Amazon today introduced a range of new Echo devices designed for even more personalized, proactive, and intuitive Alexa experiences at home and on-the-go—the next-generation Echo Show 8, all-new Echo Hub, and new Echo Frames. In addition, Amazon collaborated with Safilo, one of the world's leading eyewear manufacturers, to blend the power of Alexa with iconic Carrera designs.

"Engagement with Echo devices is at an all-time high," said Daniel Rausch, vice president of Alexa and Fire TV. "Customers rely on Alexa for so much, including managing their smart homes, keeping up with the latest news, setting birthday reminders, and keeping their homes stocked with essentials. These new Echo devices give customers more ways to experience the world's best personal AI—and the growing generative AI capabilities that will be coming to Alexa soon—at home and on the go."

Today, Bose announces the next generation of its iconic QuietComfort line: the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, and the QuietComfort Headphones, all featuring the world-renowned hallmarks that the QuietComfort name has become synonymous with—world-class noise cancellation, high-quality audio, and legendary comfort and stability. And now, the QC Ultra Headphones and Earbuds both feature an all-new premium design and debut Bose Immersive Audio, taking audio performance to an entirely new level.

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds will be available beginning early October for $429 and $299 respectively. Both are available in Black and White Smoke. The QuietComfort Headphones will be available on September 21st for $349 also available in Black and White Smoke, plus a limited-edition Cypress Green. Pre-orders for all products begin today in the U.S. on Bose.com.

Apple today announced AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging (USB‑C), making the world's most popular headphones even better. AirPods Pro (2nd generation) continue to revolutionize personal audio by delivering incredible sound quality, up to double the Active Noise Cancellation of their predecessor, an advanced Transparency mode, a more immersive Spatial Audio experience, and an expanded range of ear tip sizes for an even better fit. AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are upgraded with USB‑C charging capabilities, additional dust resistance, and Lossless Audio with Apple Vision Pro. With iOS 17, all AirPods Pro (2nd generation) level up with access to new audio experiences like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness.

AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‐C) will be available to order starting today, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 22.

Belkin, a leading consumer electronics brand for 40 years, today announced 8 new products across its power, audio and connectivity categories, underscoring Belkin innovation, quality and its commitment to building products more responsibly. Belkin International can be found on the IFA show floor, Exhibit Hall 3.2, booth #119.

Wireless Charging

BoostCharge Pro Universal Easy Align Wireless Charging Pad 15 W
Delivers a fast and seamless charge for Qi-enabled devices at up to 15 W. The large charging surface provides easy alignment, and its non-slip grip material keeps it in place if jostled or vibrates from an incoming call. It's designed with two separate thermal protection systems to control temperatures and prevent overheating of the charger and connected devices.

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.

Introducing the JBL Authentics series. Striking sound performance meets timeless retro design inspired by JBL's heritage. The portable JBL Authentics 300 is a true decorative piece of the home, an all-encompassing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth smart speaker delivers room-filling professional sound to envelop you in 360-immersive audio - with portability to carry your music anywhere in your home. The JBL Authentics 200 and JBL Authentics 500 home speakers complete the all-new JBL Authentics series, available September 17th.

Room-filling sound throughout the home
Be at the center of your favorite song as the JBL Authentics 300 invites you to experience music like never before. For those looking for superior sound in and around the house, the JBL Authentics 300 offers portable high-performance sound with a built-in 8-hour battery. Delivering distinctive highs and deep bass, enjoy amazing audio performance wherever you are - from the kitchen to the garden or the next outdoor party.

Samsung Electronics today announced new software updates to Galaxy Buds2 Pro and Samsung Smart TVs, reshaping the audio experiences across even more connected devices. The new updates extend LE Audio capabilities to Samsung TVs with Auracast broadcast audio technology, enabling rich and complex audio transmission to nearby Bluetooth devices.

LE Audio, an advanced Bluetooth audio standard, broadens the spectrum of audio experiences to deliver more complex and richer sound that goes beyond providing better-sounding music, but also allows users to share sound with others as they personally experience it. As a pioneer of innovative technologies, Samsung has been leveraging new LE Audio-based features that further elevate sound experiences, including 360 Audio Recording, enabling Galaxy smartphone users to capture sound on video precisely as they hear it without the need for professional equipment. Additionally, the select Galaxy Book3 devices offer a crystal clear listening experience with improved latency—perfect for immersive gaming and multimedia consumption.

Introducing huge sound in a tiny package. Motif II A.N.C. packs a punch with 30 hours of playtime, ready to be unleashed whenever you want. With active noise cancellation, block out crowded train rides and commotion and dive into your music without distraction. For a quick conversation, switch over to Transparency mode and let the outside in. As well as an added microphone, Motif II A.N.C. comes ready for BT LE Audio, so you'll be better connected than ever before. For a customised listening experience, download the Marshall app. With Motif II A.N.C., you're always ready for the road.

