Latest news with #sound
CNET
4 days ago
- Health
- CNET
Here Are the 4 Best Noise Colors to Improve Your Sleep
Sound can make it difficult to get sleep and the same goes for the lack of sound. It can be difficult to get sleep if it's too noisy or too quiet. A that can generate a steady color noise can help block out the unwanted sounds, keeping you from falling asleep or even expose you to a comfortable sound to put you in a state of rest. It can work even if you're on the too-loud side of things. You may have already heard of white noise, but there are also other color noise options you can try, all with different frequencies and effects. White noise is the most popular one, featured in machines that have been on the market for decades. But it's not for everyone and it's not the only noise that can help you sleep. We've put this guide together to dig deeper into the different types of noise, what they sound like and how you can figure out which is best for your needs. Read more: Best White Noise Machines What's a sound wave, anyway? All the different "colors" of noise resonate with different amplitudes at different frequencies. They can all help you sleep but it's worth experimenting with the different sounds. Wikipedia/CNET OK, let's dig into a bit of science. You can deconstruct sound waves into two components: Frequency , which refers to how quickly the wave vibrates per second and is measured in hertz. (Any distant memories of high school science coming back yet?) One hertz equals one vibration per second. , which refers to how quickly the wave vibrates per second and is measured in hertz. (Any distant memories of high school science coming back yet?) One hertz equals one vibration per second. Amplitude, also called power, which refers to the size of the waves. This is usually measured in decibels, a measure of the volume or intensity of sound. All the different colors of sound vibrate at different frequencies and their names are loosely analogous to the colors of light. For example, white noise emits all of the frequencies audible to human ears, just like white light contains all of the colors of light visible to the human eye. Don't confuse the colors of sound with ambient noise, which refers to the background noise present in any given setting; for instance, the rumble of a train mixed with passenger chatter, or the rustle of leaves in the wind mixed with the chirping of birds. The colors of sound are continuous, unchanging signals at a particular frequency and amplitude. Why should you use noise to sleep? We've talked about what sound waves are. Now let's establish why they can help you sleep. It drowns out other sounds: Generally, it's not sound itself that wakes us up or keeps us from falling asleep in the first place. Rather, the harsh changes in sound wake us up -- think of a slamming door, a barking dog or a crack of lightning. That's where sleep sounds come in. By filling our bedrooms with a constant sound, we can muffle those outside distractions and create a more soothing environment. Generally, it's not sound itself that wakes us up or keeps us from falling asleep in the first place. Rather, the harsh changes in sound wake us up -- think of a slamming door, a barking dog or a crack of lightning. That's where sleep sounds come in. By filling our bedrooms with a constant sound, we can muffle those outside distractions and create a more soothing environment. It helps you relax and focus on sleep: For many people, the reason they can't fall asleep at night is that they can't get their mind to "turn off." With everyday worries, anxiety and a never-ending to-do list, relaxing enough to fall asleep at night can be difficult. Sleeping with noises, such as brown noise, will help you focus on the sound and allow it to ease you to sleep. The self-proclaimed original white noise machine, Marpac, has manufactured versions of its Dohm Classic since 1962. Marpac/CNET What color noises are good for sleep? White noise for sleep The legacy of sleep sounds, white noise has lulled people to sleep for ages. Because white noise encompasses all of the frequencies any person can possibly hear (from about 20Hz to 20,000Hz), it holds the potential to block out any outside sound. The consistency of white noise creates a tried-and-true masking effect, which can help people fall asleep faster. White noise sounds like the static you hear when you accidentally turn cable TV to an unused channel. Some parents like using sound machines to play white noise to help their infants fall asleep. There are some volume guidelines they need to consider if they do so. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the best way to set up a white noise machine is to place it as far away as possible from the child's crib or bed. When setting up a white noise machine in a baby's room, you want to ensure the volume isn't louder than 50 decibels. You can use a decibel or sound level meter to measure how loud the volume is. The AAP also recommends shutting off the sound machine or lowering the volume once the infant is asleep to avoid potential hearing loss. White noise is best for: Those who have insomnia or ADHD. Try it: Because it's the most popular of all the colors, virtually every sleep sound app includes it. You can also find tons of products that use white noise, such as this Marpac white noise machine with more than 10,000 five-star reviews. Pink noise for sleep Pink noise has recently become the darling of all the sleep sounds, presumably because of the fact that recent research has shown pink noise can increase time spent in deep sleep and improve memory. Pink noise is a mix of high and low frequencies, like the sound of failing rain or gentle ocean waves, making it soft and calming. It also has more power in the lower frequency bands than white noise and those strong bass tones make it sound less harsh to the human ear. Because it comprises high and low frequencies, it also has sound-blocking benefits that can help to drown out distracting noises that keep you from falling asleep. For example, if you live in an apartment complex where people come and go all night, pink noise may help drown out the sounds of revving engines or footsteps. Pink noise is best for: People who are light sleepers. Try it: Check out Honeywell's Dreamweaver Sleep Fan, a small bedside fan that emits pink noise along with the oscillation and cooling of a fan. The Dreamweaver is a new product from Honeywell that combines an oscillating fan and pink noise for ultimate snoozing. Honeywell/CNET Brown noise for sleep Think of brown noise like a deeper version of pink noise, with even more bass tones and low-frequency concentrated energy. It sounds dampened compared to white noise but somehow stronger, comparable to hard ocean surf during a storm or the rumble of a brass instrument humming a low note. Unlike the other sounds, brown noise isn't named after the actual color brown. Instead, brown noise gets its name from its similarity to Brownian motion, the random and speedy movement of particles in liquid. Brown noise is best for: People who live in loud places or struggle to clear their minds at night. Try it: The LectroFan Classic has 10 variations of noise, encompassing white, pink and brown. You can also find brown noise on most sleep sound apps. The LectroFan is a small bedside noise machine that emits a variety of different "colors" to help you sleep. LectroFan/CNET Blue noise for sleep The energy of blue noise is mostly concentrated at the high-frequency end, with very few deep tones to balance it out. As such, blue noise sounds similar to the hiss of a kinked water hose. If you're not sensitive to high-pitched sounds, blue noise does a great job of heavily masking outside noises. It's harsh at loud volumes but audio engineers often use blue noise for dithering, a process where they intentionally add noise to a production, such as a song remix, in order to smooth out the sound. Blue noise is best for: Those who can't hear high-pitched sounds very well. Try it: Because blue noise is harsher than the other colors, not many manufacturers include it in basic sleep sound machines. If you really like blue noise, you'll probably have to fork out more for a higher-end device that allows you to mix and customize sounds at different frequencies, like the Sound Oasis Deluxe Sleep and Tinnitus Sound Therapy System S-6000. There is, however, an app for iPhones, White Noise for iOS, that has a blue noise track. Which color of noise is best for sleep? The truth is, we don't know which colored noise is best for sleep. No one knows for sure because no scientists have conducted research that explicitly compares different colors of sound in a controlled setting. To find out which type of noise helps you sleep best, test them all out with an app. I like White Noise Lite for iOS. I've had the lite version on my phone for years, using it whenever I need a little assistance dozing off. It has all the different colors of sound explained in this article, plus some other familiar sounds such as air conditioner, oscillating fan, light rainfall and thunderstorm. You can even mix tracks to create the perfect sleep sound cocktail for you. Once you find a sound you like and that has consistently helped you fall asleep, consider buying a sleep sound machine, such as the LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine, which has 20 sounds to choose from. Dedicated machines often offer higher definition sound and can reach louder volumes than a phone can.
