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Microsoft's KB5124008 patch silences older USB Audio Class 1.0 devices

Microsoft confirmed that its September 8 security update, KB5124008, is causing audio failures on legacy USB Audio Class 1.0 hardware such as older speakers, headsets, and microphones. Affected users may see no sound, unresponsive volume controls, or a 'Code 10' error in Device Manager. The company noted a temporary workaround: switching the audio mode to Stereo restores sound until an official fix arrives.

Microsoft ships out-of-band patches fixing RDS crashes from September updates

Microsoft has pushed emergency out-of-band updates for Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server to resolve Remote Desktop Services instability caused by its September 2026 security patches. The bug had triggered RDP sign-in failures, unresponsive servers, and related issues in MMC, File Explorer, and the Windows Update page. Separate fixes for the update also address Hyper-V and USB audio problems reported on some Windows versions.

Microsoft's September Windows updates break Remote Desktop, USB audio, and Excel paste

Microsoft has acknowledged that its September security patches are causing Remote Desktop Services to fail across several Windows versions, silencing certain USB Audio Class 1.0 devices, and disrupting the paste function in Excel. Affected users report frozen management tools, unresponsive Windows Update pages, and audio glitches that can sometimes be worked around by switching to two-channel sound.

Yoto Mini wins 2026 Innovation by Design Award in EMEA category

Yoto's Mini, a screen-free portable audio player for children, has been named winner of the Best Design Europe, Middle East, and Africa category at the 2026 Innovation by Design Awards. The device lets kids listen to stories and music without a screen or algorithm-driven recommendations, relying instead on physical cards to select content.

Microsoft confirms September 2026 updates break some USB audio on Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft has acknowledged that the KB5124008 and KB5124012 security updates released on September 8, 2026 can cause USB Audio Class 1.0 devices to stop working on Windows 11 24H2 and later systems. Affected users report Code 10 errors in Device Manager, silent audio output, and frozen volume controls, with some speakers only failing when multichannel modes like 3D or 8-channel audio are used. No official fix exists yet, though switching to 2-channel mode has helped some users regain sound.

Apple's wired EarPods remain relevant despite AirPods dominance

Apple still sells wired EarPods alongside its AirPods lineup, offering a no-frills alternative for users who want simple audio without Bluetooth or battery concerns. The wired buds come in 3.5mm, Lightning, and USB-C variants, making them compatible with a broad range of devices at a low price point.

Syitren's transparent CD player RM1 tops $540,000 on Kickstarter

Syitren launched the RM1, a $109 wall-mountable CD player encased in clear acrylic that exposes its disc, read head, and internal mechanisms. The device supports Bluetooth playback, a rechargeable 2000 mAh battery for six to eight hours of use, USB-C charging, and a 3.5mm output jack, and it can play both standard CDs and MP3 data discs. The Kickstarter campaign has raised over $540,000, far surpassing its original $3,000 goal.

Bose refreshes QuietComfort Headphones with Immersive Audio and CustomTune

Bose has updated its standard QuietComfort Headphones with a redesigned headband, reshaped earcups and relocated power switch, plus new software features. The company added Immersive Audio spatial sound and Cinema Mode, previously exclusive to its Ultra line, along with a new CustomTune calibration tool that tailors sound and noise cancellation to a listener's ears. The headphones also drop the 3.5mm jack in favor of USB-C for both charging and lossless wired listening.

DaVinci Resolve 21 adds AI assistant and expanded AI editing tools

Blackmagic Design has released DaVinci Resolve 21, updating its all-in-one editing, color, audio, and VFX suite with an expanded set of AI-powered tools, including a new AI assistant feature. The release builds on Resolve's existing multi-user collaboration system and Fairlight audio and color science tools used widely in professional film and TV production.

Apple Watch Series 12's Live Rewind feature can record bystanders without their consent

Apple's Audio Intelligence suite on the Watch Series 12 introduces Live Rewind, which captures the last 15 seconds of nearby audio via a double-press of the Digital Crown, transcribes it on a paired iPhone, and discards the raw audio. A companion feature, Siri Recap, generates AI-written summaries of conversations heard throughout the day. Apple says an audible chime and on-screen animation alert people nearby, but does not obtain explicit consent from every speaker captured.

Apple debuts always-listening Audio Intelligence for Watch and iPhone

At Apple's 'Surprise and shine' event, new CEO John Ternus unveiled Audio Intelligence, an AI feature for recent Apple Watches and iPhones that transcribes and summarizes conversations, including a 'Live Rewind' that recalls the last 15 seconds of speech and a 'Siri Recap' that ambiently logs chats when enabled. Apple says the feature is encrypted and does not store raw audio, though it functions much like ambient-recording wearables from startups such as Plaud and Looki.

Pocket FM hits $500M revenue run rate as AI creates 99% of new audio content

Indian audio storytelling platform Pocket FM has doubled its annualized revenue run rate to $500 million over the past year, driven largely by AI-generated content. CEO Rohan Nayak said AI now accounts for 93% of the platform's overall catalog and 99% of new releases, though humans still shape the underlying story ideas.