Latest news with #BluetoothLE
Hypebeast
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Hercules' DJControl Mix Ultra is a Mobile DJ Controller for ... Mobiles
In 2025, there isn't much you can't be or do if you wanted to (thanks, technology) – and if becoming aDJ's been on your list, it's never been easier. Enter the Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra: a truly compact mobileDJ controllerthat's made for, well, mobiles. Designed to work seamlessly with smartphones and small tablets, it's the latest addition to Hercules' lineup – and it delivers a ton of features at an accessible price. Weighing in at just 1.9-pounds and measuring 12.4-inches by 6.9-inches, the Mix Ultra is a super portable and lightweight DJ controller that slips easily into most standard backpacks. It's powered by a 1,000 mAh rechargeable battery that can deliver up to 10 hours of use on a single charge, and can recharge to full in one hour. The2025 CES Innovation Award-winning device connects to your phone over Bluetooth LE – the 'low energy' version of Bluetooth that maintains connectivity without using too much power – allowing users to enjoy a cable-free session for longer. It uses your phone as its audio source, letting you load up tracks you have saved on your device or play from popular streaming platforms, and comes with a splitter cable in the box that lets you connect both headphones and speakers to it – splitting the audio channels this way allows you to hear what you're mixing (in your headphones) separately to the master output (from the speakers), although its worth noting that it achieves this by creating two mono tracks. For beginners and hobbyists, at who the Mix Ultra is aimed at, this shouldn't be a big issue, and it's safe to say Hercules isn't trying to target more experienced DJs – or audio purists – with its latest product. The Mix Ultra features eight effects pads that allows users to hot cue, creates loops, play audio 'FX' among other things. One of these pads, 'Neural Mix', lets you isolate a track's stems (its individual elements, like the vocals or bassline) to use these in your own mixes, opening up a world of creativity when it comes to DJ'ing. Another pad provides pitch control, and there's even a sampler pad that allows you to add your own samples, but also comes ready with a few included for you to use. The controller has a tri-band EQ for the low, mid and high frequencies – the same kind of EQ you'd find on most basic DJ mixers – with rubber knobs that turn smoothly. And, for transport, it includes an easily removable protective travel cover that doubles-up as a phone holder once removed: you simply place the Mix Ultra on top of it, like a tray, and a handy slot for your phone takes form toward the rear. It's compatible with both iOS and Android devices and there is a companion app, 'djay', for both platforms – it's free and you can download it on theApple App StoreandGoogle Play Store. While the Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra is a far cry from the industry standard ($3,000 to 4,000 USD) controllers you'll find in clubs worldwide, it's also a fraction of the price. It packs several features that make it ideal for those just starting to explore the hobby, and fun enough for more experienced DJs who just want to play around with some beats. The Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra is available nowvia Herculespriced at £149.99 GBP / $219.99 USD.
Tom's Guide
14-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
LG TVs have one of the most useful features of 2025 — and no one's talking about it
When we write about hot new features for the best TVs, we usually discuss visual improvements. It makes total sense considering TVs display a visual medium. But in 2025, while everyone's attention is focused on how bright TVs are getting, I'm excited about a completely different functionality — and an audio-based feature which is barely being mentioned. It's called Auracast, and right now, it's available across several models LG's 2025 TV lineup, including all of the brand's OLED TVs. So why am I so excited about Auracast's inclusion in LG TVs, and what exactly could it mean for the future of TV audio? Let's dive into what Auracast is before we look into the ways it could change our lives. Auracast allows for multiple devices to connect to the same audio stream from a transmitter. It's built on Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) Audio, which was introduced with Bluetooth 5.2. It can seem mundane, but the potential uses for the technology open up a wide world of accessibility. When I went to a demonstration of Auracast at CES 2024, there were multiple situations set up to show various use cases. