Tech Review – Soundpeats RunFree Lite Open Ear Headphones

The Soundpeats RunFree Lite are akin to the many bone conduction headsets we have seen a rise of over the last year or so and now getting popular. These are more aimed at the fitness folk but can be used by anyone being honest and I am now starting to grow on these, I remember years back I was anti in ear earbuds without the stems and now love them but it is simply a new take or tech cycle on the latest ideas which is good.

When it comes to looks and style it is a familiar pattern here as is with all these types of headphones it is kept simple and rests on your neck and is comfortable there is no tips or in ear buds to contend with as they rest on your outer ear so it makes them easy to use straight out of the box and get going, you will need to update the app on using the first time like with many earbud or headphone manufacturers today. You will need to do a test and you should do it to get the best performance it only takes a few mins to complete.

The App itself as seen below had a familiar UI as there is some differences between their products but the Soundpeats app overall is fantastic and one of the best ones out there today, see the screenshots below and the full video review of what can be done in the app it is simple to use and has a superb EQ and works really well on these headphones considering they are not in ears and done a better job than I had anticipated.

So the sound then.. It is a thing with these and how it does sound to the user, there is some noise leakage as expected being what these are but nothing on the same level earbuds and headphones can be again which is surprising. You will never get the same level of sound as you would from traditional earbuds or headphones but these do a damn good job of getting close to it and calls are great too, not only that there is a gaming mode and this also works well. You also have your awareness about you which is important if out jogging in the dark or cycling and so on which many folk do these days which is rather silly however you need your tunes but you need your awareness more and these give you both.

The controls here are all on one side which again makes them simple to use and all the functions are there you would expect and you can see how all that works in the video below and how simple and effective this headset is from Soundpeats and their latest entry into their portfolio of value for money products.

The App

Features:
1. Air Conduction Tech
2. Open-Ear Secure& 0.99oz Lightweight
3. 16.2mm Large Driver& Bass Enhancement Tech
4. BT5.3 Stable Multipoint Connection
5. 17 Hours of Music & Talk
Buy at the links below:
UK Amazon: £26 ( 5% off Code: TECHBUZZ )
US Amazon: $22 (10% off Code: RFLFORPR)

PSB Announces the M4U 9 and M4U TWM Headphones

PSB Speakers, one of the first premium hi-fi loudspeaker brands to enter the headphone market over 10 years ago, announces all-new additions to their high-performance M4U line, the M4U 9 and M4U TWM, on the heels of releasing a new espresso brown finish of the M4U 8 MKIIs earlier this year. The headphones implement sound personalisation options through a partnership with Audiodo Personal Sound™ along with PSB’s proprietary RoomFeel™ technology. The next-generation M4U 9 and M4U TWM designs feature improved engineering, better componentry and overall stunning presentation of musical detail. The new wireless over-ear and in-ear headphones will be available for demo at the AXPONA Audio Expo from April 14-16, 2023, with retail availability across PSB sales channels starting June 2023 with the following MSRP: (M4U 9) US$499 / CA$699 / €549 / £449 and (M4U TWM) US$199 / CA$299 / €229 / £199.

M4U 9 – Premium Wireless ANC Headphones

Improving on three generations of award-winning headphone design, the M4U 9 is crafted with premium materials, adaptive audio technologies and intelligent features, bringing the ultimate in mobile luxe listening. The wireless active noise cancelling over-ear headphones implement new graphene-infused drivers which improve on damping, stiffness and efficiency to reveal PSB’s “true-to-nature” sonic signature, more crisp and powerful than ever before. aptX™ Adaptive Bluetooth technology enables fast and easy pairing with any device, with support for up to 24-bit high-definition audio. The M4U 9 features all-digital active noise cancelling (ANC) capabilities utilising 4 digital MEMS microphones to decrease audio conversion errors in audio processing for pure noise-free listening, while two additional mics for cVc™ (clear voice capture) technology deliver crystal clear call quality. A three-position mode switch on the M4U 9 allows users to choose between ANC with RoomFeel, Active with RoomFeel or a Passive mode. Gyro-suspended, fabric and leatherette earpads tilted at 15 degrees provide excellent seal and ergonomic comfort for an extended listening time of up to 25 hours in Active Mode.

