The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the trade association that oversees Bluetooth technology, today announced the adoption of Bluetooth High Data Throughput (HDT), the next major milestone in the evolution of Bluetooth technology, introducing faster data transfer, increased capacity, better energy efficiency, and enhanced reliability. By significantly expanding the Bluetooth performance envelope, Bluetooth HDT establishes the foundation for the next generation of wireless experiences and continued innovation across the global Bluetooth ecosystem.

Neville Meijers, CEO of the Bluetooth SIG"As the world's most widely used wireless standard, Bluetooth technology has continually evolved to meet the growing demands of an increasingly connected world," "The Bluetooth SIG member community has once again risen to the challenge. Bluetooth HDT brings a new level of performance to Bluetooth technology, expanding the role it can play across consumer, commercial, and industrial markets and creating a powerful foundation for the next generation of wireless innovation."

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the Razer Barracuda V2 Pro, a premium multi-platform wireless gaming headset engineered for gamers who move seamlessly between desktop gaming and mobile use, with added flexibility for console and handheld play.

Built for the way gamers play today, the Barracuda V2 Pro combines Razer TriForce Bio-Cellulose 40 mm Drivers, THX Spatial Audio+, Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, AI-powered microphone noise cancellation, and simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth connectivity in a headset with up to 70 hours of battery life.

LG Electronics (LG) today announced the global launch of LG xboom Blast, a premium portable Bluetooth party speaker designed to bring the energy of a great party wherever people gather. Built for beach days, camping trips, poolside gatherings and backyard celebrations, LG xboom Blast combines powerful sound, long-lasting reliability and intelligent audio technologies in a durable, portable design.

LG xboom Blast expands LG's growing family of xboom party speakers with a model designed specifically for outdoor use. With up to 220-watts of output, up to 36 hours of battery life and IP68-rated protection, LG xboom Blast combines powerful audio, portability and durability to helps users enjoy immersive sound across a wide range of outdoor environments.

Ergohaven has announced the K:04, a new split ergonomic mechanical keyboard featuring an adaptable modular design that allows users to add navigation modules to expand the keyboard's functionality beyond just typing. The K:04 is designed around ergonomics, with a 58-key layout split between two separate halves that communicate wirelessly using Bluetooth LE. The 58-key layout roughly mimics a 60% keyboard by keeping the number row and eliminating dedicated navigation keys—those are placed on secondary layers, which can be accessed with a key in the thumb cluster. Each half has three or four thumb keys, depending on how far you want to reach under your palm with your thumb. It also features a columnar stagger, which means the keys are offset vertically in order to better align them to the curvature of your fingertips when your hands are at rest and prevent straining to reach keys. The K:04 is available from the Ergohaven online shop in several different configurations, with the base keyboard without switches or keycaps coming in at $180. Adding switches and low-profile blank keycaps brings it up to $240, while adding labelled low-profile Space Encounters keycaps or sculpted keycaps brings the price up to $265 or $280, respectively.

The headline feature of the K:04 is its interchangeable input modules, which allow users to expand functionality by adding a rotary encoder, a touchpad, or a track ball to the inside edge of either half of the keyboard. The keyboard's layout and the functionality of each module are configurable in Ergohaven's open-source Entropy customization software, based on Vial, and the configured functionality of each module will remain on the keyboard's controller if the module is removed and re-enabled whenever the module is reinserted. The keyboard itself is also highly configurable, with the design being based around the Gateron LP 3.0 switch standard but also supporting full-height MX switches with an additional switch plate. Each module also adds additional cost to the keyboard, starting with the rotary encoder at $35, the touchpad at $55, and the 32 mm trackball at $65.

