Latest news with #audioquality
Digital Trends
19 hours ago
- Business
- Digital Trends
These 8 out of 10 headphones have an incredible early Prime Day deal
Amazon's Prime Day 2025 is fast approaching, but there's no need to wait if you're looking for headphone deals as we've already found one that you shouldn't miss. The retailer has slashed the price of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 by 30%, bringing them down to $315 from $450 originally. The $135 discount on these wireless headphones may not last long though, so if you want to get them for a more affordable price than usual, hurry with your purchase so you don't lose this chance. Why you should buy the Sennheiser Momentum 4 wireless headphones The Sennheiser Momentum 4, which scored 8 out of 10 in our review, is featured in our list of the best headphones as our top pick for audio purists. The wireless headphones deliver outstanding audio quality with their 42mm transducer system and AptX Adaptive technology, and you'll be able to maximize them as they're very comfortable to wear with their lightweight design, deeply cushioned ear pads, and padded headband. In fact, there won't be a problem using them the whole day as their battery can last up to 60 hours on a full charge. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 also offer adaptive noise cancellation to block distractions while you listen to your favorite tracks, as well as an adjustable transparency mode when you want to stay aware of your surroundings without having to lose your music. You can access these settings on the Sennheiser Smart Control app, where you can also customize the wireless headphones by adjusting an equalizer, choosing presets, or activating various sound modes. If you want to start your shopping before Prime Day 2025 arrives, here's an offer for premium wireless headphones: the Sennheiser Momentum 4 at 30% off, slashing their price from $450 to just $315. We're not sure how much time is remaining on this discount, or when stocks may run out, so you need to act fast if you want to take advantage of this bargain. Add the Sennheiser Momentum 4 wireless headphones to your cart and finish the checkout process immediately, as tomorrow may already be too late to pocket the savings of $135.
CNET
2 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Enjoy Better Sound With the Beats Solo 4 Headphones at Up to $70 Off
Good sound makes everything better, from long commutes to gym sessions and even everyday chores. But not everything with two earcups is created equal. The Beats Solo 4 are one of our favorite on-ear headphones, and if you're thinking about an upgrade, now's a good time to do it at a discount. QVC is currently offering 25% off the Solo 4, bringing the price down to $150 from $200. Even better, if it's your first order on the site, you can score an extra $20 off your purchase of $40 or more with the code WELCOME20. That's a nice $70 discount, but it may not last long. These headphones feature Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology to prevent frequent connection drops and 40mm drivers that deliver a more balanced, clean sound. In his expert review, CNET's audio expert, David Carnoy, noted that the audio quality and voice-calling performance in Solo 4 are significantly better than its predecessors. They don't feature active noise cancellation, but you can get decent passive noise reduction with the earcups. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. The flex-grip headband and angled earcups in Solo 4 are designed for a more natural fit. Pair this with the soft UltraPlush cushions, and you'll appreciate how comfortable they feel, especially during long sessions. Speaking of all-day use, the battery is set to last up to 50 hours. You can pair these with both iOS and Android devices easily. If you prefer keeping things wired, the Solo 4 includes a 3.5mm audio cable, too. Why this deal matters Beats makes some of the best headphones out there, and if you're new to QVC then this deal brings the price of the Solo 4 down to just $130, which is a rare find for a model like this. It might not stick around for long, so you'll want to act fast. Want to explore more options? Check out our roundup of the best headphone deals out there.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
Apple AirPods 4 Review: Excellent Apple Earbuds With ANC
