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Latest by Parker Hall

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Get a top-tier Vizio P Series TV for a song this Black Friday

Vizio has announced a slew of Black Friday deals for those interested in new home theater offerings, but none are more enticing than the deals the company is running on its top-tier P-Series and P-Series Quantum TVs. Both models can be had for hundreds of dollars off of list price this shopping holiday.
Jabra Elite Active 65t review

Soon, any wireless headphone maker can put Alexa in your ears

Amazon's popular Alexa voice assistant will be coming to many more Bluetooth headphones as the Internet retailer has opened up its Alexa Mobile Accessory Tool Kit to all headphone developers. This means that changing songs, picking playlists, and other listening tasks will be easier than ever.
v moda bassfit workout headphones news 1

BassFit wireless in-ear headphones bring low-end fuel to your workout

V-Moda's latest headphone offering is a set of banded Bluetooth in-ears called the BassFit. A sweat-proof, ultra-secure pair of headphones that mark the first time the company has purpose-built a headphone for its most active customers, the BassFit are designed to bring low-end power to your next workout.
pandora launches podcast genome project podcasts crp1

Looking for a podcast? Pandora’s Podcast Genome Project is just the ticket

Pandora has created a brand new service for avid podcast listeners. Powered by what the company calls the Podcast Genome Project, the new podcast offering uses an advanced combination of algorithms and human curation to deliver the perfect podcasts for you, in much the same way it does for music discovery.
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Don’t bother finding the remote — Alexa controls the new Hisense H8E TV

Hisense announced two new 4K TV models for 2018, one of which will allow you to leave your traditional remote sandwiched inside your couch cushions thanks to special integration with Amazon's Alexa ecosystem. Just how much can you do with your voice? A whole lot.
xfinity

Comcast wants you to take control of your smart home through your TV

Cable and broadband internet provider Comcast is looking to take on Google and Amazon as the new central hub of your smart home. The company is reportedly testing a program that would allow broadband-only customers to turn their TVs into smart home hubs, allowing them to control everything from bulbs to cameras.
spotify connect phone controls desktop music

No subscription, no problem. Free Spotify users can soon use Spotify Connect

Spotify Connect, which allows users to stream their favorite tunes to any Connect-enabled speaker, has long been one of the best premium-only features on the Swedish streaming service. Soon, free users will get it too, providing yet another reason to embrace Spotify before other services.
focal 100 od6 od8 speaker news

Rain or shine, take your tunes outside with Focal’s new speaker line

French speaker manufacturer Focal is bringing its fantastic high-fidelity pedigree to your backyard with two new models. The 100 OD6 and 100 OD8 speakers will allow you to listen to your favorite tunes with audiophile-level fidelity, rain or shine, providing outdoor enthusiasts a great new option.
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Rapper Mac Miller died of accidental overdose, autopsy report finds

According to an autopsy report, rapper Mac Miller died September 7 of an accidental drug overdose involving the combination of cocaine and fentanyl -- the super-strength opiate that previously claimed the lives of Prince, Tom Petty, and others. Miller was slated to begin a tour in support of the album in October.
Apple AirPods review

The Apple AirPods 2 needed to come out today. Here are four reasons why

Apple announced numerous new products at its October 30 event, a lineup that included a new iPad Pro, a Macbook Air, as well as a new Mac Mini. Here’s four reasons we wish a new set of AirPods were on that list, and what Apple needs to do to stay at the top of the true wireless universe.
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Anker’s new smart devices will have you dimming the lights and jamming out

Anker announced a new smart speaker line and a brand new smart micro projector, further pushing the popular home audio brand into the world of connected home devices. Both feature Google Assistant connectivity and allow viewers and listeners to stream their favorite content with ease.
jlab flex sport news 2

JLab’s sweatproof wireless headphones are perfect for earbud-hating gym rats

JLab's latest headphones are a pair of wireless, sweatproof over-ears designed for those who hate the feeling of in-ears during their workouts. Durable, and with 20 hours of battery life to last through a week's worth of workout sessions, they're perfect for earbud-hating gym rats.
cmt to celebrate johnny cash legacy with weeklong special

From Aretha Franklin to Johnny Cash, here are the best cover songs of all time

Did you know that Aretha Franklin didn't write Respect? Or that Led Zeppelin didn't write Dazed and Confused? Check out those tunes and numerous other iconic hits on our playlist of the best cover songs of all time, from iconic soul to the biggest pop hits of their day.
guillermo del toro

