Sony today announced the WH-1000XM4, the 4th generation over-ear wireless noise cancelling headphones in Sony's award-winning 1000X family. The latest headphones offer all the much-loved technology from the hugely popular WH-1000XM3, with additional intelligent features that allow you to personalise and control your music, improve noise cancellation and adjust ambient sound automatically based on your preferences for a superior sound experience.

Whether you're flying long haul or relaxing in a café, the WH-1000XM4 headphones deliver Sony's best ever noise cancelling performance, reducing high and mid frequency sounds. With two microphones on each earcup, being used for noise cancelling, our Dual Noise Sensor technology captures ambient noise and passes the data to the trusted HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1. Then a new BLUETOOTH Audio SoC (System on Chip) senses and adjusts to music and noise at over 700 times per second. Using a new algorithm, the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 applies noise cancelling processing in real time. This allows the user to focus more on the music they love and blur out the chaos of the outside world.

MediaTek today announced the Dimensity 720, its latest 5G SoC that will give consumers access to premium 5G experiences on mid-tier smartphones. The Dimensity 720, is part of MediaTek's 5G chipset family that includes range of chipsets from Dimensity 1000 for flagship 5G smartphones to the Dimensity 800 and 700 series for more accessible 5G mid-tier devices.

"The Dimensity 720 sets a new standard, delivering feature-packed 5G experiences and technology to devices that are more accessible to mass market consumers," said Dr. Yenchi Lee, Deputy General Manager, Wireless Communications Business Unit, MediaTek. "This chip is highly power-efficient, has impressive performance and advanced display and imaging technologies. All of that combined will help brands usher in differentiated 5G devices for consumers around the globe."

ASUS today unveiled the ROG Falchion, a wireless mechanical gaming keyboard that fits into the new "65%" form-factor that's smaller than TKL. The keyboard offers 68 keys, with macros and function keys making up the deficit compared to most TKL or standard 104 keyboards. It comes in variants based on the switch used, and ASUS offers Cherry MX switches, with RGB illuminated keycaps, and per-key color customization.

The ROG Falchion also provides what ASUS calls an "interactive touch panel," which is essentially a capacitive strip that can be used as a volume rocker or scroller. Its wireless credentials include "gaming grade" 2.4 GHz RF with 1 ms response time, and up to 400 hours of battery life (with RGB lighting off), on a full charge. ASUS includes a hard case with the keyboard to help you carry it around. The company didn't reveal pricing.

Audeze, the leading premium audiophile headphone manufacturer, today announces the launch of their new Penrose wireless headset aimed at console and PC gamers. Extending Audeze's family of gaming headphones that includes the high-end LCD-GX and the Mobius 3D Surround Sound PC gaming headset, the Penrose is designed with Microsoft's Xbox Series X and Sony's PlayStation 5 in mind. Penrose is equipped with Audeze's 100 mm planar magnetic drivers, a broadcast quality microphone for enhanced chat and streaming, and a 2.4 GHz low-latency lossless wireless connection, so gamers can experience the best in audio quality and wireless functionality.

To commemorate this announcement, the Audeze Penrose is now available to pre-order for the limited promotional price of 249 GBP (~315 USD). Pre-order details can be found here with shipments expected in early September.

Synaptics Incorporated today announced the signing of definitive agreements under which Synaptics will acquire certain assets and manufacturing rights associated with the wireless IoT business of Broadcom for approximately $250 million in an all-cash transaction. Under the terms of the agreements, Synaptics will acquire certain rights to Broadcom's existing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS/GNSS products and business in the IoT market as well as future roadmap devices designed in advanced process nodes. The acquisition further strengthens and accelerates Synaptics' position in the fast-growing consumer IoT market.

Synaptics expects the transaction to add approximately $65 million in current annualized sales and provide significant revenue growth potential. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to Synaptics' non-GAAP gross margins and non-GAAP earnings post-close.

MediaTek, the world's 4th largest global fabless semiconductor company, today launched its newest chips in the smartphone gaming-focused G series - the MediaTek Helio G25 and G35. The latest chips feature MediaTek HyperEngine game technology for faster, smoother performance, enhanced power efficiency, and brilliant graphics.

