Tag Archives: earbuds

Lifestyle, News

Bowers & Wilkins Unveils New True Wireless Earbuds Line Up with the Pi6 & Pi8

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Bowers & Wilkins is expanding its earbuds lineup with two new entries. The new True Wireless earbuds – the Pi6 and Pi8 – are designed by the same team behind the category-leading Px7 S2e and Px8 headphones and represent a new leap forward from the previous Pi7 S2.

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6: Taking a Swing with Affordable, Premium Sound and Superlative Comfort

The Pi6 is the more affordable option of the two, designed to deliver excellent sound, features, and performance at a competitive price point. The company touts that the buds will be on par with the previous Pi7 S2.

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The new wireless earbuds come with an unnamed advanced Qualcomm Chipset for improved wireless stability and reliable connectivity. The same chipset enables Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity with Multipoint for connecting to two devices simultaneously. It also allows the Pi6 to stream high-quality audio at 24-bit and 96KHz with aptX Adaptive Wireless Transmission.

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The Pi6 isn’t just about chipset and transmission technologies either, it also leverages 12mm Bio-cellulose Drive Units that allow for crisper high frequencies and fuller sound. The drive units also allow for brighter sounds and better audio clarity. The earbuds come with up to 8 hours of usage on a single charge with ANC on. You’ll be able to top this up twice with the case. The buds can get 2 hours of playback on 15 minutes of charge thanks to fast charge support and it’s even got IP54 water and dust resistance.

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8: The New Flagship B&W Sound

Together with the Pi6, Bowers & Wilkins are reimagining its flagship sound when it comes to wireless earbuds with the Pi8. The new flagship one-up the Pi6 will be taking the spotlight from the Pi7 S2 with updated performance and features compared to the Pi6.

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The Pi8 is gunning for higher quality and fuller sound with 12mm Carbon Cone Drive Units. These units allow the earbuds to reproduce sound with exceptional accuracy and depth. The earbuds support aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless Support over Bluetooth 5.4.

In addition to this, they come with a dedicated DSP, DAC, and Amplification that allow for high-resolution audio with support for up to 32-bit audio. You’ll also be able to personalise your sound with a User-Adjustable 5-Band EQ that will be accessible from the Bower & Wilkins app.

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The Pi8 comes with a smart charging case that supports wireless charging. However, the high-quality sound does take a little bit of a toll on the battery life. The Pi8 has up to 6.5 hours of playback time on a single charge with ANC on. You’ll be able to get another 13.5 hours with the casing.

Improved Design and User Experience

Both Pi6 and Pi8 benefit from a comprehensive design overhaul, focusing on comfort, usability, and aesthetics. The new design is created ergonomically for a wider range of ear shapes and sizes. However, it also maintains its stemless design that is now iconic of B&W.

The wider earbuds also come with improved touch controls that provide more responsive and reliable interactions. They also come with IR Proximity sensors that allow for more accurate wear detection. The earbuds also have enhanced antenna placement to prevent accidental blockages and disconnects.

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Both models also prioritize call quality with strategically placed microphones for clear voice calls. Additionally, they boast advanced noise cancellation technology. The Pi6 utilizes the same noise-rejection platform as the Pi7 S2, offering effective noise cancellation. However, the Pi8 adopts the noise cancellation technology found in the flagship Px8 headphones for industry-leading performance.

The new Pi6 and Pi8 are also Google Fast Pair and Made for iPhone certified for platform agnosticism and better compatibility across both Android and Apple devices.

Pricing & Availability

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 and Pi8 will be available in Malaysia from October onwards.

The Pi6 will be available in Storm Grey, Cloud Grey, Forest Green, and Glacier Blue. It will be priced at RM1,399. Internationally, it’s priced at USD$249.

The Pi8 will be available in Anthracite Black, Dove White, and Midnight Blue. The Jade Green colourway will be available at a later date. It will be priced at RM2,399. Internationally, it is priced at USD$399.

Both models will be available for purchase through the TC Acoustic web store and the physical TC store – Sonos Concept Store by TC Acoustic – in Starhill Gallery, Kuala Lumpur.

