Tag Archives: Spatial Audio

Sony INZONE Buds & Sony INZONE H5 Headset Unleashed for the Ultimate Gaming Experience

October 11, 2023 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Sony is at it again bringing its audio prowess to gaming-focused products. Its latest offerings, the INZONE Buds and INZONE H5 are set to level up your gaming experience. These audio devices are a collaboration with Fnatic, the iconic esports team with back-to-back international titles.

INZONE Buds Wirelessly Elevating Your Gameplay

With the INZONE Buds, your gaming experience becomes a truly wireless one. The INZONE Buds come with a high-performance driver unit, the Dynamic Driver X, which can deliver deep bass, robust mids and highs. It also brings every sound within the game, from powerful explosions to subtle footsteps to life off the screen with minimal distortion. Sony touts unparalleled auditory realism with Buds. They also come with a new design that minimizes ear contact, making extended gaming sessions more comfortable.

The INZONE Buds comes with 360 Spatial Sound. The 360 Spatial Sound immerses you in the game. You’ll be able to hear your opponents no matter where they are with precision giving you a competitive edge. Sony has taken the science of sound to another level by customizing the sound field to your ears. Using the 360 Spatial Sound Personaliser app, you can create a personalized hearing profile based on your ear shape and canal acoustics.

INZONE Buds feature Sony’s active noise cancellation, ensuring you’re fully immersed in your game. This is enhanced with AI-augmented noise reduction which utilises the microphones of the buds to intelligently cancel out ambient noise.

Sony’s INZONE Buds takes speed and latency seriously. Like its recently announced PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds, the INZONE Buds come with a USB-C dongle connection. According to Sony, the USB-C dongle ensures a latency of less than 30ms and latency is crucial when it comes to gaming especially if you’re doing it competitively.

The INZONE Buds boast an impressive battery life, thanks to the low-power L1 processor. You get up to 12 hours on the headphones and an additional 24 hours with the charging case – the industry’s longest battery life. With Bluetooth Low Energy compatibility the INZONE Buds can provide 24 hours of battery life when connected to your smart device. You can even leverage Sony’s Headphone Connect app to tweak your settings.

INZONE H5: Your Ideal Gaming Companion

The INZONE H5 Headphones are a step above the H3 which was announced nearly a year ago. They offer a 2.4GHz wireless connection freeing you from your gaming setup. Like the INZONE Buds, the H5 delivers 360 Spatial Sound, pinpointing sound positions in 3D space.

Weighing just 260g, featuring soft-fit ear pads and a low-pressure design, the INZONE H5 is built for extended gaming sessions. AI-based noise reduction and a bi-directional microphone enhance your gaming experience while you also get to communicate seamlessly with your teammates.

You’ll be able to enjoy up to 28 hours of wireless gameplay on a single charge. If you run out of juice midway through your gaming session, you can simply plug in with the 3.5 mm plug.

Pricing & Availability:

These gaming audio devices will be available in Malaysia from October 2023.

The INZONE Buds will be available in Black and White and will be priced from MYR899.

The INZONE H5 will be available in Black and White. No pricing details have been announced just yet. However, given that it’s positioned between the H3 which is priced at MYR439 and the H7 which is priced at MYR1,099, we expect it to be priced at about MYR700 to MYR850. In the US, the H5 is priced at USD$149.99 which equates to about MYR709.

Together with the two new products, Sony also announced a new black colour for the INZONE H9 which is priced at MYR1,299.

News

OPPO MariSilicon Y Promises High Fidelity Bluetooth Audio

December 14, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

After announcing their MariSilicon X last year, OPPO is continuing their foray into the silicon space with a new dedicated processing unit they’ve named the MariSilicon Y. This year, they aren’t focusing on optics though, they’ve set their eyes on Bluetooth Audio. The MariSilicon Y comes with a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) and is capable of up to 509 GOPS of on-device computing.

The new System on a Chip (SoC) is made using N6RF technology – the same technology used to create cutting edge 5G technology. OPPO has utilised the fabrication to create a dedicated chip that helps increase the fidelity of Bluetooth audio by increasing Bluetooth bandwidth by up to 50%. This is in comparison to currently available Bluetooth SoCs. OPPO has developed an in-house Pro Bluetooth pack that enables this increase. It allows for transmission of 24-bit audio at 192kHz. That’s the same lossless quality we used to get with audio CDs! Simply put, this processor is able to give you more detailed audio over the same Bluetooth connection that you have with your wireless earbuds.

