Apple has unveiled its new AirPods 4 with a new design and active noise cancellation and announced an update for AirPods Pro 2 that can turn them into hearing aids.

Apple has also updated the AirPods Max headphones with new colours and USB-C charging.

The AirPods 4 will be available in Australia on September 20 and will be priced from $219.

AIRPODS 4

The AirPods 4 have a new look and maintains its open ear design and will be available in two models – with or without active noise cancellation.

The new design comes after Apple’s extensive analysis and mapping of thousands of ear shapes and the collection of more than 50 million individual data points.

The new AirPods 4 include a new acoustic architecture, low distortion driver and high dynamic range amplifier and now include personalised spatial audio with dynamic head tracking.

Under the hood is the H2 chip which allows AirPods 4 to offer intelligent audio experiences like voice isolation and clear call quality even in noisy surroundings.

For the first time, the AirPods 4 now have the option of active noise cancellation which can help reduce external sounds on flights and public transport.

Also on board is transparency mode so users can also be aware of their surroundings.

It also has adaptive audio which is a combination of transparency mode and ANC and determined by the sounds around you.

Another new feature is conversation awareness which automatically lowers the media volume when you start speaking before returning to full volume when you stop talking.

The charging case is 10 per cent smaller and now has a USB-C port. The AirPods 4 with ANC can also be charged with an Apple Watch charger or a Qi-certified charger.

The AirPods 4 are priced at $219 and $299 with ANC and go on sale on September 20.

AIRPODS PRO 2

Apple made another announcement about a software upgrade that’s coming for the AirPods Pro 2 that can protect, test and improve your hearing.

Apple says hearing loss affects more than 1.5 billion people and could have other detrimental effects on your health including depression and social isolation.

Apple already has features in place to alert users when they are in noisy environments and to help reduce the ambient noise around them.

But with a future update that is awaiting clinical approval, AirPods Pro 2 users can conduct a clinically validated hearing test in just a few minutes with results presented in their personal profile.

Research shows hearing loss often goes untreated with an Apple hearing study showing 75 per cent of people diagnosed with hearing loss haven’t been given the support they need.

With the update, AirPods Pro 2 can also become a clinical grade hearing aid and be personalised to boosting the specific sounds you need so you hear what’s going on around you and hear the conversations even in a crowded room.

AIRPODS MAX

The AirPods Max has not had any design changes, but it will be available in five new colours – midnight, Starlight, blue, orange and purple.

It will also include a USB-C charging port.

The AirPods Max with USB C will be priced at $899 and go on sale on September 20.

The post Apple unveils news AirPods 4 and announces an update that can turn AirPods Pro 2 into a hearing aid appeared first on Tech Guide.

At IFA 2024 Belkin has today announced new audio products and travel-focused mobile charging products.

The three new SoundForm audio products are the SoundForm ClearFit, SoundForm Isolate and SoundForm Surround, each including Belkin’s Signature Sound.

The SoundForm ClearFit are open ear headphones designed for the active athlete with an IPx5 sweat resistant rating, 8 hours of playback and a charging case which houses another 18 hours of charge.  Priced at RRP $89.95 you can get them from Belkin online and leading retailers.

The SoundForm Isolate and Surround are over the ear headphones with similar builds, 60 hours of battery life with the former offering ANC as a point of difference.  They will retail for $89.95 and $69.95 respectively when they go on sale next year.

Belkin are better known for their charging solutions and here they are offering several new wired and wireless charging products including:

• BoostCharge Magnetic Foldable charger which supports 15W wireless charging of iPhones and Qi2 enabled products.  It is available as a single charger or a 2-in-1 solution to charge your earbuds at the same as your phone. Retailing at $99.95 and $149.95 they will be available in September and November respectively.
• BoostCharge  3-in-1 Magnetic Foldable Charger which supports 15W wireless charging to your supported phone, 5W to your Apple Watch and 5W to your earbuds.  RRP A$199.95 available in November.
• BoostCharge  Pro Magnetic Wireless Travel Pad is available in 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 versions with support for Qi2 and 15W fast wireless charging.  RRP A$199.95 in November and RRP A$239.95 in October
• BoostCharge Power Bank 10K with Integrated Cable – compact and support for PD you can charge multiple devices at a time.  Available in Black, Blue, Pink and White, pricing will be forthcoming closer to release date.
• BoostCharge Pro 3-Port Laptop Power Bank 20K delivers 65W of power to your laptop or smartphone for quick, safe charging.  The colour display shows battery status to monitor the remaining charge and power needs.  RRP A$159.95 and available in October.

Belkin has also announced portable keyboards to help you work on the go.  The Belkin Pro Keyboard is a backlit Bluetooth keyboard that you can pair to your iPad for easy use and connectivity.  Pricing and availability will be announced closer to the launch date.

With so many new Belkin products now announced we suggest you check out the Belkin website for more information.

The post Belkin announce multiple new charging solutions and audio products at IFA 2024 appeared first on Tech Guide.

Sony has today unveiled their smallest ever closed true wireless earbuds, the WF-C510.

The Sony WF-C510 are will fit in even the smallest ears in comfort thanks to their ergonomic, compact design.  The shape matches the human ear shape to provide for a more stable fit.

Sony used ear data collected ever since their first in-ear headphones were introduced back in 1982 to develop the new shape that will comfortably fit more people.  The outer surface of the earbuds is a wide, flat surface to allow you to operate the media you are listening to without interrupting the fit of them in your ear.

The earbuds offer 11 hours of battery life with the charging case able to provide an extra hour of listening with just five minutes of charging thanks to its support for quick charge. 

The new earbuds support multipoint connectivity allowing you to connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time and you can expect to do it with the usual Sony high-quality sound.

The WF-C510 have an IPX4 rating you can be sure a few little splashes won’t affect them.

The Sony WF-C510 will be available in blue, yellow, black and white in Australia from October 2024. Presale starts today at an affordable AU$109.95 RRP.

The post Sony announce their smallest, most compact closed earbuds yet, the WF-C510 appeared first on Tech Guide.

JBL has done it again – how often do we say that, mainly because when was the last time they did something that wasn’t awesome?  That’s what you get with JBL products – great sound, because they’re JBL and great design and features too.

I still think about the Authentics Range of speakers and how amazing it is to have Google and Alexa in one device working at the same time – still yet to see that anywhere else.

Anyway, sidetracked.  The JBL Live Beam 3 are the in-ear with silicon tip version of the “Live 3” range of in-ear headphones from JBL in 2024.

The Live Pro range of recent years have been nothing short of impressive, and these new Live models are keeping up the form.

Available in Beam, Flex and Buds the options mean you can get the set that you like for comfort and style.  It’s that versatility across the JBL range which makes them the choice in retail.

Beam is my style because I’m ok with the stalk (now, I wasn’t at first), mainly because it’s a shorter stalk than the first headphones to do this years ago (Looking at you Apple) and JBL has them in various colours, meaning I’m not the sheep out there on the street.

Not just a stalk, but the little silicon tip which means I know it’s jamming a little bit into my ear for a snug fit, but also a bit of passive noise cancelling.

Add to that the powerful noise cancelling of the JBL Live series and we’re on a winner here.

Listening to these on a plane the Active Noise Cancellation is sensational.  I’d struggle to say it’s the best, but within the in-ear competition, The JBL Live Beam 3 are top tier for noise cancelling, and critically to get something better you’re looking at twice the price.

