Beats by Dr Dre goes for Defiant Black-Red in Beats Decade Collection

Source: Beats. The Beats Decade Collection.

Styled in Defiant Black-Red in tribute to Beats by Dr Dre's beginnings and music’s dynamic emotion, the Beats Decade Collection celebrates the company's first 10 years of innovation and premium sound.

The Defiant Black-Red colour scheme features in the following models:

Source: Beats. The Beats Studio³ wireless headphones, in folded mode.

Beats Studio³ wireless headphones (recommended consumer price or RCP: S$478). With a debossed earcup, classic red cable, and custom linen case, the collection’s Beats Studio³ wireless headphones deliver premium sound and defy noise and distractions with Pure adaptive noise cancelling (ANC). These headphones continuously pinpoint external sounds to block them while automatically responding to individual fit in real-time, optimising sound output to preserve a premium listening experience.

Take calls, skip songs, control your volume, and activate Siri using the on-ear controls. The Beats Studio³ Wireless headphone is designed for long-term comfort to match a battery life of up to 22 hours. The soft over-ear cushions feature advanced venting and signature ergonomic pivoting for a custom, flexible fit.

Source: Beats. The Beats Solo³ wireless headphones.

Beats Solo³ wireless headphones (RCP: S$398). The Beats Solo³ wireless headphones deliver premium sound and up to 40 hours of battery life. This headphone delivers premium playback that maximises  clarity, breadth and balance. The comfort-cushion ear cups buffer outside noise for immersive sound.

Source: Beats. The Powerbeats³ wireless earphones.

Powerbeats³ wireless earphones (RCP: S$268). Powerbeats³ wireless earphones deliver premium sound and sport a sweat- and water-resistant design. Powerbeats³ wireless earphones set up instantly, just by holding the earphones near an iPhone – and then simultaneously connect to the Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac*. The Apple W1 chip in the earphones features Class 1 Bluetooth connectivity, a classification for range and signal strength.

Source: Beats. The Beats^X wireless earphones.

Beats^X wireless earphones (RCP: S$198). The collection’s Beats^X wireless earphones deliver premium sound and wireless freedom. Incorporating the efficient Apple W1 chip brings seamless setup and switching for Apple devices*, up to eight hours of battery life, and Fast Fuel technology for two hours of play with a 5-minute charge.

Source: Beats. The urBeats³ earphones (Android version).

The urBeats³ earphones (RCP: S$138). The urBeats³ earphones deliver premium sound and defy tangles with a flat tangle-free cable, and are available with a Lightning connector or a 3.5mm audio plug (Android version). Laser precision venting provides micro-pressure balanced bass, while dual-chamber acoustics deliver synchronised sound and natural tonality across all types of music.

Details:

The new models are available at all Beats authorised dealers in Singapore.

*Requires an iCloud account and macOS Sierra, iOS 10, watchOS 3 or later versions.

Wireless and behind-the-neck headphones join noise-cancelling 1000X Sony family

 Noise cancellation¹ in three headphone styles; new form factors in a truly wireless style and behind-the-neck join the around-ear style

 Sony | Headphones Connect app updated with the world’s first² activity-recognising Adaptive Sound Control and Atmospheric Pressure Optimising features

 Adaptive Sound Control detects if users are stationary, walking or riding the bus, and automatically switches to preferred noise cancellation settings for that activity

 Atmospheric Pressure Optimising³ feature analyses the atmospheric pressure of your surroundings to optimise the headphones’ noise cancelling performance

Sony has launched three new variations of wireless headphones with noise cancellation technology in the 1000X series.

The star of the show is the WF-1000X, which is completely free of wires and fits snugly in the ear while incorporating noise cancelling technology⁴. The behind-the-neck style WI-1000X is designed for commuters, and the WH-1000XM2 headband-style premium noise cancellation headphones offer a deeper, longer listening experience and more options to tailor the sound to the environment.

Using the new "Sony | Headphones Connect” app⁵ with the new 1000X headphone series allows for more flexibility in customising the headphones. The world’s first activity recognition Adaptive Sound Control feature offers noise cancellation (NC) and ambient sound preferences to suit different environments. This smart listening experience is realised by Sony’s integrated SENSE ENGINE⁶ technology, designed to provide a personalised experience for all sound, including music and ambient sound, tailored to individual needs.

With the WH-1000XM2 and WI-1000X users also get the world’s first Atmospheric Pressure Optimising³ feature that uses sensors to detect the air pressure around the user and optimise the noise cancellation accordingly. Additionally, an equaliser⁷ allows further tailoring. These smart listening experiences are also realised by Sony’s SENSE ENGINE⁶.

Source: Sony. The WF-1000X offer dynamic sound with 6mm drivers.