Guillermo del Toro to pull the strings behind Netflix’s stop-motion ‘Pinocchio’

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro will pull the strings as director of a stop-motion musical version of classic Disney film Pinocchio, which will be produced by Netflix. It will mark the first animated feature ever directed by del Toro, who previously produced Megamind and Puss in Boots.
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Make better buds! 7 ways true wireless in-ear headphones need to improve

After years testing virtually every set of true wireless in-ears on the market, we have a number of consistent gripes. From clunky controls to abhorrent battery life, here are our most consistent problems -- and exactly what we hope to see from the next generation of wireless earbuds.
definitive technology studio advance slim soundbar

Definitive Technology launches two new high-end, Chromecast-enabled soundbars

High-end consumer audio brand Definitive Technology has announced the launch of two new cutting-edge soundbars, offering custom virtual surround sound, Chromecast integration, and gorgeous design for those who want great home theater audio without the footprint of a traditional surround sound system.
polk signa s2 soundbar

Polk’s Signa S2 soundbar/subwoofer combo pumps out great sound at a low price

Polk Audio has announced a new version of its popular Signa soundbar line, the Signa S2. Designed for home theater enthusiasts without corner office budgets, the Signa S2 brings much-desired HDMI ARC connectivity for smart TV owners, allowing them to enjoy better sound than ever.
focal kanta speaker lineup 2018 speakers

Focal adds a splash of color to its latest Kanta speaker offerings

French speaker manufacturer Focal has introduced three absolutely stunning new hi-fi speakers as part of its Kanta line, aiming to capture high-end buyers who are after beautiful-looking (and sounding) models for their home cinema or audiophile-grade listening space, featuring flax cones and beryllium tweeters.
hulu plus ios

Spotify and Hulu add Showtime to $5-per-month college student plan

Spotify and Hulu have extended their popular $5-per-month student bundle to include acclaimed premium cable channel Showtime, offering those attending an accredited college or university one of the best deals on the internet, and providing them with a new and exciting way to spend their time between classes.
Amazon Fire TV Cube

Amazon is working on a free video streaming service for Fire TV owners

Amazon is reportedly working on a brand new free video streaming service for owners of its Fire TV devices, aiming to compete with similar offerings from competitors like Roku. The new service is part of an effort to snag TV advertising revenue -- a $70 billion market.
master and dynamic michael jackson headphones mw50 mj edition 4

Master & Dynamic’s ultra-rare Michael Jackson headphones will make you moonwalk

High-end New York audio brand Master and Dynamic has announced a hyper-limited pair of on-ear/over-ear headphones in honor of late pop legend Michael Jackson's 60th birthday. they offer listeners a gorgeous set of headphones with gold accents and special images of the King of Pop doing the moonwalk.
bose home speaker 500 soundbar 700

Bose one-ups Apple, Amazon with a $400 smart speaker, two new soundbars

Bose has launched three new smart speakers, adding an Alexa-enabled speaker and two soundbars to its current lineup, chasing Sonos into the world of assistant-integrated whole-home audio. Though it will only have Alexa at launch, the company says Airplay 2 and other assitants will follow.
pioneer embraces bluetooth launches true wireless c8 tethered c7 headphones in case

Pioneer embraces Bluetooth, launches true wireless C8, tethered C7 headphones

Pioneer has launched two new pairs of Bluetooth earbuds, continuing its trend of offering great-sounding and affordable headphones. The new fully wireless C8 and the tethered C7 in-ears take aim at jackless phone owners' wallets, competing against excellent options from Jabra and Apple.
baywatchs alexandra daddario helps autotrader search pups like pickups dogtrader feat

Baywatch’s Alexandra Daddario helps Autotrader search pups like pickups

Popular online car shopping service Autotrader has partnered with Adopt-a-Pet.com this National Dog Day, aiming to connect dog lovers with the shelter dog of their dreams. We spoke to celebrity spokesperson Alexandra Daddario about her own rescue dog, and the clever new site.
rowkin bit charge touch feat

No bigger than bullets, these true wireless earbuds redefine ‘tiny’

Rowkin’s Bit Charge Touch offer the kind of compact fully wireless in-ear design many consumers want -- and have a very palatable price -- but that comes at the cost of battery life, easy-to-use buttons, and overall sound quality. Here's what you'll get (and what you won't) from Rowkin's latest.
eagles co founder glenn frey died age 67

