GoodMaps Explore identifies a critical, but often overlooked necessity in navigation technology: mapping indoor spaces. Every inch of the planet’s outdoor surface has been digitally mapped, and Google has codified most of it with LiDAR mapping and GPS. You’ve seen the Google cars driving around with the periscope? GoodMaps fits LiDAR backpacks on human operators to map indoor spaces.

The tech is revolutionary for vision-impaired populations or anyone who finds themselves in unfamiliar territory.  Surrounded by signs in languages you don’t understand? Fire up GoodMaps Explore to pull back the linguistic curtain and navigate your foreign situation. The app, available on the App Store and Google Play, continues to evolve since its recent debut.

Enhanced Indoor Navigation: GoodMaps Tech and Concept

GoodMaps starts with boots on the ground — literally. Then, using a LiDAR backpack, a GoodMaps employee walks the space to be mapped (museum, airport, mall, sidewalk crossing), and the pack collects data.

Digital imaging takes over from there, generating a model of the space that’s as accurate as possible. As soon as the map uploads to the GoodMaps Explore database, it’s accessible to any user. Smartphone camera-based positioning cuts down on abrasion and cost for the building host by eliminating the need for beacons or other devices.

Travel Tech

The user experience can help travelers as well as the visually impaired. By announcing upcoming points of interest, like emergency exits, restrooms, and intersections, the app helps blind users similarly to the way signs help sighted people. And anyone who’s ever been in a foreign city without being fluent in the local language can understand the app’s utility. Need a bathroom but don’t know if that door on the left might lead to some unknown portal? Cue GoodMaps.

GoodMaps Explore App Status

GoodMaps Explore App Status

As of this writing, the GoodMaps Explore user experience looks pretty rudimentary. It launched late last year and currently has 100+ downloads on Play Store. But it does promise capability once it gets humming, with a “Favorites” section for saving locations and “Lookaround” for exploring directionally, just by pointing your phone in any direction. In addition, choose-your-own-adventure types can use the “Getting Warmer” feature to make their own route to any specified location.

The main obstacle seems to be with available data. Based on my testing, I’d consider it in beta. Explore did accurately identify some locations around my neighborhood, but it also shunted me to Google Maps a lot. And it wasn’t always on point — I confirmed that a place called “Davy’s Delicatessen” on “Bologna Boulevard” does not, in fact, exist 828 feet from my office.

Winner, Winner

But you don’t win an Innovation award at CES (GoodMaps did in April 2021) for nothing, and the company promises to expand its reach throughout the year. Once the data catches up with the technology, the pioneering app stands to empower visually impaired populations dramatically.

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Dust off your bucket hat collection and download some Ja Rule ringback tones; flip phones are back. A recent leak has given us our first look at the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, the second generation (second, not third) in the series. We scoured the rumor mill and aggregated the results to prepare you for the flip phone’s expected late-2021 release.

Photo Credit: Snoreyn – LetsGoDigital

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 Leak

The first snippets of information about the Galaxy Z Flip 3 trickled in via leaked promotional videos from Samsung. The internet went bananas, and a few form factors and design particulars emerged. A glossy black cover display houses the camera array, giving the Z Flip 3 a two-tone look similar to the Google Pixel 2. The display looks to be a fair amount bigger than the original Z Flip’s display, which should bolster its utility.

The Z Flip 3’s major form redesign looks like, predictably, thinner bezels for the foldable screen. With the iPhone 12, Apple Watch 7, and others, the tech world moves inextricably toward more screen and less edge. Shrinking the Z Flip 3’s bezel will help Samsung keep the pace.

Several color options, including lilac and green, will be available.

In the video, we can also see that the phone is wrapped in Gorilla Glass Victus. The material, manufacturer of Corning’s most advanced glass to date, seeks to maximize both scratch and drop resistance. It looks impressive — according to Corning, it survived drop tests at up to 2 meters in the lab. Many comparable aluminosilicate glasses break at 0.8 meters.

(Controversial?) New Battery

Internet consensus has established that Samsung will shift to using ATL batteries for the Galaxy Z Flip 3. The device’s first iteration used Samsung SDI batteries, but China’s Amperex Technology Limited will supply the new batteries.

