Get Next-Level 9.1.4 spatial audio with the Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar

Posted on 15/10/2024 by Vincent Nguyen

Experience movie nights like never before with the Sonos Arc Ultra, the latest flagship soundbar that merges cinema-quality audio with a design that’s as sophisticated as it is sleek. Built with breakthrough Sound Motion technology, Arc Ultra brings your entertainment to life with deep bass, immersive spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, and a refined look that complements large TVs without overpowering your space. It is the sleekest and most powerful soundbar Sonos has ever created. Available for $999.

Designer: Sonos

Sonos Arc Ultra brings sound and crafts an expansive sound stage that fills every inch of the room. Featuring an all-new architecture powered by 14 Sonos-engineered drivers, including the Sound Motion woofer and advanced tweeters, it delivers a 9.1.4 spatial audio experience that feels out of this world. Trueplay, now available for iOS and Android, allows you to fine-tune the sound for your specific space, transforming any room into a personal movie theater.

Sound Motion technology enhances the immersive experience by packing impressive performance into a compact design. This innovation provides greater clarity, depth, and balance, allowing you to hear every frequency with accuracy. It also delivers double the bass output compared to the previous Arc model.

With Dolby Atmos, Arc Ultra brings sound to life with sensational definition, enveloping you in a 9.1.4 spatial audio experience that places you right in the middle of the action. To elevate the experience further, pair Arc Ultra with Sonos Sub 4 and Era 300 rear speakers for a fully immersive Dolby Atmos setup that delivers incredible detail from every direction. For personal listening, you can even integrate Sonos Ace headphones for private surround sound and sensational spatial audio.

Never strain to hear dialogue again. The new center channel architecture in the Sonos Arc Ultra ensures every word, whisper, and subtle vocal cue is crystal clear. The advanced Speech Enhancement feature, adjustable via the Sonos app, allows you to customize dialogue clarity further to suit your preference, ensuring that conversations and vocals are always easy to follow.

Sonos partnered with industry veterans like Chris Jenkins and Onnalee Blank to fine-tune Arc Ultra for Dolby Atmos content, achieving a sound profile that rivals professional studio systems. This collaboration ensures you get an audio experience as rich and immersive as the creators intended, giving you a true theater-like atmosphere at home.

Arc Ultra is thoughtfully crafted with a distinctive curved shape, low-profile design, and matte finish, making it a stylish addition to your home while keeping the focus on your entertainment. The wrap-around grille extends sound in every direction, ensuring you’re completely surrounded, while the slimmer design prevents obstructing the TV screen whether it’s mounted or placed on a credenza.

Setting up the Arc Ultra is straightforward—connect it via HDMI eARC for a seamless experience. Once connected, it can be effortlessly controlled using your TV remote, the Sonos app, Sonos Voice Control, or Amazon Alexa. Touch controls are cleverly positioned on a hidden ledge to minimize visual distractions, and Bluetooth line-in adds even more streaming flexibility. Additionally, with Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility, the Arc Ultra integrates smoothly into your home ecosystem.

Sonos has also prioritized sustainability with Arc Ultra. Improved serviceability, reduced adhesive usage, lower idle power consumption, and smaller packaging volume all contribute to an environmentally friendly product without compromising on performance. The packaging is fully recyclable, and the product is designed to ship more efficiently with a lighter weight and reduced materials.

Pair the Arc Ultra with Sonos’ new Sub 4 for an extraordinary home theater experience. Sub 4 features dual custom woofers that generate deep, dynamic low frequencies, enhancing your entertainment without distortion. Its sculptural design allows it to fit seamlessly into your home—whether standing upright, lying on its side, or tucked under furniture. The next-generation Sub 4 includes increased processing power, memory, and new WiFi radios for better connectivity.

Alongside Arc Ultra and Sub 4, Sonos is rolling out an improved version of its app. This new software enhances the user experience by improving system identification, simplifying device setup, and offering better grouping capabilities. It also includes new features like improved queue management, music library indexing, and enhanced accessibility options, such as TalkBack improvements on Android.

With Sonos Arc Ultra and Sub 4, I’m excited to bring the next-level sound system into the comfort of my own home—experiencing exceptional sound quality, advanced features, and a sophisticated design that transforms my living room into a true cinematic space.

The post Get Next-Level 9.1.4 spatial audio with the Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sonos Ace Headphones Review: Comfort, Sound Quality, and Sustainability

Posted on 03/06/2024 by Vincent Nguyen

The Sonos Ace is an exceptional pair of over-ear headphones that seamlessly combines superior audio, sophisticated design, and comfort. Crafted with sustainable materials, the Sonos Ace embodies an environmentally friendly ethos without falling short on performance. Its soft memory foam ear cushions and lightweight design make it ideal for long-term use. The headphones offer a vibrant and immersive audio experience, with lossless audio via Bluetooth, top-notch noise cancellation, and a wide dynamic range. The user-friendly interface, characterized by a versatile button arrangement and smooth integration with the Sonos ecosystem, makes the Sonos Ace appealing to sound enthusiasts and everyday listeners.

Designer: Sonos

Aesthetics and Design

The Sonos Ace headphones are built with high-quality materials that balance durability and a premium feel. They use flexible plastics to keep them lightweight, while sturdy metals ensure they’re strong and long-lasting. The ear cushions and headband are covered in vegan leather, giving them a luxurious touch that’s also soft and eco-friendly.

Sonos Ace

When it comes to looks, the Sonos Ace keeps it simple and stylish. They come in two colors, Sonos Black and Soft White, chosen to appeal to a wide range of tastes. The minimalist and sleek design makes these headphones look fabulous regardless of your style. The overall aesthetic is clean and modern, with smooth finishes and a seamless integration of materials. This attention to detail shows the care and thought that went into their design.

Despite their premium build, the Sonos Ace headphones are designed to be portable. They’re lightweight and easy to carry, making them perfect for home or on the go. The Sonos logo and color-coded ear cups enhance the design and contribute to the user-friendly aspect, making it easy to identify the correct way to wear the headphones.

Ergonomics and Comfort

The Sonos Ace prioritizes user comfort, making it ideal for extended listening sessions. Its ergonomic design includes pillowy, soft memory foam ear cushions and a lightweight build, ensuring that the headphones rest gently on your ears and head. This thoughtful construction prevents the development of pressure points, even during long periods of use.

One key feature contributing to the Ace’s comfort is the headband. It has been carefully designed with the right curvature and clamping force to provide a secure fit without being too tight. This ensures that the weight is evenly distributed, preventing any discomfort. The ear cups are also shaped to accommodate various ear sizes and shapes, which further enhances the fit and comfort.

I must confess that I’m usually an in-ear monitor or earbud person, so over-the-ear headphones never really appealed to me—until the Ace. One of the biggest issues I’ve had with other over-the-ear headphones is that they’re often big and bulky. Additionally, most of them have poorly designed ear cups that don’t stay in place, so I constantly have to adjust them as they slide up and down. The Ace fixed both of these issues for me. The overall design is low profile, and the flex is just right, while the ear cups lock in place all day long, no matter what I’m doing.

The replaceable ear cushions, wrapped in vegan leather, add another layer of convenience and sustainability. If the cushions wear out over time, they can be easily swapped out, extending the life of the headphones and maintaining comfort. The Sonos Ace’s ergonomic design makes it perfect for all-day wear, with features that cater to various head shapes and sizes, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit without exerting excessive pressure.

Button Layout and Features

The Sonos Ace features a well-thought-out button layout that enhances user experience, making it easy to navigate various functions without needing to look at the controls. On the left ear cup, you’ll find the power button and the USB-C port for charging and connection. This positioning ensures that the essential functions are easily accessible. The headphones also support a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing versatility in connectivity options. The power button is easy to use, enabling quick power on and off as well as Bluetooth pairing initiation with a long press.

