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Despite the PlayStation 5's popularity, you can't directly connect AirPods to the gaming console via Bluetooth. While this is inconvenient for everyone who relies on a pair of wireless earbuds or headphones, some simple workarounds let you connect your AirPods with your PS5. This guide shows you how to connect AirPods to your PS5 via Bluetooth. It works for any earbuds and headphones, including all the top wireless headphones. After syncing, you can use your AirPods to talk to other gamers via the PS5's voice chat. You can also play games on your iOS or Android device via the PS Remote Play app.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 will be part of the Bluetooth Auracast revolution
One UI 6.1 supports broadcasting Bluetooth signals to multiple sources on select devices
Bluetooth is in for a small revolution thanks to LE Audio and Auracast. While the former promises much lower energy consumption at roughly the same audio quality, the latter is a radio-style broadcasting standard that makes it possible to connect multiple audio devices to a single device. Samsung has now revealed that it will bring Auracast support to its 2023 flagship devices as part of One UI 6.1.
How to pair Bose earbuds and headphones
A quick guide to pairing Bose earbuds with any device. Simple, universal steps for all models
Bose is rocking the wireless earbud scene with their lineup of wireless earbuds. These gems pump out top-notch sound and are handy to tote around. They are crafted with versatility, ensuring compatibility with a range of devices, and switch between devices effortlessly, thanks to their advanced multipoint connection technology. However, pairing these earbuds can be a head-scratcher, especially with the different devices and earbud models available.
How to change the Bluetooth codec on your Android device
High-resolution audio on cheap earbuds is a far reach. But here's a trick to improve the sound quality
Every time you watch a movie, play songs, or open a media file with sound, there's an inaudible language spoken. Think of Bluetooth codecs as the translator. It decodes and encodes audio en route to your audio accessories. If you're an Android user, your phone or tablet uses the SBC codec by default. Though it offers standard audio quality, you can change it for improvement.
Listening to Spotify with Bluetooth multipoint headphones sucks
Two convenient features butt heads to create a very inconvenient user experience
Multipoint connectivity is supposed to let you connect one audio device — generally a pair of earbuds or headphones — to two audio sources at the same time. The audio device then chooses which source to tune into based on which one most recently started playing media. For instance, if you're watching a YouTube video on your laptop, then start a music stream or answer a call on your phone, your headphones automatically pause the YouTube video and swap to the audio on your phone. This all happens without much user intervention. In cliché tech parlance, it just works — or at least, it's supposed to.
The Edifier W240TNs have a very plain bullet-style earbud design, but the hardware tucked away inside is much less run-of-the-mill. Rather than a single speaker driver, Edifier has opted for a 6mm and 10mm coaxial driver combo. Multiple drivers are less surprising in wired in-ear monitors, and this same coaxial arrangement is common with automotive speakers.
FiiO BTR5 2021 review: A powerful Bluetooth pocket amp hamstrung by Android
You may not think you need an amplifier for your phone, but you're wrong
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While we still don’t have any idea when Spotify will be launching its Hi-Fi service, between Tidal, Apple Music, Deezer, Qobuz, and Amazon Music HD, there’s no shortage of streaming services jumping on the Hi-Fi bandwagon. There’s just one issue with that, though; you need an external DAC to get the benefit of any of these Hi-Fi tiers. There’s nothing new about using external DACs and amps to get the most out of your music, but on a phone? The big music streaming services are pushing mobile hi-fi, and you probably don’t have what you need to enjoy it.
Jlab has been making earbuds for a while now, and they all seem to have one thing in common: They’re all cheap as hell. Cheap doesn’t always mean a bad experience, but neither does it guarantee a good value. At just $20, the GO Air Pop buds are some of the cheapest on the market, but I’ve heard worse that cost more. They aren’t great, but since they can practically be bought with pocket change, they don't have to perform miracles to get a pass. While they clearly aren’t for audiophiles, they do okay if you don't want to invest heavily in earbuds you plan to use and abuse.
Sony announces loopy LinkBuds, hopes you'll never take them off
True wireless earbuds with a "transparent" design
Try as it might, Sony wasn't able to keep the wraps on its latest audio product. The newly official LinkBuds are just too strange-looking to remain a secret, but now they're official. These $180 ring-shaped buds are intended to help you listen to the audio of your choosing without completely missing out on the real world. Sony is so confident these holey earbuds will help you stay connected that it thinks you should wear them all the time.
Fisher-Price made a Chatter Telephone that can actually make real calls
No longer just for imaginary friends
If you’re tired of using the same phone for calls each day and have a particular penchant for nostalgia — or perhaps you’re teaching a kid good phone etiquette in speaking to family or friends — there’s a new-ish device that might fit the bill. For several decades, Fisher-Price’s Chatter Telephone has been reserved for calls with imaginary friends only, but not anymore.
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Whether you’re listening to music, hopping onto a video call, or playing games with the fellas, having a pair of headphones with a powerful integrated mic can make or break the experience. This week, you can win one of four pairs of eMeet HS100 Bluetooth headsets, the #1-rated headset on Amazon’s hot new releases list.
