Tag Archives: audio

Bose Frames 2020 review: These audio sunglasses rock

Dec 2020 A lot of people aren’t sure what to make of the Bose Frames audio sunglasses. For 2020, the line has been updated and expanded to include three new models: The Tempo sports model, which offers better performance, joins the more traditional-looking Tenor and Soprano.  Read more: The best headphones of 2020 Yes, audio sunglasses …

Read More »

This USB desktop mic can launch your podcasting career for $26

It’s no secret that the webcam built into your laptop is mediocre at best, and if you spend a lot of time broadcasting your voice — in Zoom, on a podcast, Twitch streaming or going live on the social media platform of your choice — a stand-alone desktop microphone is a worthwhile upgrade. Mics come in all shapes, sizes and …

Read More »

Apple’s new AirPods Pro spatial audio feature is here, and it lives up to the hype

When I first updated my iPhone 11 Pro to iOS 14 to try out Apple’s new spatial audio feature, I was a bit mystified. “Not sure what’s going on,” I wrote a colleague. “I seem to have the new firmware [3A283] on AirPods Pro. It says I have spatial audio. But what some people are describing I’m not experiencing. Restarting …

Read More »

Save $327 on Alienware’s sexy Aurora R9 gaming desktop (Update: Expired)

PC gaming has rarely been more popular than it is now, what with the pandemic and all. If you’re limping along with old hardware or just looking for an alternative to consoles, Dell has a deal that might be just the ticket. For a limited time, and while supplies last, the Alienware Aurora R9 Gaming Desktop drops to $833 with …

Read More »

HP amplifies its audio game with new accessories

HP released a flock of new sub-$100 gaming accessories, including its first 2.1-channel speaker system and wireless headset for gamers, as well as a couple of mice. Joining the budget crew is a curved 24-inch gaming monitor, which isn’t quite budget-range for its feature set. Enlarge Image The HP X1000 Wireless Gaming Headset. HP The new audio products round out …

Read More »

JBL Boombox 2 vs. UE Hyperboom: Which portable Bluetooth party speaker is better?

Supercompact portable mini Bluetooth speakers that weigh a pound or less and travel nicely have been popular for a while. But if you’re looking for big sound with thumping bass, you have to step up to one of the jumbo models, two of which have recently hit the market: the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom ($400) and the JBL Boombox 2 ($500).  …

Read More »

Cheap ways to improve your TV speakers

I love TV — especially now that I’m stuck at home watching so much more of it. But I have some less-than-loving feelings about certain actual TVs. Nearly every modern flat-screen suffers from two problems: the dreaded soap opera effect and weak, tinny, pointed-in-the-wrong-direction speakers. It’s easy enough to deal with SOE, but overcoming awful audio takes a little more …

Read More »

Score some after

As we head into the new year and assess what goodies Santa failed to leave under the tree, audio fanatics inevitably start to ponder what new speakers, receivers, music players and other audio gear they would still like to get. If you count yourself among the audio-deprived, I might be able to help. Retailer World Wide Stereo is having an …

Read More »

The top picks from Sam’s Club’s upcoming one

Was it only a month ago that Sam’s Club had its November One Day Sale to whet our appetite for Black Friday? My, how time flies. We’re lining up for final approach to the holidays now, so Sam’s Club is back with a one-day sale this Saturday, Dec. 14. Stores open at 7 a.m. local time and details of the …

Read More »

For $20, pair your AirPods with in

Problem: You get on a flight, only to realize you packed wireless earbuds — meaning you can’t use the in-flight entertainment system. Similar problem: Lots of health clubs have cardio machines with headphone jacks, but you want to use your wireless ‘buds. Related problem: The Nintendo Switch doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones. Offshoot problem: Your spouse is going to murder if …

Read More »