Latest news with #ActiveNoiseCancellation
Phone Arena
6 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
At 53% off, the Beats Studio Buds are an unmissable deal
Looking for an unmissable deal on top-quality Beats earbuds? Well, you're in luck! Right now, Woot is offering a massive 53% discount on the Beats Studio Buds, bringing the price down to just $69.99—a steal compared to their usual price of about $150. But as always with Woot, this is a limited-time offer, so if you want to snag these premium earbuds at a bargain price, you'll need to act fast! $69 95 $149 95 $80 off (53%) Grab the Beats Studio Buds at Woot for a massive 53% off. They deliver solid sound, offer up to 24 hours of playtime with the case, and at under $70, they're a total steal. Don't miss your chance to snag a pair! Buy at Woot $50 off (33%) Alternatively, you can snag a pair on Amazon, where the earbuds are 33% off and going for just under $100. Buy at Amazon As for the earbuds themselves, they're known for their powerful sound, with a tuning that emphasizes deep bass and crisp highs. This makes them perfect for hip-hop or anything with a strong beat. While the mids take a slight backseat, the overall listening experience remains immersive and engaging. Plus, they come with Active Noise Cancellation, which, while not the strongest on the market, still helps reduce background noise. On top of that, they have snug-fitting ear tips that offer good isolation, complementing the effective life is another strong point. You get up to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge, and with the charging case, that extends to 24 hours of total listening. The earbuds support fast charging as well, with a quick 5-minute charge giving you up to an hour of listening time—perfect for those moments when you need a fast top-up before heading out. One of the best things about these buds is that they work seamlessly with both Android and Apple devices. So, you'll enjoy reliable connectivity and great sound quality whether you're rocking an iPhone or an Android phone. Bottom line, the Beats Studio Buds are just unmissable at their current price at Woot. That's why we encourage you to act fast and save on a pair now while the deal is still up for grabs!
India Today
24-05-2025
- India Today
JBL Tune Beam 2 review: Dapper looks, clear sound for less than Rs 6,000
Getting a decent pair of wireless earphones at around Rs 5,000-Rs 6,000 is a tricky affair. Brands usually promise big but end up skimping on the basics. Options galore but none stand out as true value for money. JBL wants to change this notion with the new Tune Beam 2. These earphones pack a lot of cool technology including active noise cancellation (ANC), LDAC support, dual device pairing, and guarantee of outstanding battery life, at a price of Rs 5,999. But does the new JBL audio product deliver something special in the real world or add to the crowd, we try to find out in this India Today Tech and fit: Clean, functional, comfortableThe JBL Tune Beam 2 earphones have a clean and functional design, a far cry from competition, most of which are loud and flashy. The charging case has a rounded rectangular shape with soft, curved edges. It is compact and fits comfortably in the palm, making it easy to carry around — whether in your hand or slipped into a pocket. JBL is using plastic, but the build quality feels surprisingly robust. It showed no visible signs of wear and tear even after multiple drops. The lid offers a secure grip holding up well to prevent the buds from popping out in the event you drop it accidentally. You get a trio of LEDs on the front, to indicate the battery level which is a nice touch that adds much-needed convenience otherwise missing on most of the competing products. On the flip side, the case is prone to smudging easily. advertisement The earbuds themselves offer a snug fit staying firmly put even during workout and brisk runs. The default silicone tips provide a comfortable seal. Three additional tip sizes are included in the box so most users should be able find the right fit. These can be worn for hours at a stretch without any significant discomfort. Touch sensors onboard let you play, pause, skip tracks, and even activate the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature. They are a bit overtly sensitive in my experience but not to the extent of being a deal-breaker. Lastly, the JBL earbuds come with an IP54 rating, meaning they can survive a light drizzle or sweat (as well as dust) without any trouble. However, this ability is not extended to the case. This is fine because cases in its price range don't offer an IP about sound quality?For a pair of wireless earphones that cost under Rs 6,000, the Beam 2 can crank out pretty enjoyable sound. The inclusion of LDAC support is a big win for those seeking more detail and less compression, provided your phone supports