MEMS or microelectromechanical systems have been around for some time and the technology has allowed for the miniaturisation of a wide range of things. If you're not familiar with MEMS, then the quick version is that it's a way of making movable parts out of the same type silicon used to make semiconductors out of, in the same kind of fabs. xMEMS is a company that has specialised in making what the company calls microspeakers using MEMS technology and the first headphones based on its microspeakers should arrive later this year. The company was demoing a 3D printed mockup together with an OEM manufacturer called Vencer at Computex and we got some hands and ear on time with them.

The 3D printed units aren't what you'd call amazing looking and the fit was far from perfect, especially as the foam eartips that were installed didn't form a proper seal for yours truly. As such it was impossible to make any kind of sound quality judgement on the show floor, but it would appear that MEMS earphones share a lot with balanced armatures, in that a good seal is needed for them to sound good. The demo unit connected via USB-C and what's not in the picture, was a rather big and unsightly three button control unit on the cord, which also contained a CX31988 audio codec from Synaptics. One interesting aspect of MEMS speakers is that they can be used in both open and closed modes, where the open mode would be used for things like having phone calls or instead of enabling ambient mode on ANC type earbuds. The closed mode would work like a normal pair of driver units inside your earbuds. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for a final product to arrive and put it through its paces, but we weren't given any indication on when retail products could be available, beyond sometime later this year.

Sony Electronics Inc. today announced their newest addition to the LinkBuds series: LinkBuds S. The latest model empowers a new sound experience through Sony's sensing technology and partner collaboration, while retaining a "Never Off" wearing experience perfect for staying connected to online and offline worlds due to their ultra-small and lightweight design with natural ambient sound. By leveraging sensor and spatial sound technology, they deliver new and immersive sound for AR games such as Niantic's game Ingress. for consumers looking for new options for entertainment beyond music and calls. The model also makes music listening easier than ever with a new and unique "Auto Play" feature. By detecting the listener's environment, such as wearing LinkBuds S, the feature enables their music to play automatically, delivered accordingly to their activity.

LinkBuds S are perfect for streaming content all day long. Consumers can enjoy music, video, or social media content just as the creator intended with Sony's highly acclaimed noise canceling technology and high-resolution capability. Sony Electronics has engineered these remarkably small and lightweight truly wireless headphones with comfort in mind. LinkBuds S combine a shape that matches the human ear with an ergonomic design for a more stable fit to avoid discomfort in the ear that gets in the way of entertainment.

Industry-leading audio brand, Tronsmart, is pleased to announce the launch of its new true wireless earbuds, the Onyx Ace Pro. Cutting-edge Qualcomm Chip, aptX adaptive audio decoding and quad-mics with cVc 8.0 call reduction, it offers great audio and voice quality as well as smooth and reliable connection whether listening to music, in the gym or gaming. The Tronsmart Onyx Ace Pro is available to buy from the Tronsmart website, GeekBuying and AliExpress for $39.99/ £32. Amazon is likely to follow in June.

Features an advanced Qualcomm QCC3040 chip with Qualcomm aptX and aptX adaptive audio decoding as well as a 13 mm composite polymer driver, the Onyx Ace Pro delivers impressive sound in great depth and nuance. The combination allows every instrument to be presented perfectly across an expansive soundstage for a great quality listening no matter the genres. In addition, it includes quad-mics (2 each) with cVc 8.0 call reduction that enhances voice pick up and cancels background noise to isolate the voice and transmits in high clarity so that calls are crystal clear.

Skullcandy, the No. 1 selling brand in stereo headphones and true wireless earbuds under $100, announced today its all-new Mod True Wireless Earbuds ($59.99 MSRP). Packed with premium features demanded by the brand's tech-forward, value-minded fans, Mod stands out as the perfect work- or play-from-anywhere audio companion. All-new Multipoint Pairing enables seamless toggling between multiple devices at once, regardless of platform or manufacturer, ensuring music will resume on a user's phone once the Zoom meeting wraps on their laptop. Mod's flexibility is further underscored by Skullcandy App compatibility, which enables button function and equalizer mode personalization for a truly customizable audio experience. Mod is available for pre-sale now at Skullcandy.com and select retailers nationwide.

