02/08, 6:25am
We get a feel for Sony's new music oriented range
Electronista has had the opportunity to go hands-on with the forthcoming Sony Walkman Z
Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) media player and its core range of high-end Balanced Armature in-ear headphones. Although both product lines were announced late last year, due to the natural disasters in Japan and Thailand, Sony are only now in a position to bring them to the US and other markets. We came away impressed, but particularly with the new Balanced Armature earphones, which are the best in-ear headphones Sony has released.
more
02/03, 6:00pm
HN-900 & Aurvana X-Fi 2 cancel noise by 85 percent
Creative has introduced a pair of noise-canceling headphones. The HN-900 integrates an in-line microphone with the over-the-ear headset. The Aurvana X-Fi 2 is a pure headphone, but supports a multi-dimensional surround-sound effect.
more
12/28, 10:30pm
Features 'DJ switch,' new packaging design
Empire Brands, the parent company of Wicked Audio and its line of fashion headphones, will debut a new line dubbed "Solus" (which, contrary to the company's claims, is Latin for "alone" or "solitary") at CES 2012 in Las Vegas next month. The new headphones feature a thick braided cable for durability and a special "DJ switch" that mixes the stereo signal into one ear for DJ queuing and controls volume.
more
12/19, 10:10pm
First interested parties to get t-shirt and flask
Razer has announced that its Tiamat 7.1 surround-sound gaming headset, which was first unveiled in August, will not arrive before the holidays. The company suggests it is still working on "final touches," pushing the expected launch date back to late January.
more
12/14, 7:30pm
Hidden microphone allows doubling as headset
Computer accessory case and bag maker BBP Industries has opted to expand its offerings and include the Mobiband Bluetooth headphone set as a complementary extension of its product line. A hidden microphone with automatic echo-reduction allows the headphones to double as a phone headset, essentially an improved version of the Jaybird Sportsband. The design is foldable and offers up to 11 hours of music or talk time.
more
11/24, 1:00am
Wireless, wired and earbud models to be offered
Following in the footsteps of successful rappers-turned-headphone-designers such as Dr. Dre and Ludacris, performer 50 Cent has formally launched his own brand of designer headphones in conjunction with his SMS Audio company, which bought KonoAudio last summer to aid in the manufacturing process. Select retailers are now taking pre-orders for the headphones, which come in wireless and wired varieties with an earbud model to follow soon.
more
11/22, 11:45am
Deals on headphones, HDTVs, and more
Today's deals from DealNN include discounted headphones, HDTVs and more. With Black Friday right around the corner a lot of places are starting to offer Pre-Black-Friday deals, one of which is the JBuds J4 Rugged Metal In-Ear Earbuds Style Headphones with Travel Case that's now on sale at Amazon.com. Currently featured at DealNN, this set of headphones come with seven sizes of soft silicone earbuds, iPhone/iPod compatibility, and a sale price of only $39.95; up to $50 in savings are also included.
more
11/16, 2:05am
More sophisticated style aims at upscale market
The Monster Beats by Dr. Dre headphones, widely popular with hip-hop, urban and top 40 music listeners but sometimes derided as overly bass-heavy by critics, are expanding the lineup beyond other celebrity-designed earphones to an entire new line aimed at an older and more business-oriented demographic with the new, brushed-metal-finish Executive line. The new headphones offer a brushed-metal styling and auto-shutoff when idle.
more
09/29, 8:10pm
Cans built by SMS Audio
SMS Audio's Sync by 50 wireless headphones have been detailed and pictured ahead of the official launch. Images and a spec sheet posted on TechCrunch show the 50 Cent-branded headphones, which include their own wireless transmitter that plugs into a 3.5mm headphone jack. The system is claimed to transmit 16-bit lossless audio with a range of 50 feet and support for four users connected to a single source.
more
09/28, 7:45pm
Design maintains tangle-resistant cable
Swedish headphone maker Jays has updated its a-Jays One earphones. The new One+ model maintains the same basic design, but adds a single-button inline remote and microphone that enables users to switch between music and phone calls when the earphones are connected to smartphones. The remote/mic combo is compatible with a wide range of platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry.