Interestingly, ATL batteries last made the news during the Galaxy Note 7 fire scandal. Ultimately, batteries (both SDI and ATL) were identified as the causes of the fires. Samsung appears to choose ATL to drive down cost, but reports indicate it shouldn’t matter much at the consumer price point. The cost for smartphone batteries typically ranges between $10 and $15, so the ATL battery’s price significance is pretty limited.

Photo Credit: Snoreyn – LetsGoDigital

Galaxy Z Flip 3 Production & Pricing Estimates

Samsung has reportedly started production on the accompanying Z Fold 3, but there were no reports confirming production for the Z Flip 3 as of this writing. Most rumor mongers point to a late July/early August release date for the Z Flip 3.

Twitter leaker FronTron made waves by suggesting the phone will MSRP at around $1000 to $1200. The majority of sources have adopted that assessment, which would be a significant reduction from the current $1450 Z Flip 5G.

Find Out More Here

LetsGoDigital

Tom’s Guide

Photo Credit: Snoreyn – LetsGoDigital

Photo Credit: Snoreyn – LetsGoDigital

The Nano II is the newest Anker charger, and Anker has done a lot to make sure it’s the only charging block in your EDC loadout. The high-speed charging block is 58% smaller than an original USB-C charger, and the plug folds to make it even more compact. It also packs a punch, juicing up various Apple and Android devices as fast or faster than their original chargers. To turn an ever-more-familiar phrase, the future of device charging is here.

The Latest Ultra-Fast Anker Charger

The Anker Nano II charges a wide variety of devices fast. It can take a 2020 MacBook Pro from 0 to 100% in less than 2 hours. The same task with the stock 30W USB-C charger takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, based on user reports.

Its iPhone 12 performance is even more impressive — Anker claims the Nano II charges the device three times faster than the stock 5W cable. That claim was uncorroborated at the time of writing, but the wattages do check out.

Anker swaps ordinary silicon for gallium nitride (GaN) to both speed up and trims down the Nano II. I wish I could use the same expedite-and-shrink method for my workload, but for now, it appears I’ll just have to be content with fast device charging.

Anker Nano II Compatibility

Anker seems most proud of the Nano II’s performance with iOS devices, but it works with a wide array of tech. It supports notebooks and tablets from Microsoft, Google, Dell, HP, and beyond. The charger also supports models later than and including iPhone 8, Samsung Note10, and Galaxy s9. Google Pixel 3 is on the list, as are AirPods and even Nintendo Switch.

If you’re a wireless charger type, you can plug Anker’s magnetic wireless charger into the Nano II with a USB-C cable.

Fully Charged: Choices, Purchasing

First of all, if you want a Nano II right away, you need to act fast. At the time of this writing, orders placed before June 5 will ship by June 5, but orders after that will wait up to 3 weeks. For those dates, only the 30W ($30 MSRP) and 45W ($35 MSRP) versions of the Anker charger are available.

You’ll need to furnish your own cable, but that seems like a small penance for the best EDC charging block we’ve seen.

Purchase

People who wear glasses on a daily basis face challenges unknown to their 20/20 brethren. One of those problems is finding a set of headphones that work well with glasses. In our experience, many headphones just aren’t up to the challenge of providing great, immersive sound without cramming the glasses’ earpieces into users’ temples. However, with a little bit of searching, wearing headphones with glasses won’t be much of an issue. With that in mind, we looked for the best headphones for glasses wearers, so you don’t have to.

We checked out headphones in all shapes and forms, but mostly ones with wide, adjustable headbands, lots of cushioning, and enough flexibility to accommodate a wide range of frame sizes. So, whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted, or just rock blue light-blocking lenses, there should be a great fit on this list for you.

The Best Headphones for Glasses Wearers

Beats Solo3

If you’re looking for the best headphones for glasses wearers who travel or commute a lot, the Beats Solo3 is a great option. These on-ear headphones fold down to a minuscule size, and their padded case and durable build make them easy to throw in a bag without worry. Owing to the Solo3’s wireless connectivity, they pair quickly and easily. But these bad boys also come with a cord, so when the battery dies, you can keep the tunes going.