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. These included an airport setting where you could connect to the Auracast stream at your gate to be able to easily hear flight updates and boarding calls, a bar where you could connect to TVs showing different sporting events with multiple commentary tracks, or a lecture in a collegiate setting to make it easier to hear the professor and not miss important information. But all of those examples are when you're out and about. How could it benefit us in our own home? The first possibility has to do with fixing unintelligible TV dialogue. Instead of adjusting the volume of the TV up and down between quiet dialogue and bombastic action scenes, someone could use a pair of headphones or hearing aids to boost frequencies to make the dialogue easier to hear. Plus, the frequency tuning could be personalized for each individual's hearing, or set to a profile determined by an audiologist. This could be used in conjunction with a soundbar or AVR to bolster the lower frequencies (like the physical rumble during action scenes) to maintain the immersion that a home theater presentation can provide. It could also allow for everyone in the room to watch using only the audio from their earbuds and headphones — especially useful to apartment dwellers with children that have gone to bed or troublesome neighbors that thump the floor with a broomstick at the slightest tease of noise. Instead of an AVR with wires spread across the room, or a soundbar with proprietary wireless rear speakers, a TV could be the audio hub of the home theater. The sound doesn't need to be limited to a single broadcast, either. The potential exists for a TV to broadcast multiple streams at once, providing different language tracks for the same content. Beyond connecting headphones and earbuds, Auracast could revolutionize the way we set up and use discrete speaker home theater systems. Instead of an AVR with wires spread across the room, or a soundbar with proprietary wireless rear speakers, a TV could be the audio hub of the home theater. Multiple streams could be broadcast for different channels in a surround sound configuration. Since the speakers would only need to be Auracast-capable, you wouldn't be locked into an ecosystem that has to work together (like Sonos or the Sony line soundbars and wireless speakers), and the system could be easily upgradeable. Dolby has a similar technology for wireless placement of speakers called FlexConnect. We'll see the first speaker that supports it, the TCL Z100, later this year that can be paired with TCL's 2025 line of compatible TVs. I recently had the opportunity to spend a few weeks with the LG C5 OLED in my home and explore all of its features. While digging through the TV's menus, I was surprised to find Auracast broadcasting listed in the Sound menu — with options for 16kHz, 24kHz, or 48kHz transmissions. After turning it on and selecting the quality setting (naturally I went with the highest), I tested it with three different headphones and earbuds that include the tech — the JBL Tour One M3 headphones, Earfun Air Pro 4 earbuds, and the LG xboom Buds. The apps for the three headphones and earbuds are required to receive the signal (a separate iPhone or iPad was used for each device), and the TV's stream needed to be selected on the individual apps. The Tour One M3 and xboom Buds worked quickly and flawlessly, while the Air Pro 4 took a bit more finagling to get connected. That said, once complete, I was able to have all three connected simultaneously, listening to "Dune" as it streamed from the Max app on the C5. I didn't encounter any lip sync issues, and was also able to play the audio through my Onkyo RZ30 AVR with no audible delay between the AVR or any of the headphones. The LG C5 OLED isn't just one of the handful of TVs in 2025 that supports Auracast, it's also one of the best TVs of the year. Along with Auracast support, the C5 comes with class-leading gaming support, built-in smart features via webOS and all of the incredible performance-related benefits we've come to expect from OLED TVs. So far, the only official announcement that 2025 LG TVs support Auracast has come from Starkey, a hearing aid company. The news was subsequently picked up by outlets that focus on hearing health and the hearing aid market, but not by the consumer tech community at large. A quick search through the product page for the C5 confirms there is zero mention of Auracast, just that the TV supports Bluetooth version 5.3, which doesn't even guarantee that Auracast is supported. (Bluetooth 5.2 and later chips are all capable of Auracast, but the functionality needs to be activated by the manufacturers.) After spending time with the LG C5, I contacted LG to confirm support for Auracast and was informed that all 2025 OLED TVs as well as the QNED85A series and above support Auracast. I should point out that LG isn't the first TV to support Auracast, as Samsung first added support in August 2023 to its Neo QLED 8K and MicroLED TVs from that year. But much like LG, there's no information about it on any of Samsung's 2025 TV product pages, just that Bluetooth Audio is supported — Samsung doesn't even indicate which Bluetooth version. Even though the Auracast specifications were introduced a few years ago, we're still at the beginning of wider Auracast implementation and usability. This year, we've seen more earbuds and headphones available with the functionality and it's been easier to connect than before. The addition of Auracast to LG TVs to the growing list of supported devices is a promising move forward. Hopefully we'll continue to see companies embrace the accessibility opportunities for their products and Auracast will become a part of our technological daily life.
