JBL has dominated the portable Bluetooth speaker market with its Go, Flip, Charge and Xtreme models, and now it is turning its attention to the wireless multi-room speaker category with the new JBL Cove range.

The Cove range is designed to bring "superior JBL sound to every room", touting a flexible and expandable whole-home audio ecosystem powered by JBL's in-house platform and managed via the JBL One app.

The new series consists of three models available at launch: the compact Cove M1, the battery-powered Cove P1, and the flagship, six-driver-toting Cove X1. Each speaker can be used in its own right, as a stereo pair, or as part of a multi-room setup.

The smaller Cove M1 houses a trio of tweeters alongside a single woofer, while the Cove P1 packs four tweeters and a single woofer. The flagship Cove X1, meanwhile, also houses a quad tweeter array, complemented by a pair of woofers.

Both the Cove X1 and Cove M1 support Dolby Atmos, with the battery-powered Cove M1 boasting 14 hours of playtime on a single charge and an IP56 certification for protection against dust and water.

To help you get the most out of your multi-room system, JBL’s own 'Constant Sound Field' automatically tunes the speakers to their given environment, while 'AI Sound Boost' further aims to optimise performance based on where and how you listen.

You're not short on wireless connectivity, either. Alongside standard Bluetooth, wi-fi access grants support for AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Qobuz Connect, and all members of the new Cove family are Roon Ready. Spotify Tap provides quick access to Spotify, while built-in Alexa Plus voice control is also available.

The Cove range will connect with JBL's Bar Series MK2 soundbars (which include the Bar 300MK2 and Bar 1000MK2), and you can use a pair of Cove speakers as rear surrounds for a home cinema setup.

According to Carsten Olesen, President of Consumer Audio at Harman: "JBL Cove marks an important step in our ambition to become a leading force in home audio, combining powerful JBL Legendary Sound with the simplicity, flexibility and outstanding value that will help even more people discover how simple it is to have great sound throughout the home.”

Each member of the JBL Cove range will be available in white or black finishes from October 2026. The JBL Cove M1 is priced at £200 / €230 / $230, the Cove P1 at £400 / €450 / $400, and the Cove X1 at £430 / €500 / $450.

MORE:

Read our review of the Sonos Era 300

Also consider the Apple HomePod 2

Best wireless speakers: tried and tested by our expert team

Dali has announced the release of a new subwoofer, the Basik Sub, which the company says is “a natural partner” to its Kupid and Sonik 1 standmounters.

The Basik Sub uses a 20cm downward-firing woofer made from paper pulp, which Dali claims combines “low mass with rigidity to provide detailed low-frequency performance”.

According to the company, the Basik Sub’s downward-firing configuration allows more even bass distribution and improves flexibility when it comes to positioning.

It's powered by Class D amplification, delivering 170W RMS and a peak of 220W. And the subwoofer's reasonable dimensions of 31.9 x 29.5 x 31 cm (hwd) should also make it easy to integrate into smaller listening spaces.

The subwoofer includes a stereo line-in and a mono LFE input to cater for hi-fi and home cinema applications. The speaker also features built-in controls, such as a gain, crossover adjustment (40–120Hz) and phase controls (0–180°), which Dali says “make it straightforward to integrate Basik Sub into a wide range of systems”. A dual-stage limiter has been included to protect the drivers from overloading.

A vented voice-coil helps to maintain cooling and minimises air compression at high listening levels, while a switch-mode power supply regulates power consumption and heat generation.

According to Krestian Pedersen, head of product management at Dali: "We've seen a rise in popularity of bookshelf speakers with our own award-winning KUPID and SONIK 1 speakers over the last year. This has been fuelled by small, affordable streaming amplifiers and turntables which allow consumers to create a custom hi-fi system for the price of a smartphone.

"BASIK SUB is designed as a natural enhancement for these systems as almost all affordable streaming amplifiers and speakers feature a dedicated subwoofer output and bass management features, making it possible to get the full scale and bandwidth from a compact and interior-friendly package"

The Dali Basik Sub is set to go on sale in October for £429 / $800 / €500 and will be available in six finishes: Solid Black, Solid White, Caramel White, Golden Yellow and Chilly Blue.

MORE

Read our full Dali Sonik 1 review

And our Dali Kupid review

Plus, take a look at our pick of the best subwoofers for all budgets, tested by our expert reviewers

The Expert Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) has announced the winners of the EISA Awards 2026-2027, marking the 44th edition of the world's longest-running and most respected awards programme for consumer electronics. Across five categories, Hi-Fi, Home Theatre & Vision, Photography, Mobile Devices and In-Car Electronics, this year's winners represent the products that EISA's expert groups judged to be the outstanding performers of the year.

The winners were selected through EISA's rigorous, long-established judging process. Over several months, editors from more than 50 specialist technology magazines and websites in 27 countries tested hundreds of new products from every major manufacturer, comparing notes and, in the case of most categories, meeting in person to debate and vote on the strongest candidates in each category before reaching a final consensus.

This year's list of winners spans everything from loudspeakers and mirrorless cameras to flagship smartphones, home theatre systems and in-car infotainment, reflecting both the breadth of EISA's expertise and the pace of innovation across the consumer electronics industry over the past 12 months.

“The EISA Award is the award with the greatest tradition in the world,” said EISA president Ljubiša Miodragović. “It is given by a group of the most respected technology editors on the planet, people who spend months carefully judging and reviewing every device before a single winner is chosen. That is what sets these awards apart, and it is what makes today's announcement so meaningful for the winning companies and for our readers alike.”

This year, Australian Hi-Fi participated in judging the hi-fi categories, and Sound+Image helped judge home theatre and vision devices. In both cases, the process involves nominations, short-lists, online presentations, listening sessions and extensive lab testing, before conducting a lengthy final voting session between all the relevant EISA expert group editors.

You can view the full list of all the products that won a ‘Best Product’ prize in 2026-2027 EISA Award categories, including the final Judges’ Citation explaining why each won. A full list of EISA Award winners in other categories such as mobile devices and photography equipment can be found at the end.

To see all the AV winners, you can head here for Sound+Image’s presentation of the 2025-2026 EISA Home Theatre and Vision Award categories.

As a final quick disclaimer, please also note that What Hi-Fi? magazine and website have no official connection with EISA; it's the Australian-based Australian Hi-Fi and Sound+Image magazines which have the longstanding EISA connection, dating back to the organisation's expansion from a European to a global perspective on audio, AV and wider consumer electronics categories.

On sale now, #368 of Sound+Image delivers our regular 100 pages of news, reviews and views - packed with reviews, and loaded this issue with all the AV winners of the EISA Awards!

EISA Awards 2026-2027
Sound+Image and Australian Hi-Fi magazines are EISA’s exclusive representatives for Home Theatre and Hi-Fi here in Australia voting together with a community of 50+ technology magazines, websites and social media commentators from 27 countries, to reward the best products in each class of each sector with a coveted EISA Award.

All the AV winners are fully featured in the new Sound+Image; you can also find details on our microsite here.

VALVES vs SOLID-STATE
Join the classic debate!

- Musical Fidelity M6xi integrated amplifier
First, a solid-state design from no lesser an amplification master than Musical Fidelity: the solid-state contender is the new update of the company's best-selling integrated amp, bearing massive solid-state power provision.

- Fezz Audio Titania MK2 integrated amplifier
Now the valves: this Polish design aims to simplify the valve amp, improving ease of use and reliability while retaining the joys of seven glowing valves, not to mention three enormous toroids.

REVIEWS GALORE!
Independent, in-depth reviews of the latest, greatest kits and potentially some duffers – we'll let you know...

- Yamaha NX-70A wireless streaming hi-fi speakers
A big secret at the Australian Hi-Fi Show in Sydney, then revealed at Vienna, and now shortly to be released to the world: meet Yamaha’s active streaming NX-70A standmount speakers.

- LeIca Cine Compact 1 smart mini projector
Leica has released a third projector leveraging the camera-maker’s special abilities in glass and lens manufacture; it marks a new affordable entry point to the luxury line.

- Primare Allt-i-Ett all-in-one audio system
The modern breed of large console-style all-in-ones gain from streaming abilities, app control, all manner of cunning tech, and this one even comes with extra added Scandi hygge.

- Richter Dragon Series 7SE floorstanding speakers
Richter rocks the room with the re-imagined return of the Aussie company’s famous Dragon floorstander, resplendent in an all-new Series 7 Special Edition.

- Denon Home 200, 400, 600 wireless smart speakers
Three new wireless smart speakers provide the first options for standalone sound, here built for streaming with HEOS multiroom on board.

- JBL Xtreme 5 Bluetooth speaker
It’s a long-running favourite model with us for its bottle-opener and remarkably unboxy sound, and JBL’s latest Xtreme 5 has bulked things up still more.

- Sennheiser RS 275 TV headphones package
Sennheiser’s classic ‘RS’ series of TV headphones is here reborn using the new Auracast standard to send your TV sound to these lightweight headphones.

- ASUS ROG Kithara hi-fi gaming headset
The planar-magnetic ASUS ROG Kithara is designed for a double life: microphone attached to keep gamers alert and alive, or hi-fi cables for music listening.

Earlier this week, Naim launched its new premium Uniti Star Lite streaming amplifier, which retains all the extensive features, connections and design of the original Star – but loses the CD player and ripper.

This is a blow to CD fans, but it was unavoidable due to issues sourcing the original drive mechanism and an inability to find a suitable alternative.

Naim's solution therefore was to cease production of the original Star and introduce the Star Lite as a streaming-focused unit. All sensible, to be fair, especially at the lowered price of £3199 compared with the now-discontinued Star's £3499.