Marshall Signature Sound
Don't leave great music behind. With Motif II A.N.C. you can take Marshall signature sound with you, wherever you go. Experience concert quality sound whenever you need it, with pocket-sized design, comfort and a whole lot of loud.

Today, Technics announced the launch of its new compact and lightweight earbuds, the EAH-AZ40M2. Joining the recently released EAH-AZ80 and EAH-AZ60M2, the EAH-AZ40M2 complete the brand's True Wireless portfolio, offering superb sound quality with the addition of Active Noise Cancelling Technology and unparalleled comfort for home, work and travel.

Technics tapped into its deep expertise as the legendary audio brand known for making pure sound quality to deliver its next generation of earbuds. Its engineers focused on every aspect of sound - drivers, acoustics, mechanical structure, and digital signal processing - to ensure you can hear every song or phone call with the clearest clarity. Offering the ability to shift from music to active noise-cancelling without interruption, seamless switching between up to three devices with industry-first Bluetooth Multipoint Connection, and a variety of customization settings, these new earbuds seamlessly integrate into any on-the-go lifestyle.

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.

Beats today announces Beats Studio Pro, the next generation of Beats' iconic, bestselling over-ear headphone. With all-new and improved interior components, Studio Pro offers next-level audio fidelity, fully-adaptive Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, UltraPlush leather cushions, up to 40 hours of battery life, Lossless Audio via USB-C3 and enhanced call performance.

Beats Studio Pro is available to order starting today in four premium colors, Black, Deep Brown, Navy and Sandstone, for $349.99 (US) from apple.com. Starting tomorrow, Studio Pro will be on-shelf at Apple Store locations and authorized resellers in its beautiful new packaging that was designed with the environment in mind.

You may have noticed CORSAIR's press release yesterday concerning its acquisition of Drop, a popular enthusiast peripherals website that made its name for running group buys before focusing on keyboards. DIY keyboard components, and audio products. The press release was careful in talking primarily about the keyboard side of things and we noticed an omission of anything non-keyboard related, thus necessitating a follow-up from CORSAIR on behalf of audiophiles who are fans of highly popular Drop products such as the Drop x Sennheiser HD 6XX, its gaming headsets with EPOS, multiple other headphone collaborations with manufacturers including Dan Clark Audio, HIFIMAN, Focal, as well as various amplifiers/DACs/streamers. There was speculation about whether CORSAIR had only purchased the keyboard assets and that the audio aspects might not continue, but CORSAIR was quick to confirm otherwise.

In a quote provided to TechPowerUp, CORSAIR mentioned the following:

I can confirm that CORSAIR has acquired the Drop.com website, brand, business, community, and all its staff. Drop.com will continue to operate via its own website. While we expect to explore wider opportunities for selling Drop products via the Corsair global sales channel, the drop.com website will remain distinct from Corsair, in a similar fashion to SCUF, Elgato and Origin PC. We'll be evaluating the non-keyboard aspects of the business as time goes on but will be making no changes immediately.

Audeze, the leading premium headphone manufacturer, today announced the release of a limited edition gaming headset developed in partnership with Microsoft, for their Designed for Xbox Summer product collection. This stylish, limited edition "Ultraviolet" version of their highly lauded Maxwell gaming headset features a new finish that adds a head-turning and unique look to one of the best gaming headsets on the market. The Ultraviolet edition of the Maxwell headphone is available on the Audeze website for pre-order in limited quantities.

The partnership between Audeze and Microsoft which began in 2021 with the Microsoft certification of Audeze's Penrose gaming headset, and continued recently with Microsoft's certification of our new Maxwell gaming headset. This partnership has expanded access to Audeze's industry-leading planar magnetic headsets to Microsoft's vast audience of console users. Epic life-like audio quality as delivered by Audeze's legendary planar magnetic drivers are a powerful tool for gamers, and now with the Ultraviolet limited edition of Maxwell, they can use their sonic advantage in style.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today raised the bar in gaming audio with the introduction its first-ever in-ear monitor (IEM), the Razer Moray. Designed with the unique demands of gamers and marathon streamers at its core, this groundbreaking IEM amalgamates all-day comfort with unparalleled audio quality, setting the stage for an entirely new paradigm in extended, fatigue-free gaming and broadcast sessions.

"The launch of the Moray marks an exciting new chapter for Razer," said Alvin Cheung, Senior Vice President of Razer's Hardware Business Unit. "It's an evolution in gaming audio, designed to offer streamers high-definition sound and all-day comfort. With the Razer Moray, we're bringing the exceptional audio quality typically associated with in-ear monitors to not only streamers, but gamers as well. And we're proud to announce this product has earned the coveted global gold standard mark of audio fidelity, THX Certification."

