Bluetooth

Streaming is pretty much the de facto delivery and consumption method for digital content these days. So much so that getting access to offline content is ironically now a paid subscription feature rather than the default. But there will always be times when an Internet connection isn't available or isn't good enough for quality audio, let alone video streaming. And there are also times when you'd rather not bring your phone with you to increase its chances of survival. For both those cases, the Mighty Vibe, a.k.a. the Spotify iPod Shuffle, might be your cup of tea.

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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.

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Google has just fully revealed the Pixel Slate, its return to tablets and its formal answer to the continuing onslaught of iPad Pros and Surfaces. While it does represent a new stage in Chrome OS history, it might also have disappointed some Pixelbook fans who would have preferred a more traditional laptop experience. For those that do, popular Bluetooth keyboard maker Brydge may have a solution for you. If you’re willing to make a few concessions.

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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.

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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.

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For all our powerful smartphones and intelligent assistants, we still can't stop losing things. Never mind having things stolen, we just sometimes forget where we left our prized possessions, be it at home or, worse, at a public place. That's where Tile's Bluetooth trackers come in to clue you in on that "lost" remote. Even better, they can now live on forever thanks to replaceable batteries and a subscription service that will provide those free of charge. Aside from the subscription fee, of course.

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Today, Jaybird announced a new set of wireless earbuds aimed squarely at fitness enthusiasts and athletes. Dubbed the Jaybird Tarah Wireless Sport Headphones, these earbuds are connected by a cable that wraps around the back of the neck and feature an inline mic and playback controls. Jaybird hopes these will tempt over the fitness-focused holdouts that are still using wired earbuds as they workout.

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SteelSeries has updated its Arctis 3 gaming headset, which includes wired and Bluetooth connectivity, to include new audio and comfort enhancements. The headset is particularly suitable for use with the Nintendo Switch, enabling owners to connect the headset to the console using the wired connection and to the Nintendo Switch Online app using the Bluetooth connection.

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Today, Samsung announced a new line up of wireless headphones from its AKG brand. There are three different pairs of headphones in this new line, covering the entire range of over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear designs. As Samsung's flagship phones are some of the few to still offer a headphone jack, you may not necessarily need the wireless capabilities of these headphones, but they could be worth a look nonetheless thanks to some of the features they bring to the table.

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Truly wireless earbuds took a while to get here but now we're seeing options at just about every price point, with Master & Dynamic bringing a new option for audiophiles who hate cables. The new Master & Dynamic MW07 True Wireless Earphones combine the headphone-maker's Beryllium drivers with some eye-catching design for a handsome AirPods alternative.

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Smart assistants are great for hands-free voice control but they have their limits in different situations. Someone’s calling but can’t whip out your phone? Good luck knowing that even if you have a Bluetooth headset on. How about knowing the time when your watch isn’t available? Yeah, no dice. Sony, however, is trying to buck that trend with the latest update to its Xperia Ear Duo, making the smart earbuds really smart, whether you’re on Android or iOS.

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With aptX Adaptive, Qualcomm just gave the otherwise semi-stagnant technology of Bluetooth audio a kick in the pants. Standard Bluetooth audio is encoded at one size, and delivered to speaker devices in the same manner, regardless of the application or situation. With aptX Adaptive, the device sending the sound can encode sound information in a bunch of different sizes, dependent on the environment and sonic requirements of the user.

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