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Spotify's new Lossless tier delivers CD-quality, uncompressed audio, but Bluetooth connections can't transmit a true lossless signal, meaning wireless earbuds and speakers won't benefit. Listeners need wired headphones, USB-C earbuds, wired computer speakers, or Wi-Fi-based Spotify Connect devices to actually hear the improved quality, and even then, cheap audio hardware may not reveal a noticeable difference.
A new comparison examines the practical differences between passive wired speaker setups and wireless Bluetooth systems, focusing on modularity, latency and cable management. It notes that wired systems let users swap components like amplifiers or speakers independently, while removing Bluetooth transmission delay from the audio chain. The piece also cautions that cables alone don't guarantee better sound quality if the source audio is already compressed.
Polish developer Pawel Szydlowski released a free app, ZuckOff, that scans Bluetooth signals to alert users when Ray-Ban Meta, Oakley Meta, or Snap Spectacles smart glasses are nearby. Launched in August, it has been downloaded over 5,000 times on iOS and 1,000 times on Android, built from a database of device fingerprints Szydlowski compiled by purchasing and testing the hardware himself.
Yamaha has unveiled the B200A, a compact soundbar measuring just 23.5 inches wide and 2.5 inches tall, designed to fit under monitors or mount on walls. Despite having only two drivers and a built-in subwoofer, Yamaha claims it delivers 3D immersive Dolby Atmos sound, complete with a Bass Extender mode and Clear Voice dialogue enhancement. It ships in November with a single HDMI port, a 3.5mm jack, and Bluetooth streaming, priced at $250.
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.
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 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.
Ikea has released the Badkruka, a new wireless speaker priced at $59.99 in the US, following up on its tiny $10 Kallsup speaker shown at CES 2026. Unlike the pocket-sized Kallsup, the roughly seven-inch Badkruka has no rechargeable battery and requires a constant power source, and it comes in only two finishes: black or a wood-grain-style pink.
Energizer's 100-watt outdoor Bluetooth speaker, which offers up to 24 hours of battery life, is now available for $84.99, a price cut from its usual cost. The deal targets consumers seeking a portable, long-lasting speaker for outdoor use.
LG's collaboration with will.i.am has produced the Stage 501, a 25.8-pound Bluetooth speaker with dual woofers and full-range drivers delivering up to 220 watts when plugged in. Despite its party-oriented design, reviewers found it also performs well at low volumes, and it ships with an app offering EQ controls, karaoke features, and synchronized lighting.
CERT/CC disclosed that Skullcandy Dime 3 earbuds running firmware 1.0.0.28 accept Bluetooth pairing from nearby devices without any user approval, due to a flaw in the Airoha Bluetooth Audio SDK tracked as CVE-2025-20701. Skullcandy has released firmware 1.0.0.30 to fix the bug, but there is no way for users to update their earbuds manually or through the companion app.
Audio-Technica has released the ATH-AL5NC, a $279 wireless open-back headphone that pairs 53mm drivers with LDAC hi-res audio support and multipoint Bluetooth. The company says the headphones deliver up to 75 hours of battery life, with 15 minutes of charging yielding roughly eight hours of playback, and offer app-based control over EQ, presets and listening modes.