Headphones Overview Updated February 22, 2020
Headphones Stories February 22, 2020
Several reports have suggested that Apple is planning to release new over-ear headphones during the first half of this year, likely to complement the rest of its AirPods lineup. Now, YouTuber Jon Prosser has shared an image on Twitter claiming to show new Apple headphones in Target’s inventory system.
Update: Target inventory also references new Apple TV, iPod touch, and Apple Watch bands
Headphones Stories March 22, 2019
My audio tastes run more toward the mid-range (or a little higher), but I of course recognize that some people want something basic at a pocket-friendly price.
But with Apple dropping the headphone socket from iPhones and iPads, things are getting a little more complicated for those who don’t want the expense or charging hassle of wireless headphones …
Headphones Stories March 1, 2019
I love music. I couldn’t imagine life without it, and for something which brings me so much pleasure, I’m willing to pay for decent quality.
But I’ve always said that I have mid-range ears. Give me a Bang & Olufsen system in the low single-digit thousands, or something at the bottom end of the Naim range, and I’m a very happy man. Anything beyond that is wasted on me. And, indeed, for casual listening, stereo-paired HomePods hit the spot; to me, they sound way better than they have any right to at that price level.
When it comes to headphones, I mostly use my B&W P5 Wireless, or my Master & Dynamic MW07, each of which comes in at $300 and sounded perfect to me …
Headphones Stories January 17, 2019
Louis Vuitton wants you to pay them $700 for putting their logo on in-ear wireless headphones
Got $700 to waste? Louis Vuitton can help – the fashion company is offering some admittedly excellent in-ear true wireless headphones for $995. Which is $299 for the headphones and $696 for the logo …
Headphones Stories January 5, 2019
I’m currently working on a handful of headphone reviews over at 9to5Toys, and during my extensive testing with various headphones, I’ve realized more and more that I want Apple over-ear headphones. Here’s why…
Headphones Stories November 23, 2018
Logitech to reportedly acquire headphone maker Plantronics for $2.2B
Popular computer accessories maker Logitech may be looking to purchase Plantronics, a company that specializes in Bluetooth earpieces and headsets.
According to a report from Reuters, this would be Logitech’s largest acquisition by far to date. This would also help diversify its business and move into new markets.
Headphones Stories November 9, 2018
One of the key features of Apple’s HomePod speaker is the beamforming technology used to adjust the sound output to the shape of the room, and using those same microphones for a neat Siri trick. By cancelling out the music output, Siri commands can be easily heard by the speaker even when it is blasting out music at full volume.
A new Apple patent application, published today, suggests that Apple may be seeking to use the same basis of that beamforming tech in its rumored over-ear headphones, to achieve two things …
Headphones Stories September 13, 2018
Master & Dynamic has announced its first true wireless in-ear headphones, the MW07. The company is aiming to bring high-quality audio to the ultra-portable in-ear category.
Custom 10mm beryllium drivers, a metal traditionally used only in hi-fi products, provide exceptional acoustics and deliver a rich, warm, expansive sound.
‘Our goal is to offer the best of both superior sound and sophisticated design to our customers,’ said Master & Dynamic’s founder and CEO Jonathan Levine …
Headphones Stories April 5, 2018
After being impressed by Marshall’s Stanmore AirPlay speaker earlier this year, the firm asked me if I’d be interested in trying its latest headphones, the Marshall Mid ANC. This is an update to the earlier Mid model with the addition of active noise cancellation.
Ironically, it’s the new feature – the active noise cancellation – that I think is the least-impressive one. But that’s not to say I think that the headphones themselves are unimpressive; far from it …
Headphones Stories December 5, 2017
If you’re buying a gift for someone who loves music, and listens to it all the time, there are few things that will bring more pleasure than a really high-quality speaker or pair of headphones.
Not only will they allow your lucky recipient to experience their music at a whole new level, but premium audio is also a gift that will last them a very long time.
Granted wireless standards can change, so we may no longer be living in a time when we can say a great speaker or pair of headphones will last a lifetime, but they remain something which will be appreciated for at least many years to come …
Headphones Stories September 21, 2017
Bose has this morning unveiled its first truly wireless headphones, dubbed the SoundSport Free. Much like Apple’s own AirPods and Jaybird’s latest Run in-ears, Bose is taking aim at active users looking for an audio solution during exercise.
As one of the biggest names in audio, Bose is taking its established tech and cramming it into earbuds that weigh just 0.35-ounces each. A wireless carrying case will handle charging, much like what Apple and Jaybird has instituted with their own headsets in recent releases. However, its a new antennae system that Bose claims will truly set its new release apart from the competition.
Headphones Stories August 31, 2017
Bang & Olufsen has today announced its first truly wireless earphones, going up against Apple’s AirPods.
At $299, the Beoplay E8 is almost twice as expensive as the $159 AirPods, but the company claims that the price premium is justified by both looks and sound …
Headphones Stories February 14, 2017
All four products in the announced Apple W1 lineup of wireless headphones and earbuds are now available: the Beats Solo3 headphones, the Powerbeats3, the BeatsX and the truly wireless Apple AirPods.
Wireless headphones are becoming the defacto choice for Apple users, with the iPhone 7 dropping the analog headphone jack. Apple Watch can also only pair with wireless music devices.
We don’t know what the future holds for the W1 chip, perhaps more manufacturers will be allowed to use it, but the product range is already diversified with what’s available today, spanning different form factors, audio quality, convenience, innovation and price points.
Headphones Stories January 10, 2017
Review: AQUA’s battery-free headphone amp improves audio on your iPhone
Wireless earbuds and headphones have been the talk of the town since Apple’s iPhone 7 launched. For many audiophiles who need the best possible sound, you may still prefer to use your wired headphones. That normally means using the Lightning to 3.5mm headphone adapter, however there’s a better option to keep your wired functionality while improving your listening experience on the iPhone. Enter Nexum’s AQUA; the portable, battery-less, headphone amplifier looking to take your audio experience further.
Headphones Stories December 12, 2016
If you’re not quite at the stage of needing a hearing aid but sometimes find it difficult to follow conversations in noisy environments like bars, Bose seems to be soft-launching an iPhone-controlled device to help.
Hearphones look like a special version of the company’s QC30 wireless earphones equipped with directional microphones that allow you to listen selectively by focusing in on conversations and tuning out background noise …
Headphones Stories October 31, 2016
Apple delayed the release of its new truly wireless earbuds called AirPods that it originally planned on launching in late October. It’s disappointing for some who wanted to use them with their new iPhone 7 that launched back in September. But what does the competition look like?
With the AirPods originally expected to launch sometime this month, right around the time of Apple’s MacBook Pro event and Apple Watch Nike+ launch last week, a lot of accessory makers have been planning launches to time and compete with Apple’s new wireless earbuds. Just this week a few new products launched, including Michigan-based Sol Republic’s first cord-free product called ‘Amps Air’, and today Best Buy is launching new $249 Skybuds that claim to offer 24 hours battery with an included charging case and improved connectivity.