The new chipsets always keep you connected and deliver the lowest latency gaming experience. They also offer enhanced imaging features, making these G-series chipsets a perfect fit for photography enthusiasts and gamers alike.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today launched the groundbreaking ROG Zephyrus Duo 15, which integrates two displays in an ultraslim form factor to bring a new dimension of versatility to premium gaming laptops, without sacrificing any of the high-powered performance that defines ROG.

Empowering gamers who also create with flexible designs that streamline their work is a passion at ROG. Multi-monitor arrangements enable gamers, creators, and power users to work more effectively on their desktops. Laptop users are also commonly seen using their phones as a second screen. To make that level of productivity portable, the Zephyrus Duo 15 doubles down on displays with an elegant Active Aerodynamic System (AAS) Plus design that makes the full-width ROG ScreenPad Plus touchscreen an integral part of the cooling system. As the AAS Plus system tilts the laptop up, the second display also rises for comfortable viewing, while revealing a large air intake for deep airflow. The sophisticated cooling design gives Zephyrus Duo 15 ample thermal headroom to fit powerful flagship processors in a ground breaking multi-screen gaming laptop.

Qualcomm Technologies Inc, launches a flagship portfolio of mobile connectivity systems that represent the most advanced Wi-Fi 6E offerings of their kind. Building upon our leading Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth audio technology features, the Qualcomm FastConnect 6900 and Qualcomm FastConnect 6700 mobile connectivity systems feature the fastest available Wi-Fi speeds in the industry (up to 3.6 Gbps) on a mobile Wi-Fi offering, VR-class low latency and Bluetooth advancements delivering immersive audio experiences for classic and emerging LE Audio use cases.

"With the introduction of the FastConnect 6900 and 6700 solutions, Qualcomm Technologies is redefining the mobile experience by extending the power of Wi-Fi 6 into the 6 GHz band and advancing wireless audio with cutting-edge integrated Bluetooth 5.2 features," said Dino Bekis, vice president and general manager, mobile and compute connectivity, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "These innovations enable us to further break away from the pack and deliver a connectivity portfolio optimized to accelerate global adoption across multiple smartphone tiers."

Logitech G, a brand of Logitech and leading innovator of gaming technologies and gear, announced today the Logitech G915 TKL Tenkeyless LIGHTSPEED Wireless RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, offering the same core technologies and experience of the award-winning G915, in a smaller tenkeyless form factor. The G915 TKL delivers high performance LIGHTSPEED wireless technology, LIGHTSYNC RGB and low profile mechanical gaming switches for an unrivaled ultra-thin design with superior performance and precision gameplay - all with up to 40 hours of battery life. All of these technologies and innovations have been carefully engineered into one of the industry's thinnest mechanical keyboards and Logitech G's most advanced mechanical gaming keyboard to date.

"Since the launch of the original Logitech G915, the community has consistently asked for the same technology in a compact, tenkeyless design," said Ujesh Desai, vice president and general manager of Logitech Gaming. "The G915 TKL combines LIGHTSPEED Wireless, RGB lighting and amazing battery life in a sleek, ultra-thin design that creates a new standard for gaming keyboards."

SteelSeries, the worldwide leader in gaming and esports peripherals, today announces the Nimbus+ Wireless Gamepad Controller for Apple devices. The Nimbus+ builds on the wildly popular original Nimbus controller, adding a bevy of new features, including clickable joysticks, new Hall effect triggers, and a new 50-hour battery. Purchase of Nimbus+ also includes the new Nimbus+ iPhone Mount which allows users to attach their iPhone directly onto the controller, allowing them to play games more comfortably.

Designed specifically for gaming on Apple devices, the Nimbus+ brings console-quality game controls to iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and Apple TV. With an ergonomic design, ultra-responsive triggers and buttons, and a range of Apple connectivity options, Nimbus+ is the best solution to help bring gaming on Apple devices to the next level.

1MORE, a global premium consumer audio company, announces its launch of their CES Innovation Award Winning Dual Driver ANC Pro Wireless In-Ear Headphones. As the second product with active noise cancellation released this year, 1MORE continues to deliver high quality and feature rich products at consumer-friendly prices. For $149.99 MSRP, the Dual Driver ANC Pro Wireless headphone is available for pre-orders starting today and launching on May 21.

