Latest news with #Bluetooth5.2
North Wales Live
03-05-2025
- North Wales Live
Tech review: The Keychron K2 HE is a sophisticated gamechanger for button bashers
Just over a year ago I tried out my first mechanical keyboard, and I was hooked instantly. The satisfying design, and the subtle clicking sounds of the keys, it felt rewarding and it added a touch of class to my desk. That started a bit of an obsession with keyboards, and up until three months ago, I thought I had settled on one. Until I got my hands on the Keychron K2 HE - which quite frankly is a gamechanger for me. Technology is usually desirable in compact, sleek, understated format - this keyboard is anything but that. It is chunky, really heavy and very bold in appearance - and I love it. From the hefty fingers that provide the perfect pad for my fat fingers, to the wood effect trim on the sides. It just calls out for attention and makes a real statement on any desk area. It certainly provides a robust experience due to its weight, even the most violent typist would fail to get even the slightest of movement. I admire the classic look and feel of it, there is a definite air of elegance and sophistication to it, and I really liked that. Depending how much you like subtle, soothing lighting patterns on a keyboard, you may like this. From slow blinking to the fast and furious, there are many different presets you can choose. I have stuck with the one that lights up the keys you have pressed like a heat map. It's strangely addictive and good fun. So it looks the part, it's built for action, but does it do the job it needs to do? The keys are Hall Effect magnetic switches and that makes it a great keyboard for all your gaming needs. Mine is largely office use as I work from home, and although it is probably spoiling me, I don't care. This keyboard is just so responsive and in a strange way, really relaxing. Connectivity is via Wired, 2.4G and Bluetooth 5.2 and the set-up is effortless, allowing you to be up and running almost straight from the box. Us journos are known for really hammering our keyboards and I've seen many a laptop and keyboard break as a result, maybe even a couple of my own. With this I just felt like my fingers glided and bounced around the keys and as I typed the rhythm and sound of the keys seemed to make me more productive, in a strange kind of way. The keyboard has various customisation options, from tweaking the actuation points, to changing some of the keys to accommodate the keyboard layout of your choice. There's loads of nerdy tech things I could touch on in terms of specifications, but we could be here all day. It's a great all-round keyboard that makes a real play into the higher end of the gaming keyboard market. It also has a great battery unit and seems to last for ages. Sorry not to be more precise, so far I'm up to two weeks on one charge. It looks fantastic, has an sublime quality to it, and it's a great user experience using it. It will take a very serious keyboard to dislodge it from my desk. The Keychron K2 HE is available via the Keychron store for £153.99. Reviews Peter Wolinski, Tom's Guide: It still does everything to all people, but now this sleeper can drag muscle cars at the lights. Its gaming credentials are top drawer, and prove that you don't need a garish RGB-clad gaming board to mince a few games of Valorant. Yet it still keeps almost all the magic of the original K2. It looks great, is a productivity weapon (more so now than ever) and is still undercutting rivals from NuPhy and Lofree, while offering more for the money. I struggled finding a bad word to say about the Keychron K2 HE, and even when I did, I didn't enjoy writing it. Reece Bithrey, PC Gamer: Besides the gorgeous rosewood edges, the K2 HE's build quality is sublime. It is otherwise plastic, but offers some of the sturdiest I've tested on a keyboard at its price point. It's solid and rigid, while also coming with no deck flex even if you tried to tear it to pieces.