Because these are $249 – and I’m seeing them already for $199 – that’s crazy crazy value.

Add to the noise cancellation a fantastic sound stage and crisp clear quality I really do struggle to see why you’d even look at another pair?

I get it, you want to be the cool one with the cool product – well, trust me, the JBL Brand isn’t exactly uncool folks.

Plus, whip out the case and you get instant cool points.

On the charging case is a smart screen that’s also paired to your phone so you can use it instead of your phone to control a huge range of features.

Everything from the noise cancellation levels, to volume, track controls and even timers and use the case as a torch when you’re fumbling to get that key in a lock.

All in all, utterly impressive stuff.

JBL’s Live Beam 3’s would have to be the best bang for your buck headphones out there right now and would make a great gift for Father’s Day or Christmas, or just a great treat for yourself.

If you’re at the airport about to fly – these would be a no-regret last minute Airport JB HiFi purchase.  If you’re flying internationally over in the high gate numbers, say hi to Mowhawk guy, he’s JB HiFi’s gun team m

Web: JBL

The post JBL Live Beam 3 Review – Outstanding sound with a nifty smart case appeared first on Tech Guide.

Popular audio brand JBL has expanded its range of smart charging case earphones with the new Live 3 series and its portable speaker range to enjoy quality audio on the go.

JBL introduced its first smart charging case with the JBL Tour Pro 2 and have now brought that technology to even more customers at more affordable price points with the JBL Live 3 Series.

The smart charging case has a 1.45-inch LED touch display which allows users to access the features and modes and control playback without having to touch their mobile device.

They all include True Adaptive Noise Cancellation which can be optimised with the ear canal test in the JBL headphones companion app to provide a more personalised sound experience you can enjoy in any environment.

“We always try to push boundaries when looking to upgrade JBL products, whether it be on the technology or the consumer experience. No detail is too small and with the newest upgrade to the JBL Live TWS series, we’ve taken it to another level,” said Marcus Fry, General Manager, HARMAN Lifestyle Division AUNZ.

“The smart case is just one of many exciting changes to the line and we can’t wait for consumers to get a more accessible and pure sound experience.”

As usual, JBL is offering three different wearing styles Buds, Beam and Flex in the JBL Live 3 Series which gives customers the assurance of comfort and flexibility.

Also onboard is Hi-Res Audio Wireless and JBL’s iconic Signature Sound along with Bluetooth 5.3 with LE which enables multipoint connections as well as an extended battery life.

JBL Live Bud 3 – $249.95

– Smart charging case

– Up to 40 hours total battery life – 10+30H play time (ANC off) with speed charge (10min=4h) via Type-C

– 10mm dynamic driver

– True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with custom controls

– BT 5.3 with LE Audio

– High-res audio wireless with LDAC

– JBL Spatial Sound

– 6 mics for perfect calls and customized call experience

– IP55 certified waterproof

– Personi-Fi 3.0

– Multipoint connection

– Wireless charging

JBL Live Beam 3 – $249.95

– Smart charging case

– Up to 48 hours total battery life – 12+36H play time (ANC off) with speed charge (10min=4h) via Type-C

– 10mm dynamic driver

– True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with custom controls

– BT 5.3 with LE Audio*

– High-res audio wireless with LDAC

– JBL Spatial Sound

– 6 mics for perfect calls and customized call experience

– IP55 certified waterproof

– Personi-Fi 3.0

– Multipoint connection

– Wireless charging

JBL Live Flex 3 – $249.95

– Smart charging case

– Up to 50 hours total battery life – 10+40H play time (ANC off) with speed charge (10min=4h) via Type-C

– 12mm dynamic driver

– True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with custom controls

– BT 5.3 with LE Audio*

– High-res audio wireless with LDAC

– JBL Spatial Sound

– 6 mics for perfect calls and customized call experience

– IP54 certified waterproof

– Personi-Fi 3.0

– Wireless charging

– Multi-point connection

JBL’s portable audio lineup now includes the JBL Xtreme 4, JBL Clip 5 and JBL Go 4.

These products are made with recycled fabric and plastic and have upgraded Bluetooth capabilities and come in a number of stylish colours.

“We have always been proud of our portable audio lineup at JBL and now that all three of these products are made with post-consumer recycled materials, we have even more to talk about. Customers can continue enjoying premium sound and stylish design, but now built with the environment in mind,” said Marcus Fry.

All the speakers a made with post-consumer recycled materials for up to 80 per cent of its plastic and 100 per cent of the fibre for the speaker grille.

The speakers are also packaged in FSC-certified paper printed with soy ink.

JBL XTREME 4 – $429.95

If you want to take matters into your own hands and improve the sound accordingly anywhere and anytime the JBL Xtreme 4 is what you need by your side.

It now includes AI Sound Boost which optimises the acoustic output level using a proprietary AI algorithm resulting in even more powerful and crystal clear sound.

Also on board is a replaceable battery to increase the lifespan of the unit along with Bluetooth 5.3 with LE audio capabilities.

Being a portable speaker means it’s rugged with IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.

It also has multi-speaker connections and can charge your mobile devices while providing up to 24 hours of playtime.

JBL CLIP 5 – $89.95

The JBL Clip 5 is now easier to take anywhere thanks to a redesigned carabiner which is bigger and easier to clip on anything.

Under the hood is a more powerful driver so you’re getting a sleek and consistent sound and respectable bass at every volume.

It has an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, Bluetooth 5.3 with LE audio capabilities and a multi-speaker connection via Auracast.

Customers can enjoy up to 12 hours of playback time on a full charge.

 JBL GO 4 – $59.95

The JBL Go 4 is the smallest portable in JBL’s range, but it still offers a big sound from its small size.

Despite its small dimensions it still has big audio and a thumping bass and is easy to take anywhere.

The JBL Go 4 can play your music for up to seven hours and is available in six colours.

The post JBL expands line-up of smart charging case earphones and ramps up portable audio range appeared first on Tech Guide.

Dyson products can vacuum your carpets, clean your floors, keep you cool, warm you up and help you style your hair but now they are taking on the big audio brands with its new OnTrac customisable noise-cancelling headphones.

In fact, Dyson says the OnTrac headphones have the best in-class noise cancellation and an impressive 55 hour runtime.

The headphones have been designed to offer high fidelity sound for a superior audio experience.

There are eight microphones that work to listen out for external sounds 384,000 times per second and block out up to 40dB of unwanted noise.

The Dyson OnTrac also has a remarkable sound range going all the way from the chest thumping bass to crystal clear highs, so every note and every word is heard with impressive clarity.

It also has a customizable design with more than 2,000 colour combinations for the outer caps and ear cushions.

The ear cushions are made from ultra soft microfiber and high-grade foam to offer exceptional comfort even when listening for extended periods.

There are head detect sensors which will pause your audio playback whenever you remove the headphones and immediately resume as soon as you put them back on again.

Onboard are two high capacity lithium ion battery cells to offer up to 55 hours of playback even if noise cancellation is enabled.

This sort of battery life means you can be immersed in sound during long haul flights. Flight adapters have also been included so you could use the Dyson OnTrac headphones with the inflight entertainment system.

The Dyson OnTrac headphones come in 4 colorways:

– CNC Aluminium

– CNC Copper

– Ceramic Mandarin

– CNC Black Nickel

The Dyson OnTrac are available to order in Australia from August 28 and will go on sale on September 5. They will be priced at $799.