News

Samsung Introduces a Duo of New Galaxy Buds3

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Samsung is switching things up a little bit with the launch of not one – but two new entries into the Galaxy Buds lineup. The new Galaxy Buds3 series comes with updates and a total revamp of its design that will turn heads in more than one way.

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 series 3

The new Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro take very different approaches to audio catering to a wider group of people. The vanilla Galaxy Buds3 isn’t Samsung’s typical earbuds – instead, Samsung has opted to make it a more open ear earbud. The Buds3 doesn’t come with the rubber tip that enters the ear canal, it rests right at the opening of the ear. The Buds3 Pro, on the other hand, continues the Galaxy Buds lineup of being in-ear earbuds complete with the rubber tip.

Both the Galaxy Buds come with a bid redesign. Samsung has ditched the old design language of the Galaxy Buds series and opted to have a stemmed design for the new Buds lineup. However, these stems aren’t just for show, they do have some thought put into the redesign – at least when it comes to the Pro. The stems on the Pro come with coloured LEDs on the side – called blade lights – which light up according to the music you’re listening to – a nice DND indicator if anything. However, aside from this, the stem also contains a mic and has pinch controls for easier control of your music.

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The Galaxy Buds3 Pro also comes with a 10mm dynamic driver with a planar tweeter that promises better sound quality. It also has dual amps and supports up to 24-bit audio. The regular Buds3 comes with a single 10mm dynamic driver without the planar tweeter. Both of the buds come with an IP57 rating and have about 7 hours of battery depending on whether noise cancelling is turned on.

Both the new entries have better voice isolation thanks to the stem. However, the Buds3 Pro comes with additional features like Siren Detect and Voice Detect. These features, as their names suggest, allow the buds to dynamically change settings when you’re talking or a siren goes off nearby. This will allow you to be more alert of your surroundings or allow you to converse.

Pricing & Availability

The Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro are now available for pre-order. Both are available in White and Silver colourways. The Galaxy Buds will be priced at USd$179.99 while the Buds3 Pro will be priced at USD$249.99.

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In Malaysia, the vanilla Buds3 will be retailing at RM599 while the Buds3 Pro will be priced at RM999. Pre-orders are open now at official Samsung channels including the Samsung website. Pre-orders of the Galaxy Buds3 or Galaxy Buds3 Pro will come with a free case worth RM169.

Lifestyle, News

Shokz OpenFit Air Shakes Things Up in Malaysia

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When it comes to bone conduction or open-ear audio, the first brand that comes to mind is Aftershokz. However, you’d be hard-pressed to find the company now as it celebrated its 10th anniversary; back in 2021 with a rebrand. It’s now known as Shokz. Shokz has continued its leadership in open-ear audio products leading the foray into the space with other brands like Huawei and Bose following suit. However, Shokz continues to set itself apart thanks to the deployment of bone-conducting technology that delivers clear sound. The latest product to employ this technology is the OpenFit Air.

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The new OpenFit Air joins the company’s renowned lineup as a true wireless, open-ear audio solution. It’s also deviating from the bone conduction technology that has been the hallmark of Shokz products. The new OpenFit Air uses what Shokz is calling DirectPitch technology. This technology optimises sound delivery through the use of superposition. A little bit of a throwback to high school physics – a superposition is an overlap in one or more waves that can result in an amplification of the strength or amplitude of the wave. Using this concept, DirectPitch is able to deliver sound in a directed way that reduces sound leakage and prevents audio degradation. Paired with Shokz’s OpenBass Air and low-frequency technology, the OpenFit Air can deliver full sound with powerful bass. This allows your ears to be unobstructed while you enjoy that new Billie Eilish album.

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The OpenFit Air also comes with four microphones that are able to track and isolate your voice with Adaptive Beamforming. This builds on the small 18x11mm drivers that drive the audio experience of the Air. These drivers deliver rich, full audio which immerses you in your audiobook or podcast while allowing you to be aware of your surroundings.

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The earbuds themselves are lightweight, weighing only 8.7g. They are made of soft silicone making them sweat-resistant and comfortable. It’s also pliable to fit all ear shapes for better comfort and sound quality. The Air-Earhook, which hooks on your ear as the name suggests, has an ultra-fine 0.75mm flexible nickel-titanium memory alloy that provides added security and better fit when you use the OpenFit Air. The Airs also come with IP54 water and sweat resistance with a 10-metre Bluetooth range.