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A sound platform for success - meet the masterminds behind the aural magic of Black Myth: Wukong and more
BEIJING, July 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from Sound can sometimes inspire a greater emotional reaction in people than visual stimuli, especially in movies and games. As the creator of the original soundtracks of many hit games and movies, including the groundbreaking BlackMyth: Wukong, 8082 Audio in Beijing granted exclusive access to China Daily online show Cultural Frontline, sharing creative stories of sound and music. From the sound effects of the Monkey King armor, to the game's sweeping and emotive Celestial Symphony, their magic extends much further than the synthesizer. Apart from the games, the studio's artists also revealed the creative processes behind movie theme songs and even the sound effects used by modern electric vehicles. As the studio's musical director, Zhai Jinyan told China Daily that a key source of their creative inspiration was Chinese culture, as many pieces of music and sound effects they design originate from the country's musical landscape and its traditional instruments. "Our culture is our true root and soul, passed down through generations. Therefore, once we rediscover it, and draw nourishment from it, such nourishment can never be replaced by mere imagination." Zhai added. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE
UAE Moments
29-07-2025
- UAE Moments
My Honest Take on the Sonos Era 300 (White): Why It's a Must for Every Home
If you're anything like me, sound matters. Not just music, but how it fills your space, how it makes you feel, how it turns an ordinary evening into something a little more alive. That's exactly what the Sonos Era 300 in white has done for me—and I'm here to tell you, without exaggeration, that it's one of the best additions I've made to my home in years. Let me say this upfront: I've tried a lot of speakers. Some boomed, others crackled, and most just… sounded fine. The Sonos Era 300? It doesn't just play music—it transforms how music is experienced. And there's something about the white finish that feels clean, elegant, and timeless. It blends beautifully with my interior—like it belongs, not like it's trying too hard. Unboxing and First Impressions When the box arrived, even the packaging felt premium. Sonos clearly puts care into the first impression, and rightly so. The white Era 300 is a statement piece—it looks modern and sculptural without being over-designed. It has this subtly futuristic design that doesn't scream 'tech,' which I love. Minimal, curved, with smooth lines and a seamless build. The matte white gives it a kind of Scandinavian design vibe—neutral, fresh, and fitting whether you're in a sleek apartment or a cozy family home. I placed it in my living room on a shelf and immediately felt like it elevated the space. That was even before I turned it on. Setting It Up Setup was a breeze. If you're already in the Sonos ecosystem, you'll appreciate how intuitive the app is. But even if you're new to Sonos, the onboarding is smooth and well-guided. Within minutes, the Era 300 was connected to my Wi-Fi, synced with my services, and ready to go. I use Apple Music and Spotify, both of which integrate beautifully. One tap on the app, and it was go time. Spatial Audio = Game Changer Let's talk about what makes the Era 300 truly unique —its support for spatial audio. I didn't really understand the hype until I experienced it. Sonos built this speaker to project sound in every direction, left, right, forward, and up. You literally feel like you're sitting inside the music. It's not a gimmick—it's a different level of listening. When I played 'As It Was' by Harry Styles in Dolby Atmos, I felt like I was in the studio with him. The vocals hovered mid-room, the guitar strummed off to the side, and somehow the drums sounded like they were coming from above. It wasn't just louder or clearer. It was immersive. This is what separates the Era 300 from almost any other wireless speaker in its class. It's not just about volume or bass (though it nails both). It's about depth and dimensionality. I've had friends over who literally stopped mid-conversation to ask what speaker I was using. Room-Filling Sound That Adapts What also impressed me is how the Era 300 automatically adjusts its sound depending on where you place it. I tested this. I moved it closer to a corner—less than ideal placement—and it compensated brilliantly using Sonos's Trueplay technology. The sound remained balanced, natural, and full. No harsh reflections. No muffled tones. Just crystal-clear audio. Whether you're watching a movie, playing classical piano, or blasting electronic beats—the Era 300 handles it all. Voice Control and Connectivity I use Alexa at home, and the Era 300 has built-in voice assistants —Alexa and Sonos Voice Control. This means I can change songs, adjust volume, or play a playlist just by saying a few words. It responds quickly and accurately. For someone like me, who's usually cooking, working, or chasing after kids, that hands-free convenience is a game changer. You can also stream directly via Bluetooth, which wasn't available in older Sonos models. That's huge for guests who want to share music quickly. The inclusion of USB-C line-in also means you can connect a turntable or CD player if you're feeling nostalgic. Why Every Home Needs It Now, why do I believe every home should have the Sonos Era 300? 1. It replaces the need for multiple devices. Before this, I had a Bluetooth speaker in one room, a soundbar in another, and a smart speaker in the kitchen. The Era 300 can hold its own in any of those roles—music, movies, podcasts, background noise, you name it. 2. It brings people together. Music is social. It's emotional. It's about moments. Whether it's background music for a dinner party or a Friday night dance session with my kids, the Era 300 becomes part of the moment. 3. It grows with you. Already thinking about getting another one for stereo pairing. And when paired with a Sonos Arc or Beam and subwoofer, it becomes part of a true home theater setup. This thing is future-proof. 4. It's elegant, inside and out. Let's not ignore the aesthetics. The white color is understated luxury. It complements neutral tones, wooden furniture, minimal or maximalist styles. It's a piece of decor as much as a speaker. 5. It's eco-conscious. Sonos has started to take sustainability seriously. The Era 300 uses recycled materials and is designed to be more energy efficient. That matters to me, and probably to most people trying to be more conscious about their purchases. Final Thoughts & My Recommendation After a few weeks of living with the Sonos Era 300, I don't see myself going back. It's one of those rare devices that quietly upgrades your life in the background. You don't realize how much you need it until you have it. And once you do, you start finding excuses to use it more. Music sounds better. Mornings feel smoother. Dinners are warmer. Even movie nights have an extra layer of magic. If you've been on the fence about upgrading your home audio, stop hesitating. Go for the white Sonos Era 300. It looks stunning, sounds even better, and brings soul back to your space. Trust me—you won't regret it. You can purchase the SONOS Era 300 speakers in White or Black directly from the SONOS website or through various e-commerce platforms. The ERA 300 speaker is priced at AED 2,099.