The post Dyson takes on the big audio brands with its new OnTrac noise-cancelling headphones appeared first on Tech Guide.

Samsung has launched it’s Galaxy Buds3 Series which offer a brand new design and a host of new features powered by Galaxy AI including the ability translate a foreign language on their own.

The Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro have a premium blade design and are highlighted with blade lights to give them some extra flair.

Customers can control their playback with a simple pinch or swipe up or down on the blade.

AI features include Interpreter which allows you to hear a foreign language translated in your ears in real time without the need for a Galaxy smartphone or other paired device.

What you hear is translated directly through the Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro.

The Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro also offer Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) through Adaptive EQ and Adaptive ANC which use a series of microphones to analyse both internal and external sound in real time.

The earphones will identify any ambient sound and automatically adjust for the optimal level of sound and noise automatically thanks to Adaptive Noise Control.

These features also come into play with Siren Detect and Voice Detect.

Galaxy Buds3 has an open type design for those who prefer to use the device for extended periods in various situations throughout the day.

Galaxy Buds3 Pro have a canal type fit for those looking for immersive sound.

The Galaxy Buds have advanced hardware including enhanced two-way speakers with a planar tweeter to hit a more precise high range level of sound along with dual amplifiers for crystal clear sound on the move.

Users can also listen to high resolution audio thanks to support for a doubled sampling rate with SSC codec.

And Samsung has also extended the superior level of sound to your phone calls as well.

The Samsung Buds3 and Buds3 Pro will go on sale on July 31.

PRICING

Galaxy Buds3 – $299 – available in grey and white

Galaxy Buds3 Pro – $399- available in grey and white

To read more about the Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro check out Trevor Long’s story at EFTM and Val Quinn at The Gadget Guy.

* Stephen Fenech travelled to Galaxy Unpacked in Paris as a guest of Samsung

The post Samsung’s Buds have a new look, improved sound and can offer real time translations appeared first on Tech Guide.

Respected consumer electronics brand Belkin is celebrating a significant milestone – hitting the one million sales mark globally for its kids headphones range.

The kids headphones have been one of the most popular products for Belkin thanks to its impressive design, high quality audio and sound safety to protect young ears.

Belkin expanded its audio range significantly in the last few years and have created the high quality SoundForm line of products in conjunction with seasoned acoustic engineers at its global headquarters in El Segundo, California.

“I’m thrilled to see the growth of our kids’ audio line,” said Steve Malony, CEO of Belkin International.

“We’re incredibly proud of the products we’ve created, which provide fun and entertaining experiences for kids and parents.

“We take immense pride in designing products that are perfect for everyday use.

“We never cut corners with any of our products, and we always want to make sure that parents can trust Belkin to deliver quality products that are safe for their kids to use.”

Belkin says its Signature Sound offers balanced output with deep bass, clear vocals and crisp treble.

Its audio products have been engineered to offer an immersive home theatre sound and excellent frequency response with listeners able to keep volumes at a safe level without missing any detail.

This key feature means the Belkin headphones are safe for everyone to use, including kids.

Belkin also has a rigorous audio testing process that uses special microphones to ensure they achieve accurate sound measurements.

The company also adheres to strict industry standards and uses a specific test signal to achieve consistency as well as a Bluetooth transmitter to attain reliable and consistent results.

Favourite Belkin Kids Audio Products:

– SoundForm Mini Wired On-Ear Headphones for Kids: Premium quality headphones designed for kids, perfect for distance learning, travel, and streaming online content. These headphones feature an 85 dB volume cap, easy-to-use controls, and a durable “oops-proof” design.

 – SoundForm Mini Wireless On-Ear Headphones for Kids: Ideal for distance learning, long car rides, and entertainment, these wireless headphones come with an 85 dB volume cap to protect young ears and extended battery life for all-day listening.

– SoundForm Inspire Wireless Over-Ear Headset for Kids: These comfortable, high-quality wireless headsets are designed especially for kids. Fast USB-C charging brings up to 35 hours of playtime on a full charge. Safe Sound technology limits volume to 85dB while distance learning, traveling, or streaming online videos.

Availability:

– The SoundForm Mini Wired On-Ear Headphones for Kids are available on Belkin.com, Amazon, JB Hi-Fi and BIG W and other certified retailers for $29.95

– The SoundForm Mini Wireless On-Ear Headphones for Kids are available on Belkin.com, Amazon,  JB Hi-Fi and BIG W and other certified retailers for $49.95

– The SoundForm Inspire Wireless Over-Ear Headset for Kids are available on Belkin.com, Amazon and other certified retailers for $69.95

The post Sounds good – Belkin celebrates one million sales milestone for its kids headphones appeared first on Tech Guide.

Leading audio brand JBL has just released its first audio sunglasses – the JBL SoundGear Frames – which blends sleek design and style with high quality personal audio.

JBL has brought its iconic listening experience to the SoundGear Frames to make it even easier to add high-fidelity audio to your day – and to do it in style.

“JBL has been at the forefront of sound for 78 years and with SoundGear Frames, we merge that heritage with cutting-edge design,” said Marcus Fry, General Manager, Consumer Audio, AUNZ.

“These glasses aren’t just stylish, they also revolutionise the way you experience sound on-the-go, setting a whole new standard in wearable audio.”

The JBL SoundGear Frames has integrated JBL’s proprietary OpenSound technology which is integrated into the arms of the glasses near your temples.

This offers rich audio quality but also provides awareness of your surroundings to ensure your safety but without compromising the clarity and detail.

Also onboard is a beamforming two-mic array and noise cancelling technology so you can have clear conversations even in busy environments.

The JBL SoundGear Frames are made from the lightest thermoplastic materials making them thin and light and designed to be worn all day.

The slim and flexible construction offers a comfortable and secure fit.

They have a unique translucent design and come in three colours – Onyx, Pearl and Amber with two interchangeable frame designs to suit your personal style.

The JBL SoundGear Frames have semi-transparent lenses with UV A/B blocking.

They can also be fitted with prescription lenses.

The JBL SoundGear Frames are available exclusively through JB Hi-Fi and at jbl.com.au. They are priced at $169.95.

OTHER FEATURES

8 Hours of Play Time: Enjoy up to 8 hours of battery life that gives you music and calls throughout an entire day of work or fun, and a quick 10-min charge gives another 2 hours

Wear & Play: Intuitive functionality – speakers switch on when frames are opened and off when closed

JBL Control Button: The JBL logo doubles as an easy-to-find control panel that allows for fast, accurate control. You program the functions on the JBL Headphone app.

Convenient USB Type-C Charging: Enjoy super-convenient charging with the universal USB Type-C design, eliminating cable struggles. JBL supply a split USB-C Charging cable so you can charge both arms at once.

– JBL Headphones app

Use the JBL Headphones app on any mobile device to tweak sound and customise gestures. Choose from six EQ presets or a fully customisable 10-band equaliser to adjust highs, mids, and lows

– Prescription Ready

As the frames do not have any wiring across the bridge, the lenses can be heated to allow for prescription lens change out. All the tech is in the arms!

The post JBL’s new SoundGear Frames audio sunglasses combine sound and style appeared first on Tech Guide.

Sonos has made its long awaited entry into the headphone category with the new Sonos Ace premium Bluetooth active noise cancelling headphones with new TrueCinema technology.

Priced at $699, the Sonos Ace will be available in black and soft white and will go on sale on June 5.

