Tag: Sony

Action-Packed and Adventure-Ready – The Top 5 Action Cameras for Your Summer Escapades

The long-awaited summer season is upon us, and it’s time to gear up for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you’re planning a thrilling mountain biking expedition or an underwater scuba diving excursion, capturing the perfect shot is essential to reliving the moment. In a world where action cameras are as ubiquitous as sunscreen, it can be daunting to choose the right one. Fear not, adventurers! We’ve scoured the market and compiled a list of the top 5 action cameras to make your summer escapades unforgettable. So, grab your helmets, tighten your straps, and get ready to capture your most epic moments yet.

GoPro HERO 11 Black

The GoPro HERO11 Black is a significant upgrade with best-in-class stabilisation and a versatile, almost square sensor. The camera shoots great-looking videos and has new modes like light painting. The standout feature is its 8:7 aspect ratio, allowing content creators to create new clips from a single video. The camera can shoot in 5.3K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, and 2.7K at 240fps and capture 27MP stills from 5.3K video. Despite no significant improvement in lowlight performance, the HERO11 Black’s simplified interface and enhanced horizon levelling make it appealing to social media enthusiasts.

Insta360 One RS

Get the best of both worlds with Insta360’s One RS. The camera comes with three interchangeable lenses: a 4K mod, a dual-lens 360-degree camera, and a Leica lens with a 1-inch sensor that captures 5K video. The 4K mod and 360 mod pairing offer the best value, while the Leica 1-inch mod delivers top-notch video quality. The updated Insta360 One RS shoots 5.2K video with its improved 4K mod and processor, which features a motion-smoothing algorithm. Plus, firmware updates continuously enhance its features, making it a wise investment.

AKASO Brave 7 LE

Looking for a

 GoPro alternative that won’t hurt your wallet? The AKASO Brave 7 LE is an excellent option. This affordable camera has an IPX7 rating and feels sturdy. It can endure submersion in 1m of water for 30 minutes, but you’ll need a protective case for more comprehensive underwater adventures. The Brave 7 LE features a front screen for vlogging and decent stabilisation, albeit with a 1.6x crop. Although it maxes out at 30 fps in 4k, it can still record 120 fps slow-motion footage in 1080p. Overall, it’s an excellent action cam for the price.

DJI’s Osmo Action 3

 

DJI’s Osmo Action 3 combines the form factor of the original with the magnetic clip system of the second. Its GoPro-like design features dual touch screens and a magnetic quick-clip system, making it a solid alternative to GoPro. With great battery life and excellent video stabilisation, the Osmo Action 3 is cheaper than GoPro, making it a compelling option. However, GoPro Hero 10 and 11 have better video resolution, with the Osmo Action 3 maxing out at 4K and 12-megapixel stills, compared to the Hero 11’s 5.3K stabilised video and 26-megapixel stills. Nevertheless, at 30k, the Osmo Action 3 is an excellent value for money.

DJI Pocket 2

The DJI Pocket 2 may not fit the traditional definition of an action camera, but its built-in gimbal makes it stand out. This pocket camera stabilises footage smoothly and effectively across three axes, with customisable settings like horizon lock and tilt prevention. Additionally, it has an active tracking mode that can lock onto subjects and follow them. While lacking some frame rate options, the camera’s 1/1.7-inch sensor provides superior video quality and low-light performance compared to most action cameras. It’s an excellent option for capturing handheld, stabilised video without carrying additional gear.

Sony WH-CH720N Review: Premium Experience at Midrange Price

While I’ve been an audio fanatic myself since the days we’d have to share mp3 files over Bluetooth, I haven’t tested a wide range of headphones. I have been fixated on using wired or wireless earbuds for the longest time with the exception being the Sony WH-1000XM5 which I used for review purposes last year. Thus, I was sceptical to test out the WH-CH720N when it was offered to me. What interested me is the price tag of ₹9,990 and what this pair of noise-cancellation headphones bring to the table. I was pleasantly surprised with what CH720N has to offer to its listeners – Great sound quality with noise cancellation at an affordable price tag. However, is that all? Let’s find out –

Design – Pretty Straightforward

Minimalistic design has become a trend in recent years and the CH720N but Sony has been perfecting it since its inception. There are no gimmicks when it comes to the design of this pair. It is aesthetically pleasing and minimalist which matte coating that makes it a treat to hold. The headband is a little thinner than I would like it but the ear cups are comfortable with a wide design and thick memory foam. The right ear cup comes with physical volume control and noise-cancellation buttons that take some getting used to due to the placement. The left ear cup features a 3.5mm audio jack, a power button, and a USB-C port for charging. One design flaw with the CH720N is that they are not foldable, it was not a deal breaker for me but it could be for many out there who do not wish to have a dedicated headphone compartment in their bags. Overall, the design for Sony’s CH720N is a winner which walks the fine line between premium feeling and ergonomics.