this Bluetooth codec. On compatible devices, you will notice sharper instrument separation and finer textures in vocals and background elements. Even when falling back to AAC or SBC, which most phones use by default, the earphones deliver a consistently pleasing audio experience. The sound profile is balanced when using JBL's preset equalizer modes which are accessible through the JBL Headphones app. Modes like Extreme Bass and Club instantly add extra punch and energy to tracks like Martin Garrix's "Animals" or "Carry You," Alphaville's "Forever Young," and Major Lazer's "Lean On." If you enjoy EDM or hip-hop, these presets make these earphones a satisfying choice in the sub-Rs 6,000 bass hits well enough for casual listening without overpowering the soundstage, making these earphones great for genres like house, trance, or pop-EDM. However, if you prefer heavy trap or dubstep with deep sub-bass, these earphones may feel a little light at the lowest my listening tests with Metallica's "All Nightmare Long," the earbuds handled fast guitar riffs, aggressive drums, and intense vocals quite well. While not targeting audiophiles craving every detail and spatial nuance (which larger over-the-ear headphones excel at), these earphones offer an energetic and enjoyable experience in their price range. They are also well-suited for modern Bollywood tracks with punchy beats and rich and call qualityActive Noise Cancellation (ANC) on these earphones works mostly as advertised. It's not class-leading, but it does a good job of cutting out office chatter, AC hums, and low-level street noise. The JBL app gives you control over ANC levels and includes Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes. The former lets in environmental sounds, so you are not completely cut off, while the latter lowers the volume and amplifies speech, which is handy for quick conversations. Call quality is another area where JBL has made improvements. The Tune Beam 2 earphones have six microphones, up from four on the previous model, and the difference is noticeable. Background noise like wind or honking autos is handled impressively. Even during outdoor walks and rides, my voice came through clean and clear, with minimal interruption from the life: Surprisingly dependableBattery life is another area where the JBL Tune Beam 2 earphones quietly excel. With ANC turned off, the earbuds (with the case) easily lasted me about 9 days on a single charge, with an average of 3 to 3.5 hours of daily use. Even with ANC enabled, I got a solid 7 days of usage, impressive for a pair of budget wireless earbuds. My listening volume mostly hovered around 50 to 60 per cent, which is the sweet spot for both sound clarity and battery charging is supported too, and it works well. A quick 15-minute top-up delivers about 4 to 5 hours of playback time, making it perfect for those last-minute dashes out of the door. There is no wireless charging which is understandable given the price point. JBL also includes power-saving features like auto-standby and auto power-off, though in daily use, I rarely found the need to manually toggle and JBL App: Reliable and user-friendlyWhen it comes to connectivity, these earphones get most of the basics right. Pairing is straightforward; just open your phone's Bluetooth settings, flip open the lid with the earbuds inside, and you are ready to connect. There is no dedicated pairing button though which could have made things easier for non-tech-savvy users. Once paired, the earphones automatically connect to the phone without any problem. advertisementThere is no in-ear detection feature, which means your music won't automatically pause when you remove the earbuds. That might disappoint some, but JBL redeems itself with a handy dual connection feature. You can stay connected to your phone and laptop simultaneously without constantly switching or unpairing devices. During my time using it, this feature worked flawlessly with no dropouts or JBL Headphones app ties everything together with a clean, intuitive user interface. It gives you access to all the expected features, customisable touch controls for playback and calls, ANC adjustment, and even a "Find My Buds" option. The EQ section deserves a mention too. JBL offers a few presets like Jazz, Vocal, Extreme Bass, Studio, and Bass but you can also create your own custom EQ by tweaking frequency Tune Beam 2: Should you buy them?For Rs 5,999, the JBL Tune Beam 2 gets all the basics right — good sound, strong ANC, solid battery life, and reliable call quality. The support for LDAC is a big plus, while the dual device pairing and responsive app controls add real value. It skips a few extras like wireless charging and in-ear detection, but those are easy to live with, considering their price. If you want dependable earbuds with great audio and everyday convenience, the JBL Tune Beam 2 is an easy recommendation.