If you just can’t wait for the AirPods, or want to check out the competition and see how Apple’s earbuds compare, these are the alternatives…
Headphones Stories October 4, 2016
Bowers & Wilkins’ latest top-end headphones cost a cool $900, but offer free Lightning upgrade later
Much as I adore my B&W P5 headphones (recently upgraded to the wireless model), I must admit that even I would think twice about buying the company’s latest top-end model: the P9 Signature. These over-ear wired headphones cost a cool $900, but they do come with one extra: register them on B&W’s website and the company will send you a Lightning upgrade early next year.
Headphones Stories June 22, 2016
Waves is a heavyweight in the digital audio world with its audio plugins for recording, mixing and live sound being a staple among many pros. The company’s latest venture, however, is more of a consumer experience aimed at listening rather than creating music with a new desktop and mobile app that wants to bring 3D audio to any headphones using head tracking.
Headphones Stories May 31, 2016
With the iPhone 7 (or whatever Apple calls it) looking increasingly likely to lose the 3.5mm headphone socket, Chinese accessory makers are gearing up to meet demand from those who don’t want to replace their existing headphones. Macotakara spotted a couple of Chinese companies who are already advertising 3.5mm-to-Lightning adapters.
It’s unlikely these are real products yet, especially as one claims to be MFi-certified. They are more likely dummies or prototypes, perhaps created for submission for MFi status. Also pictured below are some smaller Lightning adapters and earbuds though probably not the ones Apple intends to bundle with the next iPhone.
Headphones Stories May 23, 2016
If you read our review of the ATH-M50x closed-back headphones, I made it pretty clear that I was a fan of what Audio-Technica was offering. The ATH-M50x’s are well-known for giving Beats By Dre headphones a run for their money, and at a much more affordable price.
I also had the opportunity to go hands-on with one of Audio-Technica’s newest offerings, the ATH-MSR7NC. These noise-cancelling cans differ in many ways from the company’s mainstream offering, and at more than double the price of the M50x’s, venture into more premium territory. Should you consider them? expand full story
Headphones Stories May 12, 2016
A big question up in the air for iPhone 7 is what Apple will do with its bundled headphones. If this is the first year Apple is to remove the headphone jack from the device as rumored, that means one of a few things for the bundled EarPods that usually come with its iPhones…
Headphones Stories May 8, 2016
For the last few months I’ve been using my Apple EarPods for nearly every application that requires in-ear audio. I use my EarPods for monitoring while recording voiceovers, for podcasting, and for everyday music listening.
Absurd as it is, the last pair of headphones I’d owned, a pair of Sony MDR-7506’s, ended up developing a short in the cable. I simply never got around to replacing them in a timely manner.
Audio-Technica’s ATH-M50, and the updated ATH-M50x, have received rave reviews from tech sites, bloggers and YouTubers alike. The love that these headphones receive on a regular basis convinced me that the next pair of headphones that I tried needed to be these. Do they live up to the hype? expand full story
Headphones Stories April 27, 2016
Apple is widely rumored to be dropping the 3.5 mm headphone jack from the iPhone 7, instead favouring wireless Bluetooth or the Lightning port for connecting headphones. Intel is also keen to eliminate the 100 year old 3.5 mm jack, citing ‘industry singling a strong desire to move from analog to digital’ (via AnandTech).
However, Intel is pushing USB-C as the future of headphone audio cables. Intel believes USB-C will win out over 3.5mm as it has many modern-day benefits including the potential to add additional smart features to headphones in the future, that can pass data down the same USB-C cable.
Headphones Stories April 7, 2016
9to5Toys Last Call: Beats Solo2 Headphones $90, Digits calculator for iOS free, Bluetooth audio adapter $14, more
Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.
TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:
Last Call Updates:
Apple’s Pay Once & Play 50% off iOS game sale: Transistor, Brothers, Rules!, Implosion, Radiation Island, more
- Green Deals: Philips hue LED Starter Bundle w/ HomeKit Bridge $170, more
- Epson’s latest ‘Small-in-One’ printer weighs in at a fraction of the competition
- Twelve South introduces new TimePorter capsule for Apple Watch and charger
- Logitech Ultrathin Bluetooth Keyboard Case for iPad mini 1/2/3: $17 (Orig. $80)
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (Refurb) $60 (Orig. $400)
- Up to 50% Off select Diamondback Kids’ Bikes: Insight Hybrid $200 (Reg. $280), more
- ESPN magazine + digital Insider access 1-year subscription: $4.50 (Reg. $26+)
- Sports/Fitness: Portable Outdoor USB LED Lantern $12 (Reg. up to $18), more
- Home: Oral-B’s best selling Bluetooth Electric Toothbrush $100 (Orig. $220), more
Beats Solo2 Wired On-Ear Headphones (multiple colors) $90 shipped (Orig. $200), more
Digits, the calculator for humans on iOS is now available for free (Reg. $4)
Add Bluetooth to nearly any speaker w/ the Mpow Streambot Mini for $14 Prime shipped
Apple Deals:
Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch Wi-Fi 128GB in all colors: $760 shipped (Reg. $949)
Apple 12-inch Retina MacBook 1.1GHz/8GB/256GB: $990 shipped (Reg. $1,299), more
Apple 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro (Newest Version) 2.2GHz/16GB/256GB: $1,600 shipped (Reg. $1,999)
Apple TV 4th gen: 32GB $109 (Reg. $149), 64GB $154 (Reg. $199) w/ VISA Checkout
What if I told you that you could get a great Apple Milanese Loop knockoff for a tenth of the price ($16 Prime shipped)?
Apple Watch 42mm Space Gray Milanese Loop Band + Aluminum Dock: $27 Prime shipped (Reg. $35)
Cut the Rope Time Travel for iPhone and iPad goes free for the very first time (Reg. $1)
Brothers A Tale of Two Sons iOS puzzle-adventure game gets its first price drop: $2 (Reg. $5)
Transistor action RPG for iOS matching its lowest price ever: $3 (Reg. $10)
App Store Free App of the Week: CHOMP interactive storybook goes free for the first time ($3 value)
Apple offers Day One 2 iOS journal app for free ($10 value)
MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:
Audio-Technica’s best selling ATH-M50x studio headphones + FiiO A3 amp $130 shipped ($180+ value)
- Smartphone Accessories: GOOLOO Car Jump Starter Power Bank $64 (Reg. $100), more
- Daily Deals: Sony Portable Bluetooth Speaker w/ AirPlay $160, more
- LEGO Deals: Big Bang Theory Living Room $46, Minecraft Ender Dragon $49, more
- Onkyo’s 4K A/V Receiver and 5.1-Ch. Speaker bundle for $300 shipped (Reg. $400)
- Games/Apps: Assassin’s Creed Syndicate $30, iOS freebies more
- Mojang reveals 27 new skins for Minecraft Story mode, here’s how you can get them for free
- Browse reddit like a boss with a free 3-month gold membership upgrade ($12 value)
- Amazon Gold Box – Reebok running shoes 50% off: Men’s Crossfit Nano Pump Shoe $70, more
MORE DEALS STILL ALIVE:
iPhone SE and Galaxy S7/Edge cases in a variety of styles/colors from $3 shipped
Walmart launches iPhone SE $100 discount, other Apple/Samsung devices too!
