first open-ear PSZ technology developed by NTT Corporation (NTT) that locks audio into a small, individualized space. Crowdfunding for the wireless model nwm MBE001 on-ear speakers equipped with PSZ technology will begin on March 27, 2023, through Indiegogo. NTT sonority's audio brand nwm will continue to enhance its products with PSZ at their core, maximizing consumer safety and allowing users to experience the comfort of being connected through sound without having to worry about sound leakage.

NTT sonority's New Wave Maker (nwm) audio brand was created in November 2022 with the goal of creating an optimal audio experience. The company aims to expand its audio solutions to address future ways of working and living by creating not just a sense of immersion, but the comfort of being connected.

Cherry Americas, part of the global leader in computer input devices, today announced the launch of an exciting new lineup of computer microphones and accessory products, the CHERRY UM Microphone Series, for streaming and office use. The new product line marks a major expansion of CHERRY's product portfolio into the world of sound and microphones.

A pioneer and pacesetter in computer, office and gaming input devices and accessories and the world leader in mechanical key switches, CHERRY is expanding its audio portfolio with three stylish new microphones for work and entertainment. The CHERRY UM Microphone Series offers anyone from beginners to pro streamers the opportunity to enhance their setups with distinctive designs and the best possible audio recording quality. The new product line fits perfectly into contemporary computing environments where communication and collaboration take place remotely, and podcasts and live streams are part of our daily lives.

CORSAIR, a world leader in high-performance gear for gamers and content creators, today launched a new entry in its acclaimed HS gaming headset lineup: the HS65 WIRELESS. This fashionably lightweight headset boasts two ways to connect to your games via low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless or Bluetooth, giving you the versatility to listen across all your systems and devices. Available in black or white, the HS65 WIRELESS offers advanced audio personalization with Sonarworks SoundID, for sound tailored to you.

The HS65 WIRELESS creates dynamic personal audio with integrated Sonarworks SoundID technology. Conveniently accessible in CORSAIR iCUE software, SoundID uses a quick sound test to find your unique listening preferences and create a personalized audio EQ profile that fine-tunes your audio experience. Combine that with Dolby Audio 7.1 surround sound on PC and Mac, and you have professional-grade sound, without paying a premium.

IK Multimedia releases iRig Stream Mic Pro, combining a professional multi-pattern condenser microphone and 24-bit, 96 kHz audio interface for iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and PC into a single ultra-portable solution for music and content creation. iRig Stream Mic Pro makes it easier than ever for users to share their voice and music.

Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone
With dual mic capsules, iRig Stream Mic Pro offers selectable cardioid, figure 8, omnidirectional or stereo pickup patterns. These patterns range from noise-rejecting to immersive audio, so whether it's recording a podcast, interview, instrument or ensemble, the sound signal is crisp, clear and detailed with easily adjustable gain and selectable high-pass filter.

pple today announced HomePod (2nd generation), a powerful smart speaker that delivers next-level acoustics in a gorgeous, iconic design. Packed with Apple innovations and Siri intelligence, HomePod offers advanced computational audio for a groundbreaking listening experience, including support for immersive Spatial Audio tracks. With convenient new ways to manage everyday tasks and control the smart home, users can now create smart home automations using Siri, get notified when a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is detected in their home, and check temperature and humidity in a room—all hands-free.

The new HomePod is available to order online and in the Apple Store app starting today, with availability beginning Friday, February 3. "Leveraging our audio expertise and innovations, the new HomePod delivers rich, deep bass, natural mid-range, and clear, detailed highs," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "With the popularity of HomePod mini, we've seen growing interest in even more powerful acoustics achievable in a larger HomePod. We're thrilled to bring the next generation of HomePod to customers around the world."

BenQ, internationally renowned innovator of visual solutions and digital lifestyle devices, unveiled today GV11 smart portable projector, focusing the company's professional color expertise and quality leadership into an ideal personal entertainment appliance.

Offering unlimited enjoyment for modern lifestyles with space and time constraints, GV11 provides the freedom of rotating-angle ceiling / wall / screen projection and battery-powered portability with the convenience of certified Android TV content diversity in an all-in-one audio-visual design.

