Latest news with #AirPodsMax
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Listen up! Sonos' premium headphones just fell to their lowest price ever
Sonos took a long time to get round to producing a pair of headphones, but the end result was worth the wait. The Sonos Ace are a fantastic pair of noise cancelling over-ear headphones that offer even more functionality if you already have other Sonos products. And right now you can grab them at the lowest price we've ever seen over at Amazon. The retailer has slashed $120 off the price to bring them down to $329. That's even cheaper than they were during the Black Friday sales. And if you're based in the U.K., you can actually get the same 33% discount at Amazon, bringing the headphones down from £449 to a much more wallet-friendly £299. The Sonos Ace are a spectacular noise-canceling option, packed with premium features. We loved them in our Sonos Ace review, especially their excellent sound and intuitive control options. I enjoy their soundstage most of all though, and their Spatial Audio tuning is some of the best you'll find in a pair of headphones, period. This $120 discount brings them down to their lowest price ever. The same deal on the Sonos Ace is available over in Great Britain where the headphones are discounted by 33% — bringing them down to their lowest price ever. I can't recommend the Sonos Ace enough; I've been using them as my regular pair of headphones over the last year and I even rate them over the AirPods Max. They're comfortable, they look cool and the sound quality you get from them is fantastic. As you'd expect from a company making some of the best soundbars and best smart speakers around, the Sonos Ace had no trouble landing on our list of the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy. One of the main issues — as it usually is with Sonos — was that the price was something of a barrier to entry when you look at rivals. This deal puts that concern to bed because with a massive $120/£150 off the price, the Sonos Ace suddenly becomes a lot more affordable. Battery life is exceptionally solid at 30 hours and the sound you get from them is rich and detailed. The soundstage really wows when you fire these headphones up and you get this feeling of spaciousness in part thanks to the Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio format support for head tracking, but also the comfort of the pliable foam earcups. The real party trick for the Sonos Ace comes when you use it for watching movies. As long as you have a Sonos soundbar, like the Sonos Arc Ultra, you can sync the two up and have the headphones deliver the full Dolby Atmos movie experience directly into your ears without disturbing anyone else in house. And because it's coming from the soundbar's input, you can use it with any streaming service or any games console hooked up to your TV. That leads me to my one niggle with the Sonos Ace (well, apart from all the issues with Sonos' software experience) which is that it doesn't interplay with any other Sonos devices you may have. It would be awesome to seamlessly transition from a speaker to the headphones over Wi-Fi but, alas, it's not possible. I also think the case, while premium, is too fiddly but for a $120/£150 discount I'm definitely happy to overlook this. What's more, there's currently a bunch of other Sonos products also discounted at Amazon right now. Which is ace.
Digital Trends
3 days ago
- Business
- Digital Trends
AirPods Max flaw means you might not be listening to lossless audio, but there's a fix
When Apple announced that it had added lossless, USB Audio to the USB-C version of the AirPods Max, I was very keen to try it out. Especially given that Apple launched the USB-C version without the feature (or an analog input), a move I couldn't understand at all. As soon as Apple was kind enough to send me a review unit, I checked for the latest firmware, plugged the AirPods Max into my iPhone 16 and … it sounded exactly the same as Bluetooth. Recommended Videos Something's not right As an audio reviewer, this is the kind of moment that can create a professional crisis. I have been extolling the virtues of high-quality Bluetooth codecs like LDAC and aptX Adaptive for years, on the basis that they sound better than lower-quality ones like SBC and AAC. When wireless headphones began to support lossless audio via USB-C, I cheered that development for the same reason. So when I failed to hear a difference between the AirPods Max's lossy, AAC-based Bluetooth connection and their lossless, hi-res USB Audio connection, I seriously began to question myself. After all, the AirPods Max might not be everyone's preferred set of cans, but most would agree that they sound very good. There's no reason why they shouldn't let me hear the improved detail, depth, and smoothness that I've come to expect from lossless audio. Maybe my ears are going? I'm not a 20-something anymore, and as we age, a certain amount of high-frequency loss is nearly unavoidable. I kid you not, I started to wonder how much longer I could realistically continue to call myself an audio reviewer. The greatest source of my doubts didn't come from my ears, however. It came from Apple's audio output menu in iOS. Do you believe your ears or your eyes? Normally, when you connect the AirPods Max, AirPods Pro, or any other Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, and then open Apple Music on an iPhone, at the bottom of the Now Playing screen, you'll see your connected device listed. If it's an Apple device, you'll see a custom icon plus the model name. If it's a