With all the specs, amplification and streaming features being pretty much identical, we had also assumed that the sound quality of the two units would remain the same as well. That would be no bad thing, as the original Uniti Star got an effusive five-star review from us when we tested it back in 2018.

However, Naim has now confirmed to us in a statement that the new Star Lite will actually have a "better audio performance" than the outgoing Star.

Developing the Star Lite gave Naim's engineers the opportunity to tweak elements of the hardware, circuitry and software under the hood, all of which should result in "a cleaner signal path, with improved transparency for a more refined listening experience."

Here is the full statement from Naim below:

"The Uniti Star Lite was developed as a replacement for the Uniti Star following the discontinuation of the CD mechanism. However, during development, we identified some performance benefits resulting from this simplified architecture.

"By removing the CD mechanism, we were able to reduce electrical noise within the product. Combined with software optimisation and a more focused hardware architecture, the result is a cleaner signal path, with improved transparency for a more refined listening experience.

"In short, Uniti Star Lite is not simply the original Uniti Star without a CD drive; the simplified architecture has enabled us to achieve a more optimised electronic with a better audio performance."

So that's more positive news than we initially thought, and credit to Naim for not resting on its laurels. While many will mourn the loss of the integrated CD player, it looks like those investing in the Star Lite will potentially benefit from better sound, too.

MORE:

Naim's Uniti Star Lite streaming amplifier launches with extensive features – but it is missing one key ingredient

Quiz! Can you name the first film in these home cinema formats?

If Sonos Ace Ultra headphones are in the works, here are three things they need to get right to rival Sony and Bose

Naim has added a new premium streaming amplifier to its Uniti range, called the Uniti Star Lite, which has all the same streaming features, connections, hi-res specs and design as the original five-star Uniti Star we effusively reviewed in 2018.

The big difference? It no longer has an integrated CD player and ripper, hence the "Lite" version.

That isn't Naim being contrarian and deciding CDs are passé just as the silver disc is growing in popularity; this "renewed focus" is the result of a supply issue.

As reported by US hi-fi site ecoustics, there was speculation earlier this year on the Naim Audio Community forum about the original Uniti Star's potential demise, with Naim's Richard Dane (who manages the forum) confirming that Naim had "run into difficulty in sourcing the CD drives for the Star" and had therefore decided to "pause production" while it looked for a suitable alternative or decided whether a "more extensive re-design is required".

Dane confirmed in a later post in August that, since the mechanism "suddenly ceased production", Naim had been unable to find a suitable replacement, and thus would stop production of the Star entirely and preserve any remaining CD mechanism stock for repairs and servicing.

• “Uniti Star Lite is not simply the original Uniti Star without a CD drive” – Naim says its new streaming amp sounds better, too

Dane further stated that there is a "logical solution to the problem", which we're seeing now in the form of the streaming-focused Uniti Star Lite.

The Star Lite sits between the compact Uniti Atom (currently £2299 / $3799) and the full-size, more powerful Uniti Nova (£4399 / $6899).

Even without the CD player, the Uniti Star Lite is a stacked product in terms of streaming and connections. It boasts the same 70W per channel into 8 ohms of Class A/B amplification as the original model. Naim says the Lite will be "preserving its audio performance", so we're expecting it will retain the excellent sound quality of the original Star. Update: Naim has confirmed to us it has made improvements to the sound quality, too.

Everything from AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and internet radio to Tidal/Qobuz/Spotify Connect is available, with UPnP compatibility that lets you access and play vast digital music libraries stored on connected NAS drives. Bluetooth is now updated to the aptX Adaptive codec.

Ethernet and dual band wi-fi is on board, while everything is controlled via the established Focal & Naim app, a comprehensive and elegant platform that also lets you connect up to six compatible Naim and Focal streaming products.

There is ample connectivity, from RCA and 5-pin DIN analogue inputs to optical, coaxial RCA and coaxial BNC digital inputs. There is also an HDMI ARC input, two USB-A ports, and a 3.5mm headphone port.

File format compatibility is also extensive, with hi-res files up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD128 supported (via USB), and 24-bit/192kHz files supported across most other inputs.

All of these features are identical to the original Star, as is the stately aluminium-clad design, which features a 5-inch display and the stunning illuminated volume/control dial on top.

The dimensions are identical, too, although the new Uniti Lite is 1kg lighter due to it no longer having an optical CD drive fitted.

Naim says the Uniti Star Lite is a "natural evolution" of the Star, and while it's a shame that the one feature that made the Star stand out is now missing, we must also applaud that Naim has stuck to its standards and hasn't simply fitted a disc drive of lower quality into a premium streaming product and called it a day.

The one upshot here is that the Uniti Star Lite has also shed a few hundred pounds in price: £3199 / €3999, compared with the original, now discontinued, Uniti Star, which cost £3499.

We're also told that the Star Lite will only be available in the UK and Europe markets, which won't be such good news for the rest of the world.

MORE:

Read our original Naim Uniti Star review

Our pick of the best hi-fi systems you can buy across all budgets

Naim Uniti Nova PE is the brand's most powerful streaming player yet

British loudspeaker manufacturer, Castle, has announced two new series of speakers, Tintagel and Walmer, each featuring one standmounter and one floorstanding model.

According to Castle, the Tintagel Series is “the accessible bedrock of Castle’s new line-up”, while the Walmer Series is positioned further upmarket, “utilising sophisticated material and technologies” for “a new level of performance”.

The four new models are the first loudspeakers from Castle since the Windsor Series released in 2023. Like the Windsor Series, all of the new speakers will be designed and manufactured in the UK.

The new Tintagel series aims to bring Castle's "typical warmth, craft and musicality" in hand-crafted cabinets that use real-wood veneers.

The Tintagel 1 is a two-way standmounter, with 13cm mid/bass advanced fibre driver and a 28mm silk dome tweeter. The speaker uses a large, rear-firing bass port for low frequency extension.

The Tintagel 2 floorstanders use a twin 15cm advanced fibre drivers alongside the same 28mm silk dome tweeter as the Tintagel 1. A downward-firing port runs through the speaker’s plinth, which Castle says makes the Tintagel 2 “easier to position” in your listening room.

The speakers’ 'advanced fibre' cones are made from a fibre blend designed to provide light weight and diaphragm damping. Castle says that the cones’ material qualities “avoid the hard, exposed character that can come from less controlled diaphragm materials”.

The silk dome tweeters use a large dome and shallow waveguide to control high-frequency dispersion for “a stable tonal balance, both on and off axis”.

The more expensive Walmer Series features two speakers, the Walmer 1 and Walmer 2, which are designed for listeners who want more "technical refinement" and greater speed, openness and scale above the Tintagel models.

The Walmer 1 is a two-way standmount speaker, featuring a 13cm woven carbon fibre mid/bass driver and a 12x45mm ribbon tweeter. The three-way Walmer 2 floorstanders, on the other hand, use the same ribbon tweeter and twin 15cm bass drivers and a 11.5cm midrange unit, both made from woven carbon fibre.

Ribbon tweeters were chosen for the Walmer Series speakers due to their lightweight diaphragms, which can “respond quickly to resolve fine detail with delicacy and natural extension", while it also offers a wider horizontal dispersion of sound.

The drivers' carbon fibre material has a high stiffness-to-weight ratio, which Castle says delivers “bass notes [with] cleaner leading edges, reduces low-level colouration and allows the midrange to retain fine detail without becoming brittle”.

The Walmer 2’s midrange unit is also housed in its own enclosure, which isolates the driver from low frequency pressure changes inside the cabinet, “elevating clarity through the most critical part of the audio band”.

Additionally, the Walmer 2 featues a mass loaded transmission line system for controlled bass extension. Castle says the objective was to retain the brand's "natural warmth and musical ease" while also adding precision and transparency without sounding overly analytical.

The Castle Tintagel and Walmer Series are available from September, in finishes of Walnut and Black Oak. Prices are as follows:

Tintagel 1: £1999 / $2749 / AU$3749 per pair

Tintagel 2: £2999 / $3999 / AU$5499 per pair

Walmer 1: £2499 / $3499 / AU$4748 per pair

Walmer 2: £4999 / $7499 / AU$10,499 per pair

MORE:

Rotel's first passive speakers in over 25 years tease "exceptional resolution and accuracy"

From legendary turntables to cutting-edge DACs: 33 debut products that defined hi-fi history

Check out our pick of the best speakers for all budgets, tested by our expert reviewers

Quiz! Can you name the first film in these home cinema formats?

A few weeks ago, Sony announced that its next-generation PlayStation console will ditch physical discs, which has (quite rightly) sent gamers and cinephiles alike into a frenzy.

Seeing this as an opportunity to one-up its arch-nemesis, which has dominated the home console market for years now, Xbox has announced a new feature that will give physical discs a lifeline – for now, at least...

Announced at Gamescom 2026, Xbox's new "disc to digital" initiative will let gamers acquire digital licenses for the physical games they own, essentially bundling the best aspects of physical and digital media into one.

Inserting a supported Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One game (Xbox says that thousands of titles are supported and more will be added over time) will prompt users to "claim a digital entitlement", essentially adding a digital version of their game to their library.

This allows them to fire up the game even when the disc isn't in the console, and it unlocks the ability to play the game practically anywhere, whether that's a friend's console that you're logged into, Xbox's Play Anywhere feature, or even the Xbox Cloud Gaming service.

Crucially, though, users will still benefit from owning a physical copy of the game: Xbox says that this is an "important step toward a future where players can have greater confidence that the games they buy remain with them for years to come".