Apple's AirPods lineup has historically fallen into two different camps. You have the classic AirPods, which are pretty low-frills but get you what you need—namely, music and some extras. You also have the premium AirPods Pro line, which come with everything including active noise cancellation (ANC), Conversation Awareness and silicone ear tips to create a better seal for a better listening profile. But now, Apple has a third player on the field, the Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The Apple AirPods 4 with ANC offer excellent audio quality that iPhone users should love. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer The Apple AirPods 4 With ANC feel like they're designed for those who want the affordability of the base AirPods but don't want to sacrifice on the extras the Pro line offers. But I needed to know whether the audio quality and the ANC could suit my demanding needs. Read on to learn more about my findings in my full Apple AirPods 4 With ANC review. Amazon Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Battery life: Up to 4 hours (with ANC), up to 5 hours (without ANC) and up to 30 hours with charging case | Wireless charging case: Yes | Waterproof rating: IP54 | Drivers: Unknown | Noise-canceling: Yes Best for: Its impressive audio quality that rivals high-end wireless earbuds A seamless Apple experience, especially for iPhone users Decent noise cancellation Skip if: You want the absolute best of the best Apple earbuds You need silicone ear tips for stability, fit and improved noise cancellation The Apple AirPods 4 With ANC have a signature Apple design. Like the Apple AirPods Pro 2, the Apple AirPods 4 With ANC have the sleek white build, but the difference comes down to the ear tips. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 have a silicone ear tip to help keep the earbuds firmly tucked in your ears, while the Apple AirPods 4 With ANC don't offer this silicone grip. At first, I was skeptical whether they would actually stay in my ears, because it almost feels like they rest—and aren't tucked—in. For the most part, I didn't have any problems with fit. Apple has done a darn good job of nailing a shape that feels pretty stable when worn. Still, if you plan on wearing these at the gym, I can't recommend hitting the treadmills. Because there's no silicone grip, I noticed that when I was the most active, they loosened in my ears over time. If you have any qualms about a loose earbud at the gym, these are not for you. But for most, these suit just fine. The case includes wireless charging, a feature that isn't typically seen on wireless earbuds at this ... More price point. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes The case is smaller than the Apple AirPods Pro 2 case. If you're determined to carry the smallest amount of equipment possible, this is a boon. But really, it doesn't matter; what matters is the case offers wireless charging, something that non-Apple earbuds at the same price point typically don't have. Additionally, the same touch controls can also be found on the stem, and I found them easy to use when navigating Spotify. However, I also noted that when I pressed the buttons, sometimes I accidentally loosened the AirPods' fit. Apple AirPods 4 With ANC: Performance Audio Quality Rivals More High-End Competition For the price—around $179 before a sale—I expected some kind of trade-off, and that has typically come in the form of worse audio. The Apple AirPods 4 With ANC took me by surprise because Apple has nailed the audio quality. Apple doesn't fully allow for a customized EQ; instead, you have to find the audio settings under Accessibility and listen to a couple of different presets to determine your preferred EQ balance. For these earbuds, I followed the short process and noted it gave me a more dynamic listening profile. The AirPods don't feature silicone ear tips for a more secure fit, but they're still very ... More comfortable to wear. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes One of the songs I test with is Fitz and the Tantrums' 'I Just Wanna Shine,' as it should blend the baritone saxophone during the chorus sequences. The AirPods Pro 4 With ANC blend these frequencies nicely. The baritone saxophone didn't feel overpowered, and the guitar sounded clear, which is what you want in this particular tune. Again, call me a skeptic: I cross-tested these with the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8s and the Denon PerL Pro earbuds, two pairs that are considered premium brands, across multiple genres. AirPods made the audio quality on par with these higher-end models. For the most part, it was a tough call to differentiate the audio quality, and it left me impressed. The AirPods 4 with ANC also offer spatial audio for watching content on your iPhone, something that I've grown a little spoiled by. The spatial audio is a nice extra to help immerse yourself if you're watching movies on a train or plane. But it's something else these offer that caught my attention: the active noise cancellation. Active Noise Cancellation And Conversation Awareness Are Solid For those who need ANC but don't want to spend the $250 the Apple AirPods Pro 2 cost, the Apple AirPods 4 With ANC were built specifically for you. You can get the Apple AirPods 4, but they come only with passive noise cancellation, not active noise cancellation. But the Apple AirPods 4 With ANC blend the design of the Apple AirPods 4 with those necessary noise-canceling features that can help you tune out pesky ambient noises around you. The Apple AirPods 4 With ANC tuck nicely into my ears; still, I couldn't recommend these for active ... More gymgoers. