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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?

Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 are now $179, their lowest price yetGoogle’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 are now $179, their lowest price yet
Apple’s AirPods 4 are down to their lowest price to dateApple’s AirPods 4 are down to their lowest price to date
Bose’s noise-canceling QC Ultra Earbuds are on sale for their best price to dateBose’s noise-canceling QC Ultra Earbuds are on sale for their best price to date
The best stuff we’ve seen at MWC so farThe best stuff we’ve seen at MWC so far
Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro are the first to deliver on Qualcomm’s promise of Wi-Fi earbudsXiaomi Buds 5 Pro are the first to deliver on Qualcomm’s promise of Wi-Fi earbuds
The Powerbeats Pro 2 can’t play music while tracking heart rate on gym equipmentThe Powerbeats Pro 2 can’t play music while tracking heart rate on gym equipment
Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
Leaked images reveal a transparent color option for Sony’s new ANC earbuds.

The Walkman Blog has shared new details and leaked images of Sony’s upcoming WF-C710N earbuds — a follow-up to the budget-friendly Sony WF-C700N earbuds that added ANC when they debuted in 2023.

The leaks indicate the WF-C710N will arrive in late May with new features like Sony’s Quick Attention Mode, but more tempting are four color choices including a new glass blue option with the buds and charging case all sporting a transparent design.

A leaked image of Sony’s upcoming WF-C710N wireless earbuds in a transparent color option.
According to leaked images shared by The Walkman Blog, Sony’s upcoming WF-C710N wireless earbuds will come in four colors including a transparent glass blue option.
Image: The Walkman Blog
Audio-Technica’s new cartilage conduction headphones offer better battery lifeAudio-Technica’s new cartilage conduction headphones offer better battery life
Bose headphones and earbuds are nearly 25 percent off for Presidents DayBose headphones and earbuds are nearly 25 percent off for Presidents Day
Woot is offering steep discounts on some of our favorite headphonesWoot is offering steep discounts on some of our favorite headphones
The new Powerbeats Pro 2 have a sleeker design and heart-rate monitoringThe new Powerbeats Pro 2 have a sleeker design and heart-rate monitoring
Beats Studio Buds Plus are matching their record low with $50 offBeats Studio Buds Plus are matching their record low with $50 off
Apple’s latest AirPods have dropped below $100 for the first timeApple’s latest AirPods have dropped below $100 for the first time
Richard Lawler
Richard Lawler
Apple could upgrade its iCloud calendar with ‘Confetti.’

In his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman writes that the PowerBeats Pro 2 earbuds are preparing to launch on February 11th, with heart-rate monitoring as previously rumored, and also about a new iCloud feature.

Apparently called Confetti internally, it’s an invite service for events like parties and meetings, which could be tied to a “broader” reworking of Apple’s calendar app. It certainly sounds easier than working out the issues with launching AR glasses.

Apple’s AI and AR Struggles Show It Has Lost Some of Its Product Edge

[bloomberg.com]

Now Apple tells us how to update AirPodsNow Apple tells us how to update AirPods
Andrew Liszewski
Sony’s next flagship noise-canceling headphones might be close to launchSony’s next flagship noise-canceling headphones might be close to launch
Jess Weatherbed
Jess Weatherbed
AirPods now require four steps to turn off noise cancellation.

Before, it only took one step to eliminate audio processing and extend battery life on newer AirPods.

Apple removed the “Off” toggle from the default modes after introducing hearing protection features to noise control in iOS 18. To restore it, open the Settings app, tap your connected AirPods, and toggle on “Off Listening Mode.” They will still default to Transparency mode when you connect, however.

Apple starts pushing AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 owners into Transparency or Noise Cancellation modes repeatedly, without an easy opt out

[Key Discussions]

Technics’ new flagship earbuds have ‘Magnetic Fluid’ driversTechnics’ new flagship earbuds have ‘Magnetic Fluid’ drivers
Audio-Technica’s latest earbuds have marathon battery life and a useful trickAudio-Technica’s latest earbuds have marathon battery life and a useful trick
The Shokz OpenFit 2 is an almost perfect update to the originalsThe Shokz OpenFit 2 is an almost perfect update to the originals
JBL’s Tour One M3 headphones wirelessly connect to older devices using a touchscreen transmitterJBL’s Tour One M3 headphones wirelessly connect to older devices using a touchscreen transmitter
Wes Davis
Wes Davis
You might be able to fall asleep wearing Belkin’s new wireless earbuds.