In other words, if you own a physical copy, your purchased titles can't suddenly disappear from your library – which is what happened when Sony removed hundreds of purchased films from PlayStation users' libraries recently.

Furthermore, you can still sell your disc or lend it to a friend without worry, as the digital license is transferable.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, in an interview with BBC News, stated that it will allow users to experience a best of both worlds approach, and claimed that "it's really a breakthrough in how we think about physical and digital media".

The feature will come to Xbox Insiders (the gaming firm's Beta software testers) on 31st August, with a wider rollout to all users expected down the line.

While this looks like a positive change on paper, it also suggests Xbox may follow Sony's lead and opt for an all-digital approach for its next consoles, though that remains speculation for now.

Xbox could be preparing its users by allowing them to digitise their existing physical library in readiness for a discless Xbox launching in the coming years, but only time will tell if that is the outcome.

MORE:

Read our full Xbox Series X review

Still undecided? Xbox Series X vs PS5

Check out our picks for the best 4K Blu-ray players

Quiz! Can you name the first film in these home cinema formats?

A new entry-level addition to Samsung’s S26 range of premium smartphones has arrived – meet the S26 FE.

The new model sports a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. That’s slightly bigger than the 6.3in screen used in its more expensive sibling, the Samsung Galaxy S26.

In terms of peak brightness, the S26 FE can go up to 1900 nits, and when we had a chance to get up close with pre-production models during Samsung’s launch event, its display seemed colourful yet balanced while watching test footage under bright lighting.

This is most likely helped by the Samsung Vision Booster, a technology that improves screen visibility and colour reproduction.

We'll have to see the phone under natural outdoor lighting to see how it truly performs, but we are hoping its well-sized screen and solid specs could make it a promising contender for movie lovers on the go.

Its camera setup includes a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom on the back of the phone. At the front, you will spot a 12MP selfie camera at the top.

The S26 FE also offers 45W charging, which the brand claims can get your phone to 70 per cent in half an hour. You can get up to 28 hours of video playback from a single charge, which is only two hours less than the S26.

The processor has been given a boost, offering Exynos 2500. That’s still not on par with the more premium Exynos 2600 found in the standard S26, but it is an upgrade from the previous FE iteration. On top of that, the new model also runs on Android 17 and offers seven generations of updates.

The phone weighs in at 193g and, based on our first impression, it seems impressively lightweight and well-built.

The S26 FE will set you back £699 for the 128GB model, £799 for 256GB of storage and £949 for the top 512GB handset. This is slightly higher than the previous S25 FE, which started at £649 for the cheapest model, but that could be down to the RAM crisis, which has hiked up smartphone prices across the board.

There are three colours to choose from: Pistachio, Graphite and Blueberry.

When we reviewed the top-of-the-range Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, we were dazzled by its feature-packed software experience and contrast-rich picture. If the S26 FE can offer a chunk of that five-star performance for a fraction of the price, then it could be a great contender for film fans on the move.

MORE:

Check out the best smartphones for every budget

Read our full Samsung S26 Ultra review

Sony’s latest budget smartphone claims to double the brightness of its predecessor

The only certain things in life are death, taxes, and an annual iPhone event in September.

Sure enough, Apple has just announced an event for 9th September. I wonder what that could be about?

Actually, I’m doing Apple a disservice there, because this event, which has the tagline ‘Surprise And Shine’, is expected to be a little different to previous years.

That’s because rumours suggest that it won’t feature the ‘standard’ iPhone 18, which most in-the-know types currently think is set for a launch in spring next year.

Instead, the 9th September event is tipped to focus on the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and [drumroll] Apple’s first foldable phone.

As AV nerds, we are of course very excited to see the foldable iPhone, which rumours suggest could be called the iPhone Ultra.

If it can combine the awesomely cinematic picture tuning of Apple’s existing iPhones with a near-tablet-sized screen and a movie-friendly aspect ratio, it could well be the ultimate phone for movies on the move.

What about AirPods, HomePods and the Apple TV?

But what else might we see at the event? August has been chock-full of rumours about new Apple devices, including the AirPods 5 (one version with ANC, the other without), the controversial AirPods with camera, a new HomePod Mini and HomePod 3, and even the long-overdue Apple TV 4K replacement.

Will any of those appear on 9th September? Personally, I’m not convinced.

To me, it feels like the wrong time to launch the AirPods with a camera, given the current controversy around camera-enabled glasses. I can’t see Apple wading into those murky waters at this stage.

The AirPods 5 look very much ready to go, but they also look like a fairly iterative update to the AirPods 4, which would likely leave them a bit forgotten if they were announced at the same event as the fancy new Pro and Ultra iPhones.

The rumoured new HomePod and HomePod Mini, on the other hand, feel like announcements that are too big to risk being overshadowed by the foldable phone.

My guess is that the new AirPods and HomePods will be announced at a dedicated event in October, where we might also finally see the new Apple TV 4K, which could have some clever new synergy with the HomePods.

As ever with Apple, though, this is really just rumour-fuelled guesswork. Thankfully, we don't have long to wait to find out what's actually coming, as 9th September isn't far away.

Apple will be streaming the event live at Apple.com. Kick-off time is 6pm in the UK, 10am in the US (PT), and 3am on 10th September in Australia.

MORE:

Here's everything we know so far about the iPhone 18, the new foldable iPhone, and the new Apple TV 4K

Here are the best smartphones and best wireless headphones you can buy right now

Yamaha has expanded its streaming-capable hi-fi lineup with the unveiling of two new products: the WXA-70A streaming amplifier and the WXC-70A network music streamer.

Both fresh-faced additions aim to build on the legacy of the 10-year-old WXA- & WXC-50, with Yamaha promising a potent blend of compact streaming convenience and engineering which delivers "a level of musical satisfaction that approaches full-size hi-fi components".

The WXA-70A streaming amp boasts 70 watts of Class D amplification per channel into 8 ohms. At the heart of both new models is an ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC working in tandem with Yamaha’s high-precision internal processing and stable output architecture, designed to offer "expressive bass" alongside a natural, energetic tone.

Both products employ high-precision internal digital signal processing and clock-rebuilding 'ASRC' technology, designed to help maintain "clarity, timing accuracy and spatial precision". Yamaha’s proprietary 'YPAO' room calibration tech, meanwhile, seeks to optimise playback depending on your given listening environment.

The WXA-70A and WXC-70A are well-equipped with connections, offering optical, line-level and auxiliary inputs, as well as HDMI eARC for integration within a TV or home cinema set-up. For boosting your bass, a dedicated subwoofer output is provided on both, with the WXC-70A streamer also offering optical and coaxial outputs.

On the streaming side, both are powered by Yamaha's 'MusicCast' streaming platform and app, granting support for AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify, Qobuz and Tidal Connect, as well as multi-room audio and Roon Ready certification.

The larger WXA-70A and more compact WXC-70A are housed in a rigid aluminium enclosure that promises to be a vibration-resistant structure, which further helps to give each model a "cleaner and more expressive sound".

The Yamaha WXA-70A streaming amp is priced at £1199 / $1300 / AU$1999, while the WXC-70A streamer will set you back £859 / $1000 / AU$1599 with both models set to be available from November.

MORE:

From legendary turntable to cutting-edge DACs: 33 debut products that defined hi-fi history

Pining for The Odyssey on 4K Blu-ray? We have some very good (and slightly bad) news

These are the best stereo amplifiers we've tested

High-performance preamplifiers that pack streaming smarts have become a bit of a burgeoning hi-fi category in recent years.

And McIntosh has a new offering which not only delivers both but also packages them using the company’s trademark design cues.

The CS7500 features a signature black glass front panel, illuminated logo and precision rotary knobs, plus an elevated chassis and custom-machined brushed end caps.

It’s also an amplifier of two halves, boasting a mirror-polished stainless steel lower chassis, partnered with a hairline-brushed black titanium stainless steel upper chassis.

And it wouldn’t be a McIntosh without a splash of colour from its iconic blue meters, which peer out of the front of the amplifier like a pair of demonic eyes.

The CS7500 offers a broad range of connections as you’d expect and includes six analogue inputs, including two balanced, three unbalanced, and a dedicated phono stage for connecting a turntable.

You also have seven digital audio inputs, which all take advantage of the CS7500’s Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit digital-to-analogue converter (DAC). The USB Type-B socket on the rear of the preamp supports native DSD512 files and DXD up to 384kHz, while its coaxial and optical inputs support playback up to 24-bit/192kHz.

You can also extract audio from your TV thanks to its HDMI ARC socket.

On the output front, you have two pairs of balanced and unbalanced variable outputs, plus a fixed unbalanced output for connecting different power amp configurations.

The second set of balanced and unbalanced outputs can also be dedicated to a single subwoofer or pair of stereo subwoofers should your room require a bit more boom.

Streaming support extends to Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect with Spotify Lossless, TIDAL Connect with TIDAL Max, AirPlay, Google Cast, and Roon. There’s also Apple AirPlay and Google Cast for playing music stored on local devices plus Bluetooth aptX HD and aptX Adaptive.

As you’d expect, the McIntosh CS7500 will have a suitably premium price tag of $12,500 / $17,750 CAD when it goes on sale on the 28th August through authorised McIntosh dealers.

MORE:

Our pick of the best music streamers you can buy

And the best stereo amplifiers for every budget

And the best hi-fi systems

Sony has announced the newest addition to its budget line of smartphones – enter the Sony Xperia 10 VIII.

It offers a handful of upgrades over its predecessor, the Xperia 10 VII, and follows on from the Award-winning Xperia 10 VI.

