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WIRED
20-07-2025
- Automotive
- WIRED
Listening to Dolby Atmos Music in a Cadillac for Two Weeks Ruined Stereo for Me
After two weeks of listening to Dolby Atmos Music in Cadillac's fancy electric SUV, I never want to go back to two-channel audio. All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. It's fair to say that no five people crammed into a compact SUV have been more blissfully enthralled on a country drive than my wife's family and I on one particular mid-summer Sunday. It wasn't just the silky smooth performance of the Cadillac Optiq, or even its incredible 19-speaker AKG sound system, but an x-factor pushing our driving experience beyond the sum of their parts: Dolby Atmos Music. If you haven't heard it in a vehicle like this, you might think I'm joking. Everyone has probably had some experience with Dolby Atmos for movies and TV shows, maybe with a soundbar or in a high-end theater. It uses 'object based' surround sound to place effects like a helicopter or a buzzing bee as 'sound objects' that move virtually anywhere within a three-dimensional space. Atmos Music lets producers move instruments in 3D, with virtually no limit to where or how they're placed. It's an exciting format, but it's been severely limited by access: It's basically only been accessible in headphones like the AirPods Max until recently. With car-based Dolby Atmos and the silence of modern EVs, we finally might be seeing a real audiophile evolution. Dolby Atmos Music Is Awesome Real audio nerds know how good it can be. My first real Atmos Music experience was at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. There in a backroom of the lavish Wynn Casino, I got a taste of the format's true potential, courtesy of a carousel of high-end Focal towers and height speakers. From Prince to Elton John, I was engulfed in my favorite tunes like never before. It was glorious. That's also when I realized that it's music—not movies or TV—that has the potential to fully unlock the power of the format. While Atmos for film can be thrilling, especially in a multi-speaker theater, it's constricted by the need to put dialog front and center. With the freedom to place and move dozens of instruments all around you, Atmos Music goes further, giving producers and musicians a new creative outlet with possibilities that go beyond anything before it. Have you ever noticed how the soundtrack to a movie sounds particularly good in a theater? That's often because of a multi-channel upmix. It's not just listeners who like the new format. In the last five years, Atmos Music has spread through the music industry like wildfire. Creatives from all corners have sung its praises, from Abbey Road Studio's Giles Martin (son of George Martin) to Finneas of Billy Eilish fame. At the launch event for the Atmos Music–ready Sonos Era 300 (9/10, WIRED Recommends), Martin said alongside a panel of industry leaders that nearly all new pop music is mixed in Atmos. Dolby claims 1,200 Atmos-ready studios in 50-plus countries, with 93 of 2024's Billboard Top 100 songs mixed in the format, while services like Amazon Music, Tidal, and Apple Music have made streaming increasingly available. Atmos Music to the Masses Despite industry interest, widespread consumer adoption of Dolby Atmos music remains elusive. Even as a professional audio reviewer who's tested dozens of Dolby Atmos soundbars and speakers, my Atmos Music experience is limited, with nothing coming close to that 2020 listening session in my testing room yet. That is, until Dolby came knocking again at CES 2025, showcasing the fruits of its latest Atmos Music frontier: a Cadillac Optiq loaded to the gills with speakers, and Amazon Music at the helm. We all are riding around in portable sound domes several days a week, confined to stereo music like Luddites, never knowing what we're missing. Has Dolby finally found the perfect delivery system to actualize Atmos Music's true potential? Two weeks of cruising with Atmos Music as my soundtrack left me with no doubt that not only does Dolby have something special here, but also that a car, particularly an electric car, is the ultimate vehicle (literally and figuratively) to deliver it. Carmakers worldwide seem to be in on the secret: Dolby cites over 130 Atmos-ready models already available. Object-ive Listening Like dialog in cinematic Atmos mixes, Atmos Music's one unspoken rule is that a song's lead vocals need to (mostly) remain at the center of the mix. From there, almost nothing is off limits. During my time with the Cadillac's fantastic AKG system, I experienced just about every instrumental mixing style you could imagine, and each had something to offer. Effects-laden tracks are easy targets for the more intrepid Atmos mixers. Pink Floyd's 'On the Run' from Dark Side of the Moon is a prime example, with the song's echoed footsteps bouncing around the car's interior, laser effects strafing from front to back, and voices popping out from the top left speaker or rolling overhead and back. 