Smartphone Accessories: Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker III $249 shipped (Reg. $300), Aduro 2-Outlet USB Surge Protector $10, more
- Storage: WD My Passport Ultra 1TB USB 3.0 Portable HDD $50 (Reg. $60), more
- Learn to build amazing apps with the Apple TV Developer Course: $19 (Orig. $199)
- Buy 3 accessories, save 20%: iPad Pro Keyboard $143, Apple Pencil $87, more
- Aukey Aluminum USB-C Hubs w/ Prime shipping: 7-ports for $19 or 4-ports for $8
- Google Nexus 5X 16GB now just $230 shipped (Reg. $349)
- Discounted fans: Vornado 660 Whole Room Air Circulator $82 (Reg. $100), more
- Green Deals: 25% off Natural Magnetic Wooden Block Sets from $24, more
- Free Small Fry and Drink with the purchase of an Arby’s Sandwich!
- Grab a free Kindle download of Jane Austen’s ‘Mansfield Park’ w/ Audible Narration
- You can now live stream an MLB game every day for free courtesy of Yahoo
- Home Theater: Pioneer 4K 3D AirPlay A/V Receiver $400, more
- UE BOOM 2 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker in all colors: $150 shipped (Reg. $200)
- T-Mobile offering $200 off any iPad when you buy an iPhone on installment plan
- Green Deals: Collapsible Solar Lantern $14, more
- Start programming with the ‘Learn Python 3.0 Visually’ Kindle eBook for $1 (Reg. $10)
- The classic-style Doom and Destiny RPG games drop to just $1 each on iOS (Reg. $3 ea)
- Game Dev Story for iOS now matching its lowest price ever: $1 (Reg. $5)
- iTunes gift cards w/ free email delivery: $100 for $90, $50 for $45, more (10% off)
- Amazon Fire TV 4K Streaming Media Player $85 (Reg. $100), more
- Amazon is giving Prime members up to 3 magazine subscriptions for free: Wired, GQ, more
- Green Deals: Etekcity 3-pack of Remote Outlet Switches $17 (Reg. $25), more
- Browse the web anonymously: $60 (Orig. $80)
- Samsung 48-inch Smart UHDTVs: 3D 120Hz $925 (Reg. $1,200+), Curved 60Hz $629 (Reg. $830)
- Here’s how you can get a 90-day membership to BJ’s Warehouse for free
- Final Fantasy XV gets a new playable demo, now available for free on PS4 and Xbox One
- Green Deals: WORX WG156 2-in-1 Electric Trimmer/Edger $80 shipped (Reg. $107+), more
- Kindle First eBook freebies for April: Golden Age, The Secret Healer, Blood Defense, more
- Google Play Metal Albums for $0.99: Trivium’s Silence In The Snow (Orig. $11), more
Buy a refurbished Apple AirPort Express Wi-Fi router w/ 1-yr warranty for $49 shipped (Orig. $99)
NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:
Ryobi’s new Ultra Quiet Garage Door Opener has a Bluetooth speaker and more
- Roku introduces a new quad-core streaming stick with a slimmed down design
- Apogee releases its most affordable full-featured Mac recording interface yet
- The Yecup 365 travel mug uses your iPhone to heat or cool your drink
- ROAM-e follows you around in the sky and takes selfies on demand
- Sprint customers can now (but probably shouldn’t) pay monthly for Amazon Prime
- Seagate unveils the “world’s first” USB-powered 8TB desktop hard drive
- Sony’s new RX10 III digital camera goes big with a 24-600mm lens and 4K capabilities
- Unboxing the awesome, pricey C-3PO and Stormtrooper Bluetooth speakers [Video]
- QWERKYWRITER is a mechanical Bluetooth keyboard that takes us back to simpler times
- Build an Alexa-enabled device using a Raspberry Pi
- Review: Fitbit Alta pairs smart fitness tracking with a small and beautiful design
- The Kuvée smart wine bottle brings the Internet of Things to grapes near you
- This Kickstarter project allows up to 10 people wirelessly listen to nearly any source
- TCL’s new 4K Roku-enabled UHDTVs hit every price point
- The Tovala iOS-connected oven scans and automatically prepares your dinner
Headphones Stories March 21, 2016
Photos of Lightning Apple EarPods headphones emerge on Chinese media [Updated]
Update: The original photo displayed in the article was indeed Photoshopped. However, there are other images of Lightning EarPod cables circling the web of unknown origin, as shown above. It just highlights however that images of this ilk are easily faked.
Although we are expecting a myriad of new announcements later today at Apple’s iPhone SE + more media event, Lightning EarPods were not thought to be on the cards. Images of Lightning-equipped EarPods surfaced on Chinese media today, refuelling rumors that the iPhone 7 will drop the 3.5mm headphone jack. It would make sense, then, that Apple would ship new earbuds in the box that connect to the phone over Lightning.
There is nothing else apparently different, aside from the change of port. The EarPods look visually identical otherwise. If there are other changes in the update, such as changes to sound quality, they aren’t reflected in the product’s physical appearance.
Headphones Stories March 15, 2016
I’ve always been slightly torn when it comes to headphone choice. While I make no claims to being an audiophile, sound quality is my number one criterion when it comes to selecting headphones. I like neutral sound characteristics that faithfully reproduce what the musicians intended us to hear. I also like high-quality, traditional materials with understated looks. That tends to leave me choosing from the traditional hifi brands.
At the same time, though, I’m a gadget guy. I loved the touch-panel controls of the Parrot Zik. The only thing that put me off those is that, plane journeys aside, I’m not a fan of noise-cancelling cans. I like to be able to hear just a little of what’s going on around me – enough to hear when an announcement is being made on a train, or that I’m about to step in front of a bus – and the Zik headphones don’t sound good in passive mode.
So when Phiaton announced the BT 460, which has a similar touch-and-swipe interface, I thought I’d give them a try. These also have one further claim to fame on the gadget front: they automatically pause music when you take them off, and auto-resume when you put them back on …
Headphones Stories January 28, 2016
My cheap headphone jack-less iPhone mockup
While it’s widely rumored that the iPhone 7 will drop the headphone jack when it launches later this year, known Apple audio supplier Cirrus Logic may have hinted about how Apple plans to handle this transition. Speaking to analysts and investors during the company’s latest earnings call (via BI), CEO Jason Rhode made a few interesting comments about what might be planned for later this year.
Headphones Stories January 8, 2016
With its resources from the 2014 acquisition of headphone maker Beats Electronics, Apple is prototyping a completely new set of Bluetooth earphones with the potential of launching the accessory alongside the iPhone 7 this fall. The new earphones are said to be completely wireless, which is to say that they do not even have a cable connecting the left and right ear pieces. Sources say that the headphones are similar in concept to the Motorola Hint headset (pictured above) and Bragi’s new Dash headphones that were shown at CES this week.
Over 200,000 people petition Apple to abandon rumored plans to ditch the 3.5mm headphone socket
Reports that Apple plans to ditch the 3.5mm headphone socket on the iPhone 7 in favor of Lightning headphones have been growing in number, and a recent poll found that 70% of you expect Apple to go this route. However, it appears some 200,000 people aren’t very happy about it.
