World Wellness Day: Dyson invites reconnection through innovation

In the spirit of Global Wellness Day, which falls on June 14 this year, Dyson encourages individuals to embrace meaningful reconnection – whether it’s through clearer air, calming sound, or restorative routines.

The company is offering exclusive offerings Malaysia-wide throughout June across key innovations including the Dyson OnTrac, Dyson WashG1, and Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde.

Quiet from chaos

Source: Dyson. The Dyson OnTrac headphones.

Designed for all-day wear, the Dyson OnTrac combines a lightweight frame with soft memory foam and pressure-balanced ear cushions for extended comfort. Featuring 40 mm neodymium drivers, these headphones deliver clear, full-spectrum sound with low distortion, ideal for music, calls, or meditation. Wear detection sensors enable auto-play and pause for seamless use.

The headphones are engineered for immersive, high-performance audio with intelligent noise control. Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology continuously monitors and blocks unwanted sound in real time, creating a more mindful listening environment. 

Details

From now till 30 June 2025, customers can receive complimentary Ear Cushions and Outer Caps (worth RM518) with every purchase of the Dyson OnTrac headphones.

Clear space

Source: Dyson.
The Dyson
WashG1.

The Dyson WashG1 is designed to deliver powerful, hygienic cleaning of hard floors across large spaces. Equipped with a 1-litre clean water tank, it can cover up to 3000 sq ft on a single charge. 

Combining hydration, absorption, and extraction technologies, the Dyson WashG1 effectively removes wet and dry dirt, along with tough stains, while automatically separating debris for more hygienic maintenance. Unique separation technology divides debris and dirty water for no-touch disposal. 

A self-cleaning mode flushes the system after each use, and two highly-absorbent rollers counter-rotate for powerful stain removal. Custom hydration control options allow users to select cleaning intensity based on flooring type, ensuring optimal performance.

Details

From now till 30 June 2025, customers can save RM700 when purchasing the Dyson WashG1 wet floor cleaner. They will also receive Dual Microfibre rollers, worth RM239, as a gift.

Clean air

Source: Dyson. The
Dyson Purifier
Big+Quiet Formaldehyde.

With a low-noise profile, energy efficiency, and minimal maintenance required, the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde offers a high-performance purification experience.

The purifier is engineered to deliver powerful and quiet purification for large spaces. Designed with Cone Aerodynamics, it projects purified air over 10 metres while operating at 56 dB – making it ideal for open-plan areas, shared spaces, and restful environments. 

Equipped with a fully-sealed HEPA H13-grade filtration system, the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet captures 99.95% of ultrafine particles as small as 0.1 microns, including dust, allergens, and bacteria. Its advanced Selective Catalytic Oxidisation (SCO) filter continuously destroys formaldehyde without needing replacement, breaking it down into water and CO₂ molecules.

The device’s solid-state sensor monitors indoor air quality in real time, while Auto Mode intelligently adjusts purification levels based on detected pollutants.

Details

Buyers across Malaysia can save RM300 if they get the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde by end-June, 2025.

Hashtags: #WorldWellnessDay, #ReconnectMagenta

Sony's LinkBuds S deliver immersive sound entertainment

Source: Sony. The LinkBuds S.

Sony has added the LinkBuds S to its LinkBuds series. The latest model empowers a new sound experience through Sony’s sensing technology and partner collaboration, all while maintaining a “never off” experience.

LinkBuds S feature noise cancelling technology and high-resolution audio. The headphones support the LinkBuds ambient sound concept that lets wearers interact with the world around them, as well as high-quality noise cancelling so that they can also focus on the content they love.

Better audio

Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 improves noise cancelling, enhances sound quality and reduces distortion with less power for distraction-free listening. With the help of a new 5mm driver unit the earbuds produce powerful bass and clear vocals despite their size. 

These new headphones also allow you to experience High-Resolution Audio Wireless, a capability based on Sony’s industry-adopted audio coding technology, LDAC. All music is restored back to high-range sound with the use of DSEE Extreme, which upscales digital music files in real time. Hear all the fine details in every track.

Intelligent adjustments

Sony’s Precise Voice Pickup Technology optimally controls the microphones on both earbuds for clear conversations in all environments. Adaptive Sound Control is further adjusts ambient sound settings depending on where the wearer is, creating the ideal listening experience.

Speak-to-Chat, based on precise Voice Pickup technology, makes the headphones smart enough to pause music automatically when the wearer speaks to someone. 