The new model boasts a claimed peak brightness that is double that of the previous smartphone to deliver “improved visibility even outdoors”, although Sony has not disclosed the exact figures.

The Japanese brand also claims that the stereo speaker system (made up of the earpiece and a bottom-firing speaker) features “revised tuning”, which will supposedly deliver “improved volume and sound quality”.

Sony says that volume is boosted by 15 per cent and these speakers can also output 30 per cent stronger bass than the previous model.

There are still a fair few similarities with its older sibling, though. Like the VII model, it runs on the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 with 8GB of RAM, and is powered by a 5,000mAh battery that Sony claims can last for up to two days.

Resolution and size have also stayed the same, with a 6.1-inch screen with a 2340 x 1080 OLED display.

The camera set-up is familiar too, with the 10 VIII sporting a 50-megapixel main and 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens on the back, as well as an 8-megapixel selfie camera.

We are glad to see that the 3.5 mm aux jack has stuck around, and cements Sony as one of the best for audio features in the smartphone market.

You can choose from three colour finishes for the Xperia VIII: Frozen White, Frosted Grey and Misted Lilac.

The Xperia 10 VIII is launching at £549 in the UK, making it £150 more expensive than its predecessor.

That would feel more warranted if there were more hefty upgrades, but it’s a hard sell considering it has the same chipset and camera. That said, the ongoing RAM crisis is likely the cause, with smartphone prices rising across the board.

We're eager to find out if Sony has delivered another five-star budget portable AV machine, so stay tuned for our full review.

MORE:

Check out our review of the Sony Xperia 10 VI

These are the best smartphones on the market

And here are the best Sony soundbars

There has been much talk recently about the rumoured upcoming release of AirPods with built-in cameras, but a new report from Bloomberg’s chief correspondent for Apple, Mark Gurman, suggests that the most imminent generation of AirPods might be a touch more familiar than anticipated.

According to Gurman’s report, Apple is preparing to launch the 5th generation of the standard AirPods next month. This will be an update on the current AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, which were released in 2024.

The AirPods 5 is set to consist of the same two models – one with ANC and one without.

The report suggests that the AirPods 5 could arrive in early September, coinciding with Apple’s annual iPhone launch event, which is predicted to see several new products including the iPhone 18 series, a new Apple Watch and the first folding iPhone Fold (or iPhone Ultra).

Apple expanded its standard non-Pro AirPods range in 2024 to include the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. These are the brand's most affordable wireless earbuds and don't come with eartips like the flagship Pro models do, and they were a marked improvement over the AirPods 3 and featured ANC in the 'open' design for the first time.

We awarded the AirPods 4 with ANC a four-star review for their “impressive ANC”, “powerful sound” and an “extensive feature set that borrows from the flagship model”, while criticising poor battery life, earbuds shape that still didn't fit everyone in our review team, and a sound that could do with “a greater dose of dynamic subtlety, solidity and punch".

Given the expected similarities between the upcoming release and the previous generation, we are hoping that Apple will have taken note of these areas and improve the standard AirPods even further.

Will they adopt more of the flagship AirPods Pro 3's features, will the prices for the AirPods 5 change or remain the same, or will Apple make any surprise overhauls of its popular earbuds? In such a competitive market as wireless earbuds, it will be interesting to see if Apple makes any substantial changes to stay ahead, or if the updates will be incremental between the generations. We shall find out soon enough, if the launch rumours are true.

What features or improvements would you like to see in the AirPods 5? Let us know in the comments.

MORE:

Read our Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation review

Also read our Apple AirPods Pro 3 review

Stay up to date with our pick of the best AirPods, tested by our expert reviewers

FiiO has unveiled the EA13, a full-size vacuum tube amplifier designed to bring the allure of classic valve amplification in a modern, feature-heavy design.

The FiiO EA13 houses six tubes and Class A push-pull circuitry, delivering 28 watts per channel at 8 ohms, with circuitry designed to "preserve both the smallest details and the scale of a performance".

Digging deeper into the amplification, the new model houses two Sylvania NOS PCF80 preamplifier tubes, selected for their "refined, transparent presentation" and an "open, natural soundstage". Accompanying the aforementioned pair are four JJ Electronmic EL34 power tubes to round out that six-tube configuration.

Key to the new amplifier's performance is a low-noise output transformer, built to suppress unwanted vibrations while improving electromagnetic shielding and stability. The result, says FiiO, is a ​tauter, fuller bass reproduction wedded to a refined treble and improved dynamic handling.

On the connections side, four RCA line-level inputs are available. Like most valve amplifier designs, there are 4 ohm and 8 ohm speaker outputs depending on the nominal impedance of your speaker. For personal listening, a 6.35mm single-ended headphone output is found at the front of the unit.

The EA13 has been designed to house classic valve engineering within a modern chassis. The amplifier has a CNC-machined aluminium front panel which has been sandblasted for a more tactile finish, while a solid metal body has been built to offer electromagnetic shielding.

To complete the vintage hi-fi look, the EA13 houses two mechanical VU meters front and centre, flanked by backlit volume and input selector knobs.

The FiiO EA13 amplifier is out now, priced at £769 / $769 / €665.

MORE:

“I have never been happier” – 4K Blu-ray, OLED TVs, Dolby Atmos, and six unforgettable years as editor of What Hi-Fi?

From legendary turntables to cutting-edge DACs: 33 debut products that defined hi-fi history

Check out the best stereo amplifiers money can buy

Eversolo has launched two multitasking network music streamers, the DMP-A8 Gen 2 and DMP-A8 Master Gen 2. These pack in network streaming, high-resolution DAC, analogue preamplifier and a host of connectivity, with near-identical features and a refreshed design across both products.

How do you tell them apart? Well, the Master Gen 2 model now has a custom top-loading CD player built-in, meaning you can play your physical CD collection along with your digital music library files and streamed playlists from just one multi-tasking box.

The DMP-A8 Gen 2 and DMP-A8 Master Gen 2 otherwise share plenty of the same streaming and connectivity features. They have full network streaming abilities (wi-fi and wired), including DLNA compatibility so you can stream stored digital files from a connected NAS drive.

There's support for popular and niche music streaming services, while Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect and Bluetooth are on the menu.

As before, both Eversolo models pair an AK4191EQ digital processor with an AK4499EX DAC for greater precision, with support for hi-res music files up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512.

Updates include a more powerful and faster eight-core processing platform, 8GB of memory and 64GB of internal storage. As we found with the Eversolo DMP-A10, there is an awful lot that an Eversolo streamer and its interface can can do, so the increased processing power in the new streamers will no doubt be welcome, ensuring the interface remains responsive while handling hi-res files, large libraries and switching between various sources.

You can also install an optional internal SSD with up to 8TB of storage on both models, so you can save and access your digital music downloads locally.

Both also function as preamplifiers, thanks to an analogue-domain volume control and a fully balanced analogue output stage. This means you can connect either product to a power amplifier or a pair of active speakers and use the Eversolo as control; or you can use either one purely as a network streamer when connected to an integrated amplifier.

Physical connections include AES/EBU, optical and coaxial digital, along with balanced XLR and RCA line-level analogue connections. There are also USB Type-B and HDMI ARC/eARC inputs, and a dedicated subwoofer output with adjustable crossover settings.

Along with the integrated CD player, the Master Gen 2 features a more sophisticated clocking system than the standard DMP-A8 Gen 2 and adds a 10MHz external clock input, allowing those with "more advanced digital systems the option of connecting the Eversolo to a compatible external clock and using a shared precision timing reference across their digital audio equipment."

The aluminium chassis has been redesigned for both second generations, with a larger 8.6-inch touchscreen display that shows off playback information, album artwork, all sources and apps, as well as display options which include VU meters and spectrum analysers.

Both Eversolo models also feature Eversolo's 'evotune Pro' room correction system, and a 20-band parametric EQ that you can fine-tune to your heart's content.

The Eversolo DMP-A8 Gen 2 is available now and costs £1949 / $1980 / AU$3299, while the DMP-A8 Master Edition Gen 2 will cost you a little more at £2489 / $2590 / AU$4299.

MORE:

Read our Eversolo DMP-A10 review

From legendary turntables to cutting-edge DACs: 33 debut products that defined hi-fi history

Pining for The Odyssey on 4K Blu-ray? We have some very good (and slightly bad) news

Ever heard of gallium nitride (GaN)? It sounds like a material from a galaxy far, far away or a dietary supplement used by Wolverine, but it’s actually a type of semiconductor material and an alternative to conventional silicon.

Going for it is the fact that it allows for higher switching frequencies and it can handle power and heat more efficiently. It can also be packaged much smaller too.

The material is already used in some home hi-fi electronics, but the Burmester and Porsche application is claimed to be the first use of the tech in an in-car environment.

Working together with the University of Stuttgart, Porsche has adapted GaN tech for use in the Burmester 3D High-End Surround Sound System.

Here, it uses a chip based on the material to take care of the voltage conversion needed for the 400W subwoofer amplifier.

Because less energy is required and less heat is generated, you don’t need as much cooling, which means you can use smaller heat sinks – Porsche claims it can make them 20 per cent lighter and also make passive components smaller, thus reducing the size and weight of your amplifier.

One of the biggest challenges for car audio engineers is always the system packaging and being able to make the most of the available space in the car, and this seems to be a convenient way of adding extra versatility without sacrificing performance.

Because less aluminium is used, less heat is generated during the manufacturing process, which has the knock-on effect of reducing CO₂ emissions during amplifier production, so it’s good news from an eco perspective, too.

