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Leaks reveal a new Apple HomePod mini, iPad mini, and Apple TV 4K

2026-09-25T12:22:05-04:00

Apple is expected to announce more hardware before the end of the year following the debut of the iPhone 18 Pro and folding iPhone Duo earlier this month. The updated products will include a new version of the HomePod mini, the iPad mini 8, and the Apple TV 4K, according to details and images discovered in Apple's own code by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris.

Details from the leaks are sparse, but the HomePod Mini 2 will carry forward a similar design to the original model that debuted in late 2020. While the current model is available in bright color options including orange, yellow, and blue, the leaked images of the HomePod Mini 2 reve …

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Logitech’s new Blue Yeti 2 mic adjusts itself to where you are

2026-09-23T12:01:45-04:00

The LED control display includes a Yeti mascot, because of course it does. | Image: Logitech G

The original Blue Yeti has been one of the most recognizable go-to USB microphones for content creators since it launched in 2009, and now it finally has a successor. Launching today under Logitech G, the Blue Yeti 2 adds some modern upgrades, including an interactive LED display, AI de-noising, and a proximity based voice sensor - which resolves a notable flaw with its predecessor's design while still paying homage to it.

It's available in black or white color options for $159.99, which is comparatively cheaper than Shure's popular MV7 series USB microphones, which are the current choice for podcasters and start at $299. It's also interest …

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Bose’s next open earbuds have more bass, more volume, and more battery life

2026-09-17T05:40:20-04:00

Bose announced a new version of its Ultra Open Earbuds that helped kick off the industry trend of clip-on wireless earbuds nearly two-and-a-half years ago. The new Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) feature a subtle redesign with improved performance in both sound quality and battery life. They're also joined by a new cheaper alternative called the Bose Sport Open Earbuds designed to provide a more secure and stable fit during physical activities.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) will be available for preorder on September 19th for $299 with availability starting on October 1st. Color options include black, white smoke, cherry chocolate, oli …

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Voicemod’s new pocket-friendly device brings real-time voice changing to your phone

2026-09-14T16:44:52-04:00

Voicemod announced a new mobile device that expands the capabilities of the Voicemod Key dongle it launched in late 2024 as a way to bring the company's real-time voice changing tech to consoles. While the older Voicemod Key only used a smartphone as an interface between the company's mobile app and the Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch, the new Key Pocket can be used to change your voice or trigger sound effects while you're playing games, making calls, or streaming on Apple or Android mobile devices.

The Voicemod Key Pocket is now available as a standalone device for $99.90 or as part of a $129.90 bundle that includes the hardware and a Voice …

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Ikea supersized its cheap Bluetooth speaker and added an optical input

2026-09-11T09:56:33-04:00

Ikea's new Badkruka wireless Bluetooth speaker is now available in the US for $59.99. It's reminiscent of the colorful and tiny $10 Kallsup speaker that Ikea debuted earlier this year at CES 2026, but at almost seven inches tall, the boxy Badkruka isn't designed with portability in mind as it also lacks a rechargeable battery.

Color options aren't as expansive as the Kallsup, either. The Badkruka is available with a black plastic finish or a pink one that almost looks like a wood grain texture. Wherever you end up using it will need a power source within reach, but audio sources can be connected over Bluetooth and, similar to the Kallsup, y …

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Steve Ballmer got suspended by the NBA because of a podcast and a jumbotron corruption scandal

2026-09-03T21:07:38-04:00

A view of the Halo Board inside the Intuit Dome in 2024 | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Last September, Steve Ballmer insisted in an ESPN interview that the Clippers weren't involved in a shady-looking $28 million endorsement deal for his star player, Kawhi Leonard, that involved no actual endorsing. Now, the former Microsoft CEO has been suspended by the NBA for a year, while the league says his team will forfeit five future draft picks and pay a $30 million fine, among other penalties.

A year later, an NBA-commissioned 35-page report by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is basically calling him a liar, saying those claims were "inaccurate (at best) with respect to Mr. Ballmer" and "clearly false" when it came to Clippers presi …

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Anker’s sleep speaker uses radar and flower power to help you relax

2026-09-03T13:27:54-04:00

Peace, man. | Image: Anker

Anker's SleepLab speaker promises to track and enhance sleep without a wearable. It uses millimeter-wave radar (60GHz) blasting from your nightstand to track micro-movements in your chest and body to continuously monitor your heart rate and breathing to enhance whatever sleep stage you're in. It also embeds lots of hippie shit.

If I'm understanding things correctly, the speaker will - over the course of a month - determine which routines help you get the most rest, using acoustic binaural beats and lighting to gradually deepen relaxation. It operates with a touch of a button, independently of your phone, and doesn't require a paid subscript …

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Anker announces its first over-the-counter hearing aids

2026-09-02T13:12:13-04:00

Anker’s first OTC hearing aids, powered by the Thus chip, are expected in coming months. | Image: Anker

In what could be fortuitous timing for hearing aid users, Anker announced its first over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids at IFA 2026. It was only a couple months ago when LXE Hearing, the parent company for Eargo and Lexie Hearing - two major OTC manufacturers in the US - decided to end US operations and exit the OTC hearing aid market. Now perhaps Anker can fill that void.

The receiver-in-canal (RIC) design has a main body that rests behind the ear. It uses Anker's Thus chip, announced in April and first released in the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds series. The chip delivers the best voice isolation I've ever heard on any audio product an …

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Anker put a display on the case of its new sleepbuds

2026-09-03T17:04:14-04:00

I hope the tracking is better than it was on previous Anker sleepbuds. | Image: Anker

Anker just announced its new Soundcore Sleep Earbuds 4 and 4 Pro for side sleepers. They include the same audio masking tech found on last year's A30 sleepbuds (that can really silence a snoring partner), only now with longer battery life and improved ANC to help silence other noises in the environment. Both sets of buds feature a "20 percent smaller contact area" than the A30 buds, which should reduce pressure and make them more comfortable to wear. They also come with new cases that can be charged on a wireless charging pad, but only the 4 Pro's case has a display because Anker can't stop putting screens on things.

When streaming music, …

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Sony’s new party speakers have more bass, more LEDs, and more connectivity

2026-09-01T05:41:51-04:00

Sony announced three new tower-style party speakers that will now be the largest options in its ULT Power Sound lineup. The new ULT Tower Max, ULT Tower 7, and ULT Tower 5 all feature expanded connectivity including USB-C, RCA, and XLR ports for connecting to audio gear using physical cables. The new models also come with improved lighting using up to 100 LEDs to provide visual feedback for functions like battery life and Bluetooth syncing in addition to creating an animated light show synced to what you're listening to.

All three of Sony's new ULT Power Sound speakers come with RCA, USB-C, XLR ports on the back for connecting to audio sources (or other speakers) with cables. | Image: Sony" data-portal-copyright="Image: Sony">

The largest of the new ULT Power Sound speakers is the $1,499.99, 121-pound Tower Max that looks big enough to double as …

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