Dolby Vision 2 has started rolling out to its first TVs, and now it could be coming to a 4K Blu-ray player near you. Possibly. Because while the tech can be enabled to work on disc players via a firmware update, it's up to each individual manufacturer to enact it. And some have already said they won't.

This emerged from an interview that TechRadar conducted with top bods from Dolby Laboratories.

Once Dolby revealed that its next-gen HDR tech can work on existing players, TechRadar contacted some manufacturers to see if they would be bringing the tech to their players. So far only Sony responded, and that was to say that it wouldn't play ball.

A statement from the company reads: "We do not plan to provide a software/firmware update to support Dolby Vision 2 on the current Blu-ray player lineup."

Given that Sony hasn't put out a bona fide new Blu-ray player in years (bar a minor update to an existing model last year), and that it's all but confirmed that the PS6 will lack a 4K Blu-ray drive, effectively killing the 4K Blu-ray format, this doesn't bode well.

Panasonic and Magnetar hadn't responded to TechRadar's questions.

Dolby Vision 2 only runs on select TVs because it requires certain processors only found in more recent models. But given that a 4K Blu-ray player just has to pass on the encoded data to the TV (which then does the heavy lifting), most players can be made compatible via a firmware update that tells them how to pass the data on. But that's only if the player's maker works with Dolby to release said firmware update.

The Dolby Vision 2 data would also have to be encoded on the 4K Blu-ray disc itself, so would only come on new releases. So even if all 4K Blu-ray player manufacturers released firmware updates today, your existing discs wouldn't suddenly feel the full benefit.

However, providing you're watching on a Dolby Vision 2-compatible TV, you should still see some improvements from the newer HDR tech, even if your Blu-ray player doesn't have a firmware update. So Dolby says, anyway.

Dolby Vision 2 brings a new image engine which promises to enhance visual content, a new content recognition system that promises a more authentic image closer to the creator's intent, and an intensity slider which compensates for contrast lost to viewing angles and reflections.

At the moment, only select Hisense TVs are compatible with the tech, but we would expect it to become more widespread soon. Samsung's rival tech, HDR10+ Advanced, is also set to land this month, but only through select Samsung TVs streaming Amazon Prime Video.

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Canadian manufacturer Kanto Audio has just announced the second generation of its first ever turntable, the Obi3, less than a year after the original was released.

The first-generation Obi3, released in October 2025 for £179 / $179, was an entry level belt-drive turntable, featuring a switchable phono stage and built-in Bluetooth.

The apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree between the Obi3’s generations, with features such as a switchable built-in phono stage, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and RCA line-level outputs remaining consistent in the new second-gen turntable. The new Obi3G2 even comes with the same J-shaped aluminium tonearm and pre-fitted Audio-Technica AT3600L moving magnet cartridge as the original model.

But there are a few notable upgrades.

The Kanto Obi3G2 is significantly heavier than the Obi3, weighing 5.5kg compared with the Obi3’s 3.9kg. The company says this extra bulk will help eliminate unwanted vibrations from affecting vinyl replay.

To further help with playback stability, Obi3G2 also features a built-in speed sensor, allowing for continuous speed correction as the record plays. Playback speeds supported are 33⅓ RPM and 45 RPM.

Priced at £180 / $250, the new Obi3G2 is cheaper than our current benchmark for a budget Bluetooth turntable, the excellent five-star Sony PS-LX3BT, which is now available for £233 / $350. Like many turntables in this price range, the PS-LX3BT is fully automatic in operation – where the tonearm automatically cues up at the start of the record with the push of a button – whereas you'll have to position the Obi3G2's tonearm on the record yourself.

There is one convenience added by Kanto: when you reach the end of your record, the Obi3G2’s auto-stop feature will kick into action and stop playback, protecting your stylus from any unnecessary wear.

The tonearm on the Kanto has an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate so there is a degree of setting up required, and there is a ±10% pitch control, too. Kanto Audio says the Obi3G2 is designed to be “a proper manual turntable, without stepping up to a specialist unit”.

According to Brett Smalley, Kanto Audio’s director of marketing: “We wanted the 2nd gen of Obi3 to feel like a high-end turntable at an entry-level price, one you can set up, adjust and grow into.”

The Kanto Audio Obi3G2 is available in five finishes: black, white, green, ice blue and walnut. It is currently on sale in North America, while worldwide sales are set to open in early September.

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Google hosted its annual Made By Google event last night, in which the spotlight shone mostly on the new Pixel 11 series of smartphones. While there were a couple of additional product reveals, including the Pixel Watch 5 and Pixel Tag tracker, there was also a subtle surprise update that caught our attention.

It centres around the Pixel Buds Pro 2, a pair of wireless earbuds that launched back in 2024. Google gave these buds a very light refresh last year; it has followed that up with a similar move for 2026, with a new finish to match the new Pixel devices.

The Buds Pro 2 now come in a pleasing green shade – Olive – but it's what's inside the buds that we are more excited for.

Google is introducing a dynamic active noise cancelling mode this year, which can adjust the strength of the ANC to compensate for “subtle shifts in the seal”.

In practical terms, this means that the buds can now dial up the ANC performance when your earbuds move around in your ears, which can happen when you are walking, exercising, or just generally moving your head.

Furthermore, Google has implemented its Gemini AI assistant to allow for voice-controlled sound tuning. A simple request – Google uses “Hey Google, turn up the bass” as an example – will allow you to tweak the settings and adjust the sound performance of your buds without having to open the companion app.

Finally, Google has added Pixel Watch sleep pairing, which can detect if you have fallen asleep with your buds in and turn off any music and the touch controls, and an update to Live Translation which now supports over 70 different languages.

We have yet to test the Pixel Buds Pro 2, although the first-generation Pixel Buds Pro didn’t blow us away. We have, however, seen the likes of Apple and Samsung make huge strides between their respective generations of earbuds, so Google could join the pack here.

The Olive Pixel Buds Pro 2 are available to order now, and a software update launching in September will bring these new features to new and existing Pixel Buds Pro 2 users.

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Ruka Studio, a Los Angeles based company that was founded by a group of former Apple engineers and designers, is set to launch its first product: a vertically spinning turntable, the TD-1.

Currently priced at $1399, which the company claims is “the lowest price it will ever be”, the turntable features an aluminium body and “switches that click” for playback controls, rotational speed and even Bluetooth pairing.

A magnetic clamp holds records in place, which is good news, given that they appear to hang in the air – equally a feast for the eyes and challenge for the nerves.

The TD-1 includes a swappable moving-magnet cartridge – the company says that buyers can select “which cartridge [they] want” for no extra fee before shipping – and features conventional RCA wired outputs as well as the option for wireless playback via Bluetooth.

The turntable is belt-driven, with a motor that is de-coupled from the platter to minimise unwanted vibrations for a “quieter and smoother listening experience”. The TD-1 is also wall-mountable via a rubber-coated magnetic plate that fixes to the wall.

Those of you familiar with the agony of trying to hang a painting straight will be pleased to hear that the wall-mount features a built-in spirit level. But if this all sounds like too much bother, don’t fret, a record stand and floor stand are also available. No prices have yet been confirmed for the stands, but Ruka Studio’s website says that a ‘table stand’ is also on the way.

The Ruka Studio TD-1 will soon be available to pre-order and waitlist spots for the first production run (of just 500 units) can currently be reserved for $100 on the company’s website. Notably, that $100 credits in towards the full balance of the record player and locks it at a price of $1399. The deposit is also fully refundable.

Pre-ordered units are expected to ship in 2027.

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Spotify has announced that it will join the crackdown on AI music by labelling AI-generated accounts and removing them from algorithmic recommendations, starting this September.

Following in the footsteps of other streaming platforms, including Qobuz, Deezer and Tidal, which have all taken measures against AI music, Spotify says that AI-generated artist profiles will see their content labelled with an ‘AI Persona’ badge.

According to Spotify, ‘AI Personas’ will be automatically excluded from editorial and algorithmic recommendations, meaning that users won’t be recommended music flagged as AI-generated, unless they specifically follow labelled accounts.

Artists can already share if their profile represents an AI persona through Spotify for Artists, but the streaming platform says it will not rely solely on self-disclosure. From mid September, the ‘AI Persona’ badge will also appear on accounts that Spotify’s review team suspects represent AI identities.

The review process will take into account names and imagery associated with the account, but, notably, will not consider the method of the music’s creation. According to Spotify: “The badge is about the artist’s public identity, not about how the music was made.”

Once an account has been labelled as an ‘AI Persona’, artists will be notified and given the opportunity to either self-disclose or appeal the decision. Spotify says that in the coming months it will also “give listeners the ability to report artist profiles they believe represent AI personas”.

Spotify has already taken some action against AI music. Last year, the platform removed 75 million AI-generated tracks and features a ‘Verified by Spotify’ badge for human artists as well as an ‘AI Credits’ badge, which allows artists to disclose how AI has been used in their creative process.

According to Spotify, “tens of thousands” of AI Credits are submitted daily.

While it is refreshing to see the world’s largest streaming platform taking action against AI music, the scheme will still allow AI-generated music to be remunerated, meaning that royalties will continue to be allocated to people who aren’t, in the traditional sense, creating the music themselves.

Other platforms have taken more extreme measures. Tidal blocks tracks that are 100 per cent AI-generated from earning any money, while Qobuz has pledged to remove AI music upon detection.

According to Spotify: “AI Persona badges are part of our broader efforts to make Spotify the most transparent and trustworthy place to listen to music.”

Is this latest step enough to secure that goal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Google has unveiled its latest quartet of Android smartphones, and they're all getting upgraded OLED displays that are brighter than ever before.

The new Pixel 11 range includes four new handsets in total: the standard Pixel 11, the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. All versions are powered by Google's new Tensor G6 processor, which will deliver 20 per cent better power efficiency, 25 per cent faster browsing and 15 per cent faster app loading, according to Google.

All four devices will launch with Google's latest Android 17 operating system, and it should come as no surprise that they come packed to the brim with Gemini AI functionality, including Circle to Search, auto-translation, improved voice-to-text capabilities, AI photo editing tools, and many, many more software-related features.

However, it's the new OLED displays featured across the range that have our attention, as their blisteringly high brightness claims could make them ideal for watching movies on the go. So without further ado, let's take a deep dive into the new Pixel 11 range...

Google Pixel 11

The Pixel 11 sports a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display with a resolution of 2424 x 1080, a pixel density of 442ppi, a variable refresh rate of 60-120Hz, and a 20:9 aspect ratio. HDR support is included, though Google hasn't confirmed if that extends to Dolby Vision or HDR10+.

While all of that remains mostly consistent with last year's Pixel 10, the 11 sports an upgraded peak brightness of 3000 nits; that's higher than the flagship Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The display is also covered by Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which should ward off scratches, and the phone sports an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Google has also upgraded the Pixel 11's camera, with a new 48MP main sensor that is touted to improve light sensitivity by 56 per cent, which should improve low-light photography. A 13MP ultrawide sensor and a 10.8MP telephoto camera support this.

Battery life appears to be the same as the Pixel 10, with a very slightly larger 4985mAh cell that can reportedly deliver over 30 hours of usage. It supports 30W wired USB-C fast charging too, which can top the battery up to 55 per cent in just 30 minutes, and wireless Pixel Snap (which is Google's answer to Apple's MagSafe feature) fast charging up to 25W.

The Pixel 11 comes in two storage options – 256GB or 512GB – with 12GB of RAM. Four colour options are available: Frost, Hibiscus, Pistachio and Obsidian. Pricing is yet to be revealed, but we'll update this as soon as we find out.

Google Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL

Taking a step up in the range, Google is once again offering its Pro smartphones in two sizes. The Pixel 11 Pro sports a 6.3-inch Actua LTPO OLED display with 2856 x 1280 resolution and 495ppi. Above it, the 11 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch display with 2992 x 1344 resolution and a slightly lower pixel density of 486ppi.

Peak brightness jumps up to a whopping 3600 nits on both handsets, and the Pro models also get an anti-scratch shield on top of the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 display for even greater durability.