8BitDo has released a limited edition version of its Retro 68 mechanical keyboard to mark Apple's 50th anniversary. Called the AP50, it takes direct visual inspiration from the Apple II color scheme with the familiar beige and brown colors of that era of computing. The keyboard uses a 68-key compact layout built around a gasket-mount system for better typing acoustics and a softer key-press feel. Construction is all-aluminium, chassis, plate, and keycaps, and the 323.3 x 138.5 x 46.5 mm body reflects that, with the keyboard weight reaching 2.2 kg. Switches are Kailh BOX Ice Cream Pro Max, and the PCB is hot-swappable if you want to try something else without soldering. RGB backlighting is included, and the keyboard is programmable through 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 or via fast-mapping directly on the keyboard without any software.

Connectivity covers all three modes: wired USB, 2.4G wireless, and Bluetooth LE. It's compatible with macOS, Windows 10 and above, and Android 9.0 and above. The 6500 mAh battery is rated for up to 300 hours of use with a 9-hour charge time. The package also includes a set of Wireless Dual Super Buttons (160.2 x 75.3 x 32.6 mm, 270 g), a 2.4G adapter, and a USB cable. At $499.99, the 8BitDo AP50 keyboard is clearly aimed at collectors and enthusiasts rather than anyone shopping on a budget.

8BitDo is adding another variant to its Retro R8 mouse lineup, this time drawing inspiration from the Commodore 64. Like the previous R8 models, the C64 Edition keeps the same internals: a PAW 3395 optical sensor with six DPI levels between 50 and 26,000 DPI, and polling rates up to 8,000 Hz over wired and 4,000 Hz over 2.4G (Bluetooth is capped at 125 Hz). The symmetrical design supports both left and right-hand use, and four programmable side buttons can be configured through the 8BitDo Ultimate Software. The switches haven't been specified for this variant. The NES-inspired N Edition uses Kailh Sword GM X micro switches, but 8BitDo hasn't confirmed whether the C64 Edition carries the same.

The mouse ships with a charging dock that doubles as a wireless signal extender, which is a nice touch. Battery life is rated at 100 hours over Bluetooth or between 26 and 105 hours on 2.4G depending on polling rate, with a full charge taking around 2.5 hours. All three connection modes are supported: Bluetooth LE 5.3, 2.4G wireless, and wired USB. The 8BitDo Retro R8 C64 Edition mouse is priced at $49.99, in line with the existing NES-inspired N Edition.

Espressif Systems (SSE: 688018.SH) is pleased to introduce the ESP32-E22, the company's first Wi-Fi 6E SoC and the foundation of a new product line aimed at high-performance wireless connectivity. As a Radio Co-Processor (RCP), ESP32-E22 integrates tri-band Wi-Fi 6E and dual-mode Bluetooth into a single subsystem, offloading the entire networking stack and enabling host processors to focus exclusively on application logic.

Built on Espressif's self-developed RISC-V processor architecture and Wi-Fi 6E protocol stack, ESP32-E22 offers long-term support, improved flexibility, and a resilient supply chain for demanding wireless products.

In a blog post on Xbox Wire, Microsoft has announced a new firmware update for the Xbox Wireless Headset that will add Bluetooth LE Audio support for compatible Windows 11 devices. The blog post specifically mentions the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, but any PC with Windows 11 and Bluetooth LE/LC3 audio support will be able to take advantage of the new features. Microsoft recently announced support for super wideband stereo voice support for Windows 11 and the Xbox Wireless Headset is the first headset we're aware of that now supports that feature.

Microsoft also promises that the firmware update will bring with it lower latency—this is part of the LC3 audio codec when compared to the old SBC audio codec—and improved battery life, although the company didn't say by how much. Finally the firmware will bring with it a preview of a broadcast audio feature that will allow "Windows 11 insiders on select PCs" to share the game audio with other Bluetooth devices, but the blog post doesn't go into any details of how this will work. The Xbox Wireless Headset will also be able to take advantage of super wideband stereo audio in Windows 11, which Microsoft claims will offer better in-game audio, although for those that already own a wireless headset with a dedicated dongle, this might not bring any real world advantages. To update the Xbox Wireless Headset you either need to use the Xbox Accessories app on an Xbox console or in Windows 11 and the update only applies to the 2024 version of the headset.