The right ear cup houses the primary controls, designed for ease of use. One of the key features is the Content Key, a mechanical slider. This tactile button allows you to adjust the volume by sliding it up or down, skip tracks by pressing the slider, and manage calls with a simple press. Holding the Content Key enables the seamless switch between the Sonos Ace and other Sonos devices, such as the Arc soundbar. Be sure to go through the setup using the Sonos app. This feature is handy for users who want to effortlessly switch from their headphones to their home sound system.

In addition to the Content Key, the right ear cup has buttons for changing noise cancellation modes. Users can switch between active noise cancellation (ANC) and Aware Mode or turn off noise cancellation entirely. This flexibility allows for a personalized listening experience, whether in a noisy or quiet environment.

The Sonos logo on the right ear cup serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it helps you quickly identify the right side of the headphones. Secondly, the logo’s tactile texture acts as a guide, making it easier for your fingers to locate and operate the buttons without needing to look at them. This thoughtful design detail enhances the overall user experience, especially on the go.

The Sonos Ace’s button layout blends intuitive design and practical functionality. The strategic placement of the power button and USB-C port on the left ear cup, combined with the comprehensive controls on the right ear cup, ensures that users can easily manage their listening experience. Using the Sonos logo as a tactile guide further enhances usability, making these headphones a joy to use. Whether you’re adjusting the volume, switching tracks, or changing noise cancellation modes, the Sonos Ace provides a seamless and intuitive user experience.

Performance of the Sonos Ace

Listening to music with the Sonos Ace headphones is an absolute pleasure. The intricate fingerpicking and solo guitar work in “Hotel California” by the Eagles (Live on MTV, 1994) capture amazing detail. Each pluck of the strings sounds crystal clear, and the natural resonance of the acoustic guitars makes it feel like you’re right there at the performance.

Don Henley’s vocals come through with warmth and precision, allowing you to appreciate the subtle nuances and emotional depth of his performance. Even in more intense moments, the headphones maintain a perfect balance, ensuring that every track element is heard clearly. True to Sonos’ heritage of premium products, every detail is expertly crafted, custom-designed, and tuned by the world’s leading sound experts to give you a listening experience unlike any other.

Clarity in the vocals and instrumental elements shines beautifully in “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson. His voice comes through with sharpness and precision, bringing out every detail of his iconic performance. The hi-hat and snare hits are crisp and precise, keeping the groove tight and infectious.

Balanced frequency response is another area where these headphones excel. The intricate piano solo in the middle of “Take Five” by The Dave Brubeck Quartet delivers remarkable balance and detail. The saxophone lines are clear and accurate, highlighting the Ace’s ability to handle mid-range tones beautifully. The double bass provides a deep, resonant foundation, showing the Ace’s capability to deliver powerful and controlled bass.

Deep bass management stands out in “Royals” by Lorde. The bass is powerful yet never overwhelming, providing a solid foundation for the track without overshadowing the vocals. Lorde’s clear, upfront vocals come through with exceptional clarity, allowing every nuance of her performance to shine through.

The dynamic range is impressive, handling wide variations in volume and intensity. A perfect track to demonstrate this capability is “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. The dramatic shifts in volume and intensity during the operatic middle section are managed seamlessly. The quiet moments, like the piano and vocal introduction, are equally impressive, reproducing subtle, delicate sections with clarity. The Ace handles dynamic shifts without losing detail, letting you fully experience the emotional highs and lows of the track.

The drum solo towards the end of “Take Five” further highlights the dynamic range. The headphones manage a wide range of volumes and intensities without losing any detail, allowing the listener to appreciate the full spectrum of the performance. The crescendos in the saxophone melody emphasize this capability as the Ace transitions from soft to loud passages smoothly, maintaining clarity and precision throughout.

Instrument separation is another area where the Ace excels. The dual guitar solos towards the end of “Hotel California” are distinct and well-separated. The Ace keeps each instrument clear and defined, letting you focus on individual elements of the performance. The precise reproduction of drum fills throughout the track ensures that the percussion stands out without overpowering the other components.

Exceptional instrument separation also shines in “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1” by Pink Floyd. The expansive soundstage created by the headphones allows the atmospheric guitar echoes in the intro to come to life. The various synth effects are handled beautifully, providing a sense of space that enhances the immersive quality of the song. Sonos Ace’s ported acoustic architecture delivers exceptional depth and an ultra-wide soundstage, remaining incredibly clear.

These headphones deliver a wide and immersive soundstage, making you feel surrounded by the music. This is particularly evident in “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1,” where the atmospheric guitar echoes and various synth effects create a sense of space that enhances the track’s immersive quality. The precise placement of instruments within the soundstage ensures that each element is heard in its intended location, adding to the realism of the listening experience.

In “Take Five,” the soundstage and imaging capabilities shine through. The saxophone, piano, and drums are all positioned clearly within the soundstage, allowing you to appreciate the spatial arrangement of the performance. This accurate imaging provides a more realistic and engaging listening experience, making it easy to visualize the musicians’ positions on stage.

The complex, multi-layered arrangement of “Bohemian Rhapsody” also benefits from the Ace’s excellent soundstage and imaging. Each vocal layer and instrumental part is clearly defined and positioned within the soundstage, making the operatic middle section sound grand and theatrical.

Bass response is another strong point for the Sonos Ace. The deep, driving bass line in “Billie Jean” is delivered with tight control and power, highlighting the Ace’s ability to handle low frequencies without distortion. The bass is punchy and rhythmic, providing a solid foundation for the track without overwhelming the other elements.

“Royals” demonstrates the Ace’s ability to manage deep bass with perfect control and depth. The bass is powerful yet never overwhelming, providing a solid foundation for the track without overshadowing the vocals. This balance ensures that every part of the track is heard as intended, with the bass providing a strong but controlled presence.

Handling strong, iconic bass lines, “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2” emphasizes the Ace’s capability. The powerful bass line at the beginning of the track is delivered with precision and depth, showcasing the headphones’ ability to handle low frequencies with power and control. This strong bass response enhances the overall impact of the track, making it more engaging and immersive.

In addition to these classics, the Sonos Ace excels with modern tracks. “Shivers” by Ed Sheeran is a great example. You can immediately feel the bass from the synth and hear the wide strings panning left and right, leaving ample room for the lead vocal to shine through the center of the mix.

“What Was I Made For” by Billie Eilish highlights the Ace’s ability to reproduce the clarity of vocals. You can hear the sibilance and breathing in Billie’s performance, demonstrating how effectively just piano and vocals can create a personal, dynamic experience.

For podcasts, “The First Belle” from The Last City illustrates the Ace’s ability to deliver crisp dialogue. The headphones render mid-range frequencies with precision and clarity, ensuring the human voice sounds natural and intelligible.

The immersive experience of Dolby Atmos is evident in “Praise the Lord” by Breland. The distant and spacious guitar sounds and the distinct hand claps on opposite sides of the mix demonstrate Ace’s ability to separate and highlight individual instruments, creating an immersive and detailed listening experience.

Lossless Audio Over Bluetooth and Noise Cancellation

One key feature of the Sonos Ace is its support for lossless audio over Bluetooth, which will be available when the product launches to customers on June 5. This feature utilizes Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound AptX for Lossless, allowing high-fidelity audio streaming from compatible devices. Note that this functionality is unavailable for early reviews but will significantly enhance the listening experience upon release.

