Latest news with #THX
Forbes
26-05-2025
- Forbes
FiiO's New BTR17 Pocket-Rocket Portable Headphone Amplifier
The FiiO BTR17 can handle a huge range of Bluetooth audio codecs offering CD quality sound without ... More wires. If you enjoy listening to music on the move using a great pair of wired headphones, you will know how frustrating it is that most smartphones no longer have a 3.5mm headphone socket so you are forced to use a pair of wireless earbuds. However, if you use the new FiiO BTR17 you can go back to those favorite wired headphones or in-ear monitors. Ever since smartphone makers ditched headphone jacks, we've been forced to use wireless earbuds to listen to our music when we are out and about. Wireless listening is handy, but it's nice to have the option of using a favorite pair of wired headphones or in-ear monitors, especially if you have Hi-Res music stored or streamed on your phone. The new FiiO BTR17 is a compact DAC and headphone amplifier that has outputs for 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphones. The BTR17 can connect to a smartphone or computer using USB or Bluetooth. Thanks to premium digital-to-analog converters and a THX AAA 78+ amplifier, the BTR17 can provide audiophile-quality playback on the move. FiiO BTR17 is a compact headphone amplifier and DAC that can serve up audiophile-quality music on ... More the go. With a size similar to an old-school cigarette lighter, the FiiO BTR17 is based around Qualcomm's flagship QCC5181 Bluetooth chipset and uses the latest Bluetooth Version 5.4. It also supports the new Bluetooth LE Audio standard, making it future-proof. The FiiO BTR17 offers LDAC, aptX Adaptive 96kHz/24bit, aptX Low Latency audio codecs, as well as the usual AAC and SBC protocols. When combined with Qualcomm's Snapdragon Sound technology, the BTR17's Bluetooth performance can finally match the kind of sound that a wired pair of headphones can provide so it's a wireless upgrade for many smartphones. A dedicated D. Mode switch on the BTR17 invokes Desktop Mod so that, when connected to an external independent power supply, users can connect the BTR17 to a smartphone using a USB cable and then it becomes a high-powered DAC and headphone amplifier. In desktop mode, the BTR17 has a powerful audio output that can drive power-hungry headphones without gobbling up the battery of the host smartphone. All. the controls for setting modes etc are ranged down the left side of the FiiO BTR17. A three-position switch on the side of the BTR17 can put the device into one of three playing modes: PC / BT / PHONE. The switch can move between the three operating modes while optimizing the power supply status depending on the kind of device that's connected. In PC mode, the BTR17 is powered by the host computer through a USB cable. When switching over to BT Mode, the BTR17 can receive audio wirelessly from a smartphone or a computer and its internal and rechargeable battery can be charged and powered using the BTR17's USB port. Finally, in Phone Mode the BTR17 uses its internal battery to help lower the battery drain on the host device while the BTR17 is functioning as a DAC and headphone amp. At the heart of the BTR17 is the flagship XMOS XU316 chip, with low latency and more stable transmission with better compatibility than most USB controllers. With the ability to handle audio files up to 768kHz/32-bit, DSD512 native and MQA full decoding, the XU316 chip can cope with almost any audio stream. FIIO has made a big effort to integrate the software and hardware inside the BTR17 and it has also developed a user-friendly smartphone app and web interface for controlling things. The refined proprietary PEQ adjustment algorithms let users fine-tune EQ frequency points, gain, levels, bandwidth and Q value of the BTR17. This feature can simulate or correct the frequency response curve of various headphones. It's even possible to import, export and share custom EQ curves. The FiiO BTR17 has a sophisticated knurled control knob for selecting menu items. Inside the BTR17 are a couple of ESS ES9069Q DACs, based on fourth-generation, 32-bit, HyperStream architecture. These chips can provide high performance decoding while consuming less power than previous-generation DACs. The architecture also helps to reduce digital noise, enabling the DAC to hit 130dB dynamic range and -120dB total harmonic distortion. The BTR17 uses a THX AAA 78+ headphone amplifier, which was previously used in FiiO's M23 digital audio player. The amp's four-channel, fully balanced design has eight op-amps that work in parallel for a robust and controlled power, that FiiO claims produces a clear and natural sound. When the BTR17's Power input is connected to a USB power supply and is in Desktop Mode, the THX headphone amp uses four op-amps in parallel for current amplification, resulting in a balanced output power of up to 650mW+650mW. That's the sort of figure that's equal to some high-end desktop headphone amplifiers. The FiiO BTR17 is available in Blue and Black colorways. Digital signals in the BTR17 are handled by a dual digital clock and DAC. In addition, the LPF pre-amplification and multi-stage analog audio processing can boost details as well as the dynamic range. With an eye-catching volume knob featuring a double-sided and engraved 3S design, the BTR17 looks sophisticated. It has a pressable volume knob which can be rotated for scrolling and selecting from the BTR17's menu which is displayed of the player's 1.3-inch IPS screen. The knob has a strong tactile feel for definite control while font colors on the display change depending on the audio codec being used. The FiiO BTR17 is available now and is priced at $199 / £199 / €199 from FiiO and various retailers.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
