Headphones

Taking Zagg headphones head to head

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated February 8, 2016

I am a big fan of quality headphones. Listening to music is completely different when you have a solid pair of well crafted speakers pumping beats directly to your ear drum. Of course my audiologist, Dr. Manning, advises me to keep the roar to a minimum, but I just cannot help rocking. Thus, having crisp sound and solid bass are important to the perfect audio experience.

Today, I take a run at two pair of ZAGG headphones and give a general consumer perspective on their pros and cons. As a disclaimer, I am no audiophile, but I do have particularly refined preferences in the headphone world and continually seek the perfect set of headphones...

Apple launches shorter Lightning cable, rounder headphones

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Just as Scosche launched its new wall and car Lightning chargers earlier this morning (in addition to the world's first official retractable Lightning-to-USB cable), Apple has made some tweaks to some of its own accessories.

Surprisingly enough, the new and shorter 0.5-meter Lightning to USB cable costs the same nineteen bucks as Apple's 1-meter Lightning to USB cable, making the purchase of the latter a no-brainer. The shorter Lightning cable arrives just as Apple last month unveiled the new $29 0.5-meter Thunderbolt cable. Also new: a tweaked In-Ear Headphones...

Liquidmetal allows headphone wires to be stretched 8x their original length

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlVuIK5wAj0

A lot has been said about Apple's exclusive multi-year license for Liquidmetal, an amorphous Terminator-like alloy made from zirconium, titanium, nickel, copper and other materials. Liquidmetal is stronger, smoother and more corrosion-resistant than aluminum, but Apple is not expected to deploy it across its products until 2017.

In the meantime, here's a nice example of how the alloy might pave the way for new industrial designs. What you see in the above clip are conductive wires that can be stretched up to eight times their original length while still functioning, thanks to Liquidmetal that's twice as strong as Titanium and possesses the processability of plastics...

Urbanears bring the party straight to your ears [review and giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Having admired Urbanears from afar, on the shelves of local retailers, I was blown away when I finally got my hands on a pair of the new Zinken over-the-ear headphones. Urbanears is clearly a company priding itself by paying attention to the little things and even places a 63 page booklet in their headphones' box to prove it.

As a reviewer, I come across a lot of products for iOS devices on a regular basis and I can count, on one hand, how many times I have been impressed with product packaging (excluding actual Apple products). I must say, when it comes to accessories, often, a book should be judged by its cover and Urbanears spares no expense. Let's open the box on this pair of Zinkens my friends at Urbanears sent over and you too have a chance to grab a pair of your own...

iFixit tears down Apple’s new EarPods

Cody Lee ∙ September 18, 2012

In addition to a new iPhone, and iPods, Apple also unveiled a new set of headphones last week. Dubbed "EarPods," the company said that it spent more than three years developing the accessory.

Today, the team over at iFixit performed their usual teardown of the headphones, and published an extensive report of its findings. And as you can imagine, some of it is rather interesting...

How the EarPods enable richer bass and crisper highs

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 13, 2012

Apple yesterday alongside the iPhone 5, new iPods and several other announcements also took the wraps off the EarPods, a new headset. Cupertino has finally refreshed its crappy in-ear headset with higher sound quality. Hopefully, the headphone is now shaped to prevent it from falling out of your ear.

The company spent three years designing the new headset and tested a total of 124 different prototypes of the EarPods on over six hundred people. You may have noticed three little holes poked in the EarPods, here's what these do to improve sound quality...

Here’s Apple’s EarPods video

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 13, 2012

Apple yesterday introduced the new in-ear headphones called EarPods that ship with every iPod touch, iPod nano and iPhone 5 (also available as a standalone accessory). The promotional video was published on Apple's web site, explaining how the company went about re-engineering its previous crappy in-ear headset and why it spent three years redesigning it.

Not everyone was aware of the clip and you needed QuickTime to stream it from Apple's web site. Not anymore, as Apple uploaded the EarPods video to its YouTube channel. Let us know what you think in the comments...

Meet EarPods, Apple’s new in-ear headphones

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 12, 2012

It is no secret that Apple's in-ear headphones that ship with iPhones and iPods leave a lot to be desired. Sound quality is average, at best, bass is non-existent and highs sound a little too robotic. Of course, we knew Apple would be introducing a brand new headset today. What we haven't known is that the company spent three years designing the new headphones, dubbed EarPods. Yes, three years...

Last minute details surface on new dock connector and headphones

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Good news for all of you folks hoping to soak up some last minute rumors before tomorrow's event. We've come across some new details regarding Apple's expected announcements.

First off, among the many changes Apple is figured to introduce in the new iPhone, is a new, smaller 9-pin dock connector. And apparently, that connector has a name: Lightning...

Report claims next-gen iPhone to come with redesigned headphones

Cody Lee ∙ September 1, 2012

Judging from what we know, or at least what we think we know, about the new iPhone, it's going to be loaded with changes and upgrades: new charging port, new back, new screen, and new processor.

And the handset may not be the only thing getting a revamp this year. A new video has surfaced online of what is claimed to be a redesigned headphones that will be included with the next-gen iPhone...

Phiaton noise canceling headphones raise the bar [review and giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 28, 2017

Priding itself on accomplishing the perfect combination of "natural soundstage, wearability and eye-catching appeal," Phiaton is part of the Cresyn Co., which produces components for many of the world's best-selling headphones, earphones, and speakers. The parent company's philosophy is to focus on innovation and quality, which motivates its 12,000+ global workforce.

The Phiaton PS 300 NC headphone is a testament to creativity, build quality, and practicality. From supple genuine leather ear cups and premium leather grade trim to the included custom cut travel pouch, the "Primal Series" 300's stand tall against the competition and sound great. To walk through some Pink Floyd and Skrillex, read on... we wouldn't want you to miss your chance to win one of three pairs of PS 210 earphones.

Apple files for interesting bluetooth headset patent

Cody Lee ∙ July 6, 2012

Aside from making hit smartphones and tablets, Apple has produced a long line of iOS accessories. There's the Smart Cover, the iPad Keyboard Dock, the iPod Hi-Fi Stereo, oh and remember Apple's Bluetooth headset?

While the device didn't garner much consumer attention, it appears that Apple hasn't given up on the headset market. According to a new patent application, the company has another one in the works...