more
09/13, 10:00pm
Performance line-up with or without mic
Polk Audio has launched a national campaign for its new line of performance-designed UltraFit headphones aimed at users involved in sports or active lifestyles. Featuring contrast-colored tangle free cords, water-resistant materials and athletics-specific design -- along with its reputation for high-quality audio -- the UltraFit line offers sports headphones that will stand up to the rigors of training and everyday use with a fit that doesn't slip.
more
09/06, 7:25pm
Headphones integrate playback controls, mic
Beats by Dr. Dre appears to be readying yet another set of headphones, a wireless model that has surfaced in FCC documents. Images from the Commission suggest the Beats Wireless headphones will offer an appearance that fits between the company's Solo- and Pro-series over-ear models, but with an integrated battery and Bluetooth radio for wireless operation.
more
08/26, 7:00pm
Offers in-ear, ear bud or ear-hook designs
Of the five new models added to Harman's AKG K300 series of lightweight headphones intended for smartphones and other mobile devices, four of them feature iPhone-compatible in-line microphones so users can place or receive calls as well as control volume, play/pause and skip using the buttons on the cord. The models all feature above-average frequency and sensitivity response while keeping prices at the low end of the headphone spectrum.
more
08/02, 11:30am
Vendors start clearing stock ahead of refresh
Retail chains are beginning to discount the iPhone 4, reports note. Radio Shack has a sale running through Saturday, in which 16 and 32GB models are priced at $170 and $270 on contract instead of their regular $199 and $299. A $100 trade-in credit for previous iPhones applies, potentially lowering the cost of an iPhone 4 to just $70.
more
08/02, 11:15am
Canadian hint emerges of iPhone 5 release
Purportedly leaked documents from Canadian carrier Telus suggest the iPhone 5 might ship on October 1. The release date comes along with several, presumably for other products, that are all cast as concrete and not fillers. The choice would be a Saturday but isn't "unrealistic" given how busy phone stores are those days, BGR's tipster said.
more
06/22, 3:25pm
Models slated for fall 2011 launch
Incase is set to expand its headphone lineup with four new models that fit into the Soundesign series. The products feature minimalist design with hidden joints, low-profile ear cups, and a combination of black matte and gloss finishes. Users can also take advantage of inline microphones and remote controls for use with Apple devices and other supported products.
more
06/21, 8:30am
Deals on headphones, iPad cases, and more
Today's deals from DealNN include price breaks on headphones, iPad cases, and more. Macmall.com is currently offering seven different items as deals of the day, one of which is the refurbished Sony Noise-Cancelling In-Ear Stereo Headphones with integrated neodymium drivers, compact design ideal for travel, built-in monitor, noise-cancelling technology that reduces ambient noise by up to 90%, and the ability to run up to 100 hours on a single AAA battery. This particular set of headphones is currently featured at DealNN, and priced at only $31.99 after the $68 price break.
more
06/20, 11:15pm
No compromise between music and calls
Music fans who listen to music for long periods of time often demand the full-cup, ear-surrounding "cans" of traditional headphones for additional comfort, more noise isolation and better fidelity. Mobile device users often want to listen to music but also have the ability to receive and make phone calls with an inline mic. Marshall's "Major" on-ear headphones now come with an inline remote and mic, trying to bridge the best of both worlds.
more
05/05, 6:50pm
Series includes WP-450, WP-350, and WP-250
Creative has expanded its audio products with several new headphones that focus on wireless connectivity via Bluetooth. The WP-450, WP-350 and WP-250 models integrate "invisible" microphones, enabling users to place and answer phone calls when the headphones are paired with a smartphone or other handset with Bluetooth capabilities.
more
04/19, 11:40am
Deals on headphones, digital cameras, and more
Today’s deals from DealNN include discounts on headphones, digital cameras, and more. Buy.com today is offering the Able Planet Sound Clarity Active Noise Canceling Headphones with in-line volume control, LINUX audio, full-size ear cups, and a lightweight adjustable headband, as its deal of the day. Currently featured at DealNN, the Able Planet headphones have dropped $100 off the $249.99 regular price, and can now be purchased for $149.99 with free shipping included.
