Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) might be over a year old now, but they are gaining new sonic powers. The bad news? Not all the features are available to all users.

The latest firmware update is called 10.12.12 and it brings four new features to play.

First up, Bluetooth LE Audio support. This next-gen version is more efficient than standard Bluetooth, and supports the LC3 codec which has better sound quality than the standard SBC you find with bog-standard Bluetooth. It’s worth noting, however, that some don’t think it delivers on this promise.

The greater efficiency could help prolong battery life too, though Bose hasn’t commented on this in the firmware update notes, so any gain is likely to be marginal. And LE Audio opens the door to Auracast, which lets devices broadcast to multiple headphones at once, so you could tune into a news channel in an airport lounge, for example.

The downside? Bluetooth LE Audio doesn’t work with Apple devices, so this is for Android and Windows users only.

The update also brings 5.1 spatial audio with head tracking to compatible Android devices, and higher-quality gaming and voice audio over a wired USB-C cable from a compatible PC or mobile device. It also brings improved USB compatibility with web conferencing applications, for when you’re taking care of business.

Other big headphone makers also support Bluetooth LE Audio on select models such as the Sony WH-1000XM6, though the recently unveiled Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 will get it only via a future firmware update.

Still, Bose’s move is proof that once you buy a pair of wireless headphones, they can keep getting better. If you’re not using an iPhone, that is.

Keep an eye on the Bose app to see when the update is available. It should download automatically, but you’ll need to keep your headphones connected to your device while it transfers, which can take up to 40 minutes. Then actually installing it can take another 15 minutes.

MORE:

Read our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) review

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) vs QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): what are the differences?

The best wireless headphones around

Technics has a new pair of flagship over-ear wireless headphones. The EAH-A1000 follow 2022's EAH-A800, and aim to rival the Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and Sennheiser HDB 630 as the best wireless headphones around.

Four years is long time in the headphone world – cans age in dog years. But thankfully Technics has brought its latest pair bang up to date on the technical front – these are no annual iterations, but a complete overhaul of the previous model. Technics says it "reconsidered every element" of the over-ears, with highlights of the new model including a new 40mm Magnetic Fluid Driver and acoustics technologies developed for the hi-fi brand's speakers.

The driver was developed to have precise control in order to deliver low distortion with an expansive soundstage. It uses Technics' magnetic fluid technology as found in its Award-winning EAH-AZ100 wireless earbuds – this material has both magnetic and liquid properties, and is placed between the voice coil and driver magnet to suppress unwanted vibrations and distortion.

The driver's performance is enhanced by the inclusion of an SST (Symmetrical Surround Technology) Edge, which is taken from Technics' flagship hi-fi speakers. This reduces distortion by improving the symmetry of the edge's back and forth movement as it supports the diaphragm. It's made of carbon fibre which is rigid yet lightweight, and its cone shape suppresses flexing to enable a fast response and stable movement.

Technics says that the two technologies work in tandem to "preserve the sense of scale in the bass and the spacious soundstage associated with over-ear headphones" while reproducing music how the artist intended.

A redesigned acoustic path preserves the air movement from the driver all the way to the ear, while a new Baffle Flat Structure reduces uneven surfaces around the driver to limit unwanted reflections, creating a natural sound field with clear imaging.

Airflow is managed by an Acoustic Control Chamber behind the driver, which should ensure a balanced sound. And Adaptive Noise Cancelling adjusts to your environment and fit, with three feed-forward microphones and one feedback mic on each side to detect and suppress noise from different directions.

The fit has also been re-engineered. The new Flow Arm headband is square at the slider but triangular at the hanger. As you can see from the pictures, it perches on the outside of the earcups like a luxuriously draped moustache.

The movement of the ear cups, refined headband shape and improved slider-based adjustability should distribute pressure evenly across your noggin, allowing you to wear them for longer periods without becoming uncomfortable. This will be helped by the memory foam earpads.

The headphones fold up into a ball for stowing in a bag.

They support high-quality audio via the LDAC codec and through wired listening over USB Audio. The battery is good for 45 hours with ANC on before needing a recharge, and like the Award-winning EAH-AZ100, they support three devices via Bluetooth Multipoint, instead of the standard two.

The Technics EAH-A1000 go on sale from 30th September for £399 / €449 / $449. They come in Black and Platinum Greige finishes (a mix of grey and beige).

Technics might be renowned for its turntables, but it does a nice line in headphones too – the EAH-AZ100 wireless earbuds won a What Hi-Fi? Award, while the A1000's predecessor pair (the EAH-A80) scored four stars. You can find out how the new EAH-A1000 headphones fare in our full review.

MORE:

Read our Technics EAH-A1000 headphones review

Same tech, different form factor: our Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds review

Wireless headphones are about to get even more advanced with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon Sound tech

When setting up an ultra-short throw (UST) projector, most of us are content with placing it on a simple cabinet. That can call for a fair bit of adjustment, though, and is often not the most aesthetically pleasing addition to a living room.

But there’s a new US-based brand offering a premium alternative. Cinèst’s Core Collection consists of the A1 and E1 luxury UST projector consoles, which the company claims are “engineered to keep your projector at its best – whichever UST you choose”.

Positioned inches away from your screen, the middle cabinet houses your UST projector. Cinèst says you can use it with basically any UST model. Once activated, the centre of the cabinet opens up like a reverse trapdoor using a motorised mechanism to project the image onto your screen.

You can then adjust the platform’s height or depth using the remote control to fit the screen. Once you have found the right position for your projector, the Core series remembers your preferred settings.

The side cabinets can be used to house the rest of your AV equipment, such as a 4K Blu-ray player or AV amplifier.

There’s also a built-in ventilation system, including perforated fabric panels which Cinèst says can keep the components cool without exposing them.

If you have lots of cables snaking around, then the cabinets include some rather nifty organisation features. There are six AC outlets and two USB-A ports built into the cabinets, as well as holes for the wires so they stay concealed.

It is made from premium-looking wood and both cabinets offer either black or brown finishes. While the E1 just comes with one sizing option (91 inches), the A1 is available in 103 and 118 inches.

The smaller cabinet will set you back £2300, while the larger comes in at an arresting £3450. That puts it on par with the five-star Hisense PX3-Pro UST projector, which we tested at £2499 / $3499 / AU$4499.

It’s far from accessible for the majority of homes, but its sleek look and innovative design should make it a luxury-feeling addition to your living room if you have the funds and the space.

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Everything you need to know about UST projectors

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And check out the best 4K Blu-ray players

British audio brand Marshall has launched its latest party-ready Bluetooth speaker, the Bromley 150.

Acting as the newest and most portable addition to the brand’s party-focused speaker line-up, the new unit packs 200 watts of Class D amplification driving a four-driver array to produce “rich mids, detailed highs, and deep bass”.

Those drivers are backed by Marshall’s ‘Stereophonic 360 sound’ technology, which seeks to emulate the immersive feel of a live performance by creating a more omnidirectional sound that remains consistent at any angle.

The Bromley 150 carries the same design language as its 750 and Bromley 450 stablemates, with a mounted control panel accompanied by integrated stage lights which sit behind the grille and move in sync with your music.

The new speaker boasts more than 40 hours of playtime on a single charge, with a 20-minute charge granting 5 hours of playtime. An IP55 certification and a silicone cover offer protection against water and dust ingress, while a retractable carry handle further adds to the (reasonably) compact Bromley 150’s portable credentials.

Like its bigger brothers, the new speaker offers microphone and instrument inputs via its combined XLR/6.3mm jack, so you can use it for impromptu karaoke and jamming sessions alongside day-to-day listening. For pure audio inputs, a 3.5mm auxiliary port is available alongside USB-C.

According to Emma Rydahl, Marshall’s Senior Industrial Designer: “Bromley 150 delivers the same exceptional performance and craftsmanship as the Bromley 450 and 750 in a more compact form. By repositioning the control panel to the side while retaining the tactile controls users love, we’ve freed up the entire front panel for what matters most: powerful sound and immersive stage lighting.”

The Marshall Bromely 150 will be available for general sale on 13th of October in its ‘Black and Brass’ colourway, priced at £400. That’s a good chunk more than the Award-winning JBL Xtreme 5 (£330 / $400).

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Best Bluetooth speakers tried and tested for every budget

Nothing has announced its latest pair of over-ear wireless headphones, the Headphone (1) Pro.

Following on from the original Headphone (1) and its more affordable Headphone (a) counterparts, the new Headphone (1) Pro sit atop the brand's over-ear range as its most advanced cans yet.

Aimed at audio enthusiasts seeking "the most detailed and customisable listening experience, the Headphone (1) Pro feature a triple driver architecture designed to more effectively cover the sonic spectrum.

Nothing teases punchy bass thanks to the headphones' bass dynamic driver, accompanied by textured vocals from a dynamic midrange unit and crisper highs courtesy of a new treble 'xMEMS' driver. For higher-fidelity playback up to 24-bit/192 kHz, you can connect to the new flagship cans via USB-C.

Nothing promises its best-ever active noise cancelling courtesy of the Headphone (1) Pros' 10-mic array and more isolating ear cushions. The brand's 'Clear Voice Technology', meanwhile, uses two mics on each side of the headphones to keep voices sounding clear and crisp.

What about battery life? The Nothing Headphone (1) really excelled in this area, granting a whopping 80 hours of playtime with ANC switched off and around 35 hours with noise cancelling turned on.

The more powerful Headphone (1) Pro don't quite match those numbers, but with 68 hours of playtime with ANC off and 30 hours with it on, plus four hours of listening from a 5-minute charge, they're hardly doing badly.

The Headphone (1) Pro are controlled using the Nothing X app, from which you can access a range of fine-tuning tools to personalise your experience.

This is an unashamedly Nothing pair of headphones in terms of looks, with the flagship cans sharing a similar design language with their more affordable forebears. The rectangular earcups return, boasting scratch-resistant glass which grants a glimpse of the drivers housed beneath.

Nothing also promises more even weight distribution thanks to a wider headband and thicker padding, as well as titanium arms and softer ear cushions to further aid user comfort. They're even IP52 rated, granting protection against water splashes and some dust ingress.

The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro are available now in Black or White finishes, priced at £349 / $399. That's a figure that puts them firmly in the mix with the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM6 (£349 / $400 / AU$699) and Sennheiser HDB 630 (£400 / $500 / AU$1000).

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These are the best wireless headphones you can buy

Bose has become the latest company to jump back on the wired earbuds bandwagon, announcing new Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds. Notably, the earbuds will still feature Bose’s QuietControl active noise cancellation.

Bose says the new earbuds will connect to compatible devices with a 128cm USB-C cable and draw power from the source, mitigating the need for a dedicated, rechargeable battery, despite the inclusion of ANC.

ANC is delivered by two microphones on each earbud, which “continuously monitor, react to, and minimise surrounding sound”.

Three listening modes are available: ‘Quiet Mode’ is the full-fat ANC option, ‘Aware Mode’ lets surrounding sound in when listeners want to stay tuned-in to their surroundings, and ‘ANC Off Mode’ does precisely what it says on the tin.

Each earbud includes soft silicone eartips in small, medium and large sizes, alongside medium and large stability wings. Bose suggests that listeners “mix and match the components to find a fit that feels both comfortable and secure”.

Despite their retro inclinations, the wired earbuds feature Bose’s proprietary SoundDesign digital signal processing, which the company claims delivers “crisp, clear audio with support for lossless audio listening”. The earbuds can accept source input at any sample and bit rate, with playback output fixed at 24-bit/48kHz.

Bose claims that a wired connection enables low latency performance, “keeping sound in sync while watching videos, gaming, or creating content”.

In the absence of a dedicated app, sound controls for volume, playback, call functions and cycling ANC modes can be accessed via an in-line remote with “tactile physical buttons”.

A dedicated microphone on the back of the remote handles calls, and "minimises unwanted noise from contact with clothing”, allowing users to “speak naturally without holding the remote close to [their mouths]”.

The earbuds also have an IPX4 rating for water resistance and come with a zippered carry case.

According to Raza Haider, president of Bose Premium Consumer Audio: “Wired earbuds are experiencing a cultural renaissance, and when we decided to bring them back, we knew we had to make them even better than before. Technology has come a long way since our last wired earbuds, allowing us the opportunity to bring our latest advancements to the category and set a new standard for what wired earbuds can be.”

The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds are now available to pre-order for MyBose customers at a price of £99 / $99 / AU$170, with general availability starting 15th October. Finishes include Black, White Smoke and limited edition Dewdrop Mint.

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What was the moral of The Boy Who Cried Wolf? Keep telling the same old tale and, eventually, people will stop believing you.

We've had so many false dawns with regard to the new HomePod Mini 2 that we were genuinely starting to believe that a sequel would never come. Apple's recent September launch event seemed like the perfect time for some new HomePods, but we had to settle for a folding iPhone and the AirPods 5 with ANC.

We know we've said it before, but this time it really does appear to be the case: Apple looks set to launch the HomePod Mini 2 at some point before the end of 2026. According to MacRumours, Apple has indeed been working on a new HomePod for several years, hence previous reports of iOS software updates including codenames referencing a number of unreleased products.