AVerMedia Technologies, a leading provider of audio and video solutions, is thrilled to unveil the AM350, the world's first USB condenser microphone custom-tuned by DIRAC. With its exclusive tuning technology and remarkable features, the AM350 sets a new standard in audio recording, empowering podcasters, vocal performers, singers, and other use cases to achieve exceptional sound quality and captivating performances.

The AM350 features high-sensitivity capsules and durable metal housing, allowing detailed audio capture and enhanced robustness. The AM350 also offers ultra-low noise performance and includes a built-in pop filter, ensuring clear and clean audio capture. Its plug-and-play USB interface makes it accessible for users of all levels, providing a professional recording experience without the need for additional equipment.

NZXT, a leading provider of PC gaming hardware and accessories, today announces the Relay Audio Ecosystem, a collection of high-quality audio products for PC gamers that seamlessly provides gamers full control over their audio output and enhances their gaming experience with exceptional sound quality and comfort. The Relay Audio Ecosystem consists of four high-quality audio components, each meticulously crafted to enhance PC gaming immersion. The lineup includes the versatile SwitchMix, the high-fidelity Relay Headset, the powerful Relay Speakers, and the deep-toned Relay Subwoofer. With the SwitchMix, gamers can effortlessly alternate between any 3.5 mm headset and connected speaker audio source simply by placing or removing their headset on the included stand.

The Relay Headset, certified by the Japanese Audio Society for Hi-Res Audio, provides users with a realistic and natural-sounding audio experience that provides a clean audio signal with low distortion. It comes with audio-enhancing features such as DTS Headphone:X with genre-inspired presets,10-band EQ for customizing a user's sound experience, low-distortion 40 mm drivers to reduce ear fatigue, and a comfortable design. Rounding out the ecosystem, the Relay Speakers and Subwoofer boast 80 W stereo sound and a 140 W subwoofer, ensuring gamers are fully immersed in their virtual worlds.

Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd. today unveiled an addition to the Qualcomm S3 Gen 2 Sound platform portfolio. This newly enhanced solution is optimized for gaming. It combines Snapdragon Sound and LE Audio to deliver ultra-low latency of less than 20 ms for lag-free wireless audio with voice back-channel for in-game chat. When delivering game audio only, the latency is further reduced.

The solution will also support the latest LE Audio Auracast broadcast capabilities for dongles and adapters, which can transform devices such as TVs, phones, laptops, PCs, consoles and a wide range of other audio equipment into premium broadcast platforms. For music listening, 24-bit 96 kHz high-resolution Bluetooth streaming is supported using Snapdragon Sound and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive audio technology. Snapdragon Sound allows for premium music playback, so listeners can hear every detail of their music just as the artist intended it to be heard.

Logitech has announced the merging of its microphone and audio equipment brands - their G Gaming Twitter account posted about this decision yesterday, and directed customers to a question and answer session on the official subreddit: "Where do you get support? How will ASTRO, Blue and LFC integrate into Logitech G? Will there be new ASTRO products? Get your questions answered with our official FAQ." A brand manager has since confirmed (via a fan query) that the Blue brand is getting nixxed: "We will be keeping the Yeti brand and moving it under Logitech G. The Blue name will be used to describe our technologies." Logitech spent a cool $177 million when it acquired Blue Microphones back in mid-2018, so it is odd that the company has chosen to drop a very recognizable and popular brand name in the worlds of podcasting, streaming and audio recording.

News outlets have discovered that Blue has been removed from the brands section of Logitech's website, and the Bluemic.com domain now directs back to the parent company's main online presence(s). The Logitech G sub-page has been updated with listings of Yeti, Snowball and other microphone models. A brand manager also outlined ASTRO's future: "(it will) continue to live on as a premium console audio product series underneath the Logitech G brand. Stay tuned for more information regarding ASTRO including a launch that we think our community will be very excited about...We're (also) very excited about ASTRO as a product series under Logitech G."

Creative Technology today announced the release of the Sound Blaster Katana SE, the latest gaming soundbar to join the ranks of the well-established Katana series, which now allows users to effortlessly enjoy powerful audio without the heft. With its award-winning bi-amplified four-driver system and Creative's proprietary multi-core DSP, this latest soundbar can offer rich and powerful audio with excellent clarity and volume, even without the need for a subwoofer. Coupled with Super X-Fi technology, 5.1 virtual surround capabilities, and versatile connectivity options, the Sound Blaster Katana SE is the ideal soundbar for gamers, movie lovers, and music enthusiasts who want an elevated audio experience without compromising on space or audio quality.