third-party device, it shows a generic Bluetooth icon instead. When you connect the AirPods Max via the USB-C cable, that icon doesn't change. But if you tap on it, it brings up the full audio output menu. That's where you'll now see the words 'USB Audio' under the entry for the AirPods Max. If you unplug the cable, those words disappear. The audio output menu in iOS shows USB Audio when a cable is connected (left). Seems pretty straightforward — the iPhone clearly recognizes when the AirPods Max are connected via USB-C and changes the audio path from Bluetooth to USB Audio. Except that's not what happens. The audio path stays with the Bluetooth connection. How do I know? I disabled the iPhone's Bluetooth and listened again. The difference isn't night and day (going lossless rarely provides a massive boost in quality), but it is noticeable when listening critically. My favorite tracks for testing improved fidelity are those where you can pay attention to individual instruments or vocals. Rap, hard rock, and EDM aren't great genres from that point of view, but classical, jazz, and singer-songwriter tracks can expose lossless nuances (and conversely, they can expose lossy degradation). Tracy Chapman's Fast Car — a favorite for audiophiles ever since Dr Sean Olive began using it as a primary test track for evaluating speaker performance at Canada's National Research Council in the late 1980s — is a great example, as is Silver Springs by Matt Berninger and Gail Ann Dorsey. In both cases, vocals become smoother when listening losslessly, with less emphasis on just the high frequencies. Bass notes, particularly those created by string instruments, possess a texture and tonality that often gets flattened by lossy compression. That's the subjective way of evaluating it. There are objective indicators, too. Trust, but verify Qobuz won't confirm that the AirPods Max are connected via USB Audio unless you disable Bluetooth. Apple Music and Tidal use iOS's built-in output menu as described above, but Qobuz uses its own output menu, and it reports very different information. Before you plug the USB-C cable in, Qobuz shows the AirPods Max as connected via Bluetooth. It should change to USB Audio after you plug the cable in, but instead, it continues to show Bluetooth as active. However, if you disable the iPhone's Bluetooth connection, Qobuz accurately reports that the AirPods Max are connected via USB Audio. Strangely, in both modes, Qobuz claims the headphones can support up to 24-bit/192kHz, which is impossible when using the AirPods Max's AAC Bluetooth codec. MacOS also suffers from a similar inconsistency when reporting the connection type. When you pull the AirPods Max out of their case (which wakes them from their low-power mode), they automatically connect to your Mac. If you check the Mac's sound settings, it reports the AirPods Max as an output device connected via Bluetooth — as you'd expect. Plug in the USB-C cable, and the Mac's sound drop-down menu changes to say USB Audio, but tellingly, the full sound settings menu continues to report a Bluetooth connection. Once again, the Qobuz app is our canary in a coal mine. It doesn't report that the AirPods Max are connected via USB until you shut down the Mac's Bluetooth connections. At that point, all three menus (Qobuz, macOS sound settings, macOS sound output drop-down) agree that the AirPods Max are connected via USB. Bizarrely, the switch from Bluetooth to USB audio seems to work correctly (if not quite as seamlessly) on Android. Plugging the USB-C cable into a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, for instance, instantly disconnects the AirPods Max's Bluetooth connection and pauses any playing music. When you hit play, the audio is sent via USB-C. The other notable difference is volume level, which is no longer indexed correctly. Even when the phone says you're at max volume, the volume dial on the headphones can still push volume higher — they work independently. When you unplug the cable, the BT connection resumes. Qobuz on Android before (left) during (center), and after (right) you use the USB-C cable to connect the AirPods Max to a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Of course, because it's Android, each handset works differently. On my Galaxy S23 Ultra, Qobuz correctly identifies the AirPods Max when in USB mode, but on my Motorola ThinkPhone, it never recognizes them as an output device. Instead, it routes audio to the ThinkPhone's audio drivers, which send it to the AirPods Max — very hard to tell whether the resulting audio is bit-perfect at that point, but it still sounds better than Bluetooth. I reached out to Apple's AirPods team with my findings and asked if they could confirm and/or reproduce these results, but so far, I haven't received a response. I acknowledge that much of this is geeky, audiophile-level obsession over small details. However, lossless audio is, for many headphone fans, the gold standard for digital music. If you decide to buy the AirPods Max with USB-C in part because it can deliver lossless audio, you should feel confident that you're getting it — even if you may not be listening critically enough to appreciate every single subtlety that lossless provides. And most importantly, it should just work. Not only should you be able to hear the difference, but you should also be able to use the built-in menus and settings within iOS and macOS to verify that your connection is lossless. And it should all work without having to shut down your device's Bluetooth connections manually — a workaround I hope we won't need for much longer.