Thanks to the intuitive touch sensor control panel, wearers can change sound settings, activate Quick Attention and even resume Spotify music playback or Endel, with just a few taps on the earbuds. Endel facilitates the creation of personalised soundscapes. 

The wider ecosystem

LinkBuds S support Google’s new Fast Pair feature for pairing an Android device with other devices quickly and easily. Swift Pair also makes it simple to pair the headphones to a Windows 11 or Windows 10 laptop, desktop PC or tablet.

The new headphones are also Google Assistant and Alexa compatible.

Game integration

By leveraging sensor and spatial sound technology, the headphones also deliver immersive sound entertainment in augmented reality (AR) games such as Ingress. Sony has collaborated with its partner Niantic, the maker of Ingress, so that players wearing LinkBuds S will hear sound delivered depending on the direction they face.

Archit Bhargava, Director of Product Marketing, Niantic said, "Niantic has a vision of a Real World Metaverse, which means adding the AR digital layers onto the real world. Currently, the AR layers are visual layers; however, we believe that adding a sound layer will create a richer AR experience and it makes the real world more enjoyable and convenient.

"Sony's LinkBuds series adds the sound layer without compromising the visual and audio information of the real world. When it is used with the various games offered by Niantic, they can create a richer, more enjoyable gaming experience. Ingress, which is celebrating its 10th milestone this year, is going to have a new feature before the summer. We hope you will enjoy the feature with the LinkBuds series.

"Also, please stay tuned for the AR experience by the combination of LinkBuds series and our Lightship platform, which is the foundation of Niantic’s game titles, which shall be available soon."

These earbuds are additionally ready for LE Audio, a next-generation Bluetooth audio standard that enables ultra-low latency that is ideal for gaming.

Practicality

The wireless headphones weigh approximately 4.8 g, and are shaped to match the human ear. An ergonomic design offers a more stable fit.

In terms of battery life, Sony said the LinkBuds S have a full working day of charge – 6 hours with noise cancelling on – from the headphones. Another 14 hours of use can be extracted from the compact charging case. In a punch, a 5-minute quick charging session will deliver up to 60 minutes of play time.

Sustainability

The environmentally-friendly LinkBuds S, like the rest of the LinkBuds series, come in packaging that is plastic-free. The headphones themselves use recycled materials from automobile parts, reflecting Sony’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of their products.

Details:

LinkBuds S will be available in White, Black and Ecru in selected countries in Asia Pacific from end-May 2022.

Razer announces three new value-for-money peripherals

Razer, the global lifestyle brand for gamers, has announced three new gaming peripherals: the BlackWidow keyboard, Kraken headset, and Basilisk Essential mouse.

Source: Razer. The Razer BlackWidow keyboard.

The new Razer BlackWidow keyboard has many of the same features as the flagship BlackWidow Elite. The BlackWidow is fitted with Razer’s tactile and 'clicky' green mechanical switches.

Designed for gaming by Razer, the green mechanical switch features a tactile bump and distinctive click sound, with optimised actuation and reset points for best-in-class gaming and typing. Using Razer’s improved dual-side wall switch design, key wobble is minimised while increasing accuracy and responsiveness. Each key is rated to last up to 80 million keystrokes.

The BlackWidow offers Razer Chroma with individual key lighting of 16.8 million colors controllable via Razer Synapse 3. With Razer Hypershift, every key can be a macro key, or be assigned secondary functions through Razer Synapse 3. The Razer BlackWidow also features onboard hybrid memory and cloud storage, allowing you to preserve your personalised settings (such as lighting profiles, key binds and macros) when used with different computers.

The new Razer Kraken headphones replace the Kraken Pro V2. Taking design and hardware cues from the flagship Kraken Tournament Edition, the Kraken features large 50 mm drivers to deliver clear, powerful sound. The improved retractable microphone cuts out even more background noise for better team communication. 

Long-term comfort is assured with thicker headband padding and all-ear gel cooling cushions. The Kraken Pro V2 has leatherette ear cushions. The ear cup padding features a moisture-wicking breathable fabric on the contact surface, a cooling gel layer and hidden eyewear channels built into the foam layer.

The Kraken is also available in a Quartz Pink edition, and as the Razer Kraken for Console, featuring a new color variant of black with blue highlights.   

