Tag: noise

SteelSeries will unveil the Arctis Nova Pro Omni

Today, SteelSeries, the original esports brand that fuses gaming and culture, unveils a new gaming headset engineered for audiophile-grade performance and designed for all possibilities, for all systems, all at once. Introducing the Arctis Nova Pro Omni, a new wireless, multiplatform, feature-rich instrument of control and statement of Hi-Res fidelity.
Modern gamers expect more from their games and the overall experience–embodying everything from better graphics and sound to deeper immersion and intense action, to more engaging entertainment and social connection, to heightening challenges and a sense of mastery, to ultimately just having fun. To get these experiences, they need revolutionary advancements in technology, including next-gen consoles and handhelds, custom PC gaming rigs, and the latest mobile devices. They also need revolutionary advancements in audio and the ability to have the ultimate Hi-Res auditory experience across all their devices, and at the same time, so they can be omnipresent.
2026 marks 25 years of SteelSeries creating industry-defining products. For the brand’s newest innovation, the team set out to design a premium universal gaming and entertainment headset, where gamers can experience Hi-Res Wireless Certified* audiophile-grade sound through 96kHz/24 bit wireless audio over 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, connect up to five devices, and mix up to four audio sources at once through OmniPlay, and chat with friends with a broadcast-quality ClearCast Pro omnidirectional microphone. The result is the Arctis Nova Pro Omni, a new Hi-Res Wireless Certified set of gaming headphones that expands the “luxury” category. *Hi-Res Wireless Certified by the Japanese Audio Society (JAS).
To achieve a complete auditory experience in games, entertainment, and music, the Arctis Nova Pro Omni features custom-designed Hi-Res Neodymium Magnetic 40mm Drivers, with an extended frequency range (10Hz-40kHz) necessary to support full Hi-Res Wireless Certification. Two key technologies aid in achieving the ultimate immersion: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which allows people to zero in by delivering pure audio from the speakers while blocking out the surroundings, and a microphone with onboard AI Noise Rejection blocks out the chaos and lets voices cut through cleanly. The Arctis Nova Omni ANC blocks up to 40% more background noise versus the competition* through improved processing power and the latest ANC algorithm, and the new ClearCast Pro microphone reduces up to 96% of background noise, which is up to 30x more than other gaming headsets. *Independently lab tested against key competitors. (Oct 2025)
Additional features include Omni-Control for real-time audio adjustment from mobile, desktop, or the GameHub. The Arctis App allows live tuning of game audio, Bluetooth audio, and microphone EQ, along with over 200+ game-specific audio presets that can be changed on-the-fly. PC users can also access the same controls on a desktop using the free Sonar App, which features additional advanced mixing and spatial audio controls. The GameHub‘s OLED screen and command wheel provide on-the-fly adjustments through new visual display modes like per-source audio levels, and onboard controls deliver instant adjustments to key settings. To keep the non-stop gaming and entertainment going and going and going, an Infinite Power System provides unlimited battery life via a dual-battery system.
“Once you’ve flown this close to the sun, there’s no going back.” Connect all. Hear all. Check out the launch film: HERE
The Arctis Nova Pro Omni is available in Midnight Blue, White, and Graphite at SteelSeries.com and select retailers worldwide starting on May 5, 2026, for the following MSRPs: NA $399.99 | UK £349.99 | EMEA €399.99 | APAC $399.99.

Maono PD200W wireless dynamic microphone review

The Maono PD200W stands out as one of the most versatile and budget-friendly microphones available for creators, streamers, and podcasters. By successfully merging a professional-grade dynamic capsule with 2.4 GHz wireless functionality, it delivers exceptional flexibility without compromising on audio quality or features.

