7 – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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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?

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.

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Andrew Liszewski
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.

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.
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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
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
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
Apple’s AirPods Pro hearing health features are as good as they sound

The AirPods Pro 2 will soon offer more robust hearing protection and a new hearing aid feature. But it’s the hearing test that really hooked me.

Chris Welch
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Quentyn Kennemer
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