Snapdragon Sound's new lossless audio won't just sound better, it might stop your Bluetooth buds from cutting out all the time
Qualcomm's certification and the new aptX Lossless hide a pretty good perk
Bluetooth audio is hardly cutting-edge. Bargain bin buds can be had these days for $15 on sale, and folks buy them in droves. But they're not all created equal — different models and different phones support different standards with different qualities. Qualcomm, with its fingers in basically every part of the smartphone pie, decided earlier this year to roll out a new Snapdragon Sound certification: a single badge you could look for that means "this thing does the good audio stuff." And today, the company has announced that Snapdragon Sound will support lossless CD-quality audio, which is all the rage these days now that Apple Music has it. But, even if you don't care about better audio quality, there's actually a tiny, hidden benefit to this change that I'm actually even more excited for.
Weekend poll: What kind of headphones do you use with your smartphone?
Wireless? Wired? A combination of both?
It's been nearly five years since Apple bravely dropped the headphone jack from its phone, and since then, countless companies have followed in its wake. Initially a massive inconvenience, wireless audio has since become second nature. Walk down any street in any city, and it seems like nearly everyone has switched to wireless headphones.
Chromecast with Google TV has an annoying Bluetooth audio issue, but there's a simple fix
Get rid of stuttering performance while using YouTube or YouTube Music
The Chromecast with Google TV is a brilliant product, as noted in Ryan's review, but it's not without its flaws. Since getting one a week ago, I've found Google's new Android TV skin to be a delight, so much so that my far more powerful Nvidia Shield has been relegated to the bench. The experience isn't perfect, however, and I've had to close misbehaving apps on several occasions. The most notable issue I've faced relates to Bluetooth audio, but thankfully there's an easy fix.
Crank up the tunes with Anker's $50 deal on its groovy, light-up, 20W waterproof speaker ($10 off)
Pump up the volume — and the savings
Some songs just deserve to be blasted poolside at high volumes, and today Amazon is helping make that possible with a deal on Anker's Soundcore Flare 2 speaker. It's a waterproof Bluetooth speaker that pumps out 20W of sound for up to 12 hours on a single charge, and right now it's only $49.99 at Amazon.com — a respectable $10 off.Sure, the Soundcore Flare 2 utilizes modern standards like Bluetooth 5.0 and USB-C charging, but the coolest part about it is the futuristic flare lighting ringing the top and bottom of the unit. Since there are 6 different modes to choose from using the Soundcore app, the mood lighting can reflect the current playlist's vibe perfectly by pulsing to the beat.
Sony's unannounced WH-1000XM4 headphones show up in Walmart listing
Confirms previously leaked features like multipoint connection and Adaptive Sound Control
Sony's WH-1000XM3 headphones (above) are among the best when it comes to over-the-ear Bluetooth audio, and it looks like the successor will be launching soon. Just a few weeks ago, a teardown of the Sony's Headphones Connect app uncovered some features that the upcoming WH-1000XM4 would bring. Now, a listing for the 1000XM4 has appeared on Walmart's website.
Sony's latest Android Auto head unit is the XAV-AX5500 with a 6.95-inch screen
Upgraded audio extensibility, enhanced smart features, and user customizations galore
Android Auto is a great way to play media, take phone calls, and get directions more safely than just using your phone while moving. Unfortunately, many of us are still driving vehicles that don't offer a built-in AA option. However, there are still ways to get Android Auto in your car, and installing a new head unit. Sony just announced plans to release a new model with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Weblink capabilities, and a 6.95" capacitive screen.
Jaybird was one of the first companies to popularize the true wireless earbud form factor, but its Run and Run XT products weren't without their fair share of issues. These new Vista models will hope to right the wrongs of their predecessors, offering a smaller/lighter design, better battery life, and a USB Type-C port for charging.
When it comes to Bluetooth speakers, we as consumers have a ton of options to choose from. But if you're on a budget yet still want a great audio experience, Anker's Soundcore brand usually fits the bill. This deal, if you've been looking for some 360° stereo sound for your home or office, is one to pay attention to. Amazon is currently offering a two-pack of the Soundcore Flare for just $69.99, about $50 off the regular price.
For reference, one Flare will run you $60, so getting a second unit for another ten bucks is a steal. This speaker features some EQ and driver tweaks for some extra bass, a ring of LEDs that react to the rhythm of your music, and IPX7 water-resistance. You can also pair up two units in stereo mode.Though we didn't get a chance to review the Flare here on AP, it seems that a lot of people like these speakers. If you're interested, grab your two-pack from the link below and have fun.Buy: Amazon
If you're looking for a new pair of solid Bluetooth headphones, and you happen to be a Rakuten member (or considering becoming one), then this deal is one to pay attention to. Normally $339.95, Sony's excellent WH-1000XM3 are now $289.95 with a coupon code, making them just a tad cheaper than we saw last week.