The “Hybrid” moniker is well-earned, as the PD200W offers a trifecta of connectivity options, ensuring it fits into nearly any recording setup:

  1. 2.4 GHz Wireless: This is the headline feature. The mic operates wirelessly via a small receiver that plugs into your device (PC, phone, camera) via USB-C or a 3.5mm jack (depending on the receiver version). This allows for up to 60 meters of range and is perfect for on-the-go interviews, vlogging, and clean desktop setups.
  2. USB-C Digital: A simple plug-and-play connection to a PC, laptop, or phone, delivering high-resolution 24-bit/48kHz digital audio. This is ideal for streaming and studio work.
  3. XLR Analog: For professional setups, the XLR output allows connection to a mixer or audio interface, offering robust analog performance.

 

Audio Quality and Noise Suppression

The PD200W is designed to capture clear, focused vocals, a hallmark of dynamic microphones.

The 30mm dynamic capsule delivers a clean, intimate sound with strong vocal clarity. It excels at close-miking, which is essential for podcasting and streaming. Due to its cardioid polar pattern and dynamic design, the mic is naturally excellent at rejecting off-axis sound (like room echoes or background traffic). A major advantage is the built-in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) noise reduction, offering multiple levels (Weak, Medium, Strong). Reviewers have found this feature highly effective, keeping the focus locked onto the voice even in challenging real-world environments with noise like heaters or buzzing insects.

The Maono PD200W includes several features that make it a favorite for content creators:

With a claimed battery life of up to 60 hours (and around 38 hours with the RGB lighting active), it’s built for extended wireless sessions or long-duration remote recordings.

The companion software for Windows and Mac allows users to fine-tune their sound with an equalizer (EQ), compressor, and limiter—tools typically found in higher-end setups. It also includes the controls for the multi-level noise reduction. See app screenshots below and video review for more.

The microphone features 16.8 million colors of RGB lighting, which can be controlled via the software, appealing directly to gamers and streamers who want a visually engaging setup.

It supports connecting two PD200W microphones to a single receiver (2TX + 1RX), which is excellent for dual-host podcasts or interviews, recording each speaker on a separate channel for easier post-production.

The Maono PD200W is a near-perfect hybrid microphone for content creators on a budget who prioritize flexibility.

Overall, the Maono PD200W is highly recommended for streamers, remote workers, YouTubers, and podcasters who need a reliable, clean-sounding microphone that can adapt instantly between a fixed desktop setup and a mobile, cable-free recording scenario. It delivers studio-grade clarity without the studio price tag.

Maono App

 

 

Key Features 

  1. Triple-mode connectivity (2.4GHz wireless transmission, USB, and XLR) offering true plug-and-play convenience and freeing creators from the limitations of traditional wired microphones, while providing more versatile connection options than conventional dual-mode mics.
  2. Dual-channel stereo recording – a single receiver connects to two PD200W microphones simultaneously, capturing each signal separately on the left and right channels. This enables independent volume adjustment for each speaker in post-production and eliminates track-mixing issues in multi-person podcasts or interviews.
  3. Studio-grade sound quality – a major upgrade over ordinary microphones, with clarity that rivals the Shure MV7+.
    1. 48kHz/24-bit sampling for authentic, high-resolution sound
    2. 82dB signal-to-noise ratio for ultra-quiet recording with no unwanted noise
    3. 128dB max SPL for distortion-free performance even at high volumes
  4. Direct connection to smartphones, tablets, and cameras – going beyond traditional USB microphones by supporting mobile devices, allowing creators to start from entry-level gear, switch seamlessly across platforms, and reduce time spent on post-production.
  5. Multi-level noise reduction – minimizing environmental background sounds and room acoustics, delivering cleaner and more focused audio without the need for heavy post-processing.

Competitors

VS Shure MV7+

    1. Comparable sound quality to the MV7+, delivering a professional-grade listening experience.
    2. Unlike the wired-only setup of traditional multi-person podcasting, PD200W’s wireless mode offers a cleaner and more convenient solution.