Performance – Hit or Miss

Thanks to years’ worth of listening to music on higher volumes (and significant ear damage) I have grown accustomed to music which high bass. Sony’s midrange CH720N headphones seem to be tuned to push bass and treble which make up for a delightful listening experience in my opinion, but that won’t be the case for people who enjoy a balanced sound. Sure, there are EQ settings in Sony’s ‘Headphone’ application where users can fine-tune the audio output based on their needs, but the out-of-the-box experience remains bass boosted! The hit-or-miss aspect of the CH720N revolves around its noise cancellation settings. The Sony CH720N sport the V1 noise cancelling chip which surprisingly underperforms as opposed to the premium XM5’s. The ANC does just fine in standard aspects, however, it struggles when it comes to blocking out human voices. If you’re specifically looking to buy noise-cancelling headphones to block out chatty relatives at home then these are definitely not the one for you. On the other hand, the transparency mode offers amazing natural sound. My only complaint with the sound output has to be the lack of LDAC support.

The battery life is simply phenomenal on this one. Sony promises up to 35 hours of battery life with ANC turned on which somewhat undercuts its actual performance by over an hour. I could not kill the CH720N during my extensive testing under the promised battery lifetime. Sony has an impressive record of headphones with massive battery life and CH720N only forwards that legacy with flying colours.

Verdict

Sony WH-CH720N are a treat for audiophiles who do not wish to break the bank for their headphone needs. They perform better than expected for the price delivering solid sound output with high bass. These are easy to recommend to someone looking for a lightweight pair of headphones.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sony Walkman NW-A306 Review: Nostalgia Bait?

It was back in 1979 when Sony introduced the portable audio player which revolutionized how we consume music with the Walkman. The first Walkman, TPS-L2, was a cassette tape player which quickly became a cultural phenomenon having sold millions of units since its inception. Over the years, the Walkman evolved and adapted to newer technologies like CDs, MP3 file formats and much more. The Walkman brand eventually expanded to include mobile phones and other portable devices, however, the peak 1980s OG and iconic Walkman series remains the golden standard. Cut to 2023, where smartphones and music streaming have pretty much become synonymous with one another, Sony has launched a new iteration of the Walkman which costs Rs 25, 990. This begs us to ask the question of whether this new Walkman is actually worth shelling out the price for or is it just nostalgia bait? Find out below – 

Design and Features

The Sony Walkman NW-A306 is a high-quality digital audio player that brings back memories from an era bygone. It’s a compact and lightweight device featuring a 3.6-inch TFT display coupled with button controls on the side for ease of accessibility. While the Walkman is thicker than an average smartphone, it weighs lighter at just 113 grams. It has an eye catchy design that demands attention with its rippled wave design that covers the back of the device. The port selection consists of a 3.5mm Single-Enabled headphone output, coupled with a USB Type-C and an SD Card slot. The onboard storage is limited to 32GB with just 18GB out of it available for users to store offline music and load apps. It runs on Android 12 with connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. 

The Walkman supports playback of Hi-Res audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz which translates to the user enjoying their music with the utmost clarity and detail. The device also comes equipped with Sony’s proprietary Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE Ultimate) technology which is capable of upscaling compressed audio files to enhance their sound quality. As it runs on Android 12, all your favourite streaming apps can be downloaded on the NW-A306 and used seamlessly. Overall, Sony has built a compact and complete package for the audio geek. 