You’ll hardly ever need it, though — with 40 hours of battery life, you can get a week’s worth of work done before you need to charge it. And with the rapid charging, you can squeeze 3 hours of playback out of a quick five-minute charge. For glasses wearers, the adjustable headband and soft leather ear cups provide a perfect fit, allowing us to wear them for hours on end without any discomfort. After a long workday with glasses on, my ears were a bit sore, but it was a small price to pay for the portability.

And the mic is clear as a bell, too. We’ve used these on video conferences and phone meetings and have never had any complaints from anyone on the receiving end.

Purchase

Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II

Bose is a force to be reckoned with in the audiophile world, and the Quiet Comfort 35 II is a great example of why the brand is so well-regarded. One of the most comfortable headphones for glasses, the sound quality coming from these headphones is also outstanding. As well, they’re definitely one of the best choices in their price segment. The audio performance is very balanced, making Bose QC 35 II great headphones for just about any kind of music. What’s more, it remains balanced even if you crank up the volume, which is not true of many headphones on the market.

Comfort-wise, Bose QC 35 II performs equally well when worn by people with and without glasses. The headband would benefit from more padding, but it’s not a huge issue. Since the QC 35 II model connects to devices wirelessly, you don’t have to worry about tangled and damaged cables. Of course, there’s also a headphone out jack in case you want to use the traditional wired connection.

If you commute a lot, you’re probably going to love the Bose QC 35 II’s built-in noise cancellation feature. It is highly effective, canceling out even louder outside noises and allowing you to concentrate on your music. In addition, the QC 35 II model is officially Alexa-certified, which means that you can talk to Alexa when wearing these headphones. Whether you want to find out more about the weather, add bread to your shopping list, or play some smooth jazz, just say it, and Alexa will take care of it for you.

Purchase

Audio-Technica ATH-M30

If you’re looking for a great pair of headphones for glasses, but don’t want to spend a lot of cheddar, the Audio-Technica ATH-M30 might be a perfect fit. Audio-Technica is a well-established name in the audio world, so you can be sure that these headphones will deliver quality sound. They may not have the same quality as the company’s ATH-M50s, but at less than half the price, you won’t be disappointed.

The ATH-M30’s are full-size over-the-ear headphones under $100, which means they’ll sit comfortably on your head without adding undue pressure on your ears. This means that you can rock any kind of glasses frame with these bad boys for hours without any discomfort.

The only problem you may find with these is that they aren’t overly portable. Since they’re not as solid as the high-end headphones in Audio-Technica’s lineup, you’ll want to take some care when putting them in a bag. The long cable can also be unwieldy during workouts, and there’s no microphone for taking calls or Zoom meetings. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones for working out or meeting online, these may not be the ones for you. But if you just want a good, affordable pair of headphones for working at home, they’re a great choice.

Purchase

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm

Want studio-quality sound, but don’t want to pay studio-quality prices? Then check out the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro model. Built with audio professionals in mind, these German-made headphones are available in multiple impedance options ranging from 32 to 250 Ohm. If you’re actually an audio professional, you may want to go for the higher end of that range. But if you’re an audiophile, we recommend you stick right in the middle with the 80 Ohm option. It’s probably the most versatile entry in the lineup and will put out great sound from just about any source.

As far as comfort goes, the Beyerdynamics are a good option for people with wider and/or larger heads thanks to the extra flexible headband with lots of soft padding. They’re also full-size headphones, so you shouldn’t have any issues with your glasses while wearing them. These headphones may require some time to wear in and adjust to your head, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t get a perfect fit straight out of the box.

If you’re a commuter, the DT 770 Pro studio headphones are not the most portable headphone set imaginable. They can’t be folded, and the non-detachable cable means you need to be extra careful with it. On the bright side, the velour pads are replaceable, so you don’t have to worry too much about damaging those. That said, the Beyerdynamics really shines when being used at home or at the workplace, since we wouldn’t recommend putting them through the daily wear and tear inside a commuter bag.