As part of the bi-annual release cadence, Bluetooth Core 6.2 has arrived. This update introduces new features that enhance device responsiveness, strengthen security, and improve communication and testing capabilities. Together, these advancements reinforce the Bluetooth Special Interest Group's (SIG) commitment to continuous innovation and provide developers with tools to meet evolving market demands.

Key features at a glance

• Bluetooth Shorter Connection Intervals reduces the minimum Bluetooth LE connection interval from 7.5 ms to just 375 µs, enabling much faster responsiveness. It is ideal for high-performance HID devices, real-time human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and latency-sensitive sensors.
• Bluetooth Channel Sounding Amplitude-based Attack Resilience adds robust protections against sophisticated amplitude-based RF attacks. This enhancement strengthens secure ranging systems and mitigates relay and spoofing threats—critical in automotive, smart home, and industrial applications.
• Bluetooth HCI USB LE Isochronous Support introduces Bulk Serialization Mode, a new mechanism for standardizing isochronous data transmission over USB. This update simplifies host-controller interface (HCI) packet handling and streamlines Bluetooth LE Audio integration for USB-based systems.
• Bluetooth LE Test Mode Enhancements enables a unified, future-proof control protocol for performing Bluetooth LE RF PHY tests, while also supporting over-the-air (OTA) transport, eliminating the need for a cabled test setup.

In a blog post, Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 is getting support for super wideband stereo Bluetooth LE Audio. That might sound like mumbo-jumbo, but so far, Windows has had some issues when it comes to using Bluetooth headset and audio. The standard Bluetooth SBC audio codec suffers from an issue where the speakers in a headset switches to mono audio if the microphone is being used. This is something Bluetooth LE Audio addressed by allowing for stereo audio while the microphone is in use, in combination with the new LC3 audio codec. However, Microsoft had as yet to implement it in Windows 11, which is the main part of the announcement in the blog post.

The super wideband stereo part on the other hand is largely marketing for 32 kHz audio being recorded from the microphone, versus a mere 8 kHz for the old SBC codec. This apparently allows for spatial audio in Teams calls, assuming you have the correct hardware, but it also improves game audio when playing with a Bluetooth headset and using the built-in microphone for in game chats. From an OS standpoint, the new features are already available, but according to Microsoft, driver updates might be needed for current hardware, if the hardware vendors support Bluetooth LE Audio to start with. Microsoft also points out that it expects most new Windows 11 PCs and laptops coming out later this year, will feature support out of the box. Note that a compatible headset is also required and many headsets out there lack support for the LC3 audio codec. Microsoft is hoping to bring CD-quality audio to Bluetooth LE devices in the future.

Audio-Technica announces the launch of its ATH-CKS50TW2 earbuds, bringing best-in-class battery life with all the powerful, full-spectrum sound of the originals now with even greater convenience. The earbuds give you up to 65 hours of playback - 25 hours from the fully charged headphones, plus an additional 40 hours available from the charging case. With noise cancelling on, enjoy 15 hours from the earbuds and 25 additional hours from the case. Additionally, if you're in a rush, a quick 5-minute charge provides up to 90 minutes of use.

The ATH-CKS50TW2 earbuds feature Audio-Technica's new patented Magnetic Switch technology which allows the earbuds to turn off when joined by built-in magnets, helping to preserve power when you're out and about without the charging case. The earbuds feature exclusive 9 mm high-definition drivers, specially made by Audio-Technica to deliver clear, full-range audio with deep, powerful bass.

Technics announces the EAH-AZ100, its latest true wireless earbuds, adding to the family of award-winning audio products backed by 60 years of sound engineering and product development. The EAH-AZ100 levels up users' sound experience with a newly developed, proprietary "Magnetic Fluid Driver" that creates clean, high-resolution, low-vibration and low-distortion sounds for the most authentic, balanced audio that's true to the original source.