There's no word on which cars will be the first to feature the tech, but Porsche has confirmed that gallium nitride for Burmester High-End Sound will enter series production and make its debut "in a future Porsche vehicle in 2027".

MORE:

Read our Burmester 3D High-End Surround Sound System (2026 Porsche Macan Electric) review

And our Burmester High-End Surround Sound System (2020 Porsche 911) review

Porsche is bringing Dolby Atmos audio to its in-car hi-fis, but there’s a catch

Sport-centric audio brand Shokz has announced its latest pair of bone conduction headphones, the OpenRun Air 2.

Built for runners, sports-ready headphones use an open design whereby the drivers sit outside of the ear rather than burrowing into the ear canal, so you're always aware of your surroundings. Over-ear hooks and a wraparound stability band keep the headphones in place. Think of the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, and you're in the right area.

The new OpenRun Air 2 deploy Shokz's 'PremiumPitch' technology, which is designed to offer greater extension to higher frequencies while delivering clearer mids and a deeper bass signature.

The drivers feature a metallic dual-coil design that again aims to deliver clear vocals and a defined low-frequency signature within a balanced, clear sonic experience.

The OpenRun Air 2 are IP67 rated, so sweat and rain shouldn't be a problem. Battery life clocks in at 10 hours on a single charge, with a five-minute boost delivering around two hours of playback in a pinch.

Further features include Bluetooth Multipoint for fast switching between devices, four preset equaliser modes, customisable physical buttons, and a 'Find My Headphone' feature whereby the Shokz will play a loud tone if you've misplaced them.

The Shokz OpenRun Air 2 are available in the US in Black or Ice Blue colourways, priced at $130, with buyers able to choose between Standard and Mini band sizes. We'll keep you updated on future availability in other territories.

MORE:

These are the best running headphones you can buy

Read our Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review

7 tracks we've been enjoying in our test rooms over the past month

FiiO has unveiled a new cassette player, but it's not the one the brand was originally planning to launch. Confused? Let us explain.

As the company explained in a post on X, plans were initially in place to launch the new CP15 cassette player, but this has now been delayed due to challenges with getting the new ultra-thin loading mechanism to work.

Instead, FiiO has switched things around and teased the CP11, another portable cassette player that will fill the gap left by the CP15. FiiO has a history in this category, cashing in on the retro revival with its CM13 cassette player, which we tried out a few years ago, and its portable DM13 CD player.

According to FiiO, the new CP11 will feature "an all-new ultra-thin mechanism" and a "higher-quality magnetic head," along with a brushless motor, an overhauled circuit design, and Bluetooth functionality for beaming your music wirelessly to compatible headphones or earbuds.

Photos revealed on X show at least three available colours – red, beige cream, and a light turquoise blue – though there could be more beyond the provided images.

As for its official release, FiiO has said "the end of 2026", but no specific price or date has been given just yet. When we get further information, we'll be sure to share it with you.

MORE:

From legendary turntables to cutting-edge DACs: 33 debut products that defined hi-fi history

“I have never been happier” – 4K Blu-ray, OLED TVs, Dolby Atmos, and six unforgettable years as editor of What Hi-Fi?

These are the best portable MP3 players

A new pair of Beats wireless headphones is on the way, according to a fresh leak.

The upcoming Beats 360 have been teased before in various formats. But the latest glimpse of the premium over-ears all but confirms the headphones are on the way.

The latest leak stemmed from MacRumours, which discovered a Beats codename in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 software update

This isn't the first time that the 360 have prematurely broken cover. Leaked product listings have already been discovered in the past few weeks, whereas multiple Reddit users found the headphones listed on major retailers, including Amazon, before they were subsequently removed.

The mooted cans have also shown up on US Federal Communications Commission documents, and were even given to various global football stars to wear during the World Cup.

Thanks to these continuing accidental (and not-so-accidental) reveals, we do know quite a bit about the upcoming wireless cans. No release date has been officially revealed yet, but now-redacted listings suggest the 360 are a more lifestyle-oriented pair of wireless headphones designed as much for workouts and leisure wear as for work and commuting.

MacRumours reveals further specifications from previously unearthed product listings, including personalised spatial audio, active noise cancelling, AI-powered voice calls, "all-day battery life" (no official figures have broken cover just yet) and easy integration with both Apple and Android devices.

What about price? This is still a decidedly premium pair of wireless headphones, with prices expected to hover around the $300 mark. That's a lot less than big-hitters such as the Sony WH-1000XM6 ($450) and AirPods Max 2 ($550), and a little more affordable than the Beats Studio Pro we reviewed at $350 way back in 2023.

Colour options include Pink, Black, Sky, and Cloud, with Volt (AKA yellow) and Navy potentially on the menu as well.

With so many recent leaks and so much information about the Beats 360 readily available online – not always released by accident – a proper launch seems imminent.

Will we see the Beats 360 arrive before the end of 2026? We wouldn't be surprised if they did. Apple's launch event is coming in September, which could be the perfect time to launch the 360 alongside the also-teased Apple HomePod Mini 2 and HomePod 3.

MORE:

Read our review of the Sony WH-1000XM6

Also consider the Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless

Best over-ear headphones: wired and wireless over-ears for every budget

Japanese high-end audio manufacturer, Esoteric, has launched a new turntable, the T-01, which includes a contactless magnetic drive system for “uncompromising precision, energy, and realism”.

The T-01 turntable costs £41,999 / $50,000 and includes features from the company’s flagship record player, the Grandioso T1, such as a triple-layer aluminium and MDF cabinet construction and 10MHz external clock synchronisation. The turntable’s clock sync is compatible with the G-01XD and G-05 Master Clock, too.

The turntable also features a Magne-Float platter, which uses magnetic repulsion to reduce the effective mass of the platter from 13kg to 4kg, thereby minimising spindle bearing friction.

The patented drive system, which the company calls “Esoteric MagneDrive” was first used in its Grandioso T1 record player. Esoteric says that the system achieves “extraordinary rotational silence, stability and high-torque performance, revealing music with uncompromising precision, energy and realism”.

According to Esoteric, the “MagneDrive” system was more than five years in the making. It sees a soft Iron induction wheel surrounding the lower part of the aluminium platter, which spins in response to the rotation of a magnetic driver mounted on the drive motor. Consequently, there is no direct physical contact between the platter and motor assembly, keeping the platter isolated from the motor's vibrations.

The turntable has rotational speeds of 33⅓ and 45 RPM, and features a +/- 12 per cent speed adjustment option (in 0.1 per cent increments).

The T-01 consists of a main unit and a power supply unit, which Esoteric says will enhance “sound isolation”.

The turntable will be available with or without a tonearm, priced £38,999 / $46,000 without tonearm and £41,999 / $50,000 with the tonearm included.

Shipping begins in September.

MORE

Read our full Esoteric F-01/PS-01F review

Or I’ve just listened to £250,000 worth of turntables and this is what I learned

You can also stay up to date with our pick of the best turntables for all budgets, tested by our expert reviewers

We're expecting to see a new Apple TV 4K in the coming weeks, and now comes word it should have a new Siri remote control.

Source code embedded in Apple's desktop operating system macOS 26.7 contains references to "ATVRemote1,5", which is thought to be a new Siri remote, MacRumors notes. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has previously mentioned a new Siri remote.

So what could it do differently?

Unfortunately, the code offers no details. But with Siri AI rumoured to come as part of tvOS 27, it would make sense to offer a new and improved remote control for interacting with Apple's personal assistant.

Could we see a dedicated source button? A built-in speaker for Find My functionality? New ways to interact with Siri and its new AI powers?

The next Apple TV is rumoured to have a new processor (possibly the A18 Pro or A19 Pro), which would be an upgrade on the current model's A15 Bionic (the same as used in the iPhone 13 from 2021). A new processor would make the device run faster with more RAM, with improved ray-tracing and better graphics rendering for games.

It's also thought to have Apple's N1 chip which offers both Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth.

The current Apple TV 4K launched all the way back in 2022, so an upgrade is long overdue (just ask our senior staff writer Lewis Empson – see 1, 2, 3). The new model is expected to launch in either September (possibly alongside the iPhone 18 range) or October.

MORE:

Check out our full Apple TV 4K (2022) review

Here are our picks for the best streaming devices

As well as the best streaming services for TV shows and movies

R.E.M.’s sophomore album, Reckoning, is about to get a sonic upgrade.

The 1984 American rock classic is set to be released on 180-gram vinyl, with audio sourced from the album’s original master tapes, on 18th September. The reissue comes as the latest addition to Intercope-Capitol Records Definitive Sound Series.

The original co-producers of the album, Mitch Easter and Don Dixon, were personally involved with the release, which was mastered by Grammy-award winning engineer, Chris Bellman.

According to a post shared by R.E.M on Instagram, the involvement of the original engineers “helped ensure that every decision remained faithful to the warmth, dynamics, balance and distinctive character of the original 1984 recording.”

Upon hearing the upgraded masters, Dixon commented that he was “hearing details within the recording that had escaped him on previous vinyl editions”.

When it was released in April, 1984, Reckoning found widespread critical acclaim. One of the album’s songs, So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry), secured R.E.M. their first ever spot in the Billboard Hot 100.

As part of Interscope-Capitol Records’ Definitive Sound Series, the band’s debut EP, Chronic Town, and debut album, Murmur, have also been reissued as limited editions. Both releases have since sold out.

The Definitive Sound Series edition of Reckoning is available to pre-order now and will be limited to 5000 numbered copies – so move fast if you want to hear So. Central Rain like never before.