The Sonos Ace’s noise cancellation is amazing. The biggest test was doing yard work with a leaf blower blowing air at nearly 200 mph, and I could barely hear a sound. This impressive performance is thanks to the constant monitoring and use of all the mics, ensuring an almost silent experience in noisy environments.

Combining all these elements, the Sonos Ace is an exceptional pair of over-ear headphones. Whether it’s the intricate guitar work of “Hotel California,” the punchy bass of “Billie Jean,” or the dynamic complexity of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the Ace delivers an extraordinary listening experience that sets it apart. Everyday listeners, audiophiles, and casual music fans alike will appreciate the thoughtful design, impressive sound quality, and overall performance of these headphones. The sophisticated design of Sonos Ace cradles you in comfort with its pillowy soft memory foam ear cushions and lightweight build, making it perfect for all-day wear.

Sustainability of the Sonos Ace

The Sonos Ace impresses with its sound, design, and commitment to being eco-friendly. From the start, these headphones are built with sustainability in mind.

One of the Ace’s notable features is its use of materials. Made with 70% recycled plastic, these headphones help reduce waste. The ear cushions and headband are wrapped in vegan leather, which is still comfy and better for the environment.

The carry case is another win for the environment. Made from 75% recycled polyester from old plastic bottles, it helps reduce the overall environmental impact.

The replaceable ear cushions are a great feature. If the headphones wear out over time, you don’t have to toss the whole thing. Just swap out the cushions, and you’re good to go. This extends the life of the headphones and reduces waste.

The Ace also has an auto-pause feature to conserve battery life. Sensors in each ear cup detect when the headphones are removed, pausing playback automatically. This reduces the frequency of recharging, extending the battery’s lifespan and cutting down on energy use.

Sonos has created a product that balances high-quality audio, exceptional comfort, and eco-friendly design elements. It’s a solid choice for environmentally conscious consumers who don’t want to sacrifice performance for sustainability.

Value and Verdict

At $449, the Sonos Ace offers tremendous value for those seeking high-quality over-ear headphones. Its blend of superior sound quality, comfortable design, and advanced features makes it a strong contender in its price range. Unlike many bulky alternatives, the Ace delivers a low-profile design without compromising durability or performance. Replaceable vegan leather ear cushions and sustainable materials add to its long-term appeal.

From the seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem to the impressive noise cancellation that makes even the loudest leaf blower almost silent, the Ace covers all bases. The intuitive button layout, particularly the Content Key, ensures easy operation whether you’re adjusting the volume, skipping tracks, or switching between devices. With 30 hours of battery life and a quick charge feature that provides three hours of playback with just a three-minute charge, the Ace is built for extended use. It’s perfect for everyday listeners who want both comfort and performance, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone in the market for top-notch headphones.

The post Sonos Ace Headphones Review: Comfort, Sound Quality, and Sustainability first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sonos Ace challenges Apple’s AirPods Max with superior headphones

Posted on 21/05/2024 by Vincent Nguyen

Stepping into the highly competitive personal audio market, Sonos launches the Ace, their first over-ear headphones. In a landscape dominated by heavyweights like Apple’s AirPods Max, the Sonos Ace aims to be the brand’s ace in the hole, promising to deliver an unparalleled listening experience. Crafted with precision and care, these headphones are designed to combine high fidelity sound with exceptional comfort and a sleek, timeless design. The Ace better live up to its name, offering a compelling alternative in a market where excellence is the baseline expectation.

Sonos Ace in Black and Soft White

Designer: Sonos

Reflecting a meticulous design process that spans over three years, the Sonos Ace emerges as a product of intense collaboration across technical and creative disciplines. Aki Laine, director of industrial design at Sonos, described the Ace as a pair of headphones that feel as good as they look. Available in two sophisticated colors, Sonos Black and Soft White, these headphones were carefully selected to ensure inclusivity and appeal. The headphones use flexible plastics for a lightweight feel and sturdy metals for structural integrity. The ear cushions and headband are covered in vegan leather, providing a durable yet soft touch that supports extended wear.

Sonos Ace in Black

Sonos Ace Soft White

Sonos Ace Soft White

Aki Laine emphasized the importance of comfort in the Ace’s design, noting, “The lightweight memory foam and vegan leather ensure comfort for long-term use.” The headband and ear cushions are padded with memory foam, designed to conform to various head shapes and sizes. This attention to detail ensures a secure fit without exerting excessive pressure, even accommodating accessories like glasses and earrings. The design also incorporates visual and tactile cues, such as the textured logo and color-coded ear cups, to help users quickly orient and operate the headphones. Comfort is a key focus for the Sonos Ace, ensuring that users can wear the headphones for long periods without discomfort. Extensive testing was conducted to achieve the right clamping force and weight distribution, making sure the headphones are stable and provide a snug fit without causing hotspots. The ear cups are designed to accommodate various ear sizes and shapes, enhancing overall comfort.

Engineered to deliver a high-quality audio experience, the Sonos Ace excels in acoustic performance across different media types. Each ear cup houses custom-designed 40mm dynamic drivers, providing precise and accurate sound across all frequencies. With eight microphones, four on each side (three external and one internal), the Ace delivers advanced active noise cancellation. The external microphones detect ambient noise, while the internal microphones monitor and adjust the sound in real-time to optimize the listening experience. This setup ensures that whether you’re immersed in music, podcasts, or movies, the audio remains clear and immersive.

Controls on the right ear cup: Slide the Content Key up or down to adjust volume. Press it to pause or resume content and take calls. Another button lets you quickly switch between ANC and Aware mode.

Reverting to an analogue hardware user interface, the Sonos Ace enhances ease of use without relying on visual confirmation, and I’m so delighted that they did. The tactile, mechanical slider—dubbed the Content Key—allows users to adjust volume, skip tracks, and manage calls with ease. It provides a reliable and intuitive alternative to touch controls, which can be prone to errors. This thoughtful design extends to the headphones’ connectivity options. The Ace supports both wireless and wired connections, making it versatile for various use cases. Multipoint connectivity allows the headphones to connect to two devices simultaneously, enabling effortless switching. Additionally, a single button press lets the Ace connect with Sonos home theater systems, offering an immersive Dolby Atmos experience with dynamic head tracking.

Integrating several eco-friendly features into the Ace supports sustainability. The headphones incorporate 70% post-consumer recycled plastic in their construction. The carry case, made from 75% recycled polyester derived from plastic bottles, complements this commitment to sustainability. Additionally, the ear cushions are easily replaceable, extending the product’s lifespan and reducing waste. Aki Laine highlighted Sonos’s dedication to creating long-lasting products, saying, “At Sonos, we are committed to creating products that last. The Ace incorporates 70% recycled plastic and features replaceable ear cushions, aligning with our sustainability goals.”

Boasting impressive battery life and convenient charging options, users can enjoy up to 30 hours of listening with active noise cancellation enabled. A rapid charge feature provides three hours of playback with just a three-minute charge, ensuring you never miss a beat even when time is short. The smart power management includes auto-pause sensors that stop playback when the headphones are removed, conserving battery life.

Sonos Ace is perfect for remote work

The post Sonos Ace challenges Apple’s AirPods Max with superior headphones first appeared on Yanko Design.

Best of Tech Design – Yanko Design Awards 2023

Posted on 27/12/2023 by JC Torres

It’s that time of year again when we take stock of the past 12 months and reflect on the ups and downs in order to get a brief glimpse of what lies ahead. It has been a pretty active year for the tech industry in many segments, from companies recovering or folding from the events of the past 3 years to the explosion of AI-powered services. Of course, there has also been a torrent of new designs and product types, such as the gaming handheld fever that’s gripping the PC market. In other words, there has been a great storm swirling in the tech and consumer electronics world, and now that the dust has finally settled, we’re taking a look at some of the best product designs that you can grab today or in just a few months.

