Categories
Computers

55 Best Podcasts (2024): True Crime, Culture, Science, Fiction

[ad_1]

Podcasts are to radio as streaming services are to television, and we are lucky enough to be living through the golden age of both. You can find a podcast about almost anything these days, but with great choice comes great mediocrity—you might need a helping hand to find the podcasts worthy of your ear. Our expertly curated list will entertain and educate you, whether you’re doing the dishes, working out, commuting, or lazing in the bath.

For more advice, check out our guides on how to listen to more podcasts and the best podcasts for kids. If you’re feeling entrepreneurial, read our recommendations on the gear you need to start a podcast.

Updated March 2023: We added several podcasts, including Your Undivided Attention, Mobbed Up: The Fight for Las Vegas, Dead Eyes, and My Therapist Ghosted Me, plus a new health and wellness section.

Table of Contents

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you’d like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.

The Dropout podcast art

Courtesy of ABC News

The Dropout

Sneak a peek behind the curtain, as this podcast follows the trials and tribulations of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos, the tech startup that promised to disrupt blood testing but disintegrated in the face of whistleblowers, inaccurate results, and fraudulent claims. John Carreyrou’s reporting broke the scandal, and his book Bad Blood also spawned another interesting podcast. But The Dropout is a refreshingly clear recounting of the sordid tale, with season two tackling the trial.

Darknet Diaries podcast cover art featuring illustration of laptop on fire

Courtesy of Darknet Diaries

Darknet Diaries

Anyone with an interest in hacking and cybercrime will appreciate this investigative podcast from Jack Rhysider. Densely packed and tightly edited, the show covers topics like Xbox hacking, a Greek wiretapping Vodafone scandal, and the impact of the NotPetya malware. Rhysider skillfully weaves informative narratives to unravel some complex issues and keeps things mostly accessible, though it may occasionally get a little too technical for some folks.

Cover art for Your Undivided Attention podcast art

Courtesy of Center for Humane Technology

Your Undivided Attention

Ex-Googler Tristan Harris, who you may recognize from the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma, talks with Aza Raskin about the dangers of living your life online. Cofounders of the Center for Humane Technology, they delve into the ethics of Big Tech, unpack the potential pitfalls, and try to imagine ways to harness technology for the good of humanity.

Twenty Thousand Hertz podcast art

Courtesy of Dallas Taylor

Twenty Thousand Hertz

Painstakingly researched, this podcast dives deep into the world of sound to explain everything from those sounds you always hear in movie trailers to car engines, choral music, the Netflix intro, and way beyond. Learn how iconic sounds were created, why certain sounds make us feel the way they do, and how sound enriches our lives in myriad ways.

Other Great Tech Podcasts:

  • WIRED’s Gadget Lab: Want to catch up on the week’s top tech news? Listen to our very own podcast hosted by senior writer Lauren Goode and senior editor Michael Calore.
  • The Lazarus Heist: This captivating investigation starts with the Sony hacks, digs into the involvement of North Korean hackers, and moves on to a billion-dollar cyber theft.
  • Rabbit Hole: What is the internet doing to us? New York Times tech columnist Kevin Roose investigates things like the impact of algorithms on radicalization with a dreamy soundscape backdrop.
  • Reply All: The beautifully paced, always convivial, and sorely missed Reply All dragged us down internet rabbit holes to investigate long-forgotten songs, phone scammers, hacked Snapchat accounts, and Team Fortress 2 bots.
  • Click Here: With a focus on cybersecurity, this podcast unravels tales of hacking, misinformation, cyberterrorism, and more, with interviews and insight from experts in episodes that usually come in under half an hour.
  • Waveform: Laid-back chats about the latest gadgets and developments in the world of tech with Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) and co-host David Imel.
The Last Days of August podcast art

Courtesy of Audible

The Last Days of August

Jon Ronson brings an inquisitive, empathetic, and slightly neurotic intelligence to bear on fascinating and often surprising tales. Following The Butterfly Effect (only on Audible), which delves into the collision of tech with the pornography industry, The Last Days of August investigates the untimely death of porn performer August Ames. All of Ronson’s other podcasts are equally excellent (we recommend Things Fell Apart and So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed), but this is a great place to start.

Wild Things podcast cover art featuring illustration of neon tiger

Courtesy of Apple

Wild Things: Siegfried and Roy

Famous German duo Siegfried and Roy were a mainstay on the Las Vegas show scene and performed about 30,000 times over five decades with an act that included white lions and tigers. When Roy was attacked live on stage, it made headlines everywhere. This podcast unravels their rise to stardom, touches on their controversial handling of wild animals, and digs into what really happened that fateful night.

Revisionist History podcast art

Courtesy of Pushkin Industries

Revisionist History

In this eclectic mix of quirky stories, Malcolm Gladwell tackles misunderstood events and rarely discussed ideas, veering from subjects like Toyota’s car recall to underhand-throwing basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain, and even the firebombing of Tokyo at the end of World War II. Gladwell freely mixes research and opinion and enjoys challenging conventional views, but every episode serves up facts and stories you have likely never heard before.

Other Great Society Podcasts:

  • Run Bambi Run: The riveting story of ex-Milwaukee police officer and Playboy Club bunny Laurie Bembenek, who was convicted of murdering her husband’s ex, despite conflicting evidence, and subsequently escaped prison and fought to have her conviction overturned.
  • Missing Richard Simmons: Ebullient fitness guru Richard Simmons used to be everywhere, and this podcast charts an investigative reporter’s attempts to find out why he disappeared.
  • The Moth: This podcast offers random folks the chance to tell deeply personal stories to a crowd of strangers and reinforces just how weird and wonderful humans are.
  • The Trojan Horse Affair: This tale unpacks the British scandal over an alleged attempt by Islamist extremists to take over a Birmingham school and radicalize its students.
  • Day X: A sobering look at the neo-Nazi specter in modern-day Germany, its possible infiltration of police and government, and a plan involving a military officer and a faked refugee identity.
  • Project Unabom: Delving into the life of Ted Kaczynski, this podcast interviews his brother and recounts the FBI investigation to try to make sense of Kaczynski’s terrifying bombing spree.
  • Will Be Wild: Curious about the January 6 insurrection? This podcast interviews people from both sides, examines the struggles of law enforcement and intelligence under Trump, and charts the anti-government extremism that led to this dark day for democracy.
Cover art for The Cost of Happiness podcast art

Courtesy of Imperative Entertainment

The Cost of Happiness: Tony Hsieh

The online shoe store Zappos made Tony Hsieh a billionaire, and this podcast investigates his $350 million investment in the Downtown Project in Las Vegas. His utopian vision of a happy worker village promised to revitalize the depressed heart of Sin City. The experimental community generated much excitement, but the charismatic and eccentric Hsieh soon ran into trouble.

The Superhero Complex podcast art featuring superhero mask

Courtesy of Novel

The Superhero Complex

Part of the way into this investigation of the Rain City Superhero Movement, a real-life group of self-proclaimed superheroes active in Seattle a few years ago, I had to stop listening and check that this wasn’t fiction. The podcast focuses on the arrogant Phoenix Jones, an ex-MMA fighter turned violent vigilante, and his fall from grace. But there is also a fascinating glimpse into the friendlier side of the movement, with some heroes handing out water to homeless folks and helping people in distress.

The Read podcast art

Courtesy of The LoudSpeakers Network

The Read

Brutally honest comedians with chemistry, Kid Fury and Crissle West recap and review the latest pop culture news and offer their opinions on everything. Insightful, funny, challenging, and refreshingly different from the podcast pack, these sprawling conversations run for a couple of hours, covering recent events and frequently touching on social justice, mental health, race, and sexual identity.