The Eagles tell Michael Jackson to beat it as they claim single-album sales title

California-based rock 'n' roll icons The Eagles have finally surpassed King of Pop Michael Jackson for the all-time single-album sales title. Their ubiquitous, blue-covered Greatest Hits album recently surpassed Jackson's Thriller as the single best-selling record ever made.
aretha franklin rip

Say a little prayer for Aretha Franklin: Iconic soul singer passes away at 76

Iconic soul singer Aretha Franklin has passed away at age 76. Considered among the most powerful voices of her generation, Franklin inspired millions with compelling songs about respect, prayer, and love, becoming one of the most important musicians of the 20th and 21st centuries in the process.
early digital rentals avoid movie theaters theater

MoviePass re-enrolls customers, while Costco offers refunds

MoviePass is reportedly re-enrolling users who had recently canceled the service, giving them an error message when they try to jump ship again. This comes as part of the launch of a new plan from the struggling company, which has increasingly limited the number of films subscribers can see each month.
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Dear Hollywood overlords: Please don’t turn the Oscars into the Grammys

The organizers of the Academy Awards are adding a “popular films” category in an attempt to capture more eyes. But if the Grammys -- the closest musical equivalent to the Oscars -- has taught us anything, it’s that kowtowing to popularity and creating confusing categories is a terrible idea.
Sonos Pandora

Multiroom speaker pioneer Sonos has gone public — here’s what that means to you

Industry-leading multiroom speaker company Sonos recently rang a bell of its own design on the Nasdaq, signaling its launch into the public sector with its own unique voice. That might be very intriguing for potential investors, but what does the company's IPO actually mean for you?
nokia ozo concert

Nokia is on a crusade to make your cell phone videos sound as good as they look

While cell phone cameras have enjoyed numerous upgrades over the past decade, very little has been done to improve audio quality. With its software-based Ozo audio platform, Nokia looks to change that, one mobile manufacturer at a time.
rhas ma390 wireless are classy banded in ears with a working class price rha dt1

RHA’s MA390 Wireless are classy, banded in-ears with a working-class price

RHA has created a banded wireless version of its popular MA390 in-ear headphones, offering jackless listeners the same elegant looks and shocking affordability as the original, and providing those with thinner wallets with eight hours of battery and great sound to boot.
qualcomm qcc3026 fully wireless headphones bluetooth

Qualcomm’s new fully wireless in-ear chip makes banded Bluetooth buds obsolete

Qualcomm's new QCC3026 chip will take fully wireless headphones to the next level, offering up to 50 percent more battery life, more powerful audio processing, and the potential for lower price points, a move that could make banded wireless in-ears obsolete.
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Yamaha’s new YAS-108 soundbar has a slim footprint, beefy 3D sound

Yamaha's new YAS-108 soundbar improves on the YAS-107 model with slimmed-down looks and even better Bluetooth. Those looking for an affordable home theater option get even more bang for their buck, as the company maintains its position as one of the best value audio brands.
merle haggard dead at 79 getty

Country music loses a legendary outlaw: Merle Haggard dead at 79

Merle Haggard, legendary songwriter and co-founder of the outlaw country sound, has passed away in his home at the age of 79 .
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Two-hour ‘Sense 8’ finale is streaming on Netflix, bringing closure to fans

After a successful fan-lead petition campaign successfully changed Netflix's mind, the sci-fi drama Sense8 has returned from its premature end with a two-hour special, bringing with it all the cool fight sequences and deep interpersonal connections fans loved enough to bring it back from cancelation.
apple tv 4k adds dolby atmos and more

Apple TV 4K to add Dolby Atmos, out-of-this-world screen savers in next update

Apple has announced a new software update for its Apple TV 4K that will provide users with more channels, shots from the Internation Space Station, and Dolby Atmos' object-based surround sound, making it the first streaming box with both Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision integration.
Man wearing AirPods.

An iOS 12 update will allow Apple’s AirPods to be used as hearing aids

A software update will come to Apple's fully wireless AirPods with iOS 12, allowing iPhone users to use their tiny white earbuds with the phone's internal microphone to amplify the sounds of the world around them — a feature the company calls "Live Listen" that was previously only available with hearing aids.