Apple unveiled AirPods 5, bringing Active Noise Cancellation to its entry-level earbuds for the first time, cutting up to 50% more outside noise than the prior AirPods 4 ANC model. The buds also gain a new acoustic design, upgraded Adaptive EQ, hands-free Siri AI access, head-gesture responses, and Live Translation support. Pre-orders open today at $129, with a $149 version adding wireless charging and on-stem volume control, both arriving in stores September 18.
apple.com
· 2026-09-09
Apple introduced AirPods 5 alongside its iPhone 18 Pro event, bringing Active Noise Cancellation to both versions of the earbuds for the first time. The base model starts at $129 with up to 20 hours of battery life with the case, while a $149 higher-end version adds on-stem volume controls and a wireless charging case. Apple says the new earbuds deliver 50% more noise reduction than AirPods 4, along with redesigned internals and improved Adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-09-09
Apple unveiled the AirPods 5, an update to 2024's AirPods 4, featuring a redesigned acoustic architecture and adaptive active noise cancellation that Apple claims reduces noise 50 percent better than before. A higher-end model adds stem-based volume controls, up to five hours of ANC playback, and a wireless charging case compatible with Qi and Apple Watch chargers. The base model costs $129 while the wireless-charging version is $149—$30 cheaper than its predecessor—with both available for preorder now and shipping September 18th.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-09
Woot is selling the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro headset for $164.99, nearly $100 off its usual price. The Xbox-branded version is highlighted as the best pick since it also works with PlayStation, PC, Switch and mobile devices. A 2XKO special edition model is also available for $149.99, though the deal only carries a 90-day Woot warranty instead of Razer's standard coverage.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-08
Sony's WF-1000XM6 and WF-1000XM5 both retail at $330 but are currently priced $50 apart on Amazon, with the M6 at $298 and the M5 at $248. The newer M6 has a smaller, pill-shaped design and a new QN3e chip that improves sound quality, but its ear tips create fit issues that weaken noise cancellation, while the M5 handles call clarity and background noise suppression better.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-07
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.
cnet.com
· 2026-09-07
Sony has revived its acclaimed WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones under a new name, the WH-1000XM4C, after they went out of stock. The refreshed model keeps the same compact folding design and four-microphone ANC setup with the older QN1 chip, but adds a 10-band EQ, a gaming preset, Bluetooth 6 support, and a new lavender color option. Battery life dips slightly to 27 hours from 30, and the headphones will launch this fall for $300.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-07
A designer who worked alongside OpenAI's Ben Barry recounts building multiple algorithms for generating random gradient art, starting from Barry's 2017 four-corner color interpolation. The author later developed heightmap-based gradients using smoothed Perlin noise combined with randomized color scales, and separately built a lightweight layered radial gradient system that powered OpenAI's homepage in 2019 using an 85-byte image.
justinjay.wang
· 2026-09-03
Belkin introduced three new SoundForm audio products at IFA Berlin, all featuring active noise cancellation at lower price points than typical. The lineup includes the $59.99 SoundForm Isolate Buds with up to 45dB of noise cancellation and a secure wing-tip design, the $39.99 SoundForm Dot ANC earbuds, and the $49.99 SoundForm Play ANC headphones aimed at children with a volume limiter and focus-oriented soundscapes.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-03
Belkin unveiled three new SoundForm audio products at IFA 2026 in Berlin: the flagship Isolate earbuds with up to 45dB of noise cancellation and 32-hour battery life, the budget-friendly Dot earbuds available in ANC and non-ANC versions, and the Play ANC headphones designed for children with a volume-limiting feature. All three support customizable equalizer settings through Belkin's companion app.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-03
At IFA 2026, Anker introduced a new AI processor called Thus across its Soundcore audio lineup, headlined by the Space 2 Pro over-ear headphones and Liberty Buds 2 earbuds. The chip powers an eight-sensor array for adaptive noise cancellation and real-time voice isolation during calls on both devices. Space 2 Pro offers up to 30 hours of battery with ANC on and launches September 22 for $200, while the $130 Liberty Buds 2 arrive the same day with a custom 9.2mm wool paper diaphragm.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-03
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.
wired.com
· 2026-09-02
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