The Advertiser
20-05-2025
- The Advertiser
Belkin pumps up Australian audio range with new under $100 headphones
These items are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. Belkin is giving audiophiles a bang for their buck as they recently unveiled two new over-ear headphone sets, both retailing for under $100. The new SoundForm Isolate is Belkin's first over-ear headphone with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) by Belkin, and includes a built-in relaxation track and voice-calling capabilities. By contrast, the SoundForm Surround delivers Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) and 60-hours of battery life, making it perfect for everyday listening. Both models are part of the SoundForm range, which is engineered with Belkin's Signature Sound technology. This feature is designed to let listeners experience music exactly as an artist intended. Whether it's rich bass, crisp treble or crystal-clear vocals, the SoundForm range is built to adapt to a variety of genres and music artists - offering top-tier audio performance at an accessible price point. To put them to the test, we asked ACM team member, Jarryd and his partner Jay to try out the SoundForm Isolate and SoundForm Surround, and share their thoughts on audio quality, comfort and value for money. Here's what they had to say. The award winning SoundForm Isolate is Belkin's first over-ear headphone featuring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Deisgned for the modern, style-conscious listener, it's a high-quality wireless option available in a neutral sand or black - and comes at a competitive price point of $89.95. During the unboxing, Jarryd said he was relieved to receive a black pair, noting "it's easier to keep them clean." Jay, on the other hand, mentioned she would've liked a few brighter colour options. Jarryd, who wears glasses full-time, found the headphones surprisingly comfortable, even over long listening sessions. "I found it interesting wearing these headphones, because normally I wear glasses full-time. Interestingly enough, though, because the foam inserts for the earpieces were extremely soft and flexible, I was able to wear the headphones for a long period of time [with glasses]," he said. "Although I do have a preference to using headphones that are more like AirPods for quickly taking on and off... and not putting pressure on my glasses frames to the side of my head, I've been really surprised with the overall outcome of testing out these headphones for everyday use," he added. The comfort factor comes down to Belkin's CloudCushion ear cushion cups and adjustable headband, making the Isolate ideal for gaming, commuting or working from home. The SoundForm Isolate also lets you adapt your listening to your environment: Jarryd found the Active Noise Cancellation especially useful while testing the headphones during client meetings. "The feedback was that the calls were clear from a microphone standpoint, and I was quite surprised for the price point how well the sound came across. Because normally when you're looking around this price range, the sound of things is quite tinny," he said. Jay found the SoundForm Isolate ideal for listening to music and podcasts, describing the sound quality as "very clear." Other standout features include Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity that connects easily to devices within 10 metres and fast USB-C® charging which brings 60 hours of playtime on a full charge. The SoundForm Isolate headphones is also made with recycled plastics and packaged in 100 per cent plastic-free packaging, making it a more sustainable pick in the wireless headphones market. Summary: Buy now: Belkin SoundForm Isolate The SoundForm Surround over-ear headphones are designed for clear calls and everyday convenience. They come in at a budget-friendly $69.95 and are available in four colours: Blue, Olive, Sand and Black. A key feature of the SoundForm Surround is the Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), which helps deliver clear calls by minimising background noise. With 60-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.4, Multipoint connectivity for dual-device pairing, and a 3.5mm audio jack for wired listening, SoundForm Surround is a versatile option for daily use, work or travel. For Jarryd, the major drawcard for these headphones were the quality for price point. "I think that headphones of this quality for [70 bucks] really is a competitive edge for the brand, considering there are a lot of cheaper brands playing in this market that don't have the same benefits of sound quality, noise isolation, and also the extremely long runtime for these," he said. "I think that the headphones would be a great option for people going through school that are looking for something that's reliable and something that will also take a bit of fall damage and last a couple of years," he added. Summary: Buy now: Belkin SoundForm Surround -- Belkin has spent over 40 years delivering award-winning power, protection, productivity, connectivity, and audio. With a global footprint spanning more than 100 countries, they're no strangers to crafting quality tech - including audio gear. These headphones may not rival the ultra-premium options that retail for $800+, but they hold their own with impressive sound quality, comfort, and a suite of premium features at a fraction of the price. Even better, they're made from recycled plastics and come in 100 per cent plastic-free packaging, making it a win for the planet as well as your ears and wallet. The Belkin SoundForm range was provided to ACM for the purpose of review. All