Belkin announced the SoundForm Anywhere. I saw these in someone’s ear during a briefing — that funky, flat, fin-shaped part sits upright inside your ear, not jutting out like normal stem-style earbuds.

Odd look, but it could mean they’re comfortable enough to rest your head on. Belkin is aiming for a Q2 2025 release. Pricing details will come later.

SoundForm Anywhere earbuds — ordinary-looking earbuds portion but with a flat fin-like outer part that sits upright in the folds of your ear.
The SoundForm Anywhere, with one in its charging case and the other outside of it.
SoundForm Anywhere earbuds hovering over their case.
The SoundForm Anywhere sitting in their case.
1/4
Belkin’s SoundForm Anywhere go for comfort over looks.
Image: Belkin
2024: a good year for earbuds

This year paved the way for a future where earbuds are much more than audio accessories.

Chris Welch
Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones are nearly 50 percent off right nowSony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones are nearly 50 percent off right now
We rounded up 40 last-minute gifts you can still grab in time for the holidaysWe rounded up 40 last-minute gifts you can still grab in time for the holidays
Sony’s noise-canceling WF-1000XM5 are cheaper than they were on Black FridaySony’s noise-canceling WF-1000XM5 are cheaper than they were on Black Friday
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation hit new all-time low with $40 offAirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation hit new all-time low with $40 off
Master & Dynamic revived a pair of wired earphonesMaster & Dynamic revived a pair of wired earphones
The best Cyber Monday headphone and earbud deals you can getThe best Cyber Monday headphone and earbud deals you can get
Apple’s latest AirPods Pro are cheaper than the AirPods 4 right nowApple’s latest AirPods Pro are cheaper than the AirPods 4 right now
Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
Let a Gundam protect your AirPods Pro.

Following its collaboration with Neon Genesis Evangelion last year, Casetify has announced a new anime collection featuring Gundam-themed cases and accessories. The standout is this $155 RX-78-2 Gundam head case for the AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 that’s more expensive than what the latest version of the earbuds are currently selling for during Black Friday promotions.

Casetify’s RX-78-2 Gundam Collectible Earbuds Case for the AirPods Pro 2 pictured from two angles.
Casetify’s new anime collection includes a Gundam head AirPods Pro case.
Image: Casetify
Bang & Olufsen’s new $499 earbuds have better ANC and replaceable batteriesBang & Olufsen’s new $499 earbuds have better ANC and replaceable batteries
Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
JVC’s new open earbuds are smaller and cheaper than Bose’s Ultra Open.

Borrowing the design of Bose’s open-style earbuds, the JVC Nearphones attach to the side of your ear and position a 10mm driver inside so you can hear your music plus everything else around you. They’re smaller and lighter than the $299 Bose Ultra Open, and at $99.95 they’re a more affordable solution if you find regular earbuds uncomfortable.

JVC’s Nearphones wireless earbuds pictured in five different colorways.
JVC’s Nearphones are available in five colorways with matching charging cases.
Image: JVC
Sonos speakers and soundbars are up to $200 off ahead of Black FridaySonos speakers and soundbars are up to $200 off ahead of Black Friday
Apple’s third-gen AirPods are on sale for under $100 ahead of Black FridayApple’s third-gen AirPods are on sale for under $100 ahead of Black Friday
Bowers & Wilkins’ excellent-sounding PX7 S2e headphones are $120 offBowers & Wilkins’ excellent-sounding PX7 S2e headphones are $120 off
The latest AirPods Pro are on sale for $1 shy of their all-time low todayThe latest AirPods Pro are on sale for $1 shy of their all-time low today
Bose is taking up to 40 percent off headphones ahead of Black FridayBose is taking up to 40 percent off headphones ahead of Black Friday
Sony’s noise-canceling XM5 have dropped to one of their best prices yetSony’s noise-canceling XM5 have dropped to one of their best prices yet
Beats Solo 4 and Studio Pro headphones are an impressive 50 percent offBeats Solo 4 and Studio Pro headphones are an impressive 50 percent off

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