HDR support remains, and Google also references Spatial Audio, which is available on all Pixel 11 devices.

Battery life stays at 30+ hours, despite the 11 Pro having a slightly smaller 4850mAh battery, and the 11 Pro XL's larger 5115mAh cell sticks with the same battery life claims too. The Pixel 11 Pro XL specifically gets a major charging boost, as it can reportedly reach 75 per cent in around 30 minutes with a compatible 45W USB-C charger.

The 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL have identical camera setups, both coming with a 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens with a Pro Zoom feature. This can reportedly reach 120x zoom at optical quality.

There's also an all-new feature related to the camera, which is exclusive to this duo of Pro devices. Google is introducing HiLight with the Pixel 11 Pro series, which involves an array of ambient LED lights on the rear of the devices designed to convey information without having to look at your phone's screen.

At launch, HiLight can be customised to show coloured lights assigned to favourite contacts or to indicate when Gemini is listening for hands-free interactions.

The Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL come in three storage configurations – 256GB, 512GB and 1TB – with 12GB or 16GB RAM. They're available in four finishes too: Canyon, Fog, Olive and Matte Obsidian.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

Last, but by no means least, is the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. As the name suggests, this is Google's latest foldable phone, and it's launching hot on the heels of Samsung's new Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The 11 Pro Fold sports two displays. There is an external 6.5-inch Super Actua OLED display with a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate, a 2342 x 1080 resolution and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. Unfolded, it features an 8-inch Super Actua Flex internal display with a 2151 x 2076 resolution and a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate.

Google claims that both displays can reach a peak brightness of 3600 nits. Both are also confirmed to feature HDR support.

Despite being the largest phone in the lineup by surface area, it sports the smallest battery at 4750mAh. That bigger display is, understandably, more power-hungry, which means you can expect a battery life of 24+ hours according to Google.

Thankfully, 30W USB-C fast charging ensures that you can juice the phone up to 50 per cent in roughly 30 minutes, according to Google. PixelSnap is also supported for magnetic wireless charging and accessory support.

HiLight also makes an appearance on the Pro Fold, and the camera cluster on the rear of the phone includes a 48MP main sensor, 10.5MP ultrawide camera, and a 10.8MP telephoto camera.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB configurations, all of which include 16GB of RAM, and there are two finishes to choose from: Obsidian and Olive.

MORE:

Read our Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review

As well as our Apple iPhone 17 review

And check out our picks for the best smartphones for movies and music

The Sonos event next month will see the firm launch a new pair of wireless headphones, if this FCC filing is to be believed (via Lowpass).

The Federal Communications Commission is the US government agency that regulates digital devices. Firms have to submit their proposals to the FCC before launching a new device.

While the headphones are detailed in diagrams, they aren't named, though they have been dubbed the Sonos Ace Ultra. The device is simply known as 'S52a' in the filing.

While the name isn't confirmed, we do know that the headphones will come in new colours: Greige, Shadow Black, Agave, Blush and Sand are all listed in one document of the filing.

Their predecessors, the Sonos Ace, only come in black and white. Sonos has previously launched its Roam 2 portable speaker in multiple finishes. Given that most Sonos devices only ship in black or white, it could be targeting a younger market with these new headphones.

The filing also suggests the headphones could support wi-fi for pairing straight to a home wireless network (much like Sonos' speakers) rather than via a phone. They could also support Sonos' own voice assistant. Neither feature is confirmed, however.

Sonos confirmed a new product is coming next month during a recent earnings call. Its CEO hinted that AI would play a large part in the company's future success.

The original Sonos Ace only scored three stars in our review – a disappointing score for a marquee brand like Sonos. The company has since been on something of a rollercoaster ride, shedding customers with a botched app update and trying to win them back through a concerted effort to right its past wrongs, even shelving its planned set-top box in the process. The Award-winning Arc Ultra soundbar didn't hurt either.

We've contacted Sonos for comment.

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When we think of wireless headphones, Sony is the first brand that pops into our heads – and given the stellar reputation of its Bluetooth cans, it makes sense why.

In fact, the brand's six-year-old WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones still top my personal list of the best wireless headphones to this day, and I continue to see countless pairs on the heads of commuters daily.

That said, I and our annual What Hi-Fi? Awards list alike have moved on to the current five-star WH-1000XM6; although it looks like Sony isn't quite ready to let go of the old XM4 model just yet.

A new leak reported by French retail publication Dealabs suggests that Sony is preparing to launch a new version of its beloved wireless headphones, which are expected to be called the WH-1000XM4C.

We're not sure what the "C" stands for yet, but we've theorised "Classic" and "Comeback" as potential solutions.

According to the leak, these "new" Sony cans will be practically identical to the existing pair in terms of design, functionality and driver technology, but with reportedly two very minor changes.

Battery life has reportedly been reduced to 34 hours (down from 38 hours on the original XM4 headphones), and this new "C" variant could come in a new Lavender finish alongside the existing Black and Platinum Silver colours.

While we'll have to take this leak with a pinch of salt (nothing is official until it comes from Sony itself), it's worth noting that Sony has extended the lifespan of a previous pair of headphones from its popular 1000XM-series headphones.

It launched the WH-1000XM5SA variant of its Award-winning WH-1000XM5 headphones back in October 2025 (five months after the launch of the XM6), which featured a new soft case and trimmed-down price tag. The WH-1000XM4C could be a similar affair, with a minor cosmetic change to justify an extended lifespan.

These refreshed XM4 headphones are expected to launch on 7th September, and Dealabs reports that they will be priced at £219.99 / €249.99. Interestingly, this would position the XM4C just £10 below the current widely available price for the XM5SA.

However, with their potentially sturdier and more compact design, the XM4C could be the more alluring choice. They could also be a preferable choice for those who are eyeing up Sony's premium headphone offerings, but don't want to spend big on the XM6 or 1000X The Collexion cans.

We'll bring you the any official news of the rumoured XM4C model if and when details are confirmed.

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Here's one swindle to rule them all. Google has angered movie fans by revoking access to digital copies of the The Lord Of The Rings: Extended Edition Trilogy – even for those who had purchased the films.

Though 'purchased' should be in quote marks. Because, as with most digital services that sell movie content, 'purchasing' just means the ability to watch offline. It's really more of a licence to watch – you never really own the content, as this incident shows.

User 'ugoindownsaka1' posted on Reddit when they found that the 'purchased' films had vanished without warning. When they confronted Google via its chat service, their request for a refund or gift card as compensation was declined.

The agent claimed that as the films were purchased in 2022, they were outside of the 120-day refund window. They also said that as the films were now available on YouTube, the customer should contact that service for assistance (despite the fact that they bought the movies from Google Play and that Google owns YouTube).

Unsurprisingly, the backlash was damning.

"This is why physical media matters" was one of the comments we can repeat in a family publication. Others remarked that it's hardly surprising that piracy is on the rise, given that buying a digital version rarely gives you lifelong access – a sentiment summed up by the slogan, "If buying isn't owning, pirating isn't stealing".

This is just the latest case of customers kicking back against digital services. Last year, a lawsuit was filed against Prime Video alleging that its purchase feature was misleading as it was merely a viewing licence. And recently, subscribers to the Premium tier of Disney+ in some European countries lost access to 4K and HDR due to a court case involving the back-end technology that Disney used – 4K has since been restored, but HDR is still lacking.

We don't condone piracy. But we understand the anger people feel at having their digital libraries plundered of content they have paid for. Once again, it just goes to show that you're safer with physical media like a 4K Blu-ray. The quality will be better, too.

We have approached Google for comment.

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Goldmund has introduced what it describes as its "most advanced amplifier ever", the Telos 9800.

The new stereo amp delivers 1560 watts of power into 8 ohms and is built around an entirely new amplification platform. For the first time in a Goldmund amplifier, the power supply and amplification stages are physically separated into interconnected units. This, says Goldmund, allows each to operate under optimal conditions while preserving the amp's "mechanical and electrical integrity".

Further, the Telos 9800 also uses a proprietary power management system and the largest capacitor bank ever developed by the company.

Together with its custom-designed capacitors and transformers, as well as a completely redesigned amplification stage built around next-generation power boards, the amp's new platform promises "greater stability" and "exceptional loudspeaker control".

In terms of physical connections, XLR and RCA inputs are joined by S/PDIF inputs and outputs, as well as a quartet of binding posts.

The new amplifier incorporates Goldmund's 'Leonardo' technology, a signal processing algorithm which digitally realigns frequencies to reduce phase distortions for better time alignment and improved sonic realism.

Goldmund's latest luxury offering has been designed in collaboration with Cécile Barani, the same designer who worked with Goldmund on its high-end Gaia speakers. With the Telos, precision-machined aluminium surfaces combine with discreet gold signatures in pursuit of, says Goldmund, a restrained yet premium aesthetic.

The Telos 9800 is priced at £370,000 / €430,000 / $500,000. We called the Goldmund Telos 690 amplifier we reviewed last year "heinously capable" but "hideously expensive", and that only cost a meagre £32,500 / $36,250 / AU$60,000.

Price-wise, the Telos 9800 is in a different league – and Goldmund will be hoping it's in a different league sound-wise, too.

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If you're hankering for the days when you'd take your trusty old MP3 player everywhere you went, your prayers may just have been answered.

FiiO's sub-brand Snowsky has revealed the new Echo Nano, a dinky portable music player that harks back to the iconic MP3 players of the 2000s.

Designed for music lovers seeking a dedicated listening experience without the interruption of pesky apps, the dinky new player uses a Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC, offering support for various file formats such as WAV, FLAC, MP3 and MQA.

The player's internal storage can be bolstered by a microSD card up to 256GB, all while delivering up to seven hours of battery life on a single charge.

Weighing in at around 34 grams, the Echo Nano is constructed using a machined aluminium-magnesium alloy. A metal scroll wheel aims for seamless user navigation, complemented by a 1-inch OLED screen.

Snowsky's pocket-sized portable player can also function as a USB DAC, and can be used to give your smartphones or laptop a sonic boost when listening via wired headphones.

On the subject of headphones, Snowsky has also unveiled a new pair of wireless cans alongside the Echo Nano. The new Snowsky Nature house a set of 50mm dynamic drivers within a nature-inspired design, with Snowsky promising a pair of over-ears "intended to reconnect listeners with the emotional experience of their music".

If you're all about the retro revival, the Snowsky Echo Nano is available now in seven distinct colourways, priced at £55 / $50. The Nature headphones are also on the market, priced at £39 / $ 39.

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Presto Music, a specialist streaming service dedicated predominantly to classical and jazz music, has announced its integration into the Focal & Naim app.

The UK-based streaming service, which launched in 2023 with around 200,000 listed albums, many of which are available in 24-bit/192kHz hi-res audio, is now directly accessible on the entire range of Focal and Naim’s networked streaming products. This includes the Mu-so wireless speaker systems and Uniti all-in-one players, as well as Naim’s dedicated reference streamers.

Similar to the Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect methods of streaming, users will be able to choose their Naim/Focal streaming product directly from the Presto Music native app and hand over music playback to the connected device, while continuing to use the app (and your smartphone or tablet) without interrupting playback.

As well as music streaming, for which Presto Music employs a more artist-friendly remuneration model than rival platforms such as Spotify, users of the service also have access to written articles and editorial content on the Presto Music app.

According to Paul Buzaa, R&D at Naim & Focal: “Our streaming platform has always been built around delivering the best possible musical experience to our customers. Integrating Presto Music into Focal & Naim streamers gives our community direct access to one of the finest high-resolution classical and jazz catalogues available today – a perfectly suited partnership.”

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

Presto Music is now available via firmware update to streaming products that use the Focal & Naim platform. The company has also confirmed a three-month free trial for Focal & Naim customers, which can be redeemed by clicking on the Presto Music icon within the Focal & Naim app and selecting “Get Presto Music”.

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

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Samsung's next-gen HDR standard arrives this month, but you'll need a very specific set-up to be able to watch.