VS Fifine K688 / AM8

    1. Compared to both the K688 and AM8, PD200W delivers more professional sound quality tailored for podcasting.
    2. Unlike these models, PD200W supports direct USB connections to smartphones and tablets, providing broader device compatibility and greater flexibility for creators.

Prices

PD200W (Desktop Stand Version): $99.99

PD200W (with BA37 Boom Arm): $129.99

PD200W (2TX+1RX with Desktop Stand): $189.99

BUY

Other Mic Reviews

Video Review

ugee FreSound Inspiration Open-Earbuds Review

The Ugee FreSound Inspiration Open-Earbuds  provide comfortable, all-day audio that keeps you connected to your environment. These earbuds have no ANC like any Open-Ear earbuds but thes look great and come in a really nice case and looks like a premium product out of the box.

These are comfortable, Utilizing an open-ear, air-conduction design, the FreSound rests lightly on the outside of your ear, delivering sound without blocking the ear canal. This eliminates the pressure, discomfort, and ‘stuffed-up’ feeling associated with traditional in-ear models.

At just 8.7 grams per earbud, they are exceptionally lightweight. The key to their stability is the flexible, full-wrap liquid silicone ear hook, which feels soft and skin-friendly. They stay securely in place during vigorous activities like running and gym workouts (assisted by an IPX5 sweat-resistant rating), making them a fantastic option for athletes who prioritize situational awareness.

The audio experience is dictated by the open-ear design, which delivers unique benefits and expected trade-offs.

  • Clarity and Detail: The FreSound has a 12mm high-amplitude driver and a custom-tuned frequency curve. It delivers excellent mid-range clarity and crisp highs. These earbuds particularly excel with podcasts, no tinny sound when maxed out on volume
  • Bass and Volume: As is typical for open-ear models, the bass is present—it’s tight and rhythmic enough to motivate a workout—but it lacks the deep, chest-thumping sub-bass found in sealed earbuds. This is normal for this style of earbud
  • Calling: Call quality is strong thanks to AI Call Noise Cancellation, which helps your voice cut through moderate background noise effectively.

The lack of a companion app or customizable EQ means you are reliant on the factory tuning, which some users find a bit too bright or sharp with certain amplified genres like rock and pop but overall they deliver decent audio and for me could use anytime.

The FreSound offers reliable, all-day power:

  • Single Charge: Up to 8 hours of continuous listening.
  • Total Playback: Up to 30 hours using the charging case.
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 ensures fast pairing, stable connection, and minimal latency, which is appreciated when watching videos. The added multipoint connection feature for dual-device pairing is a convenient bonus.

The Ugee FreSound Inspiration Open-Earbuds are a compelling choice for a specific audience. They successfully deliver a perfect balance between audio enjoyment and environmental awareness, making them an ideal daily driver for safety-conscious users, fitness enthusiasts, and professionals who need to hear colleagues or surroundings while they work.

They trade deep bass and noise isolation for unparalleled comfort and safety. While the sound tuning might be divisive for heavy rock listeners, their secure fit, great battery life, and clear mid-range make them a strong, budget-friendly contender in the growing open-ear category.

These are ideal forRunners, cyclists, commuters, and people who find traditional in-ear buds uncomfortable and want the best of both worlds hearing what is going on around them and they deliver here with this and adio in general. Check the video below for a detailed look.

 

Features

  • Seamless Comfort: Our Inspiration Open Earbuds use full-wrap liquid silicone for a soft, ergonomic fit all day.
  • Open-Ear Design: OWS open-ear headphones deliver great audio while keeping you aware outdoors or on the go.
  • Pure Sound: Expertly tuned custom frequency curve ensures crisp, balanced wireless earbuds performance.
  • All-Day Power: Up to 8 hours of continuous playback per charge and 30 hours of standby time with the case.
  • IPX5 Waterproof: Sweat, rain, and splash resistant for active lifestyles.

BUY

Other Open-Earbud Reviews

Video Review

BUYER’S GUIDE: Should I buy a Portable or Whole-House Dehumidifier?