Boasting top-of-the-line features, the 1MORE Dual Driver ANC Pro Wireless In-Ear Headphones is the successor to the original model offering an updated design and hybrid noise cancellation, with active noise cancellation up to 35dB. Using Bluetooth 5 (improved from Bluetooth 4.2), means these headphones are optimized for better transmission and connectivity to Bluetooth enabled devices. Power-wise, the Dual Driver ANC PRO headphones offer 20-hours of battery life, which more than doubles the original model's battery life. The new addition of Wind Noise Resistance mode also suppresses the microphonic sounds caused by wind, providing clearer phone calls and a better listening experience.

The Google Stadia controller launched alongside Google Stadia 6 months ago and was touted as the controller for all platforms with integrated ultra-low latency features. However, PC users could not take advantage of the ultra-low latency features which connects the Stadia controller directly to your Wi-Fi router. PC users have instead had to connect their controller to their PC with a USB Type-C cable. Some users report that this will increase compatibility on obscure systems by offloading the input handling to Stadia's servers.

"Starting this week, you can now use the Stadia Controller to play wirelessly on your laptop and desktop. You no longer need to connect your Stadia Controller physically to your computer to play your favorite games. You'll be able to link your Stadia Controller and Stadia.com through your Wi-Fi network and play without a USB-C cable connection."

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Book Flex and Galaxy Book Ion ultraportable notebooks with a unique mobility enhancement - the ability to recharge your smartphone that has Qi-compatible wireless charging capability. The Galaxy Book Flex implements an "Ice Lake" Core i7-1065G7 processor with 8 GB LPDDR4 memory, a 13.3-inch Full HD QLED display, a 512 GB NVMe SSD, and a pair of Thunderbolt 3 ports.

The Galaxy Book Ion, on the other hand, features a slightly thicker form-factor, with a "Comet Lake" Core i7-10510U processor at the helm, 13.3-inch and 15.6-inch QLED Full HD display options, 8 GB of conventional DDR4 memory, and Thunderbolt 3. The wireless charging surface is part of the track pad, so you can either use the notebook or recharge your smartphone or smart watch. Don't have time for both, or your smartphone lacks wireless charging? Get a small 15 cm USB cable from Amazon Basics for like $4.

NETGEAR Insight is an industry-first remote network and device management solution, providing easy plug-and-play set-up and management, using its cloud portal or the intuitive Insight mobile app. The Insight cloud-based application, designed for remote network management, is especially well suited for the current environment that both IT teams and managed service providers are now required to address. Providing a broad variety of configurations and network scenarios, the Insight application supports everything from the most basic of networks, through to multi-tenancy and multi-roles.

"This is a natural step to easier and faster deployment for our customers. Including one year of the Insight remote management subscription with some NETGEAR Insight devices will allow our customers to experience the benefits of the solution instantly. We are confident that our customers will find the Insight remote management solution to be a valuable asset to their business by simplifying their network management considerably. Plus, the power of remote network visibility and control cannot be overstated in these times." says Shaheen Kazi, Director of Product Line Management for Insight.

HyperX, the gaming division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., today announced the release of two new headsets in HyperX Cloud Stinger family, HyperX Cloud Stinger Core + 7.1 and HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless + 7.1 Gaming Headset. Both new Cloud Stinger Core headsets now feature 7.1 virtual surround sound1 via NGENUITY software.

"HyperX is excited to expand its Cloud Stinger gaming headset family with two new 7.1 surround sound headsets for gamers looking for an economic headset," said Nate Almond, audio business manager, HyperX. "With students, parents and gamers working and playing at home more than ever, HyperX has expanded the Stinger product line to offer more affordable headsets."