opinions and reviews expressed in the article are 100 per cent independent and honest. These items are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. Belkin is giving audiophiles a bang for their buck as they recently unveiled two new over-ear headphone sets, both retailing for under $100. The new SoundForm Isolate is Belkin's first over-ear headphone with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) by Belkin, and includes a built-in relaxation track and voice-calling capabilities. By contrast, the SoundForm Surround delivers Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) and 60-hours of battery life, making it perfect for everyday listening. Both models are part of the SoundForm range, which is engineered with Belkin's Signature Sound technology. This feature is designed to let listeners experience music exactly as an artist intended. Whether it's rich bass, crisp treble or crystal-clear vocals, the SoundForm range is built to adapt to a variety of genres and music artists - offering top-tier audio performance at an accessible price point. To put them to the test, we asked ACM team member, Jarryd and his partner Jay to try out the SoundForm Isolate and SoundForm Surround, and share their thoughts on audio quality, comfort and value for money. Here's what they had to say. The award winning SoundForm Isolate is Belkin's first over-ear headphone featuring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Deisgned for the modern, style-conscious listener, it's a high-quality wireless option available in a neutral sand or black - and comes at a competitive price point of $89.95. During the unboxing, Jarryd said he was relieved to receive a black pair, noting "it's easier to keep them clean." Jay, on the other hand, mentioned she would've liked a few brighter colour options. Jarryd, who wears glasses full-time, found the headphones surprisingly comfortable, even over long listening sessions. "I found it interesting wearing these headphones, because normally I wear glasses full-time. Interestingly enough, though, because the foam inserts for the earpieces were extremely soft and flexible, I was able to wear the headphones for a long period of time [with glasses]," he said. "Although I do have a preference to using headphones that are more like AirPods for quickly taking on and off... and not putting pressure on my glasses frames to the side of my head, I've been really surprised with the overall outcome of testing out these headphones for everyday use," he added. The comfort factor comes down to Belkin's CloudCushion ear cushion cups and adjustable headband, making the Isolate ideal for gaming, commuting or working from home. The SoundForm Isolate also lets you adapt your listening to your environment: Jarryd found the Active Noise Cancellation especially useful while testing the headphones during client meetings. "The feedback was that the calls were clear from a microphone standpoint, and I was quite surprised for the price point how well the sound came across. Because normally when you're looking around this price range, the sound of things is quite tinny," he said. Jay found the SoundForm Isolate ideal for listening to music and podcasts, describing the sound quality as "very clear." Other standout features include Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity that connects easily to devices within 10 metres and fast USB-C® charging which brings 60 hours of playtime on a full charge. The SoundForm Isolate headphones is also made with recycled plastics and packaged in 100 per cent plastic-free packaging, making it a more sustainable pick in the wireless headphones market. Summary: Buy now: Belkin SoundForm Isolate The SoundForm Surround over-ear headphones are designed for clear calls and everyday convenience. They come in at a budget-friendly $69.95 and are available in four colours: Blue, Olive, Sand and Black. A key feature of the SoundForm Surround is the Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), which helps deliver clear calls by minimising background noise. With 60-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.4, Multipoint connectivity for dual-device pairing, and a 3.5mm audio jack for wired listening, SoundForm Surround is a versatile option for daily use, work or travel. For Jarryd, the major drawcard for these headphones were the quality for price point. "I think that headphones of this quality for [70 bucks] really is a competitive edge for the brand, considering there are a lot of cheaper brands playing in this market that don't have the same benefits of sound quality, noise isolation, and also the extremely long runtime for these," he said. "I think that the headphones would be a great option for people going through school that are looking for something that's reliable and something that will also take a bit of fall damage and last a couple of years," he added. Summary: Buy now: Belkin SoundForm Surround -- Belkin has spent over 40 years delivering award-winning power, protection, productivity, connectivity, and audio. With a global footprint spanning more than 100 countries, they're no strangers to crafting quality tech - including audio gear. These headphones may not rival the ultra-premium options that retail for $800+, but they hold their own with impressive sound quality, comfort, and a suite of premium features at a fraction of the price. Even better, they're made from recycled plastics and come in 100 per cent plastic-free packaging, making it a win for the planet as well as your ears and wallet. The Belkin SoundForm range was provided to ACM for the purpose of review. All opinions and reviews expressed