M4U TWM – True Wireless Micro Planar Earphones

The M4U TWM earbuds leverage powerful Magneto-Static technology in a Hybrid Planar dual driver design, utilising the same technology found in high-end magneto loudspeakers and fitting them into remarkably compact earbuds. Dedicated transducers, one for high frequencies and one for low frequencies work together to make the in-ear listening experience truly pristine, reproducing sound with crisp highs, natural midrange and deep lush bass. Enhanced aptX™ Adaptive Bluetooth technology keeps everything in sync from movies to games with dynamic low latency and an adaptive bit rate. Convenient features like hard click buttons on both earphones make music control and voice calls hands-free and intuitive, while a smart USB-C charging case delivers a maximum of 32 hours of extended play time (8 hours out of the case and 3 additional charge cycles in the case).

Sound Optimisation with Audiodo Personal Sound

An integration with Audiodo Personal Sound™ technology is one of the most unique features offered in both wireless headphones. The breakthrough technology uses a non-replicable set of algorithms which allows listeners to calibrate their headphones in a way that accommodates for the listening qualities of their left and right ears independently. After completing a quick and easy hearing assessment accessed through the PSB Headphones app, Audiodo Personal Sound™ maps out a precise and thorough understanding of the listener’s hearing, calculates what changes need to be made based on personal sound perception, and formulates a compensation curve for the listener that can be applied to the overall headphone sound.

Natural RoomFeel™ Tuning

Created to deliver rich and natural sound through headphones, the next generation of PSB’s proprietary RoomFeel technology mimics the experience of listening to a pair of high-quality, full-range speakers properly set up in a good room. Carefully developed using research and expertise around ‘Room Gain’ – the energy and warmth that room boundaries add to the response curve of a flat-measuring loudspeaker, RoomFeel makes the music feel less ‘in the head’ by recreating an open and natural in-room listening experience through the M4U headphones.

PSB Headphones App

All headphone settings, including Audiodo Personal Sound™ tests and Transparency modes are accessed centrally through the PSB Headphones app, a full-featured app that allows users to adjust settings, check battery levels and regularly keep the headphones up-to-date with the latest firmware updates and codes.

The new wireless PSB M4U 9 (L) and M4U TWM (R) headphones

Key Features of the M4U 9

– Bluetooth HD wireless connection with Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive and cVc™ technology
– Graphene-infused, 40mm drivers
– Separate Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), Active and Passive Modes
– All-digital ANC with digital MEMS microphones decreases audio conversion error
– PSB’s latest RoomFeel™ technology for greater detail and better imaging
– Personal Sound by Audiodo™ through the PSB Headphones app
– NFC pairing for supported devices
– Over-ear, amplified, closed back design
– Physical controls for volume, playback and mode selection
– Unique dual 3.5mm input connections (left or right side)
– Tangle-free, braided cords for analogue wired and USB-C connection
– ¼” stereo and dual-input flight adapters
– Runs on included rechargeable battery power
– Up to 25 hrs battery playtime in Active Mode
– Gyro-suspended ear pads
– Carry case and easy folding for travel and storage

Key Features of the M4U TWM

– Wireless auto-pairing with any Bluetooth™ enabled device
– Magneto-Static, Hybrid Planar dual driver design
– Lightweight, secure fit suits any active lifestyle
– Activate voice assistants or use hard click buttons for hands-free calling and music control
– Rechargeable with 8 hours of playback and 24 hours in the smart charging case for 32 hours of total extended play time
– IP65 rated for protection against sweat, dust and weather
– RoomFeel™, Audiodo™ and cVc™ (clear voice capture) technologies built-in

Sony announces new WF-C700N headphones and WH-1000XM5 Midnight Blue

Sony is making it even easier to enjoy music anywhere with the announcement of its new truly wireless earbuds –WF-C700N. 

TheWF-C700N are ideal if you want to make the switch to truly wireless earbuds without compromising on comfort and stability while enjoying immersive sound quality and noise cancelling.   

Comfort, quality and fits in your pocket 

The WF-C700N have been designed with comfort and stability in mind, no matter the size of your ears. Sony has designed the WF-C700N by looking at extensive ear shape data collated since it introduced world’s first in-ear headphones in 1982, as well as evaluation of the sensitivity of various types of ears. The WF-C700N earbuds combine a shape to perfectly match the human ear with an ergonomic surface design for a more stable fit, so you can listen for longer without needing a break. 

