GoKawiil
Tech News
Apple has pushed new beta firmware, build 9B5042a, to AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 5, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max 2. This compares to the current public release, build 9A348, with AirPods 5 currently running 9A350. The update's specific changes have not been disclosed, and users can opt into beta testing through the AirPods settings on iPhone.
Beats has released the 360, an over-ear headphone with a detachable headband and ear cups that let users mix and match colors and swap between two cushion materials: Performance Knit and UltraPlush. The design allows for easier cleaning and replacement of worn parts compared to most rival headphones.
Sennheiser's new Momentum 5 headphones, priced at $399.99, were tested over several weeks for sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort and battery life. The company doubled the microphone count to eight for active noise cancellation and rates the battery at up to 57 hours, a figure the reviewer says held up in testing. The headphones also support Dolby Atmos and are positioned below rivals like the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Apple AirPods Max 2 in price.
Beats has introduced a new pair of over-ear active noise-cancelling wireless headphones called the Beats 360, built with a slimmer, lighter and more customizable design than typical over-ear models. The company positions them as a workout-friendly alternative to Apple's AirPods Max 2, emphasizing comfort and fit during exercise.
Apple has released the Beats 360, a new $349.99 over-ear headphone that sits between Beats Studio Pro and AirPods Max in price. The headphones use custom Beats silicon but now support automatic device switching tied to a user's Apple Account, Hey Siri, and Find My integration, alongside stronger noise cancellation, louder output, IPX4 water resistance, and longer battery life than Studio Pro. Apple simultaneously cut the price of Beats Studio Pro to $299.99, though the new 360 model drops wired connectivity entirely.
Beats' new 360 headphones adopt design elements from Apple's AirPods Max 2, including rotating ear cups, a stainless steel arch, and a more flexible headband, while still carrying the Beats logo. Unlike the aluminum AirPods Max 2, the Beats 360 uses mostly plastic construction, making them noticeably lighter at 294 grams versus 386 grams. The two also differ in accessories, with Beats offering a magnetic fabric case compared to Apple's minimal Smart Case.
A new round of weekend discounts on Apple products includes up to $100 off AirPods Max 2 and $50 off AirPods Pro 3, alongside price cuts on Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4. Pre-order savings have also returned for the new M6 Mac mini and Mac Studio, plus $150 reductions on M5 MacBook Air models and other accessories like AirTag 2 and MagSafe battery packs.
Apple Music lets users set separate audio quality levels for cellular, Wi-Fi, and downloads within iPhone Settings under Apps > Music > Audio Quality. This allows listeners to save mobile data by keeping cellular playback at High Quality while reserving Lossless streaming for Wi-Fi or downloaded files. Bluetooth headphones don't support true lossless playback, and Hi-Res Lossless requires an external DAC for sample rates above 48kHz.
Amazon has dropped the price of Apple's AirTag 2 four-pack to $79.99, working out to about $20 per tracker and beating last week's anniversary sale pricing. Single units remain at $24, matching earlier lows, while the four-pack discount is now the cheapest ever recorded for the device.