HDR10+ Advanced will only initially be available on certain 2026 models of Samsung TVs, and only through the Prime Video streaming service. It's also only available on select Prime Video content at the moment – though Amazon hasn't said what that includes.

Its rival technology, Dolby Vision 2, also launched this week, but only on select Hisense TVs.

HDR10+ Advanced promises a "brighter, more immersive picture quality", and has been developed with RGB Mini LED TVs in mind, like the R95H (pictured). Confusingly, Samsung refers to its RGB Mini LED TVs as 'Micro RGB TVs'.

HDR10+ Advanced builds on the HDR10+ standard, with the addition of two key features: Enhanced Overall Brightness and Intelligent Motion Smoothing.

These are pretty Ronseal: the former uses statistical metadata to deliver "brighter, more precise HDR across the full tonal range", while AI-driven tone mapping preserves shadow detail without compromising peak brightness.

Intelligent Motion Smoothing, meanwhile, uses scene-by-scene metadata to dynamically adjust motion processing, "preserving the cinematic feel of film content while delivering smooth, natural motion for sports, action and other fast-moving scenes."

We first saw HDR10+ Advanced back in October during a trip to Samsung's Korean HQ, and we concluded that it looks "very promising".

Samsung and Amazon have been in bed together for a long time now. Prime Video was also the first streaming service to offer the original HDR10+ format back in 2017.

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Victrola has launched a new finish for its Bluetooth and Auracast enabled Wave turntable and Tempo Bluetooth bookshelf speakers, meaning that your wireless vinyl set-up could look more integrated than ever before.

The Walnut finished edition has also been fitted with an upgraded Ortofon OM5E moving magnet cartridge with a removable headshell, allowing you to upgrade and replace cartridges to your heart’s desire.

According to Victrola, the Wave turntable is engineered around a low-resonance MDF plinth, which the company claims has been designed to “minimise unwanted vibration and maximise audio performance”.

Like previous models of the Wave, the Walnut edition will also feature an aluminium platter, a silicone anti-vibration slipmat and lightweight aluminium tonearm with an easy-set counterweight for “optimal tracking performance with minimal set-up”.

Integrated Auracast support means that your vinyl can be played wirelessly on an unlimited number of compatible Auracast-enabled speakers and headphones. For standard Bluetooth streaming, the turntable also supports aptX Adaptive and aptX HD codecs.

Notably, the turntable doesn’t only transmit Bluetooth, but also includes a Bluetooth input function, enabling music from compatible devices to be played back through your connected system.

In terms of wired connections, the Wave includes a switchable phono preamp, allowing direct connection to powered speakers, while RCA outputs ensure compatibility with traditional amplifiers and hi-fi systems.

Alongside the new Walnut model, a limited edition collaboration with Jack White’s US label, Third Man Records, will see the turntable available in Third Man’s signature yellow and black colours with a custom slipmat thrown in for good measure.

The Victrola Wave is available now, priced at £349 / $499.

MORE

Victrola drops Bluetooth turntables with streaming smarts and an all-in-one vinyl system at CES 2025

Best turntables 2026: top record players tested by our expert reviewers

This £13k Ortofon MC Vertex is the firm's "most advanced moving coil cartridge" ever – and is joined by a new MC X model

Vinyl lovers, you might want to look away now. Because AI slop is coming to a record player near you.

That's right, AI music creation platform Suno now lets you press your AI-prompted tracks onto 12-inch records to play on your turntable.

Suno lets you create songs with 'prompts' – record a sample of you singing, tell it what genre you'd like your song to fit, and it'll generate a track. You can also remix original songs in different ways, and edit manually using instruments and its own software.

Each Suno vinyl fits a maximum of 46 minutes of music. Once you've got your tracks, you can upload your own artwork or create it using Suno to design your own sleeve, cover and label.

Each record costs $45 (around £33 / AU$64) plus shipping.

Suno has proved controversial. In 2024, it was sued by the three major record labels who alleged it didn't pay the musicians on whose tracks the AI model was trained. Warner Music settled its case last year and struck a licensing deal with Suno, but Universal and Sony Music remain plaintiffs in the case.

Suno has also just lost a copyright infringement case to Germany's state-mandated licensing agency GEMA. The court in Munich ruled that Suno violated copyrights in its data scraping practices and must now disclose illicit revenue. Suno will be ordered to pay damages which haven't yet been set.

Suno also suffered a data breach in November 2025 that exposed the personal information of over 55 million users.

All of which is exactly the opposite of everything we love about vinyl.

MORE:

The best turntables you can buy

Why vinyl is greener than music streaming

The A-Z of vinyl: know your cartridges from your cantilevers

Bose has announced the second generation of its popular wireless QuietComfort Headphones.

The QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) were unveiled today and feature several upgrades that have trickled down from the firm's more premium flagship QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).

Intended to provide a “more immersive listening experience”, these include improvements to active noise cancellation (ANC), as well as new spatial audio features and wired listening capabilities.

When it comes to ANC performance, the new headphones feature an upgraded six-microphone array, which the company claims better compensates for gaps in the earcups' seal. Additionally, a revamped Aware mode is designed to soften sudden noise spikes from your environment more effectively.

As introduced in the flagship QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), noise cancellation can be completely switched off or manually adjusted via the Bose app. Users are also able to create customised noise cancellation modes, which can be cycled using a button on the left earcup.

Bose claims the second-gen model retains the brand’s “high-quality sound and proprietary SoundDesign digital signal processing”, but it hasn’t shared any specific details about what improvements have been made between the two generations, if any.

The second-gen QC headphones also feature wired lossless playback up to 24bit/48kHz via USB-C, with a USB-C to USB-C and 3.5mm to USB-C cables included in the box.

Previously exclusive to the QuietComfort Ultra series, Bose’s TrueSpatial technology is now available to the standard QC model, which features three immersive audio listening modes: Still, Motion and Cinema. These are Bose’s take on spatial audio playback, offering different three-dimensional effects.

The QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) have a quoted 24-hour battery life (18 hours with immersive modes enabled), which remains the same as the first-generation model released in 2023. That figure falls behind the 45-hour performance of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). However, the new headphones can be charged while in use, with a 15-minute fast charge yielding up to 2.5 hours of playback.

Additional features include support for the Bluetooth 5.4 and standard AAC/SBC codecs, Bluetooth Multipoint for connecting to two devices simultaneously, and Google Fast Pair for Android users.

The over-ear headphones’ design has also been updated, with a new headband, improved clamping force for a “secure fit” and new oval-shaped earcups with plusher cushioning, promising “a seamless profile and modern look”. The QC Headphones (2nd Gen) will also be available in three new limited-edition finishes at launch: eucalyptus green, dewdrop mint and rosewood mauve, as well as the previous white smoke and black options.

The new Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are available to preorder now for MyBose members, with global shipping from 13th August. The new headphones cost £300 / $359, which is £150 / $90 less than the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).

At this price, the new Bose’s main rivals are the Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless (£330 / $400), which we gave a glowing five-star rating in May. We'll be curious to see how the two compare when we get the new Bose QuietComfort Headphones (Gen 2) into our listening rooms. Watch this space.

MORE

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

Or browse our best wireless headphones 2026: reviewed and rated by our in-house experts

And our best noise-cancelling headphones 2026 – 6 sensational pairs picked by our expert reviewers

After almost a year of anticipation and uncertainty, Dolby Vision 2 is finally launching, although you'll need one of the supported TVs to use it.

Dolby surprised home cinema fans with the announcement of Dolby Vision 2, the latest iteration of its dynamic HDR format, just before IFA 2025. With it came a buzz of excitement, but also many questions, most of which have been periodically answered throughout the year.

Now, Dolby has officially announced which TVs will be the first to access the new HDR format, and they all come from launch partner Hisense. We've also seen Dolby Vision 2 running on TVs from TCL and Philips at past press demos, although this launch is strictly Hisense for now.

Supported models include the UX, UR9 and UR8 RGB Mini LED TVs, and U7 Pro (also known as the U7 in the US) Mini LED TV. Interestingly, these models all support the higher-tier Dolby Vision 2 Max format.

The update is only coming to the Vidaa and Google TV versions of these models. Neither Hisense nor Dolby have confirmed if Dolby Vision 2 will come to older TVs yet.

At its core, Dolby Vision 2 brings three perks. First, "a powerful new image engine" which is set to enhance new and existing content.

Second, a new content recognition system that leverages metadata to deliver a more authentic image closer to the creator's intent.

Third, an intensity slider which allows you to "depth and richness of their Dolby Vision 2 experience" by compensating for contrast lost to viewing angles and reflections.

Dolby Vision 2 Max is reserved for TVs towards the premium end of the spectrum, and it adds an extra layer of picture enhancements aimed at home cinema enthusiasts.

These include the Authentic Motion feature, which aims for a "more cinematic feel while eliminating unwanted judder and soap opera effects", alongside Light Sense 2, which utilises your TV's ambient light sensor to optimise the picture settings based on your viewing conditions.

There is also a selection of pro settings which will allow experienced AV enthusiasts to dig deeper into the experience and customise as needed.

As for Dolby Vision 2 content, Dolby says that "Hisense TV owners will immediately notice a difference across all Dolby Vision content" for everything from TV and movies to gaming and sport. That said, the only current content partners that will support Dolby Vision 2 content specifically are Canal+, Peacock, and iQIYI.

These aren't household streaming names on the same level as Netflix, Disney+ or Apple TV, and two of the three services don't actually operate in the UK yet. That said, we presume that more services will support the new HDR format once it has found its footing.

Likewise, we expect more TV manufacturers to adopt Dolby Vision 2 over time. Sony and LG have yet to confirm whether their next batches of TVs will support the format, and Samsung has already developed its own answer to Dolby Vision 2 in the form of HDR10+ Advanced.

The software update to enable Dolby Vision 2 on the previously mentioned 2026 Hisense TVs is set to roll out in the coming weeks across Europe, America and Asia-Pacific.

We'll be testing out Dolby Vision 2 soon to see if it's the generational step up from the original Dolby Vision that we know and love.

MORE:

Dolby Vision 2 vs Dolby Vision 2 Max: everything you need to know

Read our full Hisense UR9 review

I saw the future of HDR at CES, and things are looking bright and smooth for 2026

Disney+ is now available in 4K again in all countries, but only on some devices.

Following a court ruling, the streaming service was forced to pull its 4K and HDR features in some European countries. It has now started using alternative technology to bring back 4K, though HDR is still missing.

However, the new technology – reported to be the VP9 codec, though Disney wouldn't confirm this to us – is only available on Android TV devices (including select models from Google, Philips, Sony and more), Fire TV devices, LG TVs from 2020 onwards, Sky Stream and Sky Glass.

This means Disney+ can't be watched in 4K on the Apple TV 4K, Samsung TVs and game consoles in the affected areas.

Disney says it plans "to increase device support in the future."

The issue only affects Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania and Sweden. Disney+ continues to work as normal in all other countries where it's available, as Disney has continued to use its existing technology to deliver 4K and HDR in these regions.

But while 4K might be back on the menu, HDR still isn't available in the countries listed above. While Disney says it's working hard to rectify this, it can't say when it will return.

This only affects customers in the above countries on the Premium tier. They can contact Disney for a partial refund for their billing period. If you get Disney+ Premium through a third party (like the App Store), you're advised to contact the third party for options.

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Marantz is adding a series of brand-new receivers to its home cinema collection with "a range of ground-breaking advancements in sound quality and feature sets".

That consists of the Cinema 50 Series 2, Cinema 60 Series 2, Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 and Cinema 70s Series 2. The brand claims these models “introduce meaningful advancements in sound quality, connectivity, gaming compatibility and installation flexibility”.

Inside each model is a 32-bit, eight-channel DAC which, according to Marantz, delivers dedicated simultaneous high-resolution conversion across every channel.

The flagship Cinema 50 Series 2 has nine channels of amplification, and 11.4 channels of processing.