in the article are 100 per cent independent and honest. These items are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. Belkin is giving audiophiles a bang for their buck as they recently unveiled two new over-ear headphone sets, both retailing for under $100. The new SoundForm Isolate is Belkin's first over-ear headphone with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) by Belkin, and includes a built-in relaxation track and voice-calling capabilities. By contrast, the SoundForm Surround delivers Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) and 60-hours of battery life, making it perfect for everyday listening. Both models are part of the SoundForm range, which is engineered with Belkin's Signature Sound technology. This feature is designed to let listeners experience music exactly as an artist intended. Whether it's rich bass, crisp treble or crystal-clear vocals, the SoundForm range is built to adapt to a variety of genres and music artists - offering top-tier audio performance at an accessible price point. To put them to the test, we asked ACM team member, Jarryd and his partner Jay to try out the SoundForm Isolate and SoundForm Surround, and share their thoughts on audio quality, comfort and value for money. Here's what they had to say. The award winning SoundForm Isolate is Belkin's first over-ear headphone featuring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Deisgned for the modern, style-conscious listener, it's a high-quality wireless option available in a neutral sand or black - and comes at a competitive price point of $89.95. During the unboxing, Jarryd said he was relieved to receive a black pair, noting "it's easier to keep them clean." Jay, on the other hand, mentioned she would've liked a few brighter colour options. Jarryd, who wears glasses full-time, found the headphones surprisingly comfortable, even over long listening sessions. "I found it interesting wearing these headphones, because normally I wear glasses full-time. Interestingly enough, though, because the foam inserts for the earpieces were extremely soft and flexible, I was able to wear the headphones for a long period of time [with glasses]," he said. "Although I do have a preference to using headphones that are more like AirPods for quickly taking on and off... and not putting pressure on my glasses frames to the side of my head, I've been really surprised with the overall outcome of testing out these headphones for everyday use," he added. The comfort factor comes down to Belkin's CloudCushion ear cushion cups and adjustable headband, making the Isolate ideal for gaming, commuting or working from home. The SoundForm Isolate also lets you adapt your listening to your environment: Jarryd found the Active Noise Cancellation especially useful while testing the headphones during client meetings. "The feedback was that the calls were clear from a microphone standpoint, and I was quite surprised for the price point how well the sound came across. Because normally when you're looking around this price range, the sound of things is quite tinny," he said. Jay found the SoundForm Isolate ideal for listening to music and podcasts, describing the sound quality as "very clear." Other standout features include Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity that connects easily to devices within 10 metres and fast USB-C® charging which brings 60 hours of playtime on a full charge. The SoundForm Isolate headphones is also made with recycled plastics and packaged in 100 per cent plastic-free packaging, making it a more sustainable pick in the wireless headphones market. Summary: Buy now: Belkin SoundForm Isolate The SoundForm Surround over-ear headphones are designed for clear calls and everyday convenience. They come in at a budget-friendly $69.95 and are available in four colours: Blue, Olive, Sand and Black. A key feature of the SoundForm Surround is the Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), which helps deliver clear calls by minimising background noise. With 60-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.4, Multipoint connectivity for dual-device pairing, and a 3.5mm audio jack for wired listening, SoundForm Surround is a versatile option for daily use, work or travel. For Jarryd, the major drawcard for these headphones were the quality for price point. "I think that headphones of this quality for [70 bucks] really is a competitive edge for the brand, considering there are a lot of cheaper brands playing in this market that don't have the same benefits of sound quality, noise isolation, and also the extremely long runtime for these," he said. "I think that the headphones would be a great option for people going through school that are looking for something that's reliable and something that will also take a bit of fall damage and last a couple of years," he added. Summary: Buy now: Belkin SoundForm Surround -- Belkin has spent over 40 years delivering award-winning power, protection, productivity, connectivity, and audio. With a global footprint spanning more than 100 countries, they're no strangers to crafting quality tech - including audio gear. These headphones may not rival the ultra-premium options that retail for $800+, but they hold their own with impressive sound quality, comfort, and a suite of premium features at a fraction of the price. Even better, they're made from recycled plastics and come in 100 per cent plastic-free packaging, making it a win for the planet as well as your ears and wallet. The Belkin SoundForm range was provided to ACM for the purpose of review. All opinions and reviews expressed in the article are 100 per