The cylindrical charging case is small and easy to carry around in a pocket or bag so you can take the earbuds anywhere you go. Its case has a geometrically patterned texture for a stylish, luxurious look and feel. 

The texture, quality and colours of WF-C700N are designed with your style and comfort in mind. With black, white, lavender and sage green to choose from, you can find the one that suits you best. 

More music, less background noise 

With the WF-C700N it’s just you and the music. You can cancel out background noise with noise cancelling or use the Ambient Sound Mode to stay connected to your natural surroundings.  

In Ambient Sound mode, the feedforward mics capture more of the ambient sound around you, so you can enjoy a natural listening experience while staying connected to your environment. You can personalise the settings within the Sony | Headphones Connect app or use the Focus on Voice setting to chat without removing your earbuds. You can step into a coffee shop and quickly order with ease, then just as quickly sit back, and enjoy your favourite entertainment distraction-free. 

The WF-C700N also feature Adaptive Sound Control which adjusts ambient sound settings depending on where you are and what you’re doing. It recognises locations that you frequently visit, such as your workplace, the gym or a favourite cafe, and switches the sound modes that suit the situation. With this,you can seamlessly move through your surroundings all while letting your favourite artists and entertainment play on. 

Hear every beat in high quality  

TheWF-C700Ndeliver high quality sound thanks to DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine). Plus with the help of Sony’s original 5mm driver unit the WF-C700N pack a punch, producing powerful bass and stunningly clear vocals despite their small size, bringing out the best in whatever genre or entertainment you choose. You can also change your music to fit your taste with the EQ settings on the Sony | Headphones Connect app.  

Enjoy an effortless listening experience 

With a long lasting battery life of up to 15 hours, IPX4 water resistance and smart features, the WF-C700N truly wireless earbuds are made for everyday life. 

For total convenience, the WF-C700N feature Multipoint connection3 which means they can be paired with two Bluetoothdevices at the same time. So, when a call comes in, your earbuds know which device is ringing and connects to the right one automatically. 

The WF-C700N also provides reliable call quality thanks the Wind Noise Reduction Structure which delivers your voice clearly, even on a windy day.   

 

The WH-1000XM5 now in Midnight Blue 

Since the launch of the WH-1000XM5 in 2022, the wireless headphones have received numerous awards and critical acclaim for their industry-leading noise cancellation and superior sound quality. Now Sony is offering all the much-loved technology from the hugely popular WH-1000XM5 in a new stylish Midnight Blue colour, allowing you to further personalised your listening experience.  

Designed with sustainability in mind 

Sony has not only designed theWF-C700Nandthe WH-1000XM5 Midnight Blue to be stylish but also with sustainability in mind. Zero plastic is included in the packaging material for both models, reflecting Sony’s commitment to reducing the environmental impacts of their products and practices. 

Pricing and availability 

·         The WF-C700N is available from April 2023 priced at approximately €119/£99.99. 

 

·         The WH-1000XM5 Midnight Blue is available from April 2023 priced at approximately €399/£349. 

First Look – Edifier WH950NB Hi Res Audio Wireless Headphones

Edifier has new cans and I am all excited as over the last while we have been doing way to many earbuds and it has been a while since we have seen some decent cans arrive not forgetting the last installment from Edifier the WH500 which are a great pair of headphones if you are on a budget.

The latest from Edifier called the WH950NB have landed in for review and first impressions are good out of the box with the choice of materials and the specs sings to a good tune, but how will they sound, we will find out over the coming week or two with a full hands on review and of course checking out the Edifier Connects app. If you have any questions drop em below or on our social media accounts and we will gladly answer them.

The WH950NB is certified to both “Hi Resolution Audio” and “Hi Resolution Audio  Wireless” standards with LDAC certification. The headphones have been expertly tuned by Edifier’s world class audio team to deliver professional studio grade sound. The headset reaches a frequency response of 40kHz and output high quality audio quality. Whether it’s listening to music, audiobooks/podcasts, gaming, using for conference calls or travel, the Edifier WH950NB provides exceptional levels of control and audio as users utilize a selection of highly competitive features.