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The battery on the OpenAir Fit can give you a full six hours of listening on a single charge. The case adds 22 hours of battery life or about 3 full charges on a single, complete charge. Need a quick top-up mid-run or workout? The OpenFit Air will be able to give you 2 hours of listening with a 10-minute charge. You’ll also be able to take control of your listening session with intuitive touch controls and even connect to more than one device with multipoint pairing.

Pricing & Availability

The Shokz OpenFit Air are now available online at the Nove Marketing website and in retail outlets like Urban Republic. They will be retailing for RM599 and will be available in three colours: pink, white and black.

Accessories

Honor Drops Two New Wireless Earbuds in China: The Honor Earbuds X7 and Honor Earbuds A

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Hold onto your hats (or earbuds, I guess) because Honor has unveiled two new wireless earbud options that pack serious features without breaking the bank! Whether you’re a gym rat seeking secure-fitting buds or a casual listener looking for crisp sound, Honor’s got you covered. Let’s dive into the specs and see which bud is your perfect match.

Hono Buds

Honor Earbuds X7: The Feature-Packed Powerhouse

The Honor Earbuds X7 boast a sleek, half-in ear design that promises a comfortable and secure fit. But don’t be fooled by their looks – these buds are loaded with tech! They sport 10mm dynamic drivers, which means you’ll get rich, powerful audio that brings your music, movies, and podcasts to life.

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Honor boasts that the Earbuds X7 are equipped with a HiFi 5 digital signal processor (DSP) and “Golden Ear” certification. In simpler terms, this translates to clear, detailed sound with enhanced bass – perfect for getting pumped during your workout.

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The Honor Earbuds X7 offer up to 9 hours of playback on a single charge, with an additional 31 hours of juice provided by the charging case. That’s a total of 40 hours of listening time – enough to power you through commutes, workouts, and even a long-haul flight.

Honor Earbuds A: Simple, Stylish, and Affordable

The Honor Earbuds A are all about fuss-free music enjoyment. They feature the same comfortable half-in-ear design as its X7 sibling but with a slightly more compact profile. These buds are perfect for those who prioritize portability and ease of use.

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Don’t let their simple design fool you – the Honor Earbuds A pack a punch! They’re equipped with 10mm dynamic drivers, delivering crisp and clear audio for your listening pleasure. The HiFi 5 DSP ensures you get well-balanced sound, making them ideal for everyday use.

Battery life on the Honor Earbuds A is no slouch either. Enjoy up to 9 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case adding an extra 31 hours. That’s a total of 40 hours – plenty of power to keep your music going throughout the day.

Pricing & Availability

The Honor Earbuds X7 come in two stylish colourways: Sky Ocean Green and Moonlight White. These feature-packed buds will set you back ¥299 in China, which translates roughly to around RM193 or USD$42).

The Honor Earbuds A offers a more budget-friendly option, priced at just ¥199 in China (around RM128 or USD$27). They come in Cloud Blue and Mist White colour options.

Both the Honor Earbuds X7 and Honor Earbuds A will be available in China starting on May 31st, 2024. While international availability and pricing haven’t been confirmed yet, stay tuned – these earbuds might just be the perfect audio companions for budget-conscious music lovers everywhere!

Feature, Lifestyle

Tech the Halls: 5 Innovative Gifts to End the Year Right

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The year-end festivities are upon us, a time for gratitude, reflection, and the joyous exchange of gifts. More than just a tradition, gifting is a heartfelt way to express appreciation and forge deeper connections with the special people in our lives. This season, Anker Innovations Malaysia invites you to transcend the ordinary and explore tech gifts that encapsulate innovation, style, and thoughtful functionality. 

Founded in 2011, Anker Innovations swiftly evolved from a leading mobile charging brand to a multifaceted powerhouse in Malaysia’s consumer tech scene. It’s a beacon of smart living with its diverse brands—Anker, Soundcore, Eufy, Nebula, MACH, and AnkerWork—each representing innovation in charging, audio, home security, and beyond. To complement your smart living journey, we’ve curated a selection of gifts that promise to enrich the daily lives of your loved ones, tailored to all your unique lifestyles. 

