Fender has launched its first ever Bluetooth-streaming speakers, the company has announced, both of them modeled after the company's classic amp designs. The Fender Monterey and Newport speakers are modeled after the company's '68 Custom amplifiers, according to Fender, all the way down to little details like the control knobs and amp jewel. Less retro, though, is the inclusion of wireless Bluetooth streaming.
Vinyl is big right now and we're seeing all sorts of things arrive on the medium as a result. One of the latest is the original game soundtrack for Contra, which will be available at the San Diego Comic-Con soon. The vinyl release will include special new artwork and a bright gradient color on the top; joining it will be a fancy new Contra artwork poster, itself also sold at SDCC.
Last month, a new radio station on Google Play Music called 'New Release Radio' arrived for Samsung's latest flagship smartphones. It was a Samsung exclusive, apparently, but that exclusivity didn't last long. The feature was at first available to some non-S8 owners via a couple tweaks, and now it is officially available for all Google Play Music users. What does it have to offer? Everything you want to hear.
Fox Home Entertainment plans to create special vinyl versions of five of its movies, all of them notable and including things like 'Deadpool' and 'Logan.' These vinyl releases will feature fancy cover art, but there's a big catch: you can only buy one if you go to Comic-Con, since they'll only be available to purchase through Fox's Fanfare booth.
Some Spotify users report seeing a new automotive-centric feature that changes the app's interface after tapping a car-shaped icon. The driving mode, as it is currently being called, offers a simplistic interface on the Android app that includes basic swiping motions to sort through music, a large microphone icon for using voice commands, and large arrow buttons for skipping songs.
When it comes to headphones, nothing can beat the compactness and portability of ear buds. Most larger over-ear and on-ear models at least try to take up less space when not on your head with a folding hinge on each side. Now there's a pair of premium headphones that tries to go a step further: the Luzli Roller MK01 features a design similar to a link-style metal watchband, allowing it to literally roll up into a smaller size.
There has been a great deal of attention and emphasis lavished on visual technologies, from high-resolution displays to HDR to virtual reality. But while we may be primarily visual creatures, it's almost too easy to take for granted how audio can also make or break an immersive multimedia experience. And yes, that includes even the videos you stream on your phone. Realizing how it might be missing out on that aspect, Netflix has proudly flicked the switch to gradually add Dolby Atmos support for some of its videos, starting with the unusual but endearing tale of a girl and her "friend" in Okja.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
