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Headphones

Headphones were the original piece of wearable technology and they remain as essential today as ever. But they are starting to change rapidly now, as things like noise cancelling and Bluetooth wireless technology enable the dream of completely cable-free living. What will the best headphones of the future look like?

Nothing’s over-ear headphones are all about the buttonsNothing’s over-ear headphones are all about the buttons
Nothing Headphone 1 review: head-turning

7

Verge Score

Bluetooth headphones these days are computers, and Nothing’s over-the-ear headphones will always remind you of that.

Andru Marino
Apple’s USB-C EarPods are an even better buy at just $15.99Apple’s USB-C EarPods are an even better buy at just $15.99
OnePlus announces the Nord 5 and four more productsOnePlus announces the Nord 5 and four more products
Anker’s Soundcore Sleep earbuds finally feature active noise cancelingAnker’s Soundcore Sleep earbuds finally feature active noise canceling
Sony’s noise-canceling WH-1000XM6 are already on sale with a $30 gift cardSony’s noise-canceling WH-1000XM6 are already on sale with a $30 gift card
Bose upgraded the adaptive ANC on its new QuietComfort Ultra earbudsBose upgraded the adaptive ANC on its new QuietComfort Ultra earbuds
Sonos is finally updating its Ace headphones with a long-delayed featureSonos is finally updating its Ace headphones with a long-delayed feature
Apple’s AirPods update adds camera controls and moreApple’s AirPods update adds camera controls and more
Emma Roth and Cameron Faulkner
Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
WaterField Designs upgraded its AirPods Max Case with magnets instead of a zipper.

It’s not hard to improve upon the case Apple includes with its AirPods Max, but WaterField Designs’ has upgraded its protective Shield Case from early 2021 with a magnetic closure instead of a zipper.

Available in four finishes that mix colored leather with ballistic nylon or waxed canvas, the $129 case includes an internal mesh storage pocket, a fleece-like lining, and an additional magnet that puts the AirPods Max into low-power mode while inside.

Apple’s latest AirPods Pro with USB-C just received a $70 discountApple’s latest AirPods Pro with USB-C just received a $70 discount
Razer’s new translucent PC accessories show off your gamer lightsRazer’s new translucent PC accessories show off your gamer lights
Dominic Preston
Dominic Preston
Listen to Nothing in July.

That’s when the company’s first over-ear headphones are launching, on July 1st at 1PM ET, the same time it plans to launch the flagship Phone 3.

Image: Nothing
Apple could be adding camera controls and sleep detection to your AirPodsApple could be adding camera controls and sleep detection to your AirPods
Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
Sony made the battery easier to replace in its WH-1000XM6 headphones.

In addition to better ANC and the return to a folding design, Sony quietly improved access to the battery in its recently-launched WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones.

During a teardown iFixit discovered the battery is now held in place by two screws instead of double-sided tape like Sony used on previous models, making it relatively easy to access and replace if you’re comfortable disassembling a $450 pair of headphones.

Anker’s new wireless earbuds come with a case that can also charge your phoneAnker’s new wireless earbuds come with a case that can also charge your phone
The AirPods Max with USB-C are a great Memorial Day deal at $70 off The AirPods Max with USB-C are a great Memorial Day deal at $70 off 
Dominic Preston
Dominic Preston
Nothing is making over-ears.

And... that’s all we know about them. The company is following up its now extensive range of earbuds with bigger headphones coming this summer. “I think they’re better than AirPods Max,” says Nothing designer Tom Ridley as he and the design team tease what to expect while critiquing the competition, but we’ll have to wait to learn more than that.

Sony WH-1000XM6 hands-on: back to the fold
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0

Better sound, better noise cancellation, and some design improvements, but a higher price.

Chris Welch
Richard Lawler
Richard Lawler
Sony tees up XM6 headphone reveal for May 15th.

The next generation of Sony’s noise canceling headphones is almost here. Sony has a placeholder YouTube stream counting down to the WH-1000XM6 launch on Thursday at noon ET, which will finally flesh out the real information after some recent leaks.