'Money,' from the same 2023 remaster, makes a similar meal out of cinematic effects with cash register dings, clicks, and bells at the intro. Soon, though, it was the rest of the instruments that made the biggest impact, as the multiple guitar solos and tones were brought forth with even more flair and efficacy. The further I moved through playlists and artists, the deeper engrossed I became with more grounded recordings, showcasing Atmos Music's elemental ability to separate instruments with precision and clarity. Add in the smooth electric ride and you've got a fully mobile audiophile experience. And that's a word I don't use lightly. Iconic Fleetwood Mac tunes like 'Rhiannon' and 'The Chain' further solidified the notion that blending siloed instruments across the car's bounty of speakers to become a more engaging spherical whole is Atmos Music's best talent. My favorite track of the review, Snarky Puppy's 'Trinity,' was the ultimate example, as the song's mix of swirling bass, rich and buzzy woodwinds, soaring guitars, and punchy percussion raised my arm hairs and nearly caused my wife and me to miss an appointment. My family had a blast trying different seats, each one offering a slightly different version of each tune. Newer pop tunes like Lady Gaga's 'Abracadabra' or the Weeknd's 'Too Late' were similarly potent examples, mixed in Atmos from the get-go. Prince's classic 'When Doves Cry' provided a stunning blend of immersion and audiophile clarity. The final synth track bouncing between speakers throughout the car pushed toward gimmicky, but never crossed over. Then there were the mixes that completely changed a classic. I nearly wore out REM's Automatic for the People on release, yet 'Drive' in Atmos Music was a wholly new experience. Putting the acoustic guitar in the upper left, in this case in one small speaker above my seat, seemed too bold at first, but as the mix built around it with the vocals at center, it was another goosebump raiser. Similarly, the brushed snare drum in Neil Young's 'Harvest Moon' created a totally new vibe as the other instruments rallied around it. Not everything pops with such dramatics, and there were some tracks where something was lost (or rather gained) in translation. Reverb was one element that mixers occasionally seemed unsure how to handle in some older tracks. The snare in Elton John's 'Mellow' from Honky Château feels oddly out of place, with extra verb that clearly wasn't meant to be isolated. As with any mix, it all comes down to choices, and not all are equal. Still, pretty much everything I listened to sounded as good or, more often, better when spread across the Optiq's system. Speaking of said system, you may be wondering whether any good stereo track would sound this good over a sound system as excellent as the Optiq's. After bouncing back and forth, I can unequivocally say no. While stereo tracks can sound very good, none had the same clarity, punch, or immersion of their Dolby Atmos counterparts. Not once did I mistake a random stereo track for Atmos. The closest was Phil Collins' 'In the Air Tonight,' which impressively expanded in space as the drums entered. By comparison, Peter Gabriel's stereo 'Sledgehammer' sounded rather flat. (Sorry, O.G. Genesis fans, I was just as surprised.) It can't be overstated how crucial a component the blank sonic canvas provided by the Optiq EV's whisper-quiet interior is. You've got to goose the volume to really feel the full Atmos Music effect, and a loud car with a burbling engine just wouldn't hit the same, especially given how they tend to mess with the low end. Having Amazon Music locked and loaded in the dash put loads of tracks at our fingertips, while Cadillac's fabulous Super Cruise hands-off driving system provided a breezy way to fall into the music, making every drive a unique moment. Challenges Remain While the Optiq is a marvel when it comes to stunning Atmos Music delivery, like the speaker setup I witnessed at the Wynn, it's also a barrier to entry. I talked about classic rock for a reason: Not everyone can afford a new Cadillac (certainly not me). Taht said, Dolby says 25-plus carmakers have announced plans or are already in the Atmos Music mix, from Mercedes-Benz to Hyundai Genesis. Most are costly at present, as with any new technology. There are some more affordable ways to get a semblance of my Optiq experience, including a few soundbars and stand-alone speakers that let you stream Atmos Music directly, like the Sonos Arc Ultra (9/10, WIRED recommends) and Sonos Era 300. But even as Atmos Music has expanded to over 20-plus streaming services (Spotify is a notable holdout), getting it to the throng of Dolby Atmos soundbars can be harder than you might expect. AirPlay added Atmos streaming to the HomePod last year, but third-party support has fizzled. Amazon's Echo Studio Atmos speaker was discontinued. Dolby says some devices have added casting, but the company wasn't able to provide numbers or models. It takes time for an ecosystem like Atmos Music to gather steam. There are always hurdles as new software and hardware options expand. What was most striking about the Optiq is how easy it made it to access, helping me go from casual listener to definite Atmos Music fiend. Here's hoping Atmos Music continues to trickle down. The music is ready, the medium is primed, now let's get it to the people.
