Qualcomm’s new ‘Elite’ sound chip might finally deliver the Wi-Fi earbud dream

theverge.com Sep 25, 2026

Qualcomm’s new ‘Elite’ sound chip might finally deliver the Wi-Fi earbud dream

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 25, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2, its first audio processor to embed micro‑power Wi‑Fi 6E alongside AI‑driven “intelligent hearable” functions. By consolidating Wi‑Fi and audio processing onto a single chip, the new silicon eliminates the separate Wi‑Fi module required by the earlier S7 Pro platform, shrinking overall size by roughly 30 percent and lowering power draw. The integration enables true lossless streaming—24‑bit/96 kHz—from a home network directly to earbuds or audio glasses without relying on Bluetooth’s limited bandwidth. Qualcomm cites the chip’s ability to maintain uninterrupted high‑fidelity playback even when the source device is out of range. The company hopes the design will spur broader adoption after limited uptake of its previous Wi‑Fi‑enabled earbuds, such as Xiaomi’s 2025 Buds 5 Pro.

💡 Why It Matters

· By finally marrying Wi‑Fi and audio processing in a single, compact chip, Qualcomm removes the cost and space barriers that have stalled Wi‑Fi‑enabled earbuds, opening a path for mainstream lossless wireless listening.

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Apple’s next HomePod mini won’t get a redesign, but will get some…

Apple is preparing a second‑generation HomePod mini that retains the original spherical chassis while adding four color options. The new lineup will replace the current yellow and orange finishes with powder pink and forest‑green, while blue, black and white return. The details emerged from product‑image files embedded in Apple’s software code, which MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris uncovered and shared. Apple has not formally announced the device, but the presence of the images suggests a launch is imminent. The first HomePod mini arrived in October 2020 and survived the discontinuation of the full‑size HomePod, remaining the company’s sole smart speaker until a refreshed full‑size model appeared in January 2023. The upcoming refresh signals Apple’s continued focus on the compact smart‑speaker market.

💡 Fresh colorways let Apple tap aesthetic differentiation to sustain consumer interest in a crowded smart‑speaker space.

techradar.com · Sep 24

5 upgrades that I love on the Sonos Ace Ultra headphones that…

Sonos has launched the Ace Ultra headphones, a significant upgrade over the original Ace model. After two weeks of testing, the reviewer highlights five key improvements: an eight‑band equalizer that offers granular sound tuning, an expanded microphone array for better voice capture, new high‑performance drivers that enhance musicality, additional smart features integrated with Sonos’ ecosystem, and a final, game‑changing upgrade detailed as the fifth point. These enhancements address the original Ace’s shortcomings in audio fidelity and competitive positioning against rivals such as Sony’s WH‑1000X and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra series. The reviewer asserts that the Ultra’s refinements elevate Sonos to a “major player” in the premium wireless headphone market, making the device a compelling choice for consumers seeking top‑tier sound and functionality.

💡 The Ace Ultra’s advanced EQ and driver upgrades finally let Sonos compete head‑to‑head with established premium headphone brands.

playstationlifestyle.net · Sep 23

PS5 Firmware Update Quietly Rolled Out for Accessories

Sony has silently deployed a firmware update for two PlayStation 5 accessories – the Pulse Elite headset and the PlayStation Link dongle – without publishing any patch notes. The rollout began on September 21, and users quickly reported connection failures that appear tied to a synchronization glitch between the headset and the Link device. A workaround involves connecting the Pulse Elite via USB‑C, navigating Settings > Accessories > General > PS Link Support, and manually applying the PS Link Device Software Update, after which pairing is restored. In parallel, Sony announced the upcoming PlayStation Pulse Wireless headset, slated for early 2027 and compatible with existing Link dongles, featuring studio‑grade planar magnetic drivers for enhanced spatial audio. No official release date has been set. Early adopters are advised to monitor patches for stability improvements.

💡 The fix highlights Sony’s reactive approach to accessory bugs, while the new headset signals a strategic push for higher‑end audio hardware on the PS5 platform.

appleinsider.com · Sep 22

Spectacular Apple Music Hall concert venue opens in London

Apple has opened Apple Music Hall, a 600‑seat concert venue and Spatial Audio recording space inside its UK headquarters at Battersea Power Station in London. The auditorium features a 48‑speaker spatial sound system, a minimum of 16 cameras, two dedicated audio‑recording studios, and a broadcast video control room, enabling live performances to be captured and streamed in high‑fidelity formats. The venue joins the existing Apple Store and corporate offices within the historic power‑station complex, expanding Apple’s physical footprint in the city. Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and International Content, said the hall reflects the company’s long‑standing commitment to music, from the iPod launch to the iTunes Music Festival and Apple Music service. Apple Music Hall is now open to artists and audiences, offering a technologically advanced platform for live music events.

💡 Apple Music Hall gives artists a unique venue that merges live performance with cutting‑edge spatial audio and streaming capabilities, redefining how concerts are recorded and experienced.

mashable.com · Sep 22

Apple AirPods 5 review: Who needs the Pro, anyway?

Apple released the AirPods 5, a redesigned, lower‑priced version of the 2024 AirPods 4 that now includes active noise cancellation (ANC) at the base price of $129. The premium model, priced at $149, adds a wireless charging case and a volume‑swipe sensor on the earbud neck. Compared to the AirPods 4, the new AirPods 5 offer improved ANC, longer battery life (five hours vs. four), and a more compact form factor. Apple’s move eliminates the previous price gap between standard and ANC models, positioning the AirPods 5 as a competitive alternative to the Pro line.

💡 By bundling ANC into the base model, Apple disrupts its own tiered pricing strategy, making high‑quality noise cancellation accessible to a broader audience. This shift could pressure competitors to rethink feature‑tier differentiation in the wireless‑earbud market.

windowslatest.com · Sep 21

Microsoft admits Windows 11’s emergency update still breaks audio, and a fix…

Microsoft’s emergency update KB5129195, released on September 14, 2026, resolved RDP and Claude Cowork issues but introduced new problems. The patch still breaks audio on some Windows 11 PCs, causing “no audio output” and “Code 10” errors, particularly affecting USB audio devices. Domain‑joined machines lose secure trust, disrupting workplace logins. The fix is not scheduled until the October 13 Patch Tuesday, leaving users with unresolved audio and authentication issues for several weeks.

💡 The delay forces businesses to operate with compromised audio and authentication, risking productivity and security compliance until the October update arrives.