Performance

At the first glance, the Sony Walkman NW-A306 comes off as an unnecessary device meant only for the truly indulgent among us. However, once you get to use the device and compare its audio quality to the standard smartphones we use to stream music nowadays is when you’ll realize its actual prowess. The device is designed to play/stream music and it does so flawlessly. Its audio output is incomparable when it comes to smartphones as they don’t flaunt the hardware features present in the Walkman. It features wireless HI-Res Audio with Sony’s premium wireless codec titled LDAC. On paper, LDAC technology allows 3X the bitrate of standard Bluetooth and provides a better listening experience. During my testing of the device, the experience through Bluetooth headsets and wired earphones was both unmatchable to any other device. However, the crispest audio quality from the Walkman can be achieved through FLAC files in the offline mode. I listened to the entirety of Adele’s studio album ‘30’ on the FLAC file format and it felt like she was singing right in front of me (no exaggeration) Standard 128Kbps and 320Kbps sound formats can be upscaled using the DSEE Ultimate feature present and the difference in sound quality after turning it on was always notable. Other features in the audio tuning section include Vinyl Processor, ClearAudio+, and DC Phase Linearizer along with a standard Equalizer. It comes with an auto power-off feature which always came in handy to preserve battery during a trek. The sound output here can be dialled up to 120 and no sound distortion or noise was witnessed at higher volumes. To sum it all up, the Sony Walkman NW-A306 is truly a treat for the audiophile. While some eyebrows are sure to rise when it comes to the NW-A306’s pricing, it is definitely justified for the premium performance you get for it. 

Verdict

The Sony Walkman NW-A306 builds upon the legacy of the Walkman brand with flying colours. It rewrites the boundaries of personal audio consumption by offering high-quality premium sound features in a compact package.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sony India expands cinema line with new 4K Super 35 camera FX30

Sony India today announced the latest addition to the brand’s prestigious Cinema Line – the FX30 (ILME-FX30). The new FX30 is a 4K Super 35 compact cinema camera that offers many professional features of the Cinema Line, such as Dual Base ISO, Log shooting modes and user-imported LUTs (Look Up Tables) at a price point that appeals to many aspiring filmmakers. Sony has launched the camera in two variants – FX30 (Body + XLR Handle) and FX30B (Body only).

Capture high-level cinematic expression in every scene

The FX30 offers budding filmmakers’ cinematic expression with the latest imaging systems. It features a new back-illuminated 20.1 megapixels APS-C Exmor R™ CMOS sensor (Super 35 format) with a dual base ISO (800/2500) to deliver high sensitivity, low noise, and 14+ stops[i] of latitude.

Like the rest of the Cinema Line, the FX30 features Log shooting modes by enabling Cine El, Cine El Quick, and Flexible ISO modes for recording with the S-Log3 gamma curve, which allows greater flexibility when colour grading. All three modes allow video shooting while monitoring with an appropriate LUT to preview the final image. In addition, the FX30 includes a selection of built-in cinematic looks, such as Sony’s S-Cinetone™, and can shoot single stills. The camera offers advanced image processing capabilities with the BIONZ XR processing engine for natural gradations and realistic colour reproduction.

 The FX30 supports a variety of video recording codecs. It can shoot 4K Super 35 (16:9) by oversampling from 6K at up to 60fps. TheFX30B also features the ability to shoot in high frame rates, including 4K at 120fps and full HD at 240fps. 16:9 recording modes can shoot at 10-bit 4:2:2 while an HDMI Type-A connector can be used to output 4K, 16-bit RAW[ii] to an external recorder[iii].

Advance AF performance to support the creators’ needs

The FX30 features Sony’s fast and reliable autofocus, with settings including:

  • Real-time Eye AF (human, animal, or bird[iv])
  • Real-time Tracking
  • Detailed AF settings
  • AF Assist

This allows creators more control when using the Focus Map[vi], that makes it easier to visualise depth of field, and Breathing Compensation[vii] offers a stable angle of view when focusing. The camera also includes effective stabilisation for run and gun shoots using Active Mode[viii] thanks to the optical in-body 5-axis image stabilisation and time code sync. 

Compact and unique form factor with flexible operability

Compact and lightweight, the FX30 has a flat-top design with threaded accessory attachment points, making it easy to use for shooting handheld, capturing low-angle shots, mounting on a gimbal, or adding accessories. The FX30 also features an XLR handle unit[i], which can be used to capture low-angle shots and also allows filmmakers to capture crystal clear audio through various audio inputs, including two XLR audio inputs and a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack for 4-channel recording. External microphones can be connected directly to the camera via the Multi Interface Shoe or microphone jack. The FX30 also features an internal stereo microphone for audio recording

Highly expandable memory for more storage

The FX30 and FX30B are equipped with two memory card slots that are compatible with both CFexpress Type A cards and SDXC/SDHC cards, bringing a wide range of shooting experiences to creators. The FX30 is also compatible with large capacityCFexpress Type A memory cards

Solid reliability for every shoot

The FX30 offers not only advanced performance but also outstanding reliability. It features an innovative heat dissipation structure for uninterrupted 4K/60p recording, reliable power for extended recording, and a durable magnesium alloy chassis.

