All posts tagged: buds

Beats Studio Buds Firmware Update Patches Bluetooth Vulnerability

Beats Studio Buds Firmware Update Patches Bluetooth Vulnerability

Published by skeptic

Apple today released a new firmware update for the Beats Studio Buds. The firmware, 1B211, addresses a Bluetooth vulnerability. Apple’s security support document for the update says it fixes a bug that could allow an attacker in Bluetooth range to listen through the microphone of the device. The vulnerability would only be affected if someone was in Bluetooth range and the Studio Buds were not yet paired and seeking pair requests. The bug was in open source code, and Apple Software was among the affected projects. Updating the firmware of the Beats Studio Buds can be done by pairing them with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, putting them on a charger, and keeping them in Bluetooth range of the paired device. Popular Stories Lamine Yamal Teases Upcoming Beats Over-Ear Headphones Ahead of the upcoming World Cup, football superstar Lamine Yamal has arrived at training camp for the Spanish national team sporting what seems to be the unreleased over-ear headphones that appeared in a U.S. Federal Communications Commission database last week. As suspected, the new headphones …

Samsung Galaxy Buds Able Leak Reveals Radical New Design

Samsung Galaxy Buds Able Leak Reveals Radical New Design

Published by skeptic

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Able represents a notable evolution in the realm of wearable audio devices. By departing from the conventional in-ear design, this product introduces an open-ear concept that emphasizes hearing assistance and health integration. While this innovative approach highlights Samsung’s ambition to address broader user needs, it also raises questions about its practicality, target audience, and ability to compete in a crowded market. The video below from Techtics gives us more details about the rumored Galaxy Buds Able. Innovative Open-Ear Design The defining feature of the Galaxy Buds Able is its open-ear design, which sets it apart from traditional earbuds. Instead of fitting into the ear canal, these earbuds clip onto the ear, leaving the canal unobstructed. This design prioritizes environmental awareness over immersive audio, aligning more closely with open-ear audio devices that cater to users who need to stay alert to their surroundings. Although there has been speculation about the use of bone conduction technology, the design does not strongly suggest its inclusion. Instead, the focus appears to be on allowing users …

Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless Earbuds Review: Open Gaming Buds?

Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless Earbuds Review: Open Gaming Buds?

Published by skeptic

Even after a few hours I don’t mind the weight, and they work just fine with sunglasses and hats. They include a reflective neck strap that pops onto the arm end of each bud, but it isn’t particularly comfortable, and it’s stiff enough that those with larger necks will find it restrictive. Once I have them in the right spot they feel secure, so I don’t feel the need to deploy the strap even when working in the yard. Battery life hasn’t been an issue at all, with Asus quoting the headset at 16 hours, with 48 additional hours in the charging case, with no mic and all the extra features turned off. I’m closer to 10 or 12 on a single charge with some calling mixed in, on a blend of USB-C and Bluetooth, and I haven’t felt like I need to do much besides occasionally keep the case topped off. One nifty feature is that the dongle actually works via pass-through while inside the charging case, so if you only have a single …

AirPods Pro 3 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: Why I’m looking past brand ecosystems now

AirPods Pro 3 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: Why I’m looking past brand ecosystems now

Published by skeptic

Christian de Looper/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Premium wireless earbuds are getting better every year, and while the AirPods Pro and Sony WF-series earbuds get a lot of attention, Samsung has its own high-end earbuds, and they’re pretty impressive. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro cost the same as the AirPods Pro 3 and aim for a similar goal: being the best wireless earbuds for a particular set of customers.  Also: I replaced my Sony WH-1000XM6 with the AirPods Max 2 for a week – and didn’t miss a beat Both sound great, both cancel noise well, and both pack in a growing list of features that stretch way beyond simply listening to music. They each have different strengths and weaknesses, though, so the “right” choice really depends on what you care about most. Here’s how they compare. Specifications Apple AirPods Pro 3 Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Battery life 8 hours (up to 24 hours with charging case) 7 hours (up to 30 with charging case) Audio modes ANC, Transparency …

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs. Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: I tried both – here’s who should upgrade

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs. Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: I tried both – here’s who should upgrade

Published by skeptic

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro debuted with a new bud-and-stem design, and now, the company’s Galaxy Buds 4 Pro double down on that design with a more polished look. The blade aesthetic is out for elevated brushed nickel accents. In the process, Samsung also upgraded its sound quality, ANC performance, and comfort.  The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro can take on industry heavyweights, including the AirPods Pro 3, Sony WF-1000XM6, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2. Also: I found true AirPods Pro rivals in these Samsung earbuds – and they’re better in several ways But should you still consider the last-gen Galaxy Buds 3 Pro? And what’s exactly new with the latest model? I wore them for five days to find out. Here’s which pair of earbuds you should purchase this season. Specifications Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Battery life 7 hours (ANC off); 30 hours with charging case 7 hours (ANC off); 30 hours with charging case IP rating IP57 (dust protected and …

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2: I tested both, and here’s the winner

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2: I tested both, and here’s the winner