more
04/01, 9:30pm
Each offers serious sound with different options
Two different companies have announced new high-end earbud-style headphones that offer excellent sound at reasonable prices. Audio-Technica are now shipping their in-ear ATH-ANC23 active noise-cancelling headphones that claim to offer 90% noise-cancelling performance while preserving 20-20,000 Hz performance, while Brainwavz have brought out dual-balanced armature earphones they call their highest-end yet, the Brainwavz B2 which will be shipping in late April.
more
01/08, 2:40am
Earbud-style get high marks internationally
Swedish headphones company Jays has announced that its headphones will soon be available in the US, leading off with its latest creation, the a-Jays Four for iPhones and other smartphones. The in-ear earphone boasts a "fully" compatible keypad, high-quality microphone and tangle-free flat cord.
more
12/28, 9:50am
Warns that lesser headphones may suffer damage
Schiit Audio has announced its Lyr headphone amplifier, capable of 6W, 32 ohm output. The Lyr uses a hybrid tube/MOSFET design that the company claims will drive virtually any headphone, although the unit's high output and 0.1 percent THD (total harmonic distortion) are aimed at low-impedance and low-efficiency orthodynamic models. The company warned that the power is uncharacteristically high and capable of damaging some headphone designs.
more
12/03, 5:15am
Three models including the HD 25, HD 220, CX 310
Sennheiser has teamed with Adidas to release a new Adidas Originals line of headphones. The range includes the HD 25, the HD 220 and the CX 310. The HD 25 is a premium headphone set aimed at DJs, while the HD 220 adopt a street style. The CX 310 are an in-ear type earphone.
more
11/09, 10:30am
Company looking at new Bluetooth gear?
Apple has quietly absorbed a small, San Francisco-based Bluetooth headphone maker, Wi-Gear, a 9to5Mac source claims. The deal is in fact said to have happened two months ago, for an undisclosed amount of money. Wi-Gear is now closed, and one of the company's co-founders, Michael Kim, has become an iOS Bluetooth engineer at Apple. It's not clear what's become of CEO Mark Pundsack, who has not updated his LinkedIn profile.
more
11/02, 6:30am
Earphones set to join over-ear headphones
Marshall, famous for rock ‘n roll guitar stacks teased its first set of over-ear headphones, the Major a couple of weeks back. Due to launch on November 15, the Major is now set to be joined by the Minor, which Marshall began teasing via its Marshall Headphones newsletter today. The Minor are an earphone model styled after the guitar plug of a Fender Telecaster and the knobs off its own Marshall Amps.
more
11/01, 1:10pm
Linked to 'ControlTalk' tech
Apple is keeping tabs on a problem with Monster headphones, internal leaks are said to reveal. In particular Apple is reportedly claiming an issue with the conductive flanges in some Monster units, which may be causing iPads, iPhones and iPods to erratically start and stop music. Affected Monster headphones use "ControlTalk" technology, based on Apple's in-line remote controls.
more
10/28, 12:50am
Rise in hearing damage led to development
Concerned amidst reports that one in five children are suffering hearing loss in part due to unsafe earbud use, Future Sonics -- a long-time maker of professional earbuds for on-stage, recording and personal use -- has developed the Atrio Special Edition (ASE) earbud line, being introduced at Airport Wireless stores. The headphones use proprietary drivers to reproduce low frequencies (<150Hz) with more clarity, reducing the need to increase volume to "hear" the music or block background sound.
more
10/21, 6:50am
Marshall headphones launching November 15
Marshall, the famous brand appearing on the rock guitar amplification stacks behind numerous rock bands over the decades is introducing its first set of Marshall-branded headphones. Detailed specs have not yet been published, but initial information available indicates that they include a 1/4-inch gold plated jack, are an over ear retro look and have urethane padding for comfort.
more
10/14, 6:25am
Two new models in gold or black, also enhanced
Pioneer has added two new Limited Edition versions of its HDJ-1000 headphones. In addition to the new look, the headphones have also had their specs tweaked to improve low range sound reproduction and to further improve comfort. The two new colors on offer are black or a black with a gold metal finish.
more
09/30, 5:45am
Dual noise-cancelling, compact and lightweight
Denon has introduced its AH-NC800 dual noise-cancelling travel headphones. Incorporating dual noise cancelling technology, the noise from outside the headphones is cut by up to 99 percent. This is the result of two microphones; one that cancel the noise from the outside, and a secondary mic that further suppresses external sound that might leak inside the headphones. Designed for digital portable music players, the headphones incorporate Denon’s Compressed Audio Restorer active circuitry that reconstructs MP3 and MP4 recordings so they sound more natural and akin to the original source recording.
