Accessories

The QCY H3S headphones pack ANC and LDAC without the exorbitant price

Less pricey yet feature-rich

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QCY H3S
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

If you’ve been following QCY for quite some time, you’d know that the H3 and H3 Pro wireless headphones already exist way back.

ICYMI, both were older models released last November 2023 and October 2024 respectively.

1~2 years in, the Shenzhen-based brand finally reveals that much-needed follow-up.

Meet the QCY H3S — the newest ANC headphones you can buy right now without burning a hole in your pocket.

Purity in Chaos

One of the key highlights of the QCY H3S headphone are its lower than ever -56dB ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) capabilities.

For context, H3 Pro is limited at -50dB while H3 only offers a 43dB “Hybrid ANC”.

The pair is also equipped with a 7-mic array (six of which are ANC mics) paired with a DNN Neural Network Algorithm.

QCY H3S

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The said system intelligently and impressively reduces noise and filters background chatter all at once.

Three anti-wind microphones also exist to improve call clarity by up to 80% — regardledss if it’s crowded or windy around.

There are even Multiple ANC modes such as Commute, Indoor, and Anti-Wind for better noise cancellation no matter where you are.

QCY H3S

But, QCY didn’t stop just with ANC alone.

The H3S features a dual-driver architecture with a 40mm titanium-coated diaphragm plus a 13mm tweeter.

These drivers are responsible for bringing in powerful mids bass alongside crisper highs.

LDAC Hi-Res Audio

It’s even Certified for Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Wireless with LDAC support for full-on Hi-Fi on the go.

Additionally, it has an updated Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity as opposed to H3 and H3 Pro’s BT version 5.4 — further reducing latency while improving location accuracy and security at the same time.

QCY H3S

There’s also the Dual-Device Connection feature that enables seamless switching between your devices.

Wired listening is also supported but only limited through USB-C as the H3S doesn’t have a 3.5mm audio port unlike its Pro sibling.

Comfort On, Noise Out

Weighing at a featherweight 240 grams, the QCY H3S is built for long listening sessions. It’s more comfortable thanks to its overall design.

Aside from its 13-degree angled speaker mesh, the pair also possess deeper ear cups that are also rotatable and foldable.

Cushions made out of soft protein-leather and the adjustable headband is padded as well.

QCY H3S

The QCY H3S also leads the battery stamina of the H3-line.

While the H3 Pro provides up to 55 hours of battery no ANC, QCY decides to double that with the H3S — up to 102 hours.

With ANC turned on, that’s a battle one should take with a grain of salt:

  • H3 Pro = 40 hours
  • H3S = 48 hours
  • H3 = 30 hours

QCY even says a quick 10-minute top-up already brings an impressive 7 hours of uninterrupted music.

ANC

Aside from the headphones’ physical controls, more on-screen controls are found in the QCY app. This means quicker access to ANC modes, Audio Presets, dedicated Music / Movie / Gaming profiles, Low-Latency Mode, Custom EQ, among others.

OTA firmware updates will also show and get initiated in the app when needed.

Lastly, the QCY H3S headphones boast an IPX5 rating — making it resistant not just to splashes and showers, but also against hard rain and water jets.

Pricing and Availability

The QCY H3S’s price tag is currently discounted by 15% and has a special introductory price of US$ 42.49.

Pre-orders take place starting this October 25 (Saturday) until November 10 (Monday).

It’s available on QCY’s official website, Amazon, and even AliExpress.

Furthermore, it’s within everyone’s reach as the pair will be sold in many regions around the world.

  • North America: United States, Canada, Mexico
  • Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Ireland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Poland, Sweden, Greece, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Malta
  • Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Israel, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia
  • Africa: Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa
  • Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
  • Latin America: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Chile

BLACK FRIDAY SALE INCOMING!

With the annual Black Friday Sale coming up, QCY is also offering latest deals — including the all new H3S headphones.

You can get between 25% to 50% off when you check out items in QCY’s Official Site from November 20 (Thursday) until December 5 (Friday).

Additionally, Prime Members of Amazon US can get up to 35% off from November 20 until December 1 (Monday).

The QCY H3s is now being sold at an even more ridiculous value at just $39.99 (was $59.99)!

Moreover, two more products are being sold for an even cheaper value.

Accessories

Sony WF-1000XM6 was accidentally leaked online

The design suggests some interesting changes.

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Despite how small they are, the unannounced Sony WF-1000XM6 has just made a huge appearance, albeit accidentally, in an online retail store. Though the leak doesn’t reveal all the technical details about the device, the scant photos and specs are enough to paint an interesting picture about Sony’s next earbuds.

Via The Walkman Blog, an online retailer called Power Buy accidentally released a store page for the WF-1000XM6. The page contains extensive photos and a few specs for the device. Now, the specs don’t reveal much. As we can already ascertain based on previous releases, the earbuds will have Active Noise Cancelation and IPX4-rated water resistance.

The photos, however, are telling. For one, the WF-1000XM6 will return to a completely matte texture after a brief switch to a glossy texture for the current generation. The overall design is more elongated or pill-shaped, too. Previous earbuds feature a more circular or compact design.

Conversely, the charging case switches from a pill-shaped design to a more angular one, featuring flat bases. The flatter design should make the case stabler while on a surface but might make it clunkier when inside a pocket.

The leak caps it all off by including a price: THB 11,990 (or roughly US$ 381), which is a lot higher than the current generation. Either Sony went crazy with the price increase, or this is just a placeholder price. Only time (and an official launch) will tell. The leak, unfortunately, doesn’t reveal a launch date, so it might still be quite a wait.

