Renders and basic specifications for Sony's rumored WF-1000XM4 successor were leaked earlier this month, with some sources theorizing that Sony would be unveiling the next-generation TWS earbuds within days. An official announcement did not come to pass, but details and a (top-down view) photo of the WF-1000XM5's charging case have emerged from an independent testing database—the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). Tipsters reckon that the WF-1000XM5 buds will be smaller and lighter than predecessors—perhaps closer in size to Sony's cheaper TWS offering, the WF-C700N—and leaked specifications indicate that the new model is not a massive departure from the XM4, although multi-point connectivity looks to be standard at launch.

The WPC's online certification page lists model number YY2963, which is identical to an FCC registration from February. The June 9th entry states that it is a "wireless stereo headset," with a carry/charging case classed as a "Power Class 0 Receiver" offering 2 W maximum input. A low quality photo of this earbud cradle is included on the WPC web page—Sony's new unit looks almost identical to the WF-1000XM4 enclosure. Qi wireless charging is very likely part of the package, but the next-gen solution might not be much of an upgrade. Insiders have reassessed the situation, and now propose that Sony is planning on a July or August reveal for the the 1000XM5.

Leaked information suggests that Sony will be announcing its brand new WF-1000XM5 later this week - but an imminent official unveiling has been preempted by renders of these next-generation TWS earbuds appearing online, as well as basic specification details scraped from retail sources. WinFuture.de has published preview product images showing a standard black model as well as a silver set - both units seem to sport a nice mixture of gloss and matte finishes. The Walkman Blog has acquired a very low quality shot of the black variant's buds floating outside of their charging cradle.

The Walkman Blog's Ascariss has managed to glean some WF-1000XM5 info: "The specifications are rather general and nothing specific, pretty much identical to the current model (XM4). The battery life seems to be the same - (if accurate) this would be unfortunate. The table does provide the weight of the earbuds and case, which is 5.9 grams per earbud and 39 grams for the case. This makes the WF-1000XM5 case 2 grams lighter, and each earbud 1.4 grams lighter compared to the WF-1000X4. Apart from that, the table confirms multi-point support." He also proposes that the upcoming earbuds are smaller than the preceding model - with dimensions closer to Sony's recently launched WF-C700N. Ascariss finds this cheaper set much more comfortable for long listening sessions, and easier to fit when compared to the flagship WF-1000X4.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today raised the bar in wireless audio with the ferocious Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed. These cutting-edge earbuds offer unparalleled ultra-low latency audio freedom and versatility across multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, smartphones, and handhelds like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. With game-changing features such as adjustable active noise cancellation, a fast wireless charging case, and customizable Razer Chroma RGB lighting, the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed takes audio freedom to new heights.

"Razer is committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in gaming. With the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed, we're not just offering gamers another pair of wireless earbuds, we're answering a call for precision, performance, and cross-platform versatility that's been long echoed in the gaming community," said Alvin Cheung, Senior Vice President of Razer's Hardware Business Unit. "Razer's industry-leading technology and deep understanding of gamers' needs are the driving force behind this innovative solution. It's about enabling gamers to experience their favorite games in a whole new light, with audio quality so immersive and real-time it turns every play session into a truly epic encounter."

HyperX hopes to repeat the brand-defining success of its lightweight Cloud family of gaming headsets in the true-wireless (TWS) space, with the Cirro Buds Pro TWS. These are targeted at the entire spectrum of gamers playing on the move, be it on handhelds such as the Steamdeck or ROG Ally, or a gaming notebook. It uses Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and can offer up to 35 hours of listening on a full charge (that's 7 hours for the earbuds, plus 28 hours from the case), when tested at 50% volume. The headphones feature Game Mode, a feature that drops audio playback latency to as low as 90 ms over the Bluetooth link layer. The earphones also feature active noise cancellation, since each of the earbud has a mic, and can sample ambient noise. The Cirro Buds Pro TWS comes in a number of color options, including gray, black, and blue.

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.

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."

ASUS today announced that TWS, Taiwan's leading AI company, showcased its Formosa Foundation Model at AIHPCcon Taiwan AI Supercomputing Conference. The TWS Formosa Foundation Model is powered by the Taiwania 2 supercomputer and boasts an impressive scale of 176 billion parameters. The theme of this year's annual technology event, held on May 17th, was AI 2.0, Supercomputing, and the New Ecosystem. Numerous startups and AI 2.0 partners were invited to showcase their AI intelligence applications.