For stress-free communication, the EAH-AZ100 introduces "Voice Focus AI"- an innovative feature that combines an AI noise reduction chip and three microphones in each earbud. This advanced technology delivers precise tuning, ensuring the ultimate call quality for both the speaker and the listener. "Voice Focus AI" goes beyond eliminating common call distractions, such as busy street traffic wind or other background noise. It actively analyses incoming sound, enhancing the sound of the caller.

LG Electronics (LG) unveiled its new audio product line of Bluetooth speakers and earbuds at CES 2025, created in partnership with multi-platinum musician and tech entrepreneur, will.i.am. This marks the debut of the "xboom by will.i.am" line, following the partnership announcement in early December.

LG recently appointed will.i.am as the "Experiential Architect" of the LG xboom brand, aiming to establish it as a culture-forward brand that elevates the listening experience to new heights through completely new sound and design values. All "xboom by will.i.am" audio products are professionally tuned by will.i.am, delivering the xboom signature sound - characterized by a more balanced audio profile with warmer tones. The product design is playfully compact and embodies will.i.am's creative artistry that stems from his life-long experience in pop culture. Leveraging both his extensive experience in understanding what people love and developing technology for creatives, will.i.am fundamentally inspires xboom's product development, design and brand marketing.

8BitDo is known for making retro gaming-themed peripherals, and it's now expanded that line-up with two more products in a transparent green color way reminiscent of the original Microsoft Xbox gaming console. The 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard has received a refresh in classic transparent Xbox colors, and 8BitDo has launched its first gaming mouse, the Retro R8 Mouse in the same color way. The new colorway incorporates the expected transparent green plastic enclosures for the mouse and keyboard and also features bright red, yellow, blue, and green accent colors that, following the traditional ABXY button colors. Both the new Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard ($199.99) and Retro R8 Mouse ($59.99) are available for pre-order on Amazon, although it looks like the initial batches on the mouse have sold out for now.

While 8BitDo has opted for Kailh Jellyfish X switches, likely for their transparent appearance, the hardware changes to the Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard are mostly limited to the transparent green case, keycaps, and extra macro buttons. The mouse, on the other hand, bears further inspection, since it's a new product category for 8BitDo. On a surface level, the 8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse looks like a typical ambidextrous gaming mouse, with a claimed eight programmable buttons, USB-C, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth LE connectivity, and up to 26,000 DPI resolution. While it's not advertised as a lightweight mouse, it's certainly not heavy for a wireless mouse, coming in at 77 g. The Retro R8 Mouse also comes with a matching charging dock, which 8BitDo says will charge the mouse to 100% in 2.5 hours and acts as a signal extender. 8BitDo claims that the mouse can achieve between 26 and 105 hours of use from its 450 mAh Li-ion battery in wireless mode, depending on the polling rate and connectivity mode.

Skullcandy announces the return of its iconic headphone franchise with the launch of the all-new Icon ANC. Nearly 20 years after the original Icon headphones made waves in the boardsports community, the new and improved Icon ANC is here to elevate the listening experience with active noise cancellation, sweat- and water-resistance, and an impressive 60 hours of battery life. Icon ANC is available globally now for $99.99 MSRP at Skullcandy.com and select retailers nationwide.

"The original Icon was a true fan favorite in the boardsport community. We took our fans' requests to heart and gave it a stylish and versatile makeover that's perfect for any adventure," said Justin Regan, VP of Marketing at Skullcandy. "Transcending its heritage, Icon ANC is all about embracing an active lifestyle for a new generation. From the slopes to the streets, these headphones aren't just an accessory—they're a statement."

JBL, a trailblazer in audio technology, has announced the new JBL Tour PRO 3, the most advanced True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds yet. With the introduction of dual drivers, JBL Spatial 360 with Head Tracking, True Adaptive Noise Cancellation 2.0, and a Smart Charging Case packing truly unique features, JBL Tour PRO 3 redefines the TWS listening and user experience.