MORE:

Quiz! Take on our turntable-themed crossword for a spin and see how quickly you can solve the clues

The ultimate music tracks to test your hi-fi system

Rewind to the 1970s with this Pink Floyd, The Dark Side of the Moon, cassette player boxset

Technics paints it black with The Rolling Stones themed wireless earbuds

The Premier League and Formula 1 are both back this weekend, and that means my sports-watching calendar has gone from completely empty to chock-a-block.

On Sunday, at the very same time that the red lights will be going out at the Dutch GP, the refs will be blowing their whistles to kick off two Premier League matches: Brighton vs Aston Villa and Man City vs Bournemouth.

Previously, I would have set up a complex multi-screen system involving the TV, an iPad and a phone, but Sky has just announced a simple (some might say “overdue”) solution, in the form of ‘Your Multiview’.

As the ‘Multiview’ part of the name suggests, this is a new split-screen feature for Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Sky Q.

And, as the ‘Your’ element hints, it allows you to customise the sports shown in each of the windows.

In fact, the level of customisation goes beyond that: up to four events can be shown at once, and users can edit the layout to change which is spotlighted, as well as switch the audio feed at their leisure.

This Sunday, then, I’ll be able to watch the F1 and both football matches at the same time, on a single screen. Neat.

While it’s not confirmed in Sky’s announcement, it looks as though You Multiview will only support live sporting events broadcast on Sky’s own channels, so you won’t be able to include a match broadcast by TNT alongside the cricket from Sky, for example.

It doesn’t appear that you will be able to use any of the windows for non-sports content either, so no watching The Simpsons and the golf at the same time.

I have asked Sky for clarification on these points [edit to add that I have now had this confirmed by a Sky representative], and I will be testing Your Multiview myself over the weekend. On paper, though, it looks like a big win for sports-obsessed Sky subscribers such as me.

MORE:

Check out our Sky Glass Gen 2 review and our Sky Glass Air review

Don’t want to change your TV? Check out our Sky Stream review

Sennheiser has revealed the Sennheiser Momentum 5 True Wireless, the sequel to the Sennheiser Momentum 4 True Wireless we awarded five stars in 2024.

Sennheiser describes the Momentum 5 True Wireless as sharing the same "sound-first DNA" that went into their recently reviewed fifth-gen over-ear counterparts, the Momentum 5 Wireless.

The new earbuds house Sennheiser's signature 7mm TrueResponse dynamic drivers, designed to offer both "remarkable detail" and "full-bodied, bass-driven tuning", as well as "exceptional precision, clarity and dynamics".

Bluetooth 6.0 with aptX Adaptive codec support further bolsters the buds' sonic credentials, allowing the transmission of hi-res wireless audio up to 24-bit/96 kHz from compatible sources.

The fifth-gen buds incorporate a revised hybrid noise-cancelling system, working in tandem with redesigned ear tips and a dedicated four-microphone array to maximise ANC performance. For clearer voice capture, the earbuds combine six dedicated microphones, two bone-conduction voice accelerometers and an AI speech-extraction algorithm, all in a bid to isolate human speech in busy environments.

The Momentum 5 True Wireless will offer around 12 hours of playback from the earbuds themselves, extended up to 40 total hours in total with the charging case in play. Be aware that, according to Sennheiser, those figures will drop to around 6 hours from the buds and between 20-25 hours in total when noise cancelling is switched on.

On the subject of batteries, the Momentum True Wireless 5 introduce a new user-replaceable battery system for both the earbuds and wireless charging case. This will let owners quickly replace the power cells in their buds using a screwdriver.

Sennheiser has pursued a "barely there" fit for its latest flagship buds, with the Momentum True Wireless 5 sporting a new aerodynamic shape which aims for a more comfortable, less obtrusive experience.

The buds' new shape and revised ear tips have been designed to improve both passive noise-cancellation isolation and sound quality, with Sennheiser pushing for an ergonomic design that aids a more secure fit. On the subject of ear tips, four sizes are available ranging from extra small to large.

Sennheiser's latest are rated IP54, guaranteeing a degree of protection against dust, sweat and splashes of water, while a perforated microphone plate aims to mitigate against wind interference to improve voice calls and noise-cancelling.

According to Lilika Beck, Sennheiser's President of Consumer Hearing: "Balancing compact size, our signature high-fidelity acoustics, and a replaceable battery is a major breakthrough. With the Momentum True Wireless 5, we are proving that cutting-edge performance does not have to sacrifice longevity.”

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 will be available from September 3rd in a choice of Graphite, Cream, Copper, Denim or Lavender finishes, priced at £250 / $300 / AU$480.

MORE:

I edited What Hi-Fi? in the late 2000s and saw Sony launch a dancing egg, headphones go mainstream, and the launch of a revolutionary (and divisive) music service

What will hi-fi look like in 2076? We asked some of the most influential experts in the industry

These are the best wireless earbuds you can buy right now

Our six-year wait for a new HomePod Mini might finally be coming to an end.

According to multiple online sources, including MacRumours and 9to5mac, Apple has been working on a major overhaul of its Home lineup: one that will not only include entirely new product lines, but the return of some of its most popular smart speakers.

That includes, at long last, a sequel to 2020's five-star HomePod Mini.

According to MacRumors, the firm's newly released macOS 26.7 release candidate beta software includes codenames referencing a number of unreleased products. One of those codenames was 'B525', and as the current HomePod Mini has the code 'B520', this would imply a second-gen sequel to the five-star smart speaker.

We also have references to 'HomeAccessory17,2' and 'HomeAccessory17,3', but it isn't currently known what these might be. As they are listed as a pair, it seems unlikely that either one refers to the HomePod 3, so they could be anything from home security cameras to smart doorbells.

Don't despair, HomePod 2 fans. According to 9to5mac, Apple is set to unveil a whopping 10 products during its September launch event, with two of those new products including the HomePod Mini 2 and, thankfully, a sequel to the HomePod 2.

Evidence for the third-gen mainline HomePod does seem a little sketchier, but it would make sense for Apple to update both of its established smart speakers at the same time. Apple has already lifted the lid on its AirPods with a camera via a leaked video, so it does seem that major launches are to arrive next month.

Apple has reportedly been delaying potential unveilings until it has its new Siri and Apple Intelligence features working, so it would make sense that both HomePods are ready to go, pending those improvements to Apple's own AI systems.

We've speculated before that, aside from upgraded Apple Intelligence for improved Siri performance, we might potentially see improved microphones, enhanced audio, better codec support and even some new colourways if one or more HomePods are set to arrive in 2026.

Prices are yet to be leaked, but hope springs eternal that Apple doesn't hike the price of the Mini's original £99 / $99 / AU$149 RRP for the second-gen sequel.

As for a concrete release date, all eyes now turn to Apple's September showcase event, which is expected to happen on the 9th of September.

MORE:

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

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

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

Sony's rumoured cut-price reboot of the classic XM4 wireless headphones has leaked again, this time with very official-looking images. There’s also news on the specifications.

WinFuture has posted some images of the cans, which look very similar to the standard XM4 which launched in 2020. The images show the headphones in black, white and violet colourways.

The German site has also seen “excerpts from the manufacturer’s data sheet” which spills the beans on the specs. Bluetooth 6.0 is apparently supported, which is a later version than even that on the Award-winning XM6 (which have Bluetooth 5.3), and matches the premium 1000X The Collexion. Whether this translates to any new or improved features remains to be seen.

Some corners are rumoured to have been cut in order to offer the headphones at a lower price. The NFC logo is missing from the pictures, which suggests Sony axed the easy-pairing feature to keep the costs down. Battery life is also said to be lower than the XM4, at 27 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) activated, and 34 without (the XM4 boasted 30 hours and 38 hours, respectively).

But, like the standard XM4, they are said to feature 40mm drivers, ANC, and to have a frequency response of 4Hz-40,000Hz. They should also weigh the same as the XM4.

Launch price is said to be €250, which would be lower than the XM4’s original price of £380. Given that the XM4 have fallen to £170 before, however, Sony will have some way to go to make the XM4C a compelling alternative. Having said that, given that the XM4 are no longer on sale, the XM4C could be a tempting budget option for Sony fans unable or unwilling to stretch to the XM6.

They are rumoured to launch in early September – we’ll bring you all the news as soon as we have it.

MORE:

I’m excited by the latest Sony wireless headphones rumours – but I have one major worry

I spent 10 hours on trains listening to the Sony WH-1000XM6 – and it convinced me to upgrade my beloved XM4 headphones

Check out our picks for the best Sony headphones

I recently wrote about problems I’m having with my Sony system since the latest software update, and I’ve been inundated with emails and messages from fellow sufferers ever since.

The offending software is 114.602.080.1, which was released to various Sony TV models towards the end of June.

The issues reported range from audio dropout (which is what I’m experiencing) and lip-sync issues to Dolby Vision content refusing to play, and it appears to be related to the way the TVs handle HDMI sources and passthrough.

Needless to say, affected owners are pretty frustrated, but I do have some good news – at least for some of them.

Sony has just released a new update, 114.602.170.1, and, according to some owners, including reader David Simmonds, who alerted me to the release of the new software, the Dolby Vision issue, which caused some users to see a black screen instead of their content, has seemingly been fixed.

[Edit to add: I've since been informed that a secondary Dolby Vision issue, which involves scan lines being visible in content, has not been resolved]

I wasn’t experiencing this problem, so I only have the reports of others to go on regarding the fix.

However, having now installed and done some testing of the new software, I can confirm that it unfortunately doesn’t fix the audio dropout issues for me, and David has confirmed it’s the same for him.