The Formosa Foundation Model combines the ability to comprehend and generate text with traditional Chinese semantics, offering enterprise-level generative AI solutions through a novel business model. These solutions provide flexibility, security, and rapid optimization tailored to industry applications while leveraging ecosystem partnerships, creating trusted AI 2.0 opportunities, and driving AI intelligence application innovation to capture the trends and opportunities in AI digital business.

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.

One of the biggest issues with TWS and any other kind of wireless headphones for that matter, is limited support for various audio codecs, where many rely on the not so great SBC codec or AAC, simply because these are two codes that are supported by most of the devices that the headphones would be connected to. When it comes to smartphones, Qualcomm is by far the biggest chipset provider and as it happens, Qualcomm is also the owner of the various aptX audio codecs that many headphones support. Up until very recently, the phone makers had to pay a royalty fee to include support for the aptX codecs even if they used Qualcomm's chips in their phones and thus some companies—Samsung for example—decided not to include support for aptX.

Now it has come to light that just like Sony with its LDAC codec, Qualcomm has decided to add support for aptX to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), which means all Android devices can support aptX as well as aptX HD without paying any royalty fees. However, more advanced versions of aptX, such as aptX Adaptive and the rarely used low latency version of aptX are not included. That said, headphone makers will still have to pay a royalty fee to Qualcomm, although there doesn't appear to be any headphones on the market that support aptX that aren't based on a Qualcomm or one of the older CSR chipsets from the time before Qualcomm acquired them. On the other hand, Sony's LDAC codec is used by a wide range of headphones, of which none rely on a Sony chipset. Regardless, this should be good news for consumers, who will be the ones reaping the benefits from this change in the long term.

ASUS today announced that Taiwan Web Services (TWS) has launched its AI 2.0 Foundation Model Consulting Services — a one-stop solution that integrates infrastructure, development environment, and professional technical team services for the development of next-generation AI. TWS is the first company in Taiwan to integrate a BLOOM (BigScience Large Open-science Open-access Multilingual Language Model) into a supercomputer.

Despite the recent rapid development of large language models (LLM) and generative AI, it is still tough for an enterprise to conduct an LLM project by itself. That is why using the TWS one-stop AI 2.0 Foundation Model Consulting Services is so powerful — it dramatically reduces the barriers to entry and allows enterprises to concentrate more on research and development projects.

Using the new TWS service, enterprises can immediately start building their own generative AI applications while simultaneously reducing their hardware equipment and human capital costs, as well as lowering development risk and time to completion.

The audio world has been anticipating this moment, and now the wait is over. Japanese audio specialists final have announced the launch of their new flagship ZE8000 true wireless earphones. final are not known to rush, and the ZE8000 is a culmination of their innovation, R&D, creativity and engineering capabilities that have been refined and explored over the years. The final ZE8000 will be available to buy on 23rd February 2023 in the UK, EU & US for (£299/€329/$349) from selected retailers online and in store including Amazon, Selfridges (UK), Harrods (UK) and Audio46 (US).

Previously known as final Audio, final are considered one of the most respected brands when it comes to high-end audio, with an extensive history within the audio world starting in Japan and going back as far as 1974, where they first developed their own turntable cartridge; with later releases of original products such as amplifiers and speakers. Since 2009, final has turned their attention to the world of portable audio, and their most recent flagship releases have influenced the creation and development of the ZE8000. In 2017, final released their D8000 flagship headphone which incorporated their very own planar magnetic technology (AFDS); developed in-house by final engineers. Later in 2019, the A8000 flagship wired earphone was released, utilizing final's truly pure Beryllium diaphragm driver; again designed and developed in-house. These discoveries have allowed final to foresee the untapped potential of wireless portable audio, and apply their years of development and engineering prowess into creating the flagship ZE8000 true wireless earphones; proudly included within their 8000 series lineup.

Majority, the consumer electronics brand known for its innovative products, is today proud to announce the launch of its latest offering, the Tru Bio True Wireless Earbuds. Designed with both the environment and audio quality in mind, the Tru Bio delivers exceptional sound and a sustainable design. Available in three funky pastel colours, the Majority Tru Bio Earbuds are available for £34.95 from Amazon and the Majority website.

It's no secret that Majority care about the environment and it is now creating products to help the company reach its goal of being the first carbon-neutral audio brand. Thanks to the eco-biodegradable earbuds and charging case, plus 13 mm bio-cellulose speaker drivers, made from certified compostable plastic, the Tru Bio earbuds are just that. A product to enjoy, be used and eventually recycled without affecting the environment.

