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The best gifts for a console gamer
Don't worry, we're not out to start a console war in our comments: If you're in the market for a new games system, the Xbox One S, PlayStation VR, Nintendo Switch and 2DS XL all made it into our holiday gift guide, for different reasons. Once you figure out which platform is best for your intended, we have a wide assortment of games and accessories, from a 400GB microSDXC card to a custom Xbox controller to the PlayStation Gold wireless headset, among other things. Find all that and more in our gift guide at the link below.
Sony debuts iPod / iPhone-friendly ALTUS multi-room audio line
We haven't seen a new S-AIR product since Sony outed a few wireless HTIBs back in March, but it looks as if the outfit is hopping back on that horse with a new line at Best Buy. The ALTUS audio product range gets going with the "premium" ALT-SA31iR multi-room iPod package, which is comprised of an iPod / iPhone docking station and a pair of wireless speakers; it also touts an AM / FM tuner as well as an LCD-equipped S-AIR remote commander. The AIR-SW10Ti iPod docking station adds in a wireless subwoofer, while the ALT-SA32PC multi-room audio package consists of an S-AIR transmitter that connects to one's PC via USB and a pair of wireless speakers. Finally, the ALT-A33PC package has an identical USB S-AIR transmitter, but includes a universal receiver with analog audio inputs. As for prices? Try $700, $400, $500 and $200 in order of mention, with each up for pre-order today through Sony and on sale in Best Buy locations starting next month.
Sony's Altus 'phones offer 80kHz "HiFi" on the cheap
Given the fact that most human hearing maxes out at 20kHz, it seems a bit silly for Sony to be squeezing an 80kHz driver into their new "Altus" MDR-D777 headphones, and the assorted hyperbole they're bestowing on the 'phones seems a bit excessive for a pair of $150 cans, but Sony has been known to bust out a decent set now and then, so we won't hold it against them too terribly much. Beyond that 80kHz craziness the Altus headphones sport 40mm HD drivers, which sit parallel to your ears, along with an ambient sound-in switch, allowing you to switch between an open diaphragm that lets noise in and opens up the soundstage, and a closed diaphragm that isolates the listener. The Altus units sport aluminum earcups, and while there ain't no Ethiopian sheep leather to be seen here, they look comfortable enough, and should be out this November -- all prepped to annoy your dog with that excessively high upper register.