Main Features:

  • Active Noise Cancellation + Ambient Sound selection
  • LDAC codec with Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification
  • Advanced 4-Mic ENC for the best voice clarity
  • Personalization EQ and select various music modes in Edifier Connect APP
  • Supports Google Fast Pair for Android users
  • 1.5 hours fully charged for at least 34 hours playtime (ANC ON)/ 55 hours (ANC OFF)
  • Fast Charging: 7 hours play back in just 10 minutes
  • 40mm dynamic driver
  • Double Protection for safe hearing: Volume less than 85dB and a cut off timer
  • Foldable and lightweight design. Ideal for daily use, conference meetings and travel

Price & Availability:

Available in White or Black at £179.99 from https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BM92D2D1

Unboxing

Tech Review – Creative Outlier Free bone conduction headphones

Typical Headphones are made up of small speakers either separated with each in the ear or over the ear with cushions for comfort and sound insulation.  The Creative Outlier Free are Bone conduction headphones – that transmit sound waves through the bones in a user’s skull instead of their ear canal. These are worn resting on your temples. Because of this design,  these are ideal for conditions in which many earphones would fall out of the inner ear or shake off the head. These have the advantage of not blocking the ear ( similar to hear-through as used on some earphones ) allowing alertness of the surrounding areas. The material is strong and sturdy with bigger buttons that are seen on many earphones with water-resistant, but not as fully waterproof as seen on their other model Creative Outlier Free pro.  The creative logo is visibly seen on the earphones.

These do not come with a carry case to protect the earphones or store the charging cable when not in use which is slightly disappointing.

Technical spec

  •       Headphone Drivers: Bone Conduction Transducers
  •       Frequency Response: 20–20,000 Hz
  •       Microphones: Omni-directional x 1
  •       Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3
  •       Bluetooth Profiles
  •       •A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
  •       •AVRCP (Audio / Video Remote Control Profile)
  •       •HFP (Hands-free Profile)
  •       Audio Codec: SBC
  •       Operating Frequency: 2402–2480 Hz
  •       Operating Range: Up to 10m / 33 ft
  •       Voice Assistant Support: Siri and Google Assistant
  •       Playtime: Up to 10 Hours*
  •       Charging Time: 2 Hours
  •       Charging Interface: USB-A
  •       Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-ion Polymer Battery
  •       180 mAh 0.666 Wh
  •       Input: 5V 1A
  •       Operating Temperature: 0–45°C
  •       Maximum RF Output Power: 4 dBm
  •       IP Rating: IPX5

Setup:

The quick start guide is excellent allowing the use of a QR code to read the manual easily. The setup is straightforward while having the bonus of multimode connectivity which allows the headset connected to two separate devices at the same time.  This may be two separate phones or a laptop connected via  Bluetooth. Either device if called automatically can respond as a call or music played from either device. The process of connecting works the same way as syncing a new Bluetooth device.

Connection to an Android phone and a Windows laptop worked uncomplicated and straightforwardly as you would expect from Creative.

Battery & charging:

The earphones come with a Magnetic USB charging port to USB Type A with a  Rechargeable Lithium-ion Polymer Battery of 180 mAh which has a charging time of about 2 hours charging for 10 hours of use.  This is where these earphones are let down, most modern earphone comes with a standardised USB C charger lead ( Meaning this cable can be swapped via a modern android phone ) and some come with a wireless charger, Creative have gone with a proprietary magnetic charger given a reasonable 10 hours as compared to other in an earphone that gives over 30 hours via the case.  When the earphones aren’t in use the power button is larger but required this to be manually pressed to power down.

A Full  Tech Review – Creative Outlier Free Pro bone conduction headphones seen at techbuzzireland previously https://techbuzzireland.com/2023/03/14/tech-review-creative-outlier-free-pro-bone-conduction-headphones/ 

Warranty

The warranty is 2 years within the European Union but may be less outside of the EU.