An entirely new TWS earbud flagship that combines an industry-first LE Audio technology, the latest Qualcomm chip, Bluetooth 5.3, and low-latency aptX certification in an all-new elegant metallic texture body. Award-winning wireless audio company EarFun will launch their upcoming TWS earbud flagship, the Air Pro 3, making it the world's first ANC wireless earbuds to debut highly-efficient LE-Audio Bluetooth architecture. The Air Pro 3's combination of features, design, and specs puts premium audio and the latest advances in Bluetooth technology into the hands of everyday people who want to focus on their work and elevate their daily soundtrack.

Incredible Sound, Quietly
Adopting next-generation Bluetooth technology, the Air Pro 3 features LE Audio with the new audio codec LC3. This delivers an impressively-low power consumption, but with a significant improvement in sound quality over the common SBC codec during low-battery states. In fact, the bass response becomes guttural, powerful. The sound overall is simply superior. Paired with the QuietSmart 2.0 Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation system, the Air Pro 3 silences the outside world up to 43dB. In addition, the sound of wind shear is subdued with an Anti-Wind Noise algorithm that works every millisecond.

At the 2023 International CES, Cleer Audio unveiled its the latest version of its pioneering open-ear design headphones, the Arc II. These true-wireless (TWS) earphones are characterized by their open-ear design with flexible hinges. The design allows for a more secure grip around your hear, and enables the use of larger drivers. The Arc II gets 16.2 mm graphene diaphragm drivers for deeper lows. The hinge is utilized to add larger batteries, and on a full charge, the Arc II offers up to 8 hours of playback on their own, and up to 27 hours added by the charge-case. The IPX4 water- and sweat-resistant earphones come with touch-based controls for playback and volume; and can be configured via an iOS or Android app. Body colo options include light gray and black.

Altec Lansing adds a new series to their growing line of true wireless (TWS) earphones with the addition of three brand new models announced today at CES 2023. The HydraBuds, HydraBuds Sport, and HydraBuds ANC will make up the new Altec Lansing HydraBud series, a new line of TWS earphones. The all-new HydraBuds are compact, waterproof and affordable earphones that come in a range of colors. Each model in the HydraBud Series comes with Altec Lansing Helix Wings to keep the earbuds securely in your ears. Each model comes with a charging case that provides 3 extra charges.

"True wireless earphones have become a staple today as we see the market moving away from wired headphones and earphones for something more compact and convenient," said Joe Campos, VP Sales and Marketing at Altec Lansing. "We strive to create products that anticipate demand by our consumers. By providing options, they can pick an earphone that best fits not only their needs, but also their price point."

JBL strikes again with the expansion of its new JBL Quantum Series headsets. After the success of its first true wireless gaming headset, the JBL Quantum TWS, JBL is launching the next installment in the series, the JBL Quantum TWS Air. Whether it's gaming from the couch or on the next road trip, these earbuds provide impeccable sound quality and 8 hours of total playtime, ensuring seamless communication no matter the environment.

Also joining the new JBL Quantum Series line-up are headsets specifically designed for XBOX and PlayStation consoles. The JBL Quantum 100X/P, 360X/P and 910X/P, where X versions are compatible with XBOX and P versions with PlayStation, enable gamers to have a headset for their preferred set up. Every gamer has a preference, but JBL is the only gaming headset manufacturer to offer players wireless spatial audio virtualization with head tracking specific to console - the JBL Quantum 910X/P provide consumers with JBL's QuantumSPATIAL 360 immersive audio with head tracking for spot on accuracy. The 360X/P and the 910X/P are equipped with JBL's DualSOURCE, ensuring you never miss a call even in the heat of the battle.

Equipped with the highest waterproof rating possible, the newest true wireless addition to the Endurance series, the JBL Endurance Peak 3, boasts an IP68 rugged wave-, water- and dustproof rating, establishing them as the perfect earbuds for any type of workout. Whether it's on land or in the water, there's no need to worry about these headphones, as they endure in both fresh and salt water for 30 minutes of active use.

Leading in durability, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 offers 50 hours (10 h + 40 h) of total battery life on one charge. Additionally, with JBL's PowerHook design with TwistLock technology for a secure, comfortable fit and Ambient Aware with TalkThru, users won't need (or want!) to take these earbuds out. The Ambient Aware enables fitness enthusiasts to be immersed in their music, while hearing sounds around them. With TalkThru, sound is lowered and speech is amplified with a touch of an earbud, making it easy to chat.

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."

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.

Cleer Audio, an industry-leading headphone and smart speaker manufacturer, is pleased to announce its next generation of Open Ear True Wireless Earbuds, the ARC II. ARC II's flexible hinge design ensures a passive listening experience with maximum comfort. These open-ear earbuds do not cover the ear canal, instead they channel audio directly into your ears. This unique no-pinch, comfortable design allows you to maintain spatial awareness and still enjoy your audio. Meaning you can stay safe while keeping aware of your surroundings while listening to your favorite podcast or music.