Mint
01-06-2025
- Mint
Bringing summer holiday offers to you: Best selling printers at up to 30% off for
Amazon is bringing big discounts on printers to help you and/or kids prepare well for their holiday homework. I remember the hassle of getting the last minute prints late at night and always thought that having a printer would solve that problem. But I always got stuck with making a choice. To prevent that confusion for anyone else, this article lists the reliable printer models. Colour prints, monochrome prints, MFP, you name it and the list has it. Go through this and see if any of these options make sense. Product Rating Price Amazon best seller Epson EcoTank L3252 Wi-Fi All-in-One Ink Tank Printer (Black) View Details Epson EcoTank L130 Single Function InkTank Printer View Details Brother Ink Tank DCP-T525W (Print Scan Copy) WiFi Printer, 128 MB Memory, Print Up to 15K Pages in Black and 5K in Color Each for (CMY), Get an Extra Black Ink Bottle, Free Installation View Details HP Laserjet Tank MFP 2606sdw, Wireless, Print, Copy, Scan, 40-Sheet ADF, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Ethernet, Bluetooth LE, Up to 22 ppm, 250-sheet Input Tray, 1-Year Warranty, Black and White, 381U2A View Details Brother HL-L2321D Automatic Duplex Laser Printer with 30 Pages Per Minute Print Speed (Best in The Category), 8 MB Memory, Large 250 Sheet Paper Tray, USB Connectivity View Details View More The Epson EcoTank L3252 is a cost-efficient, Wi-Fi enabled all-in-one printer that's perfect for students handling frequent assignments or projects. With its refillable ink tank system, it prints more pages at a much lower cost. The compact design saves space in shared rooms or study desks, and mobile printing support adds extra convenience. Spill-free refills and hassle-free maintenance make it a dependable tool for daily academic use. Functionality Print, Scan, Copy Connectivity Wi-Fi, Epson Smart Panel App Printing Technology Heat-Free Ink Tank System Print Yield Up to 4,500 pages (black) / 7,500 pages (colour) Refill System Spill-free bottle refilling system The Canon Pixma MG2577s is a compact and budget-friendly all-in-one inkjet printer, ideal for students with light print needs. It handles everyday tasks like assignments and document scans with ease. Manual duplex, USB connectivity, and high-resolution prints make it suitable for home setups. Though the cost per page is higher, it's a practical option for occasional users who value reliability, simplicity, and sharp colour output on a tight budget. Functionality Print, Scan, Copy (Flatbed) Print Speed 8 ppm (Black), 4 ppm (Colour) Print Resolution 4800 x 600 dpi Page Yield 180 pages per cartridge (PG-745/CL-746) The Canon PIXMA MegaTank G3000 offers high-volume, low-cost printing—perfect for students managing heavy print loads. With Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile app control, and borderless photo printing, it covers all study needs without hassle. Its ink tank system drastically reduces per-page costs, and the extra black ink bottles included boost long-term value. Ideal for group projects, reports, and everyday scanning or copying with consistent output and minimal maintenance. Functionality Print, Scan, Copy (Wi-Fi enabled) Print Speed 8.8 ipm (Black), 5.0 ipm (Colour) Print Resolution 4800 x 1200 dpi (borderless supported) Ink Yield 6,000 pages (Black), 7,000 pages (Colour) Control Canon PRINT app + Wireless Printing The Epson EcoTank L130 is a compact, single-function ink tank printer ideal for students who need reliable and affordable colour printing. Its standout feature is A3 support, rare in this price range. This makes it useful for posters, charts, and creative projects. With a high resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi and spill-free ink refilling, it's a low-maintenance option for occasional but high-quality home printing. Functionality Print only (Color + A3 support) Print Speed 27 ppm (Black), 15 ppm (Colour) Print Resolution 5760 x 1440 dpi Input Capacity Up to 50 sheets The Brother DCP-T525W is a student-friendly Wi-Fi printer, offering impressive cost efficiency and wireless convenience. With a high-yield ink tank system and an extra black ink bottle included, it handles large print volumes without frequent refills. The flatbed scanner and copier make it useful for assignments, IDs, and forms. Free installation adds value, and the crisp print resolution supports everything from text-heavy notes to colour-rich charts. Functionality Print, Scan, Copy (Wi-Fi Enabled) Print Speed 30 ppm (Black), 12 ppm (Colour) Print Resolution Up to 1200 × 6000 dpi Ink Yield 7,500 pages (Black), 5,000 pages (Cyan/Magenta/Yellow) The HP LaserJet Tank MFP 2606sdw is a powerhouse for home offices and small businesses. With wireless printing, auto-duplex, and a 40-sheet ADF, it handles daily tasks efficiently. The 5,000-page toner yield keeps running costs low, while the 25,000-page duty cycle supports heavy workloads. Easy navigation via a simple control panel and broad OS compatibility make it a reliable, user-friendly