Published by skeptic

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. I put the new Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro against Bose’s flagship earbuds, the QuietComfort Ultra 2, and the rivalry was closer than expected. Both are lightweight, comfortable to wear, offer similar active noise cancellation performance, and last up to (roughly) 5.5 hours on a charge. I’m glad Bose improved its fit in 2025, and Samsung is now appealing to more people by deviating from its one-off LED-equipped design from last year. Also: I found true AirPods Pro rivals in these Samsung earbuds – and they’re better in several ways Both the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and QuietComfort Ultra 2 earbuds have a well-rounded feature set. But a lot depends on the device you’re pairing them with and the sound profile you prefer. If you’re confused about which sub-$300 earbuds to get, let me help you choose. Specifications Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) Battery life 7 hours (ANC off); 30 hours with charging case IP rating IP57 (dust protected and …

Loop Earplugs Discount Codes and Deals: Save on Ear Buds and Gift Sets

Loop Earplugs Discount Codes and Deals: Save on Ear Buds and Gift Sets

Published by skeptic

Loop earplugs are some of the best reusable earplugs you can buy. I personally keep a pair attached to my car keys at all times. As a live music enthusiast that frequently travels to some of the loudest music festivals on the planet, I take earplugs seriously. I want to protect my hearing while also ensuring the sound isn’t muddy and muffled. These are worth it, especially when they’re even cheaper with a Loop earplugs discount code. They’re comfortable and reduce noise without obscuring the music, ensuring that you have an excellent experience without compromising your hearing the next day. Loop earplugs come with multiple ear tip sizes so you can find the best fit, plus a handy carrying case that’ll keep them clean and easy to find between uses. I also really like how they look in your ears. They’re almost like jewelry. They stay comfortable and secure—I’ve worn mine for over twelve hours at a time, and I love them so much that I’ve purchased them with my own money (even without a …

Anker’s Upcoming Liberty 5 Pro Max Buds Will Have an AI Voice Recorder in Their Charging Case

Anker’s Upcoming Liberty 5 Pro Max Buds Will Have an AI Voice Recorder in Their Charging Case

Published by skeptic

Anker earbuds and headphones may not have the premium status of Apple, Bose and Sony, but the brand’s value-priced products have a loyal following. Anker aficionados have been waiting for the company to release the Pro version of its $100 Soundcore Liberty 5 earbuds.  According to NotebookCheck, via leaker AnkerInsider, whose X account appears suspended, the release is near. Two versions of Anker’s new flagship earbuds are due to arrive in the coming months: The Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max. Both will feature a new AI chip called the Anker Thus to power the buds. Read more: Best wireless earbuds of 2026 The new models don’t look anything like the current Liberty 5 buds, which have a traditional stem design. Both new Pro models will feature upgraded noise canceling (Anker’s new Adaptive ANC 4.0), Bluetooth 6.1, an IP55 dust- and water-resistant rating, Dolby Atmos spatial audio, Bluetooth multipoint and an AI-powered audio upscaling feature. While both the Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty Pro Max have a touchscreen built into their cases, the Max’s case …

Best Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Settings for Better Sound and Calls

Best Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Settings for Better Sound and Calls

Published by skeptic

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are packed with advanced features that can significantly enhance your audio experience. However, many of these features remain underutilized because they are hidden within the settings. By exploring and allowing these options, you can maximize the performance, usability, and convenience of your earbuds, tailoring them to your specific needs. The video below from HotShotTek gives us more details on the best settings for your new Galaxy Buds. Maximize Efficiency with Widgets Customizing the Galaxy Buds widgets on your smartphone can streamline your daily interactions with the earbuds. These widgets provide quick access to essential functions such as toggling between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Sound modes. Instead of navigating through multiple menus, you can adjust sound settings directly from the widget interface. This feature is particularly useful for users who frequently switch between environments, allowing you to adapt your audio settings with minimal effort. Achieve the Perfect Fit for Comfort and Performance A proper fit is essential for both comfort and optimal sound quality. The Galaxy Wearable app …

AirPods Pro 3 vs Galaxy Buds Pro 4: Which Is Best?

AirPods Pro 3 vs Galaxy Buds Pro 4: Which Is Best?

Published by skeptic

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 4 represent the pinnacle of premium wireless earbuds in 2026. Both models are priced at $249 and come equipped with advanced features, but their differences cater to distinct user needs and preferences. This comparison explores their design, features, performance, and ecosystem integration to help you determine which option is better suited to your lifestyle. The video below from HotShotTek compares the two headphones side by side. Design and Build Quality The design of these earbuds reflects the unique philosophies of Apple and Samsung, offering distinct aesthetics and functionality. AirPods Pro 3: Apple’s earbuds feature a sleek and compact design, complemented by a premium aluminum hinge on the case. The case is water-resistant and includes a built-in speaker for easy tracking, along with a lanyard loop for added portability. These elements make the AirPods Pro 3 both stylish and practical. Galaxy Buds Pro 4: Samsung’s earbuds come in a modern plastic case with a transparent lid, allowing quick visibility of the earbuds. While visually appealing, the …