It also offers a Dolby Atmos Channel Expander feature, which uses all available speakers when playing channel-based Atmos content. If you struggle to hear dialogue clearly, the Cinema 50’s Centre Bi-Amp Mode offers a solution – you can add a compatible centre speaker alongside the standard front left and right speakers.

Marantz says the Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 and the Cinema 60 Series 2 “bring many of the platform’s latest innovations [...] to a wider audience" and, for those short on space, the Cinema 70s Series 2 offers a slimline design.

All three offer seven channels of amplification, but the Cinema 60 models deliver 100W of power per channel, whereas the Cinema 70s is limited to 50W.

You can choose to include Dirac Live Room Correction, though it will cost extra with all models except the flagship. The company says that gives the receivers “tighter bass” and a “significantly larger sweet spot”.

Marantz's HEOS multi-room streaming platform is also on offer, as well as Bluetooth. A future firmware update is on the cards to add low-latency Bluetooth LE Audio to “dramatically reduce wireless listening delay with compatible headphones and mobile devices”, according to the company.

There’s good news for gamers too. All the new models support 1440p video passthrough as well as AMD FreeSync compatibility, which should result in tear-free visuals and smooth gameplay when paired with a PC or gaming console. HDMI 2.1 support is also available, although there’s no word on the number of ports. The older Cinema 50 model sports six HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs, so we’re hopeful the fresh flagship receiver will follow in its footsteps.

The majority of the models will be available in August, while the Cinema 70 Series 2 comes out in September. It's worth noting that the Cinema 60 Series 2 is available only in the US and Australia for $2000 / AU$2500, but the Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 is only on the cards for UK buyers at £1250.

The cheapest of the bunch is the Cinema 70s Series 2, coming in at £950 / $1500 / AU$1800.

Finally, the flagship receiver launches at £1850 / $3000 / AU$3500, pitting it against the five-star Arcam AVR5 which holds the crown as the top mid-range model in our best AV receivers guide. It will be tough to beat its agile and rhythmic sound, but Marantz's strong history and promising specifications could spell trouble for the current champion.

MORE:

These are the best AV receivers

Check out our review of the Marantz Cinema 30

And here are the best floorstanding speakers

Nothing's budget sub-brand CMF has announced its first pair of open-earbuds, the Clip Pro, which are designed to deliver a listening experience "that feels as natural as it sounds".

Billed as ideal for wearers with busy or active lifestyles, the Clip Pro incorporate an open, clip-on design built around CMF's three-point configuration, wherein a slim 'C-bridge' hooks around the exterior ear and is anchored on each side. The result, says CMF, is a secure fit that remains comfortable through work, commuting and exercise.

Each earbud harnesses physical on-unit controls, while an IP54 rating means that sweat, water splashes and dust shouldn't be a problem if you're taking your new buds outside for a tough workout.

At the heart of the new Clip Pro is a 10.8 mm dual-magnet dynamic driver, tuned to produce what its maker describes as "full-bodied audio with powerful bass, detailed vocals and crisp high frequencies".

To compensate for the bass loss associated with open-ear designs, CMF has incorporated 'Ultra Bass Technology', designed to intelligently enhance low-end reproduction while reducing treble distortion for a more balanced frequency response

In addition, the Clip Pro are support Sony's LDAC Bluetooth codec for hi-res wireless streaming up to 32-bit/96kHz, alongside standard AAC and SBC codecs.

The CMF Clip Pro grant up to 10 hours of listening time on a single charge, rising to around 32.5 hours of total playback with the charging case in play. If you're short on time, a quick 10-minute fast charge provides up to 4 hours of listening.

Further features include Bluetooth Multipoint for more seamless switching between connected devices, as well as a 'Low Latency Mode' designed for gamers. Google Fast Pair is also on the menu with compatible devices, and Clip Pro wearers will be able to customise their experience via the supported Nothing X app.

The CMF Clip Pro will be available in a choice of Dark Grey, Light Grey or Coral finishes, priced at £79 / $99.

MORE:

Read our Nothing Headphone (1) review

I thought this simple upgrade would elevate Sony's WF-1000XM6 wireless earbuds – I was wrong

Our pick of the best over-ear headphones

The Hisense PX4-Pro ultra short throw (UST) projector finally goes on sale next month, and we have some exciting new details to report.

As the successor to the Award-winning PX3-Pro, this is an eagerly awaited projector. Even more so considering it was first announced back on Christmas Eve 2025.

Now we can confirm that the PX4-Pro will have audio tuned by high-end hi-fi supremo Devialet.

This isn't the first collaboration between the two firms. They previously worked together on Hisense’s L9Q triple-laser ultra short throw (UST) projector, which cost $6000. But the PX4-Pro is much more affordable, having the same £2499 / AU$4499 price tag as its predecessor (the US price has increased by $500 to $3999.

The PX3-Pro featured Harman Kardon speakers. Like the PX3-Pro, the new model has Dolby Atmos to create a more immersive sound.

The audio was one of the few weak points of the PX3-Pro – we found it “flat and not suitably immersive”. Hopefully Hisense has fixed this with the Devialet partnership.

The PX4-Pro more than doubles its predecessor’s contrast ratio, to 6500:1, and ups the brightness from 3000 Lumens to 3500 Lumens.

It also offers IMAX Enhanced and FreeSync Premium. And it carries on its predecessor’s ‘designed for Xbox’ certification and again features the VIDAA operating system with support for all the major streaming apps.

The PX4-Pro is out now in the US, and comes to the UK in September. We’ll have a full review ready asap, so stay tuned to see if it can top its Award-winning predecessor.

MORE:

Read our Hisense PX3-Pro review

The best projectors around

Ultra short throw projectors: everything you need to know

How do you follow an Award-winning product? If you're high-end portable music player specialist Astell & Kern, you beef up the specs no end. The new PD5 follows the Award-winning A&norma SR35 with eight hours of extra battery life and twice the number of DACs.

Like its predecessor, the Astell & Kern PD5 can switch between the number of DACs at work. But whereas the SR35 could only switch between two and four, the PD5 can go from four to eight.

Using all eight Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs unleashes the device's full sound quality, while dropping down to four will help extend the battery life.

Astell & Kern quotes a total battery life of 28 hours (it hasn't said how long it lasts with all eight DACs firing). Thanks to PD 3.0 charging, it only takes around 2.5 hours to juice it up to full capacity.

A new feature called EnviroTune analyses your surroundings and optimises the sound for the level of ambient noise detected. So your music should stay perfectly clear whether you're walking past lots of traffic or relaxing in a quiet cafe.

Like the SR35, it supports up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and native DSD256 files.

Its octa-core processor and Android OS-based platform pack enough power and smarts to handle music streaming, and while Astell & Kern hasn't confirmed which services it supports, we assume that Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music and Apple Music will all be compatible.

In terms of wireless tech, it has dual-band wi-fi and Bluetooth 5.3, and supports the Qualcomm aptX HD, LDAC and LHDC codecs. Which means plenty of options for high-resolution wireless listening.

A lot of details are still to be confirmed, including its price and release date. The SR35 launched at £799 / $799 / AU$1299, so we would imagine the same or a little higher.

The Astell & Kern PD5 will go on show at the Hong Kong AV show this weekend, and then continue its tour at China's Shenzhen International Audio Show (SIAS) from 14th – 16th August and the US' CanJam SoCal 2026, from August 29th – 30th.

We'll bring you a review as soon as we can.

MORE:

Read our Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 review

The best portable music players around

Also consider the Astell & Kern Alpha Max

If you think of earbuds as cutting you off from the outside world to isolate you in a bubble of music, prepare to have your preconceptions flipped on their head. The Shokz OpenFit Pro are part of a new breed of wireless headphones with an open design, that let your music mingle with your environment – but at the same time, they offer noise reduction technology that dampens down the most distracting sounds.

Add in the upgrades to sound performance and premium design, and you’ve got a whole new type of wireless headphones.

Open to new ideas

Open earbuds take the traditional approach to listening on the go and flip it completely. Instead of blocking your ear canals with intrusive earbuds, the earbuds sit on your ears and play music into them. Not only does this make the wearer more aware of their surroundings – like a colleague trying to talk to them or a car horn beeping – many people also find it a more comfortable way to listen.

Allowing the sound to mix with your environment also makes for a more natural-sounding performance, helped, in no small part, by Shokz’s upgraded sonics. The OpenFit Pro feature Shokz SuperBoost, a dual-diaphragm driver housed inside a reinforced acoustic structure. Not only does this go louder than traditional closed earbuds, but – crucially – it’s also more precise.

This enhanced precision improves stability, producing a cleaner and more consistent sound foundation, while also extending the frequency response up to 40 kHz for greater fine detail reproduction.

The result? Rich detail, smooth highs and deep lows. The premium silicone and aluminium dome caps minimise distortion so that bass remains smooth and punchy, adding real low-end heft to your playlists and work calls alike.

They’re also Optimised for Dolby Atmos spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, which makes the sound appear as if it’s coming from a fixed point in your environment, making for a more realistic, more immersive listening experience.

Devoid of distractions

But the enhanced sound quality is only one string to the OpenFit Pro’s bow. They also offer Open-Ear Noise-Reduction technology, which works in tandem with the Shokz SuperBoost to make for an even more impressive listening experience.

With SuperBoost creating a flatter, more predictable mid-to-high frequency response, the headphones are more accurately able to discern between music and other sounds coming from the environment around you, like the background chatter of an office or the pumping gym soundtrack. Because the frequency response is more stable, unwanted sounds stand out more clearly, allowing them to be targeted – and suppressed – with surgical precision.

The three-mic system is able to capture sounds from multiple angles, building a more complete picture of both voice and environment. This works hand-in-glove with an ear-adaptive algorithm that’s been trained on tens of thousands of tests using different ear shapes and sizes, wearing angles and real-world scenarios to help it adapt dynamically in real time. It’s constantly optimising the sound output whether the headphones sit slightly higher, lower, or the angle changes. They’ll also perform the same if you share them with a friend or loved one, no matter their ear shape, giving the same bravura performance for each and every listener.

Buds for work, rest and play

That’s the insides taken care of. But what about the outsides?

As befits a pair of flagship open-ear earbuds, the Shokz OpenFit Pro are crafted from premium materials for a marquee finish that‘s built to last. The soft silicone finish is hardwearing yet comfortable, while the ultra-thin titanium alloy ear hooks deliver outstanding comfort levels while remaining hardy.

All of which make the Shokz OpenFit Pro the perfect pair for work, travel, exercising and more. They’re open-ear earbuds without the distractions.

Buy the Shokz OpenFit Pro with a 10% discount using code WHATHIFI_10

We've been waiting for a sequel to the outstanding Sony WH-CH720N noise-cancelling wireless headphones for some time, and it looks as though our prayers may finally be answered in the coming months.

According to an often-reliable inside source, thewalkman.blog, recent import filings have revealed that a new pair of headphones is set to replace the Sony WH-CH720N, and will be called the "Sony WH-CH730N".

The filing also reveals the new colours for the upcoming sequel, with 'Black', 'White', 'Pink', 'Blue' and 'Beige' all listed. That's broadly the same as the finishes found on the established WH-CH720N, with 'Beige' representing the only new addition.

We don't have many details regarding the headphones' hardware or specifications. It remains to be seen what drivers they will implement, which chipset they will use, or what their prospective battery life figures will be.

We've had no word on price either, but as the WH-CH720N launched at £99 / $129 / AU$259 back in 2023, we'd hope to see an RRP that didn't rise too much beyond that.

So when could we see these new wireless cans finally arrive? According to thewalkman.blog, the FCC confidentiality end date is on October 20th, so there's a good chance we could see the WH-CH730N arrive at around that time.

The WH-CH720N landed in March 2023, but as we're well beyond that point in 2026, it appears that Sony may be shooting for a release that's somewhere towards the final quarter of the year.

For us, the sooner the better. The more we've had time to listen to and often live with the WH-CH720N, the more we've come to appreciate them as being some of the best sound-per-pound wireless headphones you can get. For sheer value, we're struggling to think of many that do so much for such a modest price.