Purchase

Sennheiser Urbanite XL

If you’ve got a big dome, point that melon at the Sennheiser Urbanite XL. Sennheiser is a German brand with over 100 years of experience in all things audio-related, so it’s pretty safe to say you’d be getting a quality piece of gear with the Urbanite XL. However, they might not be the best option if you’re into classical music or jazz, as they’re pretty bass-heavy and thus more suitable for people who want some thump to their music.

Wearing the Urbanite XL with glasses should be no problem at all, as they have a wide, adjustable headband and big, cushy earpads. Such thick padding provides a very comfortable fit for people with larger heads. Covered in durable denim, the headband can take a lot of wear and tear before something goes wrong with it. Plus, the denim headband gets style points for distinctiveness.

Since these headphones were designed for portable use, you get a nice travel pouch to protect them from scratches and physical damage, so they make great headphones for travel and commuting. The cable is detachable, and you can choose from several cable options, including cables with customized controls for iOS and Android devices.

Purchase

Sony MDR1AM2

Sony is widely known for its wide array of electronics, not the least of which is its iconic PlayStation console family. However, Sony is also a strong player in the audio field, with a countless number of top-notch headphones and speakers. The MDR-1AM2 model is a great example of why Sony is well-respected among audiophiles. These headphones sound almost neutral, with a slight emphasis on the lower mids and heavy bass. This allows the MDR-1AM2 to sound warm but not distorted and makes them a great option for everyday listening as well as for hearing every nuance on your favorite vinyl.

These headphones sport padding that looks slight but is extremely cushy and may be the most comfortable model for people with glasses. The ergonomic headband design allows the weight of the headphones to be distributed evenly without creating points of pressure on your head or ears. And thanks to the 6.6-ounce weight, you may even forget that you’re wearing them.

They don’t fold, but their ear cups do rotate toward the inside of the headband for more convenient storage and transportation. Sony MDR1AM2 headphones come with a travel pouch, so you can take them with you everywhere you go without taking up a lot of space in your backpack. They’re on the pricier side of headphones, but their comfort and sound quality will make them feel like a bargain.

Purchase

Samson SR850 Studio Reference

If you’re stoked on all these headphones, but they’re all out of your price range, you’ll be stoked to see the Samson SR850 Studio Reference, a truly budget-friendly set of headphones, on our list. At just a fraction of what most of our previous entries cost, these budget headphones still manage to deliver good-quality audio and feel surprisingly comfortable for glasses wearers.

While the sound quality isn’t as good as what the higher-end models can offer, you’re not going to find better sound for under fifty bucks. Even so, the sound coming out of the SR850 headphones is surprisingly clear, with crisp highs and punchy lows. So, don’t expect to get the muffled, thin sound (associated with many off-brand headphones) from Samson SR850, because they’re clearly capable of more.

The SR850 model is available in several versions. It may be tempting to get the Basic or Studio ones since they’re cheaper and they actually look pretty cool, but we highly recommend the “Studio Reference” if comfort is a priority. The headband of the Studio Reference headphones is completely different than what you get with the other two models, meaning a world of difference for people wearing glasses. Thanks to the extremely wide, auto-adjustable headband, these headphones can be a good fit for just about anyone, with plenty of space to comfortably accommodate your glasses.

Purchase

Headphones for Glasses Wearers Buying Guide

Features to Look for in Headphones for Glasses Wearers

Size – How well a set of headphones fits you is a huge factor in how comfortable they’re going to be. For people who wear glasses, this presents a unique challenge. The headphones will have to be tight enough to provide a tight seal, but not so tight that they squash your ears and glasses frames into your head. Most headphones sport adjustable headbands so you can customize the fit to an extent. But if you have an especially large or small head, keep an eye out for an XL or XS option.

Ear Pad Material – When it comes to comfort, ear pads are a crucial component when it comes to headphones. Since they are what comes in contact with your eyeglass frames, they’re where the potential for discomfort lies. Even slight pressure can press your eyeglass frames into your temples, which can cause some pretty savage discomfort, especially during long periods of wear.