One of those codenames was 'B525', and as the current HomePod Mini has the code 'B520', that had strongly implied that a second-gen sequel was forthcoming. We all thought that Apple's recent launch event would be the time to do it, but a no-show on the HomePod front now appears to be a minor hiccup rather than a definitive sign that no new models would ever be forthcoming.

Now, the evidence is far more concrete than codes and call signs. According to MacRumours, Apple's own code shows clear product images of the new models in all of their colours, specifically referring to a "‌HomePod Mini‌ 2".

The new ‌HomePod Mini‌ will come in green, pink, blue, white and black finishes, a switch up from the current model's yellow, orange, blue, white and midnight offerings. Apple added a few colourways post-launch to the HomePod Mini, so it could expand the palette of the second-gen speaker later down the line.

Elsewhere, we're still at the point of broad speculation regarding upgrades, but we remain steadfast in our conviction that, thanks to a new chip, upgraded Apple Intelligence and improved Siri performance will be locked and loaded. We might potentially see improved microphones, enhanced audio, better codec support and, as pictures now showcase, those flashy new colourways.

Prices are yet to be leaked, but we're still hoping that Apple doesn't hike the price of the Mini's original £99 / $99 / AU$149 RRP for the sequel. Sadly, chip shortages are hitting audio manufacturers hard, so don't be too shocked if prices rise when the Mini 2 arrives.

We know we've said it before, but this time it really might be true: a HomePod Mini 2 could be just months, maybe weeks, away. Now, where's that HomePod 3 got to?

MORE:

Apple HomePod 2 vs HomePod Mini: what are the differences?

From Technics’ iconic turntables to JBL’s Classic standmounts – discover five of the best hi-fi product revivals

Our pick of the best wireless speakers you can buy right now

JBL has just released four soundbars under the Cinema SBMK2 series, which offer a brand-new feature for the US-based brand.

You can connect the soundbars wirelessly to JBL portable speakers as rear surrounds, which JBL says will “deliver true surround sound at the touch of a button”.

If you already own a pair of JBL Flip 7 portable speakers, you’re in luck – this is the only compatible model right now. The burrito-shaped Flip 7 got a five-star rating when we reviewed it, offering as it does a skilful handling of dynamics and detail.

But what about the new soundbars? Well, all but one offer an unusual design quirk: you can fold them into a U-shape. The brand says this is so the bars are easy to carry around and take up less space in the box. JBL also tells us that the bar cannot be used in its folded state.

First on the list is the flagship SB595MK2, which offers a 3.1.2-channel configuration and true Dolby Atmos support thanks to its up-firing drivers. That’s paired with a separate 6.5-inch subwoofer, delivering a total power output of 440W.

It will set you back £350 / $350, putting it in competition with the Award-winning Sonos Beam Gen 2 that scored five stars in our test room.

The SB580MK2 (£300 / $300) comes with the same subwoofer as its more pricey sibling. This 3.1-channel soundbar does not have up-firing drivers, but there is still virtualised Dolby Atmos support.

Next is the JBL SB550MK2, which features a 5.25-inch subwoofer and a total power output of 360W. There is no Dolby Atmos on the cards with this the 3.1-channel model, so you are limited to Dolby Audio.

Finally, comes the SB510MK2. It’s the only non-foldable soundbar of the bunch and also the cheapest. The subwoofer is built into the soundbar’s main body, so you need accommodate only one piece of kit.

Bluetooth is supported with all models, so you can stream music to the bars from other devices.

We will have to wait until we get the models in our test room to determine how well they compare with their rivals. Being able to use the JBL Flip 7 as rear surrounds is a promising addition in terms of flexibility and scale, but we hope the brand adds compatibility to even more speakers soon. Stay tuned for our full review.

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Check out the JBL 300MK2 review

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And here are the best Bluetooth speakers

Tribit has announced the launch of a new portable Bluetooth speaker, the StormBox Max, which the company says has been “designed to to deliver bigger, richer sound at home or on the go”.

The speaker packs 60W of total output power into its portable design, which measures 20.3 x 10.9 x 10.9 cm (hwd) and weighs 1.2kg.

Sound is delivered by a 30W woofer and four 7.5W silk-dome tweeters, which Tribit says create “powerful, room-filling audio”.

The StormBox Max supports Bluetooth 6.0 with a range of up to 45 metres for AAC and SBC codecs, as well as A2DP, AVRCP, HFP and HSP protocols.

Two speakers can be connected using TWS pairing for separate left and right stereo channels, while those looking to party can turn to the speaker’s Auracast function, which enables 100+ compatible speakers to be connected for synchronised audio on larger scales.

For “everyday versatility”, the speaker also supports hands-free calling.

Users seeking a more personalised listening experience have the option to “take control of sound”, using Tribit’s XBass 2.0, which features a ±5-step knob for adjustable bass. An additional EQ button makes switching between the company’s ‘Signature’ and ‘Outdoor’ sound modes simple, while further customisation is available through the Tribit App.

Battery life shouldn’t cut your listening short – the StormBox Max can provide up to 20 hours of playback, while using default EQ settings at 50 per cent volume.

The speaker charges via USB-C, with a full charge taking four hours. An automatic power-off function switches the speaker off after 15 minutes without an audio input.

The USB-C connection can also be used as a 5V/1A charging output, so you can refuel your devices on the go.

Tribit has taken outdoor listening into consideration, too, with an IP68 dust ingress and waterproof rating, which “makes [the speaker] ideally suited to outdoor adventures”.

The StormBox Max is now available for £100 / $130.

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Delivering on the promises of its AI charter, French music streaming service Qobuz has announced that it will now display a tag alerting users when music has been identified as AI-generated.

Furthering the company's “human-centred” ethos, content detected as AI-generated will also be excluded from editorial selections, such as ‘Our Selections’, ‘New Releases’, ‘Qobuzissimes’, ‘Albums of the Week’, Qobuz’s playlists and algorithmic recommendations.

The company says that this latest action plays a key role in keeping the amount of AI streams via Qobuz "down its currently impressively low figure of 0.38 per cent".

This figure is lower than on other streaming services, such as Deezer, which say AI-generated streams constitute between one and three per cent of music consumed on the platform.

According to Georges Fornay, Deputy CEO of Qobuz: “Today, the challenge is no longer just detecting AI-generated music but enabling listeners to identify it clearly. At Qobuz, this transparency – which is our hallmark – comes with a core conviction: musical discovery must remain guided by human choices. Everyone should be able to know what they are listening to and make informed choices.”

Other major streaming platforms such as Tidal, Deezer, and Spotify already label AI-generated tracks, while Apple Music has pledged to roll out a 'Made With AI' label later this year.

Qobuz's latest crackdown is principally aimed at fraudulent AI streams, "with no human involvement". Outright removal of tracks will be "reserved for fraud", continuing the company's “longstanding commitment to fair compensation for artists”.

When fraudulent practices are detected, affected streams will be excluded from reporting and royalty payments, and the affected content will be removed from the platform’s catalogue.

And there appears to be a strong link between fraud and AI music.

According to the company, 60 per cent of the tracks currently identified as AI- generated have been deemed fraudulent by its detection systems. Furthermore, four million tracks have already been removed from the search engine due to being AI-generated with no listening activity.

What do you think? Should it be up to listeners to decide whether they want to embrace AI?

Let us know in the comments.

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Our pick of the best music streaming services tested by our expert reviewers

Apple Music has opened its own concert venue in London. Apple Music Hall is a 600-capacity space located in Battersea Power Station, which is also the site of Apple’s UK headquarters.

Performances will be recorded in Spatial Audio and filmed, ready to be streamed on Apple Music. The idea is for artists to record a podcast, radio show and live concert, all at the same venue.

But Apple claims the venue won’t further harm the capital’s ailing nightlife scene.

“We’re not trying to be in the live business. We’re not trying to compete with anyone,” Apple Music’s vice president, Oliver Schusser, told BBC News.

“We’re going to run the venue like a venue, with tickets and everything, but the sole purpose for us is to do great work with artists, to connect artists with fans, and to broadcast the content on Apple Music.

“We have really no interest in trying to be in the way of anyone else, and that’s one of the main reasons it’s a smaller space.”

It might be smaller, but it looks pretty plush. Designed to be in keeping with the historic building in which it’s housed, it has heritage brickwork, fluted arches and bronze balconies. There’s a giant glass wall overlooking the concourse and river beyond.

Despite these heritage touches, this is a state-of-the-art facility. The 38-foot-wide stage can be reconfigured for traditional front-facing sets or in-the-round experiences. There are 48 spatial speakers positioned around the audience, and behind the stage lies a full production suite of studios ready to mix in Spatial Audio on-the-fly. It’s also hardwired for 16 or more cameras to feed a purpose built broadcast control room.

Apple previously held the annual iTunes Festival in London venues such as The Roundhouse and Koko, with performances from Elton John, Lady Gaga and Adele, among others. Apple renamed the event the Apple Music Festival in 2015 before canning it in 2017.

Schusser hopes the venue will help musicians foster a deeper connection with their fans than is possible with standard music streaming.

“We want our music services not just to be an anonymous place on the internet where you press a button and music starts playing,” he said.

“For most artists, it’s kind of sad in streaming. There’s nothing for them to do. The music gets delivered by the labels, and then it’s a bunch of playlists.

“But [fans] want to have a chance to meet the artists, know more about the artists, understand why they made an album the way they made it.”

Apple Music Hall opens on 28th September, with acts yet to be announced.

Find out more here.

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The best music streaming services

Hi-res music streaming services compared

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Roberts has announced a new collection of all-in-one stereo systems, which it says “combines the tangibility of CD and radio with the convenience of Bluetooth and modern streaming”.

The Revere collection, which is “designed to be seen as well as heard”, comprises three models: Revere 100, Revere 300 and Revere 500.

Each of the new products comes in a hand-built acoustically tuned wooden cabinet finished in black leathercloth. All three feature DAB, DAB+ and FM radio tuners and Bluetooth streaming, alongside a full colour display. All models also feature multiple equalisation presets and a customisable 'My EQ' option, allowing users to “tailor the sound to their preferences”.

According to Roberts, the entry-level radio system in the collection, the Revere 100, is “small enough to slot into a living room bookshelf, on a kitchen counter or tucked away in your home office.”

The radio is driven by twin 5.7cm stereo drivers and a 13.3cm downward-firing passive bass radiator, for a “surprisingly big, warm sound from its compact cabinet”.

It features DAB, DAB+ and FM tuners (with 20 station presets), while Bluetooth lets you stream from your devices. The Revere 100 also features a sleep timer, so you can wake up to the sound of your favourite station.

One step up is the Revere 300, which Roberts says is “for anyone with a shelf of CDs waiting to be rediscovered”. As such, a CD player has been built into the Revere 300's larger cabinet.

The system uses twin 7.6cm drivers with rear-ported bass to deliver “room filling sound”.

An auxiliary input provides wired connection to other devices, while a USB connection allows for playback and device charging. The Revere 300 also includes a remote control, making it “easy to switch between sources from across the room”.

Topping the collection is the Revere 500, which, Roberts says, is “the most complete and capable sound system [it has] developed for the home”.

According to the company, the flagship Revere model is intended for larger living spaces, and it has four drivers (two 6.3cm full-range drivers and two 8.9cm woofers) to deliver “powerful, detailed sound”.

Alongside radio, CD playback and Bluetooth listening, the Revere 500 can be connected to Wi-Fi in order to access Spotify Connect (with support for Spotify Lossless), Deezer and internet radio.

The stereo system also has 120 presets for radio, as well as 18 streaming presets, and can be controlled via the Oktiv app or using built-in controls.

Wired connections include ethernet, aux and USB.

For positioning flexibility, users can choose from four ‘Location Sound Profiles’ – against a wall, corner, bookshelf and open area – which adjust the system’s sound to suit its placement.

According to Owen Watters, CEO of Roberts Radio, “Revere is about bringing together two things that don’t have to be at odds: the character and ritual of physical listening, and the convenience of modern technology. We’ve combined that with the craftsmanship and considered design Roberts is known for, creating a system that feels at home in the way people live and listen today.”

The Roberts Revere collection will be available from Thursday 24th September. Pricing is as follows:

Revere 100: £249.99

Revere 300: £399.99

Revere 500: £599.99

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Wireless headphones are about to get more advanced, thanks to Qualcomm’s next generation of processors. Its Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 platform promises better active noise cancellation (ANC), greater power efficiency and, of course, oodles of AI. It could also help wireless headphones and earbuds sound even better.

Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 offers twice the AI capabilities of the Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound platform, uses up to 40 per cent less power and is 30 per cent smaller. Which should mean headphones featuring it have longer battery life and are more responsive to your surroundings. The smaller size should also let manufacturers use larger drivers and more components without making the headphones unduly bulky.

Qualcomm processors are used in headphones from Bose, Cambridge Audio, Sennheiser, Bowers & Wilkins and more, so we should see these advances in some of the biggest models of the year.

