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Neat's first all-new microphone in the Turtle Beach era is the drab-looking Skyline
Neat Microphones has unveiled its first mic since Turtle Beach acquired the company... and the design is a far cry from
Turtle Beach’s first gamepad pairs its audio expertise with great ergonomics
Turtle Beach introduces its first gaming controller, with audio controls to make your headset sound even better.
Turtle Beach made a $350 ‘Flight Simulator’ controller
Turtle Beach has announced two new controllers for the Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Turtle Beach is buying quirky microphone maker Neat
Gaming headset maker Turtle Beach is acquiring Neat Microphones. The company’s founders include Skipper Wise and Martins Saulespurenssome, who also started Blue Microphones back in the 90s. Turtle Beach didn’t disclose the financial terms of the deal, but did share some of its reasons for buying Neat.
Turtle Beach's new gaming headset offers impressive sound for under $100
Turtle Beach's Stealth 600 Gen 2 sounds great and feels comfortable for a great price.
The best headsets for the Switch Lite
The new Switch Lite is finally here. It's smaller than the original, so it'll be easier to take on the go, whether it's your daily commute, a long flight or a week-long road trip. However, such close quarters mean you're going to want to invest in a pair of headphones for your new handheld, something that can do justice to the audio on games like Breath of the Wild, Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Splatoon 2. The bad news is, any wireless headsets you might already be using with your Switch won't work with the Lite. The good news is, you don't need anything fancy and won't have to spend a lot to find a new pair of cans. Just something with excellent audio and a 3.5mm jack will do.
How to buy a gaming headset
Today's games boast stirring orchestral scores, realistic-sounding weaponry and high-caliber voice acting. But none of it means anything if your headset is crap. Same goes for well-laid plans in co-op games: You draw up the best tactics with your teammates, but if they can't hear you because of a bad mic, it all goes to waste. So the headset you buy is key to getting the most out of your game. But with so many companies getting into the market, how do you find the one that best suits your cranium?
The best gaming PCs and accessories for students
PC gaming is serious business. This is where video game fans go when they want the highest resolution, lowest latency and most precise experiences available, from first-person shooters to top-down team-based strategy titles and beyond. In a word, PC games are slick -- and so is the gear. It's easy to break the bank in this world, especially for a student on a budget. With gaming laptops starting at $1,000 and towers priced even higher, it's important to get equipment that's durable, high-quality and as affordable as possible. That's why we've compiled the following list of laptops, PCs and accessories that make the most sense for students in 2019. PC gaming is perfect for streaming, marathon play sessions or making new friends (dorm-wide tournaments, anyone?). To accomplish all of these things, you'll need more than just a laptop. On top of processing power and graphics cards, there are mice to consider, headsets to mull over, keyboards to test and streaming boxes to put through their paces. And if you need to justify the cost to anyone (ahem, mom), simply put it this way: You'll be able to use most of these things for homework, too.
Turtle Beach EarForce i30 Wireless iOS Media Headset raises the bar for mobile audio
Over the past two years, we've witnessed some amazing advances in the way that Bluetooth headphones are designed and built. They've become much more efficient with power, pairing is a cinch and sound quality just keeps getting better. Today's review of the Turtle Beach EarForce i30 Wireless iOS Media Headset (US$299.95) shows just how far one company has taken audio technology -- this time, with a companion app that provides owners with a way to tweak their audio to their personal preference. Specifications Bluetooth 3.0+ Battery life: > 15 hours Weight: 10.95 oz (310 grams) Included in package: micro-USB headset charging cable, airline adapter plug, 3.5 mm male-to-male four-pole device cable for connected listening or non-Bluetooth noise cancellation, carrying pouch. Design Highlights The i30 headset is designed for comfort, with deep padded over-ear cuffs and a padded headband that make it possible to wear the headset during long flights without pain. The light weight of the headset is also a plus, and it's almost possible to forget that you're wearing them. Unlike some flashier designs that seem to call attention to the headset (not always a good thing!), the i30 has white exterior shells with aluminum highlights and black padding. The only nod to flash is a red metal piece with the Turtle Beach logo on either earpiece that's used as part of a slider mechanism for adjusting the headset. (note: some packing materials were left on the headset for photographic purposes as it will be returned to the manufacturer) All of the controls are on the back side of the headset. On the left earpiece is the power button (with accompanying red LED to denote power on and green LED for charging), an audio preset toggle and another small button that's used for microphone adjustments. Yes, the i30 has two built-in microphones, although you can't see them. The right earpiece has a Bluetooth button (with a blue LED to denote link status), a volume toggle and a microphone mute button. The earpieces both rotate to the back for flat packing. Functionality Highlights The first thing you'll notice when