Conclusion:

The audio quality in terms of the frequency response for these headphones is  20 to 20,000 Hz which is a standard frequency in this range, When used in a traditional phone call the audio is a noticeable difference in terms of the bone conduction headphones which transmit sound waves through the bones in a user’s skull instead of their ear canal this causes a vibration which is not a critique of the audio rather a different approach. When used for  High-Resolution Audio the audio which has higher sampling rates is partially noticeable but unless stopped and fully concentrated on the music hard to tell the difference. This model is good in terms of when listening to higher volumes those surrounding the earphones do not hear a leakage on the music .  the option to Turn on Low Latency Mode to enjoy synchronized and smoother playback of audio and video is a positive for these earphones allowing for multiple options on audio experiences.

When looked at from a Safety perspective ( open-ear listening) being able to hear the surrounding area but also in terms of not directly in the ear canal, ( This is not supported by formal medical advice but rather an opinion ) no ear wax has been pushed into the ear and safer from an awareness of your surroundings.  The IPX5 splashproof or sweatproof rating is excellent for everyday use as could be taken in and out of the shower but not suitable for swimming certainly good enough to ensure if out in the rain these will not be affected,

Overall as someone that tries to walk for over an hour a day, this is my go-to set of earphones, as practically impossible to have them fall off the head due to the design, through the design from a safety perspective, they are similar to having heard through on all the time without the need to remove from your head is stopping to chat to someone,  The multimode is excellent allowing connectivity & versatility for use in more than one device. Once familiar with the design while heaver at 30g than many other earphones on the market this quickly becomes forgotten they are around your head. This model is ideal for extreme sports and certainly will endure lots of adversity in its use.

BUY 

Video Review

Tech Review – Creative Outlier Free Pro bone conduction headphones

Bone conduction headphones are now a thing and after reviewing multiple pairs here we can see why this is the case as they apply technology in a different way and is more beneficial to the ears which is important for your own health. Creative have recently launched two new pairs of such and we are checking out the Outlier Free Pro today after some time with them, not featuring all the aspects traditional earbuds do this pair is for those who are into sports and you can even take a dip with these on which for me is something I would never do but here you can if you want to do so and be different.

The design is familiar here with these bone conducting headphones and it will be some time before we see new designs or companies being bold whilst this style takes off. These simply just wrap around your ears and rest on your neck and can be worn in more ways than one depending who you are i guess.

They are super light and covered with a nice rubberised material giving them their IPX8 rating which is the highest yet to be seen on such a product. They are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and you will forget they are there, you can angle these in two ways if you want to be different too but they are designed to be worn one way but they do work in two ways by changing the angle and where you place the bud part.

There is a simple option on board to control these two with the buttons just placed on one side which keeps it simple like any other of these bone conduction headphones I have tried out so far. The three buttons are raised and easy to navigate too. There is more than meets the eye with just three buttons present too and they basically do all the things you need to on a pair of earbuds.

You can store music on these or just connect to your smartphone there is 8GB of onboard storage and you can switch between either by pressing the multifunction button which also changes the latency option.

You can play and pause skip and reverse tracks and control your volume too and manage calls and furthermore have access to your voice assistant. We demo all this in the video review below.

The Outlier Free Pro stands out even more with its 8GB (stores 2,000 MP3 songs) built-in music player (also compatible with FLAC, WAV and APE file formats); it enables users to enjoy their favorite tunes without the need to carry their mobile phones. Thanks to its IPX8 rating (the highest waterproof rating for water immersion), swimmers can even swim underwater in the pool.

When it comes to sound they have a nice level of bass these type of headphones will not give the same effect as earbuds but it is not far off and overall they sound good and the best from what I have tried to date for music videos and more there is one thing though if you have them turned up to the max if you are on a bus etc the person beside you will heat what you are listening to. The Outlier Free Pro offers up to 10 hours of battery life per charge 10 minutes of quick-charging provides 2 hours of playtime at around 75% charge which is not bad but if using full volume like me you can expect around 9 and a half hours but with the quick charge you are good to go rather fast.

Overall a solid first attempt at a new line that gives good tunes and battery life along with protection for those who are into sports and more demanding on build quality and full of features you would expect to find on your traditional earbuds.

BUY

Video Review

PSB Speakers, Sonical and MQA announce partnership to create next-generation headphones

PSB Speakers, together with hearables start-up Sonical and audio specialists MQA, announced a partnership that will define a new category of high-resolution audio headphones. The product combines high resolution wireless transmission, proven high-fidelity design, and Sonical’s CosmOS platform. Released under the PSB Speakers brand by Q1 2024, it will be the first headphone to feature Sonical’s ear computing platform, enabling a variety of apps and software upgrades. It also includes MQA’s latest technology, SCL6, the most advanced codec for adaptive, high-resolution audio streaming.