In fairness, this latest software update specifically mentions that it “resolves an issue where a black screen could be observed when starting playback of specific content from external HDMI devices”, but makes no mention of fixing any audio issues – it seems it was always intended to fix one problem but not the other.

I have contacted Sony with these findings and a request for information on a fix for the audio issues, and will report back with any information I get.

MORE:

Even brighter OLED TVs could be on the way thanks to a new “dream” panel technology – and super-large models might get cheaper

Here are all of the best TVs you can buy right now

Thought we had finally hit the upper limit of OLED? Think again!

LG Display, which produces the OLED panels used in all OLED TVs sold by LG Electronics and in many TVs sold by brands such as Samsung, Sony and Panasonic, has just announced a new “dream” panel technology called ‘FLiPP’.

That funky name stands for the decidedly less funky ‘FMM-Less innovative Pixel Patterning’, which actually explains how this new technology works.

For the past decade or so, OLEDs have been manufactured using fine metal masks (FMMs). These are essentially sheets covered with microscopic holes, through which the red, green and blue OLED materials are placed.

The problem with these FMMs is that they add cost and they are hard to manufacture, particularly at very large screen sizes.

Now, “after a year of concentrated R&D”, LG Display says it has managed to develop a manufacturing method that eradicates the need for these FMMs.

More affordable super-sized OLED TVs?

Why should you care? First up, LG Display claims that because FLiPP improves the aperture ratio of OLED, it can “increase display brightness by 1.6 times, extend lifespan by 2.4 times, and reduce power consumption by 13 per cent”.

But I think there is potentially a more interesting point here. FLiPP apparently reduces material costs and significantly improves the efficiency of using large OLED sheets to produce panels for different products, and that means that manufacturing costs should decrease, potentially resulting in cheaper OLED TVs.

This could be particularly beneficial where very large OLED TVs are concerned. Big OLED panels are difficult and expensive to produce, so very large OLED TVs tend to be disproportionately expensive. FLiPP could change that.

LG Display flags that FLiPP is “free from panel size and resolution constraints”, and can be used for producing panels from 1-inch in size (for AR/VR headsets, for example) right up to 100 inches.

But when will we start to see FLiPP-based OLED TVs in shops? Not for a while, it seems: the tech is being officially unveiled at the International Meeting on Information Display (IMID) this week, and LG Display says it will first be used in “IT applications such as tablets and monitors”.

Rollout for “ultra-large TVs” is explicitly promised in the press release, though.

We have contacted LG Display for more information, and have reached out to TV manufacturers for their thoughts on the announcement.

We’ll follow up with more on FLiPP as we get it. In the meantime, those who want more of an explanation of how it works should check out LG Display’s own video explainer:

MORE:

Here are the best OLED TVs you can buy right now

Check out our LG C6 review and LG G6 review

After a long hiatus, Rotel has announced its return to making passive loudspeakers with the Amora 5 standmounts.

Employing a two-way design, the new speakers have been conceived to integrate naturally with Rotel's established roster of hi-fi separates, deploying what their maker describes as "carefully crafted drive units" held within a compact standmount design.

Alongside their wide frequency response, the Amora 5 have been built to deliver "exceptional resolution and accuracy", low distortion, and an "open, three-dimensional stereo image". To do so, each speaker pairs a 25mm silk-dome tweeter with a 16.5cm woven fibre composite mid/bass driver.

The tweeter is fixed using an aluminium surround ring for a rigid, secure mounting, while a geometrically shaped faceplate aims to minimise unwanted sonic diffraction.

The mid/bass unit, meanwhile, uses a rigid aluminium frame to maintain greater mechanical stability and driver alignment, helping to maintain more consistent driver performance.

Integrating the two drivers is a precision-tuned crossover, designed to deliver a balanced frequency response, clear stereo imaging, and a wide, open soundstage.

The Amora 5 are built using a rigid MDF cabinet, employed to help minimise unwanted sonic resonances. Each speaker also employs a rear-mounted reflex port, tuned to extend low-frequency performance while maintaining a more controlled bass signature.

According to Peter Kao, Rotel's Managing Director: “Rotel’s success has always been built on trusted engineering, long-term relationships, and a shared passion for music. With the Amora 5, we extend the Rotel experience through the final stage of the system, giving our global partners and customers a more complete path from source to speaker."

The Rotel Amora 5 are available now, in a choice of black or white finishes, priced at £999 / $999 per pair.

MORE:

Read our recent Dali Sonik 1 review

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

These are the best bookshelf speakers around

Technics is celebrating 55 years since the launch of its iconic SL-1200 turntable with a new limited-edition model, the SL-1200 55th Anniversary Edition.

According to Technics, “The model pays tribute to a turntable lineage that has helped define DJ culture.”

Limited to 12,000 units globally, this anniversary turntable will see the conventional SL-1200 design adorned with gold coloured details, including a gold anodised S-shaped aluminium tonearm, a gold-finished tonearm base, a platter with a gold-coloured rim and strobe marks, gold knobs and buttons, and a specially designed gold-themed slip mat.

Each turntable will also feature an individually engraved anniversary badge with its serial number, highlighting the commemorative quality of the release.

The SL-1200 55th Anniversary Edition’s design is based on the standard SL-1200 MK7 DJ turntable, and includes a digitally controlled, single-rotor direct drive, a vertical pitch fader with a range of up to 16 per cent, an adjustable height tonearm, as well as a Reverse Play mode.

Originally released in 1972, the SL-1200 was developed, says Technics, as a “high-performance direct-drive turntable for demanding music lovers”. But the SL-1200 soon found favour among DJs for its reliability beyond the living room, thanks to features such as its die-cast aluminium cabinet, high-torque motor, stable rotation and quick start-up.

The Technics SL-1200 55th Anniversary Edition is planned for global release in September 2026 and will be available in seven colours: gold, blue, red, black, green, white or grey.

The price of this limited-edition model hasn’t yet been confirmed, with Technics saying it will be shared closer to launch.

MORE

Hands on: Technics SL-1200/SL-1210 MK7 review

I’ve just listened to £250,000 worth of turntables and this is what I learned

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

Apple’s next AirPods have leaked in an official video from the tech giant itself. And they have a feature we have never seen in a pair of wireless earbuds before: a camera.

The AirPods with a camera have been rumoured for a while now. This leak suggests they will launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro at the Apple event rumoured for 9th September.

The camera enables a feature called Visual Intelligence, which is basically capturing images to store for later. The video shows a wearer holding up a book to remember for later. The Siri voiceover says:

“With Visual Intelligence, your world becomes savable. See something you like? Just ask me to save it for later.”

The video was found within the latest version of Apple’s desktop operating system, macOS Tahoe, that Apple has just released for public testing. It was spotted by 9to5Mac.

You can also see the new AirPods in question. They look very similar to the AirPods Pro 3, although the stems are slightly thicker.

You can’t see the cameras in the AirPods. But given Apple’s privacy-first focus, they would probably light up to alert anyone in the vicinity that they are being filmed or photographed.

There is no word on what – if any – sound improvements the new AirPods might bring, or whether they would simply be the standard AirPods Pro 3 with an added camera. But we shouldn’t have to wait long to find out.

MORE:

The best AirPods for all needs

The best AirPods alternatives for Apple naysayers

And the best wireless headphones full stop

Pro-Ject has given Bluetooth powers to its entry-level E1.2 turntable, alongside a new iteration which features a built-in phono stage.

The Bluetooth-capable E1.2BT and phono-sporting E1.2 Phono ape the general design and configuration of the standard E1.2 model, focusing on budget-friendly performance and convenience bolstered by Bluetooth 5.4 streaming or a phono preamplifier, respectively.

The E1.2 BT turntable features a built-in Bluetooth transmitter with hi-res aptX HD codec support, meaning you can wirelessly stream vinyl playback wirelessly to speakers, headphones, or even compatible amplifiers if you so choose.

The Phono edition, conversely, incorporates what Pro-Ject describes as a “high-quality phono preamp for superior signal processing and noticeably improved sound performance”, boasting advanced circuitry designed to reduce noise and distortion while preserving the detail and natural character of your vinyl.

The E1.2 BT and E1.2 Phono share the same heavy die-cast aluminium main platter as their standard E1.2 counterpart, creating what Pro-Ject describes as an “ideal, anti-resonant platform”. In pursuit of more stable playback, the platter has been precision-balanced to grant a more even rotation and improve acoustic performance.

Each new turntable comes equipped with a Pick It MM E phono cartridge, which uses a conical diamond tip to deliver “warm and smooth audio” with low background noise.

The cartridge is attached to a pre-calibrated 8.6-inch aluminium tonearm with a carbon-reinforced headshell and a heavy-mass gimbal bearing for smooth movement during operation.

Both belt-driven players feature electronic speed-switching for 33⅓ and 45rpm via a single button, with Pro-Ject again aiming for a pair of entry-level decks that prioritise ease of use as much as sonic performance.

The Pro-Ject E1.2 BT is available now, priced at £399 / €399 in the ‘standard’ High Gloss Black or Walnut finishes. The five 'Colour' finishes, which include Satin White and a rather sunny Satin Golden Yellow option, will bump that price up to £449 / €449.

The E1.2 Phono is available now in High Gloss Black, Satin White and Walnut colourways, priced at £319 / €359.

MORE:

Read our Pro-Ject Primary E review

Five mistakes to avoid when setting up your record player

Our guide to the best Bluetooth turntables we have tested

Sonos is set to have a rather busy September.

It already looks likely that the US brand will unveil its sequel to the Sonos Ace over-ears, the Ace Ultra, next month, but those premium cans could be joined by a brand new soundbar.