powering up the i30s is that you get pleasant voice prompts telling you what's going on. I really like this touch, as you don't need to look at the LEDs on the back of the earpieces to know what is happening. The app provides a way to make the same adjustments -- audio presets and mic settings -- that can be done with the small buttons on the headset. Rather than taking the headset off to make those adjustments, or fumbling blindly with the buttons to hopefully get the right setting, you can just tap the appropriate setting in the app and get the verbal prompt verifying your selection. The four audio preset settings are flat, bass boost, treble boost or bass and treble boost. I tend to like a bit more push on the treble end, so I found that setting to be wonderful when listening to a variety of music genres. Of course, bass and treble boost combined was a little bit of heaven on some tunes... The mic settings are a bit odd. There are four: flat, high morph, low morph and voice reverb. Honestly, the only time I could see using the last three settings would be if you were pranking a friend or making obscene phone calls. High morph gives your voice a chipmunk-like voice, while low morph provides a monster-like voice. Reverb? Yep, it sounds like you're in an echo chamber. I found these to be of limited usability. I'm not a real fan of Bluetooth mics anyway -- they don't seem to ever do a good job of providing really good sound quality for the person on the other end of your phone conversation. I'd rank the microphone quality on the i30s as just average, very middle-of-the-road and about the same as what I've experienced with other Bluetooth headsets, headphones and speakerphones. The noise-cancellation capability of the EarForce i30s is just amazing. During the winter months when our furnace is running in the house, there's the sound of flowing air in the background that's accentuated with another noise when the furnace actually kicks in. Those sounds disappeared when noise cancellation was turned on. Sure, you can still hear voices, although they're muffled greatly. The biggest use for noise cancellation is going to be on airplanes, where the background "roar" will be reduced to a great extent. While the official name of this product includes the words "Wireless iOS Media Headset," it also works well with the Mac. In fact, it's designed to be able to pair with two devices -- say, an iPhone and Mac -- at the same time. Of course, it can only be used with one device at a time. Pairing is extremely fast regardless of platform. The instruction manual for the i30s shows an older version of the OS X Bluetooth menu; note that there's no longer a Set Up Bluetooth Device command menu item; it's all done through the Bluetooth Preferences menu item now. Conclusion I found the Turtle Beach EarForce i30 Wireless iOS Media Headset to be very satisfactory in most respects. For people who enjoy listening to music and want a little bit more control over their sound settings, this headset is excellent. My only beef is with the microphone quality, but that's more with any Bluetooth device than this particular headset. Rating: 3-1/2 stars out of 4 possible
Turtle Beach launches Xbox One headset upgrade offer
Headphone manufacturer Turtle Beach announced today that it will ship free upgrade kits to customers who buy select current-generation gaming headsets, bringing purchased hardware up to speed with Xbox One compatibility. Starting today and ending on January 30, players who purchase Turtle Beach Ear Force XP SEVEN, X42, XP400, or XP510 headsets will receive an Xbox One audio adapter by mail, adding volume control, game-chat audio mix, and mute functionality. Program sign-ups are available online. Adapters will be shipped between March 1 and June 30, 2014.
No Turtle Beach headsets or Xbox One Headset Adapter until 2014
According to a press release from audio accessory (and not reptile umbrella) manufacturer Turtle Beach, the company's XO FOUR and XO SEVEN headsets for Xbox One will not be available until the first quarter of 2014, due to the delay of Microsoft's Xbox One Headset Adapter. "Microsoft has informed its partners in the Xbox One console launch that the Xbox One Headset Adapter, being built by Microsoft and provided to Turtle Beach for inclusion with new gaming headsets, will not be available until early 2014. Both companies will leverage the additional time to build supply to meet anticipated high-demand when the headsets launch," the press release states. Xbox Live won't be silent on launch, mind you; an unboxing video from Microsoft's Larry Hryb (aka: Major Nelson) showed that the Microsoft wired headset will be included with both regular and Day One Edition consoles. Prepare accordingly. The Xbox One isn't the only system with headset compatibility issues. According to a report from Game Informer, USB headsets will not work with the PlayStation 4 at launch, and the Turtle Beach support page notes that although PS4 users can receive game audio using a digital optical connection, you'll need a headset with a mobile adapter connection to chat.
Microsoft: no third party Xbox One headsets until 2014
The Xbox One may come with its own beefed up audio accessories, but audiophiles waiting on Turtle Beach's XO Ear Force headsets will have to wait: Microsoft won't support them until 2014. According to a statement confirmed by Microsoft, the Xbox One Headset Adapter that enables the use of third party audio accessories will ship early next year, leaving early adopters to make due with the official pack-ins. Redmond says it'll use the spare time to help manufactures "create new headsets that will take full advantage of the Xbox One technology," also noting that the console's included headset is free, after all.