Truly wireless minimalism with the WF-1000X

Place the stylish WF-1000X buds comfortably in the ears and go. With a 6mm driver, the sound from these headphones is dynamic despite their miniscule size. As soon as they are taken from the case these headphones automatically power on and connect to the last device they were paired with. Charge the WF-1000X in the charging case to get up to nine hours⁸ of usage.

Source: Sony. The WI-1000X has an intuitive design, including zip-style cable management
and vibration alerts for incoming calls.

WI-1000X for the sophisticated commuter

Behind-the-neck wireless noise cancelling headphones are perfect for the commuter or business traveller, offering up to 10 hours of battery life with wireless noise cancelling turned on. With the world’s first Atmospheric Pressure Optimising³ feature, this pair is perfect for enjoying in-flight entertainment systems via a wired audio connection with noise cancellation for up to 14 hours. The WI-1000X brings functionality and class to your daily life through their intuitive design, including zip-style cable management and vibration alerts for incoming calls.

The hybrid driver unit with BA and 9mm dynamic driver brings the best sound quality to your ears with a multitude of other sound features such as High Resolution Audio, LDAC, DSEE HX and S-Master HX.

Source: Sony. Ideal for travellers, the WH-1000XM2 headphones feature Atmospheric Pressure Optimising³. The technology analyses the surrounding atmospheric pressure and improves noise cancellation performance.

Upgrade to the WH-1000XM2

Benefitting from all the award-winning features of the MDR-1000X and bringing even more to the table, the WH-1000XM2 combines noise-cancelling technology with an Ambient Sound mode, Personal NC Optimiser and Quick Attention mode in this around-ear style.

For frequent flyers the new Atmospheric Pressure Optimising³ feature analyses the surrounding atmospheric pressure and improves noise cancellation performance⁹. Enhanced to last 40 hours with an audio cable, or 30 hours wirelessly, the Quick Charge function gains 70 mins of battery life with just 10 minutes of charging¹⁰.

The companion Sony | Headphones Connect app offers Sony smart features for adaptable listening, utilising the mobile device’s accelerometer sensor to detect activity and adjust music as well as sound settings to best suit the environment.

Interested?

The WF-1000X, WI-1000X and WH-1000XM2 will be available in Singapore from mid-September 2017. The WF-1000X, WI-1000X and WH-1000XM2 will be available at S$349, S$449 and S$549 respectively. Preorder the WF-1000X, WI-1000X and WH-1000XM2 from 2 to 14 September 2017 at Sony Stores (Wisma Atria, 313@Somerset, Bugis Junction, IMM and nex Shopping Mall), Sony Centres (Woodlands Domestic Electrical and V3 Audio Video), Connect IT and Stereo Electronics to receive a free Porter International travel pouch worth S$89.

1 As of August 31st 2017. According to research by Sony Corporation, measured using JEITA-compliant guidelines. In headband, behind-the-neck, and truly wireless style of wireless noise cancelling headphones market.

2 As of August 31st 2017. According to research by Sony Corporation.

3 Available on the WH-1000XM2 and WI-1000X only.

4 Among truly wireless style headphones.

5 Compatible with Android 4.4 or later. iOS 9.0 or later and compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

6 SENSE ENGINE is an integrated technology of Sony’s unique audio signal processing and analysing techniques. This technology provides an individualised experience for every single sound, including music and ambient sound, tailored to each user's preferences. SENSE ENGINE is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

7 Equaliser function will be available for WF-1000X in October 2017 with update of the app

8 Three hours of battery life per charge. The carry case can charge the WF-1000X 2x over.

9 A Bluetooth connection is needed.

10 The policy for usage of Bluetooth devices while in-flight may vary across airlines.

BioSport In-Ear headphones now available

Source: Intel.

BioSport In-Ear headphones, developed in collaboration between SMS Audio and Intel, are now available. The headphones deliver a high-quality audio experience while gathering actionable data on fitness progress. 

The heart rate monitoring headphones integrate biometric sensors for fitness data collection – allowing users to track goals and progress to achieve peak physical performance.

BioSport push the envelope on in-ear headphones. An ear-wing design that sits deeper in the ear canal for continuous, real-time heart rate monitoring. The built-in sensor continuously measures heart rate while dynamically removing noise signals caused by the body's motion during a workout.

BioSport also includes technology that enables the 3.5mm gold-plated audio jack to power the headphones and biometric monitoring capabilities, so users have the freedom of on-the-go power.

Last but not least, BioSport is ultra-durable with a 40U-rubberised coating to resist chipping and scratching. The headphones are IPX4-rated for protection against sweat and resistance to water.

To help track your heart rate, pace, distance, elevation and calorie burn, the SMS Audio BioSport In-Ear Headphones are compatible with mainstream fitness app RunKeeper, with additional application support planned in 2015.