Best Mixed Reality Headset – Apple Vision Pro

After years of speculation and waiting, Apple finally revealed its hand and showed the world its vision for its mixed reality platform. Of course, that includes the hardware that will become the gateway to that reality, the Vision Pro. In typical Apple fashion, the headset isn’t just a rehash of any old VR/AR gear and is specifically designed not only to showcase the power of Apple’s Spatial Computing but also to provide convenience and comfort in all aspects.

Designer: Apple

Why it’s noteworthy

As expected from any Apple product, the Vision Pro has a minimalist, understated design where every part is made with meticulous attention to detail. In addition to luxurious, comfortable materials, the headset is designed to be lightweight and well-balanced, allowing for long hours of use without straining the head. It was also made to immerse the wearer in a virtual world without taking them away from the real world, especially when communicating with others by making eye contact. Apple’s visionOS platform is carefully tailored to mix the real and the virtual seamlessly. Admittedly, the pricing for the Vision Pro is going to be high, but that’s also on par with any high-quality product that Apple makes.

Best Gaming Handheld – Lenovo Legion Go

Although some manufacturers have been churning out portable gaming PCs for years now, things really heated up when the big names in the industry started jumping in. Valve got the ball rolling with the Steam Deck, followed closely by the ASUS ROG Ally. Lenovo may just be the latest to jump on board, but thanks to both its expertise and the advantage of hindsight, the Lenovo Legion Go is pretty much ahead of the game not just in terms of specs but also in design.

Designer: Lenovo

Why it’s noteworthy

Yes, the Legion Go looks big, but mostly because it has the biggest screen among handheld gaming PCs in the market today. Its removable controllers give the perfect Nintendo Switch vibe, but the FPS mouse mode also delivers a new and unique way to play games. The high-performance hardware leaves few complaints, aside from the usual battery life, and the built-in kickstand removes the need for a separate accessory. There’s definitely still room for improvement, so it’s actually exciting to see what Lenovo has planned next for this device category.

Best Foldable Phone – OPPO Find N3

Foldable phones are becoming mainstream to the point that there might be too many to choose from at this point. While Samsung still has the lion’s share of people’s attention, it has long relinquished being the best in this market. It has easily let its rivals pass it by, and OPPO, who is relatively new to the scene, has just produced what is pretty much the best foldable phone you can buy (depending on where you are).

Designer: OPPO

Why it’s noteworthy

The OPPO Find N3 combines not just the best specs but also the best designs currently available in this category. It folds flat, has stylish color options, and has a more normal, wider shape that makes it more usable as a regular phone when folded. And it doesn’t skimp on the cameras, which is something that most foldable phones still have a hard time getting right. This particular model might not be available in all markets, but the OnePlus Open is a dead ringer and might be available in countries where the OPPO Find N3 isn’t.

Best Laptop/Portable PC – HP Envy Move

When thinking of “portable computers,” most will probably think of laptops since those are the most common designs available. They’re not always the best, though, especially when you consider the ergonomics involved. Desktop PCs, however, are just too large and bulky to be portable, even the thin all-in-one PCs are firmly rooted to desks. HP is challenging that status quo with a unique PC that is as portable as a laptop yet as usable as an all-in-one desktop.

Designer: HP

Why it’s noteworthy

The HP Envy Move is, for all intents and purposes, an AIO or All-in-One PC that was designed to be carried around, especially thanks to a built-in foldable handle and a pocket for storing a wireless keyboard. Its large 23.8-inch screen has plenty of room for work and entertainment, and you won’t have to crane your neck down every time you use it. Yes, it’s probably going to be awkward to carry it with you everywhere, but when you have a few fixed places to set up work or sit down for a movie, this computer will give you the full desktop experience in no time flat.

Best Portable Power Station – Bluetti AC500 + B300S

A stable supply of electricity has almost become a luxury these days. Power grids can go down without prior notice, or you might find yourself spending days and nights outdoors. Gas generators no longer cut it and are dangerous liabilities rather than assets, but there’s, fortunately, a large selection of safer and greener battery-powered generators now available today. Perhaps too many, in fact, since they come in all sizes and capacities, but Bluetti’s latest modular AC500 inverter and B300S expansion batteries offer the perfect flexibility for all your power needs.

Designer: Bluetti

Why it’s noteworthy

The modular design of the Bluetti AC500 means that you can stack as many as four of these 3,072Wh batteries if you need to, enough to power a home for a day or two. Or you can only bring the inverter and one battery module if you just need to go camping over the weekend. Best of all, you can charge the batteries using solar power, so you don’t even have to worry about power outlets in case of emergencies or being stuck outside. It’s a great way to enjoy the conveniences of modern life by having access to safe and sustainable power at any time.

Best Powerbank – Anker 737 GaN Prime 24K

Our dependence on computers and smartphones becomes pretty obvious when we start scrambling for a charger and find no power outlet available. There’s a variety of portable batteries, a.k.a. power banks, available today, but not all of them deliver the power you need to charge multiple devices, let alone a power-hungry laptop. Anker is one of the leading brands in this space, and it has a solution that addresses that need without forcing you to carry a veritable brick in your bag.

Designer: Anker

Why it’s noteworthy

The Anker 737 GaN Prime 24K offers portability and power in a compact package. It has enough output and battery capacity to charge a MacBook, for example, which means smartphones, accessories, and even drones are no sweat at all. GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology makes charging not only faster but also safer, while a helpful LCD display shows all the necessary stats you need to keep tabs on the power bank itself as well as the devices it’s charging. The block is admittedly chunky, but compared to power banks of similar capacity, it’s surprisingly compact and light, making it the perfect all-around partner for any mobile worker.

Best Smart Speaker – Sonos Era 300

The hype around smart speakers may seem to have died down, but that’s mostly because they have become almost too common. Every modern Bluetooth-enabled speaker these days has some smarts now, leaving manufacturers more freedom to explore other designs. Sonos is one of the pioneers in the wireless speaker space, and it continues to push through with new designs even in the face of unrelenting competition. Its new Sonos Era 300 this year makes an impact not only with its design but also with its commitment to the environment.

Designer: Sonos

Why it’s noteworthy

The Sonos Era 300 has a distinctive shape that almost looks like a flattened speaker icon, with a front half that flares out and a back that is more or less uniform in size. That shape isn’t accidental, as it allows the multitude of woofers and tweeters to be positioned for maximum efficiency and performance. What really makes the Sonos Era 300 extra special, however, is the attention that it gives to sustainability, picking materials, lowering power consumption, and encouraging quick repairs in order to reduce its negative impact on the environment.

Best Wireless Earbuds – Sony WF-1000XM5

Apple may have made wireless earbuds popular, but it is far from being the only game in town. When it comes to design and especially sound quality, the AirPods are easily eclipsed by products from more experienced brands. Reclaiming its foothold in this audio space, Sony has launched a new pair of high-end buds that truly immerse you in your favorite music, regardless of your environment.

Designer: Sony

Why it’s noteworthy

The Sony WF-1000XM5 boasts one of if not the best noise canceling experiences that tiny buds can offer. It even uses some AI special sauce to also reduce noise interference when you’re making calls, allowing for clear and crisp audio on both ends of the line. Best of all, its minimalist design doesn’t call attention to itself, but its stylish appearance won’t embarrass you if people do notice.

Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner – SwitchBot S10

We have long gone past the days when robot vacuum cleaners only vacuumed floors and still left everything else to humans. Now they can dump their dirt into bins on their own and even wipe the floor with a mop when needed. Human intervention can’t be removed completely, like in taking out the dust bin or refilling water in the tank, but the SwitchBot S10 further reduces the need for manual interaction by making the robot smart enough to dump its own dirty water and stock up on clean water all by itself.

Designer: SwitchBot

Why it’s noteworthy

The small and narrow auto-emptying station of the SwitchBot S10 is rather deceptive, making you think it’s less capable than its larger competitors. But that’s because the exciting action happens away from that bin and at the separate water station that lets the robot vacuum exchange dirty water for clean one using the same pipes that you already have for drains and faucets. It can even refill a humidifier’s water tank on its own, presuming it’s SwitchBot’s humidifier, of course. These almost completely automated processes reduce the need to get your hands dirty, literally, and reduce the risks of getting contaminated and sick from handling waste materials.

Best Smartwatch – Apple Watch Ultra 2

Just like with smart speakers, the smartwatch market has more or less normalized by now after a long struggle in trying to carve out its niche. Designs may no longer be changing drastically, but innovation hasn’t stopped completely either. Now it’s a race to put the best health sensors you can cram in such a small space, but Apple has long been ahead of the race and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 cements its lead even further.

Designer: Apple

Why it’s noteworthy

The Apple Watch Ultra series delivered what users have been asking for a long time, more space to see the information they need at a glance without having to tap their way through screens. It also adds a new double tap gesture so you won’t even have to use your other hand for basic actions like stopping a timer, ending a call, or better yet, taking a photo from your iPhone. It also introduces Apple’s first carbon-neutral products, offsetting the negative impact the production of its smartwatches has with “carbon credits” from nature-based projects and parts.

The post Best of Tech Design – Yanko Design Awards 2023 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sonos Era 300 Review: Spatial Audio with a Heart

Posted on 29/03/2023 by Aki Ukita

PROS:

Strong sustainability efforts

Excellent sound quality

Distinctive design

Easy to setup and use

CONS:

Inconsistent spatial audio performance

No Google Assistant support yet

Single USB-C slot for both line-in and Ethernet

Very expensive

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS

ERGONOMICS

PERFORMANCE

SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY

VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Sonos Era 300 offers impressive sound quality wrapped in a unique, environment-friendly design, though its unreliable spatial audio performance makes its rather high price tag a bit harder to swallow.

There is a staggering number of wireless and smart speakers in the market today coming from numerous brands both big and small. But even before Amazon dumped the Echo on people’s tables, Sonos was already making a name for itself in the industry. With today’s confusing plethora of smart speakers, there is an urgent and critical need to stand out, and not just by looking different, though that also works for a brief period of time. Sound quality is almost a given, so the competition often turns toward new features and traits that set speakers apart. The new Sonos Era 300 has the trending Spatial Audio as its battle cry, but it’s far from being its most distinctive feature. In fact, it could even be its weak spot, so we gave it a test to check if it is truly worth its weight in gold.

Designer: Sonos

Aesthetics

From the very first moment you lay eyes on it, you can immediately tell that the Sonos Era 300 is not your run-of-the-mill smart speaker. Most of its peers would come in simple shapes like cylinders or boxes, but the Era 300 seems to have a different form depending on which side you’re looking at. From the front, it would seem like it’s a normal oval speaker, but looking at its tapered halves from other angles makes it resemble an hourglass instead. In addition to its large size, there is no way the Era 300 won’t catch your attention, though it’s debatable whether your appreciation of its design will be favorable or not.

The shape that Sonos chose isn’t just for the sake of being visually different, though. For the designers, it’s the only shape that makes sense, given how the different drivers are arranged inside. There are two woofers, one on the left and the other on the right, and four tweeters facing up, forward, and sides. Their positions aren’t by accident, either, since each one has a specific role to play. The two woofers at the sides, for example, deliver powerful yet balanced bass, while the front-blasting tweeter takes care of vocals and high ranges. The tweeter at the top directs sound to the ceiling so that it would reflect back down to create a more believable spatial audio experience.

This extra-large Sonos speaker comes in black or white options, but it is the latter that has a more interesting story to tell. In line with its sustainability goals, the Era 300 uses 40% post-consumer recycled plastics, and those in the manufacturing industry know how the nature of the material can affect the final color. It’s difficult to hit the nearly pure white that some products have when using recycled plastics, so Sonos opted for a softer shade of white that happens to blend better with home interiors. Perhaps it’s time for the birth of a new “Responsible White” color.

It’s hard to argue that the Sonos Era 300 has a unique and quite memorable design that you won’t find on other speakers, though it’s debatable whether most will find it aesthetically pleasing. The best parts of its design, however, are the ones that you won’t see or even read about, like its sustainable design and innovative driver arrangement. Fortunately, those don’t detract from the speaker’s value as long as it actually sounds great.

Ergonomics

The Era 300’s large size may be justified, but that doesn’t exactly make it less problematic. At 4.47kg, it’s not something you’d move around a lot anyway, but it does mean you’ll want plenty of space for it on a shelf or table. A better option would be to put it on a very minimalist stand built especially for the speaker, though that will send you back around $169 on top of the speaker’s price.

Fortunately, you won’t be juggling it around so much to use it because all of its most important functions are either on its top or accessible through a paired mobile device. There are capacitive touch controls for playing, pausing, and skipping tracks, as well as a groove made for adjusting the volume. There’s a speech bubble icon there as well for disabling the voice assistant temporarily, but if you’re really concerned about privacy, there’s a hardware switch on the speaker’s back to mute the mic.

Setting up the Sonos Era 300 is just as easy. You just need to download the Sonos app on your phone, create or log into your Sonos account, and add the detected speaker there. You’ll need to connect the app with music streaming services if you’ll be using those as well, but the process will be pretty familiar to anyone who has handled Bluetooth speakers before. Sonos also has a special fine-tuning feature called Trueplay, where it can automatically change its settings depending on where it’s located in a room. It does so by listening to its own sound output using the built-in mic, which is as easy as just letting the app run the tests. For more accurate tuning, however, there’s an “advanced” manual mode that requires walking around the room with an iPhone or an iPad.

Performance

With no less than six drivers inside, you’d expect the Era 300 to sound fantastic. Fortunately, it doesn’t disappoint. The audio coming from the speaker is nothing short of phenomenal, with loud and full sound across the board and frequencies coming out clear and distinct. With how powerful the bass comes out, those not familiar with the Era 300’s specs might presume there’d be a subwoofer hidden somewhere. The angle of the drivers definitely creates that stereo effect, though the audio industry has started moving toward another direction when it comes to surround sound.

Spatial Audio is the new hype in the industry, promising a 3D surround sound experience without the multitude of speakers. It’s still in its infancy, but the who’s who of the market are jumping at the opportunity to blaze a trail, and Sonos is no different. In fact, you could say that Spatial Audio is the headlining feature of the Era 300, or at least it’s supposed to be. In practice, it sounds like one of the speaker’s very few flaws. The experience of Spatial Audio on this large audio equipment seems to be a hit or miss, depending on what you’re playing. Sometimes, the difference from the regular stereo version is as clear as night and day; other times, it might take a true audiophile to discern the nuances. There are even some cases where the Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio version sounds a little bit worse than the original because of the larger amount of reverb. This is especially true for music remastered to be compatible with Spatial Audio, and you will have better luck with newer pieces recorded with Spatial Audio in mind right from the start.

In short, the Sonos Era 300’s key feature seems to be its weakest, but that doesn’t erase the fact that it is still a strong and solid speaker without the Spatial Audio feature. The slightly good news is that there are still too few albums and services that offer Spatial Audio, so you can keep on enjoying quality sound from the Era 300. Unfortunately, that also means you might be paying for technology that you might be using most of the time anyway, which makes the cost of the speaker feel a little too steep.