The Razer Basilisk Essential mouse stays true to the unique right-handed ergonomic form factor of the original Razer Basilisk and has seven configurable buttons utilising Razer’s mechanical mouse switches, with a durability of up to 20 million clicks.

The thumb-operated multi-function paddle, an award-winning feature in the original Basilisk, can be programmed for any function the gamer needs. Powered by a native, gaming-grade 6,400 dots per inch (DPI) optical sensor, the Razer Basilisk Essential features Razer Chroma with customisability of 16.8 million colours and variety of effects available through Razer Synapse 3.

Details:

Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the BlackWidow keyboard: US$119.99

MSRP for the Kraken: US$79.99, which is also the MSRP for the Razer Kraken Pro V2.

MSRP for the Basilisk Essential: US$49.99

All three are available on Razer.com now, and worldwide March 2019

Four new Surfaces enter the market

Microsoft has launched four new Surface products that are designed for today's world.

Source: Microsoft website. The Surface Pro 6.

"You need the right devices and technology that can travel with you, be ready when you are – whenever and wherever inspiration strikes," said Microsoft Chief Product Officer Panos Panay in a blog post.

"That’s the power of Surface, Windows, and Office connected together through the cloud, creating the right instrument for you. We’ve designed them together to optimise every ounce, every pixel, and every line of code to empower you to be more productive and more creative."

The new Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 come in an all-new matte black finish. "As a team we explore different finishes. And when we modelled our devices in this beautiful matte black, we fell in love. We knew we had to bring it to life for our customers," Panay said.

Surface Pro 6 runs on the latest 8th generation Intel Quad Core processor. It is more than 67% faster than the 5th generation Surface Pro, and features a PixelSense Touch Display.

Source: Microsoft website. The Surface Laptop 2.

Surface Laptop 2 also has boosted performance from a new Quad Core 8th generation Intel processor, which enables it to be 85% faster than the original Surface Laptop. Crafted with a premium design, PixelSense Touch Display, and best-in-class keyboard and trackpad, this new generation delivers 14.5 hours of battery life.

The Surface Studio 2 is the most powerful Surface ever. The creative canvas is built for creators who need vibrancy, high graphics performance, and fast processing, backed by Pascal graphics and a GPU that is 50% faster. The new Surface Studio is 38% brighter, with 22% more contrast, and designed to work with the Surface Pen to the tune of 4,096 levels of pressure, tilt sensitivity for drawing and sketching, and best-in-class ink latency.

And now, there are Surface Headphones to complete the Surface experience. "Whether you’re in an open work space, a café or on the go, Surface Headphones help tune out or tune in wherever you are. They slip comfortably over your ears to surround you with spectacular sound quality and 13 levels of ambient noise control," Panay said.

While Surface Headphones are optimised for Surface devices, they will pair with any Bluetooth-enabled device. Two beam-forming microphones on each ear cup, eight microphones in total, offer excellent call experiences. Intuitive on-ear dials provide easy adjustment of volume and noise cancellation.

Details:

Within the Asia Pacific region, Surface Studio 2 is available to preorder in Australia and New Zealand. Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 can be preordered in Australia, China, Japan, and New Zealand. Additional market availability expected in 2019.

Surface Headphones are currently only available in the US and the UK.

Sony launches smartphones, audio-visual solutions

 Four new X-Series smartphones announced

 Xperia Touch, the Android projector with multi-touch, rolls out to selected markets 

 First showcase of Xperia Ear “Open-style CONCEPT”

Sony Mobile Communications (Sony Mobile) has unveiled new consumer experiences focused on innovation.

"Xperia Touch is a revolutionary interface," said Hiroki Totoki, President and CEO, Sony Mobile Communications. “A year on from unveiling our new brand direction and vision for the future of communications, not only are we announcing Xperia XZ Premium, equipped with the most advanced technologies to enhance the essential features on smartphones, we’re creating whole new interactive communication experiences with our Xperia Smart Products.”

The company has added the XperiaXZ Premium and Xperia XZs smartphones to its premium range, while the Xperia XA1 and Xperia XA1 Ultra are the brand’s super mid-range models. All four new X-Series smartphones will be available in Singapore.

Hideyuki Furumi, EVP, Global Sales & Marketing, Sony Mobile Communications said: “We’ve continued to evolve and transform our smartphone portfolio, with an unwavering focus on delivering the most advanced technology in elegantly designed products. Whether it’s a memory-stacked camera system capable of super slow motion capture or the world’s first 4K HDR smartphone display, we’re delivering experiences that connect with users in emotional and meaningful ways like never before.”