For audio enthusiasts seeking a premium, work-horse bud that won't break the bank, Mod is the answer. Skullcandy's latest value-packed true wireless offering features specifically selected and expertly tuned drivers to deliver supreme sound quality for any music genre, podcast or video. All-new Clear Voice Smart Mic technology utilizes artificial intelligence to reduce background noise and isolate the speaker's voice, ensuring calls and Zoom meetings are crystal clear. An adjustable Stay-Aware Mode helps users dial outside noise levels up or down so they can tune out, or tune in, as much as they want, depending on their situation.

Today, Ugreen is announcing the global release of the HiTune T3 true wireless ANC earbuds. Before their international launch, the T3 earbuds were trialed in the UK market where they were received positive reviews. During the international release, Ugreen will be releasing a second color option for the T3 earbuds. Previously, the earbuds were only available in white, but they will now also be available in black. The black version of the T3 earbuds will maintain the same sleek form factor and provide the same high-quality audio.

The T3 earbuds feature 10 mm PU+Wool composite dynamic drivers, which offer punchy and dynamic bass without sacrificing mid and high tones. In addition, they offer feed-forward ANC which can reduce ambient noise by 25 dB. This is a proprietary system developed by the HiTune Acoustics Lab. The ANC doesn't produce inner ear pressure, so listeners can spend hours comfortably enjoying their music. The T3 earbuds also feature the Real Voice 4.0 environmental noise cancellation system, which effectively filters out 90% of external noise. HiTune T3 earbuds were launched in February on Amazon with a recommended retail price of $35.99/£35.99.

The new Sennheiser SPORT True Wireless brings superior audio performance for fitness enthusiasts and athletes no matter how intense the workout. Its unique Adaptable Acoustic feature also offers a choice of open and closed ear adapters, allowing athletes to tailor their listening experience to their sport. Thanks to its secure, customizable fit, the SPORT True Wireless is ready for even the most active challenges - all with the unique Sennheiser sound.

SPORT True Wireless delivers an exceptional sound experience thanks to Sennheiser's TrueResponse transducer. Designed and engineered in Germany, the acoustic system is powered by a unique 7 mm dynamic driver that delivers full bass and superior clarity without distortion - even at high volume. The SPORT True Wireless also puts athletes in control of how they experience sound and perceive their surroundings. The unique Adaptable Acoustic feature allows athletes to choose either open or closed ear adapters and adjust EQ settings for the perfect custom training sound.

Ugreen, a global leader in electronic accessories, is announcing the release of the HiTune X6 ANC earbuds. The X6 aims to bring high-quality listening to everyone. Ugreen's goal for HiTune earbuds is to provide a high-quality listening experience at a price that the average person can afford. The HiTune Acoustics Lab has been hard at work striving toward this goal. The HiTune team's unique SuperBass tuning system provides deep bass for popular music while maintaining the mids and high tones for other music genres and podcasts.

The X6s feature 10 mm Diamond-Like Carbon drivers, which are harder and more durable than traditional metal drivers. The X6 buds are the first pair of HiTune earbuds that feature hybrid noise cancellation. The Acoustics Lab team built the system from the ground up. The ANC in the X6 earbuds can reduce up to 35 dB of ambient sound. Additionally, HiTune X6 earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.1. They have 7 hours of battery life and gaming mode which enables 50-millisecond low latency audio. The X6 earbuds are currently available in the US with a recommended retail price of $49.99.

Astell&Kern, the global leader in premium high-resolution audio devices presents its debut set of true wireless earbuds, the AK UW100. Faithful to the company's philosophy of delivering sound reproduction that is close to the original as possible, these earphones build on Astell&Kern's audio technology expertise to deliver a class-leading, truly wireless hi-fi-grade sound.