Hindustan Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Amazon Prime Day Sale over: Grab these Apple, Samsung tablets at discount
Even though Amazon's Prime Day event has officially wrapped up, several tablet deals are still live on the platform. Buyers who missed the main event can still find offers on well-known brands without waiting for the next big sale. Whether someone is upgrading their device, looking for a work or entertainment companion, or buying a first tablet, now might be a good time to grab one before prices return to normal. Here's a list of the top five tablet deals still available at great prices after Amazon Prime Day has ended. Here's a look at five tablets still available at lower-than-usual prices across a range of price points and specifications: 1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ features a 12.4-inch WQXGA display with a 90Hz refresh rate. This setup ensures clear visuals and smooth scrolling, and is suitable for watching videos, browsing, or working. It is powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, and is expandable via microSD. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ also features an 8MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide rear camera, and a 12MP ultra-wide front camera. The tablet is equipped with dual speakers tuned by AKG to deliver clear sound. Both the tablet and its included S Pen carry an IP68 rating, which makes them resistant to dust and water. Currently, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is available at a discounted price of Rs. 31,580 on Amazon. Also read: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7 FE, and Watch 8: Here's everything announced at Galaxy Unpacked July event 2. Redmi Pad 2 The Redmi Pad 2 has an 11-inch 2.5K display with a 90Hz refresh rate. It delivers bright visuals with up to 600 nits of brightness, which is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It supports an active stylus (sold separately), which helps with note-taking and drawing. Powered by HyperOS 2 and equipped with AI features like Circle to Search and Gemini AI, the device simplifies daily tasks. It has 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, and houses a 9000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support. The tablet is equipped with Dolby Atmos technology for better audio quality. The tablet supports both Wi-Fi and cellular connections. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry. The Redmi Pad 2 is now available at a discounted price of Rs. 15,998 on Amazon. 3. Lenovo Tab4 10 The Lenovo Tab4 10 comes with a 10.1-inch HD IPS display supporting 10-point multi-touch. It runs Android 7.0 Nougat and uses a 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8917 quad-core processor. It includes 2GB RAM and 16GB onboard storage, expandable via microSD. The tablet supports 4G LTE but does not enable voice calls via SIM. For optics, the tables include a 5MP rear and 2MP front camera. It houses a 7000mAh battery, which claims to offer up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge. It has Bluetooth 4.0 and USB Type-C connectivity options. The device comes in Slate Black and is suitable for light media use and web browsing. You can grab this Lenovo tablet at a huge discount of 72% and it can be yours at just Rs. 5,849 on Amazon. Also read: Samsung Galaxy S25 review: Flagship features in a handful package 4. Apple iPad 11 The Apple iPad 11-inch model features a Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology for comfortable viewing under different lighting. It uses the A16 chip to handle gaming, editing, and multitasking. The device comes with 128GB of storage, expandable up to 512GB. The camera setup includes a 12MP front camera with Centre Stage for video calls and a 12MP rear camera with True Tone flash, capable of 4K video recording. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and offers optional 5G connectivity. The tablet includes Touch ID built into the top button and works with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Magic Keyboard Folio accessories. It runs on iPadOS, supporting multitasking and a broad range of apps. The Apple iPad 11 is now available on Amazon at Rs. 32,990. Also read: Apple iPad mini 7 review: Tiny tablet, mighty potential 5. HONOR Pad 9 The HONOR Pad 9 features a 12.1-inch display with a 1.07 billion colour gamut screen. It runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 octa-core processor, offering 5G support and high performance. The tablet has eight surround speakers that deliver clear audio and a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals and better responsiveness during gaming. It offers 256GB of storage and an 8300mAh battery that can last up to 17 hours on a single charge. This tablet supports extended use for work or gaming sessions. The HONOR Pad 9 is currently available on Amazon at a discounted price of Rs. 23,350. In short, if you missed the Prime Day event, these tablet deals offer a good opportunity to buy a device at a reduced price. Keep an eye on stock and prices, as discounts may not last long.
