I thought Marshall could do no wrong — until I tried its latest mid-range headphones and disliked this one major thing

androidcentral.com Jul 16, 2026

I thought Marshall could do no wrong — until I tried its latest mid-range headphones and disliked this one major thing

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jul 16, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Namerah Saud Fatmi, a senior tech editor at Android Central, has reviewed technology for over five years, covering mobile accessories and branching into gaming, hardware, and software. Based in Malaysia, she previously contributed to publications like XDA Developers and Neowin. Fatmi also supports Android Central's sister sites, Windows Central and iMore, and in her free time enjoys gaming, traveling, and exploring food.

💡 Why It Matters

· Her detailed, long-term experience in tech journalism gives readers a reliable voice in a fast-evolving industry, especially in the often-overlooked world of mobile accessories.
· Her Malaysian perspective adds diversity to global tech coverage.

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The McIntosh MX124 AV receiver wants to be the beating heart of…

McIntosh has unveiled the MX124, a 13.4‑channel AV receiver designed for high‑end home cinema systems. The unit supports up to four subwoofers, 8K video, and immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, Sony 360 Reality Audio, and MPEG‑H Audio. Its updated processing architecture and nine 32‑bit DACs deliver detailed sound, while room‑correction tools—including Dirac Live, Dirac Live Bass Control, and Audyssey MultEQ XT32—optimise performance. The MX124 aims to extend the lifespan of advanced setups by offering versatile outputs and next‑generation audio‑video handling.

💡 By enabling four‑subwoofer configurations and full 8K support, the MX124 positions itself as a future‑proof hub for premium home theaters, ensuring that existing investments remain relevant as media standards evolve.

tomsguide.com · Jul 21

Apple’s premium AirPods Max 2 just crashed by $100 at Amazon

Apple’s AirPods Max 2 headphones are now discounted by $100 on Amazon, dropping the price from $549 to $449. The deal coincides with Apple’s broader price increases across its product line, making the premium over‑ear headphones more accessible. Amazon also offers discounts on the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 with noise‑canceling. Reviewers praise the AirPods Max 2 for vibrant sound, improved noise cancellation, and stylish design, recommending them to iPhone users who can afford the premium. The sale is limited, urging buyers to act quickly.

💡 The price cut provides a rare opportunity for Apple enthusiasts to acquire high‑end audio gear at a lower cost, potentially shifting consumer expectations for premium headphone pricing.

digit.in · Jul 20

Spotify will pay you Rs 20,000 just for giving feedback: Here is…

Spotify has begun inviting a select group of Indian users to participate in a paid user‑research study, offering a compensation of Rs 20,000 for those who complete the full program. The invitation, displayed as an in‑app survey, asks recipients to answer a brief 2‑3‑minute questionnaire, after which Spotify evaluates eligibility. Chosen participants must then keep a diary of their listening habits and attend a 60‑75‑minute interview, signing a non‑disclosure agreement before receiving payment. Screenshots of the invite have circulated on social media, confirming the rollout on July 20, 2026. Spotify clarified that completing the initial survey does not guarantee selection, and the offer is limited to a subset of users rather than the entire subscriber base.

💡 The program reveals Spotify’s intensified focus on granular, region‑specific user insights to refine its product in a fiercely competitive Indian streaming market.

appleinsider.com · Jul 20

AirPods Max 2 plunge to $449 after Amazon slashes price by $100

Amazon has slashed the price of the newly released AirPods Max 2 by $100, offering the headphones at $449, the lowest price seen since Prime Day 2026. The discount applies to all five color options. The AirPods Max 2, launched in late March 2026, feature Apple’s H2 chip, up to 1.5× stronger active noise cancellation, transparency mode, adaptive EQ, and lossless audio via a wired USB‑C connection. Amazon also offers discounts on AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 models.

💡 The price cut makes high‑end Apple audio more accessible, potentially shifting consumer preference toward premium over-ear headphones and challenging competitors in the premium audio market.

androidcentral.com · Jul 18

The landline phone is back, with a whole new spin for kids…

Pinwheel launched its Home series, a pair of landline phones for children aged five to ten. The Spark model is lightweight and colorful, priced at $68, while the Classic offers a traditional landline feel for $79. Both require a power outlet and Wi‑Fi and feature parent‑controlled contact lists and calling hours. The phones allow free calls between Home devices and offer paid plans for external dialing. Shipping began July 14, with Amazon deliveries expected in the fall.

💡 By reintroducing a screen‑free communication tool, Pinwheel targets the growing trend of early mobile exposure, giving parents a way to monitor and limit digital interaction while fostering direct conversation skills.

gizbot.com · Jul 17

Samsung Music Studio 5 And 7 Speakers Launched In India: Price, Specifications,…

Samsung India has launched two new Wi‑Fi speakers, the Music Studio 5 and Music Studio 7, expanding its premium audio portfolio. Designed by Erwan Bouroullec, the devices feature a distinctive dot‑pattern aesthetic inspired by art and music. The Music Studio 5, priced at Rs 27,900, is a compact 2.0‑channel unit with a dedicated woofer, dual tweeters, a built‑in waveguide, optical and wireless inputs, and AI Dynamic Bass Control. The flagship Music Studio 7 (LS70H), costing Rs 49,900, offers a 3.1.1‑channel layout with five speakers, side‑firing and up‑firing drivers, HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth 6.0, and supports FLAC, ALAC, WAV, Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby 5.1. Both models employ Pattern Control Technology, SpaceFit Sound Pro room calibration, Apple AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and can be managed via Samsung’s SmartThings app and Q‑Symphony for multi‑device syncing.

💡 Samsung’s entry into high‑end Wi‑Fi speakers positions it to compete directly with established audiophile brands, leveraging its ecosystem integration to attract consumers seeking premium, smart home audio solutions.