So, let’s dive in and discover how you can light up their world and show them just how much they mean to you.

1. For the Home Perfectionist

For those who take immense pride in their sanctuary, who find joy in the art of home-keeping, the Mach V1 Ultra Vacuum, Steamer, and Mop (NP: RM4,399) stands as a testament to their dedication. 

MACH V1 Ultra

This 3-in-1 cleaning marvel revolutionizes their routine, blending efficiency with effectiveness to create a living space that shines. It’s about more than just cleaning; it’s about transforming their home into a pristine haven, a place of comfort and tranquillity. The versatility of vacuuming, steaming, and mopping all in one ensures that every nook and cranny is attended to, reflecting their meticulous attention to detail. 

Gift them the tools to elevate their home-keeping game and watch as their living space transforms into a testament to their care and dedication. 

2. For the On-the-Go Energizer

We all know someone constantly on the move, juggling tasks, and adventures with an energy that’s infectious. 

Anker 622 Magnetic Battery

For these on-the-go energizers, the Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (NP: RM229) is a game-changer. This sleek, portable power bank effortlessly attaches to their device, offering a burst of power without missing a beat. It’s about more than just staying charged; it’s about enabling their dynamic lifestyle, ensuring they stay connected, engaged, and ready for whatever comes their way. The convenience of hands-free charging means they can keep moving, keep exploring, and keep making the most of every moment. 

Gift them the power of uninterrupted energy and watch as their world opens up to new possibilities. 

3. For the Life of the Party 

We all cherish those individuals who light up the room, who bring the party to life with their vibrant energy and love for good times. 

Anker Soundcore Motion X600

The Anker Soundcore Motion X600 (NP: RM1,099) is crafted for these life-of-the-party souls, delivering immersive, high-fidelity audio that sets the perfect atmosphere for any gathering. With up to 12 hours of playtime and a waterproof design, this speaker is ready for everything from impromptu dance parties to relaxed evenings under the stars. It’s about creating moments, sharing laughter, and dancing the night away in the glow of great music.

Gift them the gift of atmosphere and watch as they transform every gathering into an unforgettable celebration of life and connection.

4. For the Globetrotting Explorer

For those who find solace in melodies and rhythms, who carry their favourite tunes like a personal soundtrack, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless Headphones (NP: RM699) are an orchestral experience in a sleek form.

Anker Soundcore Space Q45

These headphones deliver an extraordinary audio journey, balancing Hi-Res sound with advanced noise cancellation, reducing noise by up to 98%. With an ultra-long 50-hour playtime, they offer an uninterrupted connection to the music they adore, transforming travel and daily routines into an immersive sound adventure. It’s about more than just listening; it’s about experiencing each note and beat in high definition, enveloped in a world of sound.

Gift them the joy of superior audio and noise control and watch as their world becomes an endless landscape of auditory delight, making each journey a melodious masterpiece. Priced at RM699, these headphones are the ideal companion for every travel and music lover.

5. For the Fitness Enthusiast

For those who find their rhythm in the pulse of an active lifestyle, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 earbuds (NP: RM599) are the perfect training partner.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4

With robust durability and a comfortable fit, they stay securely in place, whether it’s during a high-intensity interval session or a serene yoga flow. The in-ear heart rate sensor also provides real-time heart rate tracking, offering insights into their physical exertion and helping them optimize their workouts. 

The Liberty 4 doesn’t just sound great; it’s designed to keep pace with the most rigorous fitness routines. With up to 9 hours of playtime on a single charge, they can power through multiple workouts, runs, or yoga sessions, ensuring their music and fitness tracking never misses a beat.

As we conclude the season of giving, Anker Innovations Malaysia stands with you in celebrating the special people in your life. 

With every gift, you can also enjoy peace of mind with our 24-month warranty and convenient 1-to-1 exchange policy, ensuring that your thoughtful present comes with the assurance of quality and longevity.

