Podcasts are popular again and it seems a new one appears every week covering a particular topic or hobby. NASA counts itself among them, revealing the launch of a new podcast called The Invisible Network. The space agency describes this as a limited edition podcast, one that already features six episodes available to download through popular platforms.
Apple has announced a collaboration between Beats by Dre and Disney to launch a new pair of headphones featuring classic Mickey Mouse artwork. The limited edition Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones celebrate Mickey Mouse's 90th anniversary, bringing the original look of the character alongside the model's various features.
JLab Audio has introduced a new pair of flexible Bluetooth headphones designed specifically for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Despite their large appearance, the new Flex Sport have a design that's suitable for the gym, for outdoor running, or for anywhere someone is active. Among other things, the Flex Sport features removable, washable earpads and Be Aware audio technology.
A lot of the advancements in smartphone technology, from multiple cameras to high-end audio output, have been made with the physically capable masses in mind. Accessibility is present but sometimes more like something tacked on. Worse, some even lock users into a specific platform or device, either by intention or by accident, leaving those with handicaps even more, well, handicapped. Hearing aid maker has had enough, waiting for platform and device makers to get their acts together. With the new Marvel line of hearing aids and its first member, the Audéo M, it is taking matters into its own hands to deliver "love at first sound", no matter what smartphone you're using.
There's word today from South Korean parts manufacturers that Samsung is considering removing a feature from their next wave of smartphones. Where many smartphone manufacturers moved to remove their smartphone headphone jacks over the past couple of years, Samsung's remained steadfast in their dedication to this essential piece of hardware. With today's report, it would seem that they've reached a point at which the positives outweigh the negatives.
This morning I was about to get up-in-arms about the lack of a headphone jack on the new Google Pixel Slate. Then I saw what they'd done instead. Lots of devices that've abandoned the headphone jack were released over the past couple of years with no reasonable wired alternative. Google, instead of doing what everyone else did, came to the table with USB-C x2.
Audio company Marshall has announced the launch of Minor II Bluetooth, a wireless set of earbuds offering 12 hours of playback alongside an in-ear design. This model follows the original Minor earbuds, which were launched back in 2011. The updated version includes wireless support and an integrated microphone.
Bang & Olufsen has introduced its new David Lynch speaker collection, a lineup of B&O speakers featuring art from the creator. The newly unveiled collection include images from the War Between the Shapes series, says B&O, as well as from the Paris Suite lithographs and paper works by Lynch from the 1970s. This isn't the company's first collaboration with the artist.
It's been a little while since we last heard from Devialet's Phantom line of speakers, but today it's getting a rather exciting expansion. Today, Devialet announced the Phantom Reactor series, which is comprised of two speakers at lower price points than the products in the mainline Phantom series. A new, lower price point is exciting enough for a company that has made a name for itself selling expensive speakers, but perhaps even more noteworthy is the smaller size of the Phantom Reactor speakers.
Sony showed up to the Rocky Mountain International Audio Fest with a number of high-end audio products in tow. The new hardware and accessories include a two sets of in-ear monitors, a pair of over-the-ear headphones, and new top-of-the-line earbuds and a digital music player. Regardless of which product catches your eye, you're going to be paying a significant amount of money to take them home.
Today Microsoft revealed the Surface Headphones. They look simple, but they're very powerful. They've got beam-forming mics, they've got noise cancellation, they've got a whole lot of interesting bits and pieces - including Cortana. These headphones are the missing piece of the puzzle for the creative user - or at least that's what Microsoft is suggesting today.
While we expected the most of the hardware Microsoft announced today, the company still had a couple of surprises up its sleeve. The first was a follow-up to the Surface Studio, but the second was even more unexpected. As it turns out, Microsoft is making a pair of headphones. These aren't just any headphones, however; they're smart headphones.