SEE ALSO: Sony WH-1000XM6: Master of sound quality and noise cancellation

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OBSBOT launches AI-powered 4K Tiny 3 series webcams

Professional-grade audiovisual features in compact bodies

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OBSBOT has announced the global launch of two new AI-powered 4K webcams: the Tiny 3 and Tiny 3 Lite.

Designed for content creators, streamers, podcasters, remote professionals, educators, and more, the Tiny 3 series sets a new benchmark for professional webcams.

The products combine studio-grade spatial audio, flagship-level imaging, and industry-leading AI intelligence.

The two variants also come in ultra-compact aluminum-alloy bodies while delivering premium sight and sound.

Both the Tiny 3 and Tiny 3 Lite feature industry-leading triple silicon MEMS microphone array. This system combines one omnidirectional and two directional microphones powered by Sisonic MEMS technology.

The architecture is commonly found in premium TWS earbuds and professional audio equipment. Such technology enables:

  • ultra-low distortion up to 130 dB SPL
  • exceptional 69dB signal-to-noise ratio
  • full spectrum 50Hz-20kHz frequency response
  • consistent unit-to-unit studio quality

This way, users can expect immersive sound that rivals dedicated microphones without the need to buy an extra product.

In addition, the Tiny 3 series features five dedicated audio profiles so users can tailor fit the webcams for various needs:

  • Pure Audio Mode — zero processing, studio-grade capture
  • Spatial Audio Mode — enhanced left-right stereo separation for vlogs, storytelling with soundscape
  • Smart Omni Mode — AI-powered 360-degree pickup with balanced vocals, ambient sound
  • Directional Mode — focuses on voice in front while cutting surrounding noise
  • Dual-Directional Mode — clear audio capture from front and rear while rejecting side noise

Moreover, the Tiny 3 series comes with Voice Locator. This feature lets the product find users, smoothly rotating the gimbal and tracking them automatically.

They can also leverage voice commands or the OBSBOT Vox SE wireless lavalier for cable-free audio.

Flagship imaging

Picture wise, the Tiny 3 features 4K@30fps video and up to 120fps high-frame rate capture. The system also uses advanced DCG HDR for balanced highlights and shadows, as well as ultra-fast dual all-pixel PDAF autofocus.

And powered by OBSBOT’s AI algorithms, the series introduces AI Tracking 2.0. Key capabilities include:

  • accurate tracking of subjects like individuals, groups, hands, objects, and more via Only Me mode
  • auto zoom, customizable composition lines, Face Framing
  • Voice Tracking
  • Multiple AI modes, including dedicated Desk Mode, Whiteboard Mode
  • Intuitive gesture and voice controls

For further control, users can use the OBSBOT Center and OBSBOT live for creative controls. These cover exposure and gamma curve adjustments, manual white balance tuning, and more.

Furthermore, the Tiny 3 products support remote interaction and VR features powered by the OBSBOT Toolkit.

They also integrate effortlessly with the OBSBOT ecosystem for livestreams, gaming handheld capabilities, and more.

Price, availability

The Tiny 3 starts at US$ 349 while the Tiny 3 Lite starts at US$ 199. The Vox SE, meanwhile, retails for US$ 59.

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Soundtrack for the city: HIDDEN.NY x AIAIAI TMA-2 headphones

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Living in a big city like New York makes you want to have music on a lot: on the subway, walking between meetings, sitting in a café with your laptop, zoning out on a long walk home, or romanticizing the smallest things. Headphones have become an essential part of my life.

That’s why the HIDDEN.NY x AIAIAI collaboration makes sense. The TMA-2 HIDDEN Edition headphones are reminiscent of early-2000s tech. It’s nostalgic but with New York City character, at least the kind that I encounter and not the one you see in movies.

If you follow either brand, the partnership feels natural. HIDDEN.NY started as an Instagram mood board and grew into a full lifestyle platform rooted in street culture and design. AIAIAI is a Danish company that’s long been part of music culture, known for modular gear that artists use.

The first thing you notice is the colorway. The transparent design with green highlights is subtle. It’s not loud but still stands out.

You can see the structure of the headphones, which makes them feel more like an accessory than just another piece of black plastic tech. Bonus points that they are a conversation starter, too.

In daily use, the headphones are easy to live with. They are light and comfortable, which is important when you’re wearing them for long stretches. They don’t clamp too hard nor do they feel bulky.

Sound-wise, they’re clean and balanced. While it doesn’t have active noise cancellation, it works well for all the ways people actually listen in a big city. I like that you don’t have to think about the sound much.

It’s just good in a way that doesn’t get in your way, whatever mood I’m in wherever I am in the city, these headphones are great company.

AIAIAI’s modular approach also means these aren’t built to be tossed when something wears out. The speaker, headband, earpads, and cable are all replaceable.

So much of the tech we use should grow with us, even if they get outdated. So AIAIAI builds systems that can be upgraded over time. That’s part of why artists and DJs use them.

Especially because it’s a collectible, it feels like a piece you’ll want to keep. As someone who uses his prized possessions for a really long time, I love this about these headphones.

In a city where everything moves fast and feels temporary, it’s nice to have gear that doesn’t feel disposable.

The campaign, shot by photographer Gunner Stahl, probably looks familiar if you’re attuned to hiphop culture. What sets his work apart is his portraits feel more raw and relaxed instead of posed and polished. It aligns with HIDDEN.NY’s aesthetic, the kind of everyday style that feels genuine.

At the end of the day, the HIDDEN.NY x AIAIAI TMA-2 Bluetooth headphones make sense for people who live in cities like New York, where music is part of how you move, work, and think.

They sound good, they look interesting and different. They fit into real life without trying too hard.

The TMA-2 Hidden Edition headphones retail for US$220 and is available on aiaiai.audio.

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