You can shop our exclusive year-end promotions on our Shopee and Lazada stores, and also enjoy FREE Gift-Wrapping services for a limited time only. Plus, stand a chance to win a Soundcore Motion X600, Soundcore Liberty 4, or Anker 622 Magnetic Battery in our lucky draw with any Anker product purchase until December 31, 2023. No minimum spending is required.

Here’s to a season of meaningful connections, thoughtful gifting, and the joy of showing the ones we love just how much they mean to us. Happy holidays, and may your gift-giving be as rewarding as the smiles they bring

Lifestyle, Promos

December Holiday Gift Guide – Jabra

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2. Jabra Christmas GIF

Window shoppers and generous gifters alike – rejoice! We’re back with another gift guide for this December 2023. For those looking to jazz up the holiday season with some festive tunes, Jabra has a few jolly gift ideas.

If you or a loved one have been looking for some new wireless earbuds, this gift guide might just be the one for you. Jabra is highlighting their lineup of True Wireless Earbuds for the holiday season:

Jabra Elite 3 – RM249 (Promo Price)

3. Jabra Elite 3

This one’s for the thrifty listeners. From 18 to 31 December, you can get the Jabra Elite 3 for a special holiday price at RM249 (RRP: RM389). These earbuds boast some decent tech with 6mm speakers, 4-microphone call tech, and Qualcomm aptXTM integration. On top of noise isolation features, these buds also have a robust battery life of up to seven hours (28 with the case). It also comes in three colours – Dark Grey, Navy, Lilac, and Light Beige.

Jabra Elite 8 Active – RM1,049

4. Jabra Elite 8 Active

If durability is on your wishlist, the Jabra Elite 8 Active is one of the sturdier options. Jabra claims that these buds have met US Military Standards as ‘The World’s Toughest Earbuds’. On top of its 32-hour battery life, it also comes with an IP68 rating to brave dust, water, and sweat. It’s equipped with Dolby Audio, Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, and Wind Neutralizing HearThrough tech – sounds pretty good. It also comes in three colours – Caramel, Navy, and Dark Grey.

Jabra Elite 10 – RM1,299

5. Jabra Elite 10

If you’re willing to spend a little bit more, these earbuds are made for those with premium tastes. Optimized for Dolby Atmos with Dolby Head Tracking, these buds providing a audio experience that follows your head movements. It also comes with Advanced Active Noise Cancellation which can adapt to your surroundings. The Jabra Elite 10 comes in three colours – Caramel, Navy, and Dark Grey.

To find out more about these earbuds and where to buy them, you can check out Jabra’s official website.

If you’re looking for more goodies, Jabra is also currently running its ‘JOM CUTI! LUCKY DRAW’ holiday giveaway until 31 December 2023. You can win holiday vacations to destinations like Club Med Phuket and Club Med Cherating among other prizes. For more details about the contest, you can visit @jabra_my on Instagram.

Feature, Lifestyle

3 Wireless Earbuds Below MYR50 That May Be Worth Your Buck

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We’re always reviewing the latest and greatest in tech when it comes to our regular content. So we thought it’d be a nice change of pace to check out a few earbuds that are below MYR 50. Here are three that left an impression.

1. AWEI T60 TWS Wireless Bluetooth

Price: MYR39

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I’ve personally had experience with these earbuds. That’s why I’m putting them at the top of this list. They come with easy touch controls, a long-lasting battery and a fast-charging base that takes about 30 minutes to an hour for a full charge. It’s also a little flashy with cool breathing lights.

These have been my ride-or-die earbuds for a little bit now. It’s thanks to the decent sound quality and punchy bass. There may be a few glitches when it comes to Bluetooth stability and connection, however, overall it’s a pretty decent set of earbuds for the price.

The Awei T60 TWS Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds are available on Shopee and Lazada.

2. Baseus Encok WM01 TWS Bluetooth Earphones 

Price: MYR45.60

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If you are one for style and aesthetics then I recommend this lovely pair – The Baseus Encok WM01. They come in 6 shades: Black, Yellow, Green, White, Pink, and Purple. It’s perfect for those who want to keep to their style, these earbuds have great sound and thanks to their noise reduction systems make listening to your tunes a breeze without the hassle of being disturbed.