cent independent and honest. These items are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. Belkin is giving audiophiles a bang for their buck as they recently unveiled two new over-ear headphone sets, both retailing for under $100. The new SoundForm Isolate is Belkin's first over-ear headphone with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) by Belkin, and includes a built-in relaxation track and voice-calling capabilities. By contrast, the SoundForm Surround delivers Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) and 60-hours of battery life, making it perfect for everyday listening. Both models are part of the SoundForm range, which is engineered with Belkin's Signature Sound technology. This feature is designed to let listeners experience music exactly as an artist intended. Whether it's rich bass, crisp treble or crystal-clear vocals, the SoundForm range is built to adapt to a variety of genres and music artists - offering top-tier audio performance at an accessible price point. To put them to the test, we asked ACM team member, Jarryd and his partner Jay to try out the SoundForm Isolate and SoundForm Surround, and share their thoughts on audio quality, comfort and value for money. Here's what they had to say. The award winning SoundForm Isolate is Belkin's first over-ear headphone featuring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Deisgned for the modern, style-conscious listener, it's a high-quality wireless option available in a neutral sand or black - and comes at a competitive price point of $89.95. During the unboxing, Jarryd said he was relieved to receive a black pair, noting "it's easier to keep them clean." Jay, on the other hand, mentioned she would've liked a few brighter colour options. Jarryd, who wears glasses full-time, found the headphones surprisingly comfortable, even over long listening sessions. "I found it interesting wearing these headphones, because normally I wear glasses full-time. Interestingly enough, though, because the foam inserts for the earpieces were extremely soft and flexible, I was able to wear the headphones for a long period of time [with glasses]," he said. "Although I do have a preference to using headphones that are more like AirPods for quickly taking on and off... and not putting pressure on my glasses frames to the side of my head, I've been really surprised with the overall outcome of testing out these headphones for everyday use," he added. The comfort factor comes down to Belkin's CloudCushion ear cushion cups and adjustable headband, making the Isolate ideal for gaming, commuting or working from home. The SoundForm Isolate also lets you adapt your listening to your environment: Jarryd found the Active Noise Cancellation especially useful while testing the headphones during client meetings. "The feedback was that the calls were clear from a microphone standpoint, and I was quite surprised for the price point how well the sound came across. Because normally when you're looking around this price range, the sound of things is quite tinny," he said. Jay found the SoundForm Isolate ideal for listening to music and podcasts, describing the sound quality as "very clear." Other standout features include Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity that connects easily to devices within 10 metres and fast USB-C® charging which brings 60 hours of playtime on a full charge. The SoundForm Isolate headphones is also made with recycled plastics and packaged in 100 per cent plastic-free packaging, making it a more sustainable pick in the wireless headphones market. Summary: Buy now: Belkin SoundForm Isolate The SoundForm Surround over-ear headphones are designed for clear calls and everyday convenience. They come in at a budget-friendly $69.95 and are available in four colours: Blue, Olive, Sand and Black. A key feature of the SoundForm Surround is the Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), which helps deliver clear calls by minimising background noise. With 60-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.4, Multipoint connectivity for dual-device pairing, and a 3.5mm audio jack for wired listening, SoundForm Surround is a versatile option for daily use, work or travel. For Jarryd, the major drawcard for these headphones were the quality for price point. "I think that headphones of this quality for [70 bucks] really is a competitive edge for the brand, considering there are a lot of cheaper brands playing in this market that don't have the same benefits of sound quality, noise isolation, and also the extremely long runtime for these," he said. "I think that the headphones would be a great option for people going through school that are looking for something that's reliable and something that will also take a bit of fall damage and last a couple of years," he added. Summary: Buy now: Belkin SoundForm Surround -- Belkin has spent over 40 years delivering award-winning power, protection, productivity, connectivity, and audio. With a global footprint spanning more than 100 countries, they're no strangers to crafting quality tech - including audio gear. These headphones may not rival the ultra-premium options that retail for $800+, but they hold their own with impressive sound quality, comfort, and a suite of premium features at a fraction of the price. Even better, they're made from recycled plastics and come in 100 per cent plastic-free packaging, making it a win for the planet as well as your ears and wallet. The Belkin SoundForm range was provided to ACM for the purpose of review. All opinions and reviews expressed in the article are 100 per cent independent and honest.