Seamless Convenience with 'Everywhere Entertainment'
At the forefront of the JBL Tour PRO 3's innovations is the second-generation Smart Charging Case. The case not only provides full control of the earbud features, but also acts as a wireless audio transmitter, enabling 'Everywhere Entertainment' from any USB or analog source such as an inflight entertainment system. Simply plug in the charging case for an instant and automatic connection to your earbuds.

Jabra, a global leader in true wireless sound and hybrid work solutions, is unveiling the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 and Elite 10 Gen 2 earbuds. Building upon the same great design and success of their predecessors, these next-generation earbuds come with enhancements that strengthen the audio experience.

This includes the world's first LE Audio smart case, enhanced spatial sound powered by Dolby Audio for a better music experience, and enhanced Natural HearThrough for better awareness when outdoors. Jabra's Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has also been made even stronger with improved mid- and low-frequency noise cancellation.

Acer today announces two new models in its Aspire series of all-in-one PCs, delivering seamless AI-powered experiences for everyday computing and entertainment. With immersive 23.8- and 27-inch display options, smart collaboration features, and sleek, versatile designs, the Acer Aspire C range appeals to multiple types of users, including students, hybrid workers, and families. The new Acer Aspire C24 (C24-195ES) and Acer Aspire C27 (C27-195ES) are powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 155U with Intel AI Boost and Intel Graphics built-in, with support for up to 32 GB dual channel DDR5 memory and up to 2 TB M.2 PCIe SSD to produce impressive overall performance and experiences.

To further complement the usability of the all-in-one AI computers, productivity features such as Copilot, the everyday AI companion, leverage the power of AI to boost productivity and unlock creativity, while the Intel Unison software lets multiple devices and operating systems come together into an integrated experience focused on a single screen. Their 1440p QHD 5.0-megapixel webcams (with privacy shutter) support Windows Studio effects and Acer PurifiedVoice with AI noise reduction technology to suppress unwanted background noises when conducting online meetings and discussions. Users will also be pleased with ultra-fast and stable connectivity when streaming and surfing thanks to Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, along with Bluetooth LE audio which allows for multistream transmission of enhanced, wireless sound quality through more audio devices.

The Sennheiser brand today launches the latest member of their portable portfolio, ACCENTUM True Wireless. Packed with signature Sennheiser acoustics, dynamic wireless capabilities, and an all-new ergonomic design, it is an easy choice for an on-the-go, connected lifestyle. "ACCENTUM True Wireless builds on what their over-ear counterparts are renowned for: incredible sound, useful features, and unbeatable value." says Frank Foppe, Sennheiser Product Manager. "We packed these qualities inside a reimagined, award-winning design that unlocks the magic of "the Sennheiser sound" to anyone needing an untethered upgrade."

Signature sound
From the first listen, ACCENTUM True Wireless is a serious performer. It all starts with the brand's proprietary 7 mm dynamic True Response Transducers that reproduce powerful and engaging bass, natural mids and crisp treble-handling even the most complex modern music without breaking a sweat. The ultra-low distortion drivers are made at the Sennheiser Tullamore factory, under the same roof as those found in other ACCENTUM, MOMENTUM and audiophile headphones.

Available now, the Sennheiser brand today launches their latest generation flagship earbuds MOMENTUM True Wireless 4. Packed with over a dozen upgrades and future-facing technologies such as Snapdragon Sound Technology with Qualcomm aptX Lossless Technology, Auracast, and ultra-low-latency mode, the portable powerhouse series brings uncompromised sound to the high-performance audio enthusiast.

"Sound quality will always be a top priority for our customers, and we are seeing increasing demand for the application of it out in the real world," says Frank Foppe, Sennheiser Product Manager, "With higher quality hardware and our widest range of wireless technology support ever, MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 grows with the consumer's needs no matter how dynamic they currently are—or will become in the future."