While the speaker is already powerful on its own, disregarding the Spatial Audio spiel, it can also be used in tandem with other Sonos products for an even more immersive listening experience. For example, pairing two Era 300 speakers will create an actual stereo speaker setup, though you won’t be able to control which is the left and which is the right. If you want a more traditional 7.1.4 surround sound setup, you can combine a Sonos Arc, two Sonos Era 100s in the front, and two Sonos Era 300s in the back, though that will definitely burn a hole through your wallet as well.

As a wireless speaker, the Era 300 has support for almost all possible sources, from streaming services to Bluetooth devices. As a smart speaker, you can control it using your voice via Amazon Alexa or the company’s own Sonos Voice Control. In the past, Sonos speakers supported Google Assistant as well, but recent events seem to have muddled relationships between the two. Sonos thankfully included options for wired connections, but you might have to spend extra for that capability. There is a single USB-C port on the back for external sources, but you will need a USB-C to Line-in Adapter if you want to connect a traditional 3.5mm jack. The speaker can also connect via Ethernet, but you will have to buy the Sonos Combo Adapter for that as well.

Sustainability

Spatial Audio might be the Era 300’s key feature, but its strongest point might be the one that buyers might never know about. More than just a revolutionary new look, the speaker represents Sonos’ strongest sustainability effort as well, and it goes beyond just using some recycled material. Of course, that’s important as well, and both black and white versions of the speaker use 40% post-consumer recycled plastics, which is still a large portion considering how few speakers today even use recycled plastics.

Sonos, however, is taking a more holistic approach to sustainability, going beyond manufacturing and shipping and stepping into the “use phase” when the speakers are already in consumers’ hands. The company takes into account the greenhouse gas emissions generated by using the speaker itself, especially when they’re left on standby. To help reduce that figure, the Sonos Era 300 and its smaller sibling, the Era 100, use less than two watts of power when idle.

The very structure of the speaker itself was made with longevity in mind, even if you can’t easily repair the speaker yourself. The speaker was made to be easily disassembled at the end of its life so that parts can be quickly sorted and reused or recycled if possible. The Era 300’s grill uses velcro to attach to the system rather than being bonded to the frame directly. This would make repairs by authorized service providers a bit easier while also making it more convenient to refurbish speakers for sale later on.

And, of course, there’s the packaging, which uses 100% recyclable materials. Such materials often get a lot of flak for their durability, but Sonos has ensured that not only is the Era 300’s box more long-lasting, but that it also looks and feels as premium as the speaker that’s lying inside. There are plenty of smart speakers littering the market today, but only the new Sonos Era speakers can proudly claim they’re designed not to litter the planet.

Value

Getting straight to the point, the Sonos Era 300 is one expensive piece of audio equipment, though it’s not the company’s priciest product either. At $450, it sits well below the Sonos Five, which has been hailed as the speaker to beat in this family. At the same time, however, you can have two $250 Sonos Era 100 speakers to create a true stereo setup for just a little bit more. It’s always a matter of balancing the pros and cons, and, unfortunately, the scales tip slightly against the Era 300 in this aspect.

Make no mistake; the Sonos Era 300 is an excellent speaker, producing solid audio that can embrace you in rich tones on all frequencies. Its key feature, however, is Spatial Audio, and it’s the one area where the speaker doesn’t put its best foot forward, not for the lack of trying. When you consider that there are two other speakers that support this technology at half the price, you might easily feel that the Era 300 is a tad overpriced. That said, this is also Sonos’ most sustainable speaker yet, and a purchase of the Era 300 could also be seen as a sign of support for this effort.

Verdict

For years, audio engineers and musicians have been trying to find ways to recreate how we naturally hear sounds but using as few speakers as possible. The latest technology to attempt that is being marketed as Spatial Audio, and the Sonos Era 300 is one of the extremely few wireless speakers that try to deliver that to music lovers and audiophiles. That technology is still in its infancy, and it definitely shows in the inconsistent performance of the speaker, depending on the kind of music and how it was made to embrace Spatial Audio.

If you manage to overlook this one major flaw and its high price tag, the Sonos Era 300 definitely meets the expectations of a powerful, high-quality stereo speaker. Its unique design is definitely eye-catching, and its ease of use is a breath of fresh air in the midst of advanced but complicated smart speakers. Sonos definitely deserves kudos for its sustainability efforts that cover manufacturing, packaging, and even “use phase” emissions. It is definitely a solid performer, which justifies the costs a little bit. It just might be ahead of its time, given how the world isn’t completely prepared for Spatial Audio just yet.

The post Sonos Era 300 Review: Spatial Audio with a Heart first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Sonos Era 300 with six drivers and Dolby Atmos challenge Apple in their ‘spatial audio’ battleground

Posted on 07/03/2023 by Sarang Sheth

The Sonos Era 300, along with its smaller sibling, the Era 100, packs massive sound in a small package. While the Era 100 serves as an upgrade to the Sonos One in size, hardware, and sound, the Era 300 is the Sonos’ “breakthrough spatial audio speaker”, with drivers that fire audio in every conceivable direction (including even upward) to turn any room into a concert hall. “With next-level audio that hits from every direction, Sonos Era 300 doesn’t just surround you, it puts you inside your music”, say the folks at Sonos.

Designer: Sonos

The Era 300 is Sonos’ open challenge to Apple’s Spatial Audio. Its hourglass-shaped design hides four tweeters that direct sound left, right, forward, as well as upward. This unique architecture helps efficiently utilize the space the speaker is located in, with that cleverly engineered upward tweeter using the ceiling as a bouncing board to create that spatial audio experience. Along with the four tweeters are two woofers that provide a rich creamy layer of bass, and custom waveguides that enhance audio dispersion for an expansive soundstage.

Sonos currently supports Dolby Atmos Music via Amazon Music Unlimited for the Spatial Audio experience.

While designed to work remarkably as a solo unit, the Era 300 delivers a much more hypnotic multichannel experience when two are paired as a stereo home theater setup. Movie fans can connect two speakers with Arc or Beam (Gen 2) for a hyperrealistic 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos sound experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

The Era 300 boasts WiFi connectivity to let you stream the highest-quality audio formats (including Dolby Atmos via Amazon Music) from anywhere in your home without any interruptions. The speaker works with all popular music streaming apps, with support for AirPlay 2, and even has Sonos Voice Control for controlling playback via your voice. For the more traditionally-minded, however, there’s Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB-C line-out that lets you connect your speaker to a turntable or any other wired source (via the Sonos Line-In Adapter).

Touted as the next-gen smart speaker, the Era 100 is the smaller of the two new speakers from Sonos. Designed as a visual and performance upgrade to the Sonos One, it sports a similar size but with a cylindrical profile, and boasts a dual-tweeter array that produces a detailed stereo separation, along with a significantly larger midwoofer for a richer bass. Unlike the One, the Era 100 has Bluetooth connectivity, along with a USB-C line-in that lets you connect wired sources to your speaker.

The Era 100 doesn’t have Spatial Audio like its larger sibling, notably because it doesn’t possess an upward-firing tweeter. Instead, the Era 100 provides detailed stereo sound thanks to two angled tweeters and custom waveguides that amplify the dispersion of sound waves to create a wider soundstage. Its upper surface houses the familiar dimpled control panel that lets you control and configure playback.

The Era 100 also boasts WiFi connectivity along with support for Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and wired audio. You can also play music and manage your system hands-free and privately with Sonos Voice Control.

