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Klipsch T5 II ANC earbuds use Bragi AI to let you answer calls by nodding
Klipsch's latest true wireless earbuds not only offer ANC and wireless charging, but they have Bragi AI tech and Dirac HD sound too.
Bragi sells off its in-ear headphone business as it focuses on software
Bragi hasn't been shy about transitioning away from making consumer-facing earbuds and toward developing high-concept features, but it's now clear that shift is complete. The company has confirmed to TechCrunch that it sold its hardware business to an unnamed company in March, finishing a "transformation" into a company focused on AI, software and patent licenses. If you see its technology in the future, it'll be part of someone else's earbuds.
Bragi asks court to block sales of OnePlus 'Dash' products
Bragi isn't willing to wait for the court to resolve its dispute over OnePlus' use of the word "Dash." The audio device maker has filed for a preliminary injunction that would block OnePlus from using the Dash name in association with its products while the trademark dispute unfolded. While OnePlus had signaled that it was "phasing out" use of the Dash Charge name for its fast power technology in favor of Warp Charge, it allegedly refused to say whether or not the upcoming OnePlus 6T would adopt the new naming scheme. Bragi had to make this move to "ensure" the 6T launch didn't violate its trademark, according to the filing.
Bragi sues OnePlus in Europe for using the word 'Dash'
Do you see much of a connection between smart earbuds and fast smartphone charging? No? Bragi would beg to differ. The audio company has sued OnePlus in the European Union for allegedly infringing on its trademark for the Dash. According to Bragi, OnePlus is purposefully sowing confusion with the Dash Charge feature in its phones, which sounds similar to the Dash Charger case that tops up Bragi's wireless earbuds.
Which true wireless earbuds are worth buying?
With so many flagship phones leaving behind the headphone jack over the past two years, the need for a good pair of Bluetooth earbuds has only intensified. While the first crop of true wireless products had their share of comfort and connection problems, the selection improved dramatically in 2017, with companies like Bose and Bang & Olufsen coming out with sets that gave Apple's AirPods a real run for the money. If you've been holding off on buying a pair because of cost, poor audio or because they just look ridiculous, it might finally be time to make the leap. We consulted reviews from top critics and came up with a list of six solid options that should have something for everyone, whether you're on a budget or prize sound quality above all else.
Assistive hearing is the next big thing for wireless earbuds
The number of companies that sell true wireless earbuds has exploded in the last year. B&O, Bose, Sony and Samsung all joined the craze Bragi started back in 2014. Thanks to a bill signed into law last year, some hearing aids and assistive audio devices will be available over-the-counter without the need for a prescription. Headphone companies are also using their tech to help people with hearing problems, especially those suffering from tinnitus.
Bragi's Project Ears is fusing wireless audio with hearing aids
Bragi's appearance at this year's CES isn't about an updated pair of earbuds. Not yet, at least. It's taking its audio tech in a new, health-based direction, working with Mimi Hearing Technologies to create a product that offers personalized hearing enhancement.
Bragi's AI earbuds will recognize the sounds around you
Bragi is determined to stand out in the increasingly crowded smart earbud space, and it might just have an ace up its sleeve. The startup and its partner Audio Analytic are promising to show off the first "context-aware earphones" at CES in January -- that is, a Dash Pro whose AI can recognize nearby sounds and act accordingly. While the exact capabilities are under wraps, Audio Analytic hints at recognizing both conversations and ambient sounds. The earphones might pipe down when you start talking to a friend, or let in more outside sound if an ambulance is approaching with sirens blaring.
The best audio gear to give as gifts
Maybe there's an audiophile on your list, or maybe you're shopping for someone who recently acquired a new phone and could use something better than the pack-in headphones. Either way, we have a slew of recommendations in the audio gear section of our holiday gift guide. On our list you'll find smart speakers from Google and Amazon alike, along with Sonos, whose new "One" speaker includes Alexa built in, with Google Assistant support coming soon. When it comes to headphones, our selections run the gamut from the affordable (Jabra's Move headset) to the high end (Bragi's Dash Pro wireless earbuds and these noise cancelling headphones from Sony), with a couple mid-range options in between. Rounding out the list, we have a soundbar, drum machine, synth app, the Amazon Echo Show and one of our favorite portable Bluetooth speakers. Find all that and many more items in our holiday gift guide, at the link below.