The unprecedented bandwidth, 12Mbps transmission ratge and audio quality empowers a more robust listening experience complete with the capabilities for spatial audio experiences. OPPO also uses an in-house codec to achieve this. OPPO touts that their new URLC codec is supposedly able to have better compression rates than current codecs like LDAC, LHDC, AAC and AptX. However, the MariSilicon Y still supports these codecs for universal compatibility and is one of the first SoCs with next generation L3C codec support.

The MariSilicon Y also has built-in AI that is able to take listening experiences to the next level. It is able to recognise and isolate different layers of music and even change the spatial location of given layers. In the demo during the INNO Day 2022, they isolated a single instrument – the guitar – in the audio and were able to up the volume as well as swap the space which the sound occupied during playback. Of course, this would be more obvious with headphones than on a speaker.

Being in the sound technology space is not very new for OPPO. Prior to being a big name in the mobile space, the company built its reputation with some of the best audio products on the market until 2018. However, they have recently been returning to the audio space with products like their OPPO Enco line up of earbuds.

Accessories, Computers, Gaming, Lifestyle, News

Razer’s Leviathan V2 PC Soundbar Takes Immersive Gaming to a Whole New Level for MYR 1,399

April 22, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

Yesterday we said it is a good time to build a gaming PC. Specifically, we pointed out that building a budget gaming PC at this time is quite perfect. Thing is, it is not just budget PC parts that are being launched left and right, there are some high-end ones too like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti, making it also the perfect time to build a high-end PC.

If you are looking to build a high-performance entertainment powerhouse though, you do not want to forget to kit it out with the best possible audio gear. While it is plenty overlooked, audio is an important component in not just gaming, but for general entertainment. It can enhance and even break your experience. Even in video calls, you tend to want to prioritise a clear and stable voice communication over video, because that is where a large portion of the communications happen.

Most of the time, when you build a high-end PC and decides on the audio solution, you do not want to stay with the built-in speakers your display comes with. Most users tend to buy a pair of headphones to work with in this case. But headphones tend to be a little restrictive, and uncomfortable in extended periods of gaming. What if you also want your audio gear to be your main listening tool for movies and music without being too restrictive?

You get a sound bar of course. Yes, just like the one you see for televisions (TV). Not just any sound bar though, you get a Razer gaming soundbar made specifically to fit your crowded gaming desk set up, look good on it, and sound stellar in gaming conditions.

Welcome to the Razer Leviathan V2, the follow-up to the highly acclaimed Razer Leviathan launched about seven years ago now. Like it predecessor, it also comes with a subwoofer box in the box. You might be fine without the subwoofer box though.

Compact, Powerful, Immersive

It packs two full range drivers to drive everything from the mid-range frequencies to the higher end ones. To give better clarity and detail on the higher-end frequencies though, Razer has also fitted two tweeters to accompany the full range drivers. To ensure that audio sounds full, especially in gaming, you must have big booms. For that, you get two down-firing subwoofers that brings some rumble to your desk when you need it.

You might think that having the speaker in front of you might take out some of its immersive feel. True, you do not have rear firing speakers to feed some spatial awareness into your ears. This soundbar comes with THX Spatial Audio technology though and is activated when you connect it to a PC. That also means that you get a virtual surround sound experience like no other on your gaming PC.

Visually Stunning and Versatile

To add to the visual drama, Razer fitted this soundbar with 18 lighting zones powered by Razer Chroma RGB. You can match the light works with your other Razer gear via Synapse, or even make your games for immersive by matching the lights to whatever you see on your screen.

It is also a rather versatile piece of kit to have on your desk. Like the older Leviathan, the V2 is also a wireless speaker when you want it to be. It is Bluetooth 5.2 enabled so that you can connect your smartphone to it for when you just want to listen to music without your PC. Bluetooth 5.2 also ensures that the connection between your smartphone and speakers stay stellar. Just to fine tune the speakers to your liking, Razer also made the feet on the speakers detachable and replaceable for differing angles.

Availability and Price

The Razer Leviathan V2 is now available on Razer.com and its authorised retailers across the nation. It will set you back MYR 1,399, which is about the same price as most decent all-in-one soundbar these days. More information on the Razer Leviathan V2 can be found on their website.

Computers, Lifestyle, News

Apple Confirms That Their Studio Display Works with Windows, with Some Caveats

March 10, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

Apple is just fresh off their most recent launch of the new M1 Ultra chip in a very expensive Mac Studio. In their most recent launch event, they also released a certain display made for the studios at a much more affordable rate than their premium Pro Display XDR. They launched an MYR 6,999 monitor called the Studio Display with 5K resolution and three options for a stand and mount.