According to Bloomberg, Sonos is working on a new soundbar currently dubbed the 'S56' and codenamed 'Gambit'. A new filing with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) shows a product resembling the second-generation Beam from 2021, implying that a new iteration of Sonos' 'middle-child' soundbar could be arriving next month.

Sonos had already confirmed that a new product would be coming in September during a recent earnings call, with CEO Tom Conrad hinting that AI would play a large part in the company's plans going forward. Now, it seems, this new 'product' may in fact be a pair of releases designed to satisfy wearable audio fans and home cinema enthusiasts alike.

Given that the most recent Beam launched in 2021, it certainly feels like it's time for an upgrade. All we have to go on is Sonos' filing to the FCC, so details for the upcoming soundbar remain sketchy at best, but we'd expect the usual Sonos boxes to be ticked as and when a third-gen Beam sequel arrives.

Dolby Atmos support, seamless ecosystem integration, and some form of voice control via baked-in smart assistant are all taken as read, though we wonder how Conrad's hinted 'AI integration' might find its way into the third-generation Beam.

The big question on our minds is whether the new Beam (assuming that's what Gambit turns out to be) will feature up-firing drivers, or stick to delivering Atmos via clever virtualisation, as with the Gen 2 model. And might HDMI passthrough be added? We doubt it, as Sonos tends to favour simplicity over extra cabling, but we can hope.

If nothing else, we hope that prices stay stable. The Beam 2 launched at £449 / $449 / AU$699, so that's the sort of RRP we'd hope the new model would tend to sit at, but given that the Beam 2 was itself a good deal more than the original model, which cost £399 / $399 / AU$599 at launch, there's little guarantee of things staying as they are. Costs are only going one way in tech, and it isn't downwards.

For now, though, all eyes look to September to discover exactly what Sonos has in store. We'll keep you updated as soon as we discover any new information about its future plans.

MORE:

Sonos Beam Gen 3 preview: the things we want from the next budget Dolby Atmos soundbar

See our Sonos Arc Ultra and Sonos Ray reviews

Best soundbars: the best TV speakers you can buy

Thought there were more than enough premium wireless headphones around at the moment? Think again.

Samsung could soon be throwing its hat back into the over-ear ring, if recent reports are to be believed. According to a leak from Samsung-dedicated site SamMobile , the Korean company is currently developing a set of over-ear headphones to accompany its in-ear Galaxy Buds models, with a new pair of cans – codenamed 'Galaxy H1' – spotted in the Galaxy Wearable app.

That probably won't end up being the final official name of the upcoming headphones, though it's likely that the word 'Galaxy' will feature somewhere to keep the cans in line with Samsung's established ecosystem of mobile and audio products.

Aside from the headphones being Bluetooth-based, details are thin on the ground. SamMobile predicts that these will be premium headphones designed to do battle with the likes of the Apple AirPods Max 2 (£499 / $549 / AU$999) or Sony WH-1000XM6 (£400 / $450 / AU$699), though as we don't have official pricing figures, we can't be sure exactly where the Galaxy H1 will be positioned within the premium market.

In terms of features, we're once again in the realm of speculation, but active noise cancelling, some form of AI assistant integration, and support for Samsung's hi-res SSC UHQ audio codec from compatible devices would bring the prospective over-ears in line with their in-ear counterparts.

That SSC UHQ codec, for instance, was a key part of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro's repertoire, so we'd expect to see it transfer over to the over-ears.

These won't be Samsung's first-ever over-ear headphones. The Korean titan released the 'Level One' back in 2015, but we haven't seen it release much in the way of over- or on-ear cans since then.

That could be set to change. We don't have an official release date for the Galaxy H1, but with most outlets speculating a release date sometime in 2027, it could yet be a while before we see if Samsung can challenge the likes of Sony and Apple for over-ear supremacy.

MORE:

The end of an era: the Marantz CD6000 series is one of modern hi-fi’s greatest hits – we look back through the evolution of this budget CD player range over the past two decades

I’m excited by the latest Sony wireless headphones rumours – but I have one major worry

These are the best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy

Monitor Audio has announced the release of the latest generation of its long-running Silver Series of loudspeakers. The Silver Series 8G comprises seven new models designed for both stereo and surround sound systems, with the company stating that the new range is “as potent as it is flexible”.

Promising to be Monitor Audio’s most capable Silver series yet, the range has been updated to deliver more “clarity, control and emotional impact than ever before”.

Topping the range are the Silver 500 8G floorstanding speakers, followed by the Silver 300 8G floorstanders, and the Silver 100 8G and Silver 50 8G standmounters. For home cinema systems, there are a Silver Centre 8G and Silver AMS 8G Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers. Unlike the previous Silver Series 7G range which originally launched in 2021, the 8G series also features a wall-mountable model, the Silver On-Wall 8G.

All speakers in the 8G range use Monitor Audio’s proprietary Ceramic-Coated Aluminium / Magnesium (C-CAM) driver material, which promises to be both lightweight and rigid. Notably, the mid/bass drivers of the Silver Series 8G feature an updated rigid surface technology (RST III), which sees the speaker cone’s geometry altered to increase structural rigidity while minimising unwanted resonances.

Monitor Audio has also updated its C-CAM gold dome tweeter for the 8G series, tweaking a design that has been used by the company since 1982. The latest-generation tweeter features a vented rear chamber, a new shorting ring (for reduced distortion and an extended high-frequency response), and the same Uniform Dispersion (UD) Waveguide II as seen on the Silver Series 7G.

The crossover network has also been updated throughout the 8G range. According to Monitor Audio, the Silver 8G speakers feature “higher quality components throughout” with the new crossover network ensuring “a cleaner, more transparent signal path for tighter driver integration and a more coherent soundstage”.

All speakers use through-bolt driver bracing, which allows the drive units to be securely braced to the rear of the cabinets and tightened to a user-specific torque, to reduce unwanted driver resonances and improve structural rigidity. The cabinets also feature updated bass-reflex ports with an enlarged diameter and flared geometry to prevent port chuffing.

The new Monitor Audio Silver Series 8G are available from this month in three finishes: High Gloss Black, Satin White or European Walnut. The European Walnut veneer is made from real, sustainably sourced timber, to help achieve the “rich grain and colour of exotic woods” without harvesting rare or endangered trees.

Prices are as follows:

- Silver 500 8G: £2650 / €3100 / $3300 (per pair)

- Silver 300 8G: £2000.00 / €2400.00 / $2600.00 (per pair)

- Silver 100 8G: £1500.00 / €1800.00 / $2000.00 (per pair)

- Silver 50 8G: £800.00 / €1000.00 / $1050.00 (per pair)

- Silver On-Wall 8G: £450.00 / €550.00 / $575.00 (each)

- Silver Centre 8G: £800.00 / €1000.00 / $1050.00 (each)

- Silver AMS 8G: £900.00 / €1100.00 / $1200.00 (per pair)

The new Silver Series 8G has seen a jump in price between the two generations, with an increase of as much as £925 on its flagship model. With such hikes across the range, there’s one question on our minds: will the extra expense prove worthwhile?

MORE

Monitor Audio Bronze 50 7G review

Best floorstanding speakers 2026: budget to premium models tested by our experts

Monitor Audio’s versatile hi-fi and home cinema system boasts “genuinely high-fidelity sound”

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.

MORE:

Dolby Vision 2 vs Dolby Vision 2 Max: what you need to know about Dolby’s next-gen HDR format

Hisense TV owners, listen up! You're about to get a major Dolby Vision upgrade

HDR10+ Advanced lands this month – here's how to watch the next-gen HDR standard

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.

MORE:

Read our Sony PS-LX3BT review

Best Bluetooth turntables 2026: wireless record players tried and tested by experts

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

Quiz! How fast can you solve our turntable challenge? Test your wordsearch skills now

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.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best wireless earbuds

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 3 review

As well as our Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro review

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.

MORE:

This listening bar experience made me question whether the trend has gone too far

I have just listened to £250,000 worth of turntables and this is what I learned

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

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!

MORE

Now not even vinyl records are free from AI slop

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

I’m nervous that Spotify has made an AI echo chamber for music fans

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.

MORE:

How Sonos is making existing products more sustainable

Which Sonos speaker should you buy? Find out here

Best Sonos alternatives if you want a rival

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.

MORE:

I spent 10 hours on trains listening to the Sony WH-1000XM6 – and it convinced me to upgrade my beloved XM4 headphones

Check out our picks for the best Sony headphones

As well as the best wireless headphones

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.

MORE:

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

Why I will never give up my DVD collection

Here's how much your streaming habit actually costs a year

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.

MORE:

I edited What Hi-Fi? in the late 2000s and saw Sony launch a dancing egg, headphones go mainstream, and the launch of a revolutionary (and divisive) music service

Now Playing: beat the heat with the 6 best tracks we have been using to test headphones and hi-fi

Arcam A5+ vs Marantz Model 70: which stereo amplifier is best for you?

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.

MORE:

We asked the big headphone brands about a critical wireless audio quality milestone – and they were less than enthused

Our audio and TV experts pick the 12 best student tech essentials right now – from noise-cancelling headphones to budget Bluetooth speakers

Check out our pick of the best portable MP3 players

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.

MORE

Hi-res music streaming services compared: is Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon or Apple Music better?

The perfect hi-fi streamer exists only in our imagination – here’s how it looks

Best music streamers 2026: top network audio players tested by our experts

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.

MORE:

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

Read our Samsung R95H hands-on review

I’ve seen Samsung’s 2026 lineup early: there’s one TV I can’t stop thinking about – and it’s not an OLED

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