The AK UW100's superior sonic credentials are endorsed by a dedicated high performance 32-bit DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter), support for the latest high quality wireless connectivity options aptX Adaptive and Bluetooth 5.2, alongside ultra-detailed Knowles Balanced Armature drivers.

Sony introduces a new way to enjoy your favourite music and the important moments in life, all at once, with the brand-new truly wireless LinkBuds. You can stay connected and aware at all times, with the help of an open ring design with audio transparency, ultra-small super fit and crystal-clear sound and call quality. By leveraging LinkBuds' unique design and its sensor and spatial sound technologies, Sony is creating new sound experiences together with their partners, such as AR gaming, new work from home experiences, sound AR navigation, and quick access to music.

LinkBuds have been created with a unique open ring design and allow you to tune into the outside world whenever you want, without compromising your listening experience. The newly-developed ring driver unit, has the centre of the diaphragm open for audio transparency, allowing you to clearly hear the sounds around, so you'll always know when someone calls your name whilst on a call, or easily chat with friends while listening to your favourite songs. Their new design makes LinkBuds the perfect companion for a range of uses, including working from home, gaming, listening to music, and more.

When it comes to headphones, Sony is not a company to shy away from trying new things and the leaked LinkBuds are unlike anything else currently in the market. What we're looking at seems to be a set of open back in-ear TWS earbuds, although it's highly unlikely that we'll see any form of noise cancelling support here. Sony did make something similar under its Xperia brand some years ago, although the Xperia Ear Duo XEA20 as they were called, weren't nearly as compact, but it's the only other open back in-ear type headphones we're aware of.

The LinkBuds, also known as the WF-L900 appear to be sitting entirely inside your ears and according to the leaked information, they lack any kind of physical buttons. This might not be a huge issue, as the LinkBuds are said to feature automatic volume control, based on the listening environment. They're supposedly built around Sony's V1 processor and are said to feature support for Sony's DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine). Although noise cancelling for the listener might be missing, AI noise suppression for voice is apparently present and is meant to be activated by touching the ear, rather than the earbuds. Other features should include support for voice assistants, Google Fast Pair and multi-pairing.

ROCCAT, Turtle Beach's award-winning PC peripheral brand, today revealed its all-new Syn Buds Core gaming earbuds. The Syn Buds Core is a wired 3.5 mm pair of earbuds designed for gamers with multiple systems looking for a versatile audio solution. ROCCAT's new earbuds deliver immersive audio via 10 mm drivers, and offer gamers crystal-clear audio whether being used at their desktop or connected to their mobile device while on the go. The Syn Buds Core earbuds come with a 1.2-meter cable with an in-line mic and volume control, plus a multifunction button to easily answer and end calls. The Syn Buds Core wired earbuds promise versatility and performance, and are available now at roccat.com and from participating retailers for a MSRP of $24.99 (€24.99/£19.99 in Europe).

"Whether gaming, listening to music, or working out, the Syn Buds Core earbuds offer maximum convenience and comfort and true high-quality audio," said René Korte, ROCCAT Founder and General Manager for PC Peripherals at Turtle Beach. "Mobile gaming is already huge and only getting bigger, so we created the Syn Buds Core for ROCCAT fans and gamers who want to get the most from their earbuds. The Syn Buds Core are a phenomenal value as they offer durability and quality components at an affordable price."

xMEMS Labs today introduced Montara Pro, the world's first monolithic MEMS µspeaker with integrated DynamicVent enabling smart TWS earbuds and hearing aids that create best-of-both-worlds user experiences combining the benefits of closed-fit (occluded) and open-fit earbuds. xMEMS is providing first demonstrations of Montara Pro this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Montara Pro's patented DynamicVent technology can be intelligently opened or closed by the earbud system DSP based on ambient noise levels detected by microphones or the listener's activity from motion sensors. With the vent closed, Montara Pro creates a listening environment with the best passive isolation for music and media consumption or for improved focus in the presence of background noise. With the vent open, Montara Pro enables improved spatial awareness, increased listening comfort, and reduced occlusion effects, such as the perception of the user's own voice as too loud, "boomy," or "hollow." Equally important, DynamicVent eliminates the need for traditional static vents that create a persistent low frequency roll-off that impacts music and media quality and also impacts consumers with low-frequency hearing loss. The DynamicVent can also eliminate the need for oversized speakers in earbuds that are commonly used to compensate for low frequency loss caused by persistent, static vents.

