Sony has officially expanded its professional audio lineup with the debut of the Sony IER-M500 in-ear monitors.

These new stage-ready monitors target a specific niche of live performers — they’re built for amateur musicians, emerging artists, and professional monitor engineers.

The launch fills a critical gap in Sony’s professional audio ecosystem.

Currently, the company covers recording with its microphones and mixing with headphones like the MDR-M1. Now, Sony supports live stage monitoring with this new affordable option.

The Sony IER-M500 will be available in Singapore by August for SG$ 139. Available colors are Red, White, and Black.

Stage-tuned audio designed by experts

Sony engineered the IER-M500 monitors to handle the harsh, loud environments of live concerts.

The company collaborated closely with top industry professionals during development. This includes veteran tour monitor engineer Noel Edwards.

Edwards noted that the sound quality of the universal-fit IER-M500 comes incredibly close to expensive custom-molded monitors.

The monitors feature a fully sealed internal structure. This design isolates your ears by blocking out loud stage noise.

Consequently, the high passive isolation protects your hearing during long sets. Inside, a dynamic driver pairs with a large acoustic chamber.

This combination produces deep, controlled bass frequencies. At the same time, the optimized internal layout refines high-frequency reproduction.

The system is also fully high-resolution audio compatible. Artists can easily hear every cue, harmony, and subtle detail on stage.

Secure fit, durable build

Comfort is highly critical during extended live performances. Sony addresses this by using original fitting supporters alongside flexible ear hangers and clips.

These additions ensure the monitors stay locked in place while you move. The package includes four sizes of noise-isolating earpieces.

These earpieces utilize a thin polyurethane wall to maximize seal and wearability.

Furthermore, the design easily stands up to the physical demands of touring. The housing resists moisture, splashes, and sweat.

Performers can move freely without worrying about water damage. The monitors also feature a detachable 1.6-meter cable. This cable is thick and durable, built specifically to handle frequent plugging and unplugging.

Excitement over new technology is normal. However, when the dust settles, the rose-tinted glasses come off and reveal the potential concerns of using this new technology. Smart glasses are going through that phase now. While these glasses are all the rage now, some concerned establishments are now banning them. Case in point, the entirety of New York has just banned smart glasses in all of its courts.

In the United States, it’s already prohibited to record video or capture photos inside a court building. Naturally, the world is more complicated now. Anyone can just flaunt eyewear that can capture images for them, leaving bystanders none the wiser. As a result, the state of New York, according to Syracuse, has introduced a blanket ban for all smart glasses in all courtrooms. It’s the first state to do so across all courts.

Under the ban, users will be forbidden from even bringing these wearables into the building. This also includes smart glasses with prescription lenses. Those with affected eyesight can come back with a regular pair of glasses.

It’s a very interesting time for smart glasses. Especially for creators, the wearables have become a popular way to discreetly record events. Users don’t need to fiddle around with their phones or bring a bulky camera around.

However, it’s also a concern for privacy and cybersecurity. Though most of these wearables have a distinguishable LED indicator when they’re recording, they can also be modified to disable these indicators. As a bystander, you can be recorded without your knowledge.

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Though the wearable launched with a lot of promise, the Samsung Galaxy Ring never really took off. That said, Samsung isn’t giving up. The company is already working on a Galaxy Ring 2.

In a new Forbes interview (via SamMobile), Dr. Hon Pak, head of Samsung’s Digital Health, has confirmed the development of the wearable’s sequel. The Galaxy Ring 2 will reportedly feature better health tracking and a longer battery life. Additionally, it will add support for iPhone pairing.

Because of its form factor, the original Ring comes off as a convenient health tracker for those who don’t prefer the larger nature of a smartwatch or a fitness band. However, it did have issues including a relatively short battery life and an incident where it swelled over a man’s finger.

Currently, there is no timeline for the upcoming Galaxy Ring 2. For reference, the original wearable launched all the way back in 2024. A follow-up is a reasonable ask at this point, but it’s still good that Samsung decided not to make the Ring an annual release.

Besides the Galaxy Ring 2, Samsung has a lot of tricks up its sleeve. Just today, the brand finally teased its first wide foldable phone. It’s also set to launch the Galaxy Glasses soon. On top of all this, Samsung is also experimenting with the trifold market via the Galaxy Z Trifold.

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