The Verge
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Did... did a guy just save a picture of a bird to a bird's brain?
Posted Jul 28, 2025 at 8:07 PM UTC Did... did a guy just save a picture of a bird to a bird's brain? YouTube acoustic explorer Benn Jordan appears to have gotten a starling — a bird arguably better at mimicry than a parrot — to do that! He turns a drawing into sound, the bird repeats the sound, and a similar drawing shows up on the computer. 'I saved a PNG image to a bird,' his video claims. The result isn't surprising because of course these birds can repeat sounds — but how often do we think of sound as encoded visual data? Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. Sean Hollister Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Sean Hollister Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News
Al Bawaba
07-07-2025
- Al Bawaba
Cracking the code of perfect-sounding earbuds with planar drivers and AI
Perfect sound is about reproducing sounds as authentically as it was recorded. You should hear every tiny crackle, hiss, and boom as close to the original with depth and spatial separation. For earbuds, the challenge has always been about overcoming the limitation of size. Reproducing the entire audible frequency range with fidelity and subject separation with a just tiny pair of speakers that fit in the ears has been an ongoing engineering good sound is hard?There is so much that goes into designing and tuning earbuds. The size restricts the size restricts the maximum size of the driver to around 11mm. But more than that, the fundamental problem lies in physics. A driver that's designed to sound perfect at bass frequencies can be terrible at higher frequencies. So most earbuds go for a balanced tuning that sounds acceptable throughout the entire frequency range, making compromises along the the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 has done to overcome this problem is to use a sophisticated dual-driver acoustic design with two independent drivers that work in tandem to achieve optimal frequency response for giving the user the best listening experience. Equipped with Huawei's proprietary audio technology, the FreeBuds 6 adopts two different drivers. The bass frequencies are handled by an 11mm dual magnetic driver bolstered by the Bass Turbo 2.0 acoustic architecture. Additionally, the earbuds also add a UHF Planar Diaphragm Driver which handles higher frequencies of up to 48kHz. The result is a premium listening experience with stunning highs, rich mids, and deep, immersive Sound with AI The open-fit design of the FreeBuds 6 requires more than just hardware. The way a person experiences the sound varies based on the ear canal shape, wearing habits, and listening preferences. Recreating the perfect acoustic experience despite these factors demands even more personalisation of everyone's ear canal is different, it affects how each person perceives sound. The headphone has to measure and analyse frequency response characteristics to compensate for the ear canal shape. How the person wears the earbuds has to be accounted for. The FreeBuds 6 also senses the loudness difference of sounds of different frequencies, performs appropriate gain enhancement, and automatically adjusts EQ. For example, when the volume is low, the human ear has a weaker perception of low and high another factor that changes the listening experience given the open-fit design is the ambient noise. Thankfully, the earphones can automatically monitor the level of the ambient noise, the volume of the noise in the ear, and whether the noise reduction function of the earphones is turned on within the noise range of 0-85dB. In response, the AI adaptively adjusts the volume, so that the listener can hear clearly without interruptions for a comfortable and clear listening experience. At the centre of its premium audio experience is Huawei's very own audio technology HUAWEI SOUND, boasting a tech-enhanced listening with state-of-the-art acoustics. It delivers exceptional sound quality that envelops you in a dynamic auditory experience. The FreeBuds 6 combines this advanced sound technology with a comfort-focused, stylish design, setting a new standard for fashionable, high-performance audio.