Forever35 podcast art

Courtesy of Forever35

Forever35

Like eavesdropping on conversations between relatable besties, Forever35 started as a physical self-care podcast but expanded to discuss mental health, relationships, and any other topic that appeals to LA-based writers Doree Shafrir and Kate Spencer. They go from chatting about serums and creams to seasonal affective disorder and how to deal with a new stepmother as an adult—but always in a fun, inclusive, and down-to-earth way.

Other Great Culture Podcasts:

  • Sounds Like a Cult: Fanatical fringe groups have never been so prevalent, and there’s something more than a little cultish about celebrity stans, multilevel marketing, and marathon runners—just three of the subjects this lighthearted podcast unpacks.
  • Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard: Now a Spotify exclusive, this often funny and always insightful podcast seeks out human truths and sometimes finds them.
  • Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy: Ably hosted by author David Barr Kirtley, this sci-fi fantasy extravaganza digs into fascinating topics with the help of accomplished guests like Neil Gaiman, Brent Spiner, and Steven Pinker.
  • The Allusionist: If you are interested in words, this witty but accessible show will delight you as it charts the evolution of slang, explains euphemisms, and generally celebrates language.
Cover art for Mobbed Up podcast art

Courtesy of Las Vegas Review Journal

Mobbed Up: The Fight for Las Vegas

This fascinating tale, told through interviews with old gangsters, law enforcement, politicians, and journalists, charts the symbiotic rise of organized crime and Las Vegas. The first season recounts the FBI’s attempts to take down the “Hole in the Wall Gang” and reveals the true-life inspiration for movies like Casino. Season two tackles Jimmy Hoffa and the battle to oust the mafia from the Strip’s casinos.

Criminal podcast art

Courtesy of Vox Media

Criminal

Soothing host Phoebe Judge unravels captivating tales with reverence in this polished production about the spectrum of crime. Criminals, victims, lawyers, police, historians, and others whose lives have been altered by crime voice their stories as Judge carefully avoids the sensational and exploitative by respectfully teasing out the heart of each subject.

STown podcast art

Courtesy of WBEZ

S-Town

Give this compelling mystery five minutes and you’ll be hooked. The talented host, Brian Reed, investigates a small town in Alabama at the behest of eccentric horologist John B. McLemore, who claims the son of a wealthy family has gotten away with murder. The script, pacing, editing, music—basically everything about this production—are perfect.

Cover art for Bone Valley podcast art

Courtesy of Lava For Good

Bone Valley

Painstakingly researched, thoughtfully told, and skillfully produced, this true-crime podcast hosted by Gilbert King focuses on a 1987 Florida murder. After an incompetent police investigation and distinctly dodgy trial, Leo Schofield was convicted of killing his wife. Despite fresh evidence and a confession from someone else, Schofield remains in prison.

Chameleon Hollywood Con Queen podcast art

Courtesy of Campside

Chameleon: Hollywood Con Queen

Murder may dominate this genre, but there are other fascinating stories worth telling in the world of crime, like this one, which is about a scammer posing as a Hollywood mogul. This weird, compelling, investigative podcast unwinds a satisfyingly twisty tale that’s mercifully free of blood and violence. The third season, Wild Boys, tells a completely new story, and the fifth tackles hypnotist Dr. Dante.

Other Great True-Crime Podcasts:

  • Who Killed Daphne: Investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was murdered by car bomb in Malta, and this podcast delves into her work exposing the unscrupulous elite to identify her killers.
  • The Clearing: The families of serial killers often seek obscurity (understandably), but that means we never hear their stories. That’s something this podcast about April Balascio, daughter of American serial killer Edward Wayne Edwards, rectifies.
  • The Trials of Frank Carson: Police and prosecutors go after the defense attorney who has been beating them in court for years, sparking accusations of conspiracy and one of the longest trials in US history.
  • Sweet Bobby: This British catfishing tale charts successful radio presenter Kirat’s relationship with handsome cardiologist Bobby, and things get impossibly weird.
  • Dr. Death: A gripping podcast that focuses on incompetent or psychopathic (maybe both) ex-surgeon Christopher Duntsch and exposes terrifying institutional failures.
  • Crimetown: Taking a forensic approach to organized crime in American cities, this slick podcast comes from the supremely talented makers of The Jinx.
  • Hunting Warhead: A journalist, a hacker, and some detectives go after a chilling child abuse ring led by a criminal known as Warhead in this tactfully told and thorough podcast.
  • Love Janessa: Catfishing scams are big business, but why do so many use photos of Janessa Brazil? This podcast tracks her down to find out.
  • The Evaporated: Gone With the Gods: Journalist Jake Adelstein dives deep into Japanese culture, pursuing his missing accountant and exploring the mysterious disappearances of thousands of people in Japan every year.
Maintenance Phase podcast art

Courtesy of Aubrey Gordon & Michael Hobbes

Maintenance Phase

The worlds of wellness and weight loss are awash with questionable products and advice, so a podcast to debunk fads and junk science with reasoned argument and research is welcome. It’s more fun than it sounds, thanks to the entertaining hosts, and there’s even a fascinating episode on “snake oil” that recounts the history of health scams.

Hidden Brain podcast art

Courtesy of NPR

Hidden Brain

An absorbing deep dive into human behavior with the help of psychologists, sociologists, and other experts, Hidden Brain is densely packed with informative nuggets. The host, NPR’s accomplished science correspondent Shankar Vedantam, renders complex ideas accessible and offers insight into the inner workings of our minds.

The Infinite Monkey Cage podcast art

Courtesy of BBC

The Infinite Monkey Cage

This whimsical show, hosted by physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince, poses questions like “Does time exist?”—which are then debated by a diverse panel of three guests, usually a mix of experts and entertainers. Definitive answers are in short supply, but it’s always articulate, enthusiastic, and thought-provoking.

Other Great Science Podcasts:

  • Science Rules!: Bill Nye, the science guy, teams up with science writer Corey Powell to grill experts on all sorts of interesting science-related topics.
  • Stuff You Should Know: Prizing knowledge for its own sake and provoking healthy curiosity, this podcast is comical, charming, and full of interesting conversational nuggets.
The Indicator podcast art

Courtesy of NPR

The Indicator

This Planet Money spin-off delivers digestible, fast-paced, well-told stories about business and the economy, tackling topics that range from TikTok marketing to opioid nasal sprays and ticket scalpers. Each enlightening episode comes in under 10 minutes and serves as a quick primer that will leave you feeling well informed.

Freakonomics Radio podcast art

Courtesy of Freakonomics Radio Network

Freakonomics Radio

Promising to delve into the “hidden side of everything,” this long-running, data-driven show is hosted by Stephen J. Dubner, coauthor of the Freakonomics books, and it regularly features economist Steven Levitt. It’s a clever mix of economics and pop culture that flows easily and balances entertainment with education, presenting both sides of debates while consulting relevant guests.

Macro Musings podcast art

Courtesy of Macro Musings

Macro Musings

If you long to understand the economy better, this topical show, hosted by David Beckworth of the Mercatus Center, interrogates a diverse line-up of economists, professionals, and academics to bring you invaluable insights. It takes a serious look at macroeconomics and monetary policy, but the guests do a solid job of unpacking complex topics.