Source: Sony Mobile. The Xperia XZ Premium.

Xperia XZ Premium showcases Sony’s new Motion Eye camera system to enable advanced features and excellence in picture quality, as well as the world’s first 4K HDR display¹ (5.5”). Motion Eye camera provides 960 frames-per-second (fps) super slow motion video capture and playback, four times slower than any other smartphone². Xperia XZ Premium is available globally in Luminous Chrome and Deepsea Black from late spring 2017 (editor's note: roughly Q1 to Q2).

The flagship variant Xperia XZs brings the same re-engineered Motion Eye camera to selected markets in a 5.2” form factor and is available from April 2017 in Ice Blue, Warm Silver and Black.

Xperia XA1 and the 6” large screen XA1 Ultra feature a borderless design with edge-to-edge screens. Both will surpass camera expectations with high-end rear camera specs including 23MP sensors and low-light capabilities, whilst XA1 Ultra has been designed for selfie lovers with a 16MP front camera. Both smartphones will roll out from spring 2017³ with Android Nougat at launch in a choice of contemporary finishes; White, Black, Pink⁴ and Gold.

Built with Sony’s SXRD projection display technology, Xperia Touch is an interactive projector that turns any flat surface into a 23” HD touchscreen, with either horizontal or vertical ultrashort-throw projection. This allows people to gather around a table or flat wall to play games, watch video, or communicate on social networks. The fast interface responds to touch made possible through a combination of infrared light and real-time detection via its built-in camera, at a rate of 60 fps. 

The Xperia Touch is compatible with the PlayStation 4 Remote Play⁵, as well as any app or game downloaded from the Google Play Store⁶. The home screen skin even provides real-time weather information, a memo board for doodles or video notes, calendar access and a Skype portal for videoconferencing. It rolls out initially in Europe from spring 2017, with a suggested retail price of €1,499⁷.

The Xperia Ear “Open-style CONCEPT” is based on 'open-ear' audio technology developed within Sony's Future Lab Program, an incubator that enables consumers to trial and shape prototypes from Sony’s R&D division. The product utilises Sony's acoustics research and expertise to deliver wireless 'openear' stereo headphones, so wearers can listen to music and receive notifications, whilst simultaneously hearing sounds from the world around them.

Source: Sony Mobile. The Xperia Ear "Open-
Style CONCEPT".

Xperia Ear “Open-style CONCEPT” has two spatial acoustic conductors and driver units working together to transmit sounds directly to the ear canal. And just as with Xperia Ear, Xperia Ear “Open-style CONCEPT” will be powered by Sony Agent Technology - a personal assistant that uses conversational voice interaction and head gestures to help users get things done.

Sony Mobile will continue to develop new features to further increase the in-ear assistant capability. An example of this is Anytime Talk, a new voice chat service that will allow users to start a group conversation in real-time without searching through contacts or needing to dial - just press a button or make a single head movement. The beta version will roll out for the first-generation Xperia Ear over the coming months.

Hashtags: #MWC2017, #MWC17

1 Xperia XZ Premium features a 4K UHD (2,160 x 3,840 pixels) High Dynamic Range (HDR) 5.5" display. Verified by Strategy Analytics' SpecTRAX Service  against the published display specifications for over 9,800 smartphones. Correct as of 16 December 2016. 

2 Xperia XZ Premium and XZs features a memory stacked image sensor capable of slow motion video at 960 fps in HD  (720p) using device hardware. Verified by Strategy Analytics’ SpecTRAX service against the published camera sensor specifications for over 9,800 smartphones. Correct as of 16 December 2016  

3 Availability varies by market, please check with local operators or retailers 

4 Colour variants vary by market, please check with local operators or retailers 

5 Single player only - no local multiplayer support 

6 Application and game performance may vary and/or have limited functionality if leveraging gyroscopic sensing and/or movement, designed for portable devices

7 Pricing and availability may vary by market

Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 wireless headphones feature on-demand active noise cancellation

Source: Plantronics. The BackBeat PRO 2.

Plantronics, a pioneer in audio and wearable technology, has announced the BackBeat PRO 2 and BackBeat PRO 2 Special Edition (SE) are available worldwide.

"More people than ever are ready to cut the cord and take their audio experience wireless, but are concerned they may have to compromise on the audio quality of their music and their ability to listen for long stretches at a time. BackBeat PRO 2 was designed with these consumers in mind," said Tanguy Leborgne, VP, Consumer Solutions, Plantronics.

