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Simon Cohen

Simon Cohen

Contributing Editor, A/V

Simon Cohen is a contributing editor to Digital Trends' Audio/Video section, where he obsesses over the latest wireless headphones, earbuds, soundbars, and all manner of related devices and technologies. Whether it's a review of a new Bluetooth speaker or a deep dive into the benefits of hi-res audio, his approach remains the same: speak as plainly as possible so that readers can learn and discover which products are worth buying.

Simon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film & English from Western University, which meant he was ill-prepared for a career in either field. Instead, he became a freelance teleprompter operator, with gigs working on commercials, industrial videos, corporate meetings, political speeches, and one very weird TV special with Buffy Sainte-Marie. However, when he discovered the web in 1993, he knew he had found his calling and began a journey that continues to this day.

Along the way, he became the ninth employee at AOL Canada, wrote about technology for Ozy.com, Mobilesyrup, Driving.ca, and VentureBeat, put in 15 years at what was once Canada's biggest website, Sympatico.ca, and appeared as a guest tech expert on international TV and radio programs, including BBC Radio, CTV News Channel, and CBC Radio.

The most common question Simon gets is, "are you related to Leonard Cohen?" The second most common question is "which wireless earbuds are the best?" (Answers: no and, it depends).

Simon in based in Toronto, where he works from a home office with no door, at the top of a set of stairs. It's as bad as you're probably imagining. He lives with three cats, one goldfish, a few dozen snails, and his wife, who wishes his job involved fewer large boxes. Sometimes his two adult children live there as well, but the less said about that, the better.

When he's not writing, he enjoys motorcycles, scuba diving, skiing, and reading sci-fi. He once met Douglas Adams.

Kanto Ora4 Reference Speakers.

Kanto’s Ora4 desktop speakers drive more bass, more power

Kanto's new Ora4 speakers take the formula it established with the Ora Reference model and improve it with deeper bass, more power, and hi-res audio.
Apple AirPods 4.

Apple AirPods 4: everything you need to know about the latest earbuds

Apple's newest wireless earbuds have a new shape, better sound, and lots of extra features. Here's the full scoop.
Apple AirPods 4.

Apple AirPods 4 review: a bit better than basic

The AirPods 4 won't win any innovation prizes, but if you want a set of buds that just work and won't plug your ears with silicone, they're a great choice.
Sonos Arc Ultra shipping box.

Sonos Arc Ultra first impressions: much bigger bass

After just a few hours comparing the Sonos Arc Ultra with its predecessor, the Sonos Arc, the differences are already obvious.
An Apple iPhone 14 showing the limited hearing protection options available in Canada under iOS 18.1.

Why the AirPods Pro’s best new feature is forbidden in over 100 countries

Apple's new hearing health features for the AirPods Pro could be a game-changer for those with hearing loss, but half of all countries don't have access to them.
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII.

Beyerdynamic updates its reference studio headphones with mobile-friendly drivers

Beyerdynamic's reference studio headphones have been updated with new drivers that are easier to use outside of a studio.
Vizio MicMe karaoke soundbar.

Vizio’s latest soundbar comes with everything you need for karaoke

Vizio's MicMe Dolby Atmos soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer and two wireless microphones – everything you need for a night of karaoke.
Grado Signature HP100 SE.

Grado honors its legendary Signature HP1 headphones with the HP100 SE

Grado's new flagship headphones continue the tradition created by Joe Grado 35 years ago.
Two women listening to wireless headphones.

What is Auracast? The Bluetooth audio sharing feature fully explained

With Auracast, your Bluetooth headphones are going to be a lot more useful, and your phone can act as a personal radio station. Here's what you need to know.
Audio-Technica ATH-ADX3000 Open-Air Dynamic Headphones.

Audio-Technica’s new audiophile open-back headphones hit a sub-$1,000 price

Audio-Technica has dropped the price of entry into high-end, open-back listening to under $1,000 with its new ATH-ADX3000 headphones.
Cleer Audio Arc 3.

The Cleer Arc 3 might be the most advanced open-ear earbuds so far

With a touchscreen, voice commands, spatial audio, and a choice of hi-res codecs, the Cleer Arc 3 open-ear earbuds are packed with tech.
Marantz Grand Horizon detail.

Marantz’s new wireless speakers look like they belong in an art gallery

Marantz's Horizon and Grand Horizon wireless speakers are stunning to look at, with a disc-like shape and a marble base.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 sitting in front of a motorcycle helmet.