They're not perfect, and when we speculated as to the four things we'd love to see from the then-speculated WH-CH730N, we hoped for a little less bass and for the new headphones to fold away fully, for a bit of added portability and convenience.

The WH-CH720N are lauded Award-winners, but a few new features, such as on-head wear detection or support for Sony's higher-quality LDAC codec, would be lovely additions for when a sequel materialises.

Whatever the case, the WH-CH730N have big shoes to fill. We dubbed the WH-CH720N as "dependably made, enthusiastic-sounding headphones that...deliver good ANC and a strong feature set to the very affordable end of the wireless headphone market", so any prospective sequel will have its work cut out to improve on such a potent combination of performance and sheer value.

Can Sony manage it? We'll be keeping our ears to the ground for any further rumblings regarding the WH-CH730N, and will keep you updated as and when any new information comes to light.

MORE:

Don't need ANC? Read our review of the cheaper Sony WH-CH520

I thought this simple upgrade would elevate Sony's WF-1000XM6 wireless earbuds – I was wrong

Our pick of the best over-ear headphones

A new Sonos product is just weeks away. CEO Tom Conrad announced the September launch in the firm's third quarter earnings call. And while he stopped short of revealing the device itself, he did hint that it will be focussed around AI.

Noting that "conversational computing and predictive intelligence are moving into the home," he bigged up Sonos' 20 years' experience in solving the issues this brings, which he defined as "sound, form, systemness, and intelligence."

(If anyone knows what "systemness" is, we'd love to know.)

Unsurprisingly, he said Sonos is uniquely well placed to take advantage of the AI boom thanks to its ecosystem of multi-room-enabled speakers, which encompasses soundbars, home speakers and portable models.

While all AI models will soon offer the same abilities, he thinks what will differentiate systems is "what surrounds the [AI] model in a real home: the hardware that can converse with quality across every room, the system that already knows the shape of a home and the way a family lives in it, the connectivity to reach the speakers, services, and devices that turn a request into coordinated action.

"That’s the operating environment for AI in the home, and Sonos has spent twenty years building it."

So, we can hazard a guess that we'll see a new speaker, but the biggest changes will likely be on the inside, pivoting the Sonos platform to encompass more AI abilities.

Sonos' most recent launch was the Play earlier this year, a portable speaker that earned four stars. It recently launched its new mobile app in beta, in an attempt to win back customers frustrated at the notorious botched app launch of 2024.

That disastrous move introduced bugs while removing certain existing features, and ultimately led to the then-CEO stepping down. Since then, Sonos has been on a major charm offensive to win back customers' trust, even cancelling its rumoured set-top box in order to prioritise fixing existing problems.

A move to AI does bring big opportunities for Sonos, but also a fair amount of risk. Will customers weary of having been put through the wringer over the last couple of years really want a whole new direction and focus for the platform? Or will they just want a bit of stability following all the chaos?

It all depends on what exactly Sonos is offering.

We'll bring you any rumours concerning the launch in the run-up to September.

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Sonos Play vs Move 2: what are the differences?

The best multi-room systems

And the best Sonos alternatives for the naysayers

Winamp, the popular media player launched in the 90s, has announced a strategic partnership with music-streaming platform Deezer, which will see the media player redesigned as a unified service, handling music and podcasts, both streamed and local.

The partnership will employ Deezer’s white-label music-streaming technology and global music catalogue to power a new premium music subscription service, which will be integrated into the upgraded Winamp Player.

Although the service will be a paid subscription, Winamp says it will deliver “a fundamentally different experience from today’s traditional digital streaming platforms, reimagining both the listening experience and the subscription model.”

Scheduled for release in the first half of 2027, the player will not be limited to streaming and will also give users access to local music libraries, internet radio stations, podcasts, personal cloud-based collections and other audio sources.

Staying true to the original version, the new player will keep its customizable interface – 90s kids, rejoice!

First released in 1997, the original Winamp media player was known for its customisation options, which included skins for the user interface. The media player’s visualiser, which created real-time, music-reactive graphics, was yet more renowned and has since become a hallmark of early 2000s music culture.

According to Alexandre Saboundijan, CEO of Winamp Group: “Winamp has always been about giving users the freedom to experience music their own way. Twenty-five years ago we changed the way people listened to digital music, and we believe the time has come to challenge the listening experience once again.”

The new Winamp Player is expected to launch in the first half of 2027. No pricing has yet been announced.

MORE

Here’s why you might be listening to AI music on your favourite streaming service without realising – and how to stop it

How much of your playlist is AI-generated? Find out with Deezer’s new AI music detector

Best music streaming services 2026: free streams to hi-res audio

Update 03/08: Disney has confirmed it is now restoring 4K and HDR access thanks to new technology it's adopted, though this may mean 4K remains unavailable on some devices. It's working to rectify the issue, and affected customers can claim a partial refund by contacting Disney. The original story follows.

The Disney+ Premium subscription just got a lot worse in certain countries. The service has removed access to 4K and HDR in some European countries, FlatpanelsHD reports.

Previously, Disney also removed support for Dolby Vision and 3D over a patent dispute before restoring both.

The loss of 4K and HDR is due to a court case, Disney claims, and it describes the move as “temporary”. However, there’s no word on when access will be restored, or whether those affected will receive compensation.

Like with the Dolby Vision and 3D issue previously, it mostly affects Nordic countries. We have confirmed on our own Disney+ Premium subscription that UK viewers are not affected.

“Following a recent court ruling affecting the technology we use to deliver 4K UHD and HDR, we have temporarily removed support for 4K UHD and HDR on Disney+,” The Walt Disney Company Nordic & Baltic told Flatpanels. “We are disappointed and share our customers’ frustration. We are working hard to restore support as quickly as possible.”

This leaves Premium subscribers in the affected regions paying for features that they cannot access.

In the UK, Disney+ Premium costs £14.99 a month, compared with £9.99 for the Standard tier.

Disney hasn’t disclosed the exact details concerning the court ruling in question. The removal of Dolby Vision and 3D was related to a decision by the Unified Patent Court (UPC) in Europe following a patent dispute involving US-based company InterDigital.

It’s yet another reminder that streaming customers are beholden to the vagaries and legal quandaries facing the companies providing the service. We’ve never heard of a Blu-ray disc being downgraded after purchase.

MORE:

The best Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray players you can buy

Why I will never give up my DVD collection

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The next Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini could launch in just a couple of months. Both devices could land as soon as the autumn, according to reliable source Mark Gurman at Bloomberg.

Both current devices are getting on a bit now – the Apple TV 4K launched in 2022, while the HomePod Mini made its debut all the way back in 2020.

While the rumour says we won’t get any design changes, the chips inside each will be upgraded. The Apple TV 4K runs on the A15 Bionic (the same processor as the iPhone 13), while the HomePod Mini runs an S5 (also found in the Apple Watch Series 5).

Newer processors should speed up both devices, as well as adding more features and capabilities.

The report also mentions Apple’s new smart home hub, which should launch between October and the start of next year. There are apparently two models in development, one with a screen attached to a half-dome base, the other which is fixed to a wall with magnets.

It could well be the HomePod with a screen that was rumoured years ago.

Facial recognition is said to be a key feature. The device will recognise who’s looking at it, unlock personal content for them (their own personal calendar, for example) and alter the font size and type of information in real time.

We’ve been hankering after a new Apple TV 4K for years now. Top of our wish list? More processing power. Let’s hope our prayers are answered this autumn.

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Q Acoustics’ new 3040c floorstanding speaker completes the brand’s most affordable 3000c speaker range, two years after the first model launched.

A step down from its 3050c sibling, it promises to bring the “performance, design, and technological advances” of the 3000c series to a floorstanding form factor.

Like other models in the 3000c series, it features Q Acoustics’ C3 driver platform. C3 (‘C-cubed’) stands for Continuous Curved Cone, and combines the powerful bass response of a traditional straight cone with the superior midrange clarity and high-frequency control of a flared cone. This makes for a “controlled bass performance, expressive midrange and smoother integration with the high-frequency driver,” according to Q Acoustics.

But it also takes technology from the brand’s flagship Concept series. Its tweeter has a floating design that is hermetically sealed and mechanically isolated from the baffle, reducing internal pressure and midrange vibrations. Combined with the vented inner chamber, it should create ultra-low distortion and less colouring, as well as a lower crossover point and seamless transition between drivers.

Point to Point (P2P) bracing on internal areas of the cabinet creates a more focused stereo image and wider soundstage, while Helmholtz Pressure Equaliser (HPE) tubes nullify internal pressure to improve the frequency response.

Like the 3050c, it has a solid aluminium stabiliser design, with top-adjustable spikes for making it level. And it benefits from the 5000 series’ low-profile terminal panel with recessed binding posts that let you place it closer to a wall in order to maximise floorspace in smaller rooms.

The speaker cabinet features Q Acoustics’ signature curved profile, with no visible joints or bolts for a streamlined, minimalist look. And it comes in four finishes: Satin Black, Satin White, Pink Oak or Claro Walnut.

The 3040c is out now in the UK; it comes to the US in October. At £599 / $1099 (AU$TBC), it's priced just below the 3050c (which costs £749 / $1199).

MORE:

Read our Q Acoustics 3000c series hands-on review

And our Q Acoustics 3050c 5.1 with Q SUB100 review

The best floorstanding speakers around

KEF has a new pair of active wireless speakers. The LS Luxe sits above the Award-winning LS50 Wireless II, and its distinctive aesthetics are the brainchild of renowned designer Ross Lovegrove, the man behind KEF’s ultra-high-end Muon speaker, Muo Bluetooth speaker, and (rather disappointing) Mu wireless headphones.

We have already given our verdict, so check out our exclusive KEF LS Luxe review to see what we make of it.

The LS Luxe speaker system is touted as KEF’s “most ambitious creation to date”, with numerous proprietary technologies helping it “set a new definition for wireless hi-fi”. Bold claims, but then these active speakers with network streaming do offer a lot of impressive technology.

One such example is a 12th-generation 6.5-inch Uni-Q driver array supported by KEF's 'Metamaterial Absorption Technology' (MAT). Uni-Q has been at the heart of KEF’s speakers for years – this driver array puts the tweeter at the acoustic centre of the woofer, meaning more even sound dispersion, with a wider sweet spot and minimal distortion.

The MAT technology claims to absorb 99 per cent of unwanted rear sound from the tweeter for clearer highs, and, because the Uni-Q assembly is mechanically decoupled with a flexible chassis, it isolates vibrations for greater sonic integrity.

LS Luxe also has the same Velocity Control Technology (VECO) as the Award-winning XIO soundbar, making it the first speaker to feature the tech. VECO – recipient of our recent Innovation Of The Year Award – is a closed-loop system whose velocity sensor monitors the Uni-Q driver in real time, so the amplifier can instantly correct any movement inconsistencies to improve the bass and reduce distortion.

We’re not done with the acronyms quite yet. KEF’s 'Music Integrity Engine' (MIE) promises more detail, accuracy and better tonality even at lower volumes, and uses finely tuned digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms to maintain definition.

Each speaker has a 100W Class A/B and 280W Class D current-drive amplifier inside, to deliver “high output with lower distortion for pure, dynamic sound”.

KEF’s W2 wireless platform brings native support for streaming services such as Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer and more, as well as QPlay, AirPlay and Google Cast. You can also stream from a local NAS drive or music server.

KEF’s new system is capable of handling PCM files up to 24-bit/384kHz alongside DSD128. If you’re using a wireless connection between your speakers, files are downsampled to 24-bit/96kHz, whereas connecting the speakers using the included interconnect cable pushes playback up to 24-bit/192kHz.

In terms of wired connections, you get HDMI eARC, analogue, optical and coaxial inputs, letting you hook up a TV, CD player or games console. Each speaker also has a subwoofer output for beefing up the low end.

The KEF Connect app lets you fine-tune the sound to match your environment and preferences, while Advanced Room EQ DSP will analyse your surroundings and optimise the sound accordingly.