Look for especially squishy ear pads made with a softer external material like velour or soft leather. These materials will conform around your glasses’ earpieces, instead of cramming them into your temples.

Over-ear vs. On-ear Headphones – For the most part, headphones come in two different forms: over-ear headphones and on-ear headphones. (The ones that go in your ears are called earbuds). Choosing which kind depends on personal preference, but there are a few things to consider.

• Over-ear headphones have larger cups designed to fit over the entire ear. This provides a secure seal around the ear for better sound and noise cancellation. They also eliminate any pressure points on your ears since your head is the only point of contact. This is doubly true for people who wear glasses.
• On-ear headphones are smaller and lighter thanks to their smaller ear cups, which rest on the ears instead of over them. These headphones are generally more portable, but they can pose a problem for people with glasses since they add pressure between the ears and eyeglass frames.

Headband – A good, padded headband is ideal for comfort in general. But if you wear glasses, adjustability is a bigger factor. Some headphones have headbands that can expand and retract to allow you to customize how they fit. This is perfect for glasses wearers since you can try a few different settings with them to dial in a comfortable fit.

Glasses Frames – You’re going to be wearing your glasses a lot more often than your headphones, so a good fit with your glasses should be your priority. No matter how much music (or how many crime podcasts) you listen to, headphones are a peripheral piece of gear compared to your glasses. So, make sure your glasses are a comfortable fit, then buy a pair of headphones that works well with them.

Versatility – For office wear, things like portability are secondary to comfort. A well-fitting pair of headphones that’s comfortable enough to wear for an entire workday should be your highest priority if you’re buying a pair for the office.

If you want a more versatile pair to wear during your commute, to the gym, or for travel, you’ll need to consider a few more things. Look for a durable pair that packs down small. This way, it won’t take up a ton of space in your pack and won’t get damaged while it bounces around in your bag.

Also, a wireless connection might be ideal, so you won’t get tangled up running on a treadmill or fidgeting around in your airplane seat.

Headphones for Glasses Wearers FAQ

What are the best headphones for people who wear glasses?

Since people come with different-sized heads and wear a wide range of glasses types, there’s no one pair of headphones that is perfect for everyone who wears glasses. There are, however, a few things to look for if you wear glasses.

The best headphones for people with glasses should have soft ear cups, so they won’t put a lot of pressure on your eyeglass frames. Also, look for a pair with an adjustable headband so you can customize your fit.

Once you’ve found a pair that seems like a good fit, check the reviews online to get an idea of how they sound, then look for any other features you’d want, like Bluetooth connectivity.

Can people with glasses wear headphones?

People who wear glasses absolutely can wear headphones. There are plenty of great headphones for glasses wearers that are comfortable and provide great sound. For the most part, over-ear headphones are the most comfortable for glasses wearers, but there are also great glasses-friendly headphones that go on the ears as well.

How do you wear noise-canceling headphones with glasses?

You wear them just like you wear any other noise-canceling headphones. A good pair of headphones will have ear cups that are soft enough to wrap around and provide a tight seal over eyeglass frames.

Sources:

1. The Most Common Problems You’ll Encounter as a Glasses-Wearer – Innes Eye Clinic

If you’ve ever played air guitar and dreamed of playing like your favorite hair band, Mictic’s body instrument gets you one step closer with its motion-sensing technology. Mictic wristbands connect to your phone via Bluetooth and create a variety of music based on your movements and the wristband’s settings. The two bands allow you to play your own air instruments or generate a custom soundtrack to however you feel like dancing.

How Mictic Wristbands Work

Each bracelet is roughly the shape and size of a Fitbit. They work by sending accelerometer data to the Android or iOS app, which the app interprets into music. Depending on the mode, it can spit out industrial noises to compliment your sweet-ass robot moves or drop heavy drum and bass, picking up the pace with you as you reach a fever pitch.

The bands also let you play a form of air piano and drums, changing tone as you move your hand right to left and generating beats to match your air piano virtuosity. In another mode, you can sit in a chair and perform the hand motions of playing the cello, and the bands will interpret your movements to help you sound like Yo-Yo Ma playing an invisible instrument.