Setting up both the Era 100 and Era 300 is simple, thanks to the Trueplay app that measures the acoustics of your room and then fine-tunes the EQ of your speaker to deliver the best audio quality for your space. For more custom controls, the Sonos app lets you manually adjust bass, treble, and loudness to suit your personal needs.

Both the Era 100 and Era 300 are made with post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic and packaged in 100% sustainably sourced paper, while highlighting a design that’s built for serviceability by reducing the use of adhesives and transitioning to screws for easy disassembly and repair.

Available starting March 28th, 2023, the Sonos Era 100 is priced at $249, and the Era 300 sports a price tag of $449.

A look at the Sonos Era 300 through a transparent outer body

The post The Sonos Era 300 with six drivers and Dolby Atmos challenge Apple in their ‘spatial audio’ battleground first appeared on Yanko Design.

Victrola Stream Onyx turntable makes your wireless Sonos party a bit more affordable

Posted on 06/01/2023 by JC Torres

Although the hype around vinyl records and turntables has died down a bit, they haven’t completely disappeared. Every now and then, we still see major brands putting out new models to cater to this niche but passionate market. There is definitely still room for plenty of improvement and creativity, as shown by countless design concepts on how to give the old music device a new face. With plenty of options, it might be overwhelming to pick one for your home. But if your home is already set up with a group of Sonos speakers spread throughout the house, turntable maker Victrola just made that choice a bit easier.

Designer: Victrola

There have been many new spins on the turntable design, some completely ditching even the standard box shape. These can sometimes become more complex and even distracting, calling attention more to itself than to the music that it plays. The Victrola Stream Onyx, in contrast, is understated and almost invisible, especially if most of your decor is dark or black. At the same time, however, it still has a distinctive and polished character that adds a subtle beauty to any space it’s in.

The Stream Onyx is actually the brand’s second turntable with this exact same design, with the Stream Carbon being not only older but also more expensive. In other words, this is the cheaper version of that premium device in both senses of the word. It has some features that remain similar, like the illuminated volume knob, the belt-driven metal platter, and the overall minimalist aesthetic. In other aspects, however, the Stream Onyx cuts a few corners in materials and finishing to reach a $599.99 price point compared to the Stream Carbon’s whopping $799.99.

The Victrola Stream Onyx, just as its name suggests, is all black, removing the silver accents of its pricier sibling. There are parts where Victrola swaps metal with thick molded plastic, like the plastic cartridge replacing aluminum. The tonearm of the Stream Carbon is made from carbon fiber, while the Stream Onyx makes do with aluminum. The materials may differ, but for all intents and purposes, the Stream Onyx still exudes the same design language and, more importantly, is promised to deliver the same audio quality.

What makes both turntables notable, however, is that they are certified to be “Works with Sonos” compatible. That simply means they can easily stream wirelessly to any and all Sonos speakers you have in your house, making it trivial to flood your home with music that speaks to your soul. There is a traditional RCA jack for connecting a cable to a wired speaker if you don’t have a Sonos, but then again, you would probably opt for a more affordable turntable at that point.

The post Victrola Stream Onyx turntable makes your wireless Sonos party a bit more affordable first appeared on Yanko Design.

IKEA’s new Symfonisk speaker is also a floor lamp you can customize with a shade of choice

Posted on 09/12/2022 by Gaurav Sood

It was in 2019 when furniture giant IKEA and sound system manufacturer Sonos got together to create home furnishing products integrated with good sound. The instant collaborative result was the Symfonisk line designed with the intention to help people conserve space on the nightstand or table. Now, with the new floor lamp speaker, the intent reaches down to maximize floor space in smaller apartments.

The latest outcome of IKEA x Sonos teamwork is the Symfonisk speaker which doubles as a floor lamp. Whether you choose to call it a speaker lamp or floor lamp speaker, the Symfonisk speaker is an incredible space-saving appliance. But this incredibleness comes at a premium: the floor lamp speaker (I choose this reference) is the most expensive speaker in the collection.

Designer: IKEA

Expected to officially hit markets in January 2023, the Symfonisk floor lamp speaker will retail starting at $260. The price includes a tripod stand, a lamp that functions as a speaker, and bamboo shade. The Sonos-branded IKEA speaker lamp can also be purchased with separately sold lampshades made in different materials and textures. These options would however beef up the lamp cost by $50 odd (depending on the choice of material).

If the price is secondary to you, the speaker lamp proposes to be a good buy. Compatible with other Sonos products, the floor lamp speaker can be paired seamlessly for a multi-room audio setup or to tap into a wonderful list of music services from Sonos.

A functionality downside is the unavailability of a built-in voice assistant for additional controls. However, the collaborative speaker lamp can conveniently sync with HomePod, Google Assistant, or Alexa devices for voice control. Additionally, it has a firm base that can double as a vase stand. However, the entire standing tripod up to the lampshade is empty. It could have easily had additional shelving integrated, but this is how it is for now.

The post IKEA’s new Symfonisk speaker is also a floor lamp you can customize with a shade of choice first appeared on Yanko Design.

The best earbuds, headphones and speakers to give as holiday gifts in 2022

Posted on 07/11/2022 by Billy Steele

The holidays are a good time to upgrade an audio setup, whether it's for yourself or for someone on your shopping list. We’ve compiled a group of the best audio gear that ranges from noise-canceling headphones to true wireless earbuds and speakers. There are also a range of prices for each product type, so you don’t necessarily have to break the bank unless you’re really looking to splurge this year.

Sony WH-1000XM5

If you’re shopping for the complete package in a new set of headphones, there’s one clear best choice. No other company packs in as many features as Sony does on the WH-1000XM5, and they’re combined with a stellar sound and effective ANC. With this model, Sony redesigned its flagship headphones, making them way more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The company also made noticeable improvements to the active noise cancellation, adding a separate V1 chip in addition to the QN1 that was inside the M4. The 1000XM5 still has all of the features that typically make Sony’s premium headphones so good. 30-hour battery life, a combo of touch controls and physical buttons, Speak-to-Chat automatic pausing when you talk, and the ability to change noise modes based on your activity or location. — Billy Steele, Senior News Editor

Buy WH-1000XM5 at Amazon - $398

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2

If sound quality is the primary factor in your next set of headphones, Bowers & Wilkins pair impressive audio quality with solid ANC performance. The Px7 S2 are my favorite headphones I’ve reviewed this year in terms of sound. There’s also a more refined design that doesn’t look overly plasticky and the headphones fit comfortably even after hours of use. Call quality, ambient sound and automatic pausing need some refining, but they get the job done. At the end of the day, the design, sound quality and noise cancellation make the Px7 S2 a strong pick in the current field. Plus, they’ll last way beyond the stated 30 hours of battery life. — B.S.

Buy Px7 S2 at Amazon - $399

Sennheiser Momentum 4

When picking the best-sounding headphones from 2022, it’s difficult to choose between the Px7 S2 and the Momentum 4. However, Bowers & Wilkins gets the edge in terms of design, but they’re evenly matched on sound quality and the rest of the competition isn’t close. Sennheiser does have an impressive 60-hour battery life in its favor and improved ANC performance. Those two items alone might be enough for you to overlook the very generic design for the music lover on your list this year. — B.S.

Buy Momentum 4 at Amazon - $350

Audio-Technica M20xBT

Audio-Technica’s affordable wireless headphones have consistently offered solid performance that would make a great gift, even with the lack of noise cancellation. The company’s latest are the M20xBT, a Bluetooth version of the A-T’s popular M20x wired cans. A comfy fit and up to 60 hours of battery life will cost you just $79. Connect to multiple devices at once with Bluetooth multipoint connectivity and reliably control tunes with physical buttons. The design isn’t as refined as the company’s pricer models like the M50xBT2, but you get the bulk of what makes Audio-Technica’s cheaper options so good. — B.S.