KEF is making a big deal of the Luxe’s design, describing it as “a functional work of art that captivates the senses and enriches its environment”. In fairness, it does look quite distinctive.

Its rounded, low-diffraction form, robust materials, flexible decoupling chassis and advanced bulk moulding compound should make it sound even better than the LS50 Wireless II, claims KEF, with greater clarity and deeper bass.

The KEF LS Luxe comes in three finishes: Dusk Titanium, Eclipse Black or Mineral White, and it costs £3500 / $4000 / AU$6375 per pair. You can also buy dedicated S-Luxe floor speaker stands for £800 / $800 / AU$1230 per pair.

We have reviewed the LS Luxe, and awarded it five stars across the board. Read our exclusive KEF LS Luxe review for the full picture.

MORE:

Read our exclusive KEF LS Luxe review

Check out the KEF LS50 Wireless II review

Hi-fi in 2076? How engineers envisage the next 50 years of music listening

Following its recent global expansion, Australian-owned audio platform, AudioBro, has announced the V2 update for its popular service, representing the “largest evolution of the platform since development began more than three years ago”.

The premise remains the same: in-depth, analytical advice to help hi-fi and home cinema enthusiasts get the best possible sound from their system, without having to resort to buying new equipment.

Where AudioBro has made big strides is in how that advice is delivered. Previously, users of the AudioBro platform would need to select which tool they think will best suit their needs. In the new V2, that’s all changed, as the platform will now take all the guesswork out of the equation.

Users now simply describe the problem they’re experiencing and to upload whatever evidence they have — such as room photos, measurements and calibration data. AudioBro will then intelligently determine which of its tools will best fix the problem, and will recommend “one practical, highest-impact next move”.

V2 also introduces Room Memory, so previous analyses, uploaded measurements, implemented recommendations and verified changes remain connected over time.

To make this process even easier, both Starter and Pro users can now speak naturally to the platform about whatever they’re hearing and discuss uploaded evidence. AudioBro founder Ateeq Sheikh says this makes “the experience feel much more like talking to an acoustic consultant than using traditional software”.

There are differences between the depth of analysis given to Starter and Pro users, with the latter unsurprisingly receiving more curated responses. Starter users can still upload room photos and equipment information, and even speak aloud any issues they’re experiencing, and AudioBro will return guided recommendations.

Pro users can go further, receiving proper two-way conversations with the platform, along with the ability to upload REW MDAT files for analysis. The AudioBro platform also offers more advanced measurement interpretation and deeper optimisation capabilities for Pro users.

And, if you were thinking "surely I can just get the same results from ChatGPT?", think again. As Ateeq explains, "ChatGPT is an exceptional general-purpose AI, but it's designed to know a little about almost everything. AudioBro has been built over the last three and a half years to know as much as possible about one thing: hi-fi, home theatre and room acoustics."

"A good analogy is the difference between visiting a GP and seeing a specialist consultant. Both are knowledgeable, but one has been purpose-built for a specific field. AudioBro has been trained specifically for hi-fi rather than general knowledge."

Full access to the platform requires a subscription, offered in two tiers: Starter at US$24.99 per month and Pro at US$49.99 per month, with annual plans priced at US$199.90 and US$399.90, respectively.

Early adopters, however, can secure lifetime access for a one-off fee of US$199 (Starter) or US$299 (Pro).

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Are you after some personalised buying advice? Or is there a burning question you've always wanted to ask the What Hi-Fi? team? Well, now is your chance!

This Friday, 31st July, we're going to be hosting a live Q&A right here on whathifi.com.

Ketan Bharadia (Technical Editor), Kashfia Kabir (Hi-Fi & Audio Editor) and I (TV & AV Editor) will be on hand between 1pm and 3pm to answer any hi-fi, home cinema and TV questions you might have.

Whether it's which turntable you should buy, a question of whether an OLED or Mini LED TV is right for your room, or which speakers will perfectly complement your amp, we're poised and ready to help.

We can also offer opinions on new and upcoming formats, let you know whether a deal you've found is really as great as it seems, and answer questions about our reviewing process.

Aside from diagnosing faults with your kit (which the manufacturer is better placed to handle), if your question relates to hi-fi or AV (we're not great at relationship advice), we can almost certainly help.

The Q&A page will be live on Friday morning, so you won't have to wait until 1pm to get your questions in.

If you can't wait until then, though, you can ask them in the comments below or email them to whathifi@futurenet.com, and we'll do our best to answer as many as possible in Friday's 'Sound Advice' section.

So, whether you've got a buying dilemma, a technical question or you're simply curious about the world of hi-fi and home cinema, we'd love to hear from you. Join us on Friday – and feel free to get your questions in nice and early!

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Want immediate buying advice? Here are the best turntables, best headphones, best speakers, best TVs and best soundbars you can buy right now

And here's the lowdown on how we test products at What Hi-Fi?

TCL's latest flagship soundbar has two major selling points: 360-degree spatial sound and tuning in collaboration with longstanding hi-fi brand Bang & Olufsen (via John Archer on X).

Launched in China at the does-what-it-says-on-the-tin TCL Flagship New Product Launch conference, the Q95K has 11.1.4 channels of sound, with 1420W of peak power across 22 speaker units, and includes a wireless subwoofer and two wireless surround speakers.

The 'bar itself has seven horizontal channels, two overheads and a subwoofer, while the wireless surround speakers have rear surround, rear side surround and rear overhead channels to complete the spatial audio experience.

The three-way physical acoustic unit and independent sound chamber design help the Q95K cover a frequency range of 30Hz to 20kHz, with overall distortion kept under 1 per cent. Neodymium iron boron magnets paired with aluminium diaphragms help maintain detail and vocal clarity.

TCL says that the subwoofer's bass should remain stable even at higher volumes thanks to the dual 7-inch opposed units with a long-stroke damping design. The opposed movement aims to minimise cabinet resonances that can affect the bass.

Audio crosstalk is also reduced with 12 independent power amplifier chips driving the different speaker units separately.

B&O has helped create the audio profile, collaborating in terms of both hardware and the algorithm. Sound can be adjusted using the built-in Beosonic Mood Mixer. The algorithm can also be optimised to reduce the soundbar's reliance on room acoustics or wall reflections to deliver 360-degree spatial sound.

Using the TCL app, you can activate adaptive sound calibration to personalise the audio to your room. 4K HDR video passthrough is supported, as are wi-fi and AirPlay 2 wireless technologies.

It also has a floating base to reduce desktop resonances and a grille to keep dust out. It can be placed on a cabinet or wall-mounted, and will adjust its audio accordingly.

It's not the only new soundbar TCL announced. It also unveiled the Q85K, with 7.1.2 channels and 1180W of peak power, and the Q75K with 7.1.2 channels and 580W.

They are all available in China, with the Q95K costing 7999 yuan (around £889 / $1200 / AU$1700), the Q85K 5999 yuan (around £666 / $886 / AU$1300) and the Q75K 4699 yuan (around £520 / $700 / AU$1000).

We've contacted TCL regarding wider availability and will update this if we hear back.

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Does your soundbar really need a subwoofer? Find out here

In case you missed them, the over-ear Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X were some of the best mid-range wired headphones we tested last year. We liked them so much, in fact, that we bestowed upon them a coveted What Hi-Fi? Award for their troubles.

Now, Beyerdynamic is bringing its considerable wired expertise to a more affordable end of the market with its new on-ears, the DT 275 Pro.

Conceived as a compact monitoring pair aimed at engineers, mixers, creators and DJs, the new cans house a set of 40mm dynamic drivers, combining "neutral sound tuning and long-wearing comfort" with a "lightweight, travel-friendly design".

Weighing in at 200g, the new on-ear cans feature faux leather ear pads and a flexible headband for improved comfort, even during extended wear. All of the cushion components can be replaced, too, meaning you won't have to part ways with your headphones as soon as they start to show signs of wear and tear.

While they don't feature active noise cancelling, the DT 275 Pro have been designed to offer "outstanding passive noise isolation" for professionals working in noisy studio environments.

According to Martin Stahl, director of Beyerdynamic's 'Pro' division: “The most common and costly mistakes happen when critical audio decisions have to be made in loud environments. The DT 275 Pro were designed to give creators and audio professionals the confidence to make critical monitoring decisions wherever their work takes them.”

Each pair of DT 275 Pro on-ears comes with a 1.5m locking cable with a 3.5mm jack, a 6.35mm adapter, and a drawstring carrying bag.

The DT 275 Pro are available for £99 / $150 / € 119.

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You might want to dust off that old CRT TV, or at least you might if a) you still own one, and b) it can connect to Netflix. The streaming giant has released the first series of Stranger Things in a picture quality akin to VHS.

The sci-fi series is set in the 1980s, with plenty of nostalgic touch points such as Ghostbusters costumes, walkie talkies and Dungeons And Dragons. So making the first series look like a VHS from the period is very on brand.

As the show’s creators point out, this is how it would have looked had it been released when it's set.

“If Stranger Things existed in Hawkins, sitting on a shelf at Family Video, it would look just like this – complete with pan-and-scan,” the Duffer Brothers said in a statement. “And hey, if enough of you nerds watch it, maybe we’ll do the rest of the seasons.”

Pan and scan is a technique used to squash a widescreen picture into the traditional 4:3 aspect ratio seen on CRT TVs of the period. It involves cropping the left and right edges and panning across the image if something of note occurs within the cropped parts of the frame.

For any younger viewers, it’s a chance to see what we had to put up with in the olden days.

The VHS-style treatment will of course involve black bars either side of your widescreen TV, and the picture will look softer and blurrier than a modern image – expect this effect to be highlighted by the sharper image quality possible on modern TVs. But it’s all in the name of authenticity.

The series was re-released in this format to celebrate the show’s 10th anniversary. And as the Duffer Brothers say, if it proves popular, its subsequent seasons might get the same treatment.

To watch, head to the series landing page or search Netflix for “Stranger Things VHS”.

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Quad has announced the release of two new speakers as part of its Elegan Series: the standmountable Elegan 1 and the floorstanding Elegan 2.

According to the company, the Elegan Series are “spiritual successors” to its L Series speakers, which gained popularity in the early 2000s.

The Elegan 1 are priced at £749 / $995 / AU$1699 per pair, while the Elegan 2 cost £1499 / $1995 / AU$3499. Both speakers are built around the company's woven Kevlar driver technology, which sees the speakers’ cones formed from lattice-woven Kevlar.

Quad claims that using Kevlar, which has a high tensile strength and light weight, allows the speaker cone to deliver “precise pistonic behaviour over a wider bandwidth, reducing unwanted resonance and improving midrange clarity”.

The Elegan 1 is a two-way design, pairing a 16.5cm Kevlar mid/bass driver with a 25mm fabric-dome tweeter. Quad says the Elegan 1 speakers are best suited for smaller rooms and near to mid-field listening.

The Elegan 2, on the other hand, is a three-way design, which uses dual 16.5cm bass drivers alongside a 12.5cm midrange driver and the same 25mm fabric-dome tweeter. All drivers other than the tweeter use woven Kevlar cones, and the midrange driver is housed within its own internal chamber, which Quad says ensures “clarity and expression” across the midrange.

Both models feature high-frequency waveguides, which the company claims “optimises dispersion and supports a smooth transition into the midrange”.

The speakers also employ high density cabinet walls, internal bracing and damping materials to control panel resonance. Quad says that the speakers’ structural integrity is reflected by their “significant weight”, with each Elegan 1 speaker weighing 8.9kg, while the Elegan 2 weigh 27.8kg per speaker.

The Quad Elegan 1 and Elegan 2 speakers are now available in deep matte black or walnut wood veneers, priced at £749 and £1499 per pair, respectively.

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Read our Quad 3 review

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Browse our list of the best speakers you can buy in 2026

LG has announced a new picture mode for its TVs. Creator Original Picture Mode is described as an "industry-first picture setting for streaming", and essentially lets the filmmakers decide exactly how the picture should look. Think of it as a step on from Filmmaker Mode.