Analysis

While the precision of playing an actual instrument isn’t there, the Mictic bands do deliver the ability to bypass the trauma of those piano lessons your mom made you take all summer. Skipping training and just playing a damn piano already is a great concept. At first glance, it seems like a fun and interesting toy to experiment with. But we wouldn’t be surprised to catch street performers and YouTube phenoms cranking out some legitimate tunes in the near future.

There’s no air guitar setting as of this writing, so don’t expect to shred like Bill and Ted…yet.

Availability and Pricing

Mictic is available for preorder at $99 and is expected to ship in September 2021.

Purchase

Soundbars made for computers are external speakers ideal for those with small workspaces or who prefer a minimalist setup. The compact sound systems easily fit under a monitor, with tidier cabling for a clutter-free office desk. They also deliver better sound quality than most built-in monitor speakers, which is great if your monitor is your primary medium for entertainment.

Many soundbars are too big for computer setups, mainly because they’re normally intended for TVs and full-fledged home entertainment systems. So, we took it upon ourselves to hunt down a few great soundbars specifically for computers (don’t thank us, you’re welcome). In so doing, we dug around the net, nerded out a lot, and shimmied through a veritable ocean of verified buyer reviews.

The result is the following list, featuring a handful of the best soundbars for computers on the modern, sound-savvy market. To the daytime desk jockeys and WFH warriors; the podcast connoisseurs, and Fortnite…rs? This one’s for you.

The Best Soundbar for Computers

TaoTronics Bluetooth Computer Speaker

Featuring a minimalist frame with discreet branding, the TaoTronics Bluetooth Computer Speaker is a 16.1-inch wide soundbar under $300 that pairs nicely with monitor setups no matter their footprint. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0 (intuitive!), USB 3.0 plug-in (lag-free!), and auxiliary (old school!).

The SK025 soundbar is TaoTronic’s most popular soundbar to date. And that’s saying something — the company practically sh- …makes some of the best soundbars for computers available today. According to tech nerds and customer reviewers alike, this TaoTronics bar ranks among the best budget pc speakers — subcategories notwithstanding.

At less than three inches tall, the pc soundbar fits easily under many a monitor setup. Its slightly angled design and low profile make it discreet, and its non-skid feet plant it securely. The circular control panel, comprising a power button and media controls, is located on the right side and is easy to access.

The TaoTronics SK025 packs a helluva punch in its appealing and condensed form factor, offering (alleged by many) decent sound quality at a nearly unbeatable price point.

Purchase

JBL Bar 2.0 – All-in-One Soundbar

When shopping for quality sound systems, whether it’s headphones or Bluetooth speakers, JBL is one of the first brands you should check out. Take a look at its Bar 2.0 for seamless sound quality. It’s a sexy-sounding 80-watt speaker with a sleek and compact design featuring Bluetooth 5.0 capability as well as an HDMI input cable for theatre-quality, latency-free connectivity.

At around 24.2 inches, this puppy is on the heftier end of the spectrum. But how else do you expect to house two 40-watt speakers? JBL says the Bar 2.0 utilizes Dolby Digital for virtual surround-sound engineering and a native smart sound mode to deliver “incredible sound every time.” And per the litany of customer reviews, this soundbar’s relatively big footprint is more than justified by the symphonic boom it delivers.

Regarding sound quality, this JBL soundbar is good, with “mega-luscious bass,”…or so we’re told by one (of thousands) of seemingly satisfied customers.

For controls, the Bar 2.0 has both a set of easy-access buttons up top and a remote, which offers the usual button array plus input and channel controls.

Word of the wise: if you prefer to connect to the Bar 2.0 using a traditional 3.5-mm aux, you’ll need to invest in an aux-to-optical converter, as this model does not come with an integrated auxiliary input. That said, the multitude of input options (Bluetooth, HDMI, optical) will work with just about any pc made in the last 5 to 10 years.

Purchase

Razer Leviathan Soundbar and Subwoofer

Ranked for several years as some of the best computer speakers for PC gaming, the Razer Leviathan Soundbar and Ancillary Subwoofer system offers 10-meter/30-foot range Bluetooth 4.0 aptX connectivity (read: muy dynamic and hella sexy).