 Price, Availability and Launch Offer

The FX30 camera will be available across all Sony Center, Alpha Flagship stores, www.ShopatSC.com portal, major electronic stores and ecommerce websites (Amazon and Flipkart) from 15th Feb 2023 onwards. Customers will also get an extended warranty of 2+1 years* and a BC-QZ1 charger worth Rs. 6,790/-free on the purchase of an FX30 or FX30B camera. The ILME-FX30 Camera is priced at Rs 199,990 and the ILME-FX30B Camera is priced at Rs 179,990. 

Sony India launches the new NW-A306 Walkman

Sony today announced the latest addition to the Walkman® series family, NW-A306. Designed for listeners to enjoy music the way the artist intended with high-quality audio in a compact form factor.

Lightweight and compact design for maximum portability

The new Sony Walkman NW–A306 is a stylish and compact music player, that lets consumers download and stream more of the music they love. Weighing just 199 grams, it is lightweight with the comfort and function of both a 3.6” touch screen and tactile physical music controls, the NW-A306 series delivers exceptional music experiences right from the users’ pocket

Designed for audiophiles with Hi-Res Audio Wireless

The NW-A306 is designed for audiophiles looking for premium sound and style. With the S-Master HX digital amp technology, independently developed for Walkman® is compatible with the native DSD format. It reduces distortion and noise across a wide range of frequencies, for rich and full-bodied sound, further enhanced by new high-quality sound lead free solder. It uses Edge-AI (Artificial Intelligence), DSEE Ultimate™ (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) which upscales compressed digital music files in real time. Restoring acoustic subtleties and dynamic range provides a deep and rich listening experience.

Long lasting battery life for extended audio experience

The NW-A306 boasts a great battery life compared to previous models so listeners can immerse themselves in more of their music for a longer duration. It has a battery life of up to 36 hours1 of 44.1kHz FLAC playback, up to 32 hours1 of 96kHz FLAC high resolution audio playback, or even up to 26 hours with the streaming service apps to meet the demand of consumers.

Wi-Fi® compatible for direct download and music streaming

Further learning from its predecessor models, consumers can enjoy DSEE Ultimate for upscaling their music in NW-A306, whether it is Wi-Fi® streamed or downloaded. Now listeners can also enjoy DSEE Ultimate with wireless headphones.

Price and Availability 

The NW-A306 Walkman will be available across all Sony Centres, major electronic stores, Headphone Zone and e-commerce portals in India from 9th February 2023 onwards. It is priced at Rs 25,990 in the Indian market. 

CES 2023 – All the exciting products we discovered at the world’s biggest tech event (so far)

LG’s Wireless 97-Inch OLED TV

The world’s first truly wireless TV was announced a few months ago by a US-based brand Displace, and it debuted at CES 2023. However, LG has no different plans, as the brand unveiled the world’s first wireless OLED TV, and with its 97-inch screen, it’s probably the biggest one too. The wireless TV by LG is an upgrade to the company’s 97-inch OLED TV, which they unveiled last year.

Lenovo Yoga Book 9i

Lenovo has brought innovation to the next level after introducing Yoga Book 9i, the world’s first full-sized OLED dual-screen laptop, at CES 2023. When you look at it from the outside, the YogaBook 9i doesn’t look much different from a typical laptop, but as soon as you open it up, it greets you with two 13.3-inch 2.8K PureSight OLED displays that dominate the inside of the device. 

The beautiful dual-screen laptop defines a new chapter on what laptops should be. You can stack the laptop vertically or side-by-side to have a dual-monitor experience where you can run different programs simultaneously. The Yoga Book 9i is equipped with 13th-gen Intel Core i7 CPUs, up to 16GB of DDR5 RAM, 512GB of storage and arrives with a detachable Bluetooth keyboard, stylus pen, all-day battery backup, and folio stand.

Nvidia X Hyundai –  A beginning of an in-car gaming revolution

GeForce Now, Nvidia’s on-demand cloud gaming service, has all the plans to spoil you as they’re expanding their GeForce Now service beyond phones, smart TVs and computers and into cars. The brand has fastened up with electric vehicle makers such as Hyundai, BYD and Polestar to help you kill time while in the car. If your car has a screen on its dash, you can play while it is parked, and if you have a screen behind the driver or passenger seats, you can play the games on the go.