Diamong Multimedia announced the V-Stream VS300M wireless HDMI set. As we continue to stay safe at home due to the Covid-19 coronavirus, it is becoming more important than ever to keep ourselves entertained and connected to our friends, family and colleagues. However, we can become overwhelmed when the kids are home from school and both parents are working from home. That is why we can use the peace and quiet that comes from having our own rooms to work, watch TV or simply to relax. Laptops, cable set-top boxes, DVD, Blu-Ray players, PCs, tablets or any other source with an HDMI output, can be connected to your TV. And we all know that the go-to way to achieve this is with a wired connection through the use of HDMI cables. HDMI transmits real-time video and audio through a single cable. However, if you'd rather not be literally chained to your TV with a physical, wired connection, there are ways to connect your device to a TV, and stream video and audio wirelessly. Diamond Multimedia offers a solution to do just that - to cut the HDMI wires and go wireless HDMI.

The beauty of wireless HDMI is, of course, the lack of cluttering up your living room, office, classroom or anywhere you watch and enjoy streaming from your laptop to a TV. That de-cluttering is essential to creating a more pleasant and stress-free atmosphere. When watching TV from a PC/laptop or other source, seeing a cable running from a coffee table to an entertainment center and constantly having to avoid tripping over it, is a huge hassle. In addition, we can increase this powerful ability to wirelessly stream from one HDMI source. As a result, we have the convenience of wireless streaming to TWO rooms with Diamond Wireless HDMI devices.

Envision Peripherals, Inc. (EPI), the sole distributor of Philips-branded monitors and audio products in North America, today announces an addition to the Philips audio line with the Philips ActionFit Wireless Earbud with ultraviolet (UV) cleaning technology (TAST702BK/00). The earbuds harbor a compact soak resistant design, clear sound and comfortable fit. The Philips ActionFit Wireless Earbuds are now available on Amazon, for $179.99 USD. [Editor's note: The product appears to already be on sale for $139.99 on Amazon at this time.]

"Active people today need a quality audio solution that fits their lifestyles. The new Philips TAST702s are the perfect solution to take to the gym or go on a long bike ride, because of their comfort and their hygienic features," said David Ray, Director of Marketing for EPI.

Samsung Electronics, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, today announced the industry's first all-in-one power management integrated circuits (PMIC), MUA01 and MUB01, optimized for today's True Wireless Stereo (TWS) devices.

Unlike wireless headphones, TWS earbuds have no wire that connects the two earpieces. Without the connecting wires, TWS devices present users with more freedom in movement and range on their day-to-day activities. However, like other mobile devices, long battery life and small form factors are key requirements for these wireless earbuds.

Today Logitech unveils a line of beautifully-crafted wireless chargers to make your charging experience simple and effortless. Introducing the Logitech POWERED family of wireless chargers - Logitech POWERED 3-in-1 Dock, Logitech POWERED Stand and Logitech POWERED Pad. These wireless chargers are designed to be simple, reliable and look great in any room, whether it be your bedroom, kitchen, office or living room.

zAnother day, another audio product quick look. This time, the folks over at Philips get some love with the US launch of their PH805 active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones, the news of which we covered before. The company has gone through big changes over the years, and one of the effects has been regional business units operating independently enough to have separate launch windows for products. Take this very product, for example, which had been out for purchase for a couple of months already last year in Europe and parts of Asia, and Philips USA only just got it in 2020. Somehow, we had no coverage on this to date, but that changes now.

The PH805, also referred to as the PH805BK or TAPH805BK, follows a trend of product names that make little sense, but all you need to know is that this is from the same company and team that brought out the excellent Fidelio series that offered great value for money to those wanting an open-back, over-ear headphones with a neutral signature without any real shortcomings across the frequency range. They are readying the new Fidelio x3 for launch soon, but the PH805 aims to interest a different segment entirely. In particular, the frequent traveler or mobile user that wants a lightweight set of cans with ANC and wireless connectivity. It ships in a retail packaging that is well designed, with the company and product name on the front along with a large render and marketing features throughout, with a clear note on Google Assistant compatibility. Sorry, iOS users! Read past the break for more on the Philips PH805BK, including an unboxing, user experience, and what it costs to get you one of these in the USA.

