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Bowers & Wilkins PX headphones pack adaptive noise cancellation
Bower & Wilkins (B&W) is dropping its latest pair of premium wireless headphones. How are these £330 ($437) cans any different from the company's alternatives? The "PX" are the first to pack adaptive noise cancellation (which allows you to pick from three different modes through a companion app). The "city" option, for example, will let in traffic noise, so you're less likely to get hit by a car while jamming to Rage Against the Machine. And, there's the responsive interaction feature that auto-pauses your tunes when you remove the headphones. They'll even return to standby mode when you put them down (which should be a boon for battery life).
Fitbit's Ionic smartwatch arrives October 1st for $300
Fitbit's Ionic, the company's first smartwatch, will be available for purchase on October 1st. The watch sports a reported five-day battery life, sleep tracking, guided workouts and music playback via Pandora or Fitbit's Music app. The Ionic is priced at $300/£300 and comes in three color combinations -- silver gray with a blue-gray band, smoke gray with a charcoal band and burnt orange with a slate blue band. You'll also be able to pick up Classic and Sport accessory bands for $30/£25 apiece or leather bands for $60/£50 each. At the same time, Fitbit is also launching its first wireless headphone set -- the Flyer -- for $130/£110. You can snag them in lunar gray or nightfall blue.
Beats' Studio3 headphones pack improved features at a lower price
It has been a while since Beats updated the top-end Studio line of headphones. In fact, the most recent model, Studio Wireless, debuted in 2013. Well, until now. Today, Beats is introducing the Studio3 Wireless, the latest high-end headphones for the popular brand that pack in Apple's W1 wireless chip, Pure Adaptive Noise Cancellation and much-improved battery life into a familiar design.
Fitbit Flyer wireless headphones hands-on: Too basic for the price
Fitbit is coming for your ears. The company's first wireless fitness headphones, called Fitbit Flyer, are designed to accompany you on your workouts, thanks to a sweat-proof, durable body. I got to try out the Flyer, which we've seen leaked before, and am satisfied that it works as promised, but wish it did more or performed better.
Master & Dynamic's new headphones take cues from Bamford watches
It's no secret that Master & Dynamic makes some of the best-looking headphones around these days, and the company routinely enlists other like-minded brands to join them. On heels of a Leica collaboration, M&D teamed up with UK-based Bamford Watch Department to re-imagine its wireless MW60 headphones. While Master & Dynamic's signature metal construction is still here with a matte black finish, it's the details from the luxury watchmaker that offer a new spin on the familiar over-ear headphones.
The best true wireless headphones so far
By Lauren Dragan This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer's guide to the best technology. When readers choose to buy The Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here. We tested 11 of the most promising true wireless in-ear headphones (as in, no wires connecting the earpieces like traditional Bluetooth earbuds). All of them, we found, have some flaws in fit, functionality, or convenience. Because this is the first generation of the technology, manufacturers are still working out the kinks. As a result, we can't make an overall pick that we think would work for most people. What we can tell you is which sets are the better options right now, and what they offer in terms of pros and cons. Depending on how you plan to use your headphones, we have picks for iPhone/iOS users, budget-oriented folks, those who prioritize sound, fitness buffs, and Samsung users. This way, you can decide for yourself which, if any, will fit best into your lifestyle or be worth your money.
Marshall's next long-lasting wireless headphone has a familiar look
Until now, if you wanted a set of wireless headphones that matched your Marshall guitar amp, you had to choose between two on-ear options. Today, the company revealed an over-ear model in the Monitor Bluetooth. As the name suggestions, this new entry into Marshall's personal audio line is a wireless version of the Monitor headphones it launched it 2013.
V-Moda's Crossfade 2 wireless headphones sound better, last longer
Nearly two years after V-Moda introduced a wireless version of its popular Crossfade headphones, the company's back with a set that promises to be much better all around. Looks-wise, the new Crossfade 2 Wireless model is almost identical to its predecessor, though the cushions and headband have been redesigned to be more comfortable and keep bad noise out of your ears. The new cans also have upgraded dual-diaphragm 50mm drivers, which V-Moda claims make for its best sound yet, and an improved battery life that can get you over 14 hours of music playback. For those keeping track, that's a couple hours longer than the original version.
Exploding earphones burned a plane passenger's face
John B. Goodenough, one of lithium-ion battery's creators, truly has a good reason to find a better power source. Lithium-ion batteries have the potential to catch fire regardless of what device they're powering, whether it's a large phone, a kid's toy or a pair of wireless headphones. One Australian woman on a flight from Beijing to Melbourne found that out the hard way. She was woken up by the sound of a loud explosion and "felt burning on [her] face" -- her unnamed wireless headphones exploded and caught fire.
B&O adds a $299 option to its wireless headphone line
When it comes to Bang and Olufsen's audio gear, you have to be willing to shell out some extra cash to get the company's mix of design and sound. The Beoplay line does offer some more affordable options and today the over-ear Beoplay H4 wireless headphones make their debut. Priced at $299 (£249/€299), the H4s are $100 less than B&O's current most affordable wireless option: the over-ear H7.