Qualcomm also bigs up the platform’s multi-core processing, which will let headphones simultaneously perform AI, audio, communication and wellness-sensing capabilities. And it uses what Qualcomm calls ‘integrated micro-power wi-fi’ to provide a more robust wireless connection with cloud-based audio and personal AI without impacting battery life.

It will support Bluetooth 7.0 and Higher Bands, XPAN and lossless, low-latency sound.

ANC promises to be up to twice as effective as in the previous generation, and is designed for “consistent, real-world performance, not just ideal conditions”. While its promises sound familiar – ANC that automatically adjusts to changes in fit, movement, and environmental noise isn’t exactly new – we should see advances in performance. In other words, it should do all this better than the current generation of wireless headphones.

We are also promised “stronger performance in challenging scenarios, including low-frequency noise, dynamic environments, and open-ear designs.”

Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 will also see the debut of Snapdragon Sound Apps and Agents, which is effectively an app store for headphones. Powered by software ecosystem MicroEJ, it will expand your headphones’ capabilities through third-party support. Qobuz, Roon and infotainment/connected audio company Cinemo are confirmed as launch partners.

Of course, how good and useful all this is depends on how manufacturers implement the tech at their disposal. We should see the first headphones to feature Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 to roll out soon, so stay tuned for our reviews to see how they fare.

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Prolific Chinese manufacturer, FiiO, has just announced a new CD player, the DP11, which the company has called a “full-interface” CD digital transport.

Measuring just 6.7 x 23 x 21.3cm (hwd), and weighing 1.8kg, the DP11 is well and truly desktop-friendly. For an extra bit of visual charm, the unit also features a 9.4cm amber LCD display.

According to FiiO, the front-loading CD tray uses servo firmware that has been optimised for more accurate disc reading. To keep whirring sounds to a minimum, the CD player also employs a “silent mechanism” bracket, for "smooth and gentle" tray operation with "ultra low running-noise".

The DP11 shares elements of its circuit design with FiiO’s S15 streamer. The CD servo, digital processing stages and analogue audio stages all use isolated power supplies to suppress mains noise and crosstalk interference, with power sourced from an internal mains. Notably, however, the DP11 also accepts an external 12V/2A DC supply.

This CD player isn’t short on outputs, either.

Stereo RCA analogue outputs are driven by a Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chip, while coaxial, TOSLINK, and AES/EBU outputs let you bypass the internal DAC should you wish, for use with a separate DAC. The unit also supports MQA bitstream output.

FiiO claims the DP11 can also double as a pre-amplifier, and can be connected directly to active loudspeakers or a power amp. For added convenience, the CD player can be controlled with an included infrared remote.

To really make the most of the DP11’s DAC and digital outputs, a USB input allows you to connect smartphones, tablets or a PC/Mac. The USB DAC accepts signals up to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM, alongside DSD256.

For those looking to digitise their CD collection, plugging a USB flash drive into the DP11 will let users rip discs to WAV, but FiiO hasn’t yet confirmed the unit’s ripping speed.

We don't know UK pricing for the DP11 just yet, but for customers in the US and EU, the CD player will cost $189 / €185, and be available in Silver and Black finishes.

The DP11 go on sale in October 2026.

MORE

Read our full FiiO S15 review

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REL Acoustics, a brand dedicated to solely producing subwoofers, has just released its latest flagship entries. Meet the No. 35 and No. 36 models, which make up the company’s Reference Series.

While they may sound like the codenames for anonymous spies, the two new subwoofers are “built around the most significant advances to its amplifier and driver technologies in years”, according to the brand.

One of the most notable upgrades from the previous generation comes with the new Class AB/D hybrid amplifier, which means the No. 36 is powered by 1000 watts and No. 35 by 900 watts. Each amplifier is additionally built around a weighty 17-pound (around 8kg) ring-shaped transformer.

Under the hood, both models also feature a carbon fibre driver. No. 35’s 12-inch driver has been upgraded from the last flagship sub to feature more flexible suspension and a better-controlled cone so it can supposedly play louder than its predecessor. The No. 36 model boasts a 15-inch driver, with REL claiming it is made for the “most ambitious music and theatre systems”.

Like their predecessors, the new models feature a curved wooden exterior which calls for 12 coats of hand-rubbed lacquer. They measure the same as the previous models too ( 74cm wide for No. 36 and 64cm for No. 35), so you can stack them on top of your existing Reference subwoofers if you have them.

As with all of the brand’s offerings, however, you will need to have deep pockets to add one of these subs to your system. The Reference No.36 subwoofer will set you back £11,000 / $12,000, while the slightly cheaper model will cost £9000 / $10,000. That’s still an incredibly eye-watering price, especially if you are looking to get a pair.

We haven't heard the subwoofers in our dedicated test room yet, but stay tuned to see whether the staggering price tag is worth it.

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Check out the best subwoofers

REL Acoustics adds four subwoofers with completely reworked engineering for "perfect bass"

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AI is, arguably, the world’s hottest technology topic, and it seems as though no one and nothing is safe from its omnipresent influence – not even Epson’s new projector range.

The projector stalwart has announced four new 4K home cinema projectors, headlined by a new AI-backed image-processing engine. It can adapt picture settings to the content you are watching, upscale lower-resolution video more efficiently, and improve contrast and motion.

Epson is making a considerable deal of including MediaTek’s MT9681 chipset, which reportedly supports up to 4K/120Hz video via HDMI 2.1. This chipset is also responsible for running the new AI features mentioned above.

The range is split down the middle with two affordable options – the EH-LS5000 and EH-LS6000 – and two higher-end projectors, the EH-LS7000 and EH-LS7500. Based on the name alone, these projectors appear to sit below the Award-winning EH-LS9000.

Starting with the cheaper duo, these projectors both utilise the company’s 3LCD technology, which utilises three liquid-crystal chips to split white light into red, blue and green beams, intended to enhance colour vibrancy and brightness. The EH-LS5000 and EH-LS6000 reportedly deliver peak brightness of 2500 lumens and 3400 lumens, respectively.

This works in tandem with Epson’s new LD Boost Technology, which can reportedly boost brightness by up to 12 per cent without increasing fan noise levels.

Furthermore, these projectors can beam an image up to a staggering 500 inches. Despite the huge screen size, Epson promises easy and flexible set-up options and easy interoperability with connected devices such as external sound systems and gaming consoles.

Moving up the range, the EH-LS7000 takes the brightness up to a claimed 3600 lumens, which Epson says is “ideal for premium media rooms and high-performance entertainment set-ups”.

The EH-LS7500, on the other hand, is billed as the company's “first short-throw professional home 4K projector with 3500 lumens”, which we interpret to mean that this is the company’s first short-throw unit to reach that brightness level. We have reached out to Epson for clarification.

Epson touts this projector’s biggest asset as its ability to beam a large, bright image from a compact form factor, making it ideal for multi-function rooms or even indoor golf simulators.

All four projectors feature HDR10 and HLG support, although Epson has made no reference to any of the available dynamic formats such as HDR10+ or Dolby Vision.

Matter smart home integration is also featured across the range. This will allow users to control their projector via one of the supported smart home protocols, and voice assistants will also be supported.

The new Epson projector range is launching across Europe this month; considering we are nearing the end of September, we assume that means we’ll see them hit shelves next week.

MORE:

Read our full Epson EH-LS9000 review

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Check out our picks for the best projectors

After months of rumours, speculation and quite a few leaks along the way, Beats’ latest flagship wireless headphones have officially arrived.

The Beats 360 have been in the pipeline for a long while, but the all-new flagship cans have now definitively broken cover, pledging to bring “the best sound and most refined comfort in Beats history” along with them.

Built around a bespoke acoustic platform, the flagship over-ears boast an all-new acoustic architecture with bespoke drivers developed exclusively for the 360. The drivers employ three-layer diaphragms and dual neodymium magnets to create what Beats calls “powerful bass and incredible precision across the tonal range with ultra-low distortion”.

The 360 are also equipped with what Beats describes as its “most powerful noise-cancelling technology”, complemented by a transparency mode that lets users hear their surroundings more readily.

An Adaptive EQ setting works to dynamically adjust acoustic frequencies based on the wearer’s fit for a more personalised sound experience, while Dolby Atmos spatial audio with head tracking promises “deep, immersive audio across music and movies”.

The flagship Beats deliver around 32 hours of battery life with noise-cancelling switched off, and up to 32 hours with ANC and spatial audio on. Thanks to the headphones’ ‘Fast Fuel’ capabilities, a five-minute charge provides an hour of playback via USB-C.

The Beats 360 are powered by a custom Beats chip for integration across both Apple and Android ecosystems.

That means Apple users get iOS integration, one-touch pairing, access to Apple’s Siri voice assistant and automatic switching between devices, as well as ‘Find My’ capabilities to help locate your headphones using your iPhone. Android users, conversely, benefit from the likes of Android Fast Pair and the ‘Find Hub’ product locator for a smoother user experience.

The 360 are the first over-ear Beats headphones to come with an IPX4 sweat and water resistance rating, so you should be able to take them out in the rain without fear of damage, with Beats promising "an exceptional level of durability" from its latest wireless cans.

The headphones’ ear cushions are acoustically engineered to form an optimal seal that enhances sound isolation and helps deliver a “rich, immersive” audio signature. The flagship Beats also feature interchangeable ear and headband cushion kits to help users make their headphones feel like their own.

The Beats 360 are available now in four core colours – Black, Cloud, Pink or Sky – while cushion kits can be purchased separately across Black, Cloud, Pink, Sky, Navy or Volt options.

The headphones themselves will set you back £300 / $350, while the standard cushion kits will cost £50 / $50 per set. At that kind of money, Beats is pitching the 360 to rival the Sony WH-1000XM6 (currently £359 / $400), the Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless (£330 / $400) and the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 (currently £319 / $429).

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Read our Beats Studio Pro review

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The Velvet Underground’s 1969 album, The Velvet Underground, is set to receive a sonic upgrade as the latest addition to UMe’s (the global catalogue division of Universal Music Group) Vinylphyle series.

The Vinylphyle edition features all analog mastering “by an elite group of today’s top vinyl cutting engineers” and comes on 180g black vinyl, pressed at RTI’s pressing plant in California. This release presents Lou Reed’s original “Closet Mix”, which featured on the very first pressings of the album in 1969.

The record is housed in a tip-on gatefold jacket with a four-panel insert, which includes scans of the album’s source-recording tape alongside newly commissioned liner notes by Grammy nominee and rock historian, Scott B. Bomar.

At the time of its original release, The Velvet Underground marked a shift from the fiercely experimental sound of the band’s early recordings to a more melodic, paired back approach – best summarised by songs such as Pale Blue Eyes and Candy Says – which brought Lou Reed’s songwriting talents to light.

UMe’s Vinylphyle series, which the company has dubbed “a premium vinyl experience for people who love vinyl”, launched in November 2025 with four legendary titles: The Velvet Underground & Nico, Exodus by Bob Marley & The Wailers, The Band’s Northern Lights-Southern Cross, and Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song.

This release delves deeper into The Velvet Underground’s back-catalogue.

The Vinylphyle edition of The Velvet Underground is now available to order at a price of $40 from uDiscover Music. Additional shipping fees will be added for customers outside the US, with shipping expected on 24th September.

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Too often, companies pursue low-end depth at the expense of all else. Call it the passing-car-on-the-high-road approach. Or Beats before Apple. But Wharfedale’s new subwoofers don’t fall into that trap; instead, the Nova Series is focused on “balance, texture and precision”, says the manufacturer, from the smallest 8-inch model right up to the 15-incher.

The aim is for bass that is deep and authoritative, but that complements rather than overwhelms the movies and music it’s conveying.

There are four models in the range: the Nova 8, Nova 10, Nova 12 and Nova 15. The numbers indicate the respective main driver’s diameter in inches. So whatever your system – whether it’s a home cinema behemoth, hi-fi leviathan, or diddy micro system – there should be one to fit the bill.

Bass depth and output levels vary according to the sub’s size, of course, but they all share the same approach thanks to the inclusion of new long-throw drivers, passive Auxiliary Bass Radiators (ABRs) and Wharfedale’s tried and tested cabinet architecture.

Let’s start with those drivers.

These feature rigid, lightweight paper cones with a proprietary coating to increase stiffness and self-damping without increasing mass. Thanks to the other components inside the Nova subwoofers, they should maintain stability at high output while allowing substantial linear movements, which should mean “exceptional extension” without sacrificing transient accuracy and composure, says Wharfedale.

Thermal efficiency and power handling are enhanced by a large-diameter voice coil, while the aluminium shorting ring in the motor structure improves linearity and transient response and lowers distortion.

The result? Bass with “greater definition and natural rhythmic timing”, according to Wharfedale.

Each sub in the range has a downward-firing, mass-loaded ABR with a dual-suspension design to extend low-frequency output without a conventional reflex port. Wharfedale claims this avoids issues such as chuffing, compression and unwanted resonance.

Wharfedale also claims a balance of depth and control thanks to each model’s optimised acoustic loading.