Thomas Ricker
Thomas Ricker
Sony confirms WH-1000XM6 launch date.

After yesterday’s leak, Sony has announced a date for what’s certainly the successor to its flagship WH-1000XM5 noise cancelling headphones. That’s noon ET on May 15th for those of you who don’t speak Australian.

What could Sony possibly be announcing?
1/1
What could Sony possibly be announcing?
Image: Sony
Sony WH-1000XM6 headphone specs and details leak earlySony WH-1000XM6 headphone specs and details leak early
The sporty Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are already on sale for $50 offThe sporty Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are already on sale for $50 off
Shokz’ new open headphones don’t care what ear you clip them toShokz’ new open headphones don’t care what ear you clip them to
Anker’s Soundcore Liberty 5 earbuds boost battery life but ditch heart rate trackingAnker’s Soundcore Liberty 5 earbuds boost battery life but ditch heart rate tracking
Apple’s latest AirPods Pro are down to their best price of the yearApple’s latest AirPods Pro are down to their best price of the year
These wireless headphones have ‘80s Sony Walkman vibesThese wireless headphones have ‘80s Sony Walkman vibes
Bowers & Wilkins upgraded our pick for the best sounding wireless headphonesBowers & Wilkins upgraded our pick for the best sounding wireless headphones
Motorola’s new watch and earbuds are a case study in deja vuMotorola’s new watch and earbuds are a case study in deja vu
Play
Skullcandy partners with Bose for its new $99 ANC earbudsSkullcandy partners with Bose for its new $99 ANC earbuds
Sony’s excellent WF-1000XM5 earbuds have hit their lowest price everSony’s excellent WF-1000XM5 earbuds have hit their lowest price ever
Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
Audio-Technica is making just 10 of these $6,800 Darth Vader headphones.

If you’re headed to Star Wars Celebration in Japan later this month, Audio-Technica has announced a pricey souvenir for you, as spotted by Notebookcheck. Unlike its Star Wars-themed wireless earbuds, only 10 of these ATH-AWSW DV headphones, featuring wooden ear cups adorned with images of Darth Vader made using traditional Japanese crafting techniques, will be available.

Each pair is priced at 990,000 yen, or around $6,817.

<em>The headphones feature 53-millimeter drivers and are compatible with hi-res audio sources, but feature no wireless capabilities.</em>
<em>The left ear cup features Darth Vader’s helmet.</em>
<em>The right ear cup features a silhouette of Darth Vader with his glowing lightsaber.</em>
<em>The ATH-AWSW DV come packaged in a wooden storage box featuring Star Wars design elements, and include an aluminum headphone stand.</em>
1/4
The headphones feature 53-millimeter drivers and are compatible with hi-res audio sources, but feature no wireless capabilities.
Image: Audio-Technica
The see-through Beats Studio Buds Plus are on sale for less than $100The see-through Beats Studio Buds Plus are on sale for less than $100
Apple releases AirPods Max update with lossless audio after brief delayApple releases AirPods Max update with lossless audio after brief delay
Audio-Technica’s R2-D2 earbuds play beeps and bloops for audio alertsAudio-Technica’s R2-D2 earbuds play beeps and bloops for audio alerts
Nothing’s colorful, entry-level earbuds have fallen to their best price to dateNothing’s colorful, entry-level earbuds have fallen to their best price to date
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are worth their full price, but are more tempting at $30 offThe Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are worth their full price, but are more tempting at $30 off
Sony’s noise-canceling WH-1000XM5 are on sale for $150 off (update: sold out)Sony’s noise-canceling WH-1000XM5 are on sale for $150 off (update: sold out)
Sony brings more premium features to its budget wireless earbudsSony brings more premium features to its budget wireless earbuds
AirFly’s wireless headphone dongle adds volume controls and better soundAirFly’s wireless headphone dongle adds volume controls and better sound

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