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
29 Items That Could 100% Pass For More Expensive Brands
E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen that doubles as a water-resistant sunscreen (with SPF 35) and a blurring primer that grips your makeup and keeps it looking smooth all day. It goes on clear — no white cast, no greasy finish — just a silky, lightweight layer of protection. If you're a fan of Supergoop's sunscreen but *not* the price, then this is the next best thing. A faux-pearl choker if you've ever drooled over the Vivienne Westwood one, but couldn't quite justify the $$$ price tag. This costs about the same as a trip to Starbucks, and reviewers say it looks just like the OG necklace! A pair of teardrop earrings you can wear with any 'fit for any occasion — not many accessories can look as equally amazing with slacks and a top as they do with a floor-length gown, but these pull it off! They might look like the Bottega Veneta ones, but thankfully, they're *much* cheaper. A pair of knee-high boots that'll have people ooh-ing and ahh-ing, thinking you spent hundreds of dollars on the Staud Wally ones. But, no — you were smart and snagged an almost identical version for well under $100. An action camera if you've been dreaming of documenting your adventures (especially the underwater ones) but aren't ready to splurge on a GoPro. It shoots clear 4K video, takes high-res photos, and has built-in stabilization so your footage doesn't look like a shaky mess while you're biking, hiking, or wiping out in the ocean. A pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones that are giving AirPods Max energy with their sleek look and premium cushion padding — except, of course, getting these won't require you handing over hundreds of dollars. They also feature a built-in mic for calls, 10 hours of battery life, and do a decent job of blocking out noise! A saddle shoulder bag because this is not the time to be going into debt over the $4,500 Dior one. This has the same signature curved silhouette and a longer strap so you can wear it as a crossbody too! A quilted leather crossbody purse so you can scratch that Chanel itch without spending that Chanel price. The structured shape gives it that elevated look, while the roomy interior fits your phone, keys, lip gloss, and whatever else you need to haul around. Dossier's "Ambery Vanilla" perfume if you're in love with YSL's Black Opium but not so into the $100 price tag. The scent lasts, the bottle's cute, and honestly? No one will know it's not designer unless you tell them (and even then, they might not believe you). A lightweight Sol de Janeiro hair and body fragrance mist in scent Cheirosa '68 — infused with a lovely blend of hibiscus, jasmine, and sun musk, it's reminiscent of the iconic Baccarat Rouge 540 (but won't leave your wallet crying). And a moisturizing body wash giving similar vibes, because you deserve to smell ~luxurious~. This white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber–infused formula will get you pretty close to the OG without spending an arm and a leg. A pair of satin block-heeled dress shoes with the same elegant silhouette and pleated bow as those $$$ Loeffler Randall heels you've been eyeing. 👀 Reviewers have worn them to prom, weddings, engagement parties — one said they even wear them to church — so it's safe to say you'll definitely get more than your money's worth out of these. An 18-karat gold-plated cherry keychain to bring that playful pop of color your bag didn't know it needed. Its glossy red enamel and luxe gold finish makes it looks suspiciously like Coach's $95 version — but this one's under $10. 😉 An affordable outdoor umbrella with fringe detailing to take your patio game to the next level. You could easily convince guests you got this from Frontgate, when in reality, you spent less than 100 bucks on it. Besides providing basic shade, it also offers UPF 50+ level protection against blinding UV rays — proof that chic pieces can still be practical. An ornate Baroque mirror exuding the same vibes as the *up to $1,598* (🤯) Anthropologie one. I mean, you see the reviewer pics below — this thing is gorgeous, stunning, amazing — any room would be lucky to have it. An Overmont cast-iron Dutch oven people compare to budget-busting brands like Le Creuset in both its beauty and delivery of amazing meals. You don't need to sell your soul for high-quality, durable cookware (that also happens to be so pretty, it could double as decor). Some peel-and-stick palm leaf wallpaper to transform any room into a Pinterest inspo photo. This one is almost indistinguishable from West Elm's