The BioSport In-Ear headphones are available online at smsaudio.com, amazon.com and bestbuy.com. BioSport headphones come in Sport blue, Sport yellow and Sport gray and retail for MSRP US$149.95. This price includes a free trial of the fitness app, Runkeeper Elite, a neoprene carrying case and three sizes of ear gels and hooks.

Founded by entrepreneur and music artist Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, SMS Audio is a premier audio, headphone and accessories brand. The collaboration between Intel Corporation and SMS Audio to develop BioSport was announced in August 2014, with investor and partner Carmelo Anthony.

Read the initial blog post about the headphones here. 

New Plantronics headsets address need for high quality audio, safety concerns

Plantronics has announced a new family of headset solutions designed for customer service centres and offices. 

Source: Plantronics. The EncorePro 500 family.

According to the company, customer service centres face new challenges with the trend towards using smartphones and self-service. Customers who call customer service representatives (CSRs) with a problem have likely already tried self-service and may even have much more information than the agent. A call has become an escalation that puts more pressure on the CSR to perform, even though the customer is more often than not speaking in a mobile environment with questionable audio quality.

Businesses are also using over-the-phone routes for complex, high-value transactions, where CSRs must work with high-quality audio and yet preserve the confidentiality of customer information.

The Plantronics EncorePro 500 Series is designed for such challenges. It features new materials and technologies that yield an ergonomic fit that is durable, lightweight, and comfortable for all-day wearing. The noise-cancelling technology ensures more focused and private calls, so conversations will be heard clearly with fewer misunderstood words and with reduced background noise from keyboards and close talkers.

There are different designs to suit user preferences: EncorePro 510/520 are dedicated over-the-head models; the EncorePro 530 fits over the ear, while the EncorePro 540 is a convertible model that delivers the same quality of audio no matter what the preferred wearing style is. All models support wideband audio.

Also new are the DA Series of USB digital audio processors for Plantronics headsets, which provide context for every call. The new digital audio processors are designed to connect Plantronics 'quick disconnect' headsets to computers through a USB port. Some incorporate user controls like the ability to answer a call, mute the call and adjust volume. All support Noise @ Work, based on Plantronics SoundGuard digital technology. Not only are CSRs protected from sounds above 118 dBA, but anti-startle protection detects and eliminates a sudden increase in sound. Time Weighted Average (TWA) measurements manage average daily sound exposure for CSRs.

Each device contains firmware that can generate notifications based on hardware state changes. Some models can also generate notifications based on acoustic events or other telemetry that is important to the customer service centre, but which had been previously unavailable. For example, the Plantronics DA-90 will offer acoustic event logging so that customers can be compliant with initiatives like Australia's G.616 recommendation. These events are exposed through APIs within the Plantronics Spokes suite of software solutions.

The combination of the Plantronics EncorePro 500 Series, Plantronics digital audio adapters, and Plantronics Hub means that events and metrics occurring during the interaction with the customer are actionable. This makes possible new activities such as the automation of agent status updates, screen-locking for security when a headset is disconnected, dashboard management of headset
inventory and warranty status, tracking of agent use of physical call controls and supervisor alerts to conversational conflict between agent and caller. 

"This launch covers everyone - usability and personal comfort for the agent, agent monitoring of events, ordering, budgeting, and inventory tracking for the supervisor. Particularly intriguing is the enablement of event tracking for things such as agent status when the headset is disconnected allowing for actions to occur such as screen locking," said Nancy Jamison, Principal Analyst in Customer Contact, Frost & Sullivan.

"We are building on the world's most successful professional grade headset, the SupraPlus, and this is a challenge we did not take lightly. Our deep understanding of the new business needs and role of customer service, and the availability of new materials, design philosophies, manufacturing techniques and core technologies resulted in a new portfolio that is not only state-of-the-art by today's standards, but also future-proofed to adapt as the landscape changes," said Bill Loewenthal, VP, Enterprise Communications Solutions, Plantronics. 

"It's no longer just about a first-class audio experience. With our new portfolio, organisations will immediately see the value that we bring by providing equipment and intelligence which enable operations to be more effective, and create a positive experience for both the CSR and the customer."

The new EncorePro 540 (convertible) and Encore 530 (over-the-ear) models are immediately available. The EncorePro 510/520 (dedicated over-the-head monaural and binaural models) will be available in both noise-cancelling and voice tube* versions in December. The DA-80 USB Digital Audio Processor will ship in December with additional models following a short time later. 

Visit www.plantronics.com/contactcenter for information and pricing. View the associated video here.

*Voice tubes transfer sound more clearly across a distance.

JVC launches waterproof and washable sports in-ear headphones

Source: JVC.

JVC has four new sports headphones that include waterproof and washable options, all designed to stay in place during sports or workout activities.