The Class D amplifier platform delivers nominal power ratings between 200W and 360W (depending on the model of subwoofer), up to 80V peak output and “substantial” dynamic headroom. The platform is optimised for efficiency, speed and sustained low-frequency control.

Wharfedale also stresses that the amplifier, driver, cabinet loading and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) have all been developed as an integrated system for a controlled, responsive performance free of strain and compression.

Some subs struggle with convincing bass at lower volumes; Wharfedale claims this won’t be a problem thanks to its DSP-controlled dynamic EQ. At lower levels, this should preserve weight and extension – crank the volume up, and it manages driver excursion to maintain clean output. Which should result in a larger, more authoritative performance than the unit’s physical size might suggest.

Wharfedale has tuned the woofers to integrate the bass seamlessly with a range of system configurations and environments. And if you want to fine-tune it yourself, you can, with adjustable crossover, phase alignment and level calibration tools.

The Nova 8 costs £799 / $999 / AU$1299, which is the same as the B&W ASW610, our pick as best overall in our list of best subwoofers. Pricing goes up to £899 / $1199 / AU$1699 for the Nova 10, £1099 / $1499 / AU$2199 for the Nova 12 and £1299 / $1999 / AU$2899 for the Nova 15.

All models launch in late September, and come in any colour as long as it’s black.

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FiiO has introduced its new flagship planar magnetic over-ear headphones, the FT15.

Following in the footsteps of the brand's established FT5 cans, FiiO bills the new over-ears as being aimed squarely at listeners "who want to explore the detail in their favourite recordings".

The FT15 use a set of 101mm planar drivers which, thanks to their generous surface area, aim to provide a "broad, open soundstage" with a tangible sense of scale. Central to the driver is an ultra-thin diaphragm, designed "to respond rapidly to the music" and provide a "precise, refined reproduction".

A diamond coating is added across the face of the diaphragm to increase rigidity, creating a blend of stiffness and lightness in pursuit of more accurate driver movement.

The drivers also feature FiiO's own uniform 'magnetic field' design, which employs custom contoured, high-strength magnets to help suppress diaphragm breakup and distortion for a cleaner, purer audio signature.

The headphones' cable uses monocrystalline copper and is cryogenically treated for a smoother signal transfer. The FT15 include a 4.4mm balanced connection, alongside 6.35mm and XLR-4 adapters, to give greater flexibility across a range of sources such as DACs and headphone amplifiers.

The FT15’s earcups are made from black walnut, so that each pair has its own unique appearance thanks to the variations in the wood's natural grain.

A carbon fibre headband complements the cans' wooden construction, chosen to keep the headphones' overall weight down to facilitate greater listener comfort.

The FiiO FT15 are available now, priced at £499 / $500 / €500. We don't get many planar headphones through our doors, but in terms of open-backed designs, the F15 sit between the Award-winning Grado SR325x (£250 / $250) and the superb Beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Generation) (£699).

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Bose has expanded its open-ear range with the new Bose Sport Open Earbuds and a second-generation sequel to the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds.

The US brand says the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) offer its flagship open-ear experience, while the Sport Open Earbuds have been “engineered for running, workouts and outdoor adventures”.

Central to both new models is a completely open design, which combines a transducer with a “tightly controlled acoustic structure” to deliver sound “precisely to your ear with minimal leakage”.

Unlike bone conduction designs, Bose says the earbuds “deliver sound through the air near the ear… resulting in fuller, more natural sound with a comfortable, pressure-free fit”.

The new Open earbuds have been designed with environmental awareness in mind, and as you might expect from open buds, neither offers active noise cancellation.

The Bose Sport Open Earbuds use custom-designed dynamic drivers to deliver “full, balanced audio”. The earbuds feature a C-shaped, flexible cuff with a matte silicone finish, which wraps around the ear for a stable fit, remaining “comfortable and secure” during workouts.

The Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) also build on the cuff-shaped design of their first-generation predecessors, teasing “improved sound and call quality”, an expanded feature set – including immersive audio settings – and a longer battery life.

The second-generation earbuds also use newly engineered drivers to deliver “deeper bass and higher volume” than their predecessors.

Both models feature Bose's AI-driven Speech Clarity technology that separates human voices from background noise, bringing what the company calls “Bose’s best call-quality experience” to its range of open-ear earbuds. Both pairs also feature an Auto Volume function, which adjusts the volume of music in response to changes in background noise.

In terms of battery life, the Sport Open Earbuds offer up to seven hours of playback on a single charge, plus an additional 22 hours with their “pocket-friendly” charging case. The Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen), conversely, grant up to nine hours of playback from the buds and an additional 19.5 hours from the case.

Both pairs support Bluetooth 5.4, with standard AAC and SBC codecs, alongside Bluetooth Multipoint for simultaneous connection to two devices. Both also support Google Fast Pair for quick and easy connection to Android devices.

Each set also offers the option to set up customisable shortcuts for Spotify Tap, engaging your phone’s voice assistant and cycling through Bose’s Immersive Audio settings (Ultra Open Earbuds only).

The Bose App can be used to control both models and features a three-band equaliser, Auto Volume control, and touch control configuration.

Both pairs of earbuds will be available in Black or White Smoke finishes. The Sport Open Earbuds will also launch in limited-edition Eucalyptus Green, while the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) will be available in limited-edition Cherry Chocolate, Olive Green and Sky Pink colourways.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) will be available on October 1st for £300 / $299 / AU$450, while the Bose Sport Open Earbuds are set to launch on October 15th, priced at £180 / $199 / AU$350.

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German manufacturer Clearaudio has announced a petite new phono stage, Compact Phono, which the company says is “small enough to fit discreetly into virtually any setup”.

The phono stage measures just 2.6 x 11.5 x 8cm (hwd), but Clearaudio says “its compact dimensions belie a serious phono stage”.

Ease of use has been taken into consideration for a new design, which makes switching between moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) operation easier than on the company's previous phono stages – which required the unit to be opened and internal jumpers reconfigured – with a button on the front panel.

At the heart of the unit are “extremely low-noise, high precision operational amplifiers”, with gain split across two stages: the first handling “the bulk” of amplification to “maximise signal-to-noise ratio”, while the second stage uses targeted filters to limit unwanted frequencies.

A 16Hz subsonic filter removes unwanted low-frequency rumbles, while a 70kHz ultrasonic filter “reliably catches cartridge resonances”. Clearaudio says that the new filtering system provides “broader protection against unwanted signals than the subsonic-only filtering found in earlier designs, while maintaining precise RIAA equalisation and complete signal stability”.

The Compact Phono has also been designed with flexibility in mind and will "accommodate everything from entry-level cartridges to extremely quiet MC systems”.

This is done by the inclusion of adjustable input loading, which provides 47kΩ / 100pF for MM and 100Ω / 100pF for MC. Additionally, switchable gain of 40dB and 60dB allows the unit to be matched to a “wide range of systems”.

Clearaudio says that both gain settings are higher than those offered by its predecessors, while MC operation promises a headroom of 29dB, which is “comfortably ahead of previous models”.

The Compact Phono includes an ±18V power supply, which Clearaudio claims delivers an “extremely stable, noise-free voltage supply” in combination with two linear voltage regulators.

According to Clearaudio, “top-quality” components have been used in the Compact Phono’s circuitry, which is all housed inside a low-resonance metal enclosure with isolating feet – which will minimise rumble as you stomp your feet to your favourite records.

The new phono stage is also more efficient than previous models, for a “lighter, cooler running” operation.

The Clearaudio Compact Phono is available now in finishes of black and silver for a price of £490 / €490 / $639.

At this price, the Compact Phono comes up against tough competition, including the similarly well-equipped, but cheaper, Cambridge Audio Duo MC/MM (£299 / $399 / AU$559) and the Award-winning, slightly more expensive, Graham Slee Reflex M (£540 / $960 / AU$1290).

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Hisense has entered the competitive world of Bluetooth speakers with its new 'Boom' range of portable models.

Not to be confused with LG's Xboom line-up or Ultimate Ears' various portable speakers also suffixed by the word "Boom", Hisense's new line-up consists of three models – the FlexBoom, the WeBoom and the VoyageBoom – pitched across a range of sizes and use cases.

First up is the FlexBoom, conceived as a 'grab and go' speaker that packs 40 watts of power to deliver "crisp highs and punchy bass wherever you go".

If you want something bigger, the WeBoom is the step-up model, promising a "rich and powerful sound" from its 70 watts of power driving a pair of built-in dual subwoofers. Rounding off the trio is the VoyageBoom, a 180-watt speaker which packs twin tweeters, dual woofers and a subwoofer.

In terms of battery life, the portable FlexBoom delivers around 20 hours of playback at a time, with a 10-minute quick charge providing up to two hours of listening. The WeBoom and VoyageBoom each grant up to 24 hours of listening on a single charge, with both able to squeeze out an extra two hours of playtime via a 10-minute boost.

Users can connect two FlexBooms or VoyageBooms together to form a stereo pair, or broadcast any member of Hisense's new range to unlimited compatible speakers thanks to Auracast technology.

The WeBoom and VoyageBoom can also be used as a powerbank to charge your phone or tablet on the go, a feature we've seen used to great effect with the likes of the class-leading JBL Charge 6 and Xtreme 5 rivals.

All three members of the new Boom range are IP67 rated, meaning they should be resistant to dust ingress and submersion in water for around 30 minutes at a time. The WeBoom and VoyageBoom also feature on-unit lights which can be controlled via Hisense's ConnectLife app.

According to David Gold, Hisense's Chief Commercial Officer: “We've spent years building products that make movies, music, and shared moments better. With our new speakers, we're extending that experience with options designed for everything from everyday listening and weekends outside to hosting a house of friends."

The Hisense FlexBoom, WeBoom, and VoyageBoom are available now in the US, with UK availability expected soon. Current prices are as follows:

- FlexBoom: $120
- WeBoom: $200
- VoyageBoom: $300

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iFi has released an even more compact alternative to the five-star Go Link 2, with the Go Cable: a “high performance” DAC and headphone amplifier, built into a USB-C audio cable for in-ear monitors (IEMs).

The British audio manufacturer says that the Go Cable “bypasses the internals of your device”, unlocking “detail, clarity and dynamic range [that] your device alone can’t deliver”.

The Go Cable features a USB-C connection at one end, which runs via silver-plated cabling through the DAC and headphone amplifier to two 0.78mm two-pin analogue outputs, allowing users to connect their chosen IEMs.

For “exceptional audio performance in a remarkably compact design”, the Go Cable is powered by an ESS Sabre DAC, which can support hi-res audio up to PCM 384kHz and DSD256.

The company claims that the Go Cable “keeps distortion under control” using THD compensation and provides an RMS output power of 70mW at 32 ohms.

Transport controls and an echo-cancelling microphone have been integrated into the Go Cable’s design, allowing device-free control of calls, volume and playback. But iFi says that the Go Cable can also be paired with gaming consoles, thanks to support for the Nintendo Switch 2’s GameChat feature.

To make the most of these features, you will need to provide your own IEMs. But iFi has you covered, with a starter kit including a pair of AIRO Astra buds available for an extra £20 / $20.

The iFi Go Cable is now available to pre-order for £79 / $79 (£99 / $99 for the Go Cable Astra Hi-Res Starter Kit), with shipping promised by 21st September.

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Presto Music, a streaming service dedicated to classical and jazz music, has announced its integration into the WiiM Home App.

The UK-based streaming service, which launched with around 200,000 listed albums in 2023 and many of which are available in 24-bit/192kHz hi-res audio, is now accessible from the WiiM Home App to users of WiiM hi-fi separates, WiiM Sound / Sound Lite smart speakers and the WiiM Bar soundbar.

What’s more, thanks to Presto’s Fair Play initiative, which compensates artists per second of music streamed instead of a traditional ‘per play’ streaming model, users will be able to rest easy in the knowledge that the artists they listen to are being more fairly remunerated.

According to Dr Lifeng Zhao, CEO of WiiM, "At WiiM, we’re always looking for ways to make exceptional listening experiences more accessible. Adding Presto Music to the WiiM platform gives our users seamless access to one of the world’s leading destinations for classical and jazz, further expanding the open ecosystem that makes WiiM a powerful hub for music lovers.”

The collaboration comes as part of Presto Music’s wider integration into audio ecosystems, with the platform already available in Focal and Naim streaming products, as well as products from Eversolo and BluOS-powered streaming products.

WiiM users new to Presto Music will also be able to cash in on a three-month free trial of the streaming service by selecting Presto Music from the Music Service menu in the Wiim Home app.

Presto Music subscriptions start at £10.99 per month. For £13.99 per month, users gain access to the company’s ‘streaming plus’ subscription, which includes free standard UK shipping of physical products available via Presto Music, alongside 10 per cent off all purchases made through the platform.

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It's been a rough few weeks for many Sony Bravia TV owners – but a solution to their problems may finally be in sight.

Back in June, Sony pushed a software update to its current lineup of TVs that, for many, seems to have caused fundamental problems with eARC.