Sonos has harnessed its knowledge of audio and expertise in design to re-invent the way we listen with headphones.

The premium over-the-ear headphones offers lossless and spatial audio along with state-of-the-art active noise cancellation and Aware Mode wall offering a precise and immersive home theatre experience with the new TrueCinema technology.

“They’re here! Fans have asked us for years to bring the Sonos experience to headphones – and we knew our first foray into the category needed to champion the type of innovation and sound experience Sonos has become synonymous with,” said Patrick Spence, CEO of Sonos.

“Sonos Ace leverages everything we’ve learned over two decades as an audio leader to bring stunning sound, sleek design and long-standing comfort to one of the largest and most popular audio categories worldwide.”

Under the hood are two custom designed drivers that represent each frequency with clarity and precision.

Users can swap the TV audio from a compatible Sonos soundbar to the Sonos Ace at the press of a button and enjoy Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos that surrounds you in impressive sound coming from all directions while head tracking keeps you centred in the action.

Later this year, Sonos will release an update to enable TrueCinema technology which will be able to map your listening space and offer a virtual surround sound system.

The onboard active noise cancellation can locate and suppress external sound to keep you focused on what you’re listening to.

Alternatively Aware Mode allows you to hear exactly what’s going on around you even more clearly.

“Sonos Ace represents our ambition to create moving sound experiences that are equal to the moment we live in,” says Maxime Bouvat-Merlin, Sonos Chief Product Officer.

“It is an exciting new chapter as we embark on what it means to design for personal listening.

“True to Sonos’ heritage of premium products, each individual detail of Sonos Ace has been expertly crafted, custom designed, and tuned by the world’s leading sound experts to give you a listening experience unlike any other.”

On the design side, Sonos Ace has a sleek look that blends metal accents with a matte finish.

The headphones are made of lightweight and premium materials with soft memory foam interiors wrapped in vegan leather while the specially designed headband and ear cups hide the hinge and create an acoustic seal.

And when you’re done the Sonos Ace headphones fold flat and can fit neatly inside its included travel case.

Listeners can enjoy up to 30 hours of playback while an ultra-fast charge for three minutes will be enough for three hours of battery life.

The Sonos Ace ANC Bluetooth headphones will go on sale on June 5 and will be priced at $699.

SONOS ACE SPECS

AUDIO
Drivers
Custom-designed 40 mm dynamic driver in each cup.

Microphones

Eight beamforming microphones for noise control and voice targeting so every word is crisp and clear.

Spatial Audio

Surround yourself in hyper realistic three-dimensional sound, including an industry-leading Dolby Atmos experience and dynamic headtracking, from supported services and devices.

Lossless Audio

Enjoy lossless audio over Bluetooth® with a supported device with Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound AptX for Lossless or via a USB-C connection.

Noise Control

Block external sounds with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or use Aware mode to blend ambient sound with your content.

TV Audio Swap

Press the Content Key to swap sound from a compatible Sonos soundbar to Sonos Ace. Sonos’ TrueCinema technology optimizes sound for your space for a hyper realistic listening experience.

Wear Detection

Built-in sensors detect when you’re wearing Sonos Ace, so playback pauses when you take it off and resumes when you put it back on.

Adjustable EQ

Customize your spatial audio experience and adjust bass, treble, and loudness via the Sonos app.

DETAILS
Dimensions (H x W x D)
7.52 x 6.3 x 3.35 inches (191 x 160 x 85 mm)

Weight

11 oz (312 g)

Colours

Black, Soft White

Fit & Finish

Foam-cushioned headband for all-day comfort; stainless steel, matte finish for everyday wear.

LED

Light on the bottom of the left cup indicates connection status.

Controls

Use the right cup buttons to control volume, play/pause/skip tracks, answer/decline calls, or switch between ANC and Aware mode. Use the left cup buttons to power on or pair a device.

POWER AND CONNECTIVITY
Bluetooth 5.4
Supports audio streaming from any Bluetooth-enabled device.

Battery

Li-ion, 1060mAh battery powers up to 30 hours of listening time with ANC or Aware mode enabled.

Charging

Charge with included USB-C cable and a compatible power source. Rapid charge provides 3 hours listening time in 3 minutes from 0%. Complete charge from 0% requires approximately 2 hours.

The post At last! Sonos releases its first pair of headphones – the Sonos Ace appeared first on Tech Guide.

If you’re planning to have a movie night at home with your friends or family, what is the first thing that would come to your mind? Obviously, having the right setup for your movie night and testing if it is working fine or not.

Movie nights are all about having fun, creating memories, eating your favorite food, and spending time with the people you love. However, to make the night memorable, two things are important – the perfect movie and an immersive sound experience to stream the night away!

There are a few things that you can do to make your system sound better, like changing the audio settings, checking the sound settings for individual apps, switching audio between different output sources, and updating your audio drivers. However, if you have done all this and still aren’t satisfied with your system’s sound, you can use third-party apps as well. There are plenty of third-party apps like Boom 3D that you can install on your laptop for a realistic and immersive sound experience.

How Can You Make Your Laptop Sound 10x Better?

Boom 3D is an award-winning sound enhancement audio app designed to make your laptop or desktop sound 10x better. Using this app, you can not only boost your laptop’s audio but also add 3D effects to your headphones (connected to the laptop), it works on sound coming from any media player or a streaming service as well. Gone are the days of buying expensive headphones or loud speakers to make your movie nights more immersive and magical.

Impressive Features Offered by Boom 3D

Boom 3D is compatible with both MacOS (OS 10.14 or later) and Windows (10 and 11). The diverse audio enhancement app offers world-class features that will help tweak your system audio in a minute. Here are some of the diverse features offered by Boom 3D-

3D Surround Sound

We bet you didn’t know that Boom 3D comes packed with a patented 3D surround sound technology that will instantly boost your laptop sound and provide a virtually immersive surround sound on any headphones or speakers. The surround sound technology will instantly add more volume to the audio with its 3D technological innovations and let you enjoy the experience of a lifetime.

Equalizer Presets

All thanks to the technological advancements these days, Boom 3D is outfitted with an advanced equalizer, allowing users to explore different audio frequency outputs. Users can experiment with different equalizer presets, or they also have the option to adjust the equalizer frequencies as per their preference manually. Boom 3D also has a library full of carefully crafted presets to suit your different audio moods.

Boom Volume Booster

The Boom volume booster feature from Boom 3D audio enhancer is only available for MacOS. It will enhance your system’s volume beyond traditional limits and deliver an intense audio-rich experience without compromising quality. The volume booster is a system-wide audio enhancer that changes the audio settings of your system rather than an app or a media player.

Apps Volume Controller

Do you prefer some apps to be muted when you are trying to enjoy a peaceful movie night? With Boom 3D’s inbuilt Apps Volume Controller, you can certainly to so. With the volumizer’s application level volume control, you can easily mute one app on your MacOS and keep the other on high volume. Honestly, an app that lets you control the volume without opening applications individually? What more could you ask for, if not this!

Advanced Audio Player

Are you tired of keeping track of multiple music players on your system? If you want a dedicated audio player that will easily manage all your favorite songs and albums under one roof, Boom 3D’s advanced audio player will easily come to your rescue. You can move all your favorite tracks into different playlists and dance to the amazing beats with sensational studio-quality sound!