Between damp winters and humid summer months, keeping indoor humidity at the right level isn’t just a matter of comfort, but one of protecting both your home and health. Too much moisture creates the perfect conditions for mould and mildew to flourish, which can trigger allergies, aggravate asthma and damage fabrics, woodwork, and paint over time. That’s definitely something you’ll want to avoid.

According to building surveyors, the ideal indoor humidity sits between 40% and 60%. Anything over that and you’ll start to see moisture buildup on windows, walls, and hidden voids, creating problems you might not spot until it’s too late. Some “healthy home” strategies like insulation, ventilation, and air purification can help, but you might consider other options as well…like a dehumidifier.

If you’re thinking about tackling humidity, most households have essentially two routes to choose from; a portable room dehumidifier or a whole-house system. To be clear, both are designed to keep moisture levels in check, but they do it very differently, and making the right choice for you and your home will depend on a few aspects – including your space, budget, and overall lifestyle.

Penned with the aid of experts, this article offers a guide of things to consider before deciding which solution to implement into your home.

Cost and Upfront Investment

Since nobody likes to talk about money, let’s get the ugly(ish) details out of the way. For most people, portable dehumidifiers offer an easy and affordable entry point, and they tend to be the most common starting point.

With prices for a quality option generally starting at around £200, portable units don’t need professional installation, meaning you can have one up and running straight out of the box within minutes. This makes them ideal for rented accommodation, or for anyone looking for a quick fix in a specific problem spot.

Whole-house systems, on the other hand, are a larger commitment. Units typically cost between £800 and £2,500, and you’ll need to budget extra for installation costs. That said, if you’ve got a large property, or you know you’re in it for the long haul, this initial investment can pay off in both comfort and peace of mind.

Flexibility, Placement, Coverage and Scale

The main perk of a portable unit is that – as the name suggests – it’s portable. This means you can take and place it wherever you might need it – from a damp basement to a steamy bathroom, or even in your bedroom. Naturally, whole-house systems are a different story, and are built into your HVAC system, regulating humidity evenly across the entire property. The plus point here is the consistency, but it does mean giving up the flexibility to move it around to specific problem points.

The real gap between the two solutions starts to show when talking about coverage. A portable dehumidifier will handle a single room with no problems, typically up to around 700 square feet. Whole-house systems – as the name suggests – are designed to manage thousands of square feet at once, making them the natural choice for larger homes or multi-storey properties. If you want every room to feel equally comfortable, it’s hard to beat full-home coverage – but it’s worth considering whether you really need that much.

Energy and Efficiency

We’re all trying to save on energy bills at the moment. Thankfully, running a single portable unit is fairly efficient, but once you get into the territory of having several units dotted around the house, the costs can creep up. Whole-house systems may seem like heavy hitters in both scale and upfront cost, but they’re often more economical per square foot. By keeping humidity in check, they can even lighten the load on your heating and cooling systems, which could mean savings in other areas down the line.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Despite their overall convenience, portable models do need a bit of hands-on attention, from emptying water tanks to cleaning filters and simply making sure they’re positioned correctly. Some do allow for continuous drainage, which helps, but whole-house systems are far simpler to maintain once they’re in: connected directly to drainage, they usually only need a filter change and a yearly check-up.

Noise and Everyday Comfort

Portable dehumidifiers aren’t completely silent (yet), so if you opt for one of these, you’ll need to be comfortable with a little added white noise in the chosen space. Most aren’t too invasive (at least, not as invasive as your neighbours drilling on a Sunday morning), but it’s a factor to consider if you’re sensitive to background noises. Whole-house systems are installed out of sight — usually in a loft, basement, or utility space – so you’ll barely even notice them. In some ways, that’s a plus…though you also might not notice if there are problems that you might have clocked if you’d been able to hear the unit struggling.

So, Which Should You Choose?

