TechCapsules

Apple’s fifth‑generation AirPods, announced with on‑bud volume controls, have sparked criticism for pricing a basic feature that many inexpensive earbuds already provide. In a recent podcast episode, the host highlighted the disparity, noting that dozens of Amazon‑listed wireless earbuds under $20 include volume buttons, while Apple reserves the function for its premium model. Colleagues on the show dismissed the utility of the controls, but the host argued that volume adjustment is a fundamental expectation for any earbud. [...]

Harish Jonnalagadda, Android Central’s Senior Editor, has spent over a decade covering Android and Chinese phone brands. Beginning his tech journey with Windows XP tweaks, he transitioned from PC hardware reviews at VR‑Zone to mobile journalism after adopting the Nexus 4. Since joining Android Central in 2014, he oversees coverage of Chinese manufacturers, audio gear, networking hardware, and storage servers, drawing on his engineering background to provide in‑depth product evaluations. Outside work, he enjoys sci‑fi reading and [...]

Apple launched the AirPods 5 with a wireless charging case alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, offering a compact design, improved IP57 water resistance, and a new algorithm that boosts active noise cancellation by 50 %. Both base and high‑end models share identical audio quality, while the premium version adds capacitive volume controls and wireless charging compatibility. The earbuds maintain a neutral sound profile, excel in transparency mode, and provide comparable ANC to the Pro 3, though the Pro still edges out in [...]

Nothing confirmed the Malaysian launch of its Phone (4b) smartphone and Ear (3a) earbuds, with pre‑orders now open on the company’s website, Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop. Official sales begin 20 September 2026 at Nothing retail stores and selected outlets nationwide. The Phone (4b) is marketed as an entry‑level model, featuring a unibody design, the signature Glyph Bar, IP64 protection, a Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor, a 5,200 mAh battery with 33 W fast charging and 7.5 W reverse charging, and a 50 MP main camera with OIS plus [...]

Farwave, a new indie audio application for iOS 18 and later, introduces a unique 3D globe interface for exploring global radio stations. Users can rotate the virtual planet to select specific regions or utilize a random selection feature. Beyond live radio, the app organizes podcasts and local music files on separate visual planets, supporting RSS feeds, playback queues, adjustable speeds, and offline downloads. While the base app is free on the App Store for iPhone and iPad, [...]

JBL released the Live 680NC headphones on March 12, 2026, priced at $159.95 ($129.99 in the UK, AU$199.95). The mid‑range pair feature 40 mm drivers, adaptive ANC, Ambient Aware, personalized EQ, spatial audio, and Auracast support. Battery life is exceptionally long, but the headphones lack a charging cable and exert pressure on the top of the head during extended use. Sound is warm with a bass‑heavy profile and a slightly rolled‑off high end, while spatial audio feels underwhelming. The 680NC offers [...]

Rumors indicate Nothing is preparing to launch the Headphone 1 Pro in late September 2026. The device reportedly features a premium design incorporating aluminum and glass elements, distinguishing it from the base model. Expected colorways include white and black. Audio performance may improve with a triple driver setup, promising enhanced bass, sharper precision, and better treble. Active Noise Cancellation is rumored to be adaptive and superior to the original. Battery life could reach 60 hours, though it [...]

Pocket FM, an Indian audio storytelling platform, has doubled its annualized revenue run rate to $500 million, driven by a shift to artificial intelligence that now powers 93 % of its catalog and 99 % of new content. The company’s AI tools, trained on internal data, cut production costs 80‑fold, enabling 2.5 million hours of content annually from 550,000 creators. Revenue retention rose to 76 % from 44 % two years ago, and the U.S. market now accounts for 70 % of earnings.