Wales Online
03-05-2025
- Wales Online
Tech review: The Keychron K2 HE is a sophisticated gamechanger for button bashers
Just over a year ago I tried out my first mechanical keyboard, and I was hooked instantly. The satisfying design, and the subtle clicking sounds of the keys, it felt rewarding and it added a touch of class to my desk. That started a bit of an obsession with keyboards, and up until three months ago, I thought I had settled on one. Until I got my hands on the Keychron K2 HE - which quite frankly is a gamechanger for me. Technology is usually desirable in compact, sleek, understated format - this keyboard is anything but that. It is chunky, really heavy and very bold in appearance - and I love it. From the hefty fingers that provide the perfect pad for my fat fingers, to the wood effect trim on the sides. It just calls out for attention and makes a real statement on any desk area. It certainly provides a robust experience due to its weight, even the most violent typist would fail to get even the slightest of movement. I admire the classic look and feel of it, there is a definite air of elegance and sophistication to it, and I really liked that. Depending how much you like subtle, soothing lighting patterns on a keyboard, you may like this. From slow blinking to the fast and furious, there are many different presets you can choose. I have stuck with the one that lights up the keys you have pressed like a heat map. It's strangely addictive and good fun. So it looks the part, it's built for action, but does it do the job it needs to do? The keys are Hall Effect magnetic switches and that makes it a great keyboard for all your gaming needs. Mine is largely office use as I work from home, and although it is probably spoiling me, I don't care. This keyboard is just so responsive and in a strange way, really relaxing. Connectivity is via Wired, 2.4G and Bluetooth 5.2 and the set-up is effortless, allowing you to be up and running almost straight from the box. Us journos are known for really hammering our keyboards and I've seen many a laptop and keyboard break as a result, maybe even a couple of my own. With this I just felt like my fingers glided and bounced around the keys and as I typed the rhythm and sound of the keys seemed to make me more productive, in a strange kind of way. The keyboard has various customisation options, from tweaking the actuation points, to changing some of the keys to accommodate the keyboard layout of your choice. There's loads of nerdy tech things I could touch on in terms of specifications, but we could be here all day. It's a great all-round keyboard that makes a real play into the higher end of the gaming keyboard market. It also has a great battery unit and seems to last for ages. Sorry not to be more precise, so far I'm up to two weeks on one charge. It looks fantastic, has an sublime quality to it, and it's a great user experience using it. It will take a very serious keyboard to dislodge it from my desk. The Keychron K2 HE is available via the Keychron store for £153.99. Reviews Peter Wolinski, Tom's Guide: It still does everything to all people, but now this sleeper can drag muscle cars at the lights. Its gaming credentials are top drawer, and prove that you don't need a garish RGB-clad gaming board to mince a few games of Valorant. Yet it still keeps almost all the magic of the original K2. It looks great, is a productivity weapon (more so now than ever) and is still undercutting rivals from NuPhy and Lofree, while offering more for the money. I struggled finding a bad word to say about the Keychron K2 HE, and even when I did, I didn't enjoy writing it. Reece Bithrey, PC Gamer: Besides the gorgeous rosewood edges, the K2 HE's build quality is sublime. It is otherwise plastic, but offers some of the sturdiest I've tested on a keyboard at its price point. It's solid and rigid, while also coming with no deck flex even if you tried to tear it to pieces. Alternatives T8 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard DUSK67 Walnut Mechanical Keyboard Kit
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Time of India
Skullcandy Rail ANC earbuds review: Hits the right notes
Rating – 3.5/5 They say silence is golden—but in today's world, it usually comes at a premium. Skullcandy 's new Rail ANC earbuds are built around that idea, offering a feature-packed alternative in the increasingly competitive mid-range audio market. Priced at Rs 8,999 in India, these true wireless earbuds come equipped with active noise cancellation, IPX4 water resistance, and support for Skullcandy's proprietary Skull-iQ platform, which brings voice control, customizable buttons, and over-the-air updates into the mix. The Rail ANC also features a partially transparent design, clearly positioned to take on both lifestyle and tech-focused users. But in a segment crowded with offerings from established names, the real question is—can Skullcandy's latest hold its own? Let's find out Skullcandy Rail ANC earbuds design The Skullcandy Rail ANC earbuds come in a single black finish, with a semi-transparent stem-style design. The outer panels of each bud are marked with the signature