Sony PlayStation VR 2 Headset

Sony has been delivering us with hits, including Walkman, PlayStation and Trinitron TVs, for decades. At CES 2023, the Japanese electronics giant announced that it will start selling the highly-anticipated PlayStation VR 2 headset on February 22 and promised that starting from this point forward, everyone who wants to buy a PS5 should have a much easier time finding it at retailers globally, means “No more PS5 shortage”. The high-end virtual reality headset will have more features than Meta’s Quest 2. The brand promised at least 30 games at the launch, including Gran Turismo 7 and a spinoff of Horizon.

Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola

The sweet-looking Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola sports a highly nostalgic design that takes you back to the 90s. The ThinkPhone is a business phone built around a 6.6-inch OLED display of 2400x1080px resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. The ThinkPhone boasts a special red key that’s customisable for different tasks and has a back panel designed with lightweight aramid fibre. 

The smartphone is powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, along with a choice of storage options like 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB. With the Think 2 Think connectivity option, you can sync the ThinkPhone to your ThinkPad and transfer copied text, photos, documents, files etc. The ThinkPhone will be available for sale globally in the coming months.

The most advanced DOG collar

We’ve witnessed robo-pets in the previous editions of the CES, but deep down, we all know no one can replace the warmth of a real pet, especially in the case of dogs. We have smartwatches to catch up with our daily health, but what about our beloved dog? 

Well, French firm Invoxia has taken care of that as they unveiled a smart dog collar to track the heart activity of aAdog. The collar arrives with advanced heart-tracking technology and can detect and monitor a dog’s breathing and heartbeat using sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to help you with the dog’s well-being.

Alienware x14 – World’s thinnest 14-inch gaming laptop

Alienware, a well-known subsidiary of Dell, launched a slew of gaming laptops at CES 2023, but the one that grabbed our eyeballs is the Alienware x14, the thinnest gaming laptop in the world. The 14-inch laptop is powered by the 13th Gen Intel core CPUs and next-generation RTX GPUs from NVIDIA. Alienware x14 has a similar design and specification as the Alienware x16 and sports a 2,560×1,600-pixel display with a 165Hz refresh rate and will be available later in the year.

Amazon.com Inc’s Ring Car Cam & Peephole Cam

In the tech sector, Amazon is known for Alexa and a few other home security ventures. And now, after a delay of about 2 years, Amazon.com Inc’s Ring Division introduced its first car dashboard camera. The device is named Ring Car Cam and has smart sensors to detect certain events around and inside your vehicle. 

It also has sensors to detect motion within the vehicle and other disturbances. Along with the dashboard camera, Ring also announced the Ring Peephole Cam, a video doorbell that can be easily installed over an existing door peephole. The peephole cam arrives with a 1080p HD camera, night vision, Two-Way Talk, and Knock and Motion Detection.

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9

Samsung is known to play a vital role in the event and grabs the maximum attention every year. At CES 2023, the company unveiled the Odyssey Neo G9, a 57-inch mini-LED display sporting a 7680 × 2160 resolution equivalent to two 4K monitors in one. The massive and immersive desktop is going to be a paradise for every gamer as it offers a 240Hz refresh rate and a 1000R curved screen.

Amazon’s Hey Disney!

Amazon and Disney+ Hotstar are always in the race to provide the best of the entertainment world to us, but for the first time, Amazon and Disney have joined hands to launch an entirely new, Alexa-enabled experience for fans called Hey Disney! With first of its kind collaboration between these two giants, we will soon be able to experience the magic of Disney in a new way, both at home and in select Disney Resort hotel rooms. In short, with the new wake word Hey Disney, we can interact with these fan favourites like Mickey Mouse, Dory from Finding Nemo, and Olaf from Frozen.

Aiper Seagull Pro

When it comes to pools, no one wants to spend hours scrubbing the pool walls and floor and to save time and energy, Aiper, the company known for making cordless robotic pool cleaners, launched its most advanced product to date – the Seagull Pro. Alongside the Seagull Pro, the company also showcased the new Seagull Plus and the recently launched Seagull SE. The hassle-free Seagull Pro robotic cleaner is a CES 2023 Innovation Award Honoree and provides efficient cleaning with a battery life of up to 3 hours.

