Amazon’s Echo Buds might be getting a fitness-tracking feature
Only days after the official retail availability of the Amazon Echo Buds, a newly spotted section of the Alexa app suggests that the $130 true wireless earbuds could receive a fitness tracking feature in the near future. With Google's recent acquisition of Fitbit, it could signal the start of a fitness showdown.
Muse Blocks gives you a physical way to play your digital music
Ever since the disappearance of vinyl and CDs, music lovers have been nostalgic over the loss of physical media. German company Senic thinks it has the solution: Muse Blocks are custom-printed 7x7cm squares that use NFC chips to connect you instantly to your favorite streaming media, whether it's music or movies.
V-Moda’s M-200 studio headphones promise reference-quality audio for $350
Japanese headphone brand V-Moda has released its latest set of over-the-ear cans: The M-200 are a wired set of reference-quality headphones designed to please those with very discerning ears. Aimed at musician and producers, they're Hi-Res Audio certified and come with a new balanced analog audio cord.
The $600 Neeo is a slick touchscreen remote for Control4 systems
Control4 makes some of the best home automation and control systems for high-end households, but its remote controls haven't exactly been works of art and design. That changes with the Neeo, a hybrid remote with a big 3-inch touchscreen. At $600, it's a big add-on, but it brings a wealth of customization.
House of Marley Exodus ANC headphones review: Balancing act
House of Marley Exodus ANC headphones check a lot of boxes. They're reasonably priced, made of sustainable materials, and offer up a balanced sound that most people will really enjoy. They're also super comfy. But there are a few drawbacks which might give you pause before buying. Here's our full review.
House of Marley debuts $250 Exodus ANC, its first wireless ANC headphones
There is no shortage of wireless noise-canceling headphones these days, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for one more. House of Marley's $250 Exodus ANC can now be added to that list. With active noise canceling, Bluetooth 5.0 wireless, and a sustainable choice of materials, they're a unique option.
Sonos Move vs. Bose Portable Home Speaker: Smart portable shootout
Want a top-notch wireless smart speaker with a built-in battery so you can take it on the road? You now have two excellent choices: The Sonos Move vs. Bose Portable Home Speaker. With very similar features each has its strengths and will appeal to different buyers. Which one is right for you?
Samsung’s 2019 QLED TVs are now on sale. Here’s how much you can expect to pay
Samsung's lineup of new TVs were an impressive collection to behold when they made their first appearance at CES this year. Now, we have all of the details on the new QLED 4K and 8K models, including features, sizes, availability, and price. Here's what you need to know before you shop.
You can now print your own photos on JBL’s Bluetooth speakers and headphones
Looking for that extra-special gift this holiday season? How about a Bluetooth speaker or a set of headphones custom-printed with your own photo? JBL is offering that ability through its website on six of its wireless products. There's a premium for the service and a few restrictions too.
LG OLED TVs just became the best TVs for gaming with Nvidia G-Sync support
LG's OLED TVs have always been a step above for gamers, but their advantages grow this week with the release of a firmware update that will give all 2019 OLED TVs compatibility with Nvidia's G-Sync technology for variable refresh rates. It's the first time a TV maker has added G-Sync, which is designed for PC gaming.
Sonos trade-up offer gives you a 30% discount when you recycle older products
Sonos has created a trade-up program for owners of some of its older products. Those who agree to put their old devices into a recycle mode that effectively disables them from being used can get a 30% discount on the purchase of a new Sonos product. Some covered products were sold less than a year ago.
Hailee Steinfeld reveals Apple TV+ deal: It’s free for students with Apple Music
Apple has announced the first of its Apple TV+ bundles via one of its marquee stars, Hailee Steinfeld. The actress who plays the lead role in the original production Dickinson detailed the deal, which gives students who subscribe to Apple Music a free Apple TV+ account.
Echo Buds vs. AirPods
As the true wireless earbud space gets increasingly crowded, two products are beginning to look like front runners. The reigning champ Apple AirPods and upstart challenger, Amazon Echo Buds. The Echo Buds are cheaper, but does that mean they're better? We take a look at all of the features to help you decide.
Skullcandy Vert review: Wireless buds for the mountain
Wireless headphones and earbuds are rapidly becoming our defacto choice of audio companion thanks to their wire-free convenience. But using their button or touch controls with gloves on is a thankless task. The $80 Skullcandy Vert are the perfect solution to this problem, but not everyone will like how they sound.
Apple AirPods Pro finally debut at $249 with active noise cancellation
After months of speculation, Apple has released its latest AirPods, the $249 AirPods Pro, which feature active noise cancellation and an IPX4 sweat and water-resistant rating. The new true wireless earbuds have a 5-hour battery life and go on sale today, and are expected in retail stores by October 30.
Deezer launches Sony 360 Reality Audio with a new stand-alone app
To highlight the addition of Sony's 360 Reality Audio format to its catalog of music, streaming music service Deezer has created a new stand-alone streaming app for iOS and Android that creates a single experience for its Hi-Fi tier subscribers who want to focus on the new surround-sound music option.
Nvidia has brought out two new media streamers, the Shield TV and Shield TV Pro
Nvidia hasn't updated its Shield TV for a few years, and now the wait is over. Nvidia has officially launched the new $150 Nvidia Shield TV, which features an unusual cylindrical form-factor, and the $200 Shield TV Pro, both with Dolby Vision, 4K, and a redesigned remote. We've got all the details on the new models.
