audio

Spotify has begun showing its free-tier users sponsored songs, something presented as part of a test that may see a wider rollout in the future. The sponsored songs are showing up for some users in both the mobile app and on desktop, showing up within existing playlists. The songs are opt-out, meaning users will see them unless they specifically choose not to. How widely the sponsored songs are being distributed isn't clear.

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We've seen official soundtracks launch on records, which isn't too unusual considering the currently popularity of the medium. Less popular but perhaps making a comeback are cassette tapes. If you're one of the few people still fond of popping a cassette into your tape player, good news: the Stranger Things soundtrack will soon be available to purchase on tape from Urban Outfitters.

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Apple is not one known for playing ball with others if it can get away with it. This is true for its proprietary connections prior to USB-C and Thunderbolt 3, but is still and especially true for its media formats. So when you hear Apple suddenly supporting the competing, not to mention open, FLAC lossless audio format in iOS 11, you’d be forgiven for raising an eyebrow and wondering if something is amiss.

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Master & Dynamic has launched a new limited edition version of its MW60 wireless headphones. According to the product listing, this special edition model was made in partnership with Bamford Watch Department, a watch personalization company. The new edition of the MW60 headphones features new aqua saffiano leather and lambskin ear pad accents, giving it a cool, high-contrast design.

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Most consumers are probably content with the audio output of their smartphones when listening to streamed music. Audiophiles, however, won't settle for anything less and are often willing to pay the price for quality listening experience. They will definitely have to pay that price if they opt to get the new and oddly-named A&ultima SP1000 from Astell&Kern, because they will be paying nearly five times as much as an LG G6 that boasts of 32-bit Quad DAC and other premium audio features.

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Zipbuds has launched a new pair of earbuds, the '26.' These earbuds are wireless and designed for sports enthusiasts -- those who will be out jogging, working out, and more. The Zipbuds 26 boast a bunch of features, including a waterproof design that can handle being exposed to water, rain, sweat or other liquid nuisances. Among other things, this model promises to give wearers 15 hours of run time per charge, meaning you can charge once and then get through a full day with power to spare.

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Back during CES, 808 Audio introduced a bunch of new speakers boasting features like strong bass and a rugged design. We recently got our hands on one these speakers, the CANZ Glo. Unlike the models intended for use in harsh environments, the CANZ Glo are designed for your portable partying needs. This small cylindrical speaker features an outer metal grille and an inter white plastic that, when activated, glows various bright colors with different rhythms and speeds.

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Polk Audio has introduced its new MagniFi MAX SR, a sound bar designed specifically for use in home entertainment setups. This sound bar and related audio system brings 5.1 surround sound to consumers, as well as integration with Google Home for voice-based and hands-free control. Polk Audio boasts a bunch of different features for its new audio product including Voice Audio Adjust, which enable users to adjust the voice levels for maximum dialogue clarity.

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Sennheiser has unveiled an upcoming rendition of its HD 1 headphones, the collectible 'Dark Side of the Moon' special edition. This model will be released in commemoration of the band and in time for the "The Pink Floyd Exhibition: 'Their Mortal Remains.'" The exhibition went live on Saturday, while the headphones themselves will be arriving for fans to purchase starting the end of next month. Preorders, however, are open now.

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MP3 is the file format that changed the whole world beyond the music industry. It eventually affected the entire entertainment industry, gave Apple a new mandate when PCs were conquering the computing world, and made digital the media to beat. But now its creators are saying that it is dead. That, however, is really only a technicality and a legality because MP3s will undoubtedly live one for years to come, even when better alternatives are around.

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Blue Microphones has launched its new Blue Satellite headphones, a pair of wireless cans that feature an integrated audio amp and activate noise cancellation. The headphones are designed to provide a high-end audio experience despite their wireless nature, and this is largely made possible thanks to that built-in audio amp. Blue says the amp 'brings out new detail in your music,' complementing the model's 44mm drivers.

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Beyerdynamic has introduced a new version of its Xelento earbuds, the Xelento wireless. This model, as the name suggests, features Bluetooth for wireless use with a smartphone or other device. The company says its new model offers high-end sound despite the Bluetooth transmission, making them suitable for the discerning audio connoisseur. Along with the high-end wireless audio comes an attractive design (and expensive) design.

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