Sony HT-A3000 Soundbar Review: The Complete Package

The demand for capable home entertainment devices is at its peak thanks to the OTT boom caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sony already had the premium HT-A7000 soundbar system which took care of your audio needs with flying colors and now the company has introduced the HT-A3000 which is a midrange-premium soundbar with an authentic 3.1 channel surround sound. I have been using the HT-A3000 soundbar and its accompanying sub-woofer and rear channel speakers for the past week as my primary sound system for a week. To sum up the experience – It was overwhelmingly immersive! Check out the detailed review below –

Design

Similar to the rest of the lineup, the HT-A3000 (I’ll refer to it as A3K further) also comes with a no-nonsense black design. It is an all-matte-black design made out of plastic and a metal grille which does not look cheap but rather gives a premium feel. It is a 37-inch soundbar just a little over 2.5 inches tall that simply gets lost under your television set. Behind the metal grille is a small OLED text display that could’ve been made bigger in my opinion. As the display is small, the entire text takes a while to get displayed in its entirety. However, it is easy to read and can be read from a considerable distance. 

Companions

In India, the A3K soundbar cannot be bought just as an independent device but has been clubbed with either the SW3 or the SW5 subwoofer along with optional rear RS5 or RS3S speakers. The review unit sent to me featured the SW3 subwoofer and the RS3S rear speakers which amount to the entire setup costing Rs 1,14,970. The soundbar, subwoofer, and rear channel speakers assembled in synergy like the Avengers to produce a sound that became the center stage of my office and drew attention from everyone. My only gripe with Sony with the A3K is that I cannot buy it as a standalone product in India and have to tag along a subwoofer. Living in a small house, a subwoofer and a soundbar is an overkill setup for me that could lead to neighbor complaints!

Setup and connectivity

Setting up the A3K is not a task at all when it comes to connecting to the television or the phone via Bluetooth. It is pretty much a ‘turn on and connect’ scenario going on with this soundbar which makes it easier for users to get to their entertainment quickly. There surely is a setup process when it comes to the Soundbar after you’ve connected to it which I will highly recommend as it increases the immersive sound experience. Sony takes the utmost advantage of the HDMI connectivity as it uses it to showcase a full-onscreen menu system for the A3K. There is also the ‘Music Center’ application for iOS and Android devices that make your life a little bit easier when it comes to mobile connectivity. 

 

Sound Quality

During my initial testing of the A3K with its companion subwoofer and rear channel speakers, I was taken aback by the premium sound quality. Thanks to the entire sound setup provided I could experience what Sony has coined as the ‘360 Spatial Sound Mapping’ which uses built-in microphones to measure the height and position of the soundbar and the rear speakers to customize the sound experience. It creates a strong surround sound with an enhanced immersive experience which was a treat to experience. However, it is to be noted that the immersive experience was only limited to a small room as shifting the setup to a bigger room did not give half the same experience. The A3K provides a balanced and pleasing-to-the-ears sound quality when it comes to both films and music. However, I am sure music purists will miss out on a few key features like dedicated tweeters. The A3K is riding the wave of Dolby-capable single soundbars but it surely delivers with all its 240W prowess. 

Verdict

The Sony HT-A3000 is a powerful soundbar in all its individual glory that is enhanced furthermore with the companion subwoofer and rear channel speakers. People looking for a premium sound experience without having to pay over a lakh can surely go for the HT-A3000 without any hesitations.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sony India launches SRS-XV900 wireless party speaker with omnidirectional party sound

Sony India today announced the launch of the new SRS-XV900, the most powerful and loudest Bluetooth party speaker in the wireless speaker X-series range. The speaker forms part of the “LIVE LIFE LOUD” vision to deliver exciting sound entertainment experiences to music lovers around the world. Life should be lived at full volume and that means being able to enjoy clear, rich sound from Sony’s new SRS-XV900 speaker to make the most of every single moment.

Omnidirectional party sound with X-Balanced speaker

Sony India’s new SRS-XV900 lets you enjoy powerful omnidirectional party sound. This wireless speaker is designed to fill the space with sound. The non-circular diaphragm of the X-Balanced speaker unit gives more sound pressure and less distorted sound by maximizing the area of the speaker and jet bass booster delivers deep, punchy, powerful bass. The midrange drivers provide excellent vocals while the 6 tweeters on the front, side and back spread high frequency sound all around.