Buy M20xBT at Amazon - $79

Sony LinkBuds S

Sony’s first set of LinkBuds were a unique open-wear concept, but they weren't for everyone. To expand the lineup with more universal appeal, the company debuted the LinkBuds S back in the spring. These earbuds may be tiny but they still offer active noise cancellation and the smaller size means they’re more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. That’s the entire point of the LinkBuds S as Sony built them to be worn all the time, although you can expect up to six hours of use with ANC enabled. Transparency mode makes this possible and features like Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control highlight the list of additional features. — B.S.

Buy LinkBuds S at Amazon - $198

Beats Fit Pro

If you're shopping for a set of workout earbuds this year, the best option is the Beats Fit Pro. These offer a lot of handy features from AirPods thanks to Apple's H1 chip. The overall size is smaller than a lot of earbuds, which leads to a comfy fit. Plus, the added wing helps keep them in place during physical activity. Punchy bass brings energy to cardio sessions but the low-end tone remains balanced, rather than overpowering, and six-hour battery life should be enough to get you through the bulk of the day. — B.S.

Buy Beats Fit Pro at Amazon - $200

JLab Go Air Pop

Thanks to JLab, you can give a decent set of true wireless earbuds as a stocking stuffer. For $20, the Go Air Pop covers most of the basics. Eight-hour battery life, on-board controls, EQ presets, IPX4 moisture protection and the ability to use just one earbud at a time are all on the features list. The Go Air Pop is smaller than its predecessor, the Go Air, and this model comes with a case that completely closes. What’s more, the company kept the integrated USB on the charging case, so you don’t have to worry about looking for a cable when you’re out of power. — B.S.

Buy JLab Go Air Pop at Amazon - $25

UE Wonderboom 3

If you’re shopping for a Bluetooth speaker this year, the UE Wonderboom 3 is an affordable, tiny option that still packs a punch. It’s adventure-proof thanks to an IP67 rating, audio quality is bright and an outdoor mode boosts treble and bass so sound can be heard over a greater distance. You can also easily pair two Wonderboom 3 units for stereo sound, which won’t cost you a fortune thanks to the low price. And with up to 14 hours of battery life, you should be able to keep the tunes going for a while. — B.S.

Buy Wonderboom 3 at Amazon - $100

Marshall Tufton

If someone on your list asked for a Bluetooth speaker but has a more refined audio taste, perhaps the Marshall Tufton will fit the bill. It’s pricey, but the investment gets you up to 20 hours of battery life and the option of a wired connection via 3.5mm aux jack. As is the case with all of the Marshall wares, the Tufton carries the look of the iconic guitar amps and this model has an audio quality that’s equal parts dynamic, warm and almost analog in its performance. On-board treble and bass knobs are also there to assist with any adjustments. — B.S.

Buy Tufton at Marshall - $450

Marshall Acton III

While portable Bluetooth speakers are great on-the-go, there are benefits to the set-it and forget-it options like Marshall’s Acton III wired model. It’s ideal for someone’s bedroom, living room or kitchen and offers 60-watts of power for just $280. Marshall’s classic amp-styled exterior looks great too, with its fabric grille and soft-touch exterior made up of 70-percent recycled materials. On top, you’ll find backlit physical controls so you can adjust settings in the dark and won’t always need a phone to control playback.

The Acton III delivers a rich and dynamic sound across a wider soundstage than previous models, with a bass response that’s also hefty for its size. On top of the sound quality, you get app support with EQ controls, OTA updates and a placement compensation feature to adjust for the acoustics in your space.

The overall build quality and sound makes it a gift anyone can appreciate, even as a stationary companion to a small portable speaker. There are two larger options as well, if you know someone who likes it loud. Either way, you’ll be a shoe-in for the party that will inevitably follow. – Jon Turi, Homepage Editor

Buy Acton III at Marshall - $280

High-res streaming subscriptions

Wireless white headphones on yellow pastel background.

If you’re unsure of what to give the music lover in your life this holiday season, why not allow them to give high-resolution streaming a shot. Several services offer the option of higher quality audio, but unfortunately not many of them allow you to gift a subscription. Instead, you’ll simply need to purchase a gift card that your recipient can apply to a high-res plan. Gift cards are available for Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, Tidal and others, although you may just need to buy a generic gift card for the company in cases like Amazon and Apple. I’d also suggest giving an App Store or Google Play gift card for someone to apply to a Nugs.net plan to unlock a vault of high-resolution live performances from Bruce Springsteen, Jack White, Pearl Jam, Dead & Company and more. — B.S.

Shop Apple Music gift cards Shop Amazon gift cards Shop Tidal gift cards

The best smart speakers for 2024

Posted on 27/07/2022 by Nathan Ingraham

There’s never been a better time to get a smart speaker, especially if you’re a music fan. When voice assistants first started infiltrating these devices, hands-free controls were really the star of the show. Even now, one of the most common ways that people interact with Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant is through a smart home speaker. But now you have dozens of options to choose from, and most of them sound much better than the first smart home products did. Sonos recently entered the game with its own voice assistant on its stellar-sounding speakers, and even lower-end models like the Echo Dot and Nest Mini have better audio quality than their first iterations did. If you're struggling to pick the best smart speaker for your needs, we at Engadget can help. We've outlined our top picks below, plus all of the things you should consider before buying a smart speaker today.

Picking an assistant: Google vs. Alexa

The first thing most people should do is decide what voice assistant they want to use. Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa are both well-supported options that are continually evolving, with new features added at a steady clip. A few years ago, Alexa worked with more smart home products, but at this point, basically any smart device worth buying works with both.

It's mostly a matter of personal preference. If you’re already entrenched in the Google ecosystem and own an Android phone, it makes sense to stick with that. And if you have multiple Google-based smart devices in your home, you can use Google Home to easily control and navigate your devices. But while Alexa isn’t quite as good at answering general knowledge questions, it syncs just fine with things like calendars from your Google account. And it works with perhaps the widest variety of smart home products as well. If you’ve never used Alexa or Google Assistant, you can download their apps on your iOS or Android phone and spend some time testing them out before buying a speaker.

There are downsides to having a smart home device that’s always listening for a wake word, as giving more personal information to Amazon, Apple and Google can be a questionable decision. That said, all these companies have made it easier to manage how your data is used — you can opt out of humans reviewing some of your voice queries, and it's also less complicated to manage and erase your history with various digital assistants, too.

Sonos vs. Apple

If you buy a Sonos device with a microphone, you can also use the company's own voice assistant, voiced by Giancarlo Esposito. It's focused purely on music control, so you won't use it to do things like send messages or ask the weather forecast. But as a music assistant, Sonos Voice Control is generally quite fast and reliable.

As for Apple, you won’t be surprised to learn the HomePod and HomePod mini are the only Siri-compatible speakers on the market. It’s rumored that Apple will potentially release a new range of smart displays, like its HomePod with a touchscreen, sometime soon. Apple's Siri has a reputation for not being as smart as Alexa or Google Assistant, but it’s totally capable of handling common voice queries like answering questions, controlling smart home products, sending messages, making calls and streaming music via AirPlay. Technically, Siri and Apple’s HomeKit technology doesn’t work with as many smart home devices as the competition, but it’s not hard to find compatible gear. And Apple has most definitely improved Siri’s functionality over the last couple years, with handy features like and Intercom tool and routines that take advantage of the built-in temperature sensor in the HomePod and HomePod Mini.

Best smart speakers for 2024

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-smart-speakers-151515264.html?src=rss