Other Great Economics Podcasts:

  • Planet Money: This top-notch podcast has entertaining, digestible, and relatable stories about the economy, unraveling everything from health care to income taxes.
  • EconTalk: This no-frills show sees economist Russ Roberts engage in sprawling conversations with writers and academics on a range of economics topics.
How I Built This with Guy Raz podcast art

Courtesy of Wondery

How I Built This

This NPR podcast hosted by Guy Raz explores the stories behind some of the biggest companies in the world from the perspective of the innovators and entrepreneurs who built them. Expect cautionary tales, nuggets of wisdom, and business lessons galore in probing and insightful interviews that reveal a lot about their subjects and what drove them.

The Diary of A CEO podcast art featuring host Steven Bartlett

Courtesy of Steven Bartlett

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

Serial entrepreneur Steven Bartlett built a successful business from nothing and is now an investor on Dragons Den (the UK’s Shark Tank). He talks frankly about his own experiences and interviews various CEOs to find out why they started their businesses and how they guided them to success. Sprawling discussions range from personal life challenges and mental health to business strategies and advice.

Work Life with Adam Grant podcast art

Courtesy of TED/Audio Collective

WorkLife with Adam Grant

Expertly hosted by organizational psychologist Adam Grant, this podcast offers practical advice on tackling various issues you are sure to encounter in the average job. The show features interesting psychological perspectives on everything, from how to rethink a poor decision to crafting a great pitch to dealing with burnout. The podcast also boasts insightful interviews with business leaders.

Other Great Business Podcasts:

  • The Pitch: Fans of Shark Tank will enjoy this podcast, which features entrepreneurs pitching investors to secure real money for their startups.
  • Ask Martin Lewis: Personal finance guru Martin Lewis has been helping folks in the UK save money for years and provides straightforward financial advice here.
  • BizChix: This podcast from business coach Natalie Eckdahl is aimed squarely at female entrepreneurs and is packed with no-nonsense expert advice.
  • Teamistry: With a focus on teams and what they can achieve, the latest season of this podcast tells the fascinating story of the supersonic passenger jet Concorde.

Best Celebrity Interview Podcasts

The Adam Buxton Podcast art

Courtesy of Adam Buxton

The Adam Buxton Podcast

Consummate conversationalist Adam Buxton is always witty and well prepared, and he has interviewed many interesting people over the course of his long-running show, from Charlie Brooker to Jeff Goldblum. Ostensibly rambling, Buxton skillfully pulls fascinating insights from his interview subjects, bouncing between their personal lives, work, and popular culture with seeming ease.

Life is Short with Justin Long podcast art

Courtesy of Wondery

Life Is Short With Justin Long

Likable actor Justin Long and his brother Christian host this enthusiastic and sprawling interview show, where they chat with guests like Zack Snyder, Kristen Bell, and Billy Crudup. The siblings get sidetracked by nostalgic reminiscences and occasional bickering, which sort of makes the show, but they are always generous and kind to their guests.

SmartLess podcast art

Courtesy of Wondery

SmartLess

Charming and goofy, this conversational podcast stars Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes, and they always have a surprise celebrity guest, like Ryan Reynolds or Reese Witherspoon. It is warm, gentle, and often laugh-out-loud funny, but don’t expect challenging questions or bared souls.

Other Great Celebrity Interview Podcasts:

  • WTF With Marc Maron: Self-deprecating, sardonic, supremely skilled interviewer Marc Maron interviews some of the world’s most famous people, from Barack Obama to Paul McCartney.
  • Grounded With Louis Theroux: A soothingly gentle facade belies Louis Theroux’s ability to draw fascinating insights from his subjects with tact and humor.
  • Where There’s a Will, There’s a Wake: Kathy Burke laughs in the face of death, asking guests like Stewart Lee and Dawn French how they’d like to die, what sort of funeral they want, and who they plan to haunt.
Sports Wars podcast

Courtesy of Wondery

Sports Wars

Epic rivalries and long-anticipated showdowns are a massive part of the enduring appeal of sports, and this slick production homes in on them. Rivalries like Federer vs. Nadal in tennis and Tyson vs. Holyfield in boxing are unpacked over a few episodes apiece by host Dan Rubenstein, who digs into their backgrounds to understand why some face-offs get so highly charged.

The Bill Simmons Podcast art

Courtesy of The Ringer

The Bill Simmons Podcast

This hugely popular sports podcast features fast-paced roundtable conversations with athletes and celebrities that usually focus on the NFL or NBA. Unfiltered opinions, witty remarks, and encyclopedic sports knowledge collide, but this is enthusiastic and accessible enough for casual sports fans to enjoy.

The PosCast podcast art

Courtesy of The Athletic

The PosCast

Primarily focused on baseball, this long-running podcast sometimes covers other sports and often meanders into comical conversations. Guests offer amusing anecdotes, but the chemistry between hosts Joe Posnanski and Michael Schur, who can debate endlessly about any old nonsense, is what makes this show so special.

Other Great Sports Podcasts:

  • Undr the Cosh: Open and honest banter from ex-professional soccer (football) players, as they talk to current pros and recount hilarious on- and off-pitch anecdotes.
  • Around the NFL: This funny, fast-paced look at the National Football League runs through all the latest football news, blending anecdotes and analysis.
  • 32 Thoughts: A slickly produced, insightful dive into all the latest hockey news and controversy from knowledgable hosts who bounce off each other.
How Did This Get Made podcast art

Courtesy of Earwolf

How Did This Get Made?

We have all asked this question of a movie at some point, but hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas invite guest creatives to engage in heated and hilarious chats about some of the worst films ever. Movies that are so bad they are entertaining, from Face/Off to Junior to The Room, are dissected and thoroughly ridiculed.

Kermode and Mayos Film Review podcast art

Courtesy of BBC

Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review

Respected film critic Mark Kermode has an infectious love of movies and an incredible depth of knowledge about the world of film, and Simon Mayo is a veteran radio presenter. Together they discuss the latest movies, interview top-tier directors and actors, and invite views from their listeners. While the podcast ended earlier this year, the duo have a new show called Kermode & Mayo’s Take.

You Must Remember This podcast art

Courtesy of You Must Remember This

You Must Remember This

Diving into Hollywood myths to investigate and uncover the truth about infamous secrets, scandals, and legends from Tinseltown is a compelling premise, and talented creator and host Karina Longworth makes the most of it. Among the best shows are the “Dead Blondes” series, which includes Marilyn Monroe; the run on Manson; and the “Frances Farmer” episode.

Other Great Movie Podcasts:

  • The Director’s Cut: Listen to directors like Benicio del Toro, Steven Spielberg, and James Cameron being interviewed about their latest movies by their peers in roughly half-hour episodes.
  • The Rewatchables: Bill Simmons and a rotating cast of cohosts discuss and analyze beloved movies and dig up interesting nuggets of trivia.
  • Lights Camera Barstool: Reviews, interviews, rankings, and accessible chats about the movies with pop culture debates thrown in.
  • Black Men Can’t Jump [in Hollywood]: This comedic movie review podcast highlights films featuring actors of color and analyzes the movies in depth, with an eye on race and diversity.
Cover art for Dead Eyes podcast art

Courtesy of Headgum

Dead Eyes

Join comedian and actor Connor Ratliff on his mission to discover why he got fired from Band of Brothers. His amusing and honest account of how his big break went bad, reportedly because Tom Hanks thought he had “dead eyes,” is often very funny. An easy listen, peppered with celebrity guests like Seth Rogen, Elijah Wood, and Zach Braff, Dead Eyes affords listeners an insight into the world of auditions, acting triumphs, and humiliation.

Succession Podcast cover art featuring two characters from HBO's Succession

Courtesy of HBO

HBO’s Succession Podcast

Whether you’re new to this captivating show or a long-time fan, the official podcast affords you a peek behind the curtain as it dissects episodes and explores character motivations. Roger Bennett interviews the main players from the show and then Kara Swisher steps in for the third season to interview the makers and various guests, from Mark Cuban to Anthony Scaramucci, to examine its impact and where it mirrors world events.