Wrapping Up

In the comprehensive guide, we discussed the versatile features of Boom 3D in detail and discussed how the app can be helpful in making your system sound better. Besides what we discussed today, Boom 3D also has several other interesting features like multichannel audio support, 20K+ radio stations, Intensity sliders, wireless control, etc., that you can access within the audio enhancer.

The post How To Make Your Desktop or Laptop Sound 10x Better? appeared first on Tech Guide.

Belkin has released its latest range of Qi2 charging products which includes the BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Magnetic Pad, the BoostCharge Pro Convertible Magnetic Stand and the BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Stand.

These new products in the Belkin Qi 2 line-up offers up to 15 W of fast wireless charging and certification from the World Power Consortium (WPC).

They also provide precise alignment to ensure your device is being charged and universal compatibility with Qi2 devices.

Belkin’s latest products continue the companies commitment to responsible manufacturing with a minimum of 72 per cent PCR materials used along with plastic-free packaging.

BOOSTCHARGE PRO 3-IN-1 MAGNETIC STAND – $229.95

This is the latest version of Belkin’s popular 3-in-1 stand with Qi2 compatibility, adjustable tilt for phone viewing angles, and a smaller base.

The Qi2 chargers offers up to 15W of fast wireless charging for iPhone 12 models and later, 5W to Apple Watch and 5W to AirPods.

It utilises the magnetic Qi2 technology. The aligned connection optimizes energy usage and safeguards your device’s battery life.

BOOSTCHARGE PRO 2-IN-1 MAGNETIC PAD – $149.95

The new Belkin charging pad offers style and convenience while delivering up to 15W of fast wireless charging to iPhone 12 models and above, 5W for AirPods and 5W for an additional device from a USB-C port.

The 2-in-1 pad is MagSafe compatible and is small enough take with you on your travels.

BOOSTCHARGE PRO CONVERTIBLE MAGNETIC STAND – $99.95

Belkin’s Qi2 Convertible Stand provides fast charging at work, at home or on-the-go.

It is MagSafe compatible with a convertible design so you can easily switch between pad and stand modes for FaceTime, taking calls or streaming video while you charge at up to 15W at the same time.

It can fold down and go anywhere which makes it an ideal travel companion.

The post Belkin launches its new Qi2 range of faster wireless chargers appeared first on Tech Guide.

Australian audio technology company Rode has unveiled three new products at the NAB Show in Las Vegas including a handheld microphone for the Rode’s wireless systems and a Phone Cage and Magnetic Mount to improve your smartphone filmmaking and content capture capabilities.

“Rode has been helping creators capture incredible content with their phones since the early days of smartphone technology,” says Rode CEO Damien Wilson.

“We pioneered the plug-and-play smartphone mic category with innovations like the VideoMic Me and iXY, and more recently, with the VideoMic NTG and VideoMic GO II.

“Last year we released Rode Capture, the first video app designed specifically for today’s creators.

“And we invented the world’s first wireless microphone that was universally compatible with mobile devices, the Wireless GO II, which kickstarted a revolution in smartphone content creation.

“Today, we offer a wide range of audio solutions for mobile creators, and we are thrilled to introduce two new offerings to this ecosystem with the Phone Cage and Magnetic Mount.

“When combined with one of our microphones, these accessories give creators all the tools they need to capture incredible content on their phone.

“We are also thrilled to introduce the Interview PRO to our wireless range.

“Not only is this the ultimate solution for street interviews and run-and-gun presentations, but its compatibility with all of our Series IV wireless products makes it ideal for many different content creation applications, from professional broadcast to podcasting.”

INTERVIEW PRO

The Interview PRO is a handheld broadcast-quality condenser microphone that works with any Rode Series IV wireless system including the Wireless PRO, Wireless ME and Wireless GO II compact wireless systems.

This allows users to record quality audio into a camera, smartphone or computer.

The Interview PRO can also be paired to the Rodecaster Pro II, Rodecaster Duo and Streamer X like an XLR microphone so that it can be used for podcasting, presenting or streaming applications where the user needs to be untethered with a wireless microphone.

Interview PRO takes advantage of Rode’s state of the art Series IV 2.4Ghz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption so you get stable wireless audio at a range of up to 200m.

Under the hood is a professional -grade condenser capsule to offer outstanding voice reproduction.

Interview PRO will go on sale in early May.

PHONE CAGE
Rode’s new Phone Cage is a sleek magnetic smartphone mounting system to allow creators an easier way to capture their content with superior audio, lighting and mounting solutions.

The Phone Cage has 33 mounting threads and five cold shoe slots so you can build the ultimate videography rig that’s tailored to your needs.

The Phone Cage can attach any MagSafe iPhone or MagSafe compatible smartphone case or accessory so it can stay securely in place and transform their device into a professional rig which can include microphones and other accessories.

It can be used to capture cinematic footage in the traditional landscape aspect ratio as well as used vertically to create content for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels and other social media platforms.

It is made from high grade aluminium which offers a rugged design that’s still light and easy to carry.

Phone Cage will go on sale in late April.

MAGNETIC MOUNT

Rode’s new magnetic mount is another versatile accessory that will allow users to attach microphones, lights and other accessories to any MagSafe iPhone or MagSafe compatible smartphone case or accessory.

It uses the same strong magnet as the Phone Cage to attach a phone safely and securely even while being used on the move.

It includes three removable arms, both short and long, so users can shoot in landscape or portrait mode.

The Magnetic Mount will go on sale in late April.

The post Rode launches new microphone and mounts to make quality content creation even easier appeared first on Tech Guide.

Australian company BlueAnt has been producing excellent Bluetooth speakers for years and its latest is a desktop speaker called Soundblade – and it could its best ever product.

The Soundblade is designed to sit below your computer monitor and provide amazing audio to make your media and gaming experiences even better and more immersive.

It’s a decent sized unit which means a bigger speaker onboard and a better sound.

Soundblade is not meant to be a riser – that is the monitor can’t sit on top of it – but it’s meant to tuck under the screen yet like a soundbar with a TV.

It has a sleek design and a brushed metal look even though its plastic and it’s also available in a few colours to match your desktop computer – black, white, green blue and pink.

It’s 58.4cm wide, 21.8cm deep and 5.4cm tall.

BlueAnt’s Soundblade can turn your desktop into a mini cinema.

Under the hood is a proprietary acoustic design including dual full range neodymium drivers and an 80mm neodymium down firing subwoofer to provide a 120W peak power output.

And the sound quality is excellent. Crisp detail that’s finished off with authoritative bass from the subwoofer.

Soundblade offers 2.1CH output and certainly adds another dimension to viewing content, listening to music and playing games.

We watch a lot of content on our computer including streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ as well as YouTube and a lot of music as well.

The Soundblade made all that sound a lot better than the speakers onboard the computer and monitor.

For our review we connected the BlueAnt SoundBlade to our Mac Studio which was connected to a 43-inch Samsung M7 monitor.

The sound from the M7 was good not great so the Soundblade has made a massive improvement.

Connecting the Soundblade took seconds – it needs its own power so you connect to your power point and then connect to your computer via either USB-A or USB-C.

A USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cable comes with the Soundblade.

It also comes with an AUX cable.

There are even different length legs to ensure you get the right fit below the monitor. We think the legs could have been placed further apart so it can fit around the stand of most monitors.

On the right edge there are physical control including volume and there also a remote so you can sit back and take control of the sound and your media playback.