The open ear design provides a safe way to experience music outdoors. It is suitable for all day wear and use with its lightweight design, comfort fit and feel, and up to 35-hrs of on-the-go playback, 8-hrs of playback per charge and 27-hrs of additional charge in the charging case.

Hot on the heels of releasing Trifecta - Campfire Audio's most ambitious wired IEM to date - the team has now decided to turn their attention to the world of wireless. Introducing Orbit, Campfire Audio's first ever true wireless earphone. Orbit is the culmination of years of meticulous design and engineering, resulting in a true wireless like no other. Every part of the process has been approached with passion and creativity to produce something unique - in typical Campfire Audio fashion. From December 7th, Orbit will be available to buy for $249/£249 from campfireaudio.com, Amazon and selected retailers worldwide.

Campfire Audio are masters of their craft, known in the high-end audio space for their bombastic designs, eye-catching artwork and most importantly - sound quality that transports you to another dimension. Orbit brings Campfire Audio's experience and love for what they do to the true wireless market - a fresh and well needed arrival. This is a completely new design for Campfire Audio, with Orbit's two-tone housings shaped in a way that makes them extremely comfortable. The design is also robust, with a stainless-steel sound nozzle and grille. This not only looks impressive; this adds to the solid feel of these earbuds. The touch controls are easy to use, and taking calls is equally impressive due to the built-in high-quality microphone.

TSMC today announced that in addition to TSMC Arizona's first fab, which is scheduled to begin production of N4 process technology in 2024, TSMC has also started the construction of a second fab which is scheduled to begin production of 3 nm process technology in 2026. The overall investment for these two fabs will be approximately US$40 billion, representing the largest foreign direct investment in Arizona history and one of the largest foreign direct investments in the history of the United States.

In addition to the over 10,000 construction workers who helped with construction of the site, TSMC Arizona's two fabs are expected to create an additional 10,000 high-paying high-tech jobs, including 4,500 direct TSMC jobs. When complete, TSMC Arizona's two fabs will manufacture over 600,000 wafers per year, with estimated end-product value of more than US $40 billion.

Moondrop Alice is a newly-developed ground-breaking TWS set of earphones that optimizes the driver performance, SoC output, and DSP filter adjustment to ensure the highest-quality audio performance possible from a TWS earphone. Moondrop is referring it as their flagship pair of wireless TWS earphones that are designed to deliver a true flagship-grade audio performance. Alice adopts a ULT super linear dynamic driver with a third-generation diamond-like composite diaphragm coil. The pair has been tuned based on Moondrop's famous "VDSF" Target response. It has 10 different tuning profiles, professional parametric equalizer settings, and many more advanced features for a flagship-like premium experience with the set. Moondrop Alice is launched officially for $189.99, you can check out more information on our store page here.

Moondrop has equipped Alice with Qualcomm's latest QCC5151 Bluetooth chipset. It brings high-res aptX Adaptive high-bitrate wireless transmission protocol. This brings the latest Bluetooth connectivity with a stable, lag-free connection to the source devices. QCC5151 also supports built-in DSP profiles for easy tuning profiles for the users. ALICE is designed using the same ULT (Ultra-Linear)Dynamic Driver unit that they have previously featured on their flagship Kato IEMs. It's a custom-designed dynamic driver with efficient internal and external magnetic circuits, a more linear airflow structure, a large internal acoustic cavity, a high-frequency phase waveguide system, and an ultra-fine imported CCAW Voice coil. This driver uses a high-quality DLC (diamond-like carbon) composite diaphragm for unmatched sound performance.

Today Nothing introduced its most advanced audio experience to date, Ear (stick). Featuring up to 29 hours playtime, a 12.6 mm custom driver, and a comfortable half-in ear design, Nothing Ear (stick) delivers powerfully authentic sound with a featherlight feel, for just $99 USD / $149 CAD. "As we're about to cross one million products sold worldwide, I can't wait for people to get their hands on our third product, Ear (stick). It balances comfort while delivering our most advanced sound experience to date. The case is inspired by lipstick silhouettes and features a unique, yet functional, twist opening," said Carl Pei, CEO and Co-founder of Nothing.

A supremely comfortable half in-ear design, Ear (stick) offers users a new choice in the Nothing audio ecosystem, delivered in a unique, compact cylindrical case inspired by cosmetic silhouettes. The earbuds sit less intrusively in the ear canal for a naturally comfortable fit. Ergonomically shaped and tested on over 100 people, Nothing Ear (stick) feels weightless at just 4.4 g per earbud, for effortless all-day wear.