Headphones

Apple allegedly plans to bundle iPhone 7 with wireless EarPods

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 5, 2016

Following a November 2015 claim by the Japanese blog Macotakara which asserted that Apple will ditch the standard 3.5mm headphone port on an 'iPhone 7' to focus exclusively on supporting Lightning-enabled headsets and wireless headphones, a new supply chain rumor published Tuesday by Chinese websites Anzhuo.cn and Feng claims that the Cupertino firm will actually bundle the next iPhone with a wireless version of its EarPods headphones to make up for the missing headphone jack.

House of Marley unveils inexpensive Rebel on-ear headphones that give Beats a run for its money

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 1, 2015

House of Marley, a music electronics brand deeply rooted in Bob Marley’s vision of consciousness, upliftment and change, today launched the Rebel, an inexpensive on-ear wireless headphones. Featuring power-efficient Bluetooth networking and priced at just $69.99, this headset is a viable option for those who can't stand wires and value crisp sound and sustainable craftsmanship.

With up to eight hours of continuous play, courtesy of a built-in rechargeable battery, along with an integrated microphone, A2DP stereo profile and 40mm moving coil drivers, the Rebel is the perfect alternative to the much costlier Apple-owned Beats audio accessories.

Rumor: iPhone 7 to lose 3.5mm headphone port in favor of Lightning port

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 27, 2015

Apple's next iPhone will be so thin that the company has decided to ditch the standard 3.5mm headphone port for the first time since the iPhone's 2007 inception, a reasonably accurate Japaese blog, Macotakara, reported Friday.

The move should help Apple's engineers shave off another millimeter of thickness or so, reports the publication, adding that users will instead connect wireless headphones over Bluetooth or compatible wired headphones over the Lightning port.

Great deal: 50% off Shure SE215-K sound isolating in-ear headphones

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

Folks in the market for a new set of in-ear headphones may want to check out the Shure SE215-Ks. For those who aren't familiar with them, these are popular earbuds with premium tech like sound isolation, detachable cables, and a single dynamic micro driver for crystal clear sound. And for a limited time, you can grab a pair for just $99—a 50% savings.

Great deal: 47% off JayBird BlueBuds X Sport Bluetooth headphones

Cody Lee ∙ November 9, 2015

The JayBird BlueBuds X Sports are wireless, Bluetooth headphones that offer great sound and great features at an affordable price. They look sharp, utilize SignalPlus tech for skip-free playback, and can last for up to 8 hours on a single charge. And for a limited time, these headphones are 47% off, meaning you can score a pair for just $89.99.

How to pair Bluetooth headphones or speakers with your Apple TV

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated September 5, 2023

Want to watch TV without disturbing others, or instead connect it to a loud wireless speaker? This tutorial shows you the easy steps to connect a Bluetooth earphone, headphone, or speaker to your Apple TV.

How to use your iPhone EarPods like a pro

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 18, 2023

Those funky headphones that came with your iPhone—EarPods with Remote and Mic they're called—only have 3 buttons but boy do they perform a surprising number of functions beyond volume control. And with built-in mic, your EarPods can make and receive phone calls and control media playback.

Moreover, you can use them for recording voice memos, interacting with Siri hands-free, VoIP calling in apps like Skype and more, all with a pinch of the cord. Wait, I need this article to tell me how to plug my EarPods and listen to music?

We're not saying you're not familiar with your EarPods. But as with other things in life, there are always new tricks to be learned. This post will hopefully help you master your EarPods like a pro.

In this article, we'll tell you all the cool things your EarPods can do, from rich playback control and controlling Siri to switching calls on the fly, using VoiceOver and so forth. We'll also discuss EarPods compatibility, talk about keeping your headset in pristine condition and lay out sound advice for using your headset responsibly.

Motorola’s new wireless headphones come with an iOS app and Find My iPhone-like functionality

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated August 30, 2016

Motorola held 'A Better Mobile Relationship' press event this morning to announce some new hardware, including the third-generation Moto G handset, a second Moto X called the Moto X Play and its brand new flagship, the Moto X Style.

In addition to the new smartphones, the handset maker has released a pair of new wireless headphones: the $59.99 Moto pulse on-ear headphones and the $69.99 Moto surround in-ear earbuds.

Both are Bluetooth 4.1-compatible and use Motorola' companion iOS app called Motorola Connect for battery management, easy pairing, Find My iPhone-like functionality and other perks.

Apple awarded patent for Beats Mixr over-ear headphone design

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 12, 2015

Tuesday, the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) awarded Apple a new patent grant which covers the overall design of the Beats Mixr over-ear headphone.

As you know, the Cupertino company acquired Beats, the audio hardware maker and the streaming-music provider, back in 2014 in a transaction valued at $3 billion.

Officially titled “Audio listening system”, the patent covers the ornamental design for an audio listening system. As shown and described, it specifically details a design feature allowing users to rotate each driver up and behind their ear, a prominent feature valued mostly by DJs.

Phiaton Chord MS 530 review

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated November 9, 2016

While wearing my Apple Watch on week one, I kept feeling like something was missing. After listening to this week's Let's Talk iOS, Jeff clued me in. I was missing the music capability. It is somewhat surprising that Apple precluded Apple Watch from playing music through the speaker. Most likely, it is a move to conserve battery power and prevent a poor listening experience on such a small speaker.

Enter a renewed need or desire to have a good set of Bluetooth headphones. Coincidentally, I was contacted by Phiaton to review their Chord MS 530 headphones and happily accepted. The M-series headphones are known for bold styling with a modern appeal and high build quality. Having previously reviewed the Bridge MS 500 wired headphones, I was happy to take a look at the more robust, wireless and noise canceling older brother.

10 great pairs of Bluetooth headphones for your new Apple Watch

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

If you're wanting to listen to music privately, directly from your Apple Watch, you're going to need a pair of Bluetooth headphones. So for those of you who picked up a Watch this weekend, and don't already own Bluetooth headphones, we've put together a list of some we think are worth checking out.

The list contains 10 options, ordered from cheapest to most expensive, and it features various styles and price points for all tastes and budgets. It's also been curated to only include headphones that have received positive reviews from well-respected publications, or customers on websites like Amazon.

Review: RHA T10i earphones

Oliver Haslam ∙ Updated October 1, 2017

When I reviewed the RHA MA-750i earphones a couple of months ago, I wrote about how they made me enjoy music again, and I stand by that to this day. When I wrote that review in February the MA-750i earphones were the best I had ever used.

They're not anymore.