THX Announces THX Spatial Audio+, a New Feature-Rich Immersive Audio Platform for Laptops, Headphones, Soundbars
THX Spatial Audio+: Hear the world SAN FRANCISCO, May 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--THX, Ltd., a world-class high-fidelity audio and video tuning, certification, and technology company, and producer of the iconic THX Deep Note Trailers, has announced today the expansion of its THX Spatial Audio technology. Innovating for enjoyment of gaming, movies and music while listening on consumer electronics and mobile devices such as laptops, headphones, earbuds and soundbars, THX today announced a feature-rich new immersive audio architecture, THX Spatial Audio+. To ensure that gamers and audio- and videophiles alike can enjoy the pinpoint audio accuracy and true-to-life realism of immersive entertainment like never before comes THX Spatial Audio+. THX Spatial Audio+ improves the core spatial experience with an enhanced and flexible architecture designed to support continued innovation, including such unique features as adding height channels to the immersion and camera-based AI head tracking, depending upon the demands of the device. "The market is moving to integrated immersive audio for the enjoyment of all entertainment. Our research indicates consumers want to enjoy entertainment that has accurate and lifelike audio with emotional depth and realism," said Tuyen Pham, chief executive officer, THX Ltd. "THX continues our mission to bring entertainment to life with immersion and fidelity. THX Spatial Audio+ is our step toward this with its first set of new features. Look to THX for even more such advanced features to come." THX SPATIAL AUDIO+ Core Technology Enhancements With THX Spatial Audio+, the listener will gain an enhanced realistic and immersive entertainment experience founded on physics-based room simulation, due to behind-the-scenes development to the core THX Spatial Audio technology topology. These include a flexible, future-proof spatial engine that is designed for over-the-air updates to add new features and support for emerging and future audio formats. The THX renderer can be configured for any number of channels ensuring support for any future format, even beyond 7.1.4 for true, 360-degree surround sound! Also, THX's exclusive high-performance general Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF) with timbral compensation is built based on the analysis of 400 spatial points and applied seamlessly to all filters, avoiding the timbral distortion of similar solutions leading to a more neutral HRTF for unmatched audio quality with no tonal distortion. Plus, for consumer electronics devices that have speakers, such as laptops, the THX Spatial Audio+ transaural speaker optimization with advanced central vocal image processing ensures a best of class accurate and lifelike spatial experience, delivering binaural, three-dimensional sound field over stereo speakers. THX SPATIAL AUDIO+: Hear the world. Beyond this core modern technology architecture, THX Spatial Audio+ also makes any consumer electronics product more dynamic and future-proof with its robust suite of innovative new features that maximize the immersive experience. Consumer electronics products boasting the THX Spatial Audio+ brand will come with at least one of these leading-edge features at launch or with over-the-air updates; while additional THX Spatial Audio+ features can also be added over time, extending the life and feature rich-ness of the product. Such features are: 7.1.4 (for games on Windows 11 that support height channels) - Allows users to fully experience the growing list of content that provides audio cues from above without an expensive speaker set-up through virtual height speakers that are adjustable to fine tune for the intended environment. AI Head Tracking - Using a built-in or third party attached webcam or six degrees of freedom Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU sensor), users will experience even greater realism when their head moves, as the environment remains fixed in response to low-latency adaptive spatial audio cues that faithfully recreate the real-world experience of human movement within the virtual environment. Parametric EQ - Highly professional studio-grade 7-band parametric EQ for fine tuning critical sound cues. Includes adjustable high and low shelf, visual response curve of parameters and ability for users to load, save and share with others. Intelligent Audio Optimization - AI-based detection maximizes settings based on content type and audio format and notifies the user when optimal settings are selected or modified. THX also has a further robust list of THX Spatial Audio+ features rolling out in Q4 2025 and into 2026! THX Spatial Audio+ on key THX partner brands will be available in the summer of 2025. To learn more about THX Spatial Audio+ please visit To find products and brands that have THX onboard, please visit And to talk to THX today about partnering to bring THX Spatial Audio+ to your product, please reach out to info@ Media and marketing inquiries can be sent to pr@ About THX Ltd. Founded in 1983 by filmmaker George Lucas, THX Ltd. today continues to excel at empowering great entertainment experiences. The company provides innovative modern technologies and the assurance of superior audio and visual fidelity that truthfully delivers the artist's vision. THX offerings go beyond studios and cinemas to consumer electronics, content, automotive systems, and live entertainment. Its THX® Spatial Audio and patent-rich THX AAA™ audio technologies, and world-class THX® Certification standards, help THX partners bring premium entertainment enjoyment to market in the cinema, home, and mobile lifestyle electronics. For more information, visit find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. THX, THX Spatial Audio, and the THX Logo are the property of THX Ltd., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. View source version on Contacts Jody Privette YoungJody@ (415) 328-4700 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Business Wire