The four new models include two in the JVC Gumy Sport line and two in the Extreme Fitness line. The new Gumy Sport headphones – the HA-EN10 and HA-ENR15 – feature a Nozzle Fit earpiece made of soft silicone and a unique shape that provides a comfortable and secure fit so they won’t fall out during exercise. 

Both Gumy Sport models are sweatproof with IPX2 water ingress protection rating, which signifies that they can be used during light rainfall. The 3.3-ft (1m) cable has an iPhone compatible plug, and small and medium earpieces are included to ensure the best fit. The HA-ENR15 includes an in-line remote control and microphone for use with iPod, iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry devices. Both Gumy Sport models come in a choice of four color combinations – blue/black, black/red, pink/violet and white/orange.

The new JVC HA-ETX30 and HA-ETR40 Extreme Fitness headphones feature JVC’s new Pivot Motion Fit, a soft rubber rotating hook that fits within the part of the ear just above the ear canal to provide an ultra-secure yet very comfortable fit. To tailor the fit to each user, the hook rotates and its position can easily be adjusted while wearing the earpiece. 

The Extreme Fitness headphones are IPX5/IPX7 rated, so they can be safely washed, either by rinsing under running water or rinsed briefly in a basin of water. The 3.94-ft (1.2m) cord has a gold-plated iPhone compatible plug, and each headphone comes with small, medium and large earpieces and a cable clip to hold the cable in place. The HA-ETR40 includes additional open-type earpieces that allow ambient sounds to be heard, such as approaching traffic, for safety. It also features a splash-proof in-line remote control and microphone on a 1.97-ft (0.6m) cable plus a 1.97-ft extension cord.

The HA-ETX30 is available in four colour combinations – blue/yellow, black/green, pink/blue and white/orange. The HA-ETR40 comes in gun metallic/black and red/black.

The new JVC sports headphones will be available in late September* at the following prices*:

• HA-EN10 US$14.95
• HA-ENR15 US$19.95
• HA-ETX30 US$29.95
• HA-ETR40 US$39.95

*Availability and pricing varies across countries.

Bluetooth speakers, headphones from Bose make connections easier

Bose has announced two additions to its SoundLink family of mobile audio solutions: the SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker, the most affordable SoundLink speaker from Bose, and SoundLink Bluetooth on-ear headphones, the first on-ear Bluetooth headphones from Bose. 

The SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker is a completely new SoundLink design. It weighs 1.25 pounds (567g), and measures 5” wide, 2.1” deep and 5.3” high. Bose combined exclusive dual-opposing passive radiators with two high-efficiency transducers for full-range sound, including deep, low-note performance. Essential controls are on the product, and a 3.5mm stereo auxiliary input is integrated on the back of the enclosure.

The SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker connects wirelessly to a smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth enabled device, and uses voice prompts - available in several languages - to simplify setup, and identify which source is connected. If it is turned off, the speaker remembers the last eight devices it was paired with when powered back on. It then automatically connects to the two most recently used, such as the iPhone, iPad, Android, or other Bluetooth-enabled device. 

The SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker runs on a lithium-ion battery for up to eight hours, and fully recharges with most USB power sources in about three hours. Its exhaustively-tested housing is made of elastomer and plastic and comes in black, white, blue, red and mint.

The new SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones are lighter and more comfortable than conventional Bluetooth headphones, the company said, and deliver all the audio performance of a Bose wired headphone. Bose Active Equalization and TriPort technology combine for smoother, more balanced sound. Mid-high frequencies are natural, and low-frequencies are detailed and full. 

A new two-microphone system rejects distractions like wind, so callers can hear what you’re saying more, and the sounds around you less. Adaptive Audio Adjustment technology automatically changes volume based on speech level and ambient noise, letting wearers move from a quiet environment to a noisier one without missing a word.

Just like the new speakers, the SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones connect up to two devices at a time and lets the wearer switch between them. Users can for example watch a video from a tablet while staying connected to A smartphone. Simple voice prompts identify who’s calling, battery status and source connection. With commands on the earcup, wearers are in control: turn it on and off, answer and end a call, adjust volume, play/pause, or control tracks, without using your phone.

The SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones weigh only 5.5 ounces (156g). Designed to be worn comfortably for hours, they feature soft ear cushions and a headband pad made of fabric used in high-end automotive applications. To stow away, they fold smoothly for compact storage in a matching case. The SoundLink Bluetooth headphones come in black or white, and charge easily with an included USB cable for up to 15 hours of listening, or up to two hours after a 15-minute charge.

The SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker and the SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones will be sold* for US$129.95 and US$249.95, respectively. The SoundLink Bluetooth headphones are already available*, while pre-orders for the SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker will be available* starting September 25, 2014. All SoundLink products are sold* at Bose retail stores, Bose.com, and at authorised Bose dealers.


*Images from Bose. Prices and availability varies across countries.