The simplest way to frame your decision goes like this; If you’re renting, on a budget, or only need to dehumidify one or two problem areas, go for a portable solution. If you own a larger property, want a “fit and forget” solution, or see it as part of a long-term investment in your home’s comfort and value, you’ll want a whole-house solution.

Whatever you opt for, managing indoor humidity is one of the smartest (and simplest) things you can do to protect your home and your health. Of course, make sure you shop around to find the best solutions and keep your budget in mind when purchasing.

BurgerKing Blanchardstown now deliveirng with drones and Just Eat

Just Eat, Ireland’s leading on-demand food delivery platform, is delighted to announce the expansion of its drone delivery service in Dublin.

Through its partnership with drone delivery operator Manna, Just Eat customers within a 3km radius of Blanchardstown can now order from local restaurant partner and household name, Burger King. Located in the Blanchardstown Centre, Burger King joins Boojum as another partner now flying high with Just Eat in the Dublin 15 area.

Just Eat began working with Manna earlier this year as part of its ongoing mission to empower everyday convenience. At the same time, the platform introduced an AI Assistant to offer an even more innovative way to order. The partnership is designed to complement Just Eat’s extensive rider delivery network, improve operational efficiency during peak times, and provide customers with greater flexibility and convenience in how they receive their orders.

The collaboration marks a significant step forward in revolutionising food delivery in Ireland, combining Just Eat’s commitment to convenience with Manna’s cutting-edge drone technology, which continues to improve in speed, noise reduction, and delivery capacity.

Once the food is loaded onto the drone, customers will receive their orders within minutes. Each drone is equipped with advanced safety features and is continuously monitored by a dedicated dispatcher throughout its flight.

Amanda Roche-Kelly, Managing Director at Just Eat Ireland said: ‘At Just Eat, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. From expanding our drone delivery service with Manna in Dublin to leveraging the power of AI, we’re creating smarter, faster, and more flexible ways to deliver.

Over the past year, we’ve evolved from a single partner drone delivery trial to preparing our platform to support hundreds of restaurant and grocery partners. We’ve also expanded our service across all major consumer platforms, including iOS, Android, and web – ensuring more customers can access these innovations, no matter how they choose to order. We’re looking forward to working with Manna to bring even more partners to our drone delivery service in months to come’.

Eoghan Huston, Chief Operating Officer from Manna added: ‘We’re thrilled to continue building on our partnership with Just Eat to bring the future of food delivery to people in Dublin. Our zero emissions technology is designed to integrate seamlessly with platforms like Just Eat and deliver real impact, not just in speed and efficiency, but by making food delivery even more accessible to the communities we serve.

We’ve worked closely with the Just Eat team to scale this solution and fine-tune the user experience. Together, we’re setting a new standard for innovative delivery in Ireland, and we’re just getting started!’

Derek Mulligan, Director Of Operations from OKR Group: ‘We’re always looking for new ways to deliver the flame-grilled taste our customers love and teaming up with Just Eat and Manna allows us to do that in an incredibly innovative way. It’s exciting to be at the forefront of drone delivery in Ireland, bringing Whoppers and more to the skies over the Dublin 15 area.”

This partnership not only gives our customers more choice in how they enjoy Burger King but also opens new opportunities for us as a brand to reach more people in faster, more efficient ways.’

QCY MeloBuds N70 Review

QCY, a global leader in the wireless audio industry has unveiled the QCY MeloBuds N70—its latest flagship true wireless Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) earbuds designed to bring more clarity, control, and comfort to everyday listening. With a powerful dual-driver system including a high-sensitivity MEMS tweeter, refined acoustic structure, and adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts in real time, the innovation is built to sound better in every moment and we have been testing these out the last few weeks and they are impressive for the price and stick it up to others in the market that cost much more, check out the full hands-on review below.