Skullcandy logo. The earbuds' see-through detailing is a nice visual touch, reminiscent of designs seen on other transparent-themed tech. The buds feel lightweight and sit comfortably in the ear. Wearing the earbuds, we did not feel any discomfort even during extended listening sessions. They come with three pairs of silicone eartips, allowing for some level of customization in fit and seal. While the design doesn't break new ground, it feels well-built for the price point. Talking about the case, it feels a bit chunkier. Having said that, you can still pocket it in your earbuds. The logo is placed in the front of the case with a USB Type-C logo at the bottom. The lid closure feels one of the strongest. One feature we really liked about the case is its internal lighting, which adds a unique touch. Skullcandy Rail ANC earbuds are equipped with IPX4 rating which means they can withstand splashes and light rain. Skullcandy Rail ANC earbuds performance Inside, the earbuds house 12mm drivers that cover a standard frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz. They support Bluetooth 5.2 and are compatible with AAC and SBC codecs. The earbuds work with both Android smartphones and iPhones. The inclusion of multipoint support is a plus, allowing us to stay connected to two devices simultaneously and switch between phone and laptop seamlessly. Touch controls are handled by capacitive panels on both earbuds. They're responsive for the most part, but occasional misfires can occur, especially during adjustments or accidental touches. Single tap for play/pause, double tap to skip forward, and triple tap to cycle between ANC On, ANC Off, and Stay Aware mode. Noise cancellation isn't particularly strong — even with ANC enabled, surrounding sounds still come through. A long press on the left earbud brings up your phone's voice assistant, while the right triggers Spotify Tap for quick access to music. Before delving into the performance review, we'd first like to explore how the Skull IQ app integrates with the earbuds. To unlock the full potential of the Skullcandy Rail ANC, users need to pair the earbuds with the Skull-iQ companion app, available on both Android and iOS. However, there's an initial quirk for users in India—the app doesn't officially list the region, so you'll need to select 'Other' during setup. Once past that, though, the onboarding is smooth, and the customization options open up quickly. The app offers a comprehensive suite of features. You can toggle between hearing modes, tweak the EQ using preset profiles or create a custom one, and even use the 'Personal Sound by Mimi' feature. Personal Sound is a tool that tests your hearing and adjusts the audio tuning to suit your personal hearing profile. The results are subjective—it assumes you'll prefer the EQ that compensates for any hearing loss—but it's an interesting addition for users who want more personalized audio. You also get access to Skullcandy's hands-free voice control system, which lets you manage music, calls, and even trigger your phone's camera with commands like 'Skullcandy take a picture.' That said, the voice features work more reliably on Android than iOS. Also, speaking camera commands out loud in public may not feel natural to everyone. Another feature worth highlighting is built-in Tile tracking. While this requires installing the separate Tile app and giving it the necessary permissions, it's a handy safeguard against losing your earbuds. With Tile, you can ring the buds if they're nearby or view their last known location on a map. Yes, it might feel like an extra step, and the app-hopping might feel tedious, but it's a practical addition, especially for those prone to misplacing their gear. Skullcandy Rail ANC delivers a sound profile that leans slightly toward the bass, but not overwhelmingly so. Lows feel punchy on tracks like Malang by Ved Sharma or Ghungroo from War, giving the beats a satisfying thump. Mids come through cleanly, especially on vocals-heavy songs like Kesariya or Shayad, where the earbuds handle Arijit Singh's voice with clarity. Highs are decent, though slightly rolled off at higher volumes—noticeable in tracks like Jhoome Jo Pathaan. Overall, the sound is pleasant for casual listening and holds up well across genres. Skullcandy Rail ANC earbuds battery Skullcandy claims over 30 hours of total battery life with the Rail ANC, including the case, and for the most part, that holds true. With moderate volume and mixed usage of ANC, the earbuds manage around 6–7 hours on a single charge, with the case offering roughly three additional full top-ups. It's a reliable performance for daily use, and quick charging support adds convenience when you're running low. Verdict At Rs 8,999, Skullcandy Rail ANC brings together a solid mix of features—active noise cancellation, voice-enabled smart controls, and even Tile tracking. The sound is tuned for easy listening with a bass-leaning profile, and battery life is dependable enough for everyday use. While there are some trade-offs—like extra app setup for Indian users—the Rail ANC still manages to offer a well-rounded experience in the crowded mid-range segment.
