Sony revives the Walkman’s iconic MDR-3 headphones with USB-C for $60

9to5google.com Nov 5, 2026

Sony revives the Walkman’s iconic MDR-3 headphones with USB-C for $60

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Nov 5, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Sony has reissued its classic Walkman MDR‑3 headphones as the MDR‑3R, updating the 1979 design with a USB‑C connector, built‑in microphone, and in‑line remote while retaining the original’s 23 mm drivers. The new model is offered in blue or orange ear pads and packaged to mimic the vintage look, and it incorporates recycled plastic. Sony says the sound has been “re‑engineered” to stay close to the original but refined for modern listening. The MDR‑3R launches today at $59.99 through standard retailers. A limited red/black edition, styled after the headphones seen on Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” will sell for $79.99. Both versions aim to blend nostalgia with current connectivity standards. The revival coincides with Sony’s effort to capitalize on audio trends across product line.

💡 Why It Matters

· By pairing a beloved vintage silhouette with universal USB‑C, Sony taps nostalgia to attract both collectors and younger users seeking hassle‑free connectivity.

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Moto Buds Ultra 27 and Watch Fit 27 help complete the company’s…

Motorola will release the Moto Buds Ultra 27 and Moto Watch Fit 27 in North America, integrating Qira AI. The earbuds feature Bose‑branded ANC, six high‑SNR microphones, 8‑hour playback, 37‑hour case, IP57 rating, and dual‑device pairing. The watch offers a 1.85‑inch gOLED display, Polar health engine, SPO2, heart‑rate, menstrual tracking, 2‑week battery, IP68/5ATM protection, and dual‑frequency GPS. Both products lack announced launch dates or prices but will complement the upcoming Motorola Signature 27 flagship.

💡 By pairing premium audio and health wearables with Qira, Motorola expands its ecosystem, positioning itself as a competitor in the growing AI‑enabled accessory market.

eurogamer.net · Nov 4

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s Navi actor reprises her role…

Nintendo’s Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time features full voice acting for the first time, and a blind‑audition process was used to preserve iconic sounds. Director HokWai Ng said the team wanted new cutscenes to match the upgraded graphics while keeping familiar audio cues such as Navi’s “Hey!” and “Listen!” Series director Eiji Aonuma added that casting decisions were based solely on similarity to the original voices. Unexpectedly, one of the selected performers had already voiced Navi in the 1998 Nintendo 64 version. Leaked credits confirm that Kaori Mizuhashi, the Japanese voice of the fairy, returned after 28 years, making the casting a rare instance of an actor reprising the same role across generations in the remake.

💡 The accidental reunion highlights Nintendo’s meticulous devotion to preserving beloved audio cues, proving that a single iconic line can shape casting decisions decades later.

appleinsider.com · Nov 4

New Bluetooth standard supports great lossless audio, but you’ll need new headphones

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group has released Bluetooth High Data Throughput (HDT), a new specification that boosts data rates and enables lossless‑quality audio streaming. HDT requires hardware changes, meaning device makers must integrate compatible chipsets and antennas rather than simply issuing a firmware update. The standard promises to raise the fidelity of wireless earbuds, headphones and other audio accessories, with Apple’s upcoming AirPods line cited as a potential beneficiary. Bluetooth SIG CEO Neville Meijers highlighted the upgrade as a response to the “growing demands of an increasingly connected world.” Adoption will depend on manufacturers’ willingness to redesign products, as the enhanced protocol cannot be retrofitted to existing devices.

💡 It forces the entire ecosystem to upgrade hardware, setting a new baseline for wireless audio quality that could render current Bluetooth accessories obsolete.

appleinsider.com · Nov 4

Modern AirPods got beta firmware today too

Apple released a new beta firmware (build 9B5045a) for select AirPods models, including AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4 and newer, and AirPods Max 2. The update is available to users who have opted into beta testing, but Apple has not disclosed the specific changes or improvements. The firmware update is distributed through the Apple ecosystem, allowing developers and early adopters to test potential new features or bug fixes before a public release. No release date for a stable version has been announced.

💡 The beta rollout signals Apple’s ongoing commitment to refining its wireless audio lineup, offering developers early access to potential performance tweaks that could influence future product iterations.

appleinsider.com · Nov 3

How to replace your Mac’s speakers with a HomePod stereo pair

Apple’s October 26, 2026 software update for macOS 27.2 and HomePod 27.2 introduces a persistent AirPlay connection that lets compatible HomePod mini or full‑size HomePod units act as a Mac’s default audio output. The new protocol maintains a continuous stream, cutting the latency that previously made wireless speakers unsuitable for gaming, video calls, and other real‑time tasks. Users can configure a single HomePod or a stereo pair in System Settings, after which system sounds, alerts, and app audio route through the speakers without the need to re‑establish a connection for each playback session. The feature targets owners who already have a HomePod near their Mac, offering a wireless alternative to traditional desktop speakers while preserving sync with visual content daily use.

💡 It turns a common smart‑speaker into a functional desktop audio solution, letting Mac users upgrade sound quality without buying dedicated speakers.

9to5google.com · Oct 29

Samsung’s open-ear Galaxy Buds On cost $229 in the US, launching next…

Samsung announced that its new open‑ear Galaxy Buds On will retail for $229 in the United States, with sales beginning early next month. The clip‑style earbuds are lightweight, allowing users to hear ambient sounds while listening to music or podcasts. Features include Gemini Live integration, 9.5‑hour battery life, automatic volume adjustment, Intelligent Clear Call, Quick Voice Memo, Bixby voice search, and gesture controls for calls and alarms. The Buds On share a case design with the Galaxy Buds 4/Pro and are available only in black.

💡 By entering the mid‑price segment with open‑ear technology, Samsung expands its wireless earbud lineup, offering a new form factor that balances audio performance with situational awareness.