CosmOS is Sonical’s revolutionary operating system that runs on powerful low wattage processing cores, bringing unprecedented levels of connectivity and computational power to headphones. CosmOS offers mobile audio product manufacturers the versatility to keep pace with rapidly changing consumer demands for convenience and performance. The integration of Qorvo’s Ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology enables a superior audio experience thanks to UWB’s higher data rate and extremely low latency. Using Antennaware’s UWB antenna directly addresses any issues associated with Body Blocking which could occur with wireless wearable devices.

Canada-based PSB Speakers, a pioneer in psychoacoustics and an early brand to create audiophile grade wireless headphones, will innovate through deep relationships with Sonical and MQA to push the boundaries of mobile listening. The product will utilize MQA’s new technology, SCL6, an innovative, time domain-based codec for the highest quality audio streaming. Developed by industry veteran and MQA founder, Bob Stuart, SCL6 ensures high-resolution sound even at low data rates.

“Given PSB Speakers’ long-time commitment to the science of audio and music listening, it’s a pleasure to be in this partnership which shows the world what CosmOS can do,” says Gary Spittle, Founder and CEO of Sonical.

“Our use of the CosmOS platform to make the world’s first software defined wireless headset and the inclusion of MQA’s adaptive wireless codec helps set a new benchmark for a high resolution, mobile high-fidelity product. We believe this product underscores what Paul Barton and the PSB team have accomplished over the brand’s 50-year history in the pursuit of audio excellence for listeners at home and now on the move,” says Gordon Simmonds, President and CEO of Lenbrook Industries, PSB Speakers’ parent company.

“MQA was founded by one of the great innovators in audio. We design by thinking of the consumer experience first which means we are comfortable challenging the status quo. The vision shared by our partners at PSB Speakers and Sonical, bringing together superior audio quality and the next generation of consumer convenience, makes this a perfect fit for our latest technology SCL6,” says Mike Jbara, CEO of MQA.

Sony announces two new pairs of headphones – WH-CH720N over-ear and WH-CH520 on-ear wireless headphones

Sony has announced two new headphones – the WH-CH720N and the WH-CH520 – giving music lovers the option of on-ear or over-ear wireless headphones packed with Sony’s critically acclaimed audio technology.

The over-ear WH-CH720N wireless headphones incorporate Dual Noise Sensor technology and Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 chip to provide noise cancelling. In addition, a lightweight design and up to 35 hours of battery life let you enjoy music for longer without background interruptions.

The on-ear WH-CH520 wireless headphones provide up to 50 hours battery life with all day comfort and enhanced call performance to meet the demands of your day. Plus choose from four colours – black, blue, white and beige – to match your style.

Both models also feature Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) to produce high-quality sound exactly as the artist intended as well as Multipoint connection for easy connectivity between devices.

All day comfort, without the noise

Whether you’re flying long-haul or relaxing in a café, the over-ear WH-CH720N headphones deliver Sony’s advanced noise cancelling performance thanks to the Integrated Processor V1 chip and Dual Noise Sensor technology, so you can enjoy more music and less background noise.

The Integrated Processor V1 helps eliminate external sound, with a low processing delay to make the noise cancelling more effective than ever. The WH-CH720N also features two microphones in each earcup which, coupled with Dual Noise Sensor technology, captures ambient sound. This lets you block outside noise everywhere you go, so the only thing you hear is your music.

Plus with the Sony| Headphones Connect app, you can adjust the ambient sound across 20 different levels for when you’re on the move.

Stay comfortable, however long you listen

You’ll never need to take a break from your favourite music with the WH-CH720N. The over-ear headphones are ergonomically designed to be comfortable for even longer periods. At just 192g, the WH-CH720N are Sony’s lightest overhead wireless headphones with noise cancelling. Comfortable synthetic leather and urethane materials combine with optimum ear pad structure and dimensions for exceptional wearability. With up to 35 hours battery life with noise cancelling on, you’ll have enough power to keep listening all day and into the night. You can stay comfortable at home too watching TV and who remembers the old TV ears?