It’s also pretty compact and fits snugly in your ear. It has a long-lasting battery of over 5 hours when fully charged and 25 hours with the charging case.

The Baseus Encok WM01 are available on Shopee and Lazada.

3. 【BACRAB】K55 Wireless Bluetooth 

Price: MYR37.50

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If you are looking for earbuds mainly for gaming you should check out the BACRAB K55. They’re decently powerful earphones that will not disturb or cause issues when used for games.

I’ve used it for a year myself and it didn’t have many issues. It also doesn’t affect game performance or connectivity on games like Mobile Legends or League of Legends Wild Rift.  On average, the K55 can last up to 3 hours while gaming. Listening to music alone would give you an added hour or 2 of use.

It’s got decent sound, and punchy bass allowing you to immerse yourself in your games and music. It’s also got that gamer aesthetic complete with touch controls.

The Bacrab K55 is available on Shopee and Lazada

Lifestyle, News

Bose Unleashes New QuietComfort Lineup with new Bose Immersive Audio Technology

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Bose has unveiled a trio of new audio products set to redefine the listening experience: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, and QuietComfort Headphones. These devices maintain Bose’s signature sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort while introducing a significant innovation—Bose Immersive Audio.

Bose Immersive Audio

Bose’s Immersive Audio is the company’s take on directional audio. Unlike its competitors, the technology doesn’t use AI to approximate audio direction – particularly when it comes to headphones. Instead, it generates a wider, more spacious soundstage that allows for layered, multidimensional sound. The best part? It’s platform agnostic – meaning that it’s done on the headphones itself. The onboard IMU and Bose’s proprietary digital signal processing software allows for a live concert-like experience, even with audio sources that don’t natively support spatial audio.

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It comes with two modes: Still and Motion. “Still” mode keeps audio stationery for a consistent experience, while “Motion” mode, adapts sound according to your position and movements.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

These headphones replace the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 as Bose’s top-tier over-ear headphones. They address a common concern by folding it down for easy storage. The headphones introduce Bose’s Immersive Audio technology, along with CustomTune audio calibration. They provide clear calls, accurate voice assistant responses, and up to 24 hours of battery life.

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The new QuietComfort Ultra headphones feature a completely re-engineered system with proprietary signal processing, advanced microphones and a robust chipset. These technologies enable improved noise cancellation and CustomTune while supporting Bose’s Aware mode with ActiveSense and improved voice pickup.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Building on the success of the QC Earbuds II, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer noise cancellation, CustomTune calibration, responsive touch controls, and now Immersive Audio. Improved call quality is achieved through adaptive filters and dynamic microphone mixing. It also comes with an IPX4 water and dust resistance rating. They provide up to six hours of battery life, with an optional case for wireless charging.

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Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Replacing the QuietComfort 45 Headphones, these offer high-fidelity audio and noise cancellation. Users can customize noise cancellation levels and modes. They provide up to 24 hours of battery life, support multipoint Bluetooth 5.1, and include a Spotify Tap button for convenience.

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Compatibility and Connectivity

All three products support Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite, including Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec for audio streaming. They are Bluetooth 5.3 compatible and feature Google Fast Pair for Android devices. They are also compatible with Bose SimpleSync technology, allowing personalized pairing with select soundbars and speakers.

Pricing & Availability

Pre-orders for these products are now open.

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are priced at GBP£449 (MYR2,610.17) while the Earbuds will cost GBP£299 (MYR1,738.21). Both will be available starting in early October in Black and White Smoke.

The QuietComfort Headphones will be available on September 21, 2023, in Black and White Smoke. There will also be a limited-edition Cypress Green colour. It will be priced at GBP£349 (MYR2,028.89).

The wireless charging case which is compatible with both the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the QC Earbuds II will be on sale for GBP£49.95 (MYR290.38).

There isn’t any word yet on when these products will be available in Malaysia. However, you can still purchase it on the Bose website.

Gaming, Lifestyle, News

Sony Introduces Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore with Playstation Link – Immersive Audio for Remote Play

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Sony is known for pushing the boundaries of gaming, and their latest audio products – the Pulse Elite wireless headset and the Pulse Explore wireless earbuds – are no exception.