I’ve been using AirPods Pro as hearing protection for years

Apple is about to officially recognize the AirPods Pro as hearing protection device, but some of us have known about that benefit for years.
Astell&Kern A&Ultima SP3000M portable digital audio player.

Astell&Kern’s new digital audio player makes premium features more portable and affordable

Astell&Kern has taken all of the best features from its top-of-the-line SP3000 player and packaged them in a smaller, less expensive product.
Spotify's Cover Art Creator tool seen on a phone screen.

You can now design custom Spotify playlist cover art, right in the app

Personalizing your Spotify playlist creations is now even easier thanks to a new in-app cover art designer.
wiim edition audio pro a10 c10 wireless speakers mkii featured

The first Wiim-enabled wireless speakers are here

Wiim's first wireless speakers are made by Swedish audio company Audio Pro.
LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Speaker.

Sony LinkBuds Fit review: comfort above everything else

Sony's new earbuds offer amazing comfort, great sound, and a wealth of fun new features, including voice commands.
Soundcore C40i open-ear earbuds.

Soundcore’s newest clip-style earbuds focus on comfort

The Soundcore C40i use a redesigned clip shape plus physical buttons for more comfort over the C30i.
Sonos Arc Ultra, exploded view in detail.

The Sonos Arc Ultra might not need a separate subwoofer

With 15 amps and a new type of driver for low frequency sounds, the Sonos Arc Ultra might be the company's first soundbar that doesn't need a subwoofer.
A video playing on Instagram for iOS.

Instagram’s Spotify integration makes saving songs a snap

You can now add songs from Instagram to your Spotify account with a single click.
Karma Kaveya featuring Master & Dynamic sound.

Karma’s EVs are getting a Master & Dynamic audio upgrade

Karma Automotive has partnered with Master & Dynamic for the in-cabin audio systems of its newest EVs.
The Philo streaming app.

What is Philo? Everything to know about the live TV streaming service

At just $28 per month, Philo is an affordable live TV streaming service with an impressive channel list and feature set.
Logo for the Hulu icon.

What is Hulu? Pricing, plans, channels, and how to get it

With a huge content library and neat features like DVR, this increasingly complex service can be confusing. Here's our full guide to Hulu and Hulu + Live TV.
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition.

Bowers & Wilkins’ iconic Zeppelin speaker gets a Pro edition

The iconic Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin speaker has been upgraded with driver technology borrowed from B&W's floor-standing speakers.
JLab Go Pop ANC in teal.

JLab sets a new low price for noise-canceling wireless earbuds

The JLab Go Pop ANC are tiny and also sport a remarkably small price: $30.
A Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound logo seen on a box.

What is Snapdragon Sound? Qualcomm’s wireless audio brand fully explained

Bluetooth audio can be confusing at the best of times. Qualcomm hopes to simplify it with Snapdragon Sound. But does it actually make things easier?
A photo of an iPhone showing a partial listing of Qobuz downloads available in DSD and DXD formats.

Qobuz adds hi-res DSD and DXD tracks to its download store

Qobuz gives audiophiles access to pristine hi-res audio digital downloads.
Soundcore Select 4 Go.

Soundcore Select 4 Go review: This speaker might be the perfect $25 gift

You shouldn't expect much from a $25 Bluetooth speaker, and yet the Soundcore Select 4 Go is surprisingly great.
Plex user reviews.

Influence what your friends watch with Plex user reviews

Plex has launched a new review feature that lets anyone with a Plex account become the next Siskel or Ebert.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 in charging case.

It’s not even close: Sennheiser soundbars, headphones, and earbuds win the Prime Day discount award

Looking for a great deal on audio products for Amazon's Prime Big Deal Day? Sennheiser is offering some of its biggest discounts of the year.
Dali IO-8.

Dali’s IO-8 headphones promise ‘audiophile’ active noise cancellation

Dali has a new set of ANC headphones that are aimed at audiophiles who may not want to spend $1,300 on the company's flagship IO-12 cans.
Sansui 55-inch OLED TV (front view).

Sansui’s 55-inch 4K OLED TV is stunningly affordable

With a price that's far cheaper than any other similar sized OLED TV, the Sansui 55-inch OLED TV is sure to make some waves.
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro.

Soundcore’s Liberty 4 Pro earbuds debut with a slick smart case and a killer price

Soundcore's new flagship wireless earbuds have a sleek and smart charging case, but it's their surprising low price that will turn heads.
A set of Fasetto Audio Cu devices.

No more speaker cables? New tech uses your home’s power lines to transmit audio

New sound-over-power-line tech might let you position your passive speakers anywhere you can find a power outlet -- no speaker cables needed.