The Sound Blaster Katana SE offers a seamless yet powerful audio solution for users looking to take their audio game up a notch. Fitted with 0.75" fabric dome tweeters that help to produce cleaner and more refined highs and upgraded dual up-firing 3" mid-bass drivers that deliver full-sounding bass, this latest soundbar surpasses expectations to deliver an impressive audio experience that belies its size. Like its predecessor, the Sound Blaster Katana SE is also a certified Dolby Audio decoder, which allows users to easily recreate the cinematic audio experience within the comfort of their own home.

Cleer Audio, an industry-leading headphone and smart speaker manufacturer, is pleased to announce its new Arc II Sport Smart Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds with a flexible earhook hinge design. Arc II Sport open-ear earbuds fit passively, without blocking out the sounds around you. They feature a unique earhook and hinge design with an improved shape and added flexibility to improve its fit and comfort.

With today's fast-paced society, it is beneficial to hear your surroundings. This is particularly true when it comes to activities such as running, cycling, long walks, or an intense gym session. The team at Cleer realized the benefits of hearing your surroundings during these activities, as it not only keeps you connected to the world around you, but also is safer.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the launch of their newest PC gaming speakers: The Nommo V2 line, designed on the three pillars of performance, immersion, and connectivity. The flagship Razer Nommo V2 Pro offers a fully-loaded, full-range speaker and wireless subwoofer combo that is amplified by THX Spatial Audio. This is complemented by captivating rear-projection Razer Chroma RGB lighting for added immersion. The line also includes the Razer Nommo V2 desktop speaker with a wired subwoofer, and the Razer Nommo V2 X for a powerful, minimalistic setup. for a powerful, minimalistic setup.

"Today we're redefining what gamers should expect from their desktop audio equipment," said Barrie Ooi, Head of Razer's PC Gaming Division. "The Nommo V2 line isn't just about listening—it's about fully experiencing and immersing oneself in the game. Whether you're tracking enemy footsteps in a first-person shooter or lost in the soundtrack of the latest RPG, these are the best PC gaming speakers to provide an incredibly engaging audio-visual experience."To ensure gamers experience the very best audio quality, the Nommo V2 Pro is the world's first desktop speaker system equipped with THX Spatial Audio, providing a wide, true-to-life soundstage. Also available for the first time in Razer's speaker line-up is THX Game Profiles, specially tuned EQs that deliver optimal surround sound for some of the most popular game titles, like Cyberpunk 2077 and Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, with many more to come.

Earbuds have become an indispensable part our lives. We are using wireless earbuds at different times of the day and for different things - for good noise-cancellation on the commute; as reliable microphones for meetings; and to deliver sweat-resistant, effective sound when working out. As Technics set out to design its next generation of true wireless headphones, an emphasis was put on creating earbuds that work well for all lifestyle needs, that remain comfortable to wear all day, and that avoid the need to switch between different headphones or sacrifice sound quality, comfort, or features.

The new EAH-AZ80 and EAH-AZ60M2 models allow you to freely enjoy impeccable sound quality and express your personal style. When designing the new earbuds, Technics used its expertise as the legendary audio brand to make the sound quality pure, focusing on every aspect of sound - driver, acoustic structure, mechanical structure, and digital signal processing - so you can hear every detail.

Beats today announces Beats Studio Buds +, an incredible addition to the Studio Buds lineup delivering balanced sound and enhanced features for both iOS and Android users. Now available in a gorgeous transparent look, Studio Buds + boast major improvements to Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency, call performance and battery life to deliver an exceptional true wireless experience. Beats Studio Buds + are available to order starting today in three stunning colors, Black/Gold, Ivory and Transparent, for $169.99 (US).

"As our fastest-selling product ever since its launch, Beats Studio Buds are beloved earphones for so many people around the world and we're thrilled to be taking them to the next level," said Oliver Schusser, Vice President of Beats and Apple Music. "With beautiful new colors to choose from and vast improvements to Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, call performance and battery life, Beats Studio Buds + deliver an unmatched combination of fashion and function for both iOS and Android consumers."

Amazon today introduced a new lineup of Echo products—the all-new Echo Pop, Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 5 Kids, and all-new Echo Buds—offering customers even more choice in how they access Alexa. In addition, Echo Auto is now available to customers in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

"Customers around the world love Alexa as their trusted, personal AI—they've now purchased well over half a billion Alexa-enabled devices, and use of Alexa increased 35 percent last year," said Rohit Prasad, senior vice president and head scientist for Alexa. "These new devices give customers more options and more utility at incredible value. And as with every Echo device we've shipped, they will only continue to get better as we add even more generative AI powered experiences for Alexa throughout the year."