Harsh Reality podcast art featuring television sets depicting a woman

Courtesy of Wondery

Harsh Reality: The Story of Miriam Rivera

Recounting the tragic tale of the exploitative 2004 reality TV show There’s Something About Miriam, this podcast reveals just how cruel reality TV can get. Six young men set up house in an Ibizan villa to compete for the affections of Miriam and a £10,000 ($12,100) cash prize, but the show producers failed to tell them Miriam was trans. It’s a story that ended badly for everyone.

Talking Sopranos cover art featuring two characters from The Sopranos

Courtesy of Steve Schirripa

Talking Sopranos

Hosted by actors from the show, Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) and Steve Schirripa (Bobby Baccalieri), this podcast is essential listening for fans. It runs through every episode with big-name guests, most of whom worked on or appeared on the show. It’s candid about the entertainment industry and absolutely packed to the brim with behind-the-scenes anecdotes and insider revelations.

Other Great TV Podcasts:

  • Shrink the Box: Actor Ben Bailey Smith talks with psychotherapist Sasha Bates as they put some of the best TV characters of all time (like Walter White and Omar Little) on the couch for analysis.
  • Obsessed With…: This BBC podcast is hosted by celebrity superfans of various TV shows, including Killing Eve, Peaky Blinders, and Line of Duty.
  • Fake Doctors, Real Friends: Rewatching Scrubs with Zach Braff and Donald Faison is a joyous experience that’s every bit as entertaining, poignant, and silly as the TV show.
  • Welcome to Our Show: A warming dose of nostalgia and comfort for New Girl fans as Zooey Deschanel, Hannah Simone, and Lamorne Morris rewatch the show together.
Darkest Night podcast art

Courtesy of The Paragon Collective

Darkest Night

Horror fans will enjoy reliving the last gruesome moments of various corpses that have landed at the mysterious Roth-Lobdow Institute in this deliciously creepy and occasionally gross chiller. Wonderful narration from Lee Pace; acting from the likes of Denis O’Hare, Missi Pyle, and RuPaul; and clever sound design make for a memorably thrilling ride that you just know is going to end badly.

Hello from the Magic Tavern podcast art

Courtesy of Hello from the Magic Tavern

Hello From the Magic Tavern

Thoroughly absurd, this fantasy improv-comedy show is the brainchild of Chicago comedian Arnie Niekamp, who falls through a portal at a Burger King and ends up in the magical world of Foon. The role-playing game and fantasy references come thick and fast, guests play bizarre characters of their own creation, and loyal listeners are rewarded with long-running gags and rich lore.

We Fix Space Junk podcast art

Courtesy of Battle Bird Productions

We Fix Space Junk

Short and sweet episodes of this sci-fi comedy-drama fit neatly into gaps in your day and whisk you away to a nightmare corporate dystopia in a galaxy fraught with evil artificial intelligence and monstrous aliens. Struggling repair technician Kilner gets stuck with a rich murder suspect, Samantha Trapp, after accidentally smuggling her across the galaxy in this polished show with a distinct 1980s feel.

Other Great Fiction Podcasts:

  • DUST: This podcast started as an anthology of audio sci-fi stories from the likes of Philip K. Dick and Ray Bradbury but has changed things up with each new season.
  • The Bright Sessions: The therapy sessions of mysterious psychologist Dr. Bright, bookended by voice notes, form intriguing short episodes, as all of her patients seem to have special abilities.
  • Welcome to Night Vale: This pioneering creepy show is presented as a community radio broadcast from a desert town beset by paranormal and supernatural happenings.
Nice Try podcast art

Courtesy of Vox Media

Nice Try!

Utopian ideals have led to the development of some fascinating communities over the years, and season one of Nice Try! delves into their history, the hope that drove them, and why these communities ultimately failed. Season two moves on to lifestyle technology, from doorbells to vacuums, all designed to help us realize a personal utopia in the ideal home.

Revolutions podcast art

Courtesy of Revolutions

Revolutions

The modern world was shaped by some of the ideas that drove revolutions, and this deeply researched series runs through the English Civil War and American, French, Haitian, and Russian revolutions; Simon Bolivar’s liberation of South America; and more. The writing is concise, the narration is engaging, and host Mike Duncan does a fantastic job contextualizing revolutionary events and characters.

The Memory Palace podcast art

Courtesy of Radiotopia

The Memory Palace

A dreamy, emotional quality elevates these tales of seemingly random moments from the past, expertly told by the eloquent Nate DiMeo and backed by wonderful sound design. These distilled stories serve as historical snapshots of rarely discussed events, and it’s hard to think of another podcast as artful and poignant as this one.

Cover art for Noble Blood podcast art

Courtesy of Grim Mild

Noble Blood

Assured in their divine right to rule over everyone, royal families were often incredibly dysfunctional. Author Dana Schwarz examines tyrannical regimes, murderous rampages, power struggles, and dynasty deaths. The madness of monarchs from various nations is concisely dissected in tightly scripted half-hour episodes that will leave you questioning the idea that there’s anything noble about their bloodlines.

Other Great History Podcasts:

  • Something True: Enjoy utterly bizarre true stories, as every episode of this podcast explores a seemingly forgotten historical footnote.
  • Lore: Spooky and witty, this classic podcast plumbs history to uncover horrifying folklore, mythology, and pseudoscience.
  • Medieval Death Trip: An enthusiastic and well-researched look at medieval times, this podcast offers a witty analysis of the primary texts left behind.
  • Hardcore History: Relatable and endlessly fascinating, Dan Carlin brings history to life with his own riveting narratives on notable events and periods, peppered with facts and hypothetical questions.
A Hot Dog is a Sandwich podcast art

Courtesy of Ramble

A Hotdog Is a Sandwich

Whatever side of the titular, age-old debate you stand on (I’m with the British Sandwich Association), this fast-paced, often funny show will suck you in as it poses tough food-related questions and then debates them. Chefs Josh Scherer and Nicole Enayati decide whether American cheese is really cheese, if Popeye’s and In-N-Out are overrated, and what the best pasta shape is.

Gastropod podcast art

Courtesy of Gastropod

Gastropod

If your love of food extends to an interest in the history and science of everything from the humble potato to a soothing cup of tea to ever-polarizing licorice, then this podcast is for you. Knowledgeable cohosts Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley talk to experts and serve up a feast of delicious bite-size facts that surprise and delight.

The Dave Chang Show podcast art

Courtesy of The Ringer

The Dave Chang Show

Celebrity chef Dave Chang, whom you may know from his Netflix show, Ugly Delicious, talks mostly about food, guilty pleasures, and the creative process with other chefs and restaurateurs. There is plenty here to satisfy foodies, but some of the funniest moments come when the show covers other random topics, like the perfect email sign-off or wearing shoes indoors.

Other Great Food Podcasts:

  • Out To Lunch With Jay Rayner: This podcast seats you at a top restaurant to eavesdrop on consummate food critic Jay Rayner with a celebrity guest at the next table.
  • The Sporkful: You can learn a lot about people and culture through food, and this podcast proves it by serving up delectable bite-size insights.

Best Health and Wellness Podcasts

Cover art for Courage to Change podcast art

Courtesy of Lionrock

The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast

Whether you are struggling with addiction, childhood trauma, eating disorders, or something else, or you know someone who is, this accessible and inspirational podcast can help you examine why. Host Ashley Loeb Blassingame speaks from experience and offers practical advice to help you onto a healthier path. This podcast is honest, insightful, and emotional but ultimately heartwarming and uplifting.