Today Tronsmart, an established audio brand specializing in premium Bluetooth headsets and speakers, launched their latest portable party speaker with a handle, called the Bang Mini. "Following on the heels of our 2021 outdoor party speaker, Bang, we wanted to design a shrunken-down, more portable edition for people on the go," said Eric Cheng. "Bang Mini offers 50 W of popping sound thanks to two independent speaker cavities. The front cavity houses two mid tweeters and one passive radiator that offer crystal clear treble in superior clarity. The rear cavity presents punchy bass via two woofers."

Bang Mini offers great specs and exceptional stereo sound, with no bulk. It leverages Tronsmart's proprietary SoundPulse Audio, which has three main characteristics. Firstly, it's designed to counteract harmonic distortion and eliminate noise, making the vocals gentler, the sound richer, and allowing listeners to enjoy their music for a longer period. Secondly, SoundPulse technology changes the sound output position of the chamber to the front of the speaker, broadening the sound range to fill the entire room with quality vocals and strengthening the stereo sound effect. Thirdly, SoundPulse technology offers an enhanced bass effect. It allows differences in sound to be processed separately. This means the bass can be enhanced while managing to produce high-pitched vocals as well.

USound, the leading provider of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) loudspeakers for hearables and wearables, announces the release of an audio module designed to enhance the performance of TWS and OTC hearing aids. The module design uses physical frequency crossover technology, with finished parts of acoustic design including sound chamber and pipes. This module is a ready-to-use solution for hearing aids and true wireless earbuds. Manufacturers can easily integrate the module in earphones by changing the venting volume to achieve a different sound experience.

The audio module is available in two versions: a two-way audio system and a full-range ultra-compact audio module. The two-way audio system includes a USound's MEMS speaker from the Conamara series as a tweeter and an electrodynamic speaker as a woofer. This combination allows for increased playtime, better sound quality, and performance.

Sonos today announced new speakers that expand its home theater and portable line-ups, offering listeners more ways to easily connect with the content they love. The brand debuted Sonos Ray, a compact soundbar with impressive sound for its size, as well as three stylish colors for its ultraportable Bluetooth smart speaker, Sonos Roam. As with all Sonos products, the brand's newest speakers deliver great sound that helps you play more, hear more and feel more, whether at home or on-the-go. Ray will be available globally on June 7 for 279 USD, while Roam's three new colors are out beginning today, for 179 USD each.

Ray brings the brand's category-leading simplicity and versatility to a more accessible price point, making it easy to build your first home theater setup or expand in more rooms. The new soundbar is compatible with all of your favorite streaming services, so you can enjoy movies, music and more with simple setup and control - just open the Sonos app and start listening in minutes. You can easily control Ray with your existing TV remote, the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2 and more. Add a pair of Ones to your home theater setup for surround sound or connect to any Sonos speaker for multi-room listening.

Mackie, a leading producer of high-quality professional audio products, today announces the M•Caster Live Portable Live Streaming Mixer. Not just another repurposed live sound mixer, M•Caster Live was designed from the ground up for content creators and their unique needs. Whether you're a social streamer, gamer, podcaster, or DJ, the M•Caster Live has features that make it easier than ever before to create your content and get it out there for the world to see.

"When talking to creators, we kept seeing the same complaints over and over again. Users want a simple way to connect with their streaming platform. They want to sound great. And they want something that can be easily portable." said Mackie Product Manager Craig Reeves. "M•Caster Live delivers on all of those points and manages to look great while doing it!"

Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd. today continued to demonstrate its vision and leadership in the wireless audio space with the introduction of Qualcomm aptX Lossless audio technology to its already extensive audio portfolio. aptX Lossless is a new capability of the proven aptX Adaptive technology and a new feature of Snapdragon Sound Technology that is designed to deliver CD quality 16-bit 44.1kHz lossless audio quality over Bluetooth wireless technology. Qualcomm Technologies has taken a systems level approach and optimized a number of core wireless connectivity and audio technologies, including aptX Adaptive, which work together to auto detect and scale-up and are designed to deliver CD lossless audio when a user is listening to a lossless music file and the RF conditions are suitable.