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes Full disclosure: Noise canceling isn't quite as powerful as the Apple AirPods Pro 2—but it's still good enough to reduce the background noise. That's partially because one of the big draws in the Apple AirPods Pro 2's design is that silicone ear tip, which helps create a seal for noise cancellation. You can't expect full noise reduction with the Apple AirPods 4 With ANC without that seal. While I couldn't recommend these for, say, a transcontinental flight, they're still good enough to reduce the sound of kids playing outside your window or for focusing. You don't get the FDA-approved hearing test that's offered with the Apple AirPods Pro 2, but you do still get a slew of features including Conversational Awareness, which registers when you're speaking and automatically turns off noise cancellation so you can hear around you. It was nice to have this, as it made it easier to talk to my husband without pausing or removing the AirPods. Apple AirPods 4 With ANC: Verdict A Great Blend Of Price And Audio Quality The Apple AirPods 4 With ANC are good enough for most. They sit comfortably in my ears over long periods of wear, they have solid audio quality across music genres and the noise cancellation reduces enough noise that there's a noticeable difference. Apple users who don't want to drop an extra $80 on the Apple AirPods Pro 2 should look to the Apple AirPods 4 With ANC. They can hold their own at a more affordable price. However, if you want a sturdier fit, you may find that the Apple AirPods 4 With ANC don't quite feel that way in your ears. Fitness enthusiasts may want the sturdier fit of the AirPods Pro 2, but if you're only walking on the treadmill, then these suit just fine. How I Tested The Apple AirPods 4 With ANC I tested the Apple AirPods 4 With ANC for over two months. I paired them with the Apple iPhone 16 Pro to check whether setup and software was seamless to note any hiccups. I reviewed the AirPods settings, including features like spatial audio, Conversational Awareness and more. I tested the AirPods for at least 20 hours, listening to multiple genres to hear how the AirPods performed—alternative, rock, classical, audiobooks/podcasts and more. Specifically, some of the songs I used for testing include: Florence + the Machine's 'King,' 'Cosmic Love' and 'Dog Days Are Over' Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Scheherazade' Ashnikkos' 'Worms' and 'Daisy' Chappell Roan's 'Good Luck, Babe' and 'Red Wine Supernova' Fleetwood Mac's 'Dreams' and 'The Chain' Fitz and the Tantrums' '123456,' 'Livin' For The Weekend,' and 'I Just Wanna Shine' Grandson's 'Eulogy' and 'Bury Me Face Down' The soundtracks to seasons one and two of the Netflix show Arcane Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted team has published hundreds of tech and electronic guides that leverage our hands-on testing and research, including audio stories , like the best outdoor speakers and more. Consumer tech and electronics editor Rebecca Isaacs has been involved in tech journalism for over six years. She has personally tested most types of audio equipment, including wireless headphones, wireless earbuds and Bluetooth speakers. has been involved in tech journalism for over six years. She has personally tested most types of audio equipment, including wireless headphones, wireless earbuds and Bluetooth speakers. Isaacs has also tested most of the latest smart wearables currently on the market, from the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses to the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds and more. When she's not testing audio equipment and wearables, she's testing the best gaming TVs and TVs for bright rooms. This story was reviewed by executive editor Dave Johnson , a veteran tech journalist who has authored nearly three dozen books on technology and photography. He's well-versed in the latest audio technology, regularly attends trade shows to learn about the latest audio trends and served as the host of the popular podcast Battlestar Recaptica .