Because while Filmmaker Mode disables post-processing enhancements for a truer picture, the new mode lets the filmmakers decide parameters such as shadow detail, colour balance, noise reduction and motion handling. These will differ for each film, allowing content creators to have their movies look exactly as they would like.

At least, we think that's how it works. We have a few questions, and have contacted LG for answers – we'll update this story once we've heard back.

The mode is exclusive to Prime Video (and possibly only the Masters Of The Universe reboot, but that's one of the many questions we have posed to LG). It's only available on LG's 2026 OLED evo TVs: that's the W6, G6 and C6 series.

You can also launch Masters Of The Universe by saying "I have the power" into your LG Magic Remote for LG TVs running webOS 23 or later.

Masters Of The Universe has a 67 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

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Technics has launched a new Rolling Stones-themed variant of its five-star EAH-AZ100 wireless earbuds.

The announcement has been made to coincide with the release of The Rolling Stones’ new album, Foreign Tongues.

The limited edition earbuds come in a gift box, which houses Technics’ flagship EAH-AZ100 earbuds in a black finish alongside an exclusive rubber case embossed with the band’s lips and tongues logo.

The rear of each pair’s protective case also features a laser-engraved serial number from 0001-5000. Technics says that serial numbers cannot be pre-selected.

The Technics EAH-AZ100 feature a wealth of cutting-edge hardware, including a magnetic fluid driver, which places an oil-like liquid filled with magnetic particles inside the driver’s voice coil to reduce distortion and improve bass reproduction.

We previously awarded the EAH-AZ100 a five-star review for the earbuds' “superb detail and clarity”, “expressive, spacious and engaging sound”, and “Bose-bothering ANC performance”.

But, rockers, take note: If you’re feeling tempted, you’ll need to act fast, because the earbuds are limited to 5000 units worldwide.

Exclusively available to buy online, the EAH-AZ100 Rolling Stones limited edition earbuds can be yours today for £259 / €299.

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Read our Technics EAH-AZ100 review

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KEF is edging ever closer to revealing its latest set of speakers.

The British brand has already teased that a new model is in the works via an Instagram video, which teases the return of the company's much-heralded Uni-Q driver alongside a curved cabinet exterior.

Now, KEF has announced an exclusive launch event at its London headquarters on July 30th, where it will unveil its latest creation.

The accompanying picture gives a little more insight into the form that product could take. KEF has deliberately kept most of the teaser image veiled in shadows, but squint and you'll be able to make out more of that curved cabinet surrounding the unmistakable impression of a Uni-Q driver array.

According to the teaser: "True luxury does not begin with a declaration, but with an absence. A space. A silence. And then, a single note that changes everything." Not a huge amount given away there, then.

What we can say with relative confidence is that the new speaker will be designed in collaboration with Ross Lovegrove, the man who lent his talents to crafting the smooth, curved looks of KEF's Muo Bluetooth speaker and Mu wireless earbuds/headphones.

As we previously reported, KEF is promising "stunning sound clarity, sharper details and an expanded soundstage that fully immerses you in the artist's creative vision".

How much it will take to get that stunning sound hasn't yet been revealed, but with KEF teasing "luxury" from its latest creation, we'd imagine it won't come cheap.

We'll soon know for certain. The new KEF speaker will be revealed on Thursday, 30th July, so you'll only have to wait a week to find out. Stay tuned to What Hi-Fi? for all of the details as and when they arrive.

MORE:

Read our KEF LSX II LT review

And our KEF Coda W review

Our guide to the best speakers we've tested and recommend across all budgets and types

Hi-res music streamer Qobuz has redesigned its mobile and tablet app, with a new player and real-time synchronised lyrics.

The player interface has been completely overhauled to make it more intuitive, immersive and full of even more information. The visuals also dynamically adjust to the album artwork.

The mini player will remain visible at all times, so you can always control playback regardless of where you've navigated to within the app. You can also add or remove tracks to the play queue by swiping like on a dating app.

One very welcome is synchronised lyrics, which displays the words to a song line-by-line as they're sung in real time. It even includes translations so you know what they're singing about. Which should settle a few arguments without resorting to Google.

Not sure what to listen to first? Qobuz has created new playlists, including the best songs to sing along to. Sweet Caroline it is.

The Explore section can also help here. It serves up all kinds of recommendations like similar albums and artists, playlists, radio stations, and content related to the radio station or genre. You can also access the Qobuz Magazine – with editorial content on the artist – straight from the player.

The credits layout has been tweaked so give you better access to info like reviews, biographies and technical file data, plus you can follow an artist or label direct from the player.

The listening queue and autoplay now show the next three tracks, so you know – and can adjust – what's coming, and you can tweak the audio output, add tracks to favourites and add to a playlist straight from the customisable mini player.

These features are now available on mobile and tablet apps for iOS and Android, and will come to other platforms at a later date.

In February, Qobuz updated its CarPlay app with more features and Siri voice controls. At £12.99 / $17.99 / AU$20.83 a month, Qobuz is more expensive than Apple Music (which recently raised its prices), but the same price as Spotify and Tidal (in the UK at least).

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Samsung has unveiled three new foldable phones at its annual Galaxy Unpacked event, two of which are its brightest Galaxy smartphones ever.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is a new addition to the Z Fold family, and is joined by the Z Fold8, both of which have a peak brightness of 3000 nits. That comfortably outdoes the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 2600 nits.

The Z Fold8 Ultra really follows the Z Fold7, with the same size 8-inch internal screen. The Z Fold8, however, has a smaller 7.6-inch screen, and is shorter and wider when folded. The Z Fold8’s 5.5-inch cover screen has a 10:16 aspect ratio, while the internal screen is the more traditional 4:3.

Samsung says the Z Fold8 Ultra’s internal screen is the equivalent of having two 6.5-inch screens side by side, making it ideal for multitasking.

Both it and the Z Fold8's screens have an anti-reflective coating, making them easier to see in bright sunlight.

The Z Fold8 Ultra measures 4.1mm thick when unfolded, making it the thinnest Galaxy Fold ever. It has a new hinge with new magnets, making it easier to open and more durable over time.

It also has a 200-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel ultra wide (up from 12 megapixels on the Fold7) and a 10-megapixel telephoto. Also onboard are the same ProVisual Engine with advanced AP processing for Nightography video as the Galaxy S26, and the same Horizontal Lock features. That keeps your video recording steady even if your hand is anything but. A new mode lets you present your videos in cinematic presets (like romance or thriller) with no editing required.

Both it and the Z Fold8 are powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy as the Galaxy S26. The Ultra has a 5000mAh battery for 27 hours of video playback, and charging up to 67 per cent capacity in 30 minutes, while the Fold8’s 4800mAh unit offers 26 hours of video and juices up to 63 per cent in 30 minutes.

At 201g, the Z Fold8 is the lightest Galaxy Z Fold that Samsung has ever made.

Samsung also announced the Galaxy Z Flip8 clamshell phone, which flips open like the classic Motorola Razr from the early noughties. It follows the four-star Z Flip 7, and is the slimmest and lightest Z Flip phone yet.

All three phones are available to pre-order now, and will ship next month. The Z Flip8 starts at £1100, the Z Fold8 £1699 and the Z Fold8 Ultra £1899 (all 256GB storage). They all come in 512GB variants too, with the two Z Folds also available with 1TB of storage.

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If you've been eyeing a pair of Monitor Audio's statement Hyphn floorstanding speakers, your choice of potential finishes just got a lot more extensive.

That's because Monitor has announced that the Hyphn are now available in over 200 custom colourways. Customers can select from a variety of Matte, Gloss and Metallic finishes across a range of over 200 colours, with each custom-finished Hyphn cabinet painted and assembled by hand in the UK.

For those unfamiliar with the Hyphn, the heavyweight floorstanders were built to commemorate Monitor's 50th birthday. Each speaker boasts a total of 11 drive units in total, including a micro pleated diaphragm tweeter surrounded by six midrange units and four bass drivers.

The cabinets, which you can daub in practically any colour you like, are formed using mineral and acrylic stone and then precision milled, resulting in what Monitor Audio describes as a totally rigid structure "that provides the perfect platform from which the drive units can operate".

The three original Hyphn finishes – Matte Heritage Green, Matte Black, and Pure Satin White – remain available. The Hyphn will set you back £70,000 / €82,500 / $92,500 per pair for the standard paint editions, while adding a custom finish will bump that up to £80,250 / €92,500 / €102,500 per pair.

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A new pair of Bose over-ear headphones could be arriving very shortly.

That's according to French outlet Dealabs, which reports that Bose has leaked a second-generation iteration of its QuietComfort Headphones, slated for release in just a few weeks.

Bose's QuietComfort Headphones line isn't to be confused with the more premium QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. The QC Headphones are to the QC Ultra Headphones what the more affordable QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) are to the range-topping QuietComfort Earbuds Ultra (2nd Gen) – a lower price tag in return for slightly fewer features and not quite top-of-the-line performance.

That said, the new over-ears promise a full-blooded refresh over their three-year-old predecessors, with Dealabs' leak suggesting a new design, revamped controls and better sound quality could all be coming to the second-generation model in a bid to see Bose make a play for the competitive mid-range market.

Quite a few premium features could be about to trickle down from the premium QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), including Bose 'TrueSpatial' spatial audio, lossless playback via USB-C, and a host of new listening flavours, including 'Cinema Mode' for making video content more, well, cinematic.

Many existing features and functionalities are set for significant improvements. Bose's 'ActiveSense' technology works to take the edge off unwanted noise peaks when listening in 'Aware' mode, while improved call quality comes courtesy of more effective ambient noise reduction.

The headphones' on-cup controls have been revamped, with Dealabs teasing more intuitive button placement on the earcups themselves.

Wholesale improvements haven't been made to every aspect of the incoming QuietComfort Headphones, however. Battery life will likely remain the same as the soon-to-be outgoing model, with the second-gen over-ears again set to max out at a reported 24 hours of listening with ANC switched on.

That revamped design is set to feature more on-ear padding alongside a more oval earpad shape and a wider headband, all designed to improve wearer comfort over time.

A veritable Delux colour wheel of new finishes could also be set to arrive, including Black, White Smoke, Rosewood Mauve, Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint, and Hazelnut Taupe.

What about prospective price? Figures are slated as £300 / $359 / €350, which represents a £50 / €50 drop for UK and European buyers respectively.

We never tested the original QuietComfort Headphones when they launched around three years ago, but we have reviewed both the QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) in recent times.

Bose isn't quite dominating the premium wireless headphones space when facing competition from Sony, Apple and Sennheiser, but the upcoming QC Headphones' slightly more affordable asking price and bolstered feature set might help Bose claw back ground lost to its estimable competitors.

Dealabs claims that Bose's latest cans will arrive on August 13th. We've contacted Bose for comment, and will keep you updated with developments as they arise.

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CD sales have increased by 16 per cent in the US during the first half of 2026, outpacing vinyl, which grew by just 2.4 per cent in the same period.

Figures released as part of a biannual report by the data company Luminate showed that CDs sold 16.3 million units in the country between January and the end of June. Notably, however, vinyl remains the more popular physical medium in terms of overall sales, with 21.8 million units sold.

Luminate attributes part of the surge in CD sales to the release of ARIRANG, an album by K-pop group BTS, which sold 516,000 physical copies in its first week. 208,000 of the album’s physical sales were on vinyl.

According to Luminate, the album’s first week vinyl sales are the largest by a contemporary group since the data company started tracking sales electronically in 1991.

But remove BTS and the wider K-pop catalogue from the picture and CD sales still outpaced vinyl, with a growth of 6.7 per cent. So, what else could have provoked the surge?

Not long ago, we wrote about the effect that Gen Z are having on the physical sales market. Luminate’s report sheds further light on the matter, revealing that young people’s motivations aren’t limited to listening, with approximately half of Gen Z and millennials who bought a CD not owning a CD player.

According to Luminate: “This behavior underscores that for younger generations, the act of buying physical music is as much about aesthetic ownership and direct financial support for the artist as it is listening to the music on the product itself.”