JLab, leading tech company and number one true wireless brand in the US, is pleased to announce the launch of new and most premium true wireless product to date, its Epic Lab Edition earbuds. The best sounding and first earbuds to feature the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve, they leverage dual drivers and have an industry-first technology design to provide an elevated listening experience. The JLab Epic Lab Edition is now available from JLab, Amazon and Argos for £199.99.

The Epic Lab Edition earbuds boast a hybrid dual-driver design, incorporating a dynamic driver for rich bass and low frequencies, and a Knowles Balanced Armature driver for exquisite high frequencies. The earbuds are the first true wireless earbuds to feature the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve (Knowles Curve), a treble expanded sound signature designed with extensive feedback from a broad range of music listeners. Designed for the modern music listener, its features include smart active noise cancelling, Hi-Res Audio, spatial audio, and Bluetooth LE capabilities.

Acer expanded its Swift family of thin and light laptops with new Intel Core Ultra processors featuring Intel's first neural processing unit (NPU) and integrated AI acceleration capabilities. Now even more performance-minded, capable, and intuitive for content creation, schoolwork, productivity, and play, the new Swift laptops' powerful processing and AI-supported features further the laptop's usability.

"After unveiling our first Intel Core Ultra laptops last month, we're debuting even more products in our Swift line to help a wider range of customers take advantage of premium laptop experiences and AI-supported technology for more exciting and effective PC use," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, IT Products Business, Acer. "Plus, these laptops feature impressive updates that help customers do more - and do them even better."

Acer announced new additions to its Aspire laptop line, showcasing an extensive range of performance and design options to support everyday computing needs.

The Aspire Vero 16 is the latest from its Vero product line, powered by the new Intel Core Ultra processors with Intel AI Boost and Wi-Fi 7 compatibility. Acer has committed to carbon neutrality for the Aspire Vero 16, following international standards for carbon footprint calculation and carbon neutrality. Actions are taken at each stage of the device lifecycle to minimize its carbon footprint, and then, high-quality carbon credits will be applied to attain carbon neutrality. The Intel Evo Edition laptop has increased the usage of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials on the chassis, doubling that of the 2021 model, to combine eco-innovation and premium PC experiences on the device.

Acer today announced new models of the AI-ready Acer Swift Go 14 (SFG14-72) powered by Intel Core Ultra processors that feature Intel Arc graphics processing unit (GPU) and Intel AI Boost, its new integrated neural processing unit (NPU), to deliver efficient computing performance of AI workloads and immersive experiences on the thin-and-light laptop. Students, professionals, and creators can leverage the Swift Go 14's array of AI features such as Acer PurifiedVoice and Acer PurifiedView for videoconferencing and customization tools on the OLED laptop. Accomplishing tasks and workflows are also made easier on the Swift laptop with Microsoft's Copilot in Windows 11.

"Our new Swift Go 14 goes beyond its stylish design and high-resolution display, delivering the latest suite of collaboration technology to support a wide variety of functions and lifestyles," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. "The Swift Go 14 is one of the first devices in the market to be outfitted with Intel Core Ultra processors, paving the way to enhance support of generative AI tasks on more Acer devices moving forward."

Creative Technology today announced the release of the much-anticipated Creative Aurvana Ace and Creative Aurvana Ace 2, the latest true wireless earbuds featuring the groundbreaking solid-state, all-silicon MEMS-based drivers. The Creative Aurvana Ace series, powered by xMEMS drivers, has been expertly tuned to deliver remarkable audio clarity with a wider frequency response ranging from 5 Hz to 40 KHz. With this comprehensive range, users will get to enjoy a truly immersive and lifelike audio experience, whether it's for music, movies, or conference calls.

These latest wireless earbuds also feature LE Audio with LC3 codec, Bluetooth 5.3, and Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) plus Ambient Mode, along with up to 24 hours of total playtime, making them the definitive choice for audio enthusiasts seeking the very best in true wireless earbuds.