choice for high-volume black-and-white printing. Functions Print, Scan, Copy (Laser Monochrome) Toner Yield 5,000 pages (Introductory) Input/Output Capacity 250-sheet input, 100-sheet output Connectivity Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, Ethernet, Bluetooth LE The Brother HL-L2321D is made for those who need fast, efficient, and cost-effective monochrome printing. Delivering 30 ppm and automatic duplex printing, it's ideal for high-volume users. The 250-sheet tray reduces reloads, and its compact build fits well in home offices. With a 2,600-page toner capacity and reliable USB connectivity, this laser printer delivers professional-quality prints without fuss. This is perfect for students, professionals, and everyday printing tasks. Functionality Print Only (Monochrome Laser) Print Speed Up to 30 pages per minute Print Resolution HQ1200 (2400 × 600 dpi) The Canon PIXMA MG3070S is a reliable all-in-one printer built for home and student use. With Wi-Fi connectivity, it supports mobile printing and offers a compact design ideal for small desks. Though not the fastest, it handles light tasks like documents and photos with decent colour accuracy. Its easy setup and access to Canon's mobile apps make basic printing, scanning, and copying straightforward for everyday academic needs. Functionality Print, Scan, Copy (Inkjet, Colour) Connectivity Wi-Fi, USB, Canon PRINT App Print Resolution Up to 4800 × 1200 dpi Print Speed 8.0 ipm (Mono), 4.0 ipm (Colour) Input Capacity 60 sheets (A4) Inkjet printers suit students needing colour prints and occasional use. They're affordable upfront, but cartridges cost more long-term. Laser printers are faster and cheaper per page, better for high-volume B&W printing. Yes, Wi-Fi enables wireless printing from phones, tablets, and laptops without needing cables. It's more convenient in shared or small spaces, and essential for students using multiple devices. Very important. Lower per-page costs save money over time, especially with regular use. Inktank printers like EcoTank or MegaTank offer the lowest cost per print compared to cartridge models. If space is tight, go compact. If you print often, a larger paper tray reduces interruptions. Some models balance both, offering space-saving designs with 100+ sheet input capacity. Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.
TECHx
31-05-2025
- Health
- TECHx
Starkey MEA Unveils Edge AI for Better Hearing Month
Home » Smart Sectors » Healthcare » Starkey MEA Unveils Edge AI for Better Hearing Month Starkey MEA has announced its most advanced hearing solution to date is Edge AI. The launch is part of its ongoing campaign to promote hearing health awareness across the Middle East during Better Hearing Month. Edge AI is designed to replicate how the human brain processes sound. It performs up to 80 million personalized hearing adjustments per hour. This helps users stay connected, confident, and comfortable in any setting. At the core of the device is Starkey's G2 Neuro Processor. It features six times more transistors, ten times more memory, and four times faster processing than its predecessor. As a result, Edge AI can automatically adapt to complex sound environments. Whether it's a majlis in the UAE, a busy street in Jeddah, or a mall in Kuwait City, the device ensures real-time auditory clarity. Giscard Bechara, Regional Director, MEA, Starkey Laboratories Inc., stated that Edge AI is more than a hearing aid. He called it 'a technological breakthrough designed for real life.' He also emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and preventive check-ups for better hearing. Edge AI includes features that enhance connectivity, wellness, and convenience: Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast™ broadcast for efficient streaming StarLink Edge TV Streamer, 60% smaller than before Select waterproof models offering up to 51 hours of battery life The device also integrates Neuro Sound Technology 2.0. This provides 30% more accurate speech detection in noisy environments. Dr. Mohamed Ali Eltom, Chairman of the International Diabetes Federation (MENA region), shared his experience. He reported that Edge AI restored his ability to engage in both professional and social settings. He described the device as a 'lifeline' for people who rely on communication. Additionally, Edge AI supports a holistic approach to hearing care. It includes sensor-driven balance assessments, fall detection alerts, and smartwatch integration via the My Starkey app. Users can manage hearing settings and track wellness on the go. Starkey MEA revealed that hearing loss is increasing across the region. Factors include exposure to prolonged noise and an ageing population. The company is working with audiologists and clinics to raise awareness, encourage early screening, and offer access to its latest technology during Better Hearing Month. Bechara added that better hearing leads to better living. He called Edge AI the company's most powerful solution and urged the public to take the first step toward hearing health.