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Marshall Major V Review: Crisp sound quality, 100+ battery life, but no ANC
Marshall Major V Review: When looking for headphones, I believe the design, comfort, and flexibility to carry around play a huge role alongside the sound quality. Headphones are such devices which are worn for extended periods or kept in a resting position around the neck when they are not being used. But finding such high-quality headphones that provide comfort and good audio quality is not easy to find. Well, Marshall is one such brand which you can rely on for such high requirements. I recently got the opportunity to review the Marshall Major V headphones, which are the company's latest generation headphones. While I prefer using earbuds over headphones, Marshall Major V kept me hooked for the entire two weeks, and I quite literally forgot that I own earbuds as well. From Amazing sound quality, personalisation, to immense comfort, Major V offers everything you need. However, my one disapproval from this headphone is that it misses out on Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) despite being priced at Rs.14999. To know more about these feature-filled headphones, here is a detailed Marshall Major V review. Also read: Google renames Find My Device to Find Hub: What's new, and why Android trackers still need work Marshall Major V has a simplistic and minimalistic design that anyone can instantly like. The earcups have a faux leather finish with Marshall branding, maintaining the brand identity quite smartly. However, I do not prefer heavy branding on my electronic products. The textured leather finish makes it look rugged, and it also feels durable. The padding on the band feels comfortable when kept around the neck. The padding on the earcups is quite thick, providing a perfect fit and comfort. The other parts are made up of plastic. However, the plastic does not feel cheap, and it ensures high-quality material. On the right side of the earcup, you can see a multi-directional control button, a 3.5mm jack, and a USB-C port. On the left side, you get a customisable M-button. Furthermore, the Marshall Major V are quite flexible with its foldable design, and it is also lightweight. Overall, the headphones have a pleasing design, offering comfort and premiumness at the same time. You can easily use the Marshall Major V for hours and use it for extended periods without getting strained. Therefore, for commuting, long listening hours, or finding the right space for the headphones in your bag, the Marshall Major V is a perfect choice. Also read: Sennheiser HD 505 Copper Edition headphones launched in India: Check features, price and more To provide a detailed experience with Marshall Major V, I have divided this section of the review into two parts. The first section will cover its unique features that differentiate the headphone from others. And the second part will discuss the audio quality and sound. You can seamlessly connect the Major V via Marshall app integration to your smartphone or simply connect with Bluetooth on other devices. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired connectivity. With the app, users can access the equaliser, which has five preset modes and a customisable EQ curve to personalise the sound experience. Therefore, custom features are always welcomed and appreciated, considering the price tag of the Marshall Major V. Another notable feature is the new M-button, which offers customised functionality via the app. The button can be set to activate EQ functions, voice assistant, or open Spotify for music control. The M-button adds another custom feature which works as a shortcut. Another intimate feature is the multi-directional button for play/pause, fast-forward, etc. While headphone comes with different buttons for these functions or different clicking functions, Marshall has simplified this process. One feature that left me wanting more was ANC, as the headphones do not block the environment or background noise, affecting the audio and calling experience. Also read: Nothing wireless headphones listed on SGS Fimko; Possible transparent design expected soon Looking at the sound and audio quality, the Marshall Major V is perfect for audiophiles who prefer crisp audio, dynamic sound, and medium bass. However, with no ANC and smaller earcups, the outside noise could hamper the experience, as I have mentioned above. I listened to a couple of genres using the Marshall Major V, and the headphones provide a pleasing experience with almost all kinds of music. Music like 'Luther' by Kendrick Lamar, 'Anxiety' by Doechii, provided a great vibration, average deep bass and managed to provide high-pitched sounds. However, low beat songs such as 'Sailor Song' by Gigi Pere or 'Blue' by Yung Kai are not