more
09/08, 7:05am
Pioneer HDJ-500 headphones entry with substance
Pioneer today revealed its new HDJ-500 entry-level DJ headphones. Designed with comfort and longevity in mind, it uses leather-wrapped urethane pads to provide a more comfortable user experience that is also hard-wearing. The main structure of the headphones is made of magnesium alloy, which is both strong and lightweight. As with with many DJ-style headphones, the HDJ-500 includes a rotating arm structure that allows the user to twist the right earpiece forwards or backwards by as much as 60 degrees to keep one ear open for a crowd.
more
09/02, 9:55am
Built for an active lifestyle
Philips and O’Neil have teamed to develop a range of headphones and earphones for people who like to get outdoors. The premium range includes The Stretch,
The Snug,
The Covert and
The Specked. The Stretch and The Snug are over-ear headphones that use 40mm drivers designed with an emphasis on delivering deep bass. The Stretch is also made of an extra-rugged nylon polymer. The Snug, as it name implies, is more oriented towards delivering comfort and includes soft cushions for long use; the set also folds flat for travel.
more
06/02, 10:00pm
Headphones offer range of styles, colors
Sony has introduced the PIIQ series of fashion-oriented headphones featuring a variety of styles and designs. The flagship Marqii headphones are built with a pink and black color scheme and a large, over-ear design which houses 40mm drivers.
more
05/03, 4:10pm
Noise-cancelling headphones split on features
MacNN has reviewed two sets of noise-cancelling headphones, the AblePlanet NC300 and the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7b. While already cutting out some ambient sound through over-the-ear designs, the headphones each feature active noise reduction, powered by single AAA batteries. The NC300s are noted as being the cheaper of the options, and more sensitive, as well as more convenient thanks to inline volume control. At the same time, music may actually be hard to hear unless noise cancellation is on, draining the battery.
more
04/19, 3:40pm
In-Ear, Remote and Mic sets also covered
Owners of the third-generation iPod shuffle may be eligible for a free set of replacement earbuds. The default buds can stop working properly "under certain conditions," according to Apple, although only a "very small percentage" of Shuffle owners have allegedly been affected. Broken earbuds display signs such as inconsistent or unresponsive controls, along with unintended voice playback, and/or sudden jumps or drops in volume.
more
03/18, 3:35pm
Lineup to be debuted at CTIA 2010
Scosche has announced its 2010 netbook accessory lineup, which includes several new products such as headphones, chargers, and cases, among other items. The new skyCASTER wireless headphones feature an integrated microphone for gaming or VoIP calls. An included USB dongle works as a transmitter, with a claimed range of up to 100 feet over the 2.4GHz band.
more
03/03, 9:15am
Integrated microphone for gaming, VOIP
Sony has introduced a new series of style-conscious headphones with integrated microphone suitable for online gaming and VoIP. The DR-350USB has a USB connection, and features a 30mm driver unit in the headset for extra bass, a detachable boom that Sony calls a "voice tube," and inline controls for volume and mute. It will be available in black as well as uncharacteristically bright colors like gold and red.
more
03/02, 10:25am
CS40s claim high comfort, but marred by fit
MacNN has reviewed two new products, beginning with ifrogz's EarPollution CS40 headphones. The pair use an over-the-ear design built with comfort in mind, as evidenced by their cushioning and light weight. Sound quality is also said to be high, with a good mix of treble and bass. The earpieces are argued to be too loose however, making them impractical unless a person expects to sit still most of the time.
more
01/11, 9:25pm
Grass Roots Collection of iPhone cases, earbuds
In addition to its recently announced Crystal Clear Collection, iWave has also introduced the new eco-friendly Grass Roots Collection. The series of iPhone and iPod accessories is claimed to be environmentally friendly, constructed with recyclable materials such as plastic, wood and bamboo. The new products include headphones, earphones and cases, with each designed around a rustic wood-grain theme geared for nature enthusiasts.