Sony is making its own wireless earbuds
In these heady days of headphone-free smartphones, there's money to be made in the wireless-headphone game. Sony revealed plenty of upgraded wireless speakers and headphones at its CES press event today, but there some prototype teasers too. The company had some tiny wireless in-ear buds on display, as well as some neck-anchored wireless headphones. Expect to hear more about both of them later this year, but for now, Sony is showcasing two different colors for each prototype, as well as charging cases for the in-ear buds. There's no price or release date, but they look small and unassuming. Suffice to say, too, they're likely to be another notable wireless-bud option at a time when there's not much competition. After all, even Sony's own Xperia Ear didn't quite seal the deal.
Apple will replace a lost AirPod for $69
Following a slightly delay, Apple's wireless AirPods are ready to order. They're small and sleek, but the lack of cords has put a nagging thought in the back of my mind: I am guaranteed to lose one, if not both within a few weeks. If you're equally forgetful, or happen to commute in jam-packed subway carriages, you'll be happy to hear that Apple will replace a single AirPod for $69 (£65). Given a fresh pair costs $159 (£159), that seems like a reasonable fee. Similarly, a new AirPod charging case will set you back $69 (£65), for the inevitable "I threw it out thinking it was floss" stories.
Tap your cheek to ask Siri a question with Bragi Dash update
The Bragi Dash wireless headphones are already incredibly smart and sophisticated, but this month's software update 2.2 makes them practically magical. Bragi OS 2.2 enables the MyTap beta, which will at first allow users to tap a cheek to activate Siri or Google Now. The update also introduces Windshield, an audio transparency trick that allows wearers to listen to music and hear their surroundings at the same time, plus improved heart rate measurements and upgraded Bluetooth capabilities "for many" users. Bragi OS 2.2 is due to roll out on November 21st.
Plantronics' new wireless cans deliver noise-canceling for $200
Plantronics' latest wireless headphones double-down on the company's strengths: sound quality and price. For a relatively low price of $200, the BackBeat Pro 2 packs in decent noise-canceling and even more thumping bass than its predecessor. But, once again, you certainly won't mistake them for Beats or Sony cans, with a design that's even less appealing than before. They won't do much to change Plantronics' image, but they might end up being the ideal pair of noise-canceling over-ear headphones for less-style-conscious buyers.
The best wireless exercise headphones
By Lauren Dragan This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer's guide to the best technology. Read the full article here. If we wanted a pair of wireless headphones for working out, we'd get the JLab Epic2 Bluetooth. After extensive research—we considered a total of 147 sport-specific headphones and tested the 85 best-reviewed and newest options—our panel of experts agreed that they'd want to bring the Epic2 Bluetooth along on their next training session. The tough, lightweight Epic2 pair is easier to fit in a wider variety of ears than the competition, has better battery life than the other Bluetooth models we tested, and offers great sound for a lower price than most comparable cordless models.
Apple's AirPods get a $10 tether (so maybe you won't lose them)
Apple's incoming AirPods are a technical marvel, cramming a load of tech into the same teeny tiny earbud cases that have been packaged with iPhones for years. While we wait to test a pair out for ourselves, accessory makers have wasted no time in correcting possible design faults in Apple's new headphones. Spigen has taken it upon itself to announce a ten-dollar tangle-free strap to keep the 'phones together -- and, well, un-wireless them.
Of course EE's hyping wireless headphones on iPhone 7 day
EE's Add to Plan scheme lets anyone taking out a two-year smartphone contract walk away with accessories in exchange for a couple of extra quid tacked onto their bill each month. Launched last year, EE today announced a slight change to the T&Cs. Instead of the cost being spread over 18 months and customers paying a premium for the convenience, they'll now square it away in 11 and pay out no more than the retail price. A wider product range will soon be offered, too, including wearables from Fitbit (from £8 per month), smartwatches and Samsung's Gear VR headset (also £8 per month).
Bragi's new wireless headphones are cheaper, but not as smart
It took nearly two years and a Kickstarter campaign for Bragi to deliver its completely wireless smart earbuds that handle music, activity tracking and phone calls. Now the company is back with its second product: The Headphone. At first glance, Bragi's Headphone looks a lot like its elder sibling, but upon close inspection it's quite a bit different. The main way to tell the two apart visually is the physical buttons and lack of multi-colored lights on the outside of this new model. Dash features touch controls for volume, skipping tracks, taking calls and more while Headphone has three buttons you'll need to press to complete those tasks.
Jabra's truly wireless earbuds track your heart rate during workouts
Jabra just announced a two revised sports headphone models last month, but the company is already back with more portable audio news. This time around, the in-ear headphones are truly wireless without a short cord to connect the two buds. Following on the heels of the Bragi Dash and Samsung Gear IconX, Jabra's Elite Sport is two separate wireless earbuds that offer heart rate tracking.
Bose's best headphones are even better wireless
When it comes to headphones, it can sometimes be easy to forget about Bose. The company doesn't debut new models as frequently as the competition, choosing instead to focus on quality, comfort and its highly touted noise-canceling tech. Bose's previous noise-canceling model, the QC25, has been around awhile, and despite its popularity, there was one thing missing: a wireless edition. Announced just over a week ago, the QuietComfort 35s mix that trademark sound and feel in a $350 package. I spent a few days using the headphones to see if they met my high expectations.
