Audio

Over the weekend, multiple users took to the Google forums to complain about changes to Google's white noise ambient sound file. According to the comments, the old file had been replaced by a new one, which had a harsher cutoff and took longer to loop, resulting in users being awakened or disturbed in the process. Furthermore, users reported that the new sound was muffled and harder to hear compared to the old one, so it didn't work as well. Users quickly took matters into their own hands, with one user even going so far as to create a one hour and 12 hour loop of the sound for others to play.

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Apple's AirPods are the most popular wireless earbuds on the market (via Apple). In fact, according to BusinessofApps, the company sold some 110 million in 2020 alone. One of the things that make AirPods so popular is the way they integrate with the rest of Apple's ecosystem -- extending it, and adding additional features. For example, Siri integration is much easier with AirPods, with the virtual assistant able to quickly respond to texts and phone calls.

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Sonos is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of wireless home speakers. As one of the trailblazers, the company has developed numerous patents regarding wireless speaker connectivity (as Google discovered in court recently). All of that research and development typically doesn't come cheap, however, and coupled with Sonos' desire to deliver high-quality sound, its speakers can cost a little more than the competition, including speakers from Google and others.

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Google and audio company Sonos have been in a long-standing legal battle over patent infringement. After two years of lawsuits and countersuits and a preliminary ruling in favor of Sonos last year, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) has fortified that Google did, indeed, use Sonos's patented audio streaming features and has issued an order that could potentially ban all Google products violating the patents from being imported into and sold in the US (via The New York Times).

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JBL has just expanded its range by adding three new speakers: The JBL Pulse 5, JBL Boombox 3, and the JBL PartyBox Encore Essential. Each of these three portable speakers looks entirely different and brings something new to the table. Starting with the vibrant Pulse 5 that provides its users with a fun light show, and ending with the large camo Boombox, there's a lot to feel hyped about in 2022 for the fans of the brand.

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There is a huge market for tech dedicated to helping you sleep better. There is no dearth of products like smart beds (like Sleep Number) or smart mattresses (like the 3D Matrix from Ghost SmartBed), but audio is undoubtedly one of the hottest areas for products to help you sleep better. While many major audio brands including Bose offer devices that aid to better sleep, certain others are wholeheartedly dedicating themselves to ensuring good nights.

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Apple made headlines in mid-2021 when it announced its Apple Music service would offer lossless audio in June of that year. The audio upgrade would be available to users at no extra cost, but some users didn't fully understand the benefit of lossless audio, especially after years of digital music that sounded perfectly acceptable.

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It's really amazing how far Bluetooth earphones have come in so short a time, in no small part thanks to Apple. The iPhone maker's push to banish headphone jacks from mobile devices pushed wireless audio technology to quickly evolve in just a span of four years or so. As iconic as they may be, the AirPods don't actually support the best audio technologies that Apple has to offer. The next-gen AirPods Pro, however, could nab one Holy Grail of music streaming, but Apple will have to first overcome significant hurdles to make that happen.

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JLab has introduced a new pair of true wireless earbuds called the Go Air Tones that have two very unique defining features: they're incredibly inexpensive and they're designed to blend in with (more or less) your skin. The design choice is far different than the typical earbuds we see, ones that often sport flashy and/or shiny elements that make them readily apparent to others nearby.

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Danish company Jabra has introduced a new pair of sports earbuds designed without the wing tips common to this particular wearables genre, giving consumers who live an active lifestyle a more minimalist audio option. The Jabra Elite 4 Active true wireless earbuds pack a number of features at a relatively low price point, including active noise cancellation (ANC).

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Wireless earbuds have exploded in popularity over the past few years, with Apple's AirPods leading the way. Yes, both the AirPods and AirPods Pro are bestsellers, but they are not the only wireless Bluetooth earbuds on the market. Ditching the AirPods doesn't mean you have to compromise. There are plenty of competing earbuds that offer everything you want for cord-free sound on the go. Choose wisely and you can get outstanding audio, stellar battery life, and a comfortable fit. Simplify your shopping with our compilation of the best wireless earbuds that rival Apple's flagship AirPods Pro. 

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SiriusXM, the company best known for its satellite radio service, has announced a new Apple Music promotion. With this deal, customers who sign up for SiriusXM's Platinum VIP plan are given a year of Apple Music access for free on top of the plan's existing features, including satellite radio service in two vehicles and two logins for the company's SXM App.

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