The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time's Navi actor reprises her role after 28 years, but it was a total accident due to Nintendo's blind auditions

eurogamer.net Nov 4, 2026

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s Navi actor reprises her role after 28 years, but it was a total accident due to Nintendo’s blind auditions

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Nov 4, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

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.

💡 Why It Matters

· 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.

Read full article on eurogamer.net

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.

eurogamer.net · Oct 27

Composer shares 20 minutes of music created for Mass Effect 5 following…

Austin Wintory released a twenty‑minute music demo on YouTube, originally pitched to BioWare and EA for a Mass Effect 5 score. The eight‑track set, featuring “The Legacy of Shepard” and “Sailing the Relays,” blends analog synths with orchestral elements, paying homage to Jack Wall and Sam Hulick. Wintory’s video includes a somber note on BioWare’s sudden closure, which also led to the cancellation of the game and the dismissal of 400 staff. The composer thanks the studios for the opportunity to contribute.

💡 The release underscores the cultural loss felt by the gaming community when a flagship franchise and its creative talent are abruptly shut down. It also highlights the broader industry ripple effects of corporate restructuring and talent displacement.

gamesradar.com · Oct 27

Razer’s Barracuda V2 Pro headset is such a premium powerhouse that it’s…

Razer has unveiled the Barracuda V2 Pro headset, positioning it as a premium audio solution that surpasses typical consumer music headphones. The new model boasts a high‑resolution soundstage, advanced noise‑cancellation, and a robust build designed for extended gaming sessions. It features a detachable microphone, customizable RGB lighting, and a lightweight chassis that reduces neck strain. Razer’s marketing emphasizes the headset’s ability to deliver studio‑grade audio fidelity while maintaining comfort and durability for competitive play.

💡 By raising the bar for in‑game audio, Razer pushes competitors to innovate beyond basic headset features, potentially reshaping expectations for sound quality in the gaming market.