The remote also gives users access to three different sound modes – game, movie and music so it can optimise the output to suit what you’re watching or listening to.

It also has Bluetooth onboard so can connect your smartphone wirelessly to stream your music even if the computer is turned off.

The Soundblade works with PC, Macs and can also be connected to a PlayStation 5 or a PlayStation 4.

The BlueAnt Soundblade is available now and is priced at $299.

VERDICT
The BlueAnt Soundblade elevates the audio experience of your desktop computer dramatically – forget putting up with poor audio – the Soundblade is a game changer.

The post BlueAnt Soundblade review – game changer to dramatically improve your computer’s audio appeared first on Tech Guide.

Sennheiser has launched its new Momentum Sport earbuds which have been designed to deliver superior audio as well as heart rate and body temperature readings.

Designed for athletes and sports enthusiasts, the Sennheiser Momentum Sport earbuds can act as in-ear sensors to capture vital information to help customers reach their fitness goals.

“We have worked for over three years to develop the ultimate sports earbuds,” says David Holm, Sennheiser Sports Product Manager.

“Momentum Sport elevates earbuds from a basic exercise accessory to the heartbeat of your workout—quite literally.

“Now, athletes and sports enthusiasts can tap into cutting-edge fitness tech and superb sound in one device.”

The earbuds utilise a photoplethysmography (PPG) heart rate sensor and body temperature sensor with the data viewable on popular fitness apps like Strava, Peloton Apple Health and devices like Apple Watch and Garmin Watch

The Sennheiser Momentum Sport earbuds can provide the right music to motivate users to improve their performance while now tracking their data.

The inner ear is an ideal area to harness these readings because it is one of the most stable areas of the body during exercise and will provide consistent data.

In-ear readings are considered more accurate than wrist-skin temperatures with the earbuds able offer accuracy to within 0.3 degrees Celsius.

Also onboard is a three-axis accelerometer and capacitive touch and infrared sensors which can be used to manage audio playback and calls.

And being sports earbuds, they can naturally handle sweat and rain with an IP55 rating so there is no limit to when and where you exercise.

On the audio side, the Sennheiser earbuds have a new 10mm transducer for stunning sound and strong bass.

The earbuds also reduce the occlusion effect with an acoustic relief channel so you’re not feeling your steps and breathing in your head.

It has a semi-open design so you can stay connected to your environment with transparency mode, anti-wind noise and adaptive noise cancelling mode.

The charging case offers three full recharges for the earphones which on their will play for up to six hours.

A quick 10-minute charge can offer up to 45 minutes of playback.

The Sennheiser Momentum Sport earbuds are priced at $529.95 and are available in three colours – Polar Black, Burned Olive and Metallic Graphite.

The post Sennheiser’s new Momentum Sport earbuds can measure your heart rate and body temperature appeared first on Tech Guide.

Laser has become an Australian consumer electronics success story and has been offering affordable products for customers for more than 36 years.

At a time when Australians are trying to balance cost of living pressures, the demand for quality yet affordable tech has not gone away.

Laser sells more than 800 products across 20 categories.

This week the company revealed its 10 most popular products sold in Australia through Amazon and it does reveal some remarkable insights.

These include multi-region DVD and Blu-ray players, a CD boombox, kid-friendly headphones, smart light bulbs, gaming keyboard and mouse and a wireless CarPlay and Android Auto touchscreen.

So what does this tell us?

First of all, physical media is still alive and well with DVD and Blu-ray players not only maintaining sales levels but also increasing more recently.

In fact, physical media makes up four of Laser’s top 10 and the top three items sold.

This shows we’re still connected to our DVD and Blu ray movie collections and our favourite music CDs.

Despite the availability of movies on streaming services, customers are still in favour of owning their favourite movies which they can view anytime and repeat at the same quality at any time.

If a customer owns a movie, they’re not at the mercy of the streaming services who seasonally remove titles from their platform.

The smart home is also becoming even more mainstream with Laser selling smart home light bulbs online and through traditional retailers for as little as $10.

The affordability of Laser’s smart products offers Australians an opportunity to adopt smart devices for the first time without breaking the bank with a view to expand their smart home network in the future.

Kids love their tech as well, but adults also love their peace and quiet which is why affordable kids headphones are among Laser’s most popular products.

Affordable gaming technology is also popular with kids and Laser offers gear like gaming keyboards and mice that improves their game-play experience.

One of the more recent product releases is Laser’s portable in-car touchscreen that can bring Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto to older vehicles and allow drivers to enjoy hands-free access to mapping, music and podcasts while they’re driving.

“As a trusted Australian brand, we’re really proud of how we’ve stayed close to Australians wants and needs, able to help them try out new tech for less, at the same time as keeping everyday essentials affordable, accessible and quality assured,” said Chris Lau, Managing Director of Laser Corporation.

“Given our position in the market, I believe that our top 10 best sellers on Amazon give an insight into what Australians are really seeking at the moment, and what they are comfortable buying online.

“More considered purchases and new technology are more likely to be explored through our traditional instore retail partners, who play a critical role in introducing new technology into Australia.

“It is also interesting to see how online purchases have changed, as it wasn’t that long ago that our top online sellers were affordable party speakers, soundbars and other AV products.”

LASER’s Top 10 Most-Shopped Products on Amazon this month:

1. LASER DVD Player Multi-Region – HDMI, Composite Video and USB | RRP $49.95

https://www.amazon.com.au/Laser-Player-Composite-Region-Control/dp/B09RWKC6ZH

2. LASER CD Boombox with AM/FM Radio | RRP $49.95

https://www.amazon.com.au/Laser-Portable-Speaker-Boombox-Player/dp/B07DJ517HS

3. LASER Blu-Ray Player with Multi Region HDMI Digital 7.1 | RRP $129.95

https://www.amazon.com.au/Laser-Blu-Ray-Player-Region-Digital/dp/B09WQPL14Q

(back in stock from the week of April 1)

4. LASER Headphones Stereo Kid Friendly | RRP $9.95

https://www.amazon.com.au/LASER-Headphones-Stereo-Friendly-Colourful/dp/B074WPR777

5. LASER Smart White Bulb| RRP $10

https://www.amazon.com.au/Laser-10W-Smart-White-Bulb/dp/B082C6J6CK

6. LASER Earbud Headphones | RRP $5.95

https://www.amazon.com.au/Laser-AO-EB30-TOR-Earbud-Headphone-Tornado/dp/B07SDP1SC4

7. LASER Portable Walkman CD/MP3 Player with Anti-Skip Tech & Headphones | RRP $49.95

https://www.amazon.com.au/Laser-Portable-Walkman-Player-Headphones/dp/B0C8R3HCTY

8. LASER PC Gaming RGB LED Full Size Wired Keyboard | RRP $29.95

https://www.amazon.com.au/Laser-Keyboard-Backlit-Multimedia-Ghosting/dp/B0BTY4HCQM

9. LASER ANC Kids Wireless Headphones | RRP $29.95

https://www.amazon.com.au/Laser-Kids-Wireless-Headphones-Black/dp/B0CKQFW3F3

10. LASER Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Touchscreen | RRP $169.95

https://www.amazon.com.au/Laser-Real-Time-Navigation-Hands-Free-Connectivity/dp/B0CL3Q8TK2

The post Laser reveals an interesting snapshot of Australia’s current affordable tech trends appeared first on Tech Guide.