THX Announces THX Spatial Audio+, a New Feature-Rich Immersive Audio Platform for Laptops, Headphones, Soundbars
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- THX, Ltd., a world-class high-fidelity audio and video tuning, certification, and technology company, and producer of the iconic THX Deep Note Trailers, has announced today the expansion of its THX Spatial Audio technology. Innovating for enjoyment of gaming, movies and music while listening on consumer electronics and mobile devices such as laptops, headphones, earbuds and soundbars, THX today announced a feature-rich new immersive audio architecture, THX Spatial Audio+. THX Spatial Audio+ is a new innovative immersive audio technology from THX for headphones, laptops and soundbars Share To ensure that gamers and audio- and videophiles alike can enjoy the pinpoint audio accuracy and true-to-life realism of immersive entertainment like never before comes THX Spatial Audio+. THX Spatial Audio+ improves the core spatial experience with an enhanced and flexible architecture designed to support continued innovation, including such unique features as adding height channels to the immersion and camera-based AI head tracking, depending upon the demands of the device. 'The market is moving to integrated immersive audio for the enjoyment of all entertainment. Our research indicates consumers want to enjoy entertainment that has accurate and lifelike audio with emotional depth and realism,' said Tuyen Pham, chief executive officer, THX Ltd. 'THX continues our mission to bring entertainment to life with immersion and fidelity. THX Spatial Audio+ is our step toward this with its first set of new features. Look to THX for even more such advanced features to come.' THX SPATIAL AUDIO+ Core Technology Enhancements With THX Spatial Audio+, the listener will gain an enhanced realistic and immersive entertainment experience founded on physics-based room simulation, due to behind-the-scenes development to the core THX Spatial Audio technology topology. These include a flexible, future-proof spatial engine that is designed for over-the-air updates to add new features and support for emerging and future audio formats. The THX renderer can be configured for any number of channels ensuring support for any future format, even beyond 7.1.4 for true, 360-degree surround sound! Also, THX's exclusive high-performance general Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF) with timbral compensation is built based on the analysis of 400 spatial points and applied seamlessly to all filters, avoiding the timbral distortion of similar solutions leading to a more neutral HRTF for unmatched audio quality with no tonal distortion. Plus, for consumer electronics devices that have speakers, such as laptops, the THX Spatial Audio+ transaural speaker optimization with advanced central vocal image processing ensures a best of class accurate and lifelike spatial experience, delivering binaural, three-dimensional sound field over stereo speakers. THX SPATIAL AUDIO+: Hear the world. Beyond this core modern technology architecture, THX Spatial Audio+ also makes any consumer electronics product more dynamic and future-proof with its robust suite of innovative new features that maximize the immersive experience. Consumer electronics products boasting the THX Spatial Audio+ brand will come with at least one of these leading-edge features at launch or with over-the-air updates; while additional THX Spatial Audio+ features can also be added over time, extending the life and feature rich-ness of the product. Such features are: 7.1.4 (for games on Windows 11 that support height channels) - Allows users to fully experience the growing list of content that provides audio cues from above without an expensive speaker set-up through virtual height speakers that are adjustable to fine tune for the intended environment. AI Head Tracking - Using a built-in or third party attached webcam or six degrees of freedom Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU sensor), users will experience even greater realism when their head moves, as the environment remains fixed in response to low-latency adaptive spatial audio cues that faithfully recreate the real-world experience of human movement within the virtual environment. Parametric EQ - Highly professional studio-grade 7-band parametric EQ for fine tuning critical sound cues. Includes adjustable high and low shelf, visual response curve of parameters and ability for users to load, save and share with others. Intelligent Audio Optimization - AI-based detection maximizes settings based on content type and audio format and notifies the user when optimal settings are selected or modified. THX also has a further robust list of THX Spatial Audio+ features rolling out in Q4 2025 and into 2026! THX Spatial Audio+ on key THX partner brands will be available in the summer of 2025. To learn more about THX Spatial Audio+ please visit To find products and brands that have THX onboard, please visit And to talk to THX today about partnering to bring THX Spatial Audio+ to your product, please reach out to info@ Media and marketing inquiries can be sent to pr@ About THX Ltd. Founded in 1983 by filmmaker George Lucas, THX Ltd. today continues to excel at empowering great entertainment experiences. The company provides innovative modern technologies and the assurance of superior audio and visual fidelity that truthfully delivers the artist's vision. THX offerings go beyond studios and cinemas to consumer electronics, content, automotive systems, and live entertainment. Its THX ® Spatial Audio and patent-rich THX AAA™ audio technologies, and world-class THX ® Certification standards, help THX partners bring premium entertainment enjoyment to market in the cinema, home, and mobile lifestyle electronics. For more information, visit find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. THX, THX Spatial Audio, and the THX Logo are the property of THX Ltd., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