tropical wallpaper — except it's ~actually~ within your budget. A set of aesthetic wrist and ankle weights if you've seen the $50+ Bala Bangles on your feed and thought, "Wow, I want not for that price." Now you can be a part of the "walking with cute weights" community without the financial commitment! An affordable longline sports bra made from a very soft, stretchy material that's pretty similar to the Lulu Align tank. It's quickly become a staple in a ton of reviewers' wardrobes (with 30,000 5-star ratings to prove it), and many say they don't even wear a bra with this because of the supportive padding. It's so good, people are snagging it in different colors — and you'll probably want to as well. 😉 And a pair of lightweight legging-style joggers to complete your Lulu look. And just like the Lulu ones, these are breathable with a wide waistband for maximum comfort. You can wear them to work out, run errands, or just lounge in! Cushionaire slides that you don't have to break in (I'm looking at you, Birkenstocks) — the flexible cork footbed and cushioned insole means that they are comfortable right out of the box! But if you don't believe me, look at the over 50,000 5-star over 1,000 reviews comparing the support to Birks. A set of elegant cylindrical wineglasses to make drinking any beverage feel like you're celebrating something — and TBH, finding an affordable Crate & Barrel alternative IS cause for celebration. A spandex-blend slip maxi dress if you've always wanted to try the Skims version but just don't have the budget for it. It's soft and breathable, and some reviewers even like it more than Skims! Wear it casually with a bolero and sneakers, or jazz it up with some elegant jewelry and heels. And a scoop neck top that's also giving Skims a run for their money. It's super soft with the perfect amount of thickness and stretchiness, making it the perfect versatile staple for your closet. An A-line midi dress with the same corset back as the House of CB version — but this is about four times cheaper! Now, you can live your cottagecore dreams in this Pinterest-perfect dress without spending a large chunk of your paycheck. A TikTok-approved checkerboard throw blanket reviewers compare to the luxurious, $100+ Barefoot Dreams blanket. This one is so soft, you might just gasp when you feel it — and it comes in so many pretty colors that you're sure to find one that matches your space. A glass mushroom lamp because it's necessary to have a cute little lamp, especially at night — imagine having this in your kitchen so you don't have to turn on the overhead light while getting a midnight snack! This beauty is remarkably similar to options at Urban Outfitters and West Elm — except the price tag won't make your wallet shudder in fear. A sleeveless halter bodysuit so you don't have to splurge on one from Zara or Skims. This versatile piece goes with everything, and I mean everything: shorts, skirts, jeans, sweatpants, leggings, you name it. And it's slightly compressive (similar to shapewear), but without being too restrictive! Honestly, you might just want to stock up on a few colors now. A simple tumbler that has all the essential characteristics of its wildly popular but more expensive counterpart — the Stanley cup. It's well insulated, keeping drinks cold for hours, and has a leak-resistant lid, a straw, and a sturdy handle. Plus, it comes in a ton of aesthetic colors for you to choose from.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
AirPods Pro 3 launch likely for 2025 despite conflicting rumours
Apple's autumn launch cycle is fast approaching, and speculation around what products will make the cut is intensifying. While iPhone 17 models and the iPhone 17 Air are almost guaranteed, recent rumours have cast doubt on the arrival of another much-anticipated device, the AirPods Pro 3. Last week, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stirred uncertainty by stating that AirPods were unlikely to see "significant updates" until 2026, with infrared camera-equipped AirPods entering production in that year. He also mentioned that a lighter version of the AirPods Max was due in 2027. At face value, Kuo's comment seems to push the AirPods Pro 3 beyond 2025. However, several observers have pointed out the ambiguity in his phrasing. Crucially: -He used the term 'may not', suggesting some uncertainty. -The phrase 'significant updates' is subjective and might not preclude a modest hardware revision. -He notably did not specify 'AirPods Pro', instead referring to the AirPods line more broadly. This has left room for interpretation, and hope, among those expecting a refresh of the Pro