A somewhat hysterically-worded petition calling for Apple to retain the 3.5mm socket had attracted some 204,000 signatures at the time of writing. The opening paragraph sets the tone …
Apple is about to rip off every one of its customers. Again.
Apple introduced MFi specs for Lightning headphones last year, and a few models are already available. The latest report, from Fast Company, suggests that Apple will also be introducing noise-cancelling technology, which it will be encouraging third-party headphone makers to adopt.
Headphones Stories January 7, 2016
We’re still a while away from the launch of the iPhone 7, but rumors have been running rampant recently concerning the design and features of Apple’s next flagship device. Fast Company has now published a new report in which it corroborates many earlier rumors regarding the iPhone 7, as well as offering up a few more details and tidbits.
Headphones Stories December 15, 2015
Apple wishes retail employees musical holidays with gifts of Beats earphones and Apple Music subscription
Apple had a small surprise for its retail employees yesterday. After gifting them with urBeats earphones last week, Eddy Cue yesterday sent a video message stating that they would also receive a promo code for a free 9 month Apple Music subscription.
MacRumors reports that the subscription runs for nine months. While nine months rather than a year seems a little odd, it does mean that anyone who has not yet used up their three-month free trial would get a year in total.
With the headphones retailing at $100 (though cheaper on Amazon), and the Apple Music subscription worth $90, it makes the gift significantly more generous than the Incase Staple backpack they got last year.
The urBeats headphones were recently updated to offer a rose gold option.
Headphones Stories December 9, 2015
Apple adds third-party Lightning headphones to online store (at a cool $800)
If you’re looking for a pair of headphones with a Lightning connector, either because you want better quality or for future-proofing, there aren’t yet many options out there. Apple has now added one option to its online store – but they’re not cheap at $799.99.
The Audeze EL-8 Titanium Closed-Back Headphones are the real deal, however. An audiophile brand whose headphones more typically run into four figures, the EL-8 gets you a 28-bit DAC and the company’s planar magnetic driver – four times larger than most other headphones – borrowed from its high-end LCD Series. Industrial design is by BMW.
Apple describes the driver as offering “exceptional transient response and extended bass—virtually flat to 25Hz—along with the lowest Total Harmonic Distortion.”
As an aside, Apple really needs to sort out the accessory sections of the store: you get different results depending on whether you browse headphones within Mac or iPhone categories, with no discernible logic behind the differences (you don’t get lighter or smaller headphones within iPhone, for example).
Via The Verge
Headphones Stories December 3, 2015
Apple's new Beats Pill+ Bluetooth speaker
Apple’s new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016QXV2QK?qid=1449202644&ref_=sr_1_1&keywords=beats%252520pill%25252B&tag=n003f1-20&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Beats Pill+</a> Bluetooth speaker
Apple may have outsourced Black Friday discounts on its products to other retailers this year, but it’s not staying completely out of the promotion game during the Christmas shopping season. Starting today Apple is bundling $60 gift cards that can be used toward Apple Music memberships with almost all Beats headphones and speakers purchased from Apple for a limited time. The promotion specifically pushes Apple Music memberships as it can pay for almost 6 months of access, but the $60 credit can be used toward iTunes, iBooks, and App Store, and Mac App Store purchases and subscriptions as well. expand full story
Headphones Stories November 26, 2015
V-MODA makes some of the best earphones available. While sports stars and celebrities are normally seen wearing Beats, you’re more likely to find a pair of V-MODA cans wrapped around the necks of DJs. And if I’m going to trust someone’s judgement on an audio product, I’ll choose a music professional over a sportsperson any day.
In the past, I’ve owned the Crossfade M100 and now, the award-winning earphones are back with an added feature: wireless connectivity. I’ve been using the Crossfade Wireless for the past week or so, and they’re rather fantastic…
Headphones Stories October 7, 2015
9to5Toys Last Call: 256GB Retina MacBook Pro $1,280, Bose around-ear headphones $100, AirPrint Printer $35, more
Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.
Today’s can’t miss deals:
Last Call Updates:
Aukey USB Power Roundup: 6-Port 50W: $15, 5-port 40W: $10, 4-port 30W: $8 Prime shipped
- iPhone 6/s Accessories: 2-ft. MFi Lightning + MicroUSB cable $8, 2-Pack Tempered Glass Screen Protector $3, more
- Mac Bundle: 14 Mac Apps incl. RapidWeaver, Voila Screencapture, Kinemac 3D, more: $18
- Dyson includes air purification in its newest hot + cool bladeless fan
- Ever wonder what a $130K VIZIO Ultra HDTV looks like? Now we know.
- Harman Kardon High-Performance, 6-Piece Home Theater Speaker System $190 shipped (Orig. $649)
- Acer 1280×800 WXGA 600 ANSI Lumens 3D Ready LED Projector: $240 shipped (Orig. $450)
- Omaker 10W(2x5W) Portable Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Speaker $22 Prime shipped (Reg. $35)
- Motorola Nexus 6 Unlocked 32GB in Midnight Blue: $300 shipped (Reg. $499)
- Lytro Illum Camera: The first ever high-end camera to capture the entire light field: $700 shipped (Orig. $1,300, CA Tax Only)
- The latest entry in the Far Cry series goes Primal, taking gamers back to 10,000 BC
- Sports/Fitness: Zume Portable Badminton Set $50 (Reg. $60+), 100 lbs. Barbell Weight Set $37 (Reg. $50+), more
- Freebies: 7-Eleven Coffee Week + Wake Alarm Clock for iOS + Frugal Living for Dummies eBook + More!