Forbes
15-04-2025
- Forbes
Orange Releases New ‘O' Edition MKII Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones
The new 'O' Edition MKII noise-canceling headphones from Orange Amplification have been developed to ... More provide a fully personalized, high-fidelity audio sound. Vintage guitar amplifier brand Orange has followed in the footsteps of Marshall by releasing a range of wireless speakers and headphones that leverage the Orange brand to appeal to music lovers looking for something a little different from mainstream audio brands. Now Orange has announced the release of its 'O' Edition MKII noise-canceling headphones that the company has developed to provide a fully personalized, high-fidelity audio sound. This latest model has a new range of customizable features that Orange claims will put the user in complete control of their listening experience. Engineered for precision and using large 40mm close voice-coil drivers, the new wireless headphones claim an excellent dynamic range with a 'deep and well-defined, flawless, high-quality sound.' The new 'O' Edition MKII noise-canceling headphones are unmistakably Orange. The new 'O' Edition MKII Headphones include Active Noise Cancellation with three presets to block out unwanted sounds. The ANC can be operated at the touch of a button or by using the Orange Amps smartphone app which offers full ANC personalization so that users can remain aware of ambient sounds such as traffic or travel announcements. The app also features a tailorable 10-band EQ for fine-tuning over a wide range of frequencies. The right earpiece of the headphones has a touchpad control that enables the user to instantly pause, play, skip music tracks or answer a phone call. The touchpad volume control, in conjunction with the built-in mic, provides clear conversations at home or on the move. Using Bluetooth 5.2 technology, the 'O' Edition MKII can pair quickly with their host smartphone or computer but headphones also include a 3.5mm AUX cable for connecting to analog sources of digital music players. Wit their folding design, the new 'O' Edition MKII noise-canceling headphones easily pack away into ... More their travel case. A full charge of the headphones' battery can provide up to 50 hours of listening time and there is also a rapid charge option that can deliver up to 7 hours of playback time from a quick 15-minute charge. The new headphones are lightweight and have soft, rotating, cushioned ear cups with an adjustable headband for a secure fit. The design of the headphones folds easily into the supplied carrying case and come with a USB-C charging cable. The new Orange Amplifiers 'O' Edition MKII ANC headphones are available now from retailers and or priced at $229 / £169.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Yahoo
PRESS RELEASE: NACON: THE MOST ADVANCED RIG WIRELESS GAMING HEADSET ARRIVES ON PLAYSTATION®5 CONSOLE : RIG 900 MAX HS
THE MOST ADVANCED RIG WIRELESS GAMING HEADSETARRIVES ON PLAYSTATION®5 CONSOLE : RIG 900 MAX HS FEATURING DUAL-MODE WIRELESS, A CHARGING DOCK AND ADVANCED CUSTOMISATION VIA A DEDICATED APP Assets available here Lesquin – March 4, 2025 – NACON, a leader in premium gaming accessories and parent of the RIG audio brand, is excited to announce the arrival of the RIG 900 MAX HS, officially licensed for PlayStation®5 console. Featuring best-in-class low-latency 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.2 and paired with a seamless charging base, the 900 MAX HS allows you to game wirelessly across all your favourite devices. The 900 MAX HS also excels in audio performance, producing accurate audio via 40mm base-boosted, high-sensitivity drivers that provide more volume with less distortion. The advanced acoustic chamber design improves listening quality while reducing audio fatigue, making it a perfect choice for all-day gaming. In addition, it boasts a chat-optimized omni-directional microphone paired with noise rejection technology. The integrated flip-to-mute function further enhances versatility, allowing gamers to take calls and communicate with their squad seamlessly. 