Cover art for Redefining Yoga podcast art

Courtesy of LYT Yoga

Redefining Yoga

Hosted by Yoga leader and physical therapist Lara Heimann, this podcast is a mix of Q&A sessions, interviews with experts, and motivational advice. It focuses on understanding your body and mind, but you will also find practical advice for chronic pain sufferers and different kinds of injuries, explanations on why and how yoga is good for you, and firsthand accounts of the positive impact yoga has on many lives.

Cover art for MyWakeUpCall podcast art

Courtesy of Great Love Media

My Wakeup Call With Dr. Mark Goulston

Each episode sees psychiatrist Mark Goulston interview a notable person about the wakeup call moment that changed their path forever. He encourages them to interrogate what sparked their drive, made them want to be a better person, and led to their success. Some guests are better than others, but the podcast is closing in on 500 episodes, so there are plenty to choose from.

Other Great Health and Wellness Podcasts:

  • The Big Silence: Host Karena Dawn has conversations about mental health with an eclectic mix of therapists, psychologists, and ostensibly successful folks.
  • Spiraling With Katie Dalebout and Serena Wolf: Candid chats about anxiety with advice on how to cope. The relatable hosts are open and honest about the anxious feelings that modern life can evoke.
  • Huberman Lab: Host Andrew Huberman, a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine, interviews various experts to offer advice on optimizing your health and fitness.
Cover art for My Therapist Ghosted Me podcast art

Courtesy of Global Player

My Therapist Ghosted Me

Irreverent Irish chat with comedian Joanne McNally and TV presenter Vogue Williams as they put the world to rights. It feels like eavesdropping on brutally honest best pals as they discuss relationships, work woes, health issues, awkward social situations, and sometimes recent news. The down-to-earth pair liberally dole out a mix of sound and questionable advice that is frequently laugh-out-loud funny.

Wolf and Owl podcast art

Courtesy of Shiny Ranga

Wolf and Owl

Comedians and friends Tom Davis (the Wolf) and Romesh Ranganathan (the Owl) chat aimlessly and expertly poke fun at each other for around an hour. It’s often nostalgic, sometimes offers decent advice for listeners, and is always warmhearted and laugh-out-loud funny.

Why Won't You Date Me with Nicole Byer podcast art

Courtesy of Team Coco

Why Won’t You Date Me? With Nicole Byer

Perennially single stand-up comedian Nicole Byer is every bit as charming and funny here as in Netflix’s Nailed It baking show, but this podcast delves into some adult subjects. Byer is disarmingly open about her insecurities and struggles and seamlessly stirs in vulgar humor. She also hosts hilarious conversations with guest comedians.

Athletico Mince podcast art

Courtesy of Athletico Mince

Athletico Mince

Ostensibly a soccer (football) podcast, this surreal show is brought to life by lovable British comedy legend Bob Mortimer, with support from sidekick Andy Dawson. Tall tales about real footballers, complete with strange voices and fictional personalities, are mixed with songs, silly inside jokes, and rambling conversations. You don’t really need to know anything about soccer to enjoy it.

Other Great Comedy Podcasts:

  • Locked Together: Only on Audible, this show features lockdown chats between comedian pals like Simon Pegg and Nick Frost or Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan.
  • My Neighbors Are Dead: The wonderful premise of this hit-and-miss improvised show is interviews with lesser-known characters from horror movies, like the caterer from Damien’s party in The Omen and the neighbors from Poltergeist.

[ad_2]

Source Article Link

Categories
Entertainment

Netflix true crime documentary may have used AI-generated images of a real person

[ad_1]

Netflix has been accused of using AI-manipulated imagery in the true crime documentary What Jennifer Did, Futurism has reported. Several photos show typical signs of AI trickery, including mangled hands, strange artifacts and more. If accurate, the report raises serious questions about the use of such images in documentaries, particularly since the person depicted is currently in prison awaiting retrial.

In one egregious image, the left hand of the documentary’s subject Jennifer Pan is particularly mangled, while another image shows a strange gap in her cheek. Netflix has yet to acknowledge the report, but the images show clear signs of manipulation and were never labeled as AI-generated.

Netflix true crime documentary may have used AI-generated images of a real personNetflix true crime documentary may have used AI-generated images of a real person

Netflix

The AI may be generating the imagery based on real photos of Pan, as PetaPixel suggested. However, the resulting output may be interpreted as being prejudicial instead of presenting the facts of the case without bias.

A Canadian court of appeal ordered Pan’s retrial because the trial judge didn’t present the jury with enough options, the CBC reported.

One critic, journalist Karen K. HO, said that the Netflix documentary is an example of the “true crime industrial complex” catering to an “all-consuming and endless” appetite for violent content. Netflix’s potential use of AI manipulated imagery as a storytelling tool may reinforce that argument.

Regulators in the US, Europe and elsewhere have enacted laws on the use of AI, but so far there appears to be no specific laws governing the use of AI images or video in documentaries or other content.

This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission.

[ad_2]

Source Article Link

Categories
Computers

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Review: Big but Still Beautiful

[ad_1]

How much is great sound worth to you? Sennheiser’s top wireless earbuds ask that question in more ways than one. The previous version, the True Wireless 3, was praised by reviewers, but some users raised issues like battery drain and connection glitches. The Momentum True Wireless 4 set out to address these complaints with an all-new battery system among “over a dozen major upgrades,” according to Sennheiser.

Within this context, the two earbud dropouts I experienced in my first few days of testing the MTW4 stood out more than the usual new bud jitters. Especially since the latest pair sports the exact same exterior design as the MTW3, which is, in 2024, looking downright chunky compared to the competition. Size aside, a firmware update seems to have fixed those connection woes, and I’ve experienced no other dropouts over multiple days of testing.

One thing that’s never been in question with Sennheiser is sound quality. Even given their superb sonic pedigree, the Momentum 4 caught me off guard with their clarity, their sensitivity, and the sheer sweetness and delicacy with which they render every tone. They pair that with competitive noise canceling and a solid app. The result is a package that’s worthy of a little faith—especially for those who put great sound first.

Not-So-Spyware

If you’re at all familiar with Sennheiser’s long-running Momentum line, you’ll be feeling dé​jà vu with the fourth-gen version. The buds arrive nestled in what looks like the same boxy case from the original 2019 Momentum. It feels downright massive when compared to cases from Apple, Sony, and others. Still, you have to admire Sennheiser’s style, cloaking it with sleek fabric straight out of the James Bond Corduroy Collection.

The buds have morphed over time, but Sennheiser made no exterior changes from 2022’s MTW3 to maintain their “timeless aesthetic.” They certainly look premium with their angled, smoked-chrome housings but, timeless or not, I would have appreciated some ergonomic updates.

The buds barely wedge into my medium-size ears with the default band that flexes around the main housing, but swapping it for the smaller of two spares made them stable and relatively comfy for a few hours at a clip. They still feel bulgy and somewhat invasive, and at 6 grams per side, they don’t quite pull the disappearing trick of Apple’s AirPods Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends) or other favorites. Four ear tip sizes let you further customize the fit, but those with smaller ears may want to try before you buy.

Plenty of Goodies

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds and case

Photograph: Ryan Waniata

Beneath their enameled shells, the MTW4 have undergone a relatively thorough makeover, from their new battery system (and firmware to optimize it) to support for the latest Bluetooth 5.4 protocol and a new low-latency mode for gaming. They’ve also now got dust protection, with an IP54 rating.