The issues include Dolby Vision content refusing to play, sound gradually desyncing, and audio dropouts, with most users experiencing some but not others. I’m a Bravia 8 II owner, and it’s the audio dropouts that I got.

The common factor is that it only affects content being played from an external source that is being routed through the TV to an external sound system.

For most people, including me, it has meant having to stop using their system as intended – I’ve been unable to use my Apple TV 4K, for example – and while the Dolby Vision problems were seemingly fixed by a further software update last month, the audio problems have remained.

Sony has been frustratingly quiet about the whole issue, with the only public acknowledgement coming from Sony Japan just last week.

Once translated, that Sony Japan post states that “the issue of audio being out of sync with the video (lip-sync discrepancy) will be addressed in a software update scheduled for September 2026”.

It's worth noting that Sony Japan's statement specifically refers to the lip-sync issue; it doesn't explicitly say that the audio dropout problems experienced by some owners will also be addressed by the same update.

But, in fact, it seems that the software update referenced may already be available – at least in some regions.

Software update 114.603.100.1 launched yesterday in the US, and early reports from some Sony Bravia owners suggest the audio sync and dropout issues might have been resolved.

To be clear, this software update is not yet available in the UK, so I haven’t been able to test it myself. It’s only a handful of owners in the US who are so far reporting positive news, too, so it’s a little too early to assume everything is hunky-dory.

I have contacted Sony UK for clarification, as well as a date for the software release over here, and I’ll report back if I hear anything.

Still, if the early reports are correct, this already feels like positive movement, and I, for one, am excited for the presumably imminent release of this new software in the UK.

I love my Bravia 8 II, and I would really like to go back to using it as intended.

MORE:

Here are the best TVs and best Dolby Atmos soundbars you can buy right now

It’s the bane of every parent’s streaming existence: your kids messing up your algorithm. There you are, feeding it a wholesome, organic diet of meticulously cultivated Bon Iver and Ryan Adams, only for the young ones to foul it all up with the theme from Captain Underpants. Again.

Well now Spotify has a fix. It has introduced a toggle that lets you exclude kids and family music from your taste profile. Best of all, it works retroactively, so you can purge your profile of all that K-Pop that kept the kids entertained over the summer holidays.

Not only will this not affect which songs the algorithm suggests to you, it will also mean that your Discover Weekly, Daily Mix, and Wrapped more accurately reflect your taste.

However, we can see a problem. What actually counts as kids’ music? Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande both appeal to lots of younger fans, so how will the algorithm know what you are playing for them and what you’re enjoying yourself?

Spotify is a bit vague. It just says that this includes “the songs you play on repeat from your kids’ favourite animated movies, theme songs from family TV shows, nursery rhymes, and more.” We’ll have to see how it works in practice.

With the setting enabled, you can still search for, play and create playlists of kids’ music. But it won’t affect your own personal profile.

The feature is rolling out now to both free and Premium customers.

Spotify recently allowed the ability to exclude certain tracks or playlists from your taste profile, and has managed accounts for younger listeners.

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Read our Spotify review

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One of our favourite small-form radios is getting a makeover.

Not only is the Ruark R1S one of the nicest radios to listen to, but it’s also one of the best looking. Whether kitted out in its Grey, Light Cream or Satin Charcoal finish, the R1S always looks the part.

Ruark has now added to that varied roster of shades with a brand-new Terracotta finish. This isn’t just a new paint job, though; it is, rather, a new limited-edition radio built to celebrate Ruark’s 40th anniversary following its formation in 1986.

Not only do you get a spiffy new finish, but the special edition radio also features an ebonised grille and etched anniversary badge to mark it out as being distinct from the standard edition of the R1S.

Elsewhere, the anniversary R1S is essentially the same as the standard iteration from 2023. Which means it is once again offering extensive streaming support for the likes of Spotify Connect, Amazon Music and Deezer, as well as standard Bluetooth 5.0 powers.

This is a radio first and foremost, let’s not forget, meaning the R1S Terracotta packs FM, DAB and DAB+ support, as well as Internet radio via Ruark’s SmartRadio tuner.

Inside, a Class A/B amplifier drives a neodymium NS+ full-range driver, a pairing that gave the standard R1S its reputation for, as we write in our review, its “articulate and authoratative sound”.

As before, the celebratory R1S has a USB-C port that can charge phones and similar portable devices, as well as a switchable analogue line input and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The R1S in Terracotta is available now, priced at £319, a small advance on the £299 tag of the standard model.

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LG has released an extensive statement denying claims made in a damning report that its smart TVs spy on users. But the authors of the original report have responded in turn, accusing LG of lying.

In the original video, YouTube channel Gamers Nexus claimed that LG TVs are capable of recording private conversations even when no wake word has been spoken. It also accused the company of collecting sensitive data such as IP addresses, the geographic location of the TV, and details of nearby wi-fi networks and the names of devices connected to them (even if they’re not connected to the TV).

The report includes demonstrations of the claims made, and was conducted in conjunction with tech site Level1 Techs and independent cybersecurity researchers.

LG’s statement says that such reporting has led to “misconceptions about how LG smart TVs work”. The company claims that “LG smart TVs do not continuously record or transmit users’ conversations,” though some commenters have noted the use of the word “continuously”.

“Speech-to-text processing begins only if a user activates a voice interaction through a supported wake-word feature or by pressing the voice (or AI) button on the remote control,” LG goes on. While the TVs must always be listening in order to detect a wake word, the statement says that this audio is “processed locally on the TV” and if no wake word is detected, “audio is not converted to text, stored, or transmitted”.

“Voice-recognition results and related technical logs may be generated as part of processing a voice command,” it adds. “These records are associated with specific voice interactions and do not indicate continuous recording of conversations occurring outside an active voice recognition session.”

While “speech-recognition results may be used to support voice-related features,” they are “not uploaded later when the TV is offline or when connectivity is restored.”

The statement notes that the automatic content recognition (ACR) feature is optional and not enabled by default. ACR has proved controversial, as it detects what’s on screen in order to improve recommendations or sell that information to advertisers.

LG’s statement then goes on to detail how various features of its smart TVs work. It notes that “No connected product is ever completely immune from security vulnerabilities.” Some of Gamers Nexus’s claims would rely on a bad actor hacking the TV to gain control over it.

But that’s not the end of the story. Gamers Nexus has since responded with a bullish follow-up video, claiming that LG’s statement contradicts itself and that its denials are not evidence-based.

We have contacted LG to see if it has a response to that response.

The report has caused a storm in the TV world, and – judging from some of the comments – consumers aren’t happy about how invasive smart TVs are capable of being. LG executives saying it “owns the glass” and “owns the TV” in an attempt to attract advertisers isn’t a good look, especially for anyone who has just shelled out thousands of pounds for a new C6.

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Read our LG C6 review

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Tribit's latest wireless earbuds aim to bring a considerable stack of features – including active noise-cancelling – to a more budget-friendly price point.

The new FlyBuds C3 cost less than £50 / $40, yet they promise a feature set that Tribit hopes can surpass the Award-winning Sony WF-C510 (tested at £55 / $60 / AU$110).

Before we get to that, the new FlyBuds C3 promise high-quality audio from their 10mm drivers. Each bud also packs a six-microphone array and AI-powered noise reduction for handling voice calls, with Tribit promising clear call quality which spotlights human speech while filtering out background noise.

Noise-cancelling is on board, something we wouldn't always expect to find from such a budget-friendly pair of buds. The FlyBuds C3 offer standard ANC alongside a transparency mode for keeping you more aware of your surroundings when you're on the go.

Tribit's latest delivers up to eight hours of playback from the earbuds, dropping to six hours with ANC switched on. Those numbers rise to 35 hours of standard playback with the charging case in play, or 25 hours in total with noise-cancelling on.

Customising your experience is done via the Tribit app, from which you can access 10 preset equaliser modes, a fully customisable EQ, and an 'XBass' toggle for granting a bit of extra low-end punch.

You can also manage your Bluetooth Multipoint connections for switching easily between two devices, or toggle the buds' low-latency mode if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for gaming or watching videos.

Tribit has vowed to prioritise wearer comfort from its new buds, with the FlyBuds C3 weighing in at just 4 grams, making them even lighter than their 4.6-gram Sony WF-C510 rivals. They're also IP55 rated, meaning they can handle sweat, light rain and dust particles without much fuss.

The Tribit FlyBuds C3 are available now in black or white finishes, with an official RRP of £50 / $40 / €50.

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The new iPhones have launched, which means we are officially in the run-up to Christmas. And that means sales. Lots of them.

The first of the season, ahead of Black Friday, is Amazon Prime Big Deal Days (or Prime Day, as it’s known to everyone outside Amazon). The e-tail giant’s annual autumn sale sets the stage for Black Friday. And now its dates have been announced: 6-7th October. That’s less than a month away.

Last year’s sale took place from 7-8th October, and saw discounts on all manner of AV goodies, including wireless headphones, Bluetooth speakers, OLED TVs and more.

For the best hi-fi deals, however, you were better off at specialist retailers such as Richer Sounds, Sevenoaks and Peter Tyson, who usually run their own sales at the same time. Let’s see if this year is the same.

This year, could we see the first glut of RGB Mini LED TVs with money off? And is it too early for a discount on Sony's latest WH-CH730N and WH-CH530 wireless headphones? Let’s hope not.

We’ll bring you all the best deals during the sale itself, as well as during the run-up, so stay tuned.

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Sport-focused audio brand Shokz has launched its latest pair of wireless earbuds, the OpenFit Air 2.

Billed as a lightweight set of buds that blend a secure, easygoing design with "powerful open-ear audio", the OpenFit Air 2 are built for users who want an unobtrusive fit that won't get in the way no matter the length of your workout sessions.

Each bud is equipped with a dual 'Bassphere' driver system, designed to produce "rich bass" and a "full, expansive soundstage". For toggling your sound to your liking, four preset equaliser modes – Standard, Vocal, Bass and Private – are available.

Like the bulk of Shokz's established earbuds, the OpenFit Pro employ an open off-ear design, with an over-ear hook for aiding greater stability and security during runs and workouts.

At 7.2 grams per earbud, the OpenFit Air 2 are also billed as the lightest ear-hook buds that Shokz has ever made, and they should be protected against splashes of water and dust ingress thanks to their IP55 certification.

You needn't be caught out if you're on a long run and your mum calls you in for your dinner, because the OpenFit Air 2 incorporate a dual microphone system combined with an AI noise reduction algorithm to keep voices clear while reducing background noise.

The sporty new buds grant hours of playtime on a single charge, rising to 50 hours in total with the charging case in play. If you're in a hurry, you can squeeze three hours of listening time with a speedy 10-minute quick charge.

Further features include Bluetooth Multipoint for connecting to multiple source devices simultaneously, as well as Fast Pair and Swift Pair for a one-tap connection to Android and Windows devices respectively.

The Shokz OpenFit Air will be available from September 16th in Black, White or Ice Blue finishes, priced at £129 / $130.

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IKEA makes quite a few of its own Bluetooth speakers, and it has just launched another in the shape of the distinctively named Badkruka.

The famed Swedish furniture manufacturer already boasts a host of Bluetooth models in its current speaker arsenal, with the super-cheap ‘Kallsup’ model setting you back a paltry £5. You could buy a plate of meatballs for less than that.

The new Badkruka is larger and a little more premium than the dinky Kallsup, sporting a rather no-frills cuboid form made from plastic and polycarbonate.

Designed for home rather than portable use, the new speaker houses a range of top-mounted physical control buttons, including a Spotify Tap toggle for faster access to your Spotify streaming library. As well as standard Bluetooth, you also get an optical input alongside a 3.5mm auxiliary port. Nice.

Inside, the Badkruka packs 25 watts of total power feeding a single tweeter alongside a complementary woofer to produce what IKEA describes as a “clear, powerful sound” that “meets everyday needs at home”.

You can connect two speakers together to create a stereo pair, or use multi-speaker mode if you want to have a string of Badkrukas tethered together for a more immersive, room-filling audio experience.

The word ‘Badkruka’ in Swedish means someone averse to bathing outdoors (literally a “bath-coward”), so we’re assuming that IKEA’s speaker of the same name doesn’t particularly enjoy being taken for a dip. Best to keep it inside, then.

The IKEA Badkruka Bluetooth speaker is available now in pink or black finishes, priced at €50 / $60. We haven’t seen the Badkruka listed on IKEA’s UK site yet, but we imagine that it will sit at around the £40-50 mark when the time comes.

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It’s official – Apple’s first foldable smartphone is here. The “compact, pocketable” new model is called the iPhone Duo, and the US tech giant claims it offers both the thinnest and largest iPhone display ever made when open.

The smartphone opens like a passport, with the outer display measuring 5.4 inches and the inner display coming in at 7.6 inches. With the outer display, you get 90 per cent of the screen area of the iPhone 18 Pro, which was also just announced at the Apple event this evening.

In both orientations, the screens sport an identical aspect ratio to help transitions between screens feel more seamless, whether it is open or closed.