The WH-CH520 have also been carefully designed with everyday use in mind. You can stay powered up for days with up to 50 hours of battery life. So you can listen to your favourite music without worrying about running out of charge. Plus the on-ear headphones feature an adjustable headband with padding, soft earpads and lightweight design so you can find the perfect fit and stay comfortable for longer.

Superb sound for every song

Enjoy natural vocals, crystal clear sound and balanced tuning on both the WH-CH720N and WH-CH520 Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE), producing a high-quality sound exactly as the artist intended. When the original music is compressed, it loses the high-frequency elements that add details and richness to a track. Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine faithfully restores these to produce high-quality sound that’s closer to the original recording.

The Integrated Processor V1 included within the WH-CH720N also produces an authentic listening experience by reproducing the detail in your music with minimal distortion. The sound tuning is intentionally designed to be well-balanced from low to high frequencies with natural and clear vocals.

Whether you’re listening to electrifying pop or bassy rap, the WH-CH720N and WH-CH520 allow you to tailor your sound using the Equalizer in the Sony | Headphones Connect app. You can choose from a variety of settings to match sound quality with the music genre you’re listening to or even create and save your own settings.

Crystal clear conversations

Improved technology features on the WH-CH720N mean you can enjoy even better call quality. Beamforming microphones with Precise Voice Pickup technology are smartly positioned to pick up your voice more clearly and accurately in a range of environments. A newly developed Wind Noise Reduction Structure around the microphones reduce background noise for you, keeping conversations and music clear and uninterrupted.

Whether you’re joining an online class or a work meeting, the WH-CH520 also provides easy hands-free calling and great call quality. Simply answer calls with one click of the buttons on the earcup so there’s no need to take your phone out of your pocket. Built-in high quality microphones and noise suppression processing mean the WH-CH520 collects sound and reduces ambient noise during calls so you can make clear calls even in noisy environments.

Both the WH-CH720N and WH-CH520 feature Multipoint connection, easy button operation and can be controlled with your voice. Since the connection is easy with Swift Pair and Fast pair, these headphones are ideal for everyday use.

Designed with sustainability in mind

Sony has designed these headphones with the environment in mind. There’s no plastic in the WH-CH720N and WH-CH520 packaging which is designed based on low toxicity design principles and towards Sony’s “Road to Zero” environmental plan. Both headphones also use recycled plastic materials.

Pricing and availability

The WH-CH720N is available in black, blue, and white and will be available to purchase from March 2023 with a suggested retail price of £130 / €160.

https://www.sony.co.uk/headphones/products/wh-ch720n

https://www.sony.ie/headphones/products/wh-ch720n

The WH-CH520 is available in black, blue, white, and beige and will be available to purchase from March 2023 with a suggested retail price of £60 / €70.

Creative Outlier Free Champions Aural Freedom with Bone Conduction Technology

Creative Technology today launched Creative Outlier Free, its latest wireless headphones which integrate bone conduction technology with the characteristics of the well-loved Outlier series, such as long battery life, water resistance and lightweight comfort.

The use of bone conduction technology revolves around transducers on the headphones, which, through vibrations on the user’s cheekbones, transmit sound waves into the inner ears. With their ears freed up from in-ear or over-ear headphones, users feel safer through heightened environmental awareness while enjoying high-quality acoustics – this is especially useful for joggers or cyclists on busy streets, or gym enthusiasts who like to chat with their workout buddies.

Thanks to this benefit of open-ear listening, the Outlier Free is also ideal for leisure activities such as singing on mobile karaoke apps, where users would enjoy being able to hear their own voices, just as they would in a natural environment.

The Outlier Free is equipped with a slew of handy features for wireless headphones – up to 10 hours of battery life per charge (10 minutes of quick-charging provides 2 hours of playtime), IPX5 water resistance, Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity (up to 2 Bluetooth devices at a time), low-latency mode to minimize audio-visual lag, built-in microphone and Siri / Google Assistant support. It is constructed using lightweight silicone and titanium memory alloy for optimal comfort and fit.

Considering these features against its irresistible price of UK£79.99, the Outlier Free is quite simply a steal.

For more information, visit creative.com/OutlierFree.