- Home: Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker $32 (Orig. $60), D-Link Wireless Surveillance Cam $30 (Orig. $70), more
13″ Retina MacBook Pro (newest) 2.7GHz/8GB/256GB: $1,280 shipped (Reg. $1,499)
13″ Retina MacBook Pro (newest) 2.7GHz/8GB/128GB: $1,080 shipped (Reg. $1,299)
Over-Ear Headphones: Bose SoundTrue $100 (Reg. $120), Sennheiser HD202 $15 (Reg. $25), more
JayBird BlueBuds X Sport Bluetooth Sweat Proof Headphones $90 shipped (Reg. $130), more
HP AirPrint Wireless All-in-One Printers: InkJet $35 (Reg. $60), LaserJet $304 (Reg. $400+)
Amazon Student Days: Fire TV (4K model) $60, free $5 credit w/ Gift Card purchase, SanDisk 64GB Wi-Fi Flash Drive $45, more
Giveaway: Trinity Delta aluminum earbuds feature a unique design and top-notch sound ($135 value), 20% discount
More new gear from today:
Amazon Gold Box – 50% or more off Halloween Costumes: Darth Vader $17, Thor $30, Supergirl $12, more
- Games/Apps: Tales from the Borderlands goes free on iOS for the first time, Madden NFL 16 $43
- Daily Deals: Seagate 1TB Portable HDD $50, SJ-Series Gyro remote controlled Helicopter $14, more
- Pre-order Microsoft’s latest gadgets right now: Surface Pro 4, Surface Book, Band 2
More deals still alive:
USB Power Deals: KMASHI 15,000mAh USB $14 (Reg. $20), Aukey 2A Wall Charger $8 (Reg. $16), more
- Tweetbot for Mac drops to $10 (Reg. $13)
- Philips hue Lux LED Starter Kit $60 shipped, 750-Lumen 9W LED Light Bulb $15
- Bluetooth Speakers w/ Prime Shipping: OontZ Splashproof $25 (Reg. $35), Aukey $13 (Reg. $20)
- Xbox One Gears of War bundle + 40″ HDTV $470 w/ .EDU, more
- Beyerdynamic A200p Portable DAC Headphone Amp $160 shipped (Reg. $200)
- Pebble Steel Smartwatch for iOS/Android in black or sliver $100 shipped (Orig. $230)
- Add Bluetooth/mic to any Aux speaker or headphones for $10 Prime shipped
- TiVO Roamio OTA HD DVR w/ Lifetime service for a one-time $300 fee
- VIZIO 49-inch 120Hz M-Series LED Smart 4K Ultra HDTV: $580 shipped (Reg. $720)
- Logitech Harmony Touch 15-Device Universal Remote: $100 shipped (Reg. $140)
- The Executive for iOS goes free for the first time as IGN’s Game of the Month ($5 value)
- Get a no-contract iPhone 6s from Boost Mobile for just $450 shipped (Orig. $649)
- Media: Blu-ray & DVDs from $3 –Taken 2, RoboCop & others, Jurassic World pre-order, more
- TP-LINK DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem $50, TP-LINK AC Gigabit Router $40, more
- GoPro HERO4 Session Action Camera: $249 shipped (Reg. $299)
- M-Audio Vocal Recording Bundle: USB Condenser mic w/ stand, more $79 shipped (Reg. $100)
- Garmin nüvi 6-inch GPS w/ Bluetooth (Refurb) $140 shipped (Orig. $270)
- Lenmar MAVEN iPhone 6 MFi 3,000mAh Battery Case $29 shipped (Orig. $100), more
- App Store Gorgeous Games for $1 Sale: Tengami, Superbrothers, KAMI, Icebreaker, Out There, more
- App Store Free App of the Week: Combo Quest RPG goes free for the first time ($1 value)
- UE ROLL 360 Bluetooth Speaker (all colors): $90 shipped (Reg. $100)
- Jawbone BIG JAMBOX Bluetooth Speaker (dented box) $120 shipped (Reg. $180)
- Freebies: My Sketch iOS app + Carl’s Jr. BOGO breakfast sandwich + eBooks + More!
- Freebies: Kindle Edition Kids books + Google Play music sampler + Monument Valley for Android + More!
- Kindle First Books for Oct: Infinity Lost, The Mentor, The Concealed, This Is the Night, more
- Learn to hack a Raspberry Pi: $115 (Orig. $804, CA Tax Only)
- First Generation Lytro 16GB Digital Camera $80 (Orig. $199)
New products & more:
Logitech’s new Harmony Home Hub Extender lets the pizza man in with your remote
Roku’s new streaming media player supports 4K and finds your remote control for you
- Review: Rock Band 4 makes an old favorite come alive
- The new Dr. Who LEGO set looks just like TARDIS time machine
- Mattel’s retro-rebooted $30 VR View-Master is now available for iOS and Android
- Robo Wunderkind uses iOS connectivity and LEGO-like blocks to teach coding
- The Sondors eBike is loaded with features and surprisingly affordable
- EA’s new free-to-play Need for Speed No Limits is now available on iOS and Android
- These Bluetooth earbuds use your iPhone’s Lightning port to charge
- BRO Ball combines Bluetooth audio and pigskin for the ultimate tailgate companion
Headphones Stories October 6, 2015
The Rock Jaw Alfa Genus V2 headphones ($49.90) are not especially meant as a replacement for EarPods, but that’s how I see them. Apple’s bundled EarPods have a lot of positives. They are ‘cheap’, lightweight and small. You can chuck them in a bag or pocket without worrying too much. This is in stark contrast to Beats on-ear and over-ear headphones, for example, which are expensive, bulky and heavy. However, EarPods leave much to be desired in regard to sound quality.
It turns out the Rock Jaw Alfa’s fill this gap nicely. They have the same portability as EarPods but with a focus on also providing great sound to listen to. They aren’t perfect but they are pretty great value earbuds. Read on for our full review …
Headphones Stories September 22, 2015
Apple patents half-height 3.5mm headphone jack, ready for slimmer future iPhones
While Apple appears to view the Lightning port as the future headphone connector of choice, with some manufacturers already on board, there are plenty of us who’ll be reluctant to replace our existing, expensive headphones. Which poses something of a problem as iPhones and iPads continue to get slimmer, and existing ones barely accommodate the 3.5mm socket.
Apple, however, has a potential solution to this in a patent granted today (via Patently Apple). It’s essentially a standard 3.5mm jack cut in half, to make it much smaller in cross-section. This could easily be used with existing 3.5mm jacks using an adapter. The clever part is that it’s actually chopped off a little above the halfway mark, so the revised connector would still fit snugly in standard 3.5mm jacks on other devices.
As always with Apple patents, there’s no telling whether it will ever make it into production, but this one strikes me as a neat solution to a problem that could arrive as early as the iPhone 7, KGI suggesting that it will be around 6mm thick.
iPhone 6 photo: ukmobilereview.com
Headphones Stories August 23, 2015
The new school year is rapidly approaching, and that means stocking up on supplies and the latest tech to be ready for class by early next month. Since we’re tracking the latest deals from around the web incessantly over at 9to5Toys, and reviewing the best in tech for your Mac, iOS, and Android devices on 9to5Mac and 9to5Google, we’ve rounded up the team to put together a gift guide with our top picks for gear, supplies, apps and more to get you through the year. expand full story
Headphones Stories August 18, 2015
Apple is preparing to make significant changes to its stores to simplify the experience by relocating iPod stock to accessory shelves and removing iPad-based Smart Signs, according to several Apple Retail managers briefed today on the plans. Apple will begin rolling out these notable changes overnight on Tuesday of next week to stores in the United States so that customers who begin coming in on Wednesday see the refreshed look.
Headphones Stories July 30, 2015
I love music, so most of the time when I’m out and about I have headphones round my neck or in my bag. But there are times when I’m music’d out, and leave them at home – and I can then pretty much guarantee I’ll end up wishing I’d taken them with me.
Whether it’s to have a lengthy phone conversation while walking down the street, or watching the funny video a friend just posted on Facebook on the train (without subjecting everyone else to the audio), headphones aren’t just about music. For that reason, I’ve taken to chucking a few pairs of cheap-ish in-ear headphones in various bags and jacket pockets so that I always have some with me. In-ear ones can be squished into a small space so they take up almost no room.
The problem with that squishing, of course, is that whenever I do dig them out, I spend several minutes untangling them. This is the problem Zipbuds Slide sets out to solve … expand full story
Headphones Stories July 28, 2015
9to5Toys Last Call: 13″ Retina MacBook Pro $1,100, Mohu HDTV Antenna $30, Dell Laser Printer $100, more
Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.