Among Gen X, on the other hand, 55 per cent of buyers cited nostalgia as a direct influence on their CD purchases.

But sentimental value and affordable merchandise aren’t the only drivers here – listening habits are also changing. In the first half of 2026, 60 per cent of Gen Z listeners reported listening to music from the 1990s or earlier, in a jump of 42 per cent since 2021.

While physical sales continue to grow, it’s worth noting that they do so alongside streaming, rather than as a replacement. So far this year, US audio streams have grown by 11.8 per cent, while global on demand audio streams have risen by 9.8 percent.

So, streaming continues to dominate the landscape, but it seems that physical formats like CD are increasingly being chosen for their collectibility and improved financial connection to artists; motivations that any music lover should find hard to sniff at.

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Marantz CD 70 vs CD6007: what are the differences between these entry-level CD players?

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McIntosh never does things by halves, but even by its standards, the MX124 is quite an AV receiver. Its 13.4-channel arrangement means it can connect to four subwoofers at once. This thing is not meant for your spare room.

Rather it's aimed at "today's most advanced home cinema systems", whether that's a pro-level viewing room setup or whole home entertainment system.

Support for 8K video comes as standard, and it's compatible with room correction software to optimise the sound to your environment.

Inside is updated processing architecture, promising advanced audio and video processing.

Its 13 audio channels support speaker configurations up to 7.4.6 or 9.4.4. And its four subwoofer outputs is twice as many as its predecessor, to support more sophisticated system layouts and more precise bass management.

McIntosh is positioning the MX124 as a way to extend the lifespan of your home cinema setup. That's thanks to its support for immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, Sony 360 Reality Audio and MPEG-H Audio, as well as its versatility in outputs and next-gen processing architecture.

With nine 32-bit digital-to-analogue converters, it promises "exceptional detail, dynamic range, and sonic accuracy", and it has bass and treble controls for tweaking the sound to your liking.

Room optimisation smarts comes courtesy of not only Dirac Live, but Dirac Live Bass Control and Audyssey MultEQ XT32. So it should sound its best in pretty much any room, with optimised bass performance, imaging, tonal balance, speaker integration and overall clarity, and all while preserving McIntosh's signature musicality.

On the video front, you get seven HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs, one of which has eARC. They all support 4K/120Hz (and 8K/60Hz) as well as Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG and IMAX Enhanced. Gamers will enjoy the addition of ALLM and VRR.

Streaming? You got it. As well as Apple AirPlay and Bluetooth, it supports Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Roon Ready, with support for high-resolution streaming up to 32-bit/192kHz.

You also get four digital audio inputs, one balanced and eight unbalanced analogue stereo inputs, component and composite video inputs, dual analogue stereo outputs for two additional listening zones, and support for Bluetooth headphones.

And if you're looking to install it professionally with custom integration, you'll welcome the web-based configuration, pre-configuration and file upload capabilities, back-up and restore support, RS232 and IP control, and certification for Control4 Simple Device Discovery Protocol (SDDP) integration.

The McIntosh MX124 is out now, and costs £16,900 (around $23,000 / AU$32,000).

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In case you missed the news last week, Marantz officially announced the successors to its entry-level CD6007 CD player and PM6007 stereo amplifier.

The CD 70 and Model 70 go on sale on the 15th August for £499 | €600 | $750 | AU$1100 (exc VAT) and £749 | €850 | AU$1600 (exc VAT) respectively.

At the time of the announcement, there was no US pricing for the Model 70, and Marantz confirmed to What Hi-Fi? that this was because the stereo amplifier wouldn’t be available there at launch.

We asked Marantz to comment further, and it has replied with a full explanation for the decision:

“MODEL 70 will not be available in North America at this time. Following careful evaluation, we determined that anticipated market demand in the region would not support the minimum production volumes required for a local launch. As a result, we have made the decision to focus availability for the initial launch in markets where consumer demand can be more effectively met.

"We are confident that we already have other products in our current portfolio that can meet our customer needs for stereo components in North America, including the acclaimed STEREO 70s Stereo Receiver and the compact MODEL M1 Streaming Amplifier. We remain committed to bringing innovative products to North America and will continue to introduce new models that align well with the needs of the region.”

While it might come as a surprise to hear the amplifier isn’t launching in the US, this isn’t the first time a manufacturer has targeted specific markets with specific products and product ranges, nor will it be the last.

Different international markets might have different demands and requirements for products, so it makes sense not to launch something that might muddy the waters. Having said that, undoubtedly there will be some prospective buyers who might be looking forward to experiencing the new integrated amp and disappointed that it won't be making the journey.

The statement does use the words “initial launch”, though, so who knows if Marantz might change its plans further down the line.

We have both the CD 70 and Model 70 in for testing at the moment and will be reporting back with the official What Hi-Fi? verdict soon.

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End of an era as Marantz waves goodbye to two hi-fi classics and unveils new entry-level Model 70 integrated amplifier and CD 70 compact disc player

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Roberts has expanded its Revival range with the new Revival Uno Solar radio.

Priced at £199.99, Roberts says the portable radio has been designed for listeners who “appreciate timeless design” and “the simple pleasure of slowing down with great sound”.

The Revival Uno Solar supports DAB, DAB+ and FM radio. Up to 40 presets (20 DAB / 20 FM) allow you to store your favourite radio stations for fast access to entertainment, while Bluetooth support and a 3.5mm auxiliary input let you stream from your devices.

Additional features include two independent alarms with snooze, an adjustable sleep timer to minimise battery wastage should you nod off while listening, a 3.5mm headphone output for solo sessions and a 3.5mm stereo line-out connection.

Embodying the company’s love for the outdoors, which recently became more apparent than ever with the release of the SolarDAB 99, the Revival Uno Solar uses a built-in solar panel to supplement its rechargeable batteries, which can also be charged via mains. Roberts says the solar panel “offsets power consumption in naturally lit environments” and “doesn’t rely on direct sunlight”.

With a full charge providing up to 20 hours of portable playback and dainty dimensions of just 16.3 x 21.1 x 8cm (hwd), the Revival Uno Solar should have no trouble fitting into the packed car boot for your next camping trip.

Unlike the more rugged looking Solar DAB 99, the Revival Uno Solar embraces the classic design style associated with Roberts and is available in two finishes: duck egg and midnight blue.

The Revival Uno Solar is available now for £199.99.

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Apple Music just got more expensive. The music streaming service is now £11.99 / $11.99 / AU$14.99 for the Individual plan – that's £1 / $1 / AU$2 a month pricier than before.

It's not the only streaming service hiking its prices lately. Tidal recently announced its prices will go up next month, while Spotify raised its prices at the start of this year.

Here are the new prices for Apple Music.

However, even with the price rise, Apple Music remains cheaper than Spotify and Tidal in most plans and most territories. The student plan remains unchanged in the UK at £5.99 a month.

This is Apple Music's first price rise in four years. Apple recently raised the price of some of its devices – including the Apple TV 4K and HomePod 2 – citing the global RAM shortage.

Annual price rises are swiftly becoming the new norm for streaming services. Spotify has raised its UK prices three times since 2023.

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Welcome to Home Cinema Week 2026 – our annual celebration of all things (you guessed it) home cinema. That covers everything from projectors to AVRs, and all sorts of products and topics in between.

This celebration is extra special for us, as it is What Hi-Fi?'s 50th birthday this year. Home cinema has played a massive part in our journey, as we have been reviewing a range of categories since they emerged many moons ago. We have seen trends come and go, but our quest to find the best kit on the market has never changed.

We have got a whole host of exciting content coming throughout the week to mark the occasion. That includes a look back at the first types of television technology to hit the shelves, reviews of premium AV kit, and a behind-the-scenes peek at our testing facility.

On top of that, we take a tour of London's only cinema museum, discuss the best ways to store your Blu-rays, and decide whether 8K TVs have well and truly died.

Keep an eye on our Instagram, TikTok and YouTube pages as well, where we are posting extra content to celebrate.

We will keep this page updated with all published articles throughout the week, so you can stay on top of the latest content. We have certainly enjoyed getting even more stuck into the wild and wonderful world of home cinema than usual, and hope you will too.

Day 1

Day one of Home Cinema Week gave us a five-star projector review, a home cinema setup made from Award-winning products, and an ode to the music from a particularly popular director's films.

You can find all of our Home Cinema Week 2026 day one articles below:

• Hisense XR10 review
• Excited for The Odyssey? This divisive Christopher Nolan movie has the perfect test score to get you in the mood
• Buying a TV from a bricks-and-mortar shop is a great idea – just avoid these 5 mistakes
• Arcam and KEF star in this home cinema system that also stuns in stereo
• 5.1 vs 7.2 surround sound: which is better?

Day 2

We had a bumper crop of home cinema content on day two, including a review of a new Q Acoustics speaker package, a behind the scenes look at London's hidden cinema museum, and a piece questioning what actually counts as home cinema.

• Thinking of buying a soundbar? Here’s a better alternative
• I took a tour of London’s only cinema museum – and these are my three favourite finds
• Here's how much your streaming habit actually costs each year
• Does it matter what size soundbar you buy?
• The McIntosh MX124 AV receiver wants to be the beating heart of your monster home cinema setup
• 14 of the best musical movies to test your 5.1, 7.2 or Dolby Atmos surround sound system
• What is home cinema? Perhaps this is controversial, but I think it’s anything you want it to be
• Looking for a 4K projector on a budget? This quality five-star Epson is highly recommended by our home cinema experts
• Q Acoustics 3050c 5.1 with Q SUB100 review

Day 3

Another big day of AV content, including a review of Denon's powerhouse flagship AVR, a selection of recommended portable systems for when you want to take home cinema out of the home, and a comparison of Dolby Digital and DTS.

• From Bond to Hitchcock: 7 non-sports movies with brilliant sports scenes
• Why Hollywood's greatest gunfight is also a great test for your home cinema
• Dolby Digital vs DTS: our experts explain the two big surround sound technologies
• The three best portable systems for picture and sound quality on the move, recommended by our experts
• Why do so many people make this rookie mistake with their TV?
• Our reviewers' picks of the best music videos to test your home cinema hardware – from 4K Peter Gabriel remasters to Pomme’s modern classic
• Denon AVC-A1H review

Day 4

Day four brought with it a tour of our test room and reference home cinema system (complete with a video!), a review of the best UST projector we've ever tested, a trip through the What Hi-Fi? archives at the defining TV formats of the millennium so far, and much more...

• Are we living in a golden age of home cinema? What Hi-Fi? writers, editors and experts weigh in
• Warning! If you’re storing your DVDs and Blu-rays like this, you could be damaging them
• The defining TV formats of the 21st century – 1080p, OLED, 3D, 4K, 8K and beyond – and the first time What Hi-Fi? reviewed them
• If you want a future-proof, five-star flagship OLED with two key features you won't find on its rival, our experts recommend this punchy LG TV
• AWOL Vision Aetherion Max review
• Behind the scenes in our AV testing facility – here are the reference home cinema products we use every single day
• LG's Creator Original Picture Mode lets filmmakers tweak your TV's picture – but we have questions

Day 5

The Friday of Home Cinema Week was jam-packed with AV-related content, including a review of Denon's new mid-range AV receiver, opinions from the industry on 8K TVs and the best scenes for testing, and how you can use VR to transport yourself to a private cinema.

• I traded my home cinema setup for a VR headset for an evening – here's everything you need to know
• How far away should you sit from your TV? We work out the ideal distance for the best viewing experience
• I've finally given in to HBO Max – but does it merit the hype?
• Are 8K TVs dead? I asked the industry heavyweights, and the silence was deafening
• We've just reviewed this futuristic AWOL 4K projector, and it might just be our favourite UST yet
• Denon AVR-X2900H review
• “This sequence is an absolute torture test for your subwoofer and amplifier” – AV engineers reveal the ultimate test scenes to benchmark your home cinema
• 5 movies and TV shows we’re watching (and testing home cinema kit with) this month

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