Gizmodo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
The Razer Clio Headrest Promises Spatial Audio Sans a Headset
The $230 Clio promises surround sound, so long as you don't move your head. Folks who sport bald heads—like me—know that finding a truly comfortable gaming headset can be an expensive struggle. I have had to eschew a number of what would be high-quality earphones from companies like SteelSeries and Corsair just because they chafe against my scalp's bare skin. As a possible remedy, Razer promises its Clio audio-blasting head cushion will keep my noggin free of a headband and still give me access to high-quality, headset-level audio. Razer has a running obsession with both immersive audio and gaming chair accessories. Combining both into the $230 Clio is supposed to create a personalized audio experience when you're sitting by your lonesome self in your favorite gaming chair. The device includes near-field dual speakers that should direct audio directly to your ears. It should be available starting May 16. The device has twin 43mm drivers with support for THX Spatial Audio and supports three EQ modes for gaming, movies, or music. You can also set it as either the primary speaker or rear speaker for a 7.1 setup. Razer suggests combining the Clio with other surround sound speaker systems, like Razer's own Nommo line, to make you feel like you're being blasted on all sides with your game's audio. The Clio wraps around your gaming chair's headrest and connects via Razer's 2.4 GHz Hyperspeed Wireless—which means dealing with the brand's obtuse and intrusive Synapse 4 software—or over Bluetooth. The cushion itself is made from memory foam, and it should fit onto most high-back gaming chairs with a single strap. Battery life is rated at up to 14 hours of battery, though you could have it plugged in continuously via USB-C. At CES 2025, I suggested to Razer it should consider adding power passthrough to its gaming chairs, such as with its Arielle concept cooling and heating gaming chair. That way, players could have one cable running from their seat with the ability to plug in all the accessories Razer wants to stick behind players. There's the Razer Freyja haptic cushion that requires its own separate plug, and now with Clio, players shouldn't need to keep remembering to plug in their seats alongside all their other expensive peripherals. It isn't the first time Razer has positioned itself as the king of headset-less 3D audio. Razer promoted 2023's Leviathan V2 Pro soundbar with built-in headtracking as the best way to get spatial sound from the front. There were even those age-old Mako speakers that sought to hit you with strong sound from all sides. The deciding factor with Clio will be how well it sounds when you dare to reposition your head away from the headrest. A quality pair of headphones like Razer's own $180 Kraken V4 don't have that problem, and after using them for a while, they still seem like the better option for most people without sensitive scalps. I have found other headsets like the Alienware Pro Wireless remain comfortable enough for long periods of play. I find the gaming chair to be a very lonely place. Even when I'm playing online with friends, I can't sit still in one anymore. I end up with my legs curled underneath me like a dying spider, and my head is stretched a distance away from the neck rest. Maybe Razer's audio cushion can make my gaming chair a place I'll enjoy lounging in again.
Engadget
08-05-2025
- Engadget
Razer will sell you a $230 head cushion speaker, in this economy
Razer just started selling a unique speaker called the Clio . It attaches to a gaming chair and doubles as a head cushion. It boasts some nifty tech and is based on a concept design dating back to early 2023. The company promises "headset-like immersive audio without the constraints of wearing one." To that end, the speaker integrates with THX spatial audio and uses two 43mm full-range drivers. These drivers are angled so they hit the ears "for an intimate listening experience." The Clio works on its own, but can be paired with other audio devices for even more immersion. Razer says it works great when integrated with pre-existing front speakers. This allows for a 5.1 surround sound experience, with the Clio acting as the rear speaker. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here and view the "Content and social-media partners" setting to do so. The speaker connects wirelessly and reduces latency via proprietary software called Razer HyperSpeed. It also works with Bluetooth for compatibility with Android and iOS devices. The battery lasts for around 14 hours per charge, though it doesn't come with the required USB-C cable. As for the head cushion part of the equation, the Clio boasts memory foam that "cradles the head and neck for a comfortable listening experience.' It also has nylon straps for adjustments. It's compatible with most high-back gaming chairs. Now for the bad news. This is an expensive speaker. The Razer Clio costs a whopping $230. It's available to order right now, with shipments going out on May 16. If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission.