TV Sound booster connectivity for better TV sound experience

The SRS-XV900 speaker features Sony’s unique function, TV Sound booster that lets you enjoy enhanced sound when watching TV. Deep bass and realistic high-frequency sound from the SRS-XV900 fills the room and boosts your TV’s sound to provide a rich audio-visual experience, whether you are watching live performance videos or movies. Simply connect the optical cable (included) and select TV Sound Booster function irrespective of the TV brand or model

Quick charging with long lasting battery life of 25 hours allows to enjoy your party

You can now take your sound anywhere around your home with 25-hour battery life on the SRS-XV900 that will keep the music going day and night. If you find your speaker’s running out of battery, there’s no need to worry. With the speaker’s quick charging, you can get 3 hours of playing time with just 10 minutes of charging. With the Battery Care Mode feature, you never have to worry about overcharging your speaker, making it more dependable for longer.

Mega Bass and Live Sound for enhanced music experience

The Mega Bass feature allows you to dial up the bass on your speaker, providing you with deep and punchy bass. With the new SRS-XV900 speaker, you can enjoy your music like it is live. With the Live Sound mode, you can recreate that unique atmosphere and re-live your favorite music experiences, over and over again. LIVE LIFE LOUD and create memorable moments with the SRS-XV900.

Convenient carry handle and wheels

The product comes with a convenient handle. Whenever you want to move the speaker you can hold the carry handle and tilt it back. Sturdy castors let you roll all the way to the party!

Fun and Entertaining features with karaoke double tracking

SRS-XV900 speaker is loaded with fun and entertaining features making it perfect for your party with friends. Plug in your microphone, pick a song, and sing your heart out. With two inputs (mic & guitar), you can even plug in a guitar and use the speaker as an amp. Further enrich your singing vocals with the Double Tracking feature via the Fiestable mobile app. You will also always have complete control of the speaker with the intuitive top touch panel that allows you to change function settings and lighting with just a touch.

Bluetooth connectivity and Party Connect

Party Connect via Bluetooth® allows you to connect upto 100 compatible Sony Bluetooth speakers to enjoy synchronized sound and lighting for an extra-large party and to make sure everyone’s dancing to the same beat. In addition, the speaker allows you to plug in and play music with USB connectivity. And if your smartphone is running low on battery, you can even plug it into the speaker and have it charged directly. The SRS-XV900 also allows you to instantly connect the speaker to your smartphone using Bluetooth fast pair for Android.

Sony Music Center and Fiestable

The new SRS-XV900 is compatible with both Sony Music Center and Fiestable apps. With Sony Music Center you can select playlists, cue the next song, change lighting patterns, and sound modes all from the dance floor. Fiestable allows you to access fun features to help create the ultimate party atmosphere, such as making a party playlist, karaoke functions including Voice Changer and Echo, plus DJ control to add sound effects.
The SRS-XV900 speaker will be available across all Sony Centers, major electronic stores, and e-commerce portals in India from 5th December 2022 onwards at Rs 79,990.

Review / Sony WH-1000XM5 – The Good Gets BETTER!

Sony has been nailing the art of perfection since they launched WH-1000X series headphones in 2016. The 6-year-old flagship active noise cancelling (ANC) headphone series is one of the most loved and has helped the company to stay one step ahead of the competition. I spent 2-weeks getting to know the recently released Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones and realised why they’re referred to as one of the best in the segment.

Design

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are the first one in the series to receive a complete redesign, and the company has named them as a noiseless design. The slimmer and lightweight headphones are way too attractive than their predecessors. The earcups are in a flattened dome shape and can swivel sideways, while the hinge of the headband is hidden. Along with the headphones, the case also looks classy and can be flattened to half when empty.

Comfort

The earcups are made of recycled soft-fit leather padding, but they no longer collapse inwards within the headband like their predecessors, which is not quite welcome. The headphones have wide padding to accommodate all types of ears, which means anyone can wear them for hours without feeling irritated. The left earcup has two physical buttons: a power button and another to switch ANC modes like ANC, ANC off, or Ambient sound modes.

Controls

Input (touchpad) > Action 
  1. Swipe up > Volume up
  2. Swipe down > Volume down
  3. Swipe forward > Track forward
  4. Swipe back > Trackback
  5. Hold (centre) > Voice assistant
  6. Double tap centre> Pause/resume
  7. Cup hand > Ambient sound passthrough

Connection

You can connect the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones to your source device via Bluetooth or TRS cable and can charge the headphones by plugging into the USB-C port, which is at the bottom of the right ear. To get the most out of these headphones for your phone, you must get the Sony Headphones Connect App (iOS/Android). The app is required for features like ANC optimisation, 360 Reality Audio, a custom equaliser and, of course, to get updates.