Forbes
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
New Saramonic Air Studio-Grade Wireless Mics Designed For Content Creators
The Saramonic Air is a handy wireless microphone system aimed at TikTok, YouTube and Instagram ... More content creators. Wireless microphones for content creators are a hot product right now as more people produce videos for social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. However, audio quality can make or break social media content and while some people can tolerate less-than-perfect video, poor and unintelligible sound often has audiences swiping left. If you want to produce compelling content then shouldndon'tt skimp on sound quality. To improve audio quality, a wireless microphone kit is every bit as essential as a good smartphone or a set of lights. High-quality wireless microphones can elevate social media content by ensuring every word is heard clearly. Dual 2.4GHz Wireless Mic System Saramonic Air is a brand-new dual 2.4GHz wireless microphone system aimed at first-time users or anyone who want's to upgrade from a budget wireless microphone. The Saramonic Air is a step up in terms of sound quality and features compared to the built-in microphone on smartphones, but it's more affordable than a professional filmmaker's wireless mic system like Sennheiser's Spectera. The Saramonic Air receiver has a vibrant color display with controls and info for using the system. The Saramonic kit is vailable in be range of configurations but most users might want to go for the complete kit which includes two wireless microphone transmitters. Each of the mics measures less than 10mm in length and weighs 11g. Thanks to their front-facing 9.7mm capsule with its 6mm diaphragms, the mics can capture more impactful sound than microphones using a smaller capsule. The transmitter mics are small and discreet so they can be attach to a presenter's clothing using the supplied spring clip or powerful little magnet. The microphones have a rounded shape and they come with a wind jammer that can minimize plops and plosives. The styling creates a clean look on screen, making it suitable for interviews as well as run-and-gun productions. Wired Option For Mics The Saramonic Air Lavalier transmitter mics are tiny and can clip on to clothing. The mics have a ... More large capsule and diaphragm for a bigger sound. As well as being fast and convenient to use, the wireless mics have an external input for connecting an optional wired Lavalier mic that can be ordered with the kit. External Lavalier mics are a good choice when the microphones need to be hidden from the camera without compromising on sound quality. The Sramonic Air system offers two levels of noise cancelation for cutting unwanted background noise like traffic or the hum of an air-conditioning unit. The two levels of intelligent noise cancellation can suppress ambient sounds without clipping or distorting. The signal from the wireless microphone transmitters is picked up by the Saramonic Air's receiver unit. It's no larger than a small cigarette lighter and has a rechargeable battery. It can be fitted with an adapter for USB-C or Apple Lightning ports, enabling it to plug straight into a smartphone. The receiver also has a 3.5mm analog output for connecting to a digital camera or other recording device. The receiver can powers on and off in sync with its host device while the transmitter units can trigger a phone recording with a single tap. On the base of the Saramonic Air receiver is a quick attachment for a USB-C or Apple Lighting ... More adapter, enabling the receiver to attach to an Android or iOS device. Compact Receiver Unit The receiver unit has a 1.05″ full-color TFT display for showing information and for controling monitoring and adjusting noise cancellation, gain settings and brightness levels. The system can output to two receivers, making it convenient for horizontal filming and vertical livestreaming at the same time. The full Saramonic Air kit consists of two transmitter mics and the receiver unit. They are housed in a metal case with a transparent lid. Inside the case is a small digital display that shows the remaining percentage of battery charge. All the components can be stowed away inside the case and charged using a single USB-C cable. Other features included with the Saramonic Air are customizable EQ modes for enhancing vocal clarity while preserving the natural character of a voice. The microphones have 6mm diaphragms which is around one and a half times larger than the diaphragm used in the average Lavalier microphone and should capture a full and rich sound. The Saramonic Air transmitter mics have a connector for attaching an optional wired Lavalier ... More microphone which is easier to hide from the camera. The Saramonic Air receiver has a limiter function for capturing a clean audio signal, even when if a loud and unexpected sound or vocal peak during filming. Users can also choose to record a safety track at a level -6dB lower than normal which can be used as a backup and an extra level of protection against loud and unpredictable sounds. The new Saramonic Air wireless microphone and receiver system will be available globally on June 24, 2025. The Global Version of the product ships with just a USB Type-C adapter and is priced at $139 without any external Lavalier mics. For $159 users can have two Lavalier mics. The U.S. version of the Saramonic Air includes both USB Type-C and Lightning adapters and sells for $149 without a Lavalier mic and $169 with two Lavalier mics.
Geeky Gadgets
5 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Apple iOS 26: AirPods Upgrades You NEED to Know!