The monitor works exclusively with USB Type-C ports with one of them being a Thunderbolt 3 port that feeds the display feed from Mac devices. But the fact that it is a Thunderbolt supported device should also mean that any PC users can enjoy the clarity that is offered by a 5K display.

Apple says to MacRumors that PC users can use the Studio Display with little to no issues at all. Thunderbolt capability means that any PC with Thunderbolt and display capability on its USB Type-C port can output a display on the Studio Display. So far so good, anyone looking for a studio display with more than 4K resolution on tap. They did say that there are certain limitations though.

Despite the Apple A13 Bionic chip they are putting in the Studio Display, it does not do anything that a regular display does not. There are no smart elements to this display like Samsung’s Smart monitors for work. It only works when there is another Mac or PC connected to it. Except, a PC will not be able to take full advantage of what the display has to offer.

There is a native firmware that runs on the Studio Display. The firmware is what runs the webcam, its Centre Stage function, True Tone, Spatial Audio, or any other functions that might require a firmware to work with. All of those requires MacOS to run.

That also means that the only thing you are going to be using the Studio Display as just that, a display. Apple also said that the resolution will also depend on what system it connects too. That could also mean that you might not even get the 5K resolution that is promised by the display.

The 27-inch Apple Studio Display starts at MYR 6,999. There are three mounting and stand option for the new 5K resolution monitor. Its availability date in Malaysia has not been confirmed thus far, but an official pricing also means that it will be available not too long after the United States gets their share of the new Apple displays. More information on the Apple Studio Display can be found on their website.

Accessories, iOS, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

Just Like That, We Have the Apple AirPods; the Third

October 19, 2021 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

It does not really matter whether you like the Apple AirPods or not. It is, in its two generations, the best-selling Truly Wireless Earphones you can find in the market today. In its two generations too, there has not been much in terms of design changes. Until now of course.

The third generation Apple AirPods has just been unveiled in Apple’s event just last night (1 a.m. at +8GMT, Kuala Lumpur time), and it is the best AirPods you can buy today, second only to the AirPods Pro. The new earbuds feature a new design that is supposed to stay in your ears better now without needing a silicon tip. The changes are more than skin deep though.

The new AirPods feature Apple’s proven H1 chip for acoustic processing. Thanks to the H1 chip as well, Apple’s AirPods can now deliver Adaptive EQ with the new Apple AirPods. That also means that the AirPods ensures that users get the best aural experience with the AirPods no matter the fit.

The Dolby Atmos enabled AirPods now features Apple’s brilliant Spatial Audio technology too. That also means that you now get 3D virtual surround sound on Apple Music, Apple TV+, and other apps that supports Spatial Audio. Your audio experience is not just better, but it is now even more immersive and rich thanks to Spatial Audio.

Source: Apple
Source: Apple
Source: Apple
Source: Apple
Source: Apple

At the same time, the Third Generation Apple AirPods can last even longer than before. It now offers 6 hours in listening time, more than enough for your gym sessions. Once you run out of juice, the case can charge the AirPods four more times for a total of 30 hours of music playback time. Of course, it offers wireless charging with MagSafe.

The Third Generation (3^rd Generation) AirPods will be available in the United States and 26 other countries in the coming week. It will be available for US$ 179 (MYR 829*) on the 26^th of October 2021 onward. There are no confirmations on whether or not Malaysia is included in the list of 26 countries. Considering that Malaysia got the iPhone 13 series quite fast this time round though, we might not have to wait all that long for the new Apple AirPods to arrive. More information on the Apple AirPods can be found on their website.

*Official Malaysia Pricing

iOS, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

More Apple Spatial Audio! This Time on Clubhouse!

August 30, 2021 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

Apple’s Spatial Audio is sure making its rounds. In the previous weeks, the excellent virtual surround sound audio technology makes its way into Netflix apps for the iPhone and iPad. You can now use your Apple AirPods Pro and AirPods Max with Spatial Audio when watching Netflix on your iPhone or iPad. It does make sense too, in a sense. You get more immersive experience from your pocket devices.

Spatial Audio is nothing new though. Apple has implemented their own 360 virtual audio technology in they own apps. Apple’s Music app has embraced the surround sound technology since the beginning. Even Apple’s Apple TV+ has integrated the technology for a while now. The feature will be coming to other apps like Spotify eventually, of course you do have to wait for the clever developers to tinker with the technology and its algorithms a bit more.

There is one other app that just got Spatial Audio for their app though. That app in question is Clubhouse. They announced this milestone on their Twitter page, very much like any respected app organisation on Social Media platforms. Now is the time you start asking; “why?”

