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Apple's tvOS 27.2 beta 2 now lets users pair four HomePods—two sets of two—wirelessly through the Home app to serve as surround speakers for Apple TV 4K, according to FlatpanelsHD. The feature currently works with Atmos and surround audio from video content, but lacks the ability to assign specific speaker roles like front and rear, and menu or game audio still only plays through the front pair.
The guide explains connecting an Xbox to a TV's eARC/ARC HDMI port to enable surround sound, recommending HDMI 2.1 support for 4K/120fps gaming alongside audio. Users then adjust settings under Settings > General > Volume and audio output, selecting 5.1 or 7.1 uncompressed audio, or Bitstream if bandwidth is limited, and can install the Dolby Access app for Dolby Atmos support.
Sonos has released the Beam Ultra, a wider version of its compact soundbar that now supports genuine Dolby Atmos rather than simulated surround sound. The device packs five tweeters, four woofers and nine amplifiers, compared to the simpler single-tweeter setup in the previous Beam generation, and is best suited for TVs 55 inches or larger.
Apple has launched a dedicated live-music venue called Apple Music Hall at its London headquarters in Battersea Power Station, built to host and broadcast Apple Music Live concerts. The space seats up to 600 people, features 48 speakers with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos, 16 camera positions, two recording studios and a broadcast control room supporting iPhone video capture. Its stage can switch between a traditional front-facing layout and an in-the-round setup.
Amazon has discounted Samsung's 2025 flagship HW-Q990F soundbar system by 33%, cutting $600 off the package price. The bundle includes an 11.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar along with a subwoofer and rear surround speakers.
Yamaha announced the B200A, a compact soundbar replacing the C20A, adding Dolby Atmos support and a built-in subwoofer with Bass Extension mode. It keeps the same small dimensions as its predecessor but costs $50 more at $250, and will ship in November with inputs including HDMI eARC/ARC, optical, 3.5mm and Bluetooth.
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.
WIRED's latest soundbar roundup highlights the Focal Mu-So Hekla as a standout premium option, praising its 15-speaker array, powerful bass, upfiring Dolby Atmos drivers and intuitive companion app. The guide also names honorable mentions including the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sony Bravia Theatre Trio, noting each device's tradeoffs in sound quality, price and expandability.
Anker's Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds, praised for strong call quality and IP55-rated durability, have dropped to $149.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Anker's own store, down from their usual $169.99. The earbuds had held that price steadily since their May debut, even skipping discounts during Prime Day in June.
JBL's Bar 700 Mark 2 soundbar system is discounted to $549.99, down from its $899.99 list price, at Amazon. The bundle includes a 7.1-channel soundbar with detachable, battery-powered rear speakers that dock on the bar to recharge and can run up to ten hours untethered, plus a wireless subwoofer and mounting hardware.
A review roundup names four top Alexa-enabled smart speakers for 2026: the Echo Dot Max, Echo Dot (5th Gen), Echo Show 11 and Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen). The Echo Studio (2nd Gen) and Echo Spot (2nd Gen) also earn honorable mentions for their audio quality and compact design respectively, with the Studio singled out for its powerful, clear sound from three 1.5-inch drivers and a 3.75-inch woofer.
Sennheiser's fifth-generation Momentum True Wireless earbuds bring a smaller, more ergonomic design, five extra hours of ANC battery life (up to 12 hours per charge, 40 with the case), and user-replaceable batteries priced around $30-$40. The buds also gain an 8-band EQ, refined Sound Personalization, native Dolby Atmos with optional head tracking, enhanced adaptive ANC, and improved call quality via extra microphones, a bone conduction sensor and AI noise separation.