Apple TV app hits Amazon Fire TV devices in preparation for Apple TV+ launch
With only a week left before the planned launch of Apple TV+, Apple formally added its TV app to Amazon's Fire TV platform, beginning with the Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick 4K. Eventually, all current Fire TV devices will get the app, too. The move marks a major increase to the number of viewers Apple can access.
Comcast clarifies its free Xfinity Flex offer for internet-only customers
After reports emerged that not every Comcast internet-only customer was able to take advantage of the free Xfinity Flex deal, the company has clarified the timelines for those who do not rent their equipment from Comcast. Though these customers will still get the Flex box for free, they'll have to wait a little longer.
Anker Nebula Soundbar Fire TV Edition packs 4K, HDR, and Alexa in a $230 speaker
The first soundbar to include the Amazon Fire TV platform is the $230 Anker Nebula Soundbar -- Fire TV Edition, and it's now available for pre-order with deliveries starting on November 19. The 2.1 channel 100-watt speaker features 4K and Dolby Vision HDR and has Alexa built in for smart home control.
How to score a free Google Home Mini if you’re a Spotify Premium subscriber
Following up on its super-popular Google Home Mini giveaway from 2018, Spotify is back with another freebie, this time giving away free Google Home Minis to all of its U.S.-based Spotify Premium members, while quantities last. Want to know how to get your free smart speaker? We have all the details.
Roku OS 9.2: All the new features
Roku OS version 9.2, rolling out to users in October, powers the company’s streaming devices such as the Roku Streaming Stick and Roku Ultra. It has fun new features including brand-new ways to search for your favorite films.
New Roku Ultra, Express streamers are faster and more customizable
Roku's new streaming devices include a faster and more customizable Roku Ultra, plus a slimmed-down Roku Express. And Roku OS 9.2 has some cool upgrades, like the ability to find movies with just a quoted line of dialogue and an improved user interface.
Older smart TVs and Roku devices won’t play Netflix after December 1
If you're the owner of one of Roku's first-generation devices or an older smart TV, you might be losing access to Netflix content on December 1. That's due to a technical problem that prevents these players from getting the latest version of the Netflix channel. Here's how to know if you're affected.
New Roku Streaming Stick+ adds a mute button, cuts price to just $50
Roku has quietly dropped the price on its popular Streaming Stick+ 4K HDR streaming device to just $50 -- the same price as its biggest competitor, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. The move comes as Roku revamps its lineup of devices and becomes the first non-Apple streaming platform to get the Apple TV app.
Roku Express (2019) review: This $30 streamer is all you need
TVs keep getting better and so do the streaming media players that connect to them. But for those on a budget, the new Roku Express represents the perfect formula: A $30 investment that gives you every streaming service imaginable plus a way to search through all that content quickly and easily.
You’ll soon be able to stream songs in Sony’s 360 Reality Audio format
The next big thing in music is coming sooner than we thought. Sony has announced that its 360 Reality Audio immersive music format is coming to Tidal, Amazon Music HD, and other services this fall. All you'll need to experience it is a set of headphones and a compatible streaming app for your phone.
Google Pixel Buds 2 vs. Google Pixel Buds: Are the new wireless buds better?
Google's new Pixel Buds 2 are here, and they mark a significant redesign from Google's first wireless earbuds, the Pixel Buds. What are the differences? How much do the new Pixel Buds 2 cost? And should you be looking to upgrade? We've got all the answers in our head-to-head feature comparison.
Apple TV app now available on select Roku devices, Apple TV+ coming November 1
The Apple TV app is now available for Roku users to download and add to their media streamers. Though not supported by all of Roku's devices -- some as recent as 2016 will not access Apple TV -- the announcement is nonetheless an important step as it also includes access to Apple TV+, Apple's subscription service.
Amazon Music now has an app for Apple TV. Here’s how to use it
Amazon Music is now available on the Apple TV platform thanks to a new version of the app designed specifically for the media streaming box. It gives users access to all of the same content as on their phones, including the scrolling lyrics function. Could this be a sign that Amazon Music is heading to Apple's HomePod?
Skullcandy Vert are wireless earbuds designed for a skier’s gloved hands
True wireless earbuds like the Apple AirPods might be the most popular audio accessory right now, but when tucked under a helmet -- with gloved hands -- they are not very convenient. Skullcandy's $80 Vert wireless earbuds solve that problem by putting a large, glove-friendly control where you can reach it.
Roku Ultra (2019) review: Fast, flexible, fun
Roku's update to its top-of-the-line Ultra streaming media player brings with it a host of small but helpful features like customizable remote buttons, faster performance, and new search tools. It's still missing Dolby Vision support, but the $100 Roku Ultra is one of the best media streamers you can buy.
TCL starts taking pre-orders for its 4K HDR QLED 8-Series Roku TVs
TCL's top-of-the-line 8-Series 4K HDR QLED Roku TVs are finally available for pre-order, as a BestBuy exclusive. The new TVs come in 65- and 75-inch sizes starting at $1,999. In addition to Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, the 8-Series uses a 25,000 mini-LED backlight for much-improved video performance.
Sonos experiments with monthly rental option in the Netherlands
For those who prefer to rent instead of buying their home theater gear, Sonos now has a rental option for those who live in the Netherlands. Called Flex, the program gives customers the choice of three Sonos configurations starting at 15 euros per month, which can be canceled or modified at any time.