Dual-driver synergy for deeper, clearer sound

The MeloBuds N70 pairs a 10mm ring-shaped liquid silicone dynamic driver with a high-sensitivity MEMS tweeter, blending deep, rich full-bodied bass with crisp, articulate highs. Working in tandem, the two powerful drivers form a spacious, well-layered soundstage that highlights texture, separation, and tonal nuance with impressive precision, to deliver audio quality that approaches HiFi-level performance. Whether you’re listening to richly produced playlists, dialogue-driven podcasts, or immersive gaming soundtracks, the N70 brings out the subtle textures that keep every session engaging. 

Refined design that sharpens treble and refines space

To bring treble forward with greater clarity and precision, the MeloBuds N70 features a custom tweeter sound guide that extends high-frequency response across a wide 20Hz–40kHz range. This is complemented by QCY’s dual acoustic guide tube, which regulates airflow between the drivers to reduce resonance and phase shift. A balanced driver layout helps maintain stereo integrity by minimizing phase distortion and keeping left–right channel alignment consistent, to ensure that spatial cues stay sharp, vocals remain defined, and directional details hit with striking clarity.

 

Smarter Noise Control that tuned to your surroundings
The MeloBuds N70 features adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a technology that reduces unwanted ambient sound for clearer, more focused listening. With up to -56dB of suppression across an ultra-wide 5.5kHz bandwidth, the system intelligently adjusts in real time by analyzing both surrounding noise and in-ear fit to automatically optimize cancellation strength. Whether easing off in a quiet café or ramping up on a busy train, it keeps ear pressure low and clarity high without the need for manual toggling. For added flexibility, users can also fine-tune ANC levels via the QCY app.

For calls, a three-microphone array per earbud helps isolate your voice with beamforming tech and an inward-facing mic that captures speech directly from within the ear canal. A wind-resistant mesh, acoustic chamber, and anti-wind DSP algorithm further reduce wind noise, supporting clearer conversations even in breezy environments.

Fast Charging and Wireless Power for Week-Long Use

QCY MeloBuds N70 delivers enduring battery performance built for extended daily use. On a single charge, the earbuds provide up to 10 hours of continuous playback, with the charging case extending total battery life to as much as 50 hours, which helps minimize the need for frequent power top-ups throughout the week. When time is limited, a 10-minute quick charge gives up to 2 hours of use, keeping users powered through last-minute plans.

The case also supports both wired and wireless charging, offering flexible and convenient ways to stay charged on the go. Designed for real-world use, it features soft dual-layer silicone tips in five sizes for a secure, fatigue-free fit, and carries an IPX5 water resistance rating to handle sweat and light weather with ease.

Control and connect, your way

The MeloBuds N70 supports dual-device connection via the QCY app, letting you stay linked to two sources at once—like your phone and laptop—for seamless switching between calls, music, and meetings. Audio automatically prioritizes the active device for smooth multitasking. 

The QCY App

 

Availability & Price

Available in Midnight Black, Starlight Purple, Titanium Gold, the MeloBuds N70 combines acoustic depth with everyday usability in a clean, comfort-focused design. It is now available on QCY’s official store and through authorized retailers, with pricing starting at USD $59.99 (pricing may vary by market).

 

Product Link (US Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHD4L86L

Official Website: https://www.qcy.com/products/qcy-melobuds-n70

Other QCY Reviews

Video Review

SKULLCANDY’S Method 360 ANC Earbuds Feature Premium sound by Bose

Skullcandy, in partnership with Bose, is breaking  barriers in personal audio with the release of Method 360 ANC – a premium true  wireless earbud engineered for high-quality audio, advanced noise canceling, and  everyday style.  

Designed for those who want it all – sound quality, comfort, and design – without  breaking the bank, this is Skullcandy’s most advanced audio experience to date.  

“This product sets a new standard,” said Justin Regan, VP of Marketing at Skullcandy.  “We’re launching at £99.99 because we want more people to hear what’s next. But  make no mistake – Method 360 ANC belongs in the premium tier.”  