Sony Electronics Inc. today announced two new wireless headphones - the WF-C500 earbuds and the WH-XB910N over-ear model. With easy to use Bluetooth pairing, long lasting battery life and unique sound customization features, these headphones make it easier than ever to listen to favorite music and content in even better quality.

"Sony strives to deliver a premium and best-in-class listening experience with every audio product it introduces, and these new additions meet that demanding standard," said Tyler Ishida, Deputy President for Consumer Business Group, Sony Electronics Inc. "Whether customers are looking for bass-heavy cans or compact go-anywhere buds, our new headphones offer something for everyone."

Denon isn't the first brand most people think of when it comes to in-ear headphones, nor wireless headphones for that matter, but the company has a range of very high-end over-ear headphones in its lineup of products. This might be set to change though, with the company introducing two new sets of TWS earbuds in the shape of the AH-C630W and the AH-C830NCW.

The design appears very similar between the two models and apart from the little silver accent on the bottom of the AH-C830NCW, it's hard to tell the two apart from just looking at them. The main difference between the two is that the AH-C830NCW comes with active noise cancelling, insert detection and Google Fast Pair. Both models use standard dynamic drivers, with the AH-C830NCW having an unusual oval shape that measures 11x10 mm and the AH-C630W using a regular driver with a 10 mm diameter.

Consumer technology expert, Tronsmart, which in June celebrated its 8th birthday, is pleased to announce the arrival of its Apollo Air and Apollo Air+ TrueWireless Stereo Plus Hybrid ANC earbuds. Both earbuds feature the industry-leading Qualcomm QCC3046 Chip and deliver 35dB full frequency hybrid active noise cancelling. The Tronsmart Apollo Air are available from Amazon.com and Amazon UK for £69.99/$69.99 (UK availability in one month) as well as the Tronsmart website, whilst the Apollo Air+ are available from the Tronsmart website for $89.99/£68 (approx) now with Amazon.com and Amazon UK expected to stock in August.

The new Apollo earbuds both feature hybrid ANC noise cancellation which eliminates up to 35dB in low, mid and high frequencies. There are three ANC modes available: cVc 8.0 noise cancellation which allows users to focus on their music, ANC off so users can listen to the music without being completely isolated with the earphones simply blocking out noise and ambient mode, which enhances surrounding outdoor noises making it the ideal setting for cycling or running whilst staying safe and aware.

As the market becomes saturated with commoditized headphone offerings that often put convenience-oriented features ahead of sound quality, Campfire Audio encourages music lovers to experience their music as it was meant to be heard: in full-bodied, no-compromise high fidelity audio. The company's new wired IEMs—which feature unique, hand-crafted designs in two sonically tailored variations, Satsuma and Honeydew—offer listeners an audiophile-grade soundstage and spectacular clarity at an affordable price.

As the quality and sophistication of consumer playback systems and streaming technologies continue to advance rapidly, Campfire Audio believes that many consumers are seeking a 'back to basics' approach with their audio—favoring features such as customized acoustic chambers, full-range balanced armature drivers, and quality cabling over convenient add-ons such as voice command and wireless capabilities. Both the 'orange-fizz' colored Satsuma and the 'mellow-yellow' colored Honeydew earphones are characterized by their superior acoustic performance and instantly recognizable design aesthetic.

Global audio specialist, Mixcder, is today pleased to announce the launch of the G1 true wireless earbuds. With improved portability and impressive functionality, the 2-in-1 G1 earbuds have been designed to improve users' gameplay experiences across some of the most popular consoles, including PS4, PS5 and Switch Lite and are now available to purchase from Amazon for £69.99. Thanks to the Bluetooth capability, the G1 can also be used with mobile phones like normal earbuds.