Today’s can’t miss deals:
Last Call Updates:
Kodak’s 360 degree action camera adds must-see YouTube capabilities
- The LEGO Architect shows you how to build exact replicas of famous buildings and homes
- GoPro’s newest HERO4 Session waterproof action camera is on sale: $370 (Reg. $400)
- Knock those piggies down in 3D with this oversized Angry Birds arcade cabinet
- USB roundup: RAVPower 36W 4-Port USB wall charger $10, more
- VIZIO’s 70-inch 240Hz Smart 4K UHDTV: $1,799 shipped (Reg. $2,200)
- QNAP 2-Bay Cloud NAS w/ AirPlay support: $219 shipped (Reg. $300+)
- Newegg Monitor Sale: LG 27-inch w/ HDMI $170 shipped (Reg. $200+), more
- Free Xbox Live Gold Games for August: Metal Gear Solid V Ground Zeroes, more
- Home: Hamilton Beach Deep Fryer $30 (up to $20 off), more
Apple 13″ MacBook Pro w/ Retina Display: 2.7GHz/8GB/128GB $1,100 (Reg. $1,299)
Cut the cord! Mohu Leaf 50 Ultimate HDTV Antenna (open box): $30 shipped (Orig. $90)
Color Wireless Printers: Dell LED Laser $100 (Reg. $150+), Canon All-In-One Inkjet $70 (Reg. $100)
Amazon’s new Launchpad store offers the latest gadgets from crowdfunding campaigns and startups
More new gear from today:
Daily Deals: Trendnet N600 Dual-Band Router $10, ZAGG iPad Mini ZAGGkeys Bluetooth Keyboard Cover (refurb) $10, more
Headphones: Sony MDR-7506 Professional Folding $70 (Reg. $100), Beyerdynamic DT 1350 $150 (Orig. $300+), more
- New! Games: Final Fantasy Type-0 HD w/ XV demo $35, Fallout 4 Vault Dweller’s Guide $24
- New! Media: $5 Blu-rays – Rush, This is 40, Public Enemies, more
- New! iFixit Pro Tech Screwdriver Set & Jimmy Tool Bundle: $60 Shipped (Orig. $100)
More deals still alive:
Apple’s massive iOS sale w/ 100 apps for $0.99 ea: Rayman, Angry Birds, Pixelmator, Spider-Man, many more
Free McGraw-Hill iOS apps for kids: Monster Squeeze, more (Reg. $2 ea.)
QuickRes – the app that changes your resolution in a click: 50% off
App Store Free App of the Week: SpongeBob Moves In ($4 value)
Disney’s award-winning Animated iPad app hits a new all-time low price of $3 (Reg. $10)
Save 50% on the brand new Screenium 3 high-res, high-speed screen capture app for Mac
Samsung 850 EVO 1TB 2.5-inch Internal Solid-State Drive: $310 shipped (Reg. $350
- iPhone 6/Plus $100 off w/ VZW or Sprint 2-yr contract: 16GB $100, more
- Etekcity 8GB Voice recorder and USB Stick: $13 shipped
- iOttie Easy One Touch 2 iPhone car mount: $17 Prime shipped (Reg. $25)
- Anker Bluetooth iPad Keyboards from $20: Folio Case $30 (Reg. $40), more
- Sennheiser Urbanite on-ears for $75 or XL over-ears for $130 (Orig. up to $250), more
- Magnetic Air Vent Car Mount Holder for iPhone 6/Plus $6 Prime shipped (Orig. $11)
- Timbuk2 Iris Gym Duffel Bag (Black) for $30 shipped (Reg. $54)
- Apple-Certified MFi Lightning Cables: 1-ft braided nylon $12, 10-ft $10, 3-ft $5, more
- Canon PIXMA Inkjet Photo All-in-One Printer + software $20 shipped (Reg. $40+)
- Jabra SOLEMATE Portable Bluetooth Speaker $60 shipped (Reg. $90+), more
- Urge Soundbrick $18 shipped, waterproof shower speaker $10 shipped, more
- Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Wireless On-Ear Headphones in Titanium: $209 shipped (Orig. $380)
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II is now available for Mac: $7 (Reg. $10)
- Cook your food perfectly with the Range Smart Thermometer: $60 shipped (Orig. $70)
- Shoot cinematic masterpieces w/ iStabilizer: $39 (Orig. $60)
- Themes for iBooks Author for $9.99 (50% off)
- Designs for Mail for $9.99 (50% off)
- Learn to build 11 apps with this exclusive iOS 9 Swift coding course: $59 (Orig. $299)
- Blinkist Premium 1-yr Subscription: 1000+ Grasp Nonfiction Books: $30 (Orig. $80)
- Spigen’s latest Apple Watch dock is made for watchOS 2, pre-order now for $12
- Pay what you want for the 7-course Web Hacker Bundle ($1,043 value, currently $6)
- Complete this Chipotle trivia game & receive a buy one, get one free coupon
- Sennheiser HD650 + Apogee Groove portable DAC/amp $550 shipped ($755 value)
- American Express rolls out PayPal competitor, offers $10 statement credit for trying it
New products & more:
Plantronics new BackBeat Sense Bluetooth headphones are loaded with sensors
This Lightning cable cleverly solves an annoyance every iPhone user deals with
- Make your own miniature 3D printed, Raspberry Pi-powered Game Boy emulator
- Hori’s new Tactical Assault Commander 4 brings PC style controls to the PS4
- 2K announces Terminator as a playable character for WWE 2K16
- JBL details new Flip3 & Xtreme portable Bluetooth speakers w/ fresh designs & features
- Converse upgrades its Chuck Taylors with new technology for the first time in 98 years
- Dad makes a custom Mario Kart 8-inspired nursery and becomes instant internet sensation
- The Panono panoramic camera is filled with 36 lenses that total 108MP, available today
- Stary Board cuts the weight to become the “world’s lightest” electric vehicle
Review: Bang & Olufsen Beolit 15 Bluetooth speaker
Review: DODOcase Apple Watch Charging Stand
Review: SanDisk Connect Wireless Stic
Headphones Stories July 23, 2015
I’m an on-ear/over-ear headphone guy. To me, the size and weight has always been a price worth paying for the far higher quality and sound isolation they deliver when compared to consumer-grade in-ear headphones.