Refined fit, redesigned experience: Method 360 ANC features an all-new slider  charging case with a built-in O-ring clip, upgraded tactile finish, and up to 40 hours of  battery life. The earbuds come with multiple sets of fit fins and gels that leverage licensed technology from Bose for a secure, ultra-comfortable fit and superior noise  isolation.  

Skullcandy Method 360 ANC with Sound by Bose technology is now available globally  at Skullcandy.com (https://www.skullcandy.com/products/method-360-anc) and select  retail locations. Consumers can choose from five unique colorways including Black,  Bone, Primer, Plasma, and Leopard.  

  

Technical Details Include:  

  • Sound By Bose technology – Industry-leading audio tuning and performance.  ● Battery Life – Up to 40 hours when ANC mode is turned off (11 in buds, 29 in case).  Up to 32 hours when ANC mode is turned on (9 in buds, 23 in case).  ● Noise Isolating Fit – Ergonomic, ovalized design provides all-day comfort and a  noise-isolating fit. Three different sized pairs of fit fins and three sets of ear gels,  leveraging licensed technology from Bose, help ensure a perfect fit and block out  unwanted sound.  

  • Adjustable 4-Mic Hybrid Active Noise Canceling – Next-level premium noise  cancellation with customizable Stay-Aware mode options.  
  • Low Latency Audio – Provides an optimal experience for watching videos or  playing games.  
  • Auto On/Connect and Wear Detection  
  • IPX4 Sweat + Water Resistant  
  • Skull-iQ App Compatible – Unlock Method 360 ANC’s full potential with the Skull iQ App. Choose one of 3 preset EQ settings or customize your own, reconfigure the  button functions, adjust your Stay-Aware or ANC modes, and more.  
  • Rapid Charge – A 10-minute charge provides 2 hours of playtime.  ● Clear Voice Smart Mic – Provides a reduction in background noise to ensure calls  are crystal clear.  
  • Spotify Tap Compatible  
  • Preset & Custom EQ Modes  
  • Google Fast Pair  
  • Multipoint Pairing – Pair to multiple devices at once for seamless transitions.  ● Natural Voice Sidetone for Calls – Counteract occlusion, allowing users to hear  their own voice more naturally.  
  • Bluetooth® (v5.3) + LE Audio  

  

Launch Event  

Skullcandy debuted Method 360 ANC on April 15 during an exclusive event at Hall des  Lumières in New York City, where brand partners, top creators, and leading tech and  lifestyle media got a first look.  

The evening featured on-stage appearances by Skullcandy CEO Brian Garofalow,  Bose CMO Jim Mollica, brand visionary Bimma Williams, and skate icon Tony Hawk,  who also headlines the campaign launching alongside the product.  

“Method 360 is the real deal—killer sound, zero hype,” Tony Hawk, skate legend and  Skullcandy brand ambassador.  

See Our Skullcandy reviews

Tech Review – Shure AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Gen 2

The Shure AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Gen 2 have been on my bonce the last few weeks and is their latest cans on offer and as promised we will doing more headphone reviews over earbuds but keeping the pace going on both.

Presentation to begin with is excellent here as seen below in the unboxing a review and you get nicely laid out instructions in the box and lots of detail on the box which is not cheaply made, you also get a hard case for travelling and storing away when not in use and you should use this by the way to get more longevity out of them

The build quality is top notch here with plus ear cups and headband which makes for comfortable listening for hours which is nice, the top of the headband has a leather finish giving them a premium look.

The controls are all on one side and you have all the requirements needed here by the usual combination of taps which are as follows.

Check battery level – Double Press power button

Play and Pause – Press center button

Skip track – Double press centre

Reverse Track –  Triple press center ( I feel these would have been better placed on the volume keys with a long press)

Volume – Volume up/down key press once.