The unique 2-in-1 premium design of wireless earbuds and a compatible type-c adapter, paired with the built-in Qualcomm chip, ensures a stable connection and reliable performance without the additional cost of a separate adaptor or wireless accessories which are usually needed to connect existing earbuds to consoles and controllers. The G1 earbuds also have a built-in PixArt chip with 60 ms ultra-low latency technology, which effectively reduces sound delay and any audio lags, enabling users to maintain complete focus in Fortnite battles and multi-player matches on FIFA.

KS Distribution is pleased to announce the release of the new Lypertek PurePlay Z3 2.0 true wireless earphones. This update to the multi award-winning PurePlay Z3 adds features such as the new Qualcomm QCC3040 chipset, Bluetooth 5.2, wireless charging, Hear Through mode and the new PureControl app compatibility - all this and more while keeping the price at £99/$99/€99.

Successor to the multi award-winning PurePlay Z3 (TEVI), the PurePlay Z3 2.0 takes the performance of Lypertek's first true wireless earphones to a whole new level. Utilising Qualcomm's latest QC3040 chipset allows for Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and superior connection quality thanks to its TrueWireless Mirroring technology. Added features including wireless charging, Hear Through mode and compatibility with the new Lypertek PureControl app guarantees to offer an outstanding and customisable audio experience.

Award-winning portable audio specialists Lypertek has today announced the next step of its celebrated PurePlay portable audio range: PurePlay Z7 triple hybrid-driver true wireless earphones. The new PurePlay Z7 follows on the huge success of Lypertek's first true wireless release - the multi award-winning PurePlay Z3 (previously TEVI) - offering an updated design, improved set of features and for the first time ever; hybrid-driver technology delivering audio unlike any other true wireless. The Lypertek PurePlay Z7 will be available from Lypertek, Amazon (UK/US/EU) and other selected retailers from the beginning of June 2021 (date TBC), priced at £199/$199/€199.

ENACFIRE, an emerging audio accessory brand, is pleased to announce the launch of its G10 wireless earbuds, the first 2-in-1 gaming and lifestyle wireless earbuds in the range. Designed for hours of gaming and music listening, they are small and comfortable to wear with a Role Switch feature and an expertly-tuned sound to enhance listening experiences. The ENACFIRE G10 gaming earbuds are extremely affordable and available to buy for $26.99 from Amazon.com and will be available on Amazon UK from May for £29.99.

With a specific focus on gaming, the G10 include a Role Switch feature to gently streamline the single mode switching process. This allows it to break through the master-slave restrictions of traditional wireless earbuds to flip between Single Earbud and Couple Earbud Mode in a second without the need for a complicated manual connection process. The ultra-low-latency technology from ENACFIRE's proprietary Bluetooth chip helps to accelerate the audio processing to provide a better gaming experience with even more detail to help players immerse themselves into new worlds. Using this Game Mode provides 40% faster speed and high 200 ms transmission delay. Whether playing or listening to music, this will enhance the experience and provide smooth audio.

Skullcandy, the #1 selling brand in Stereo Headphones and True Wireless Earbuds under $100, announced today its all-new Dime True Wireless Earbuds. Priced at $24.99 MSRP, the latest solution outperforms other earbuds at the same price point, offering an affordable way to get into the true wireless game. Dime grants users the freedom to live without wires, combining expertly tuned audio with a noise-isolating fit and must-have features, like a microphone in each bud. Available now at Skullcandy.com and major retailers nationwide, Dime delivers a pocket-friendly, stylish form factor in a variety of colors that won't break the bank.