I’ve tried numerous in-ear headphones, and none have ever felt remotely comparable to me – until now. Trinity is a brand new British company founded by former lead designer at Rockjaw, specifically to create high-quality in-ear monitors (IEMs) at an affordable price. The Delta is the high-end model, at $135/£90, and it takes rather an unusual approach … expand full story
Headphones Stories June 23, 2015
Review: blueLounge’s Posto is the handsome headphone stand you can still afford after buying Beats
When the iPod was surging, full-sized headphones were flailing. For decades, big “cans” were the only proper way to quietly listen to the massive audio players stored in home A/V cabinets. But by 2006, portable audio devices were king, and their pocketable little white earbuds were everywhere. Then Beats by Dre came along and convinced people that big headphones were worth buying again, even for portable media players. Beats’ signature Studio headphones aren’t as easy to carry around as little earbuds, but as their growing popularity demonstrates, people haven’t seemed to mind.
blueLounge’s new Posto ($20) is the latest in a series of “big headphone” stands made by Apple accessory companies. I’ve previously tested heavy, all-metal options such as Just Mobile’s HeadStand, which hover around the $50 price point and — to their credit — try to do one or two nice little things to justify that sort of price point. There are also cheap headphone stands that tend to look… cheap. Posto is clearly the result of a different theory of design. The black version is made from several different materials that somehow look nearly indistinguishable from one another, reducing the cost, weight, and assembly challenges found in other headphone stands. (A white and silver version uses different-looking parts.) Consequently, Posto works much the same as HeadStand, but costs less than half the price. If you’ve just dropped $250 or more on a pair of big headphones, Posto lets you manage them without breaking the bank…
Headphones Stories June 17, 2015
Earlier this week we noted that Apple has refreshed the Beats by Dre wireless Beats Powerbeats 2 earbuds with new colors aimed at Apple Watch Sport users. Today, Apple has updated its Beats headphones website to promote the new line of headphones along with a new price: $179, which is $20 less than the previous price at $199.
With its onboard storage for music and Bluetooth connection, Apple is promoting these headphones as a way to tap into listening to music with the Apple Watch without the need of a connected iPhone. Even with the ties to Apple and the new Apple Watch-centric marketing campaign, the new earphones will still work with other Bluetooth media players.
We noted earlier today on 9to5Toys that some retailers are offering as much as $50 off of the wireless headphones, and Amazon is selling the accessory at various discounted prices ranging from $169 to $189.
Headphones Stories June 16, 2015
Friends have often expressed surprise at the fact that I continue to use wired headphones. My beautifully-portable and much-loved Bowers & Wilkins P5 headphones go with me almost everywhere, while my Master & Dynamic MH40s are my go-to headphones in the living room.
Friends know my aversion to visible cables, and I’m usually an ‘any excuse for a gadget’ type guy, so why, they ask, do I continue to wear wired headphones? There have been a couple of reasons for that. First, the ‘yet another device to charge’ factor – to add to my Macs, iPad, iPhone, bike cam, GPS and now Apple Watch.
Second, the sound quality of Bluetooth headphones hasn’t compared well to wired ones in my experience. I’ve tried a bunch of Bluetooth headphones in the store, but none persuaded me. However, designing with wood and leather is always a good way to catch my attention, so I thought I’d try House of Marley’s Liberate XLBT over-ear headphones … expand full story
Headphones Stories June 14, 2015
image credit: Ben Thomas
Apple quietly updated its Powerbeats2 headphones to match Apple Watch Sport colors this week signalling a new move to focus audio accessories to the Apple Watch ecosystem. The new colors, which match the Apple Watch Sport Band colors of Blue, Black, Green, Pink and (updated) White, are available in Apple Stores but haven’t arrived at other retail locations yet.
The Apple Watch can store and play 2GB of music without a tethered iPhone wirelessly via Bluetooth 4 and with watchOS 2 will get access to many more audio applications. It wouldn’t be out of character for Apple to release over the ear Beats headphones in matching colors or even PowerBeats Wireless to match the more expensive stainless steel Apple Watch.
The new Powerbeats2 headphones will of course work with all Apple and other Bluetooth 4 devices even though they appear to be focused on the growing Apple Watch market.
Apple Powerbeats2 Wireless earphones still come in their original, dare I say, dated colors for $199 ($189 Amazon, $169 Best Buy or $160 Ebay) but the original White version has been moved from the old lineup the the new lineup. Original urBeats wired headphones can be found for as little as $45 via 9to5Toys.com
Headphones Stories June 12, 2015
9to5Toys Last Call: 4-Port USB Desktop Charger $9, Free App of the Week, 5K iMac from $2,000, more
Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.
Today’s can’t miss deals:
Last Call Updates:
- Free shipping on Monoprice Lightning Cables w/ prices starting at $8 for 6-foot, more
- VPN Roundup: Lifetime access and other options starting from $39
- Parrot details new drones with upgraded specs for land, water and air
- Reebok extra 30% off sitewide w/ free shipping on $49 or more: Fleece, running shoes, more
- Home: Ronco Stainless Steel Rotisserie Oven $123 (Reg. $160), more
- Multi-year magazine subs from $3/yr: Wired, Maxim, GQ, ESPN, Dwell, more
Charge up to four USB devices at once w/ this RAVPower Desktop Charger for $9 Prime shipped (Reg. $16), more
App Store Free App of the Week: Slayin endless RPG goes free for the first time ($1 value)
Best Buy 2-Day Sale: 27″ 5K Retina iMac w/ 1TB Fusion Drive $2,000 w/ .edu or $2,100 w/o (Reg. $2,299), more
Get 50% off at Starbucks: $10 gift card for $5 w/ email delivery – Sold Out, sorry about the mix-up
Ondesoft Mac Bundle with X-Mirage, iTunes Converter, Audiobook Converter and more: free ($146 value)
$50 iTunes gift card for $40 shipped: save 20% on apps, music, movies and more
Restaurant and apparel gift cards 20% off: JCPenney, T.G.I. Friday’s, Legal Seafood, Steak n’ Shake, Jiffy Lube, more
Father’s Day: Tommy Hilfiger, Nordstrom, more up to 50% off, DEWALT tools & gift cards from 20% off, more
Giveaway: The DODOcase $80 Apple Watch and iPhone charging solution stands out
More new gear from today:
Daily Deals: Samsung 850 EVO 250GB 2.5-inch SATA III Internal SSD $90, more
- New! Games/Apps: Steam Summer Sale up to 75% off, Xenoblade 3D $36
- New! IBSound IPX7 Waterproof Bluetooth Shower Speaker w/Mic: $18 Prime shipped
- New! LG Tone Pro Bluetooth 4.1 Wireless Earphones: $44 shipped (Reg. $70)
- New! Brother HL-L2380DW Wireless 3-in-1 Laser Printer $75 picked up (Reg. $100)
- New! No Contract Androids: LG G2 5.2-inch 32GB $175, Moto E unlocked $50 shipped
More deals still alive:
New Games/Apps: popular puzzler Threes! goes free-to-play the right way & Drop the Chicken 2 releases at 50% off
Sony MDR-7506 Professional Folding Headphones $70 shipped (Reg. $100)
- All-in-one travel router, wireless card reader & power bank: $31 Prime shipped (Reg. $47)
- Acer 27-inch IPS Monitor w/ built-in speakers + HDMI $300 shipped (Reg. $350)
- Chromecast free movie rental offer includes American Sniper, Interstellar, and more hits
- Home: Kryptonite Bike U-Lock $29, Philips men’s grooming kit $45, more
- ‘Pay what you want’ Mobile-First Developer’s Bundle ($1,740 value, currently $6)
- LG G Pad 16GB Wi-Fi 7″ Android Tablet (refurb) $65 shipped (Orig. $150)
- Crucial M500 960GB 2.5-inch Internal Solid-State Drive: $290 + $4 shipping (Reg. $340+)
- Nikon COOLPIX P530 Digital Camera Shipped $260 shipped (Orig. $450, CA Tax Only)
- Apple begins selling iPad mini 3 on its refurbished online store
- Headphones: Harman SOHOi on-ears $150, Sennheiser HD439 over-ears $40, more
- MFi iPhone 6 2,500mAh Battery Case: $25 Prime shipped (Reg. $45)
- Canon refurbished cameras w/ 1-yr warranty: T5i DSLR w/ 18-55mm Lens Kit $450, more
- Pencil by FiftyThree Stylus up to 20% off: Graphite $40, Gold/Walnut $50
- The ad-free version of Trivia Crack goes free (Reg. $3)
- Toms 35+% off: Men’s Leather Searcher Boots $75 (Reg. $149), styles from $27, more
- Fox Searchlight 20th Anniv. 21-disc Blu-ray Collection $100, Blu-rays under $5
- $100 off Apple’s new Macbooks (+Airs/Pros and iMacs) w/.edu email address at Best Buy
- Aukey gooseneck adjustable desk mount for iPad: $22 Prime shipped (Reg. $32)
New products & more:
Oculus finally unveils the retail version of its Rift VR headset
These Multisport Biometric Headphones are a fitness tracker and Bluetooth headset
- Get your first look at Star Wars: The Force Awakens Lego, Hasbro and Hot Wheels toys
- Sony’s new RX100 IV prosumer digital camera is loaded with features
- Holus uses 3D holograms to bring images from phones and tablets to life
- Ratchet & Clank is coming to PS4 with impressive next gen visuals and a brand new arsenal
- Apogee now offers free Waves plug-in bundles worth up to $600
- June Oven has better specs than MacBook & was designed by former Apple engineers
- Sonder keyboard’s E-ink display keys bring a fully customizable setup to your Mac
- Dyson’s in-house LED technology is the lifeblood of its gorgeous new desk lamp
- Gibson’s new Trainer Bluetooth headphones designed by Usain Bolt
- Microsoft announces new $349 Xbox One, 1TB model /updated controllers
Headphones Stories April 21, 2015
9to5Toys Last Call: iPad Air 128GB $500, 13″ Retina MacBook Pro w/ Force Touch $1,100, 11″ MacBook Air $800, more
Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.
