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Samsung's Dolby Atmos soundbars are ready for your living room
After announcing a pair of Dolby Atmos-equipped soundbars at CES, Samsung is finally shipping the duo in the US. The HW-K950 and HW-K850 are both available now, so long as you're willing to part with either $1,499 or $999, respectively. What are you getting for the extra dough? Samsung's HW-K950 is a more a complete sound system with a soundbar, two satellite speakers and a subwoofer. The whole group is wireless so you won't have to worry about hiding any unsightly cables. What's more, both the soundbar and the pair of smaller speakers project sound upward for any overhead effects the Dolby Atmos tech employs.
Sony's Google Cast speakers are ready to put music in any room
Back at CES, Sony announced new multi-room audio gear with a soundbar and two speakers to put music all over your house. Now, a few months after their debut, those devices are available to actually buy. As a refresher, the HT-NT5 soundbar features six speakers that are angled upward to better project sound and Sony's so-called Super Tweeter tech to lend a hand with high-res audio. It's also Google Cast friendly, which means streaming music, podcasts, etc. from the likes of Play Music and Spotify is a few taps away.
Samsung's Dolby Atmos soundbar system will cost $1,499
We were intrigued by Samsung's HW-K950 soundbar system back at CES, mainly because it promised to be a simple way to bring Dolby Atmos into your living room. Now we've got pricing details and, well, it sort of hurts. The new system will run you $1,499 when it lands this summer -- that includes the soundbar itself, two wireless satellites and a wireless sub. The soundbar and satellites all include upward-firing speakers, which bounce sound off your ceiling to simulate overhead Atmos effects.
Bang and Olufsen's BeoSound 35 is an 'all-in-one' soundbar
If you're familiar with Bang & Olufsen, you're well aware of its high-end audio gear for the living room. At CES, the Danish company is showing off its latest speaker: the BeoSound 35. Taking on the design and speaker layout we typically see in soundbars, B&O has far greater aspirations for the BeoSound 35. Rather than only serving as a means of boosting audio from your television, this speaker is meant to be what the company calls an "all-in-one integrated music system." What does that mean exactly? Well, support for streaming services like Spotify and Deezer is integrated into the unit, so you don't have to futz with your phone to get the tunes going. It also supports Google Cast, AirPlay and Bluetooth connectivity.
Philips' living room audio gear includes 'detachable' speakers
Living room audio gear doesn't usually sport dual uses, but Philips' new Fidelio E6 speakers do just that. The units have detachable speakers that can be used as either a stereo setup or separately for 5.1 surround sound "on demand." The top section of the E6's two front speakers can be removed and placed elsewhere, should the need arise. In addition to those, there's a wireless subwoofer to handle the low-end tones. To further improve sound quality, the Fidelio E6 offers spatial calibration tech for a more immersive audio experience and balanced sound. The system features HDMI and Blueooth connectivity as well support for Google Cast and Spotify Connect. Perhaps best of all, it's available now.
Sony expands its multi-room audio line with two new speakers
Sony already has a stable of speakers to handle multi-room audio, and at CES 2016, the company is adding two more. With the SRS-ZR7 and SRS-ZR5, the company offers a pair of options that feature HDMI connections to improve the sound coming from your TV. Both the four-speaker SRS-ZR7 and the smaller SRS-ZR5 can be arranged in wireless stereo mode with either two of the same model or one of each. As was the case with the SRS-X77 we tested a while back, all of the multi-room setup and other controls are tweaked through Sony's SongPal app.
Harman Kardon's Omni+ speakers offer HD multi-room audio
When it comes to speakers, connected gadgets capable of multi-room audio are all the rage these days. At CES 2016, Harman Kardon pulled the wraps off its new line of devices that'll do just that. The Omni+ collection includes the Omni 10+, Omni 20+, OmniBar+, Adapt+, and the Omni 50+. That's four speakers, a soundbar and an add-on for those older non-wireless speakers. Each piece of audio gear handles high-definition audio streaming with 24-bit/192KHz quality and there's a controller app for beaming songs with either Spotify Connect of Google Cast. There's no mention of AirPlay, but that companion app is available on iOS and plays nice with other streaming services like Deezer and Tidal.