Dime is an ideal, everyday audio companion that boasts up to 12 hours of battery life, freeing users from the hassle of snagging, yanking and tangling wires. When earbuds are removed from the charging case secured with a snap lid, the buds automatically turn on. Easy connection offers a simplified listening experience that's perfect for those new to true wireless. Intuitive, touch-enabled media controls on the compact stick-style buds enable Dime users to effortlessly take calls, change tracks, adjust volume and activate native voice assistants like Google and Siri, all without ever reaching for their devices.

Cleer Audio, industry-leading headphone and smart speaker manufacturer introduces two new True Wireless Headphones with noise cancellation, the Ally Plus II (two) and Roam NC models for early 2021 that are certain to shake the competition with new technologies, features and lower True Wireless pricing.

The new ALLY Plus II noise cancelling true wireless headphone delivers industry leading hybrid noise cancellation, and battery life for up to 11 hrs. of playback. Its strong wireless connectivity, enhanced call quality with dual-microphones and Qualcomm cVc 8th generation noise reduction technology makes these a perfect companion for on-the-go lifestyles. Complemented by the new Cleer+ app, users can customize both the noise cancelling and sound performance of the Ally Plus II. Its small jewel box style charging case offers both USB-C and Qi wireless charging options for an additional 22 hrs. of playback, ¾33 hrs. of total playback. The wireless charging case showcases the earbuds with its see-through window helping confirm that the earbuds are charging when stored.

The PC has never been more essential, so this year at CES 2021, HP Inc. is launching computing innovations essential to how and where people experience work and life. HP today unveiled new devices and solutions designed to power hybrid work environments and growing personal creative studios.

With half of the global workforce still working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, new use cases for the PC are emerging for both consumers and employees remaining at home. Since COVID, there has been a seven hour increase in time spent on personal PCs. In some cases, this has resulted in an increase in everyday creativity - with photography, writing stories or articles, and live streaming being the top three activities among consumers. But working and staying at home isn't always simple, with only 30% of people having a space where they can shut the door. Yet 72% of knowledge workers want a hybrid remote-office model moving forward and 48% of Gen Z are considering an expansion of their freelance business in the future, requiring solutions with enhanced collaboration and micro-mobility features.

[Editor's note: This press release is from the Philips US division, regional applicability may vary. Street pricing is already down to $149.]

Envision Peripherals, Inc. (EPI) today debuts a new pair of premium, true wireless ear buds, the Philips In-Ear True Wireless Headphones TAT8505BKs. The True Wireless version of the popular Philips Wireless Over-ear Noise Cancelling Headphone TAPH805BK earbuds feature classic minimalist design and boast Hybrid Active Noise Canceling and Awareness Mode for control over what is heard, letting users sink into rich, detailed sound or tune into the world around them. The Philips TAT8505BKs are available on Amazon, for $199.99 USD, starting December 15, 2020 at 12:01 AM PST.

Love What You Hear
The perfectly tuned 13mm neodymium drivers ensure a detailed, expansive sound with rich, powerful bass and thrilling clarity for every track. When an earbud is taken out, the music pauses. Put the earbud back in, and the music starts up again. The Philips TAT8505BKs have a refined geometric design creating a comfortable in-ear fit. The circular earbud housing is tactilely pleasing and is designed to subtly catch the light, creating an elegant, understated look.

Ultimate Ears (UE) today introduced UE FITS, the first-ever true wireless earphones with instant custom fit. Similar to fingerprints, each person's individual ear is unique. No two prints, even on the same person, are the same. UE FITS mold to perfectly fit individual ears in less than a minute with its patented Lightform technology. This goes beyond the standard tip sizes of small, medium and large. From podcasts and playlists on morning commutes, to conference calls while working from home or rocking that evening run, these instant, fit-for-only-you earbuds will stay in place for all-day comfort and deliver an exceptional audio experience.

"We are redefining wireless earphones with UE FITS," said Jonah Staw, General Manager and Head of Ultimate Ears Custom Earphones. "For the first time ever, we are bringing instant custom fit to premium earbuds. With the press of a button and in under 60 seconds, consumers can experience exceptional comfort and sound quality from earphones that perfectly fit the unique shape of their ears."