very enjoyable due to weak noise isolation. Therefore, it can be said that songs with beats, drums, and music can be enjoyable. It should also be noted that Marshall Major V lacks the bass power; it is decent, but you will miss the energy and excitement. Apart from music, I also used the headphones for watching movies and gaming, the Marshall Major V provided a pleasing sound quality. The vocals, background music, sound effects, and everything were crystal clear and enjoyable. With gaming, I experience a similar experience, from clear footsteps, to thumping gun shots while playing BGMI, the Major V was an absolute hit. The Marshall Major V claims to provide more than 100 hours of battery life, and to my surprise, it exceeds the promises. It is one of the long-lasting headphones I've used this year, and the listening time is simply unmatched by several pricer options available on the market. I have been using the Marshall Major V for about 3 to 4 hours daily, and it has been more than 2 weeks since I last charged the headphones, and I still have 17% percent. However, the longer battery life can also be due to the lack of ANC. The headphone also offers Battery Preservation mode that provides extended listening time, and also a Standby Time setting, which turns off the headphone when not in use, which is quite unique in my opinion. At Rs.14999, the Marshall Major V is an expensive buy considering the headphones lack ANC, offer average deep bass, and the on-ear design with small earcups did not feel ideal at the given price point. However, the audio quality is not compromised as it provides rich sounds with great clarity, offering a pleasing day-to-day experience or for casual use. Its never-ending battery life is commendable, especially with additional battery-saving features. Another likeable feature of Marshall Major V is greater personalisation offers, from EQ settings to the M-button, users can customise their listening preferences, which makes it a hit in my experience. Therefore, if a lack of ANC and deep base is not a problem for you, the Marshall Major V is a great choice if purchased during the sale on e-commerce platforms. Mobile Finder: iPhone 16e LATEST specs, features, and price
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
No AirPods Pro 3 in 2025, major infrared upgrade coming in 2026: Apple analyst Kuo
Just as speculation was heating up around a possible AirPods Pro 3 launch later this year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has poured cold water on the excitement. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kuo stated that he does not anticipate any major AirPods hardware updates in 2025, and claims the next significant release, AirPods Pro with infrared cameras, won't arrive until 2026. Kuo's prediction directly contradicts earlier reports from industry insiders and developers, some of which cited Apple software code as evidence of an imminent AirPods Pro 3 release, potentially alongside the iPhone 17 lineup this September. Those reports hinted at upgraded features like improved Active Noise Cancellation, a next-gen H3 chip, and possibly even a heart rate sensor, tech already present in Apple's recently updated Powerbeats Pro 4. Kuo, however, is betting on patience. He says the next leap forward won't come until 2026, and when it does, the AirPods Pro will integrate infrared camera sensors to enable more immersive interactions, particularly in spatial computing environments like Apple's Vision Pro headset. If Kuo's timeline holds, Apple's flagship in-ear headphones would go four years without a hardware refresh, an unusually long cycle for a device that remains Apple's most profitable AirPods model. The current AirPods Pro 2 launched in 2022 and are now approaching their third birthday. Given the intense competition in the wireless earbuds space and Apple's recent strategy of pushing features further down the price ladder (such as adding Active Noise Cancellation to the AirPods 4, which start at $179), it would be surprising for Apple to hold off until 2026 for a true successor. That said, Apple has continued to support AirPods Pro 2 through robust software updates, including features like adaptive audio, Personalised Volume, and even turning the earbuds into FDA-licensed hearing aids for mild-to-moderate hearing loss, a first in the mainstream consumer tech space. Meanwhile, it's even worse news for fans of AirPods Max, Apple's premium over-ear headphones. Kuo believes a new model may not arrive until 2027 at the earliest, leaving current users with a design that hasn't changed since its 2020 debut. For now, Apple seems focused on expanding its ecosystem of features rather than churning out new hardware, but if market trends and user demand are any guide, holding off on AirPods Pro 3 could prove a risky move.