Samsung soundbar gives you Dolby Atmos out of the box
As immersive as Dolby Atmos' vertical audio is, it's not viable for everyone. You might not have the space for all those speakers, especially if you have to buy some of them after the fact. Samsung thinks it has an answer, though. It's launching the HW-K950, the first soundbar to include a pair of Atmos-capable wireless speakers in the box -- and Samsung's first Atmos soundbar of any kind, for that matter. The 5.1.4-channel combo should give you immersive audio without either consuming precious home theater real estate or making you hunt down some add-ons. Samsung isn't divulging pricing or ship dates, but it's reasonable to presume that the K950 will sit at the higher end of the price spectrum.
Razer debuts its 'Leviathan Mini' portable soundbar
Razer introduced a smaller, portable version of its popular Leviathan sound bar on Thursday. Dubbed the Leviathan Mini, this 24-watt system ditches the original's subwoofer for a pair of 12-watt drivers. And while it may not have the ear-bursting power of its predecessor, the Mini still packs an auditory punch -- and a couple of cool tricks to boot.
Engadget giveaway: Win a W Studio Micro courtesy of Definitive Technology!
While it can't help you with your holiday waistline, this week's giveaway could help slim down your home theater system. Definitive Technology's W Studio Micro offers an ultra-slim sound bar measuring less than two-inches high and coated in brushed anodized aluminum. It's paired with an eight-inch subwoofer to provide a 5.1 surround sound experience from its compact 3.1 setup when watching flicks. You can also wirelessly stream audio from your own collection or through services like Pandora, Spotify and a host of internet radio stations. It also has DTS Play-Fi on board, so you can add these and other compatible speakers to the Definitive Technology app (iOS, Android) to host a multi-room dance party or control each speaker individually. We have a W Studio Micro wireless sound system ready to ship out to one lucky Engadget reader this week. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning.Winner: Congratulations to Ryan M. of Boise, ID!
Here's a curved LG sound bar to go with your curved LG TV
Because everyone hates straight lines.
Vizio IPO plan shows how its TVs track what you're watching
While the past few years have been tough for many TV makers (Panasonic, Pioneer, Toshiba, Sony, just to name a few), Vizio has continued to grow its business, and now it's ready to go public. Vizio has made its name with impressive value-priced TVs that don't skimp on features (it's also a leader in the soundbar market, and has made attempts at selling tablets and phones too). According to the filing, Vizio has sold more than 15 million smart TVs, with about 61 percent of them connected as of the end of June. While viewers are benefiting from those connections, streaming over 3 billion hours of content, Vizio says it's watching them too, with Inscape software embedded in the screens that can track anything you're playing on it -- even if it's from cable TV, videogame systems and streaming devices.
Engadget giveaway: win a gaming headset and sound bar courtesy of Polk!
This week's giveaway goes out to all the Xbox One owners out there (and even future adopters). Polk Audio collaborated with Microsoft to fine tune some of its gaming-centric gear and we've got a set of prize packages for a few lucky Engadget readers. First off, we have the Striker ZX headset, which offers wireless connectivity for Xbox owners and an omni-directional boom mic for in-game chats or phone calls. Also, when the coast is clear, you'll be able to fire up Polk's N1 Gaming SurroundBar for open-air audio immersion. The company worked alongside designers from Halo and Forza to provide optimized sound experiences for the games in addition to its Music and Cinema settings. You can also connect to the sound bar with your Bluetooth devices and aptX support is on the menu. It has its own Sub Bass tech, but if you're a glutton for punishment, you can add your own subwoofer to the mix, too. It's a trifecta this week, with three pairs of speakers and headsets ready to ship out to a trio of lucky winners. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget for up to three chances at winning!
Sony's latest receivers and sound bars pack Google Cast streaming
LG isn't the only tech giant rolling out Google Cast-friendly devices this month. Sony is launching two AV receivers (the STR-DN860 and STR-DN1060) and two sound bars (the HT-NT3 and the HT-ST9, above) that all take audio from Google Cast-capable mobile and web apps, so you won't have a problem sending music to your TV's speakers. Outside of the NT3, you'll also get alternatives like Bluetooth, Spotify Connect and (on the receivers) Apple's AirPlay.