Forbes
27-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Denon's Latest AH-C840NCW Wireless Earbuds Are Now Shipping
The new wireless earbuds announced by Denon last month are now shipping so I thought I would tell you a little more about these mid-priced earbuds that go up against Apple's AirPods. Since the announcement, Denon has been sold by its owner Masimo to Harman International, along with its stablemates Marantz and B&W. But it's business as usual at one of Japan's oldest and most venerable audio brands. The new Denon AH-C840NCW are true wireless earbuds with silicone ear tips and adaptive hybrid active noise cancellation for a more immersive listening experience. The noise cancelation is Hybrid ANC which automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation using two microphones in each earpiece to monitor sound. The ANC also has a transparency mode that enables users to stay aware of ambient noise if needed. Adaptive hybrid ANC differs from regular Adaptive ANC. With normal Adaptive ANC, the amount of noise cancellation applied is purely based on surrounding sounds. Hybrid ANC combines both feedforward and feed-backward circuitry to capture and cancel noise across a wider range of frequencies. A full charge of the battery inside the storage case can provide up to 35 hours of playtime before a top-up is necessary. A full charge of the earbuds can yield up to 10 hours of listening time before they need to go back in the case. The earbuds also support wireless charging as well as the usual USB-C. That figure depends on volume levels, the audio codec being used and whether ANC is turned on. With ANC turned on, the earbuds deliver up to seven hours of listening time from a single charge, with up to 24 hours of listening on the go using the charging case. A five-minute burst charge can provide about an hour of listening time. These days, most people rely on their earbuds for making phone calls. It's important to have microphones that can pick up the user's voice. To handle this, Denon uses two mics and noise canceling to filter out some of the ambient sound that the mics would normally pick up. This can enhance call clarity in noisy spaces. Currently, Bluetooth technology is going through a transition with many manufacturers of earbuds and other devices moving to the new Bluetooth LE standard. Bluetooth LE Audio is a power-efficient version of Bluetooth that's designed for low-bandwidth, intermittent data transmission, making it suitable for battery-powered devices, wearables and smart home products. Bluetooth LE consumes less energy than Classic Bluetooth by quickly establishing and terminating connections as well as optimizing small data transfers. What's more, Bluetooth LE Audio supports high-quality, low-power audio streaming with audio codecs like LDAC and LC3. The AH-C840NCW earbuds also support Auracast. This is a new Bluetooth technology that can broadcast to multiple earbuds or speakers. For example, a sports bar might have a TV showing a football game but with the sound off. If the TV supports Auracast, anyone with a pair of Auracast-compatible earbuds or headphones can pick up the audio signal from the TV wirelessly and listen to the ball game commentary without disturbing anyone around them. It's a little like the inductive loops used for hearing aid wearers. As well as supporting Auracast, the Denon AH-C840NCW also have multipoint connectivity which means the earbuds can pair with two Bluetooth devices at once. One device could be a phone for business calls, while the other could be a tablet showing a movie or a digital audio player streaming Tidal. With multipoint, a user can switch seamlessly between two devices. For example, they might be watching a movie on their iPad when an important business call comes in on their smartphone. One press and the user can seamlessly switch to take the call, automatically pausing the movie until the call is ended. To get the most from these new earbuds, Denon has updated its smartphone app which offers customization of the AH-C840NCW. The Denon Headphones app lets the user adjust sound settings, touch controls, manage ANC levels and apply any future firmware updates for optimal performance. Finally, the earbuds support voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant when connected to a compatible device. They include protection against sweat and water thanks to a waterproof rating of IPX4 which means they are resistant to sweat and water splashes, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. The Denon AH-C840NCW true wireless earbuds are shipping now from Denon's website and through authorized retailers priced at $159 / £159 / €159.