John Ternus, Apple’s freshly appointed CEO, says: “iPhone Duo is the most transformational change to iPhone since the original.”

The speakers for the Duo are placed on the top and bottom of the phone to deliver spatial audio.

Under the hood, you will find the A20 Pro chip, which is also included in the new iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. According to Apple, this upgrade means that it can deliver up to 35 per cent “better sustained performance” than the iPhone 17 Pro. On top of that, the phone is powered by iOS 27. This means that the controls are moved to the side of the screen to free up some space.

There’s some pretty nifty technology in terms of the screen, too. The nano-texture finish supposedly “minimises glare for an unparalleled viewing experience.” The first layer of the screen is glass, and below that is the folding display panel featuring custom adhesives that allow the layers to glide past one another “like the pages of a book” to relieve tension from bending.

It also has a 48MP Fusion Main camera, a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide, and an integrated optical-quality x2 Telephoto.

For brightness, Apple says you can get up to 3000 nits of peak outdoor brightness. That comfortably outdoes the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 2600 nits, but is on par with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra's offering of 3000 nits.

The hinge in the middle is made of titanium and engineered from more than 100 components to create a “smooth, satisfying feel”. Inside the body, there are also support ribs to add extra stiffness.

If you’re worried about scuffing your fresh screen, there is a Ceramic Shield on the back of the phone and a Ceramic Shield 2 on the front that Apple says has three times better scratch resistance than the previous generation.

In terms of battery, there’s a bit of variation depending on which screen you use more. You can get up to 31 hours of video playback with the inner display, up to 44 hours of video playback with the outer, and up to 24 hours of usage per charge when both are used equally.

It’s the most expensive of the phones announced at Apple’s event as, for US buyers, the Duo will set you back an eye-watering $1999 / £1999 (roughly AU$2770) for 256GB.

That puts it in the same ballpark as the Samsung Z Fold 8 Ultra, which launched at £1899 / $2099 / AU$2999. We haven't had any time with the Duo, but with a promising set of specifications it should make for strong competition. Hopefully we'll get one in for testing soon. Watch this space.

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I've just reviewed the five-star Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, so here are my immediate impressions of its biggest rival yet: the iPhone Duo

I'm excited for Apple's newly announced AirPods 5 – but one major issue has me scratching my head

Here is our review of the iPhone 17 Pro

Apple has launched the next generation of its standard wireless earbuds, the AirPods 5.

As before, it comes in two model variants without eartips, with the big news being that both models now feature active noise cancellation. The more expensive AirPods 5 feature on-stem volume control, longer battery life with ANC on, and a wireless charging case.

They're an update on the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC that launched two years ago on September 2024, and feature improvements to sound quality, ANC and the transparency mode, plus live translation capability.

The AirPods 5 will cost £119 / $129, while the AirPods 5 with wireless charging case will cost £139 / $149 – both go on sale on 18th September, with pre-orders starting today.

The AirPods 5 see an updated open-ear design, with a new multi-port acoustic architecture and next-generation adaptive EQ to improve sound quality. Apple says the new AirPods 5 deliver "richer, more detailed sound across a wider range of ear geometries", as well as making personalised spatial audio more immersive and dynamic.

Combined with improved "computational audio algorithms" Apple claims the improved ANC quality offers 50 per cent more noise reduction than the previous generation to deliver what Apple has called "the best ANC in an open ear design". The transparency mode has also been improved to be more "natural", says Apple.

Apple says the new AirPods 5 are "more durable than ever", with an increased IP57 rating for dealing with rain, sweat and dust ingress.

The AirPods 5 can be used hands-free in conjunction with the new, more conversational Siri AI, and both models will now also feature live translation, which was previously a feature reserved for the flagship Pro 3 and Pro 2 models.

In terms of battery life, the standard AirPods 5 offer four hours with ANC enabled on a single charge, with up to 20 hours with the included standard USB-C charging case.

The more premium AirPods 5 with wireless charging case offer five hours of on-ear battery with ANC on, and 22 hours with the charging case. This step-up model also features the on-stem volume controls – another feature borrowed from the AirPods Pro 3. The wireless charging case means it will work with Qi and Apple Watch chargers, while the standard AirPods 5 is restricted to wired USB-C charging only.

Both AirPods 5 will also support the usual iOS-focused features, such as spatial audio, conversation awareness, adaptive audio and Find My features.

MORE:

Read our AirPods 4 with ANC review

AirPods 4 vs AirPods 4 with ANC: which Apple pair should you pick?

Check out our guide to the best wireless earbuds we've tested and rated

Apple has announced the iPhone 18 range with three new models: the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, and its first foldable, the iPhone Duo.

That's right, as expected, the standard iPhone 18 model is nowhere to be seen. Rumours say it will launch next year.

iPhone Duo

The iPhone Duo opens like a paperback book, and is about the size of a passport. When open, it's the slimmest iPhone ever, and it has an asymmetrical shape with two rounded corners that could split opinion.

Both screens have the same aspect ratio, which should help content look its best across both. As was rumoured, the exterior screen is a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display, while the cover screen is 5.4 inches.

Perhaps mindful of how other foldables have broken in the past, Apple made a big deal about how durable it is. It features support rifts in the central support plank, for example. It's also rated IP68 water- and dust-resistant.

The control buttons move to the side vertically for easier reach, and the screen reacts depending on how you're using it. Partially close it, for example, and iOS moves the tappable buttons away from the seam, where they're harder to press.

The iPhone Duo comes in two colours: Star White and Night Sky. And it boasts an impressive battery life of 31 hours using the internal screen, and 44 hours using the cover screen.

As expected, Apple's first foldable is certainly pricey. It starts at £1999 / $1999 / AU3499 for the 256GB model, rising to £3199 / $3199 / AU$5899 for the flagship 2GB variant. It isn't available until 23rd October, with pre-orders starting on 16th October.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

For the Pro models, Apple says it has upgraded four key areas: intelligence, performance, battery and camera. The screens are the same as those in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, but don't dismay – there are usually some improvements to audio and video that Apple omits to mention during the launch, so stay tuned for our reviews.

These phones are powered by the new A20 chipset, which Apple claims is 20 per cent faster with 40 per cent faster graphics performance. The transistors in the new architecture are smaller and more densely packed, while Apple says its supercores are desktop-class. It also boasts better thermal management, which helps the battery life.

Speaking of which, both models last longer than their predecessors. The iPhone 18 Pro has the same battery life as the iPhone 17 Pro Max, while the 18 Pro Max has the largest increase in battery life of any iPhone. The Pro lasts 36 hours of video playback, and the Pro Max 45 hours. For general use, the Pro lasts 24 hours and the Pro Max 30 hours.

As rumoured, both models have a new variable aperture which adjusts automatically to let in more light as required. This will create a better depth of field and more stunning portraits. You can now record timelapse in 4K Dolby Vision HDR, and Pro Controls lets you manually adjust the aperture between four presets.

The Dynamic Island is now smaller, and can show three live activities at once.

Siri AI is more advanced, being more personal and capable, and works across apps. The new Siri app lets you dive back into old conversations, and Siri is built into the camera. You can also customise Siri's voice. But Siri AI isn't available in the EU for now.

The Pros have a subtle new design, and a new burgundy colour scheme.

The Pro starts at £1199 / $1199 and the Pro Max £1299 / $1299. There's a new 2TB model for power users.

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The best iPhones you can currently buy

The best smartphones of all stripes

And the best AirPods to pair them with

Sky has announced a major overhaul of its Sky Go streaming app for Sky Stream and Sky Glass subscribers. It features a redesigned user interface, improved navigation options, and upgraded streaming quality on smartphones and tablets.

The app sports a new look inspired by Sky OS, with a matching colour scheme and similar navigation options, allowing users to explore the Best of Sky, Movies, TV shows, Sport and Kids directly from tabs on the home screen.

Sky has replaced the Downloads tab with My Library, which brings shows, movies and sports from your Playlist, recently watched media and downloaded content, together in one convenient place.

You'll also find new movie and TV show pages with more information (including cast and crew details, Rotten Tomatoes scores, and related recommendations), and the ability to save, record or download.

Sky is also improving the interoperability between Stream/Glass and Go with Continue Watching. This essentially allows you to switch between watching on your TV and your phone or tablet seamlessly.

As the name suggests, you can start watching something on your TV and then continue where you left off on your mobile device, and vice versa.

Remote recording is also new, and means users will be able to set a series, film or sporting event to record on their phone while they're on the go, and have it ready and waiting for them when they return home.

However, the biggest upgrade here is that Sky Go is getting a picture upgrade, going from 720p to 1080p, otherwise known as full HD. Sky notes that you'll need a supported device and a strong connection to stream in 1080p, but this should give users a noticeable picture upgrade when streaming on the go.

Finally, a new dedicated Sky Sports section is being added, which highlights live events, upcoming events and anything users have saved to watch later. Furthermore, you will be able to follow your Premier League team and save it in the My Library tab for easy access to matches and content.

The new version of Sky Go will be rolling out to iOS and Android devices soon, and Sky has confirmed that a desktop version for laptops is also in the works.

MORE:

Read our full Sky Stream review

As well as our Sky Glass Air review

And check out our picks for the best streaming services for movies and TV

Audio-Technica is no stranger to wired over-ear headphones, but the Japanese company is expanding into unknown territory with its first-ever pair of open-backed wireless headphones: the ATH-AL5NC.

The beating heart of the ATH-AL5NC is a set of 53mm dynamic drivers that, says Audio-Technica, create a "detailed soundstage" made more natural and open by virtue of the headphones' open-backed design.

Being a pair of open-backs, the ATH-AL5NC don't offer full-fat active noise cancelling, instead offering a 'noise reduction' toggle to help reduce background noise and ambient sounds.

Audio-Technica is going big on battery life for the ATH-AL5NC, promising a hefty 75 hours of playback with noise reduction switched off and around 50 hours with it turned on.

If you run out of juice, a 15-minute quick charge promises to deliver up to eight hours of playtime, and if charging isn’t an option, users can switch to a wired connection via the included 3.5mm-ended cable.

The new over-ears also feature a 'Sound Leakage Reduction' mode, aiming, as you might have guessed, to reduce the amount of sound leakage coming out of the open-backed cans.

To toggle that mode and personalise your overall listening experience, you can control the new headphones via the A-T Connect app. You also get a low-latency mode for reducing audio lag during gaming and video calls.

Bluetooth Multipoint lets you connect to two devices at once, with standard Bluetooth AAC and SBC codecs alongside LDAC for streaming 24-bit/96kHz audio from compatible sources.

The Audio-Technica AT-AL5NC are available now in a single black finish, priced at £219 / $279 / AU$499. That could be a canny pricing ploy, as there aren't many great mid-range headphones available at that kind of money.

If anything, the AT-AL5NC are going up against the slightly more premium Grado GW100x (£249 / $275 / AU$440), which also blend Bluetooth powers with an open-backed design.

Could Audio-Technica be about to grab hold of an understocked corner of the wireless headphones market? We're intrigued to find out.

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We're rather fond of Marantz's Melody (MCR) compact systems that combine CD player, radio, amplification and network streaming into one stylish box. Previous models in the range – such as the M-CR610 and M-CR603 – nabbed What Hi-Fi? Award wins for their user-friendly design, breadth of features and enjoyable sound.

The new Marantz MCR 60n DAB aims to keep that same compact concept going, but is now a much more elevated affair, with plenty of new features, a classy design, and a new price.

The MCR 60n DAB continues to feature a CD player, DAB/FM radio, Bluetooth and AirPlay 2, and it is now joined by a moving magnet phono stage owing to turntables’ continuing popularity.

The system is powered by Marantz's HEOS streaming platform, which brings with it support for popular music streaming apps, which include Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect and Spotify Connect. There is also an optical input and a 3.5mm headphone output.

Hi-res streaming support has been extended to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD 11.2 MHz, while low-latency LE Audio and two-way Bluetooth is also on board. It's Roon Ready, too.

For seamless TV audio playback, it now boasts an HDMI eARC input, which supports 7.1 channels and Dolby Digital/Dolby Digital Plus decoding via built-in DSP, and can play up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM audio.

These are substantial feature gains over the previous model, the four-star M-CR612 (also called Melody X) that we reviewed in 2019. The HEOS platform and app has been updated since, with Marantz saying the onboarding set-up process should be even better than before.

The sound quality has been improved, too. There is an updated power supply for higher and more stable current delivery, while the power rating has been increased to 65W per channel (into 4 ohms) from a previous 50W. Marantz says the extra headroom will result in better power delivery and better sound quality overall from the Class D amplifier. Additionally, there are new custom components in the circuitry to further help deliver a clean, powerful and low-noise performance.

The bottom chassis of the unit features an additional plate to help reduce vibrations coming from the CD mechanism, while the feet have a high density structure and felt cushioning to also help with damping and deliver a more stable bass performance.

The MCR 60n DAB can also be used as a preamp or with active speakers thanks to fixed and variable outputs, while the subwoofer output now has adjustable crossover filters in 10Hz increments from 30Hz to 250Hz.