"Its on-demand active noise-cancellation, 24-hour battery life, and Plantronics signature audio technologies mean you can immerse yourself in the rich bass, crisp highs and natural mid-tones of your favourite track at the touch of a button, whether you're at the office, commuting, at home or on a long flight."

Built on the winning features of the popular BackBeat PRO, BackBeat PRO 2 has a streamlined design that is 35% smaller and 15% lighter than the previous generation model. Along with new ear cups for better ergonomics and ear coverage, a flexible ear cup mount, and a headband and yoke that distribute weight evenly around the wearer's head, the design of BackBeat PRO 2 means a comfortable fit during long listening sessions.

Delivering a high-quality, full-range listening experience, the over-the-ear BackBeat PRO 2 has on-demand active noise-cancellation (ANC) to minimise background noise as needed. Users can then switch to open-listening mode to hear announcements or conversations without removing the headphones.

The BackBeat PRO 2 provides wireless freedom with Class 1 Bluetooth for a 100 m range when paired with a Class 1 Bluetooth device. Plantronics smart power management technologies provide up to 24 hours of continuous listening time on a single charge, up to 21 days of standby power, and up to six months of DeepSleep hibernation if inadvertently left on. Other features include:

* Smart sensors that automatically pause or resume the music as the user removes or puts on the headphones respectively
* Multi-device connectivity to connect up to two devices simultaneously and easily switch between your smartphone and tablet for music, movies and calls
* Built-in dual mics to enable clear phone calls right from the headphones
* Travel-ready design with fold-flat ear cups and a protective sleeve
* Included 3.5 mm cable for in-flight entertainment and the ability to plug in

A special edition, the BackBeat PRO 2 SE with near field communications (NFC) pairing, more premium finishes and a hard travel case, has also been launched.

Other BackBeat stereo Bluetooth headphones include BackBeat FIT, waterproof* and sweatproof wireless sport headphones that meet the IP57 rating; BackBeat GO3, wireless stereo earbuds designed from the ground up, and ear out; BackBeat SENSE, smart on-ear wireless headphones with sensor technology; and the BackBeat 100 series, hybrid neckband wireless headphones with an ultra-light design.

Interested?

BackBeat PRO 2 is available in Black and Tan at authorised Plantronics retailers in Singapore for S$319. The BackBeat PRO 2 SE will be available in Graphite Grey at authorised Singapore Plantronics retailers for S$379.

*Waterproof in fresh water up to 1 m for 30 minutes (IP57). However, Bluetooth technology does not transmit underwater.

All-day versatility with Plantronics BackBeat 100 Series Wireless Headphones

Plantronics, an audio and wearable technology provider, has unveiled the BackBeat 100 Series, the first hybrid neckband wireless headphones for calls and music in the BackBeat stereo product family.

With an ultra-light design for easy all-day wear, BackBeat 100 and BackBeat 105 delivers full-range sound with solid bass for listening to music and watching videos on the go. With a built-in microphone, clear, hands-free calls can be conducted at the touch of a button.

"For many people a great pair of headphones is a constant companion, whether they're at work, school or on the move," said Lori Langona, Director of consumer marketing at Plantronics. "The BackBeat 100 Series is designed for high-quality audio and quick access to phone calls when you need it, with a discreet wearing style that fades into the background when you don't."

Weighing less than 30g, BackBeat 100 Series has a flexible neckband design that conforms to the size and shape of the wearer's neck, with magnetic earbuds that make tangled wires a thing of the past. Additional BackBeat 100 Series features include:

* Up to eight hours of listening and talk time
* Simple three-button interface for operation of music and calls
* Full-range sound with a solid bass audio profile
* Built-in microphone with echo reduction, digital signal processing (DSP) and HD Voice clarity
* Vibration alerts for incoming calls

Other BackBeat stereo Bluetooth headphones include BackBeat FIT, sweatproof wireless sport headphones featuring a safety-oriented design and a stable fit regardless of activity level; BackBeat GO 3, wireless stereo earbuds designed to provide stunning audio quality and sound performance; the BackBeat SENSE, smart on-ear wireless headphones with sensor technology; and BackBeat PRO, over-the-ear wireless headphones, featuring active noise cancellation, and listening time of up to 24 hours.

Interested?