Voice Assistant – Again sees you pressing the center button.  So effectively the center button is an MFB ( Multifunctional Button)

The sound

There is three modes to start with and you should check these out.

  • Music Mode: enables users to experience listening through high-end speakers and is the most subtle, maintaining the original source material.

  • Cinema Mode: emulates the low frequency excitement that users experience in a theatre that employs subwoofers for an immersive, larger-than-life sound through clarity, presence, and natural sounding dialogue.

  • Podcast Mode: brings the voice of a user’s favourite podcast host closer to their ears.

Unlike some earbuds or headphones there is a notable difference here between these and this again is subjective to one’s audio taste but for me these work well and are excellent and give you all angles to get a feel for how audio works if you have not tried such before. Also in the app as you can see in the screenshots you can pick between the EQ settings, again a must have and you must try this it is again yes you guessed, excellent.

 

ShurePlus PLAY App 

 

Additional Features and Benefits:

  • Enhanced Environment Mode: Immerse yourself in the outside world with a simple switch. The adjustable slider on the ShurePlus™ PLAY app lets you refine the ambience settings to your liking.

  • Extended Battery Life: Holds up to 45 hours of battery life with quick charging capabilities, more than doubling runtime from the earlier generation. The quick charge feature provides up to five hours of use with only 15 minutes of charge.

  • Customizable EQ: Choose from a variety of presets or create your own personalized sound profile using the ShurePlus™ PLAY app. Save your settings directly to the headphones for a seamless and personalized audio experience across different apps and devices.

  • Crystal Clear Communication: Experience superior call quality with beamforming microphone technology and proprietary automatic gain control (AGC) settings. Leveraging six microphones, the precision-engineered system adjusts automatically to minimize surrounding noises, providing unmatched clarity for video calls and phone conversations.

  • Cutting-Edge Bluetooth® 5 Wireless Technology: Seamlessly connect to your phone, tablet, or laptop with the class one transmitter, offering enhanced stability and a remarkable range of up to 100 meters.

  • Premium Headphone Amplifier: Enjoy support for Snapdragon Sound™ with Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive technology for high-res music streaming, and AAC, SBC, and LDAC codecs.

Overall these are the best yet I have tried from Shure when it comes to headphones and their app is also excellent giving them more justification for their high price they are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and when it comes to the audio experience you have more than enough at your fingertips to get the desired audio experience you need and it is a joy to wear them and block out the outside world.

BUY

Video review

Public invited to have say on Draft Noise Action Plan

The public are being invited to have their say on the ‘Dublin Agglomeration Noise Action Plan 2024-2028.’

The draft plan has been put together by the local authorities of the Dublin Agglomeration (Dublin City Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council, Wicklow County Council and Kildare County Council).

The plan has been informed by and is based on the Strategic Noise Maps which were prepared for the agglomeration of Dublin in 2022 and which cover transport (road and rail) and industry related environmental noise sources.

By EU law, Strategic Noise Maps and Noise Action Plans are required to be made or revised every five years.

The final ‘Dublin Agglomeration Noise Action Plan 2024-2028’ must be completed and issued to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by 18th July 2024 and subsequently issued by the EPA to the EU Commission by the end of January 2025.

There will be a period of formal public consultation from Friday 12th April 2024 to Friday 24th May 2024 and members of the public are welcome to submit their views on this draft ‘Dublin Agglomeration Noise Action Plan.’

In addition, the draft Noise Action Plan may be viewed on the Dublin City Council website or the Dublin City Council Consultation Hub at the following links;

•         https://www.dublincity.ie/residential/environment/air-quality-monitoring-and-noise-control-unit/dublin-city-noise-maps/noise-action-plan

•         https://consultation.dublincity.ie

Submissions on the draft Noise Action Plan may be made through the Consultation Hub or alternatively by email airquality@dublincity.ie or in writing to, Air Quality Monitoring and Noise Control Unit, Environment & Transportation Department, Block 3 Floor 1, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8.