Turtle Beach gets new SVP, CFO
Headset manufacturer Turtle Beach appointed John Hanson to the role of chief financial officer and Robert Andrison to senior vice president this week. The company described the new hires as a "strategic investment in the company ahead of projected growth in gaming headsets as the industry adopts next-generation consoles." The change in management follows the August announcement that Turtle Beach will merge with the audio-oriented Parametric Sound before the end of 2013. The joined company will operate as Parametric Sound Corporation, but Turtle Beach products will retain their established brand name. Hanson will leave his role at Dialogic, Inc., a company focused on network communications. Andrison will join from Hewlett Packard, where he oversaw the HP Inkjet and Printing Solutions division. Hopefully Andrison's expertise will lead to headsets with tiny printers built right in, so we can print the poetic monologues our online opponents will undoubtedly weave for us during heated matches.
Call of Duty Ghosts limited edition headset design and price revealed
Turtle Beach limited edition Call of Duty-themed headsets have become an annual treat for CoD fans looking to get some serious audio from their game, and this year is no different with Call of Duty: Ghosts. This time around, the headsets feature a black and white design with blue highlights and the Ghosts mask logo. Spooooooky. Turtle Beach is releasing three models this year: the Shadow, Spectre, and Phantom. The Shadow is a wired, stero headset with an in-line amp and will cost $99.95; the Spectre is a Ghosts-branded version of the Turtle Beach SEVEN series headset with an in-line amp and will run $199.95; finally, the Phantom is a wireless Dolby surround sound headset with a programmable audio processor, and costs $299.95. You can read more about each headset by checking out the Turtle Beach website, which also offers pre-orders if you're ready to throw down some cash.
Turtle Beach crafting accessories for Xbox One
We haven't even seen what the Xbox One's first-party headset looks like yet, but Turtle Beach is already hoping folks will opt for its premium alternatives. The headset manufacturer announced today that it will be "among the first to market with Microsoft-licensed gaming headsets for the Xbox One." Further details with regards to specific models, price points or expected release windows were not given, though we can assume from Turtle Beach's current Xbox 360 lineup that the SKUs will be plentiful and the price disparities vast. In related news, we're still disappointed that "Turtle Beach" isn't the name of a company that makes tiny folding chairs and miniature parasols for reptile terrariums.
The Daily Roundup for 03.18.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Turtle Beach Ear Force NLa and N11 stereo Wii U headsets hands-on (video)
Nintendo may be MIA at TGS this year (as usual), but that hasn't stopped Turtle Beach -- it brought a pair of Wii U headsets to the show anyway. We dropped by the outfit's booth to take a peek, finding seemingly empty boxes in lieu of product. Turns out they weren't so empty -- the Ear Force N11 and NLa headsets are so lightweight, we didn't even notice they were there. After a brief unboxing, this editor wrapped each set around his head, finding the headband tension of both the over-ear N11 and the on-ear NLa to be just as light as the accessories themselves, squeezing my skull with only the gentlest of pressure. The sets' earmuffs seemed built for comfort as well, soft, and not the least bit irritating. Staff on hand told us that the internals weren't quite final, but sound quality aside, we could easily see settling in with either of these products for a long, comfortable gaming session. Both sets arrive later this year -- $35 for the white, on-ear Ear Force NLa cans, and $50 for its black over-ear cousin. See our impressions for yourself in the video after the break.
Turtle Beach producing Wii U headsets
Turtle Beach has obtained the rights to market officially licensed Wii U headsets, revealing a pair of nice-looking devices that plug directly into the Wii U GamePad.The $35 Ear Force NLa includes stereo sound, in-line volume control, and a microphone, and comes in black or white. The Ear Force N11 has "acoustically angled 50mm speakers" for "extended bass," a series of words that we are assured explains the higher $50 price. Both headsets can work with the 3DS and DS as well, for the rare chat-enabled game, and both will be available in Q4 of this year.
Turtle Beach releasing entry-level Ear Force NLa, N11 stereo headsets for the Wii U faithful
Turtle Beach, the company that builds high-end audio gear for gamers immaterial of their bank balance is pushing out a pair of headsets for Nintendo's latest baby. The Ear Force NLa is an entry-level headset that's been customized to work with the Wii U GamePad, while the EarForce N11 is a little more serious -- with angled 50mm speakers with extended bass. Both units are also compatible with the company's DS and 3DS handhelds and will arrive in Q4 of this year, with the NLa setting you back $35 and the N11 a marginally heftier $50. Update: We've also heard that the NLa will be available in the UK in November, costing £40, while the N11 arrives in early 2013.