GMA Network
14-07-2025
- GMA Network
Chinese rescued, 12 suspects arrested in Parañaque kidnapping —AKG
A Chinese national who was kidnapped in Parañaque City on July 1 was rescued in Sto. Tomas, Batangas on Sunday, the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) of the Philippine National Police said on Monday. In a statement, the AKG said 12 suspects were arrested in the operation including six Filipinos and six Chinese. The victim, who is a construction supply businessman from Taguig City, was reportedly kidnapped in front of a condominium in Parañaque City on July 1. His cousin reported his abduction to the police on July 3. According to the AKG, the kidnappers demanded ransom from the victim's family in China. They sent millions to the kidnappers through online transfer to a cryptocurrency account provided by the suspects. Authorities are conducting hot pursuit operations to track down and arrest other suspects who remain at large. 'The successful rescue of the victim is a result of the dedication and hard work of our men who works 24/7, rain or shine to ensure the safety of the victim regardless of nationality,' AKG chief Police Brigadier General Glicerio Cansilao said. —Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan': Ananya Panday cheers for Shanaya Kapoor ahead of debut release
Bollywood actress Ananya Panday recently showed her love and support for her best friend Shanaya Kapoor , who is all set to make her big debut in the film 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan'. Come, let's see what Ananya said to Shanaya and how she made this moment even more special. Ananya Panday supports her close friend Ananya Panday is a young Bollywood actress who made her debut in 2019 with the film 'Student of the Year 2'. She is the daughter of actor Chunky Panday. Then & Now: Ananya Panday's Heartfelt Tribute To Rekha She recently showed her love and support for her close friend Shanaya Kapoor, who is all set to make her Bollywood debut. Ananya posted on Instagram Stories and cheered for Shanaya's upcoming film 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan', writing, 'Love this song!! Less than a week to go for AKG in cinemas @shanayakapoor.' This small gesture shows their strong friendship and how Ananya is proud of Shanaya's first big step in films. About the film 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan' is Shanaya Kapoor's debut film, and it will be released in cinemas on July 11, 2025. The movie stars Shanaya alongside Vikrant Massey , a talented actor known for his emotional performances. The film is directed by Santosh Singh and is based on Ruskin Bond 's short story 'The Eyes Have It.' The story is expected to be an emotional and touching love story between two strangers on a train journey. The teaser of the film and its song 'Nazara' have already been released. Fans praised the chemistry between Vikrant and Shanaya and said that her expressions and acting are above average, especially for a debut performance. Many people are excited to see how this love story unfolds on the big screen. Since it's based on a Ruskin Bond story, the film is expected to be rich in emotion and storytelling. Support from other celebrities Ananya Panday is not the only one supporting Shanaya. Sonam Kapoor, Shanaya's cousin, also shared the trailer and expressed how proud she felt. Many other celebrities like Varun Dhawan, Suhana Khan, Karan Johar, and Sonali Bendre have also shown their support and best wishes. Shanaya's journey Shanaya Kapoor is the daughter of actor Sanjay Kapoor and fashion designer Maheep Kapoor. Even though she comes from a film family, she had to go through the process of auditions and training. She has mentioned in interviews that she has faced pressure and judgment even before her debut, but she hopes her work will speak for itself.
India Today
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Ananya Panday cheers for Shanaya Kapoor ahead of Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan release
Bollywood actor Ananya Panday cheered for her friend Shanaya Kapoor ahead of her big Bollywood debut this Friday. Shanaya's film 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan' opposite actor Vikrant Massey is slated for a theatrical release on July stated her excitement about the film's release by sharing a poster of 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan' song 'Alvida' on her Instagram story. "Love this song!! Less than a week to go for AKG in cinemas (sic)," she Several celebrities, including Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor and Bhavana Panday, earlier reacted to the trailer of the film on social Panday, Shanaya Kapoor and Suhana Khan are close friends and are often seen supporting each other on social media. While Panday has established her mettle in Bollywood and Khan made her debut with Netflix's 'The Archies', all eyes are now on earlier expressed that she considers criticism as constructive feedback and said "I took it as constructive feedback. I was facing the camera for the first time, and my work was coming out. Of course, the audience's opinion and what they say matters to me a lot."She also admitted going through all the comments to learn from them. "I'm actually a person who sits down and goes through the comments and reviews everything. I read articles, comments, and I take feedback, and I want to learn from it. I think it's my job, and I can't take it to heart and say, 'Oh, this is something I can't handle.' This is the least of what I have to do. I am getting a chance to face the camera—the least I can do is listen to my audience," she by Santosh Singh, 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan' is backed by Zee Studios and Mini Films. It is adapted from Ruskin Bond's short story 'The Eyes Have It'. The film explores the connection between a visually-impaired musician (played by Massey) and a theatre artiste (played by Kapoor). Ananya Panday, on the other hand, will be seen in the upcoming film 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Teri Tu Mera' opposite Kartik Aaryan.- EndsMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Ananya Panday
