GoKawiil
Tech News
Sony has released the WH-1000XM4C, a variant of its popular WH-1000XM4 headphones featuring a new color option and a revised sound profile. The core hardware and noise-cancelling performance remain largely unchanged from the original model, but Sony has tweaked the tuning to offer a different listening experience.
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.
Amazon has slashed the price of the flagship Bowers & Wilkins Px8 noise-cancelling headphones by 36%, bringing them down to $479 from their original price. The discount currently applies to the Royal Burgundy colorway, though stock at this price is limited.
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.
Sony has released the WH-1000XM4C, a refreshed version of its popular 2020 WH-1000XM4 headphones, priced at $300. The update adds Bluetooth 6.0, a 10-band equalizer with gaming EQ, a new lavender color option, and revised sound tuning, while keeping the same QN1 noise-canceling chip and four-microphone array. Battery life drops slightly to 27 hours from the original's 30, and Sony launched it alongside two new midrange models, the WH-CH730N and WH-CH530.
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.
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'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.
Belkin's SoundForm Mini 2 wireless on-ear headphones, designed for children ages 3 and up, are currently discounted 25 percent using the code VERGE25OFF. The base model drops from $29.99 to $22.49, while the version with a zip-up carrying case falls from $39.99 to $29.99 after the code is applied.
Dolby Atmos for Headphones is a paid app for Windows and Xbox that virtually recreates spatial audio effects on ordinary stereo headphones, without requiring dedicated Atmos-enabled hardware. Users can try the surround simulation through a free trial before deciding whether to purchase the full software.
Sonos introduced two new Ultra-branded products: the Ace Ultra headphones priced at $449 and the Beam Ultra soundbar priced at $699, both available for pre-order now and shipping September 29. The company also rebranded its software platform as 'Sonos 27,' rolling out alongside the hardware launch.