Hear ye, hear ye 🔊 spAAaAaAatial audio on Clubhouse!

It’s like surround sound, but w/ your own headphones. A more vibrant, human experience! Plus makes it much easier to tell who’s talking.

thanks to @juberti for this one 👏 rolling out now on iOS, Android coming soon! pic.twitter.com/Zit6F9ijRK
— Clubhouse (@Clubhouse) August 29, 2021

Again, surround sound technology is not exactly new. The technology does add a bit more in terms of realism in films. In Music, it adds a sort of depth perception of a recording studio, or stage. The technology puts your right in the middle of the action. In the case of Clubhouse, while you might argue that the reason the developers added Spatial Audio feature to the app on Apple devices is “because they can”, it is a bit more than that.

Yes, over the internet, you are getting high-quality voice calls from Clubhouse itself. It is the next best thing to hanging out with a bunch of people physically. At the same time, you are connecting with so many people from all over the world. You can just sit in a ‘club’ with hundreds of people all from different regions of the world practically.

While that is already impressive enough, there is a way to make it better. Yes, the answer to that is surround sound. Again, surround sound is more than just an entertainment technology. It can add a perception of space and depth around you with the right headphones. That is exactly what Clubhouse is trying to achieve here. They wat to add that sense of perception, that sense of realism.

The addition will also mean that Clubhouse is realty now the next best thing in terms of hanging out with your friends in this trying times. It may not make you choose clubhouse over other similar platforms at this time. It does add some sense of intimacy with other clubhouse users and friends on the platform though. You would really feel like you are talking to the person next to you.

The update is now rolling out for the Clubhouse app on iOS. There are still limitations to its implementation which also means you might not hear that much in difference when you get on the app, especially on Bluetooth audio. Clubhouse, on their Twitter post is also saying that Android will get its fair share of Spatial Audio soon. Clubhouse is now available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Accessories, iOS, Lifestyle, Mobile

Netflix Now Supports Spatial Audio on Apple iPhone and iPad

August 19, 2021 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

Spatial audio for Apple devices was announced back in 2020. It is Apple’s idea of a sort of 3D audio on Dolby Atmos. 3D audio was not really a new concept either at this point. Major electronic vendors like Sony have started experimenting with their own version of 3D audio with their 360 Reality Audio technology and their very own 3D Audio on the PlayStation 5. In a sense, if you want to describe Spatial Audio, it is like a virtual surround sound.

There is a sort of hardware limitation to the technology though. Not every audio hardware can support the technology at this time. That said, Apple’s latest TWS headphones line up like the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max supports the technology. Then you have a problem with the software side of things, not every software supports the technology yet. Why would you launch a technology that is not supported by any contents then?

There are no straight answers here. One of the answers is simply because they can. At the same time though, the announcement is a sort of signal to all the developers that are developing on the iOS platform. A sort of notice to tell people that Apple has the technology and developers can take advantage of the technology on their apps, with the right support of course.

Spatial Audio is not just beneficial for music or the illusion of live music though. It has the potential to really elevate your audio experience without spending thousands upon thousands of top dollars on top of what you already have. It is, in a sense, a cheap way to get immersive audio. Of course, the audio quality really depends on your audio hardware itself, and its tuning; you cannot defy the law of physics still.

This opens up the avenue for immersive entertainment experience on the go too. You can bring the cinema experience in your pockets. You can watch a movie on your Apple iPhone, for example, and feel like you are in the theatres while you are flying from Johannesburg to London.

Now, you can watch Netflix on iPhone and iPad with Spatial Audio. The first app that supported Apple’s Spatial Audio was Apple’s very own Music app in 2021. The support for Spatial Audio then extends to the Apple TV 4K as well at the same time.

Weirdly, Netflix is not the first third party app that received Spatial Audio treatment. Instead, apps like Disney Plus, and HBO Max are the first third party apps to receive the support. Of course, Apple would have equipped their Apple TV Plus app with Spatial Audio capabilities early on. In that sense, the support for Spatial Audio for Netflix is a long time coming. That is not to say that the update is not a welcome update though.

Users should expect to see the update rolling into their Apple iPad and Apple iPhone devices in the coming days. If you do not have Netflix, you can always try Apple’s Spatial Audio technology via Apple TV Plus app. Just make sure you have an Apple AirPods Pro or AirPods Max to go with your Apple iPhone and iPad. For Netflix users, you can turn on Spatial Audio from Netflix’s settings menu. If you do not see the option yet, you might want to check if your app is updated or wait for the latest app update from the Apple App Store.

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