model. Adding to the speculation is a recent Apple software update that included code references to new AirPods hardware. These references are often reliable indicators of an imminent product launch. In addition, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who originally tipped AirPods Pro 3 for a 2025 release, has not updated or withdrawn his report, suggesting the plan may still be in motion. Another leaker, Kosutami, also hinted at a launch 'soon', though with limited specificity. Apple's release cadence also supports the case. The AirPods Pro 2 launched in 2022, three years after the original 2019 release. A 2025 refresh would maintain that three-year cycle, and with interest in high-end wireless audio remaining strong, it would make commercial sense for Apple to strike now. While Kuo's comments injected some doubt into the timeline, a closer reading and supporting signals suggest AirPods Pro 3 are still likely to launch this autumn. If that's the case, they'll arrive just in time to capitalise on the iPhone 17 wave, and consumer demand for the next evolution of Apple's premium earbuds.
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
33 Chic Versions Of Everyday Products To Give Your Routine A Subtle Refresh
A set of transparent sticky notes reviewers love not just for the aesthetic, but because it makes it easier to leave notes in books and study guides without interrupting the ~flow~ of the text. A beautifully packaged, travel-friendly Touchland Power Mist hydrating hand sanitizer for anyone who's like "mindfully practicing health and safety, but make it fashion." Unlike other sanitizer sprays, it's infused with aloe vera to keep your skin hydrated and has the most luxurious floral scents. A Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired moisturizing body wash infused with white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber that reviewers swear by for a cheap alternative to keep that delectably luxe scent on them all day long. Nothing wrong with smelling a lil' ~~expensive~~! A set of square stemmed wineglasses inspired by the iconic Crate & Barrel version, except these are durable as heck (good for particularly rowdy wine-and-cheese nights). Reviewers especially love these chic, understated glasses because they work well for red and white wines. A two-slice slim toaster to fit virtually *anywhere* in your tiny kitchen, and to look gosh darn adorable doing it. Bonus — these long slots make it ideal for larger slices of bread, like your beloved sourdoughs. A pair of waterproof wireless earbuds with AirPods Pro energy — except these feature a charging case that, bless its technologically savvy heart, has an LED display letting you know exactly how much charge is left. Reviewers also love how delightfully comfortable and sweatproof these are, making them a solid, affordable option for talking on the phone and exercising. A pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones crafted to look like AirPods Max, so you can still enjoy the comfort and chic style of their iconic headphones without shelling out hundreds of dollars. These feature premium cushion padding, a built-in mic with the ability to take calls, 10 hours of playtime per charge, and surprisingly decent noise blocking for the price. A wildly impressive handled BrüMate tumbler designed with a completely leakproof straw lid that might be actual witchcraft, and ~BevGuard insulation~ that will keep drinks ice cold for over 24 hours. Finally, a ginormous emotional support tumbler that not only fits in your car's cup holder, but can get tossed into your bag worry-free! A pair of gorgeous kitchen shears that are as functional as they are stunning — reviewers love these all-purpose, super sharp blades for cutting everything from meat and fruit to opening packages and wrangling with complicated wrapping. A gorgeous statement checkered cutting board designed with deep grooves for juice, hidden handles on the bottom, and end grain to "heal" cuts from knives. A true overachiever considering it's worth the buy for decor purposes alone!! An easy-to-hold detangling brush from TikTok-beloved brand Kitsch — this elevated version is suitable for all hair types to quickly and oh-so-gently detangle hair and prevent breakage, whether you're brushing wet or dry. A puffer shoulder bag that's giving "Lululemon, but make it affordable." This gem has a surprising amount of space to fit all your odds and ends, making it the perfect go-to bag for travel and errand running. A deeply adorable retro-style portable Bluetooth keyboard you can connect to your tablet, phone, or computer to easily type if you're working while