Pulse Elite Wireless Headset: Over-Ear Immersion for Remote Play

The Pulse Elite is Sony’s brand-new wireless headset designed to take your gaming audio to the next level. One of its standout features is lossless audio, ensuring that you’ll hear every detail with pristine clarity. But that’s not all; it comes equipped with a retractable boom mic enhanced with AI-powered noise rejection. This feature intelligently filters out background noise, keeping your communication crystal clear even in noisy environments.

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To add to its convenience, Pulse Elite comes with a charging hanger for easy storage and quick charging, ensuring you’re always ready for your next gaming session. The premium design and comfortable over-ear fit make it perfect for long gaming sessions. The only downside? It requires a USB dongle for use with the PlayStation 5, so keep track of that small but essential piece of tech.

The Pulse Elite is built for audiophiles according to Sony, and that’s why they’ve equipped the Pulse Elite with custom-designed planar magnetic drivers. These drivers are usually found in premium headphones used by sound engineers, guaranteeing an audiophile-level listening experience.

Pulse Explore Wireless Earbuds: Gaming Meets Multitasking

For those who prefer a more portable audio experience, Sony unveiled the Pulse Explore wireless earbuds. These earbuds offer a unique blend of lossless audio quality and low-latency performance, making them perfect for gaming.

But what sets these earbuds apart is their ability to multitask. They can connect to the PlayStation 5 via a USB dongle and simultaneously link to a secondary device via Bluetooth. This means you can stay immersed in your game while taking a phone call or listening to your favourite podcast on the side.

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Like the Pulse Elite, the Pulse Explore also features custom-designed planar magnetic drivers for an unmatched listening experience. Plus, their futuristic design complements the PlayStation 5’s aesthetics.

Both Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore leverage PlayStation Link, Sony’s proprietary wireless audio technology. This technology offers low latency, lossless audio and seamless switching between multiple PlayStation Link hosts, such as the PS5 with the USB adapter and PlayStation Portal.

The USB adapter included with each headset and earbuds is required for PlayStation Link when using them with the PS5. This adapter will also be available for purchase separately and can be used on PC and Mac, ensuring that you can enjoy the same lossless, low-latency audio experience on your computer.

Pricing & Availability

These two audio devices are a new addition to Sony’s growing slate of PlayStation accessories. Together with the PlayStation Portal, Sony seems to be carving out an ecosystem that centres around the console.

Sony hasn’t revealed availability details just yet. However, the Pulse Explore will be priced at USD$199.99 (MYR932.42), EUR219.99 (MYR1,101.99), GBP199.99 (MYR1,171.15) and JPY29,980 (MYR949.36); while the Pulse Elite is priced at USD$149.99 (MYR699.29), EUR149.99 (MYR750.37), GBP129.99(MYR760.10) and JPY18,980 (MYR600.87).

Reviews

Soundcore A20i In-Depth Review – TWS Essentials Done Right

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Anker continues to expand its influence in the earbud market with its latest True Wireless entry in the Soundcore series, the Soundcore A20i. With prices going as low as RM 89 on discount, one could easily doubt the quality of these earbuds. But you are in for a pleasant surprise!

A20i feature

Design

Positioned as a budget-friendly model, the A20i is not the flashiest in terms of design. The charging case has the conventional cuboidal shape with rounded edge, as with most entries in the market. There is only the Soundcore logo branded on the top, a white LED charging indicator on the bottom lip of the case opening and a handy lanyard. This minimalistic design is also reflected on the earbuds themselves, with only the engraved Soundcore logo and slightly tapered edges for the button heads.

A20i buds close up

The same lightweight material is used for both the Soundcore A20i case and earbuds. It has good grip and more importantly, is not a magnet for dust or fingerprints. When using these earbuds in the gym or during brisk walking, its light weight coupled with well-fitting tips helped the earbuds stay on. The buds were still easy to grip even when handling with sweaty hands. The form factor of the buds are also on the smaller side and comes with rubber tips, which makes it very comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Even through sweat and long hours, there are times where I almost forget that I’m wearing them.

Hardware and Features

The wireless sound of the Soundcore A20i works over Bluetooth 5.3, with a very stable connection. I frequently used the buds at the gym or at work and rarely ever had a disconnect. Even when moving up to 4 meters away from my connected device, I did not experience any crackling or connection drops.