The battery is arguably the most important upgrade, which includes a new provider to ensure improved reliability. Playback is rated at a respectable 7.5 hours per charge, and 30 hours total with the charging case. This matched my testing, with the buds keeping pace at around seven to eight hours per charge with noise canceling on.

Call quality has been upgraded, with AI optimization designed to offer advanced clarity via the buds’ new Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. I didn’t notice anything special on my end, but I also never received major complaints from others, even while talking outdoors.

[ad_2]

Source Article Link

Categories
Featured

Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova earbuds review – premium buds with some notable flaws

[ad_1]

The Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova earbuds give a fantastic first impression. The eye-catching RGB-on-black aesthetic of both the earbuds and the charging case lend them a premium feel. That goes for overall audio quality, too, where there’s an impressive level of detail that you won’t often find even among the best gaming earbuds. As such, we can highly recommend them as a strong alternative to the likes of the Sony Inzone Buds or the Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed.

That said, there are some missteps in terms of both design and performance. Despite coming with rubber tips of varying sizes, there’s a lack of comfort that makes the Speednova buds not best suited for longer sessions of play. They’re also not particularly great for multiplayer, with middling directional audio and some rather tinny voice quality. These could admittedly be dealbreakers when considering the earbuds cost $199.99 (and they’re yet to launch in territories beyond the US).

[ad_2]

Source Article Link

Categories
Featured

Samsung 990 EVO review: great for the price, just don’t expect true PCIe 5.0 speeds

[ad_1]

Samsung 990 EVO: Two-minute review

The Samsung 990 EVO steps into the spotlight following the well-received Samsung 990 Pro, setting the stage for an SSD to carry forward the EVO series’ legacy of performance and reliability. 

The 970 EVO Plus, this SSD’s predecessor, was one of the best SSD picks when it was released a couple of years back, and it’s still celebrated as one of the best cheap SSDs you can get even now, despite lacking the kinds of data rates you’ll get with a modern PCIe 5.0. 

[ad_2]

Source Article Link

Categories
Entertainment

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 review: Stellar sound, forward-looking features

[ad_1]

Companies don’t need to make huge updates to their wireless earbuds across generations. Sometimes, making a great set more reliable and adding features that extend their lifespan are upgrades enough. That’s what Sennheiser has done for the Momentum True Wireless 4 ($300). The company’s fourth-generation earbuds retain the excellent sound quality I’ve come to expect from Sennheiser along with rebuilt Bluetooth tech, higher-resolution sound, support for Bluetooth LE Audio and a tool for battery longevity. But, not everyone will reap all of the benefits I encountered during my Momentum True Wireless 4 review.

Momentum True Wireless 4: Design

The Momentum True Wireless 4 is identical in appearance to the Momentum True Wireless 3, with the only difference being a new copper/black color option alongside the existing silver/black and silver/white versions. Also, you’ll now get a fourth, extra-small, set of ear tips and the company still includes three sizes of stabilizer arcs to help you get an ideal fit. Sennheiser’s Smart Control app has a fit test too, so you’ve got help there. The company has also upgraded the dust and moisture protection here with an IP54 rating, so they now withstand fine debris in addition to water spray.

Sennheiser

Sennheiser’s latest flagship earbuds retain the excellent sound quality the company is known for, and add some quality-of-life updates that are improvements over the previous model.

Pros

  • Excellent sound quality
  • Support for higher-resolution audio on Android
  • Good battery life
  • Customization options
Cons

  • $50 more than previous model
  • No design refresh
  • No spatial audio

$300 at Amazon

There are, however, some important changes inside the Momentum True Wireless 4. That includes an update to Qualcomm’s S5 Sound Gen 2 platform with Snapdragon Sound. Part of the Bluetooth overhaul I mentioned is a redesigned antenna, which makes this fourth-gen set of wireless earbuds more reliable. Users had reported issues with dropouts and the companion app failing to recognize the Momentum True Wireless 3, so Sennheiser is clearly addressing those issues here.

Software and features

Like with recent Sennheiser audio gear, the company’s Sound Control app is where you access all of the settings and customization options for the Momentum True Wireless 4. The main interface gives you quick access to battery percentages, Bluetooth connections, personalized sound, ANC settings, transparency level, reconfiguring touch controls, fit test and Sound Zones. That last feature allows you to automate changes to audio settings like ANC and transparency on your location. You can set up to 20 of these “zones” for places like home, work and the gym. Of course, you have to give the app permission to monitor your whereabouts to use this.

Sennheiser has taken steps to future-proof these flagship earbuds – ensuring they last for the next few years, at least. First, they support Bluetooth 5.4, which is ready for LE Audio and Auracast. Those items aren’t available on the Momentum True Wireless 4 just yet, but Sennheiser is planning an update this spring that will deliver features like broadcast audio, audio sharing and assisted listening.

If you have a recent premium Android phone, the inclusion of Snapdragon Sound will come in handy for increased audio quality. The Qualcomm processor in those devices can muster what Sennheiser calls “flawless” lossless audio when streaming from a compatible music service. There are two settings here: high resolution at 24-bit/96kHz via aptX Adaptive and lossless at 16-bit/44.1kHz with aptX Lossless.

The final quality-of-life update concerns the battery. In order to maintain better performance over time, Sennheiser added a battery protection mode that stops the buds from charging past 80 percent. This is important since earbud batteries are almost never replaceable and preventing them from overcharging will extend its lifespan. It’s nice to see the company making a product last longer, which will also have environmental impacts.

Momentum True Wireless 4: Sound quality

White/silver Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds laying on a wooden table with the case open behind them. White/silver Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds laying on a wooden table with the case open behind them.

Photo by Billy Steele/Engadget

Sennheiser has a longstanding reputation for great sound quality and the Momentum True Wireless 4 continues that tradition. I couldn’t detect a huge difference between the Momentum True Wireless 4 and its predecessor, though, despite the company saying this year’s model has “evolved tuning” that includes things like “smoother treble response, extensive bass and effortless midrange.” And that’s just fine because the Momentum True Wireless 3 already sounded amazing.

There’s still great detail and clarity here, combined with a warm, inviting sound profile that’s enjoyable for hours on end. Even though the bass is boomy and punchy when a song like Incendiary’s “Lie of Liberty” demands it, the low-end tone never overpowers. And you can easily hear the texture of the distorted guitars, clanging hits on the ride cymbal and other subtleties on that bombastic hardcore track. Shift over to something more mellow like Charles Wesley Godwin’s Apple Music Sessions and the level of detail envelopes you even more. Those songs are also available in Dolby Atmos, so they really allow the Momentum True Wireless 4 to shine.

If the stock tuning doesn’t suit you, you can adjust a 5-band EQ and save any custom presets. The app also offers Sound Personalization, which tunes the audio to your listening preference via a quick test. The Momentum True Wireless 4 sounded great out of the box and I left the tuning untouched except for a bit of due diligence.

Android users can take advantage of the increased audio quality I mentioned earlier. There is a noticeable difference in the sound, especially in the finer details, but whether it’s “better” depends on your preferences. Of course, that higher-resolution playback will impact battery life and you’ll need a specific streaming plan (like Tidal’s Hi-Fi or Hi-Fi Plus options) or locally stored files to use what Snapdragon Sound offers in the first place.

iPhone owners shouldn’t feel left out as Apple’s AAC streaming also sounds great on the Momentum True Wireless 4. It’s aided by the fact that Apple Music’s audio quality is superior to other services, especially if the tunes are available in Dolby Atmos.

ANC performance

White/silver Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 earbud sitting in its case with the lid open, one earbud sitting on a wooden table on its side.White/silver Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 earbud sitting in its case with the lid open, one earbud sitting on a wooden table on its side.

