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Tech News
Motorola released a new teaser video for its upcoming Signature 27 flagship, this time focused on a partnership with audio brand Bang & Olufsen rather than the camera details shown previously. The clip reveals glimpses of the phone's rear panel and confirms a stereo speaker setup with grilles on both the top and bottom of the device.
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.
Apple has unveiled 'Audio Intelligence,' a feature for upcoming Apple Watches that continuously listens to and transcribes nearby conversations, then summarizes them daily. Although Apple has built in some privacy safeguards for the watch wearer, anyone speaking near a person using this feature could be recorded and transcribed without their knowledge or consent.
A tech conference speaker and MC reflects on encouraging attendees at events like SmashingConf Freiburg and CSS Day to approach and talk with speakers, describing efforts to physically connect shy attendees with speakers at after-parties and dinners. The author notes that the informal feedback speakers once got via Twitter has largely disappeared, leaving many without direct affirmation of their talks.
A veteran smart-home tester outlines ten practical adjustments homeowners can make to limit data collection from cameras, speakers and displays, including physically closing camera shutters and muting microphones when not in use. The piece also cites cybersecurity attorney Laurie Selkowitz, who warns that many users fail to disable opt-in data-sharing settings on devices like Ring cameras.
Edifier's G2000 Pro compact 2.0 speaker system is now available at a 20% discount, bringing the price down to $199.99. The set delivers up to 64W peak output and includes switchable modes tailored for gaming, music, and movie listening.
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.
Bluetooth speakers are commonly rated for durability using an Ingress Protection (IP) scale, which combines a dust-resistance number (0-6) with a water-resistance number (0-9). Buyers looking for speakers that can survive beach trips, rain, or spills should check this two-digit rating before purchasing, since higher numbers indicate stronger protection against both dust and water exposure.
Philips Hue is rolling out Custom AI Behaviors, a feature letting users describe desired lighting automations in plain language instead of manually configuring rules. Announced at IFA alongside a new Sonos speaker integration for Hue switches, both updates arrive via a software update in November. The AI feature requires the Hue Bridge Pro's processing power to run.
Proper Dolby Atmos soundbar placement requires clearing obstructions like ceiling fans and light fixtures so upward-firing drivers can bounce sound cleanly off a flat ceiling. The soundbar should sit roughly halfway up the wall, parallel to seating and near ear level, while side-firing models need unobstructed wall reflections toward the couch. Smaller soundbars without up-firing drivers, such as the Sonos Beam, offer more flexible placement for compact spaces using virtual Atmos processing instead.
Sonos has introduced the Beam Ultra, a premium successor to its mid-size soundbar lineup, featuring nine drivers including two upward-firing tweeters for genuine Dolby Atmos sound rather than simulated surround. Pre-orders start today ahead of a September 29 release at $699, and the device supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI eARC for building out a broader home theater setup with other Sonos gear.
JBL introduced three new Cove wireless speakers—the M1 ($229), P1 ($399), and X1 ($449)—that support both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with the P1 being the only portable, battery-powered option. The speakers are controlled through the JBL One app, support multi-room grouping, Alexa voice control, and can be paired as stereo or surround channels with JBL's Bar Series soundbars. Preorders are open now, with shipping set for September 13.