Audio Quality & Noise Cancelling

The headphones feature a single 30mm driver instead of 40mm like its predecessor, which made us think we would lose the signature dynamism of the WH line. Thankfully, they sound as good as the WH-1000XM4s, but not better for sure. The headphones support SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs over Bluetooth. The sound of the WH-1000XM5 headphones is dominated by strong bass but fails lavishly when it comes to delivering premium audio quality.

The ANC of the XM5 headphone is one of the best in the market and will make sure you have a great music experience. Compared to the previous generations, XM5 offer better performance in the low end and can easily beat its competitors, such as Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and Bose QuietComfort 45. I have used them at all the noisy places like local trains, busy streets etc., and they outperform everywhere as they drop off unwanted sounds by around 30 dB.

Microphone

The WH-1000XM5 headphones feature 8 microphones, double that of its predecessor XM4, and in terms of performance, they are impressive. The XM5 headphones arrive with an AI noise rejection algorithm, so you don’t have to think twice before receiving a call in noisy outdoors. The headphones offer good voice quality, and your callers can hear you clearly. There are some glitches in the headphones, which Sony could fix in a software update.

Battery Life

The company has claimed the headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours with ANC enabled and up to 40 hours with noise cancelling switched off. In our testing, the headphones lasted slightly longer than advertised in both cases, with ANC enabled and disabled. The battery life is enough for a week whether you commute for 2+ hours daily or take 3+ long-haul flights. The headphones provide about 3 hours of playback in just 3-minutes of charge.

Verdict

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are going to be a memorable purchase and a remarkable experience if you’re someone who travels a lot, be it commuting to work or taking several work flights. We know they are expensive, and investing ₹34,990 on headphones would be too much to gamble on, but you can’t forget the reality that they’re one of the best ANC headphones on the market.

Straight from the audiophile’s mouth – Top 5 Headphones of 2022

Sony WH-1000XM5

The over-ear, closed-back, and wireless Sony WH-1000XM5 are labelled as the 2022’s best noise-cancelling headphones, and we couldn’t agree more. The fifth generation of the 1000X series headphones might feel slightly less premium than before, but it delivers the finest sound quality in the segment. The WH-1000XM5 last around 30 hours with noise-cancelling switched on and around 40 hours when ANC is off.

  • Weight: 250 gms
  • Style: Over-Ear, Wireless
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Water/Sweat-Resistant: No
  • Battery Life: Up to 30 Hours

Bose QuietComfort 45

Everyone gets a call while listening to the music, and nobody likes to switch from headphones to a mic and if you are one of those people, add Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones to your cart. You can wear these lightweight Bose headphones throughout the day as they are exceptionally comfortable and has a 24-hour battery life.

  • Style: Over-Ear, Wireless
  • True Wireless: No
  • Connection Type: Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
  • Water/Sweat-Resistant: No
  • Active Noise Cancellation: Yes

JBL Tune 660NC

We know not everyone can pay above the odds just to own a pair of headphones, and for such people, we have JBL Tune 660NC on our list. The Tune 660NC headphones are the best budget headphones under the tag of 10,000. They are budget headphones but will not disappoint you for sure as they’ve punchy sound, comfortable design, long-lasting battery and fantastic noise-cancelling features.

  • Weight: 168 gms
  • Style: On-Ear, Closed Back, Wireless
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Battery Life: Up to 44 Hours

Jabra Elite 45h

Another one priced under 10,000 but don’t judge it on the basis of its price. The Jabra Elite 45h are the best on-ear headphones for casual listeners. The Jabra Elite 45h lasts about 67 hours and is meant to accompany you anywhere. The lightweight on-ear headphones deliver the excellent audio quality, have intense mic clarity and a design that grabs a lot of attention.

  • Type: Supra-aural (on-ear) Wireless
  • True Wireless: No
  • Connection Type: Bluetooth
  • Water/Sweat-Resistant: No
  • Active Noise Cancellation: No

EPOS Audio H6PRO Acoustic Gaming Headset

We have covered one headphone in our list, designed specifically for gamers. The premium EPOS Audio H6PRO Acoustic Gaming Headset is the official audio partner of Cloud9 and delivers exceptional audio clarity. The lightweight headphones are designed to keep gamers away from the rest of the disturbing environment and have an awesome gaming experience.

  • Weight: 313 gms
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Style: Over-Ear, Closed-Back, Wired (Also available in Open-Back)
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Battery Life: N/A
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