Photo by Billy Steele/Engadget

Like its predecessor, the Momentum True Wireless 4 has an adaptive ANC setup that automatically adjusts to changes in your environment for a more “immersive listening experience.” Sennheiser didn’t point out any differences in its noise-canceling setup on this new model and I didn’t notice any discernible improvement or decline. The ANC works just fine in most settings, but like most earbuds and headphones, it struggles with sounds like human voices. I also found that it’s not as robust as the best buds from Bose and Sony with some sources of constant noise, like white noise machines and noisy fans.

Call quality

Sennheiser uses six microphones to handle calls on the Momentum True Wireless 4. Overall quality is good, but not pristine, as long as you’re in a quiet spot. Constant noise like a raucous fan comes across as a nondescript hum, but it’s still noticeable. Transparency mode helps a bit during calls, if only to let you be aware of your surroundings. It has a natural sound compared to other earbuds, but doesn’t pipe in your voice, so the end result isn’t as good as Apple’s AirPods Pro.

Momentum True Wireless 4: Battery life

The Momentum True Wireless 4’s battery is rated to last seven hours with ANC on, but you can extend that 30 minutes by disabling it. During my tests, which consisted of mostly ANC listening at around 70-percent volume with a few calls using transparency mode, I easily hit the seven-hour mark. Factor in the case, which supports wireless charging, and you can expect up to 30 hours of playback on the go. There’s also a wireless quick-charge feature with the battery protection mode that gives you an hour of use in just eight minutes.

The competition

The leader of the pack is still Sony’s WF-1000XM5. While the Momentum True Wireless 4 has the edge in terms of sound quality, Sony’s earbuds offer better noise-canceling and a host of handy features. Tools like Speak-to-Chat automatic pausing and DSEE Extreme audio upscaling cannot be overlooked. Sony also provides the ability to automatically change sound settings based on your location like Sennheiser does, so you don’t have to sacrifice that feature. The WF-1000XM5 debuted last July, which means you can find them on sale often. They’re currently going for $278, $22 less than the Momentum True Wireless 4.

Wrap-up

No new design? No problem. Sennheiser has made enough upgrades to the Momentum True Wireless 4 to make it a compelling entry in a growing line of stellar-sounding earbuds. Sound quality is great as always, and that’s the biggest selling point for me. Combine that with the higher-resolution audio on Android, forward-facing features and solid battery life, and this model checks a lot of boxes for a flagship set of buds. Sure, ANC could be better and some folks will yearn for spatial audio, but just because the Momentum True Wireless 4 is superb in some areas doesn’t mean it’s perfect.

[ad_2]

Source Article Link

Categories
Featured

AI chip built using ancient Samsung tech is claimed to be as fast as Nvidia A100 GPU — prototype is smaller and much more power efficient but is it just too good to be true?

[ad_1]

Scientists from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have unveiled an AI chip that they claim can match the speed of Nvidia‘s A100 GPU but with a smaller size and significantly lower power consumption. The chip was developed using Samsung‘s 28-nanometer manufacturing process, a technology considered relatively old in the fast-moving world of semiconductors.

The team, led by Professor Yoo Hoi-jun at KAIST’s processing-in-memory research center, has developed what it says is the world’s first ‘Complementary-Transformer’ (C-Transformer) AI chip. This neuromorphic computing system mimics the structure and workings of the human brain, using a deep learning model often employed in visual data processing.

[ad_2]

Source Article Link

Categories
News

Flagship Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 earbuds

Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 earbuds

Sennheiser has introduced its new MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 earbuds this weeks, its latest flagship model, featuring advanced audio technologies and enhancements for high-performance audio enthusiasts. These earbuds are designed to meet the growing demand for superior sound quality in various real-world applications.

Powering the latest earbuds from Sennheiser is Snapdragon Sound Technology, paired with Qualcomm aptX Lossless Technology. This powerful duo ensures that every note and beat is delivered with crystal-clear precision, satisfying even the most discerning ears. For those who love to share their tunes, the earbuds come with Auracast support, making it a breeze to broadcast your music to friends and fellow listeners.

If you’re into gaming or love watching videos, the ultra-low-latency mode is a feature you’ll appreciate. It keeps your audio and visuals in perfect harmony, providing an immersive and uninterrupted experience. The latest Bluetooth 5.4 technology is also integrated, offering a solid and consistent wireless connection, so you can enjoy your media without the hassle of dropped signals.

Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 earbuds

The MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 earbuds are future-proof, ready to embrace upcoming audio innovations thanks to their compatibility with the Qualcomm S5 Sound Gen 2 platform. An enhanced antenna design ensures that your connection remains robust, even in places where interference is common.

You won’t be tethered to a charger with these earbuds, as they boast an impressive battery life. Enjoy up to 7.5 hours of playtime, which can be extended to 30 hours with the help of the charging case. The convenience doesn’t stop there; quick charging and Qi wireless charging are supported, and a battery protection mode is included to prolong the life of your earbuds.

Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 earbuds charging case

When it comes to phone calls or listening to music in noisy environments, the six-microphone array and Adaptive Noise Cancelling come into play. They work together to ensure that your calls are crystal clear and your music is uninterrupted. An adaptive equalizer also adjusts the sound quality to match different types of audio content, so everything you hear is optimized for your ears.

Sennheiser knows that a personalized listening experience is key. With the Smart Control App, you can tailor the sound to your liking using features like Sound Personalization, Sound Zone, and Sound Check. The earbuds also come with a new ear tip and nozzle design that not only keeps earwax at bay but also enhances the sound quality.

Comfort hasn’t been overlooked. The earbuds include a fit kit with various ear tip and ear fin sizes, ensuring that you can find the perfect fit for your ears, guaranteeing both comfort and a secure hold.

The MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 earbuds are a testament to Sennheiser’s dedication to audio excellence. They are packed with features that cater to a high-fidelity sound experience, robust connectivity, seamless synchronization, and a customizable listening experience. For those who seek the best in their audio devices, these earbuds are a perfect choice.

Filed Under: Gadgets News, Top News





Latest timeswonderful Deals

Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, timeswonderful may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

Categories
News

JLab Epic Lab Edition true wireless earphones

JLab Epic Lab Edition true wireless earphones

JLab has unveiled its latest offering, the Epic Lab Edition true wireless earphones. These earbuds are not just another pair on the market; they are a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and innovation. With a price tag of £199.99, they are positioned as a premium option for those who take their listening seriously. Available for purchase through JLab, Amazon, and Argos, these earphones are already making waves among discerning audiophiles.

The Epic Lab Edition earphones are a cut above the rest, thanks to their hybrid dual-driver design. This design ensures that every note and nuance in your music is delivered with clarity and depth. The sound quality is further refined by the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve, which brings an expanded treble range to the forefront, catering to those who crave a detailed and vibrant audio profile.

But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Active noise cancelling technology is one of the standout features of these earphones. It allows users to immerse themselves in their music by effectively reducing unwanted background noise. This feature is a boon for anyone looking to escape into their favorite tunes without the distractions of the outside world.

True wireless earphones

For those who are particular about the quality of their audio, the Epic Lab Edition earphones support Hi-Res Audio and spatial audio. This means listeners can enjoy a rich, three-dimensional soundscape that brings their music to life. Whether you’re listening to a live recording or a studio album, these earphones promise an experience that is as close to real as it gets.

Connectivity is also a breeze with the Epic Lab Edition earphones. They come equipped with Bluetooth LE, ensuring a stable and energy-efficient connection to both Android and iOS devices. The earphones support high-resolution audio codecs, which means that the sound quality is maintained at its highest level, no matter the source.