more
01/11, 8:55pm
New line of iPhone/iPod accessories
iWave has announced a new line of electronic accessories geared toward female users, the Crystal Clear Collection. The new product line offers a variety of headphones, earphones and cases for iPhones or iPods. All of the accessories feature Swarovski's Crystallized Elements, along with bright themes in colors such as pink.
more
01/05, 4:30pm
New dock works with companion iPhone app
iLuv has introduced a new headphone series, Tatz, and a new iPhone dock, App Station. On display at CES (Central Hall, Booth #12632), the new rotational alarm-clock dock features a built-in speaker and works with a companion iPhone app to allow it to play music, movies and perform alarm clock functions. The app allows for customized displays of digital alarm-clock readouts on the iPhone. The dock can stand vertically or horizontally for standard or movie viewing on the iPhone. The App Station dock will ship in February for $130, and the iLuv app will be available on the iTunes App Store.
more
12/11, 4:40pm
Waterproof Apple in-line earphones also available
SwimMan has launched a new waterproofed iPod shuffle, and is offering a combo deal for the holidays. The Shuffle is a 2GB, third-generation model waterproofed from the inside out, and so does not require special external casing. It can be submerged to 25 feet, although the waterproofing process does disable the on-off and shuffle buttons, which can be substituted for with the headset and the center-wheel button. The other buttons remain functional, but tend to be stiffer.
more
12/02, 10:00pm
Mic offers XLR and USB connections
Samson on Wednesday introduced the Q2U Recording Pack which includes a microphone, HP20 headphones, and other accessories. The Q2U dynamic mic features both XLR and USB outputs, allowing users to simultaneously connect with a computer and other gear for live performances and recording. The mic offers a cardioid pickup pattern and an integrated A/D converter for 16-bit, 48kHz sampling.
more
11/04, 5:55pm
Tech reduces background noise by 85%
Audio-Technica has released its latest noise-canceling headphones, the ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint. The active noise-canceling technology is claimed to reduce background noise by up to 85 percent. A closed-back design houses large-aperture 40mm drivers with neodymium magnets, which reproduce sound from 10Hz to 25.5KHz with a sensitivity of 109dB and a 300 ohm impedance.
more
10/07, 1:25am
Open-backed HFI-2400 headphone
Ultrasone has announced the latest product in its series of HFI headphones, the HFI-2400. The headphone features 40mm gold-plated drivers, while the company’s S-Logic technology is claimed to widen the perceived soundstage. MU Metal shielding is designed to help reduce the amount of magnetic radiation by up to 98% compared to standard headphones. The drivers are built with 70 Ohm impedance and produce a frequency range of 10Hz – 25kHz, with a sound pressure level of 94dB.
more
09/17, 10:55pm
85 dB limit protects ear drums from damage
Griffin Technology has announced MyPhones, a new headphone with an integrated volume limiter to protect against hearing loss for children. The headphones are designed with soft-rubber ear cushions that sit just over the ear, with an adjustable band for comfort. The primary feature is an 85 decibel limit on the volume, helping to ensure that sound can never go high enough to damage the ear drum. It also comes with a customizable carrying case, along with three swappable shell caps.
more
08/21, 3:20pm
DealNN: Skullcandy Chops
Today's featured deal of the day from DealNN is on the Skullcandy Chops headphones. They were priced at $19.99, but have been reduced by $15 to $4.99, making these the lowest priced Skull Candy headphones we have seen anywhere. The Skullcandy Chops feature an over-the-ear design which helps keep the earbuds in place.
more
08/19, 7:05pm
Bose QuietComfort 15
Bose on Wednesday introduced the QuietComfort 15, its latest noise-canceling headphones. The headphones boast new sound-reduction technology that is claimed to offer improved attenuation in loud environments, while expanding the correction across a wider range of frequencies.
more
08/08, 11:10am
PC 300 G4ME headset
Sennheiser Communications has released the PC 300 G4ME headset, a new portable earphone created for all types of media purposes on either a laptop or PC, including online gaming or chatting with friends. The headset features a light-weight in-ear design made to reduce noise, and comes complete with an integrated microphone and in-line volume control. It’s made from the same capsules as the company’s CX 300-II ear-canal phones and provides three differently sized silicone ear-sleeves to help ensure comfort.
more