Belkin has launched new SoundForm audio ranges aimed at students heading back to school and professionals who want to maintain efficiency and productivity.

SoundForm Inspire is a wireless over-ear headset for children while SoundForm Adapt is an over-ear headset with boom mic to offer a high-quality audio experience at home, the office and on the move.

“We are happy to expand Belkin’s audio range and launch the SoundForm Inspire Kids Headset and SoundForm Adapt Headset,” said Jamie Laing-Reece, Head of Product Management, Belkin ANZ.

“With advanced features designed to protect kids hearing and enhance comfort, these headsets elevate the audio experience and productivity whether learning, working, or simply enjoying your favorite content.

“This expansion epitomises Belkin’s commitment to bring high quality listening experience to the Australian consumers.”

SOUNDFORM INSPIRE – $69.95

The SoundForm Inspire has 40mm drivers to offer Belkin’s signature sound along with a volume cap of 85 decibels to protect those young ears.

And it’s designed for kids with smaller earcups and a soft adjustable headband for a comfortable fit.

When you’ve finished listening you can fold them up for easier portability.

The boom mic provides clear sound so you can be heard during distance learning.

It is available in black and lavender.

Product features:

– Belkin Signature Sound with 40mm drivers for clean and clear audio, tuned specifically for kids

– 35 hours of battery life for extended playtime

– 85dB volume limiter to protect hearing

– 3.5mm input port to connect to laptops, tablets, infotainment systems, phones, and other devices

– RockStar Mode allows audio sharing with additional 3.5mm output port

– High-quality flip-up boom microphone to be heard on calls and games

– Mute button and LED mute indicator for easily monitoring kids’ activity

– Bluetooth 5.2 connects easily to devices within 30 feet for wireless connection

– USB-C port for fast charging and wired audio input

– Foldable, extendable, and comfortable over-ear design for comfort and convenience

– Product housing is made with minimum of 23 per cent post-consumer recycled plastics

– 100 per cent plastic-free packaging

SOUNDFORM ADAPT – $79.95

A lot of people still work from home and with the SoundForm Adapt they can enjoy clear call quality and a boom microphone that offers ENC (environmental noise cancellation) along with a comfortable fit for all-day wear.

And it also has an onboard battery that lasts for up to 65 hours.

Product features:

– Bluetooth 5.2 connects easily to devices within 30 ft./10m

– USB-C port for fast charging and wired audio input

– 3.5mm audio input

– Multipoint 2-device connection for seamless switching between audio sources

– 40mm drivers for high-fidelity sound

– Boom mic with ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation), secondary mics on ear cups for clear voice reception

– More than a work week’s battery life with 45 hours of playtime

– Easy, intuitive touch controls

– Product is made with recycled plastic*

– 100 per cent plastic-free packaging

The post Belkin launches new SoundForm audio ranges for students and professionals appeared first on Tech Guide.

The new DJI Mic 2 offers impressive professional-level audio recording quality and it’s packaged in a way that makes it really easy to set up and use.

“DJI Mic 2 represents a leap forward in audio recording technology. We’ve combined high-quality recording functions, user-friendly designs, and noteworthy stability to empower content creators with the tools they need to capture extraordinary audio, no matter where their creativity takes them,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Line Manager at DJI.

The DJI Mic 2 offers omnidirectional recording and is ideal for professionals, content creators and vloggers.

Also onboard is intelligent noise-cancelling technology so you can still get crisp audio even in noisy environments.

We used the DJI Mic 2 for the videos we shot at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and every one of them was recorded in noisy halls at the show but our audio was still crisp and clear.

We plugged in the included lapel mic, but you can just clip each of the two included microphones to your clothing and it will still focus in on your voice and cut out the unwanted background noise or wind.

DJI Mic 2 also has a Safety Track feature which gives creators the option of recording a second track at -6dB along with the primary audio track as a safety net against unexpected audio spikes.

While the DJI Mic 2 offers superb audio quality, it’s the design and ease of use that are among its best features.

It comes with a sleek metal charging case which offers easy storage but also keeps them charged in the same way you’d keep your earphones charged.

And they are ready to use as soon as you open the case – they turn in when you open it up and that takes one step out of the set up process so you can be up and running in no time.

Also included are cables to connect the camera to the receiver and plugs to connect the transmitter to an iPhone or Android smartphone.

The 1.1-inch OLED screen in the transmitter in conjunction with the dial makes it easy to quickly access and adjust settings like gain, volume, brightness to provide the optimal audio set-up.

Each of the microphone have a magnetic attachment if you want to conceal the unit under clothing (if you’re not using the lapel mic).

Users are also able to create dual channel recordings so you can capture audio from two sources like another person you’re talking with and easily edit in post-production.

Under the hood is 32-bit floating internal recording which offers remarkable sensitivity to capture all levels of sound from whispers to booming levels while keeping everything in the zone.

The DJI Mic 2 has a range of about 250 metres so you can be a fair distance from the camera but can still be clearly heard through that connection between the mic and the transmitter.

On the battery side, the DJI Mic 2 can run for up to six hours on a single charge.

For us when we recorded at CES, the mics ran from the start of the day right till nearly the end of the day.

Price and Availability

The DJI Mic 2 is available to order from https://store.dji.com/au and authorised retail partners, with shipping starting today, in the following configurations:

 The DJI Mic 2 (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) retails for $529, and includes a DJI Mic 2 Receiver, two DJI Mic 2 Transmitters (Shadow Black), a DJI Mic 2 Charging Case, DJI Mic 2 Camera Audio Cable (3.5mm TRS), a DJI Mic 2 Mobile Phone Adapter (Type-C), a DJI Mic 2 Mobile Phone Adapter (Lightning), two DJI Mic 2 Windscreens, two DJI Mic 2 Clip Magnets, a DJI Mic USB-C Charging Cable and a DJI Mic 2 Carrying Bag.

 The DJI Mic 2 (1 TX + 1 RX) retails for $379, and includes a DJI Mic 2 Receiver, a DJI Mic 2 Transmitter (Shadow Black), a DJI Mic 2 Camera Audio Cable (3.5mm TRS), a DJI Mic 2 Mobile Phone Adapter (Type-C), a DJI Mic 2 Mobile Phone Adapter (Lightning), a DJI Mic 2 Windscreen, a DJI Mic 2 Clip Magnet, a DJI Mic Splitter Charging Cable, and a DJI Mic 2 Carrying Pouch. The DJI Mic 2 Transmitter (Shadow Black) and DJI Mic 2 Transmitter (Pearl White) can also be purchased separately at $169 each. The DJI Lavalier Mic retails at $69 and DJI Mic 2 Charging Case retails at $119.

The post The new DJI Mic 2 offers pro level audio recording that’s easy to set up and use appeared first on Tech Guide.

The stunning Sphere has become the latest landmark on the Las Vegas strip. This new venue has captivated the city. Tech Guide got a chance to go inside.

Most of us have seen images and video of the Sphere on social media but when you lay eyes on it yourself it is even more impressive.

Located behind the Venetian Hotel and Casino, Sphere took more than four years to build at a cost of more than $3 billion.

Since its opening last year, Sphere has hosted U2’s latest concert tour which is accompanied by a stunning visual display that takes advantage of the screen that wraps around the audience.

More recently the Sphere has been utilised by filmmaker Darren Aronofsky for his film Postcards From Earth which was filmed in 16K resolution with purpose built lenses to provide the stunning visuals that will transport you to the amazing locations featured in the film.