Pairing the earbuds was very quick and is mediated through the Soundcore app. Simply remove the earbuds from the case and it is immediately discoverable by Bluetooth, and with one tap, its ready. Connecting with PC was also seamless, with the buds being immediately discoverable and connected on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices.

A20i angled

As this is a budget set of earbuds, there are limitations in its features. There is no multi-point connection available, so you can only have one device connected to the A20i at any given time. There is no support for higher end audio features such as Hi-Res Audio and also, no Active Noise Cancelling. It does however, come with IPX5 waterproof rating, so no stress when caught in bad weather or hitting the gym.

Soundcore App

The Soundcore App is one of the plus points of getting the A20i, or any other Soundcore product for that matter. The landing page is streamlined, showing your connected device and a battery snapshot.

Soundcore connected

Tapping into your device brings up the device settings, allowing you to adjust the equalizer and customize the tap controls on the earbuds. At the bottom, tapping the tab with the Anker logo in the middle brings you to an Anker landing page with a few nifty features. The Discovery tab shows the latest news and products from Anker while the White Noise tab gives a selection of free, white noise channels with different subgenres to them. I spent some hours on these channels as they are quite diverse and rather relaxing to listen to while I’m at work, or even writing this article.

Equalizer Soundcore
Tap function Soundcore

The Equalizer is pretty comprehensive and there are audible differences in the audio with each setting. As someone who prefers more punchier bass in their music, I find the soundcore Signature setting with BassUp turned on to be quite acceptable. I use the Podcast setting when I’m listening to podcasts, which helps improve clarity especially in noisy environments. The customization of the tap functions is simple yet covers the necessary bases. It is good enough to let me listen to music and use Google Assistant features without looking at my phone screen. One minor complaint is that when adjusting the volume via tap, there is a bit of a delay between the tap and the volume changing. However, it is no dealbreaker. I also found the user interface of the Soundcore app to be aesthetically pleasing and easy to use.

Performance

Sound Quality

Considering its price tag, the Soundcore A20i pleasantly surprised me with its sound quality. Testing was mainly done with Spotify, YouTube and Netflix. I was impressed with the volume of the earbuds. In a busy environment with the smaller ear tips, I was able to clearly listen to YouTube videos even without noise cancelling. There is very good clarity on the highs and mids; they did not sound muddled and even at full volume, I never heard any distortion. While the bass will not set your heart racing, it is audible and punchy enough to round out the music. The BassUp feature in the Soundcore Signature is definitely a must if you prefer louder punchier bass as without it, I found it pretty middling. The voice clarity, be it in music, podcasts, Netflix or YouTube videos, were always crisp and clear.

A20i headshot

No complaints on call quality too. With testing on WhatsApp calls, Microsoft Teams and regular phone calls, I found call audio to be clear and crisp. The earbuds also come with dual mics, which resulted in the voice being clear and have good volume too. In a noisy environment however, the background noises did get picked up by the mics.

Audio quality in games is also good. There is a dedicated game mode which is claimed to enhance the sound of footsteps, voices and improves latency too. The audio quality on PUBG Mobile was good, with footsteps and gunshots ringing clear. Honestly, I did not hear a remarkable improvement in the sounds of footsteps in Game Mode. But that is mainly because I found the audio quality to be loud and clear enough even without Game Mode.

Battery life

The battery life is another impressive feature of the Soundcore A20i. With a single charge on the buds, I managed to get around 9 hours of playtime. The case holds up to two (almost) full charges and is charged with the provided USB-C cable. With a fully charged earbud and with additional charging from the case, the total playtime from the A20i was approximately 27 hours.

The Verdict – Probably the best no frills wireless earbuds of 2023!

Overall, the Soundcore A20i offers an impressive, no frills, true wireless earbuds that does the essentials really well. For a price point below RM100, it has impressive sound quality, IPX5 rating, stable connectivity, good build quality and wearing comfort. It is a great option for anyone looking for their first TWS earbuds on the cheap, as a pair of secondary earbuds or even as a pair of basic fitness buds.