LG's Google Cast speakers are ready to take on Sonos in the US
We may have gotten a closer look at LG's latest audio gear back at CES, but now the collection of speakers and soundbars is shipping in the States. If you'll recall, the company's Music Flow line of gadgets is equipped with Google Cast -- the same tech that allows you to beam video to a TV via Chromecast. This means that you can send tunes to one of these speakers with your phone and a capable app. Speaking of apps, the current list of supported software includes Google Play Music, Pandora, Rdio, TuneIn and more. But what about Spotify? Well, the devices play nice with Spotify Connect for remote control duties, or there's a Music Flow controller app for Android and iOS. It's clear that LG is hoping you'll choose it over Sonos.
Samsung's new 'ring' speakers pipe sound in every direction
Samsung has tackled just about every kind of speaker you can imagine, but it hasn't had an answer to hot-selling 360-degree speakers like the UE Boom. Well, that changes today: the Korean firm has unveiled the WAM6500 and WAM7500, its first compact one-piece speakers to promise room-filling sound. Both center around a "ring radiator" that pipes audio in every direction while supposedly striking a careful balance between bass and treble. If you ask us, though, they're as much about the "premium" styling as anything else. The portable 6500 (above) looks like the kettle from an avant garde kitchen, while the tabletop-oriented 7500 (below) could easily double as a 31st-century desk lamp. Samsung hasn't divulged pricing, but these fashion-forward designs will likely command a premium.
Razer has a $200 soundbar and subwoofer combo called 'Leviathan'
Let's face it: not everyone wants to go through the hassle of setting up a surround sound system piece by piece. As for other alternatives, even the best headphones are only viable for the person wearing them. In an effort to hit a sweet spot between the two (the price of headphones and room-filling audio of multiple speakers) the folks at Razer are launching the Leviathan soundbar and subwoofer kit. For $200 you get an adjustable speaker bar packing four drivers and a separate 5.25-inch subwoofer, which marry to handle your 5.1 surround needs for movies and games. The unit uses Dolby Virtual Speakers to fill in the audio gaps left by its 4-speaker system, while Dolby Digital processing will convert any incoming signal, be it analog stereo or multichannel from an optical cable, to surround sound.
Libratone's got a new soundbar, and yes, it's covered in wool
If only there was a way to combine your two greatest passions: high-quality audio and soft, fluffy fabrics? Well as it turns out, Libratone is kind of a specialist in that field, and for its next wool-covered creation, the company is revisiting soundbars with the "Diva," announced today. Following on from its "Lounge" speaker of several years past, the Diva trades the square form factor for a curvier, oblong shape. And while it's supposed find a home under your big-screen TV, the idea is the Diva can be your primary sound system, rather than just an accessory. Nestled beneath its woolen coat are two 1-inch, 25W tweeters taking care of the higher end; two, 3-inch 50W mid-range speakers; and one, 5-inch 75W subwoofer dealing with bass tones. In addition to the on-board digital amplifier, that sub is also supported by two passive radiators that are meant to facilitate a richer low-end sound without increasing energy consumption or weight.
Sony's soundbar combo offers another high-definition audio option
Headphones and music players aren't all Sony had on tap in the audio department for IFA, as the company has also announced a new soundbar/wireless subwoofer combo. Having already outed two of the devices earlier this year, the HT-ST5 offers the option of 380 watts of 7.1 surround sound across seven digital amps and nine total speakers with support for both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HS formats. There's a Bluetooth option that touts one-touch NFC connectivity and handles aptX and AAC audio codecs. For hooking up all of those living room gadgets, a trio of HDMI jacks with 4K passthrough connects to your TV with a single cable. And a mobile app for both Android and iOS streams music from places like Pandora and Spotify while providing remote control for the system as well. Ready to upgrade your flat's theater setup? Well, the pair will hit your wallet for $1,000 when it arrives later this month.
Samsung has a soundbar that matches your curved TV (update: US pricing)
Let's say you bought a pricey curved TV, only to remember that your existing soundbar is (gasp!) flat. Will you have to live with that geometry mismatch for the life of your set? Not if Samsung has its way. It just unveiled the Curved Soundbar, which it says is the first audio system designed to match curved screens -- specifically, the company's 55- and 65-inch sets. The aluminum-clad device looks the part, of course, although it also promises some better-than-average audio with 8.1-channel surround support and side speakers that add to the immersion. There's no word on just when the curvy peripheral will show up or how much it will cost, but it's likely to sit on the higher end of the price spectrum.