The Sphere itself is 111m tall and 157m wide and used to display images on its exterior LED screen. The exterior has an area of 53,000 square metres.

This engineering marvel uses the laws of Geodesic math and was constructed from hundreds of interlocking triangles to create the spherical shape and structure – it is a world-first.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Stephen Fenech (@stephenfenech)

And you can really appreciate the work that went into the construction when you get up close and see it for yourself.

When you go inside you are greeted by robots powered by artificial intelligence who can engage with the audience and answer their questions in real time.

Attendees can also create a 360 degree avatar of themselves which can then be included in an immersive animation which is sent to you via email and shareable on social media.

Tech Guide went along to watch the Postcards From Earth film which takes full advantage of the wrap around 270-degree LED screen that can display 256 million colours and includes 167,000 hidden speakers.

To say the film is stunning is actually a massive understatement. It is truly remarkable and offers a unique experience for the audience.

The screen inside the venue has an area larger than four football fields with steep seating for 18,600 people.

To give you an idea about the size of the interior of the Sphere – it is large enough to fit the Statue of Liberty.

The 50-minute film takes viewers to sweeping exotic locations around the world, including the Australian desert, underwater amid teeming schools of fish and sharks, through temples and landmarks, across mountain ranges and canyons and into space.

Sphere is a unique and immersive venue that can thrill and engage audiences.

If you are heading to Las Vegas, be sure to put it on your list of things to see while you’re in town.

* Stephen Fenech travelled to Las Vegas for CES with support from Samsung, LG and Hisense

The post Take a look inside the Sphere – the remarkable new Las Vegas landmark appeared first on Tech Guide.

* This post was supported by Samsung

With many people gearing up for summer travel at this time of year, there are some great offerings from Samsung, including mobile devices, earphones and tracker tags, that would make the perfect travel companions.

Whether it’s taking holiday snaps, helping you stay in touch with loved ones back home, enjoying quality audio or keeping track of your luggage and belongings – Samsung has got you covered.

Capture holiday memories in high quality

The quality of Samsung’s cameras is among the best in the market and whether you have a Galaxy A Series, Galaxy S Series or Galaxy Z Series device. They all have multi camera systems that can capture your holiday memories in high quality. The impressive camera quality of these devices means you won’t need to lug around a dedicated camera to take your pictures.

If you’re after zoom, low-light photography or shooting video, Samsung’s smartphone cameras can deliver in these areas. These devices have technology built-in that’s designed to help you take your best photo and capture crisp videos in 4K and 8K on selected devices[1].

From the Galaxy A Series to the Galaxy Z Series, Samsung has set a new standard with Nightography – so those shots at night or in dark settings can still pop with detail, colour and brightness. Users can also capture stunning night portraits and sharp night video thanks to the advanced onboard sensor.

With up to 200-megapixel sensors, the latest Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphone boasts up to 10x Optical Zoom to get you nice and close to your subject[2].

It also goes without saying that Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones are perfect for those epic selfies in front of famous landmarks and tourist attractions to remember the holiday by.

Keep in touch with your friends and family

Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones allow users to stay in touch whether it’s with travel companions on tour with you or with loved ones back home.

With the built-in eSIM[3], it’s a fast and easy process to set yourself up with a local number and loads of data as you don’t need to insert a physical SIM card into your compatible Samsung device. It’s just a matter of scanning a code from a local telco and you’re ready to go.

Users can keep their SIM card for the Australian number onboard and choose to prioritise their eSIM with their travel number.

Quality sound on the go

On the audio side, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds FE and Galaxy Buds2 Pro have got your back to provide quality sounds whether you’re listening to music, a podcast or an audiobook. As part of the Galaxy ecosystem, these wireless earbuds are easy to pair and manage.

The Galaxy Buds FE and Buds2 Pro have built-in microphones and voice pick-up to listen for ambient sounds and filter them out when you are listening to audio or making and receiving calls.

Of course, there are times you need to be in touch with your surroundings, so switching to Ambient Mode lets you hear your flight boarding announcements and traffic around you in bustling cities so you can stay safe.

Users can also dive into the settings on their Samsung smartphone to make adjustments, choose a preset equaliser. You can even locate the Galaxy Buds via the SmartThings app[4] if you’ve misplaced them.

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds have a compact and light design, so they don’t protrude too far out of your ears. This ergonomic fit can also help to reduce wind noise, so your outdoor calls are even clearer.

For travellers, there are many tourist attractions which offer guided audio tours through a companion app to make listening on the Galaxy Buds seamless.

Pocket-sized tracker to keep an eye on your belongings

Designed to help Samsung users keep track of valuables and locate them if lost, the new Galaxy SmartTag2 is the perfect pocket-sized tracker for travel.

Sporting a ring-shaped design, it’s easy to attach them to keyrings, backpacks, handbags and other valuables. They also have an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, helping to ensure durability no matter where you travel[5].

A popular way to use the Galaxy SmartTag2 is to attach it to your luggage. Lost luggage anxiety can now be a thing of the past, so if you made it to your destination and your bags didn’t, you can easily check their location.

Got a tight flight connection? The Galaxy SmartTag2 will tell you instantly if your bags made the flight. They can even send you an alert when they are close so you can keep an eye out for them on the baggage carousel when you arrive at your destination.

If the valuables attached to the Galaxy SmartTag2 are lost or stolen, the location can be established when it is picked up by nearby connected Samsung smartphones. Essentially, the Galaxy SmartTag2 acts like a mobile phone on a network and the nearby Samsung smartphones are the towers of that network.

Galaxy SmartTag 2 also has a Lost Mode that can make misplaced items easier to find. With Lost Mode, users can add their contact information to Galaxy SmartTag2[6].

If anyone discovers your item with the Galaxy SmartTag2 attached, they can use their phone to scan the tag and read the owner’s message and contact information. For example, if a Galaxy SmartTag2 is attached to your luggage – anyone who finds your bag can immediately see your information and phone number.

Additionally, the Compass View feature[7] on the Galaxy SmartTag2 will point you in the direction of your lost item and tell you how far away it is.

If you’re travelling, be sure to travel smart with Samsung’s range of Galaxy smartphones, Galaxy Buds and Galaxy SmartTag2.

* This post was supported by Samsung

[1] Including Galaxy S23 Series, Galaxy S23 FE Series, Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy Z Fold5

[2] 2OO-megapixel sensor and 10 x optical zoom is only supported on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

[3] Not all Galaxy devices support eSIM. For the full list of Galaxy devices that support eSIM, visit https://www.samsung.com/au/support/mobile-devices/galaxy-esim-and-supported-network-carriers/

[5] Galaxy SmartTag2 is rated as IP67 for water and dust resistance. Based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Refer to your device’s user manual for further care and instructions.

[6] Contact information and message must be registered beforehand on the SmartThings app to have it shown on the finder’s device on Lost Mode. The finder’s device must support NFC reading and be connected to the internet to display the pre-registered contact information upon tagging

[7] Compass View feature requires ultra-wideband(UWB)-enabled Galaxy smartphones with Android 11 or higher. Availability of the Compass View feature may vary by OS version, connected device, or country. Accuracy may be reduced if there’s an obstacle between you and the tag, such as when the tag is inside a drawer, behind a wall, or in a car

The post Why Samsung’s smartphones, earphones and tracker tags are the perfect travel companions appeared first on Tech Guide.