The BackBeat 100 series will be available in black at authorised Plantronics retailers beginning end-October 2016 at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of S$119

*Images from Plantronics.

Jabra Halo Smart designed for both calls and music

• Fits the 79% of users who want one set of headphones for both calls and
music, but find the call-experience on most music devices inadequate*

• Built for calls first-and-foremost, Jabra Halo Smart uses high quality microphones with integrated wind noise protection

• Uncompromising sound-quality thanks to 10mm speakers and Jabra’s audio
capabilities

• Neck-band style for all-day use and seamless switching between calls, music and media

Source: Jabra. The new Jabra Halo Smart headphones.

Designed for those who want a great calling experience, music on-
the-go and the ability to switch easily between the two, the new Jabra Halo Smart wireless headphones have been developed with voice and call quality top-of-mind.

According to recent Jabra insights*, 79% of users would like to have one set of headphones for both calls and music, but believe the call experience on most headphones designed for music devices is poor. Jabra Halo Smart delivers a superior call experience thanks to high-quality microphones with integrated wind-noise protection, enhanced voice capabilities via a dedicated Google Now/Siri
button and immersive, full-spectrum sound through its 10mm speakers.

A 230mAh battery and optimised battery performance removes the hassle of having to constantly charge the 38g headset, and enables the Jabra Halo Smart to offer 17 hours of talk time, or 15 hours of music time. Android users can track battery usage on the Jabra Assist app, receive alerts when the battery is getting low and get notifications about when the next recharge is likely required, based on historical usage.

A subtle vibration in the neckband alerts you to incoming calls, whilst Android users can expect readouts of calendar notifications, emails, text messages and social media messages.

“We are all doing more with our smartphones than ever before, whether it’s making and taking calls, listening to music on-the-move or watching a movie clip during a break. So we wanted to develop a set of wireless headphones that delivers amazing sound whatever you’re doing whether taking calls or listening to music”, explains Calum MacDougall, SVP at Jabra.

Interested?

Jabra Halo Smart is available in three colours: Impact Red, Electric Blue and Classic Black. It is available both online and retail via gowireless.com.sg, Challenger, DigitalStyle, Harvey
Norman, Newstead Technologies, Stereo Electronics, and Apple Authorized Resellers from mid-July
onwards. The headphones have a recommended retail price of S$138.

Watch the associated video at www.apac.jabra.com/bluetooth-headsets/jabra-halo-smart
Jabra Halo SmartTM video: http://bit.ly/28N1UzP

* Jabra -commissioned survey by Lindberg Research with 1,000 participants (2015) as well as studies conducted by Jabra with registered users – 4,599 users in 2014 and 4,770 users in 2016.

posted from Bloggeroid

Look out for the new Bose SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II

Source: Atlas Sound & Vision for Bose.

Bose has introduced the SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II, combining what it says is the best sound quality of any wireless headphone available today with a new kind of wireless experience. 

“We believe when you give up wires, you shouldn’t have to compromise audio performance or convenience,” said Bernice Cramer, GM, Bose Wireless Headphones. “So, we did more than make the SoundLink II the best-sounding wireless headphones out there. We made them the most hassle-free wireless headphones, too. You’ll notice how great your music sounds first, and then you’ll notice that we solved all the little and big problems that no one else has. That’s the power of great engineering - it makes the entire streaming music experience that much better.”

The headphones feature 15 hours of battery life, multi-point for connecting two devices, quick pairing with NFC technology, seamless audio/video sync, easy switching between audio and calls, and intuitive controls and voice prompts. 

The SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II use proprietary technologies, including active equalisation and new volume-optimised equalisation, so audio is detailed and real at any volume. There are no manufactured boosts because they’re not needed. What you hear is as close as possible to what was recorded, rather than re-created or altered, Bose says.

“We’ve never adjusted how a piece of music will sound when it’s reproduced because it’s not our music - it’s the artist’s music and it’s your music, and our job is to make it sound as good as it can,” said Cramer.

For calls, the SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II use an advanced microphone system, HD voice and adaptive audio adjustment technology for wind or noise. Volume is changed automatically based on speech level and changing environments, so users can move from a quiet building to a busy street without missing a word or fumbling for controls.

The SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II offer true wireless freedom. It starts with up to 15 hours of battery life on a single charge - 25% more than the industry standard. If you’re in a rush or on the go, a 15-minute charge will provide up to two hours of play time through the included USB cable. 

