The Excellent SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset Drops to a New Price Low

ign.com Jul 14, 2026

The Excellent SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset Drops to a New Price Low

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jul 14, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

SteelSeries is offering its Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset at a record-low price of $239.99, a 37% discount through its direct sales site. The blemished-box headset, available for Xbox/PC and PS5/PC, includes two swappable batteries, spatial audio support, and premium comfort features. Despite packaging imperfections, the product is fully functional and backed by warranty.

💡 Why It Matters

· The hot-swappable battery system ensures uninterrupted gaming sessions, solving a common pain point for long-play users.
· This deal makes high-end, reliable wireless audio more accessible without compromising on key performance features.

Read full article on ign.com

Bluetooth vs infrared remotes: what you need to know

The article outlines the technical distinctions between Bluetooth and infrared (IR) remote controls, detailing how each communicates with devices. Bluetooth remotes use radio frequency to transmit signals, allowing line‑of‑sight freedom, multi‑device pairing, and two‑way communication for features like voice commands and battery status. Infrared remotes rely on a directed light beam, requiring a clear line of sight and offering simple, low‑cost operation but limited range and no feedback capability. The piece weighs pros and cons: Bluetooth’s higher upfront cost and occasional pairing glitches versus IR’s reliability and universal compatibility with older equipment. It also advises consumers on selecting the appropriate remote based on device ecosystem, usage patterns, and budget considerations.

💡 Choosing the right remote can unlock hidden smart‑TV functions or avoid costly upgrades, directly affecting everyday user experience.

androidcentral.com · Jul 11

I changed 5 settings and my Moto Buds 2 Plus instantly sounded…

Motorola’s Moto Buds 2 Plus, priced at $150, feature Sound by Bose tuning with 11mm dynamic and 6mm micro-planar magnetic drivers. While hardware is robust, optimal performance requires manual software adjustments via the Moto Buds app. Users must enable Hi-Res Mode to utilize the LHDC codec for 24-bit/96kHz audio. Gaming Mode reduces latency but cannot run simultaneously with Hi-Res audio. A customizable 10-band equalizer allows personalized sound profiles beyond four presets. Crystal Talk activates AI-powered noise cancellation for clearer calls in noisy environments. Dual connection supports simultaneous pairing with two devices, requiring one Android phone. These features are disabled by default, necessitating user intervention to unlock full potential. Adjusting these five settings significantly enhances sound quality, call clarity, and multi-device functionality. The earbuds rely on Bluetooth 6 technology. Proper configuration ensures users experience the intended high-fidelity audio and responsive performance designed by Motorola.

💡 Default settings often hide premium features, forcing users to manually unlock the full value of midrange audio hardware. This highlights a growing trend where software configuration is as critical as physical components for achieving high-fidelity wireless sound.

us.headtopics.com · Jul 9

The Sonos app fiasco: how a great audio brand nearly ruined its…

In May 2024, Sonos launched a redesigned mobile app for Android and iOS, which was met with widespread customer complaints due to bugs, missing features, and degraded speaker performance. The backlash severely damaged the company’s reputation, leading to ongoing efforts to restore trust and functionality. In January 2025, CEO Patrick Spence stepped down after failing to reverse the damage. The company has since announced new leadership and strategic changes to address the crisis and rebuild its brand.

💡 Sonos’ app fiasco exposed the risks of overhauling a core product without thoroughly testing it, especially for a brand built on reliability and user experience. The fallout not only cost the company its CEO but also forced a leadership shakeup and a renewed focus on fixing what made it successful in the first place.

androidcentral.com · Jul 8

‘Galaxy Buds On’ could be the name of Samsung’s rumored ‘clip-on’ earbuds

Samsung is reportedly developing a new pair of bone‑conduction earbuds that may be marketed as Galaxy Buds On. The name replaces earlier rumors of Galaxy Buds Able, though code found in the Wearables app still references “Galaxy Able” under the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro listing. Leaks cite an internal model number SM‑U600, where the “U” prefix typically denotes a new earbud series. The design would clip onto the ear and transmit sound through the user’s skull, a departure from Samsung’s traditional in‑ear or open‑ear offerings. No specifications, charging case details, or performance data have been confirmed, and analysts note that similar technology exists from other manufacturers. The conflicting reports suggest the product is in early development and may launch later this year.

💡 Samsung’s entry into bone‑conduction audio could redefine how consumers experience sound on mobile devices.

yankodesign.com · Jul 8

Google, Amazon, and Sonos All Redesigned Their Smart Speakers, Except Apple

Google, Amazon, and Sonos have unveiled redesigned smart speakers featuring softer aesthetics, contextual AI, and adaptive audio, marking a significant shift from the stagnant hardware cycles of the mid-2020s. This coordinated industry move addresses previous failures to monetize Alexa and Echo devices, which had become underperforming kitchen appliances. The new generation prioritizes domestic integration over gadget-like appearances, with Amazon rebuilding four Echo models for its Alexa+ platform. Google’s latest Home Speaker adopts a more subtle design, while Sonos releases updated Play and Era models. Despite possessing the necessary engineering capabilities, Apple has notably withheld a comparable hardware response, choosing to observe this category-wide correction rather than lead it.

💡 The synchronized redesigns signal that the smart speaker market is pivoting from volume-driven saturation to quality-focused integration, challenging Apple’s long-standing design dominance. By abandoning the "subsidized gateway" strategy, competitors are forcing a reevaluation of how voice assistants physically and functionally inhabit modern homes.

appleinsider.com · Jul 8

AirPods firmware beta lets developers use new iOS 27 features

Apple released firmware beta build 9A5314b for AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods Max 2. This developer-only update prepares devices for iOS 27 integration. Users with iOS 26 or later can install it via settings. The firmware supports upcoming features, including a redesigned settings menu and a new customizable equalizer. Additionally, Apple Watch users gain Find My tracking for missing AirPods Pro. AirPods Pro 3 heart rate data will sync with GymKit on compatible exercise equipment.

💡 The integration of heart rate syncing with GymKit transforms AirPods Pro 3 from simple audio accessories into active fitness companions. This deep hardware-software coupling reinforces Apple’s strategy of creating an inseparable ecosystem where wearables share biometric data seamlessly.