The release of iOS 26 introduces a comprehensive set of enhancements for AirPods, particularly benefiting the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods 4. These updates focus on improving audio quality, expanding accessibility, and refining device connectivity, offering a more seamless and personalized user experience. However, it is important to note that AirPods Max remains unchanged in this update. To access these features, ensure your device is running iOS 26, with beta firmware available for developers seeking early access. The video below from HotshotTek gives us more information on the new AirPods features in iOS 26. Watch this video on YouTube. Compatibility and Firmware Requirements The iOS 26 update is specifically tailored for the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods 4, leaving AirPods Max without any new enhancements. To use these features, your device must be updated to iOS 26. Developers can explore these updates early by installing the beta firmware. Making sure compatibility is crucial to unlocking the full potential of these new features. Enhanced Audio and Microphone Performance One of the most notable upgrades in iOS 26 is the significant improvement in audio quality. Whether you are enjoying music, participating in a call, or recording audio, the update delivers a richer and more immersive sound experience. The microphone has also been upgraded to reduce background noise, providing professional-grade clarity for calls and recordings. This enhancement ensures that both casual users and professionals benefit from superior audio performance. Adaptive Audio and Noise Control Features The introduction of adaptive audio in iOS 26 marks a major step forward in sound customization. This feature seamlessly blends noise cancellation and transparency modes, allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings while enjoying high-quality audio. Key highlights include: Conversation Awareness: Automatically adjusts audio levels when you speak or detect nearby conversations, making sure you never miss important interactions. Automatically adjusts audio levels when you speak or detect nearby conversations, making sure you never miss important interactions. Hearing Protection: Reduces exposure to loud environmental noises, safeguarding your hearing during prolonged use. These features make AirPods more versatile, catering to both immersive listening and situational awareness. Camera Control with AirPods iOS 26 introduces an innovative way to interact with your camera using AirPods. With simple pinch gestures, you can now take photos or record videos without physically touching your device. Additional functionalities, such as a countdown timer and instant video recording, make capturing moments more intuitive and convenient. This feature is particularly useful for group photos, vlogging, or hands-free photography. Sleep Detection and Battery Optimization Practical usability is a key focus of the iOS 26 update. The new sleep detection feature automatically pauses media playback when your AirPods detect that you have fallen asleep, making sure uninterrupted rest. Additionally, charging reminders notify you when your AirPods are fully charged or running low on battery, helping to extend their lifespan. These updates prioritize user convenience and device longevity. Personalization and Accessibility Enhancements iOS 26 emphasizes personalization and accessibility, introducing features designed to cater to diverse user needs: Personalized Spatial Audio: Tailor your listening experience with spatial audio settings customized to your preferences. Tailor your listening experience with spatial audio settings customized to your preferences. Accessibility Features: Includes hearing aid functionality, conversation boost for clearer speech, and live listening for enhanced audio assistance. Includes hearing aid functionality, conversation boost for clearer speech, and live listening for enhanced audio assistance. Customizable Controls: Adjust press-and-hold gestures for noise control or Siri activation, and fine-tune EQ settings to match your audio preferences. These enhancements ensure that AirPods remain inclusive and adaptable for a wide range of users. Improved Device Connectivity and Sharing Managing multiple devices becomes more seamless with iOS 26. The update introduces manual control over device switching, allowing you to prioritize connections based on your preferences. Additionally, the new audio sharing feature enables you to connect with other AirPods or Beats devices, making it easier to share music or videos with friends. The integration of 'Find My' functionality further enhances convenience by helping you locate lost AirPods or their cases with precision. Durability and Charging Improvements The AirPods Pro case now features IP54 water and dust resistance, making it more durable for everyday use. Charging options have also been expanded to include MagSafe, USB-C, and wireless charging. For added convenience, the update introduces reverse charging using your iPhone, making sure your AirPods are always ready for use. These improvements enhance both the durability and practicality of AirPods. Additional Features for Everyday Convenience iOS 26 introduces several smaller yet impactful features aimed at improving daily usability: Head Gesture Controls: Enables hands-free responses, allowing you to interact with your device more intuitively. Enables hands-free responses, allowing you to interact with your device more intuitively. Background Sounds: Provides calming audio options to help you relax, focus, or sleep better. Provides calming audio options to help you relax, focus, or sleep better. Conversation Rewind: Enhances accessibility by replaying recent conversations, making sure you never miss important details. These additions reflect Apple's commitment to enhancing the overall user experience. Customization Options The iOS 26 update offers expanded customization options, allowing you to rename your AirPods for easier identification. You can also adjust settings such as noise cancellation, transparency, and spatial audio to suit your preferences. The ability to enable or disable automatic ear detection adds flexibility, particularly in shared listening scenarios. These options provide users with greater control over their AirPods experience. Here is a selection of other guides from our extensive library of content you may find of interest on iOS 26 AirPods update. Source & Image Credit: HotshotTek Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Gadgets News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