With multi-point, users can stay simultaneously connected to two devices, making it possible to watch a movie or sports on your tablet, and take or make a call on your phone. And while conventional wireless headphones can have delays synching audio and video, the SoundLink headphones offer a seamless connection. 

Pairing is easy, too. Tap the right earcup to pair for NFC-enabled devices, or just connect your Bluetooth device. To switch between music and calls, use the intuitive controls on the headphone’s earcup. The SoundLink headphones II also feature voice prompts (available in 11 different languages) to tell you who is calling, what device you’re connected to, and how much battery life you have left.

SoundLink headphones, based on glass-filled nylon and stainless steel, are tested in Bose labs to survive drops, bumps and grabs. They weigh about 198g, and are built for comfort with soft ear cushions and a contoured headband. They also fold flat for easy storage in a matching case.

Interested?

The new Bose SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II come in two colours: black or white. They’re available for pre-order from mid-September for S$399. Bose fans can now register to stay updated.

In Singapore, Bose SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II will be sold through Atlas e-store, Atlas showrooms and selected resellers islandwide.

Read the Suroor Asia blog post about the first Bose SoundLink headphones

BeoPlay H8 wireless headphones debut in Singapore

Beo Play H8 in argilla bright.

BANG & OLUFSEN have designed wireless headphones that are both elegant and long on battery life. B&O PLAY by BANG & OLUFSEN features an aluminium touch interface and up to 14 hours of battery lifetime with active noise cancellation in a sleek, lightweight design.

BeoPlay H8 on-ear headphones from B&O PLAY by BANG &
OLUFSEN are controlled by gestures on the aluminium-clad ear cup. Taps and swipes can be used to control activities such as answering calls, volume control, track selection or activating active noise cancellation. 

"Combined with the acclaimed Bang & Olufsen Signature Sound, premium materials and the low weight it is not just another headphone on the market, it is simply one the best product of its kind," said Henrik Taudorf Lorensen, Head of B&O PLAY.

Crafted from premium materials such as anodised aluminium, cowhide leather and lambskin, BeoPlay H8 weighs 255g and is designed by the award-winning Danish industrial designer Jakob Wagner. "With BeoPlay H8 we have made something complex simple and easy to use," said Wagner. "It has been a focus of ours to use the right materials in an intelligent way, so you can concentrate on the listening experience while enjoying intuitive usability."

BeoPlay H8 is available in gray hazel and argilla bright and costs S$698. It is available at selected EpiCentre, Infinite, iStudio, Nubox & Polaris outlets; AV One, Challenger, Courts, ConnectIT, Digital Style, Harvey Norman, Newstead, Parisilk, Sprint-Cass (Changi Airport T1, T2 & T3), and SoundWaves Studio & Stereo. It can also be obtained online at HipVan and TREOO.COM.

SMS Audio headphones powered by Intel will track fitness

Intel has partnered with SMS Audio, an audio headphone and accessories brand from Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, to produce a personal audio system that combines technology and fitness called the SMS Audio BioSport In-Ear Headphones powered by Intel.

The new headphones will be part of the recently-launched SMS Audio Sport Collection and are designed to deliver high-quality audio while gathering actionable data on fitness progress.

"With SMS Audio, we will bring smart headphones to market that eliminate the inconvenience of add-on devices with an integrated, one-device fitness accessory offering high-end style and premier sound quality for an exceptional fitness experience. This is a prime example of Intel driving innovation in wearable devices while being a forerunner in merging lifestyle and technology," said Michael Bell, Corporate VP and GM of the New Devices Group at Intel.

The SMS Audio BioSport In-Ear Headphones powered by Intel will integrate biometric sensors in a custom heart rate monitor in-ear headphone to collect fitness data. A built-in optical sensor that continuously measures heart rate during intense exercise, states of relaxation and every moment in between - while dynamically removing noise signals caused by body motion and ambient light.

Source: Intel.

To help track heart rate, pace, distance, elevation and calorie burn, the SMS Audio BioSport In-Ear Headphones will be compatible with mainstream fitness app RunKeeper, with additional application support planned in the future. The earphones will also be IPX4 rated for protection against sweat and resistance to water. A patented ear-hook design ensures a comfortable fit while an energy-harvesting audio jack removes the need for extra batteries or chargers.

The SMS Audio BioSport In-Ear Headphones will be available at SMSAudio.com in Q4 2014. Specific pricing will be announced later this year.