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Headphones

Headphones were the original piece of wearable technology and they remain as essential today as ever. But they are starting to change rapidly now, as things like noise cancelling and Bluetooth wireless technology enable the dream of completely cable-free living. What will the best headphones of the future look like?

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Andrew Liszewski
Audio-Technica is making just 10 of these $6,800 Darth Vader headphones.

If you’re headed to Star Wars Celebration in Japan later this month, Audio-Technica has announced a pricey souvenir for you, as spotted by Notebookcheck. Unlike its Star Wars-themed wireless earbuds, only 10 of these ATH-AWSW DV headphones, featuring wooden ear cups adorned with images of Darth Vader made using traditional Japanese crafting techniques, will be available.

Each pair is priced at 990,000 yen, or around $6,817.

<em>The headphones feature 53-millimeter drivers and are compatible with hi-res audio sources, but feature no wireless capabilities.</em>
<em>The left ear cup features Darth Vader’s helmet.</em>
<em>The right ear cup features a silhouette of Darth Vader with his glowing lightsaber.</em>
<em>The ATH-AWSW DV come packaged in a wooden storage box featuring Star Wars design elements, and include an aluminum headphone stand.</em>
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The headphones feature 53-millimeter drivers and are compatible with hi-res audio sources, but feature no wireless capabilities.
Image: Audio-Technica
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Andrew Liszewski
Leaked images reveal a transparent color option for Sony’s new ANC earbuds.

The Walkman Blog has shared new details and leaked images of Sony’s upcoming WF-C710N earbuds — a follow-up to the budget-friendly Sony WF-C700N earbuds that added ANC when they debuted in 2023.

The leaks indicate the WF-C710N will arrive in late May with new features like Sony’s Quick Attention Mode, but more tempting are four color choices including a new glass blue option with the buds and charging case all sporting a transparent design.

A leaked image of Sony’s upcoming WF-C710N wireless earbuds in a transparent color option.
According to leaked images shared by The Walkman Blog, Sony’s upcoming WF-C710N wireless earbuds will come in four colors including a transparent glass blue option.
Image: The Walkman Blog
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Richard Lawler
Apple could upgrade its iCloud calendar with ‘Confetti.’

In his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman writes that the PowerBeats Pro 2 earbuds are preparing to launch on February 11th, with heart-rate monitoring as previously rumored, and also about a new iCloud feature.

Apparently called Confetti internally, it’s an invite service for events like parties and meetings, which could be tied to a “broader” reworking of Apple’s calendar app. It certainly sounds easier than working out the issues with launching AR glasses.

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External Link
Jess Weatherbed
AirPods now require four steps to turn off noise cancellation.

Before, it only took one step to eliminate audio processing and extend battery life on newer AirPods.

Apple removed the “Off” toggle from the default modes after introducing hearing protection features to noise control in iOS 18. To restore it, open the Settings app, tap your connected AirPods, and toggle on “Off Listening Mode.” They will still default to Transparency mode when you connect, however.

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Wes Davis
You might be able to fall asleep wearing Belkin’s new wireless earbuds.

Belkin announced the SoundForm Anywhere. I saw these in someone’s ear during a briefing — that funky, flat, fin-shaped part sits upright inside your ear, not jutting out like normal stem-style earbuds.

Odd look, but it could mean they’re comfortable enough to rest your head on. Belkin is aiming for a Q2 2025 release. Pricing details will come later.

SoundForm Anywhere earbuds — ordinary-looking earbuds portion but with a flat fin-like outer part that sits upright in the folds of your ear.
The SoundForm Anywhere, with one in its charging case and the other outside of it.
SoundForm Anywhere earbuds hovering over their case.
The SoundForm Anywhere sitting in their case.
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Belkin’s SoundForm Anywhere go for comfort over looks.
Image: Belkin
2024: a good year for earbuds

This year paved the way for a future where earbuds are much more than audio accessories.

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