'The 900 MAX has been one of our best-reviewed headsets, earning widespread acclaim from critics and players alike,' said RIG Head of Brand, Jack Reynolds 'We're excited to bring one of our finest headsets to PlayStation® 5 console, giving gamers comfort, performance, and versatility.' ### DUAL-MODE WIRELESSCommand your audio with the versatility of dual-mode wireless on the 900 MAX HS. Low-latency 2.4GHz connection via a base station or wireless USB adapter gives you a competitive edge, while Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity allows you to game on the go. Cycle between Game, Bluetooth, or Dual-Mode, ensuring no interruptions when you are in the zone. PREMIUM COMFORTEngineered with reinforced steel, the 900 MAX HS showcases a lightweight headband, ensuring durability even during intense gaming sessions. Weighing in at just 290 grams, this ultralightweight headset boasts SNAP-FIT earcups with breathable fabric and a sling headband, providing unmatched comfort for all-day gaming. MARATHON GAMINGNever run out of battery mid-game with 50-hour battery life on a 2.4GHz connection and up to 60 hours using Bluetooth. Then, dock the headset and recharge via the base station, ready to go for your next session. WIRELESS GAMING ON STEROIDSOfficially licensed for PlayStation® 5, the 900 MAX HS, extends compatibility to PlayStation® 5 console and PC* through its USB-A 2.4GHz wireless adapter. With dual-mode functionality, you can also enjoy Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phones and portable gaming devices. Amplify your mobile gaming experience by pairing it with a Nacon MG-X or MG-X PRO controller. ENHANCED GAME AUDIOPowered by high-sensitivity 40mm audio drivers with enhanced bass and a precisely tuned acoustic chamber, the 900 MAX HS is designed to produce accurate audio without fatigue. Experience the advantage and immersion of enhanced game audio. WIRELESS GAMING COMPANIONBluetooth connectivity unlocks access to the 900 MAX Navigator app on iOS and Android devices. Pairing your headset with a mobile device unlocks advanced customisation to personalize your audio experience further. Select pre-set equaliser options for different game genres and music, or completely customise them yourself, adjust mic sensitivity or monitoring levels, and test headset functionality. CRYSTAL CLEAR CHAT. INSTANT an omni-directional microphone paired with noise rejection technology, the 900 MAX HS provides crystal clear voice pickup in all gaming environments. Flip-to-mute functionality instantly mutes your voice without needing to interrupt your gaming headset officially licensed for PlayStation® and compatible with PC via USB-A wireless adapter. Dual-mode wireless offers 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. Durable and flexible steel headband SNAP-FIT sizing and dual-material noise-isolating earcups for all-day comfort. Up to 60-hour Bluetooth battery life. Up to 50-hour 2.4GHz battery life. Base station provides seamless charging. 900 MAX Navigator app available for advanced customisation. Flip-to-mute mic for online and solo gaming sessions The 900 MAX HS is available on and at selected retailers for the recommended price of 249.90€ / 249.90$. About RIG RIG is a premium gaming accessory brand and the leader in tournament audio for professional gaming. RIG introduced the first stadium-class esports headset in 2012 and is trusted by sound stage professionals, team coaches and pro players during league and live events worldwide. The brand's mission is to develop next generation gear for competitive gamers, esports players and streamers. In 2020, RIG was acquired by NACON. About NACON NACON is a company of the BIGBEN Group founded in 2019 to optimize its know-how through strong synergies in the video game market. By bringing together its 10 development studios, the publishing of AA video games, the design and distribution of premium gaming devices, NACON focuses 20 years of expertise at the service of players. This new unified business unit strengthens NACON's position in the market, enables it to innovate by creating new unique competitive advantages. 'PlayStation' and "PS5" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. . *PC compatibility not tested or endorsed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Attachment RIG 900 MAX HS Press Release WW_ENSign in to access your portfolio
