Razer introduced the Clio X at PAX West 2026, a cheaper version of its head-cushion speaker for gaming chairs, priced at $110 versus the original Clio's $230. It swaps the flagship's 43mm aluminum drivers for two 38mm speakers and two 55mm passive radiators, still supporting THX Spatial Audio and Razer's low-latency HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wireless connection. It attaches to any gaming chair headrest via a nylon strap and runs on USB-C power, ideally a 15W PD source.
CanJam SoCal 2026, an audio show run by Head-Fi.org, took place at the Irvine Marriott and drew both boutique headphone brands and established names like Sennheiser, Focal, HiFiMan, Astell&Kern, Noble Audio and Sony's professional division. Exhibitors set up listening stations, many using the Qobuz streaming service for hi-res audio demos, catering to enthusiasts hunting for distinctive, high-fidelity sound rather than mainstream consumer gear.
Fender has released the Fender Audio app for iPhone, adding EQ presets and a custom five-band equalizer to its $299 MIX wireless headphones. The app also shows battery status and offers configurable Home Screen widgets for quick access to device settings.
Lululemon reported a 4% revenue decline and 9% drop in comparable sales for its second fiscal quarter, sending shares down over 20%. Interim CEO Meghan Frank pointed to negative social media chatter and slower-than-expected demand for core products like leggings, ahead of incoming CEO Heidi O'Neill's start next week. Meanwhile, cybersecurity firm Zscaler topped fourth-quarter expectations with revenue up 25% year-over-year, though its stock has lagged industry peers despite rising AI-related security demand.
Beyerdynamic has released the Aventho Y headphones, priced at $150 and available in four colors, boasting up to 90 hours of playback with noise cancellation off and 60 hours with it on. The headphones feature a five-minute quick charge for six hours of use, Bluetooth 6.0 multipoint connectivity, and user-replaceable batteries and ear cushions for easier repairs.
Sony held two back-to-back State of Play broadcasts featuring release dates for Until Dawn 2 and Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, plus new footage from Marvel's Wolverine, Ghost of Yotei's new Most Wanted survival mode, Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance, and Metro 2039 running on PS5 Pro. The shows also revealed Maneater 2, a sequel to the shark-action game, along with updates on Crimson Desert DLC and Saros.
At IFA 2026, Anker introduced a new AI processor called Thus across its Soundcore audio lineup, headlined by the Space 2 Pro over-ear headphones and Liberty Buds 2 earbuds. The chip powers an eight-sensor array for adaptive noise cancellation and real-time voice isolation during calls on both devices. Space 2 Pro offers up to 30 hours of battery with ANC on and launches September 22 for $200, while the $130 Liberty Buds 2 arrive the same day with a custom 9.2mm wool paper diaphragm.
Anker introduced the Soundcore Sleep Earbuds 4 and 4 Pro at IFA Berlin, upgrading its popular sleep-focused earbuds line with a smaller ergonomic fit and a touchscreen charging case for the Pro model. The Pro version adds a 'track-assess-adjustment system' that uses biometric sensors—including heart rate and HRV monitoring—to tailor audio for better sleep. The standard model launches in October, with the Pro following in November; pricing has not been disclosed.
At IFA 2026, Soundcore unveiled the Space 2 Pro headphones alongside AeroClip 2, AeroClip 2 Pro, and Liberty Buds 2, all built around its Thus audio processing chip first launched in April. The Space 2 Pro uses a 6-microphone array for voice isolation and eight microphones for adaptive noise cancellation claimed to be 1.5 times stronger than its predecessor, while offering up to 60 hours of battery life and high-res LDAC audio support. The headphones launch September 22 for $200 in the US, EU, and UK, with the AeroClip 2 arriving the same day at $170.
Sony will host two consecutive State of Play livestreams on September 3, starting at 9AM ET, streamable on YouTube and Twitch with subtitled options available. The first broadcast covers PlayStation Studios and global partner titles, including an extended look at Final Fantasy 7 Revelation from Square Enix, followed immediately by a Japan-focused stream spotlighting Asian developers.
A functioning Apple I computer, signed and accompanied by a 1978 letter from Steve Jobs, is heading to auction at Bonhams on October 14. The letter shows Jobs personally offering original owner Charles Hatfield a trade-in for an Apple II board after Hatfield complained about lacking software. Hatfield turned down the offer and instead sold the machine for $40,000, far less than its current value.
Sony's WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones are currently on sale for $198, a $202 discount that marks one of the lowest prices seen for the model. Several other Sony headphones are also discounted as part of the same sale, though the WH-1000XM5 remains the standout deal despite being one generation behind the newer WH-1000XM6.
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