traveling (or just want to e-mail everyone about that croissant you just ate). Reviewers especially love the satisfying ~clickety clack~ feel of the keys! An absorbent floral dish drying mat so lovely that you'll actually — gasp — look forward to doing the dishes? The "main character in a rom com" energy of this mat is too strong to resist. A chic weekly pill organizer you will *love* if you're the type of human whose life is "go go go" — this lets you easily pull out separate days and stick them in a bag or overnight backpack if you're traveling or staying the night somewhere. A vintage-inspired essential oil diffuser to waft calming scents through your space and add a subtle touch of ~quiet luxury~ by serving double time as decor. A sleek as heck wireless handheld vacuum reviewers *love* using for computers and desks, their car interiors, and little messes in the home. It has adjustable nozzles depending on what kind of surface you're working with, and also has the added benefit of looking like a chic accessory that TikTok Barbie would own. (Does she exist yet??? Because it's only a matter of time.) A unique tripod floor lamp that will draw the eye without stealing the show — the perfect solution to keep up a modern look without falling into that trap of "woof, everything suuuure does look boring in here." A slim-profile Bella VersaBrew 2-in-1 Coffee Maker designed to save you SOOOO much space — this can hold a coffee pot that brews up to 12 cups of coffee on days when you've got a crowded kitchen, or convert to a one-cup coffee maker that uses both grounds *and* K-cup pods on days when you're flying solo. It's basically two deeply functional (and sleek??) coffee makers in one. Oxo's Good Grips three-piece Pop container set so darn air tight that you'll want to give them all your favorite snacks *and* hot gossip, knowing nothing's getting through that airtight lock. Each of the containers also comes with a handy scoop that attaches to the bottom of the lid, making this an ideal option for baking supplies and loose snacks like cereal and nuts! A set of "Golden Glow" under-eye gels made with 24-karat gold collagen formulated to brighten, nourish, and soothe your under-eyes so you can get that sweet, sweet de-puffing relief (and look ~expensive~ while you're doing it). A vintage-inspired crystal candle warmer to add some timeless, cozy glam in your living room or bedroom without worrying about an open flame. A sophisticated, airtight ribbed storage canister you can use to elevate everything from coffee grounds to laundry beads to cotton balls — the sky is your very chic limit. An Apple-compatible locator tag that functions just like an AirTag, but at a more affordable price. Bonus — this even comes with a waterproof case, making it even more handy for keeping track of important objects (and even more important, pets)!! A checkered dog couch cover protector so cute that you might just want one even if you don't have a single furry friend in sight?? I mean, if they're not going to pay rent, they might as well be chic decor enablers. A hybrid tissue box phone holder that's basically "GRWM" goals — you can prop this on your vanity to stream content, FaceTime, and even record yourself while you're getting your glam on. ✨ A set of chic pastel reusable air fryer liners so chic that they can double as serving dishes when you pluck them out of the basket. A sleek glass top Keurig pod organizer to fit discreetly under your coffee machine and give you easy access to pods full of those smushed up beans you love to guzzle so much. A cheerful fruit bowl for a pop of deeply functional color in your kitchen — this thing is secretly also a colander, so you can wash your fruit and leave 'em sitting pretty on the counter to dry. A set of restaurantworthy shallow pasta bowls to make you feel like you're genuinely ~plating~ all your meals like a professional — this is like a bowl and a plate had a very stylish, SUPER convenient baby for all your pasta and salad needs. A ~floating~ incense holder that isn't just designed for vibes — reviewers love this because it catches ashes and fallen incense sticks without making a big ole mess on the counter like other incense holders do. A lightweight quilted laptop sleeve to turn your work and travel aesthetic into a puffy cloud daydream. This little cloud isn't all looks and no game, though: it's waterproof, thanks to the exterior nylon, and features a fleece inside with a magnetic closure to keep your laptop safe and scratch-free. A crossbody iPhone wallet that's a *much* more cost-effective solution than the $98 Bandolier version, with all the same cuteness and functionality.
