Accessories

6 reasons why you should switch to wireless earbuds

It’s time to go untethered!

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The year 2020 has been a game-changer for me on a lot of fronts. One change I’ve encountered was deciding to give wireless earbuds a try after using 3.5mm and USB-C wired earphones for years.

When I got the Galaxy Buds, I approached it with hesitation, wondering how this accessory will benefit me. Fast forward to today, I’ve realized how convenient it is to live with wireless earbuds.

If you’re contemplating whether you need to switch or maybe give it a try, here are the reasons why you should, based on my experience.

You have a lot of physical activities

Back on my first day at the gym, I realized I needed music to keep me pumped up. Having wired earphones can restrict my movement, while wireless in-ear headphones were annoying to dangle around my nape.

A pair of wireless earbuds seemed to be a perfect choice since it offered flexibility. For instance, it allows me to move around the gym while I dance to “As If It’s Your Last” by BLACKPINK. I can freely lift weights, run and do cardio, and even relax through yoga. It’s really a perfect companion for your physical activities!

You want music wherever you go

My office setup — both at home and in the GadgetMatch HQ — requires a sleek, clean desk and an open space where I can shoot devices quickly yet beautifully. In between my desk duty and photoshoots, I need music to accompany me as I move around. Wireless earbuds provided constant playback, as long as I’m within the reach of its bluetooth radius.

This proved helpful since I can’t function without my playlist, and having it constantly playing wherever I go ensures my productivity will always be at its peak.

You value freedom and independence

Wireless earbuds made me embrace my independence and love for freedom. Not being tied to a tangible connection, I realized that you can have an awesome connection even from a distance.

This can also apply to your relationships, and this is me preaching that it’s okay to be away from your significant other sometimes. You don’t have to be at each other’s throats or have your smartphone in your pocket at all times to enjoy a solid connection. Distance means nothing when two hearts want each other.

You hate organizing cables

If you’re like me who end up breaking cables because of the inability to properly tangle it, then a pair of wireless earbuds is a good choice.

Just make sure you’re not forgetful as to not misplace your charging case and your earbuds.

You want to feel like a secret agent

What I love about wireless earbuds is how it made me feel like I’m a secret agent from my favorite action and sci-fi movies. Its gesture controls are splendid: I can switch tracks, answer calls, and pause my music with just flicks and touches.

It’s also convenient during my commutes, not having to get my phone out of my bag when playing music or answering a call.

You have the money to spend

I’ve said it many times before — both online and offline — but wireless earbuds are considered a luxury. If you have the means, go and get it. Wireless earbuds are best enjoyed if you have the money to spend, so you can buy a device that isn’t just functional, but also fits your personality and lifestyle.

Right now, there are many wireless earbuds available in the market, but the most affordable ones sometimes don’t last long. Up until now, it’s difficult to have a cheaper option without compromise. Just make sure you get your money’s worth!

SEE ALSO: 5 reasons why you should stick to wired earphones

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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