If you want to see the future of music software, take a look at what’s happening in music hardware. Is the winner in streaming music the winner in smart speaker adoption? In its initial phase, smart speakers are mostly associated with voice-activation …
Category archives: Headphones and Speakers
An AirPods Wireless Charging Case Is Coming Soon — But Is an All-New Design Arriving In 2020?
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, an internal document might suggest that a new generation of AirPods is on the way. The insider document revealed a device with “wireless charging support” and upgraded Bluetooth 5.0. The note might be alluding to Appl…
Tidal Is Now Available on Amazon Echo Devices Thanks to the ‘Music Skill’ API
Amazon announced several new Echo devices back in September, but a hidden gem was buried in that presentation. The company announced a Music Skill API to allow any music streaming service to stream songs to Alexa-enabled devices. The new API wasn’t mad…
A New Apple Patent Outlines Some Seriously Sophisticated Over-the-Ear Headphones
A freshly-granted Apple patent outlines an interesting over-the-ear headphone design, with ‘beamforming’ technology employed. The patent title is “System and method for automatic right-left ear detection for headphones,” and it describes what are essen…
The Optoma Nuforce HEM8s: Lots of Packaging, But Overall a Good Purchase
A review of the HEM8s and their plastic waste. Pros: Good quality for the price! Cons: Somewhat bottom heavy and lacking some of the detail I prefer on highs, somewhat narrow soundstage, SO MUCH PACKAGING! Rating and overall thoughts: 6/10 If you are l…
Spotify Enables Smart Speaker Streaming for Free Users
Spotify announced today that free members can now listen to their music through speakers that support Spotify Connect. The new integration will require hardware companies to support the new Spotify Connect SDK. This new change means that 104 million S…
How To Increase The Sound Quality Of Your Wireless Bluetooth Speakers
Do you have Bluetooth wireless speakers that you wish produced better sounding music? Here’s how to increase the sound quality of your wireless Bluetooth speakers. Bluetooth speakers make it easy to listen to music with your friends without worr…
Get Ready for Alexa-Powered Amplifiers & Subwoofers
According to a new report from CNBC, Amazon is looking into bringing Alexa to amplifiers, subwoofers, and other devices like a microwave and an in-car gadget. The company plans to release eight new Alexa-powered devices before the end of the year. Last…
Sonos Stock Is Plunging After a Disappointing Earnings Report
Sonos is facing heavy turbulence on Wall Street after a less-than-stellar earnings report. Sonos has been a pioneer in the market for wireless speakers and related services. But maybe the space for smart speakers is simply too crowded. Last month, the…
Beats by Dre Is Now the Official Headphone of the NBA
Beats by Dre just became the official headphone partner of the NBA. The announcement was made today by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine. The new deal covers a wide range of marketing and merchandising opportunities for both sides. But this is even broader th…