JLab Epic Lab Edition internal workings

For those who like to have control over their listening experience, the JLab App is a valuable tool. It allows users to customize noise cancelling levels and EQ presets to their liking. This level of personalization means that whether you prefer a bass-heavy sound or a more balanced profile, you can adjust the earphones to suit your preferences.

Battery life is a crucial factor for any wireless device, and the Epic Lab Edition earphones excel in this area. They come with a wireless charging case that provides convenience and ensures that your earphones are always ready to go. The dual connect feature is another practical addition, allowing each earbud to be used independently. This is particularly useful for those who need to stay aware of their surroundings or want to extend the battery life even further.

Switching between devices can often be a hassle, but the Bluetooth multipoint connections on these earphones make it seamless. This feature is perfect for those who use multiple devices throughout the day and need their earphones to keep up.

Durability is another key aspect of the Epic Lab Edition earphones. With an IP55 rating, they are resistant to dust and water, which means they can withstand the rigors of daily use. Whether you’re caught in the rain or sweating it out at the gym, these earphones are built to last. And for added peace of mind, JLab offers a 2-year warranty.

Specifications :

  • Battery life:
    • 56+ hours playtime (13+ hours in each earbud)
    • 36+ total hours playtime (9+ hours in each earbud) with ANC activated
  • Dual connect technology allows each bud to be used independently
  • Bluetooth LE Audio with USB-C dongle
  • Bluetooth multipoint connects to multiple devices
  • Spatial Audio Compatible with applications such as Dolby Atmos, Tempest 3D AudioTech and Windows Sonic
  • Hi-Res Audio LDAC (Android) or AAC (iOS) or LC3 (with compatible devices)
  • Smart Active Noise Cancelling with 3 noise control modes
  • Touch controls and optional wear detect auto play/pause feature
  • Microphone: 3 MEMS (each earbud) -38 dB +/- 1 dB
  • Patented Custom EQ3 sound and touch controls
  • Bluetooth 5.3
  • Range: 30+ ft
  • Protocols: HSP/HFP/A2DP/AVRCP
  • Codecs: ACC / LDAC / SBC / LC3
  • Drivers: Dual design, with a Knowles Balanced Armature Driver and a second 10 mm dynamic driver in each earbud
  • 20-40 kHz frequency response
  • Impedance: 16 Ω
  • Output: 98 +/-3 dB
  • Earbud battery: 85 mAh lithium polymer
    • Earbud charge time: 2 hours (in case)
    • Quick Charge: 15 mins of charging = 1 hour battery life
  • Charging case battery: 820mAh lithium polymer
  • Case charge time: 2 hours
  • Charging: Wireless or via USB-C to USB-C cable
  • IP Rating: 55
  • Three sets of gel eartips and three sets of JLab Cloud Foam
  • Google Fast Pair
  • Total weight: 76.3 grams (including USB-C dongle in case)
    • Earbuds: 5.5 grams each
    • Dongle weight: 1.9 grams
    • Case only: 63.5 grams
    • 25.1 grams (earbuds + case)
  • Dimensions:
    • Single earbud: 0.92″ L x 1.05″ D x 0.73″ H
    • Case: 2.71″ L x 1.06″ D x 1.63″ H
    • 2-year warranty

The JLab Epic Lab Edition earphones are more than just a listening device; they are an ally for anyone who values exceptional sound quality and practical features. They strike the perfect balance between advanced audio technology and user-friendly design. Whether you’re an audiophile with a keen ear for detail or an everyday listener who appreciates a premium audio experience, these earphones are sure to impress. With their robust build and cutting-edge features, the Epic Lab Edition earphones are poised to set a new benchmark for true wireless earbuds in the market.

Filed Under: Gadgets News, Top News





Latest timeswonderful Deals

Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, timeswonderful may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

Categories
News

ROG Cetra SpeedNova True wireless headphones

ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova cordless headphones

Step into a world where every sound is crystal clear and every moment is captured with precision. The ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova gaming headphones are here to transform your gaming sessions into a deeply immersive experience. These headphones are not just another accessory; they are a powerful tool designed to give gamers an edge. With state-of-the-art audio technology, you can now hear the game as it was meant to be heard and stay ahead of the competition.

The magic behind this enhanced experience lies in the dual wireless technology. The headphones use both Bluetooth and a special 2.4 GHz connection developed by ROG, known as SpeedNova. This combination ensures that the audio you receive is not just high quality but also arrives without any noticeable delay. Imagine being able to hear the enemy’s footsteps or the sound of an incoming attack with such clarity and speed that you can react instantly, giving you the upper hand in any gaming scenario.

But it’s not just about speed; it’s also about the richness of sound. The ROG Cetra SpeedNova headphones boast a high-resolution output of 24-bit / 96 kHz. This means that the audio is detailed and vibrant, making your games feel more alive than ever. The inclusion of Dirac Opteo technology further enhances this experience by creating a wide soundstage, which allows you to locate sounds with incredible precision.

Dirac Opteo is a measurement-based digital optimization solution that maximizes the sound performance of any sound system by addressing acoustical issues caused by hardware limitations. That signature sound you want is now possible in a highly replicable and consistent way. Whether you’re in the midst of an intense battle or exploring new worlds, the audio quality will make you feel like you’re right there in the action.

ROG Cetra SpeedNova True Wireless headphones

Distractions can be the downfall of any gamer, but these headphones come equipped with Adaptive ANC to help you maintain your focus. The Active Noise Cancellation technology is designed to adapt to the shape of your ears and the level of noise in your environment. This means that you can game in peace, free from the annoyance of external sounds that could break your concentration.

ROG Cetra SpeedNova charging case

Communication with teammates can mean the difference between victory and defeat. The ROG Cetra SpeedNova headphones understand this and feature bone-conduction AI microphones. These microphones pick up your voice through the vibrations in your head, ensuring that your instructions are heard loud and clear, even when there’s a lot of background noise.

For those who engage in long gaming marathons, battery life is a critical factor. These headphones are built to last, offering up to 46 hours of battery life. The quick charging case ensures that you can get back to gaming swiftly, and with wireless charging, you’re always ready to jump into the fray.

Personalization is key for many gamers, and the ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova headphones don’t disappoint. They come with customizable ASUS Aura RGB lighting, allowing you to match your team’s colors or set the mood with lighting that suits your personal style. This feature adds a unique touch to your gaming setup, making it truly your own.

Specifications

  • Dual-mode wireless connectivity: Unmatched versatility with Bluetooth® and 2.4 GHz modes
  • ROG SpeedNova wireless technology: Experiences ultra-low latency audio, reliable connection, plus optimized power efficiency
  • Realistic audio: High-resolution 24-bit 96 kHz audio* with lifelike details enhanced by Dirac OpteoTM technology
  • Bone-Conduction AI Microphones: Precise voice pick-up for crystal-clear communication
  • Adaptive ANC with Auto mode: Optimizes ANC based on in-ear fit and shape of ear canal, automatically adjusts to ambient noise levels for full immersion
  • Hybrid Multipoint: Be paired with two devices via 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth modes simultaneously
  • Extensive battery life: Up to 46-hour battery life** with wireless and fast in-case charging
  • ASUS Aura RGB lighting: Show off your style with customizable effects

The ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova gaming headphones are a blend of sophisticated audio technology and features tailored for gamers. They provide an audio experience that is both fast and high in quality, along with a range of customization options to elevate your gaming sessions. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive player, these headphones are designed to enhance your performance and enjoyment. With the ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova headphones, you’re not just playing the game; you’re living it.

Filed Under: Gadgets News, Top News





Latest timeswonderful Deals

Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, timeswonderful may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.