Today’s can’t miss deals:
Last Call Updates:
- 13″ Retina MacBook Pro w/ Force Touch 2.7GHz/8GB/128GB: $1,100 (Reg. $1,299)
- Apple 11-inch MacBook Air 1.6GHz/4GB/128GB (newest version): $800 (Reg. $899)
- Headphones: JBL powered over-ears $70, Sennheiser HD 518 over-ears $60, more
- Media: Meat Loaf’s Greatest Hits free (~$15 value), Unbroken HD rental $1 (Reg. $5), more
- ZeroLemon SolarJuice 10000mAh water resistant Battery Pack w/ flashlight: $26 (Orig. $50)
- Season 3 of “Orange is the New Black” are arriving on Netflix, are you ready to stream?
- Chromebook roundup: Acer 11.6″ refurb $140, Dell 11.6-inch $190, Free Pixel contest, more
- Home: All-Clad stainless steel cookware set $155, Cuisinart Juicer (refurb) $40, more
Apple iPad Air 128GB Wi-Fi + AT&T Cellular $500 (Orig. $929), iPad Air 2 128GB Wi-Fi $590 (Reg. $699)
Get ready for Apple Watch w/ a pair of battery-saving Bluetooth 4.0 earbuds starting at $14 shipped
Portable USB 3.0 Hard Drives: Toshiba 1TB $50 (Orig. $75), 3-Pack Seagate 1.5TB $150 ($210 value), more
Seagate Expansion 5TB USB 3.0 Desktop External Hard Drive $120 shipped (Orig. $250)
HooToo TripMate Wireless N Travel Router w/ USB port $15 Prime shipped (Reg. $20)
iTunes Free App of the Week: Pursuit of Light ($1 value)
Review: Moleskine’s new myCloud Smallpack offers plentiful storage in a tidy design, $150 giveaway
More new gear from today:
XYZprinting daVinci 1.0 3D Printer $350 shipped (Orig. $500)
- New! Games/Apps: PowerA PS4 Controller Charger $17 Prime shipped, iOS freebies, more
- New! One-yr Sam’s Club Plus Membership w/ a $20 GC & more: $45 ($120+ value)
- New! Multi-magazine subs from $4/yr: Wired, ESPN, Dwell, GQ, many more
- New! Daily Deals: RCA 200W 5.1-Ch. DVD Home Theater System $80, BenQ 1080p projector refurb $575, more
More deals still alive:
Headphones: Audio-Technica QuietPoint over-ears $100 (Reg. $150+), Sennheiser HD 202 on-ears $15 (Reg. $24), more
Canon EOS Rebel T3i DSLR (refurb) w/ 18-55mm Lens Kit $336 shipped (Orig. $599), more
- Huge Innori 22400mAh 3 Port USB Battery Pack $35 Shipped (Orig. $70)
- Printers: Brother Wireless laser (refurb) $120, Canon imageCLASS w/ AirPrint $130, more
- USB power: 50W 5-Port Charger $12, 3200mAh battery pack w/ dual-port car charger $13
- Lumsing wallet design magnetic leather cover for iPad 2/3/4 bundle $7 shipped (Orig. $25)
- Tailgate-ready Cuisinart Compact Gas Grill for $120 shipped (Reg. $200)
- Yamaha RX-V377 5.1-Channel 4K A/V Receiver w/USB: $180 Shipped (Orig. $300)
- Apple AirPort Express w/ AirPlay & Wireless Printing $79 or refurb $65 (Reg. $99)
- Spigen iPhone 6/Plus cases from $4 Prime shipped, multiple colors/styles available
- Refurbished Apple laptops: MacBooks from $259, Pros starting at $459
- Headphones: Sony over-ears (refurb) $50, 2 pairs Able Planet $20, more
- Garmin nüvi 7-Inch GPS w/ Lifetime Maps (Cert Refurbished) $110 (Reg. $130)
- Intocircuit Power Castle 11200mAh Dual-USB Power Bank: $18 Prime shipped (Reg. $30)
- Free 1-month unlimited access to over 15,000 digital Marvel comics
- Satechi’s Premium Aluminum 4-Port USB Clamp Hub: $20 Shipped
- Lowe’s coupon: save $10 on purchases of $50 or more in-store or online
- Two free months of Audible audiobooks for new accounts
- Toys: UDI Quadcopter RC Drone $53, Star Wars figure play sets bundle $29, more
- Dr. Seuss The Lorax interactive book app $2 (Reg. $5) + Free giveaway codes
New products & more:
Sony’s new 43-75″ 4K UHDTVs bring an incredibly thin design, pre-orders start today
- Sony’s new soundbars and A/V receivers include Google Cast and up to ten HDMI inputs
- Blizzard’s latest multiplayer brawler Heroes of the Storm heads to beta & gets release date
- IKEA details its new wireless charging furniture, add-ons and iPhone cases
- Are Verizon’s new FiOS bundle plans the answer to ala carte programming?
- OWC put a 480GB SSD in a pocket-size USB 3.0 Flash Drive
- Carbonate your booze from an iPhone app with SodaStream Mix
- Design your own pair of headphones with AiAiAi’s new TMA-2 modulars