Earbud translators will bring us closer: The Future IRL
The moment Google Pixel Buds were used earlier this month to demonstrate real time translation from Swedish to English, people started freaking out about potential use cases for this kind of technology. But the thing is, Google isn't the only company taking this on.
Truly wireless earbuds are coming for your headphones
One of the dominant trends of IFA 2017 was the sheer volume of companies, both known and not-so-known, that launched Bluetooth earbuds. The "truly wireless" revolution that was kickstarted by Bragi and embraced by Samsung and Apple is now a bandwagon that everyone is jumping on.
Alexa is coming to Bragi's wireless earbuds in October
Amazon's Alexa may be a useful digital assistant, but it's a lot less useful when you're away from your Echo hardware. Wireless headphone-maker Bragi is looking to bridge the gap between Alexa and your phone with its Dash and Dash Pro earbuds. Thanks to a software update coming in October, you'll be able to talk to Alexa using Bragi's headphones. Once you update your headphones and link your Amazon account in the Bragi app for iOS and Android, you'll be able to start talking with Alexa through your headphones the same way you can with Siri or the Google Assistant.
Philips has its own pair of cheap Bluetooth earbuds
One of the standout trends at IFA is the number of companies flinging themselves onto the Truly Wireless earbud bandwagon. It's clear that it's not just a niche product that Bragi and Samsung are catering to, but an audio product for everyone. Because the latest company to throw a hat into the ring is none other than mass-market experts Philips.
The best audio gear for students
There's a strong case to be made for investing in quality audio gear at any period in your adult life. For college students in particular, though, a good set of speakers can be icebreakers as much as gateways into audiophilia. As such, we've included three options in our back-to-school buyer's guide, along with a turntable and amplifier, should you be more creatively inclined. Content to just listen to music and podcasts on the way to class? We have a few headphones you should check out, too.
Bragi's Dash Pro earbuds pack improved audio and AI smarts
If tapping your cheek to ask Siri a question isn't futuristic enough, Bragi's new "wireless ear computers" might impress you. The headphone maker has announced two new versions of its high-end Dash earbuds, the "Dash Pro" and the "Dash Pro tailored by Starkey" (a hearing-aid manufacturer). These wireless, in-ear devices will also be powered by a new operating system (OS). The Bragi OS3 will bring new features like real-time face-to-face translation, a hands-free gestural menu system, and AI built right into the earpieces. Existing Bragi Dash owners can also upgrade to BOS3 to get these tools.
Bragi's latest wireless earbuds are now available for $149
Bragi announced the follow-up to its feature-packed activity tracking Dash wireless earbuds back in September. That product, known as the Headphone, was slated to ship in November, but after a short delay it's now available to everyone. The new $149 set of wireless in-ear headphones don't carry the same tracking abilities and hand gestures as its $300 predecessor, but don't let the lack of smarts fool you. This more affordable model is still a solid set of wireless earbuds.
Bragi's 'Headphone' takes on Apple's AirPods
Almost three years ago, Bragi left an indelible mark on the headphone universe. The then-unknown company launched a pair of "truly" wireless headphones on Kickstarter that not only cut every wire, but boasted a slew of fitness-tracking features, all wrapped in a superslick design.
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.
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.
IBM partnership puts Watson in your ear to help you at work
Smart earphones like Bragi's Dash aren't just for personal activities like music and running -- they could also help you get some serious work done. Bragi and IBM are partnering on ways to combine "hearables" like the Dash with Watson's Internet of Things platform to help you communicate and collaborate with your teammates. The Watson supercomputer could translate what you're saying for a coworker, for instance, or give you instructions and smart notifications. Higher-ups could benefit, too -- they could get a sense of your location and safety without relying so much on cameras, or have you authenticate with your voice.