Following up on our coverage of CES goodies that are more than just swag, we continue exploring the wacky world of true wireless (TWS) earphones. The first set in this quick look series examined the Altec Lansing Nano Pods that clocked in at just $30, and today we up the ante into the oh-so-barely-under-$100 with the Creative Outlier Gold at $99.99. The company has impressed yours truly for three CES showings in a row with their Super X-Fi headphone holography tech, which we examined in the first retail iteration via their SXFI amp. This technology aims to replicate a surround speaker speaker audio experience into earphones/headphones, and requires their SXFI DSP to make the most of it. So when Creative said they have TWS earphones with SXFI, I was intrigued and simply had to test them for myself.

As it turns out, the Outlier Gold does support SXFI, but only with a software experience from their mobile app. This makes sense considering these are meant to be quite small and, well, wireless, and yet Creative claim a whopping 14 hours of battery life per charge. In addition, this set is an upgrade to their previous Outlier Air TWS earphones, which were quite popular for offering good value for money, and we see signs of it already with the packaging going with a two-piece unboxing experience with renders, marketing features, and product specs all over the box. Read past the break for more on these, especially if you are looking for a good balance of audio performance, battery life, and price point.

1MORE, a globally distributed premium consumer audio company, today announced its new True Wireless ANC In-Ear headphones featuring dual drivers for superior sound quality, two levels of active noise cancelation, pass-through mode and a wireless charging option is now shipping. As the first true wireless headphones pending THX Certification, these earbuds continue to uphold 1MORE's commitment to consumers by providing affordable luxury audio products. The True Wireless ANC headphones are available now on 1MORE.com and Amazon.com for $199.99 MSRP.

Envision Peripherals Inc. (EPI), the Brand license partner for Philips Audio in North America, announces today the latest addition to the Philips audio line with the Philips Wireless over-ear noise cancelling headphone (TAPH805BK). The headphones are now available on Amazon, competitively pricedat $199.99 USD. Ideal for at Home, in the Office, or on-the-go, the new Philips (TAPH805BK) headphones provide users with an unparalleled listening experience.

Music or Silence
Eliminate outside noise through a press of a button with Active Noise Canceling mode or flip to Awareness Mode to stay in tune with your surroundings. Users can control volume by swiping up or down on the ear-housing touch control panel. Activate or deactivate Active Noise Canceling or engage in Awareness Mode with a simple press. While carrying out a call over Bluetooth, its built-in mic with echo cancellation keeps sound crystal clear.

Edifier, the prominent designers and award-winning manufacturer of premium sound systems and well-known for its bookshelf speakers, today introduced their newest products, the TWS NB, TWS6, GM6 and G7, to its ever-expanding audio and gaming accessory lineup.

To fill a gap in the marketplace, the TWS NB features active noise technology found in noise-canceling over-ear headphones, in a sleek, truly wireless earphone design while boasting a fully noise-free, immersive listening experience at an affordable cost. Equipped with Knowles tri-frequency balanced armature driver, the TWS6 delivers a rich and powerful, all-encompassing sound in a compact and elegant design. In terms of gaming, the GM6 offers a truly portable mobile gaming experience with the security of listening to every sound in tandem with the visuals, while the G7 brings high quality, surround sound audio in a heat regulating, easy-to-use and stylish headset.

Audio-Technica is also introducing two SonicSport wireless Bluetooth in-ear headphones. The ATH-SPORT90BT features a built-in music player for the ultimate in on-the-go listening convenience and along with the ATH-SPORT60BT includes a number of useful upgrades from previous models. Both headphones offer a host of fitness-friendly features including IPX5 waterproof-rated construction, a built-in mic and controls for smartphone and portable device operation, and stay-in-place designs that keep them secure even during intense workouts. Both feature improved high-sensitivity drivers for impactful, immersive sound and offer longer battery life along with additional improvements.

Audio-Technica's SonicSport ATH-SPORT90BT (SRP: US$159.00) has newly-designed 6 mm drivers with a powerful magnetic circuit and dedicated headphone amplifier, to bring high-quality full-range (20 - 25,000 Hz) audio reproduction to listeners with active lifestyles. The ATH-SPORT90BT includes a built-in 4 GB music player, making it the ultimate portable music device - no need to carry a smartphone around during workouts. The headphones can also be paired with a smartphone or other Bluetooth device if desired.