The unit is also compatible with Dirac Live Room Correction, although you'll need to buy a license separately to make full use of the calibration software.

A new feature is the ability to save four 'Smart Selects' that store your favourite sound configuration for a certain source. For instance, you may want to employ different volume and tone settings and a Dirac-calibrated profile for when watching TV/movie content compared with listening to music via streaming or from radio, and this lets you choose your pre-set sound profiles accordingly.

These can be easily accessed from the button on the unit itself, or by using the updated remote control.

The design of the MCR 60n DAB is inspired by the Marantz Model M1, with a more minimal and luxurious design than before, but it retains the same compact footprint.

The Marantz MCR 60n DAB will be available for £800 / €900 / AU$1,700 from 15th September. This DAB version is for the European and Australian markets and is available in Champagne Gold and Black finishes, while the non-DAB version will be available for $1000 in the black finish only.

That's a substantial jump in price over the previous M-CR612, which we tested at £630 in 2019, while older MCR units tended to cost £500. With all the new features and proposed improvements for the MCR 60n DAB, we're hoping it will be more than justified.

MORE:

Read our Marantz M-CR612/Melody X review

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"Abbey Road Studios is the home of music,” says Andy Kerr from Bowers & Wilkins. “It's the heartland. It's the place where it all begins.”

There’s a very good reason that this humble studio in a leafy enclave of north west London is mentioned in the same breath as such legendary music venues as the Royal Albert Hall and New York's Apollo Theatre: its history.

Everyone knows of the studio’s legendary recording sessions by The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Stevie Wonder and many more. But fewer people know that this is where the concept of stereo sound was born (it was patented here by engineer Alan Blumlein in 1931, though back then it was known as ‘Binaural Sound’). As Kerr says, this was the “beginning of the whole concept of what we call high fidelity stereo sound reproduction.”

Without Abbey Road, the music industry as we know it wouldn’t exist.

So it’s difficult to overstate Abbey Road’s importance in shaping the modern music world. But perhaps more important than that are the experiences the studio has created, and the emotions these have given rise to.

Listening to music recorded here, “it's soulful, it's emotional,” Kerr says. They’re “recordings that change the way you feel that day when you listen to them – and we're very proud to be involved in it.”

Connecting to the music

Bowers & Wilkins speakers have been at the heart of Abbey Road for over 45 years. Founder John Bowers demoed the first model – the original 801 – himself in 1980. So enraptured were the engineers that the speaker stayed, only being replaced as newer 800 Series models improved on the original.

Pleasing Abbey Road's notoriously particular engineers is no mean feat – these people are at the very top of their game – so to do so consistently for nearly half a decade takes some doing.

Models earning pride of place in Abbey Road over the years include the original 801, the 801 Matrix in 1987, followed by the Nautilus 801, 801 D3, and currently the 801 D4 – last year, Bowers & Wilkins released a limited edition Abbey Road Edition 801 D4, celebrating a longstanding partnership spanning over 45 years.

These are speakers that don’t just play the music, they reveal it as closely to the artist’s vision as it’s possible to be. “Listening to the speaker, it’s everything that the recording is,” says Kerr. “It’s rewarding, or engaging, or uplifting, or maybe even depressing, if that's the recording. It makes you feel emotive. It just absolutely connects.”

Or as one recent visitor to the studio puts it more simply: "You can hear so much... It's just unbelievable."

So it’s hardly surprising that Bowers & Wilkins' speakers have been a fixture of Abbey Road for so long. Here’s to the next half century of great music!

From the studio to home

Seeing behind the scenes at Abbey Road is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of us – Abbey Road is still a working studio and so isn’t open to the general public. But with a Bowers & Wilkins speaker, discerning listeners can bring home that spine-tingling studio-quality sound.

The flagship 801 D5 loudspeaker costs £43,000 per pair, and brings a range of enhancements over the previous model: the design has been refined, it has a stiffer enclosure to reduce the unwanted impact of vibrations and resonances, and a new plinth design. It also comes in a range of new finishes with more durable paint, including Dark Walnut (inspired by the limited production 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition), Stealth Black, Warm White and Light Walnut.

Don’t forget to pair them with an amp that’s up to the job (like the Marantz Model 10).

Those on a more modest budget (or with less space to spare) will be well served by the 702 S3 loudspeakers. While these are a lighter-touch alternative to the 800 Series Diamond, they benefit from Bowers & Wilkins’ ‘cascading technology’ – the principle of taking technology from flagship models and applying learning and design advancement to other form factors. Hence the 702 S3 are able to offer many of the same core technologies as the 800 Series Diamond, but at £5750 they’re a fraction of the price.

Available in Gloss Black, Mocha and White, or signature options Datuk Gloss and Midnight Blue Metallic, the 702 S3 make Bowers & Wilkins’ world-class sound technology and renowned craftsmanship more accessible but without compromise.

IFA has closed its doors for another year. Europe's biggest tech trade show always sees all manner of devices launch, including plenty of relevant products in the audio and home cinema realms. And this year was no different.

We've hand-picked the most interesting products for our best-in-show report, which you can see below.

We haven't tested them – it's impossible on a very busy and extremely noisy show floor – but they appeared the most exciting and interesting of the tech on display. So in no particular order...

Xgimi Aura 3 Max

The Aura 3 ultra-short-throw projector features the world's first Dual Iris optical system in a UST projector. This delivers a native contrast ratio of up to 8000:1, meaning deeper blacks, brighter whites and a picture with more depth.

The RGB Triple Laser light engine also delivers up to 5700 ISO lumens, bringing brightness to the fore and making the picture clearer even on a sunny day.

Gaming features include 4K/120, VRR and ALLM, and it supports all the major HDR formats. Xgimi's X-Vision AI Image Processor optimises picture quality while anti-RBE tech minimises the rainbow effect that can occur with laser projection.

It's also ideal if you're short of space, throwing out a 120-inch picture when placed just 8 inches away from the wall. And if you do have more space, the image size can go up to 200 inches.

Its Google TV OS supports all the main streaming apps, and there's a built-in 80W Harman Kardon sound system, eliminating the need for a separate audio system. It's the complete package.

Beyerdynamic Aventho Y

Most wireless headphones struggle to last 50 hours before needing a recharge, but the Aventho Y go for a marathon 90 hours on a single charge. Now that's impressive.

Music is, of course, the focus, but this pair is seriously adaptable. You can add a boom mic and low-latency USB-C dongle for calls and games, for instance, and the interchangeable velour earpads should keep you comfortable for every one of those 90 hours.

But it's for music that they look seriously impressive. The Beyerdynamic app comes with customisable EQ profiles, genre-based sound presets and firmware updates, so the cans constantly improve over time. And with a user-swappable battery and parts, they will last you for years to come. There's also active noice cancellation onboard to keep the real world at bay.

AWOL LuxVision

The nights might be drawing in, but daytime movie sessions can still suffer from that pesky sunshine coming through the window. The AWOL LuxVision banishes this nuisance with an RGB triple laser engine delivering 5500 ISO lumens and 110 per cent Rec.2020 for clear visuals even in direct sunlight.

This ultra short throw model is versatile in terms of placement, thanks to its one-touch optical image shift, and quick to set up, with auto keystone and auto alignment. 4K/120 makes it suitable for gamers too, while RBE reduction ensures pure visuals across all formats. Flawless visuals, whatever the weather.

Canvas L

Billed as "the world's first audiophile soundbar," the Canvas L from Canvas HiFi combines a Danish design aesthetic with hi-fi-style engineering. Right up our street, in other words.

It promises "natural musicality, deep controlled bass and immersive three-dimensional sound," which should liven up your movies and music alike.

Inside is BACCH 3D+ processing and custom-made Scan-Speak drivers, and it's been tuned by renowned Danish audio engineer Benno Baun Meldgaard.

The aim was to create a genuinely audiophile speaker in a home cinema environment. Every acoustic element – including the cabinet construction, amplification, driver design and DSP processing – was engineered to deliver the kind of sound usually associated with hi-fi loudspeakers.

Earfun Wave Pro X

Winner of the 2026 Red Dot Design Award, the EarFun Wave Pro X offer a spacious acoustic chamber, with earcups whose geometry is inspired by the shape of the human ear, and that are angled at 12 degrees for a more natural fit. Breathable protein leather cushions and a woven fabric headband add to the comfort.

The cans are powered by DCAA (Dual-Coaxial Acoustic Architecture) technology, with a 40mm DLC driver and a 10mm LCP driver on a precisely aligned coaxial axis. This improves phase consistency between drivers, creating a "natural, detailed, and immersive sound experience". The headphones are also Hi-Res Audio certified.

The ANC intelligently analyses the surrounding environment and responds accordingly, blocking out just the right amount of noise, while beamforming keeps calls loud and clear. They also support Hybrid ANC in AUX wired mode, and support aptX Lossless, LDAC, and USB Audio.

With an impressive 90 hours of battery life, including 10 hours from a 15-minute charge, these cans are ones to watch.

Edifier XR6

The Edifier XR6 is no ordinary speaker – it's a professional-grade active studio monitor, suitable for home studios and pro recording environments. But it's priced much more accessibly than some of its rivals.

The tri-amped three-way architecture (with a 1.25-inch aluminium dome tweeter, 4-inch aluminium mid-range driver, and 6.5-inch aluminium woofer) lets each driver operate within its optimal frequency range for better clarity and transient response and less distortion. End-to-end 24-bit/192kHz DSP processing, active crossover, and automatic room calibration ensure accurate monitoring across different acoustic environments.

Resonance is minimised by the die-cast aluminium cabinet, and it's small enough to sit on a desk. With pro connectivity options like balanced XLR and TRS, AES/EBU digital input/output with daisy-chain capability, and an RCA input for consumer audio devices, it's ideal for both pros and enthusiasts alike.

TCL Q85K

Co-engineered by hi-fi doyens Bang & Olufsen, the Q85K brings Dolby Atmos to your home TV, with a peak output of 1180W through True-Sound Tri-Band Drivers and a Dual-Driver Force-Cancelling Subwoofer.

With the sound precisely distributed across the True-Sound Tri-Band Drivers, and lows, mids and highs separated, it minimises frequency crossover masking for a detailed and balanced high-fidelity sound.

Low frequencies are handled by the Dual-Driver Force-Cancelling Subwoofer. By counteracting internal mechanical vibrations while maximising the active acoustic area, bass is deepened, and the inward-taping 'floating' base design further minimises resonance.

It uses B&O's knowhow across both its hardware and software. There's the Beosonic Emotion Equalizer visual UI to fine-tune the audio depending on different moods, while the 360° Panoramic Soundscape combines Dolby Atmos decoding with B&O acoustic tuning to create an immersive soundscape with precise instrument separation and clear vocals.

At long last, Sony has announced sequels to two of its best-value wireless headphones: the five-star WH-CH520 and the Award-winning WH-CH720N.

The new budget WH-CH530 follow on from the entry-level WH-CH520 Bluetooth on-ears, while the affordable WH-CH730N are the sequel to the multiple-Award-winning WH-CH720N noise-cancelling over-ears.

Both sets come with a number of upgrades and tweaks to the firm's five-star formula, though only one has had an aesthetic refresh.

The WH-CH730N has had an external redesign, ditching the rough-and-ready aesthetic of its predecessors in place of a smoother, more premium design that doesn't look entirely dissimilar to the more expensive Sonos Ace.

Better still, the new noise-cancelling cans fold away; something their rather rigid predecessors couldn't do, much to our reviewers' annoyance.

The WH-CH530's design hasn't deviated much from the WH-CH520's, opting for similarly small rounded earcups, an on-ear fit and a reasonably compact form factor.

Internally, the actual hardware that the two new sets pack hasn't changed much, with both pairs housing the same drive units as before. That means both the WH-CH720N and WH-CH530 come with 30mm dynamic drivers.

Despite the lack of hardware changes, Sony claims both sets offer a major sonic boost over their predecessors, thanks to work it has done improving their digital signal processing and algorithms. Sony's established DSEE signal processing is also on board for cleaning up lower-quality files.

The WH-CH730N boast a titanic 75 hours of battery life with noise cancelling switched off, a figure that quite frankly puts the 50-hour lifespan of the WH-CH720N firmly in the shade.

The WH-CH530 aren't doing badly either, serving up 55 hours of battery life. That's a five-hour improvement over the 50 hours offered by their predecessors. A three-minute quick charge of the WH-CH730N will grant around an hour of playback, while the same charging time will grant 90 minutes of listening on the cheaper WH-CH530.

Both new pairs tease clearer voice calls thanks to AI noise reduction algorithms that spotlight human speech and dampen the clamour of the outside world. The noise-cancelling WH-CH730N also tout improved noise cancelling thanks to Sony's 'Dual Noise Sensor' technology and an array of beamforming microphones.

The WH-CH530 are available now in a choice of Black, Cobalt, White, Pink, Coral, and Mint, priced at £50 / AU$99.95 – which is the same price as their predecessors' original price tag. The WH-CH730N are also available now in a range of Black, White, Pink, Blue, and Oat colourways, priced at £110 / AU$229.95. That's a small advance on the original £99 asking price of the current WH-CH720N in the UK, but a decrease of AU$20 in Australia.