"At Qualcomm Technologies we're excited about the future of sound, and we're continually looking for ways to help our customers deliver new and exciting listening experiences. Lossless audio means mathematically bit-for-bit exact, with no loss of the audio file and up to now the necessary bit rate to deliver this over Bluetooth has not been available. With many leading music streaming services now offering extensive lossless music libraries, and consumer demand for lossless audio growing, we're pleased to announce this new support for CD lossless audio streaming for Bluetooth earbuds and headsets which we plan to make available to customers later this year," said James Chapman, vice president and general manager, Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd.

Creative Technology today announced the release of Sound Blaster GC7, the first premium gaming DAC and Amp in a new product series specially designed to enhance the user experience of avid gamers, aspiring content creators and streamers. Users can take full control of the gameplay easily with intuitive one-handed controls and fully programmable buttons, and enjoy the award-winning Super X-Fi and Sound Blaster technologies, in Creative's most comprehensive external sound card yet.

Sonarworks, the company behind precision audio software used by Grammy-Award-winning engineers to record top artists like Lady Gaga, Madonna, Rihanna, Adele, Coldplay and Kanye West, announces its partnership with Gateway, the beloved cow-spotted PC brand, integrating its SoundID sound personalization technology into Gateway's new tablets. With SoundID enabled The Gateway 8" and Gateway 10" tablets, users can enhance their listening experience - at home or on-the-go - on some of the most popular music streaming services including Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and more.

"We're proud to partner with an iconic brand like Gateway to deliver a seamless experience of SoundID to its Gateway tablet customers," said Martins Popelis, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Sonarworks. "SoundID enabled Gateway tablets deliver premium sound tailored for each individual with no extra costs. We at Sonarworks believe sound can be enjoyed to the max irrespective of how, when or where you listen. And we're excited Gateway has joined us on this mission."

A German website, Heise.de, has discovered a bug in HDMI 2.1 chipset that causes black screen issues on specific hardware. On AV chipsets sourced by Panasonic, and used by Denon, Marantz, and Yamaha HDMI 2.1 AV receivers, the chipset experiences a specific issue of a black screen. More specifically, the bug happens once you connect Microsoft's newest console, Xbox Series X, or NVIDIA's Ampere graphics cards. When connecting these sources at resolutions like 4K/120 Hz HDR and 8K/60 Hz HDR to Panasonic HDMI 2.1 chipsets, the black screen happens. This represents a major problem for every manufacturer planning to use the Panasonic HDMI 2.1 chipset in its AV receivers, meaning that the issue has to be addressed. The Audioholics website has reached out to Sound United and Yamaha to see what their responses were, and you can check them out below.

HyperX, the gaming division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., today announced the release of the HyperX Cloud Core Gaming Headset with 7.1 surround sound for PC and PS4 gamers. Expanding HyperX's impressive headset lineup, the Cloud Core Gaming Headset + 7.1 features virtual 7.1 surround sound for clear positional audio and a more immersive gaming experience. Plus, with HyperX's signature Cloud DNA, the new headset offers the comfort, durability and sound to fit a range of gaming - or today's virtual classroom meeting - needs at a competitive price point.

The HyperX Cloud Core + 7.1 features an advanced audio control box for convenient controls of headset volume, mic volume, mic mute, and an easily accessible toggle for turning 7.1 surround sound on and off. The Cloud Core Gaming Headset + 7.1 also offers multi-platform compatibility with a USB audio control box for PC and PS4 and offers a 3.5 mm connection for platforms with a 3.5 mm port.

Audeze, the leading premium audiophile headphone manufacturer, today announces the launch of their new Penrose wireless headset aimed at console and PC gamers. Extending Audeze's family of gaming headphones that includes the high-end LCD-GX and the Mobius 3D Surround Sound PC gaming headset, the Penrose is designed with Microsoft's Xbox Series X and Sony's PlayStation 5 in mind. Penrose is equipped with Audeze's 100 mm planar magnetic drivers, a broadcast quality microphone for enhanced chat and streaming, and a 2.4 GHz low-latency lossless wireless connection, so gamers can experience the best in audio quality and wireless functionality.

To commemorate this announcement, the Audeze Penrose is now available to pre-order for the limited promotional price of 249 GBP (~315 USD). Pre-order details can be found here with shipments expected in early September.