Price rises aside, we can't wait to try out both of Sony's latest over-ears. The WH-CH520 and CH720N have been holding steady on our list of the best wireless headphones ever since they debuted, and we're expecting their respective sequels to elevate their performance to even greater heights.

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No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. Sony is bringing back one of its best-selling pairs of wireless headphones ever.

The WH-1000XM4C are a revised version of the original WH-1000XM4, which launched back in 2020.

That original XM4 was the longest-running pair of headphones in Sony’s 1000X series so far, and remained on sale for five years after their arrival.

In that time, not only did they become repeat What Hi-Fi? Awards-winners, the headphones also secured a place in the What Hi-Fi? Hall of Fame, where only products that make a long-lasting impression on our test team are included. This makes the arrival of the WH-1000XM4C all the more exciting.

So, “what’s changed?” we hear you ask.

The biggest change is to the battery. The reason the original XM4 reached end of life is that its battery was not compliant with the EU battery regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which stipulates that portable batteries need to be able to be removed by the end user.

• Why I think Sony’s new WH-1000XM4C headphones are a brilliant but risky gamble

This law comes into effect in February 2027, so for the XM4 to stage a comeback, the battery needed to change. The only downside is that it is smaller than the one used previously and doesn’t provide quite as much juice as the original.

This means battery life has dropped from 30 hours with ANC on for the original XM4 to 27 hours for the WH-1000XM4C.

Sony claims the design and finish of the headphones are identical, apart from a slight tweak to the Sony logo and the introduction of a letter ‘L’ and ‘R’ inside each respective earcup. The software driving the headphones is the same, too.

This means the 40mm driver of the original carries over to XM4C, as does the DSEE Extreme processing engine and the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1. While ANC performance should remain virtually identical to the original, Sony has been able to upgrade other elements of the new headphones.

The main change has been to the sound – Sony has tweaked the tuning of the headphones so it’s more akin to its most recent WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6 models. It’s claiming richer and clearer vocals, greater separation and a more immersive listen, plus greater dynamics and punchier bass.

Through Sony’s Headphones Connect app, you can now access a ten-band equaliser and a dedicated Gaming EQ setting, which wasn’t available for the original.

The WH-1000XM4C have Multipoint Bluetooth and still feature Sony’s Precise Voice Pickup technology, which helps with phone calls.

In addition to the standard black and silver (which is a slightly lighter shade than before) finishes, there’s also a new lavender option which brings a splash of colour to the range. Sony hasn’t confirmed whether a Midnight Blue option will be available, as was introduced for the original model.

The WH-1000XM4C cost £219 / $300 / AU$449.95 and go on sale this month. You might be wondering what this means for the WH-1000XM5, which at the time of writing are still on sale. Their battery does not conform to the EU regulation, so they will go end of life before February 2027, and the WH-1000XM4C will continue in their place.

What do you think? Are you excited to see the XM4 return? Let us know by clicking on our poll and leave a comment below! We'll hopefully be getting a sample soon, so stay tuned for our full review!

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LG has announced UK availability and pricing for its 2026 xboom speaker range, which was first unveiled at CES 2026.

The xboom Series takes aim at competitors like JBL, Bose and Sony, with an expansive selection of Bluetooth speakers, spanning from compact outdoor portables to room-filling “party speakers”. LG says that all speakers in the series have been tuned by former Black Eyed Peas member, will.i.am.

UK availability and pricing is as follows:

LG xboom Mini: a compact, ultra-portable speaker with an IP67 water and dust resistance rating. Available now for £40 / $70.

LG xboom Rock: an ultra durable, pocket-sized speaker encased in a shock-resistant, IP67 water-and-dust-proof chassis. Available now for £60 / $80.

LG xboom Blast: a plus-sized speaker which LG claims is “built for long adventures”. With 35 hours of playback, 220 watts of power, four drive units and three passive radiators, LG promises that the xboom Blast will deliver an "expansive soundscape” in any environment. Available now for £450 / $500.

LG xboom Stage 501: a “party ready” speaker, offering up to 25 hours of playback and 220 watts of power for “a bold, room-filling sound” from a five-sided cabinet. Available now for £500 / $500.

Aside from the speakers already released, LG says that the range-topping LG xboom Power 5000 and LG xboom Power 9000 speakers are also set to become available at the start of October, with pricing to be confirmed ahead of release.

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British manufacturer Majority has expanded its home audio range with four new products designed for listeners “who want modern music streaming but also want to use their CD collection”.

The new products include the Fitzwilliam trio – which includes the Fitzwilliam CD, Fitzwilliam Amp and Fitzwilliam CD Amp – and the Quadriga Maxi all-in-one system, which combines streaming with a built-in CD player and speakers.

According to Majority, the Fitzwilliam trio has been designed to “let customers choose the right starting point for the equipment they already own, from adding connected sources to an established system, to powering passive speakers”.

First up is the Fitzwilliam CD. This is a slot-loading CD player, which offers support for CD, CD-R and CD-RW formats.

Far from being limited to physical music, the Fitzwilliam CD also features wireless listening and streaming options via Bluetooth 5.2, Spotify Lossless, Amazon Music and Deezer, as well as USB MP3 playback and internet radio. There's even support for DAB, DAB+ and FM radio.

Another analogue source can be connected via stereo RCA inputs, while stereo RCA, optical and coaxial outputs offer a variety of analogue and digital options.

The Fitzwilliam CD’s front panel features an 8cm colour display, showing the station, track and menu information. Users can control the unit wirelessly by remote, through the OKTIV app, or manually using the front-panel buttons.

Alongside the Fitzwilliam CD, the Fitzwilliam Amp provides 100 watts per channel of Class-D power via its Texas Instruments amplifier. Streaming and radio options are built in, with support for Spotify Connect with Spotify Lossless, Amazon Music, Deezer, internet radio and podcasts.

DAB, DAB+ and FM radio are also included, alongside Bluetooth support and MP3 playback from USB drives up to 128GB.

The amplifier has optical and coaxial digital inputs alongside a standard stereo RCA connection. For further listening versatility, outputs include stereo passive speaker outs, stereo RCA pre-amplifier outputs and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

According to Majority, preset EQ modes and customisable ‘My EQ’ controls allow bass, treble and loudness to be adjusted “to suit the room and speakers”.

Last but not least is the Fitzwilliam CD Amp, which pairs a tray-loading CD player with 100 watts per channel of Class D power from a Texas Instruments amplifier.

Like the Fitzwilliam CD, the Fitzwilliam CD Amp supports CD, CD-R and CD-RW, alongside Spotify Lossless, Amazon Music, Deezer, Bluetooth, USB MP3, internet radio, podcasts, DAB/DAB+ and FM.

The Fitzwilliam CD Amp accepts digital and analogue sources thanks to its stereo RCA, optical and coaxial inputs. Outputs include stereo speaker, stereo RCA pre-amplifier, and 3.5mm headphone connections.

The CD Amp has an 8cm colour display screen and can be controlled using built-in physical controls, a remote, or the OKTIV app.

What if you want everything combined in a single box? That's where the Quadriga Maxi comes in. Boasting 200 watts of total power, the 2.1-channel system combines two 7.6cm full-range drivers with a built-in 13cm bass woofer for “room-filling listening without separate equipment”.

The Quadriga Maxi features a slot-loading CD player, with CD, CD-R, CD-RW and MP3 CD support, alongside Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, internet radio, podcasts, DAB/DAB+, FM, Bluetooth 5.2 and USB MP3 playback.

The all-in-one system includes optical, stereo RCA and 3.5mm aux inputs. For simple navigation of its extensive feature set, an 11cm colour display is provided, alongside wireless control options via remote and the OKTIV app.

The Fitzwilliam range and Quadriga Maxi are available now. Pricing is as follows:

- Fitzwilliam CD - £180 / €199
- Fitzwilliam Amp - £200 / €229
- Fitzwilliam CD Amp - £230 / €269
- Quadriga Maxi - £350 / €399

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Editor’s Cut is part of a fresh push on What Hi-Fi? to make it easier for you, our lovely readers, to get to know and interact with our team of experts.

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On top of that, subscribers will be treated to a new What’s Next? summary detailing some of the big things coming the week after – including launch events we’re covering, products we’re testing and people we’re interviewing.

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Whether it’s a new section you want added, or a question about one of the items in What’s Next?, or something you want us to raise with a manufacturer we're talking to, we want to hear from you!

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Esoteric has launched the N-01XE, its latest music streamer which promises to blend an "exquisite metal construction" with high-grade components for an "authentic, emotionally engaging sound".

At its heart, the N-01XE incorporates Esoteric's Master Sound Discrete DAC, boasting the brand's second-generation 'G2' architecture for what it teases as a "breathtakingly powerful" and dynamic performance.

The DAC chip itself uses a dual-mono configuration with independent power transformers for left and right channels, contributing to what Esoteric describes as "a smooth, natural, and remarkably analogue-like sound".

The Discrete DAC G2 has been built using high-precision 'MELF' resistors and Esoteric's board-mounting technologies for a more powerful, musical and dynamic audio signature.

Further, Esoteric's own 'Network Engine G4' promises "top-of-the-line" processing power thanks to its powerful CPU and dedicated linear power supply, a configuration that aims to reduce distortion and contribute to the new player's "smooth, richly detailed" character.

The N-01XE is capable of supporting mega-hi-res files up to 48-bit/768kHz PCM alongside DSD512. In pursuit of digital-to-analogue conversion that matches the characteristics of both DSD and PCM files, dedicated digital processing algorithms have been independently developed for each format.

The new unit boasts a wide-ranging connectivity suite, including coaxial, optical and USB-C digital inputs alongside RCA and XLR analogue outputs. The N-01XE is Roon Ready, while wi-fi connectivity grants access to the likes of Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect and Spotify.

On the outside, the network player's multi-layer chassis is built to prevent interference between the various circuit components, while a semi-floating top panel has been designed to contribute to the streamer's sonic openness. A set of isolation feet provides a stable foundation for the N-01XE's "focused, open soundstage".

The Esoteric N-01XE is available now, priced at £22,999 / $28,000 / €26,500. We've previously tested Esoteric's N-05XE streaming preamp (£13,000 / $13,000 / AU$17,000) and was mightily impressed with its excellent sound quality and superb engineering, so we imagine the new N-01XE sets an even higher bar.

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Telecommunications giant VodafoneThree has announced Vodafone TV, a set-top streaming box designed to bring streaming, live TV and gaming together on a single device.

The "small but powerful plug-in hub" gives you access to live TV channels via Freely and includes Netflix and HBO Max.

Catch-up apps such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4 are also available, and customers can add subscriptions to Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, and more on a 30-day rolling basis.

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Vodafone TV comes with support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, as well as 4K picture resolution. The device runs on Android TV, powered by 3GB of RAM with 32GB of storage available.

In addition, 302 cloud games are available to stream for no extra cost, and further apps can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.

The interface includes AI smart search, Google Assistant and personalised recommendations, while a companion smartphone app also lets users continue watching on the go.

Consumer Director at VodafoneThree, Rob Winterschladen, said: “Vodafone TV is so much more than TV, it’s a family entertainment platform that brings together live TV, On Demand, streaming, gaming, music and all the apps on the Google Play Store."

The Vodafone TV will face stiff competition from our current video streamer Product of the Year, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation), as well as fellow TV subscription Sky Stream.

Pricing is yet to be announced, but Vodafone TV will be available from October to new and existing customers with a home broadband, 5G Broadband or mobile plan.

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Xgimi has announced the Aura 3 series, which it claims is the world’s first 4K/120Hz UST projector lineup.

The series consists of two models: the flagship Aura 3 Max and the step-down Aura 3 Pro.

Both projectors will support 4K/120Hz gaming with VRR and ALLM, and they each boast an RGB Triple Laser light engine, a claimed 8000:1 native contrast ratio, and Dynamic Dual Iris Technology for "unprecedented contrast, depth and detail".

Xgimi claims a 200-inch maximum projection size, with a 120-inch image possible from just eight inches away from the wall.

There's also Google TV built in, as well as support for HDR in the HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision formats. The projector is IMAX Enhanced certified as well.

Rather surprisingly, two pairs of 3D glasses are included for any remaining 3D fans out there, while audio is supplied by an 80W Harman Kardon speaker system with Dolby Atmos support.

Xgimi claims the Aura 3 Max can deliver brightness of up to 5700 ISO lumens, while the Aura 3 Pro tops out at 4100 ISO lumens. Prices are $2399 (around £1775 / AU$3335) and $2199 (around £1626 / AU$3057), respectively.

UST projectors have generally had to compromise on refresh rates at 4K, so the Aura 3 series will be particularly appealing to gamers looking for a TV replacement.

The AURA 3 Series will launch on Kickstarter on October 20th in the US, with pre-orders now open from Xgimi directly. Customers can unlock an extra $200 off by placing a $50 deposit.

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