The gaming hardware specialist’s latest Leviathan iteration also boasts Dolby 5.1 surround-sound config with 4 “finely tuned” drivers and a 5.25-inch downward-firing, bass-dedicated subwoofer. This versatile unit works well for games, movies, and music, featuring three preset sound profiles dedicated to each.

Housed in a sleek, all-black frame with the Razer logo in the middle of the front grille, the Leviathan soundbar measures 19.7 inches wide, 3 inches tall, and 2.8 inches deep. The accompanying subwoofer is a little more cumbersome, measuring 9.5 inches tall and 9.5 inches at the square base. Thoughtfully, Razer carved out a central notch in the soundbar base for clean channeling of mouse and keyboard wires.

Featuring multiple input options — including analog and Bluetooth — PC gear pros and buyers alike report exceptional immersive sound quality.

Heads up, though: if you’re looking for RGB light effects, look elsewhere. Although a staple in many of Razer’s pc peripherals, backlights are noticeably missing from the Leviathan.

Purchase

TaoTronics 16-Inch Gaming Speaker

For powerful sound, a small footprint, and RGB light effect options, check out TaoTronic’s gaming-specific soundbar.

One of the best budget pc gaming speakers according to the cloud, the 16-Inch Gaming Speaker soundbar boasts 360-degree sound with zero audio distortion, small but mega drivers, Bluetooth 5.0, and hardwired connectivity options. Plus three optional light modes (flow, pulse, sync).

One self-proclaimed “old-school analog kind of audiophile” stated that they swapped a busted 5.1 surround-sound system out for the compact TaoTronics Gaming Speaker. The buyer states that, while having a pc that’s fitted with a high-quality soundcard is necessary, they were impressed with the soundbar: “This is a fantastic soundbar for computer use. Overall, the dynamic range, clarity, and nuances that you get with this soundbar far surpassed my expectations.”

For more top-quality audio devices, check out our guide to the best powered speakers.

Purchase

ELEGIANT Wired Computer Sound Bar

Although this soundbar from ELEGIANT lacks wireless capabilities, it offers reportedly high sound quality. In fact, customers writ large celebrate it as one of the best cheap computer speakers across multiple categories due to dual 3-watt built-in subwoofers. And — and — the wired plug-in connectivity mitigates any risk of lag common among Bluetooth-enabled alternatives.

The ELEGIANT Wired Computer Sound Bar almost comes complete with optional RGB (red, green, or blue) light settings, a microphone interface, a headphone jack, and a single dial that controls power as well as volume. And, if verified buyer reviews are any indication, this sub-$25 soundbar is one of the best computer speakers for gaming at the price point.

Purchase

Soundbars for Computers Buying Guide & FAQ

Features to Look for in the Best Soundbars for Computers

Size/Width – A great advantage to computer soundbars is the small physical footprint and vertical space they take up. The low, horizontal form allows users to neatly situate the bar in the empty space directly under their monitor, creating a clean and linear vertical profile while opening up usable desk space.

Similarly, soundbars aren’t very deep, which means they’re less apt to jut out awkwardly from under your office monitor.

More so than other computer speaker styles, soundbars appeal to those of us that are minimalist-minded, short on horizontal space, or both.

Connectivity – Most of the best soundbars for computers available today feature at least two types of device input technologies: 3.5-mm aux-in (wired) and Bluetooth (wireless). There are a few options on the market (though usually the higher end of it), which also boast HDMI, optical, USB-C, and Wifi connectivity.

Generally speaking, a 3.5-mm wired connection will be the most reliable and experience the least amount of latency.

Bluetooth connectivity is obviously appealing for its convenience factor — you can pair a Bluetooth soundbar to numerous devices and, with most models, seamlessly switch play control from one device (like your pc) to another (like your smartphone or tablet).

Ultimately, the types of connectivity you prefer and your physical parameters should determine whether a variety of input options is important to you or not. If you have a stationary desktop and intend to use your speaker as a dedicated pc soundbar, then maybe a simple wired configuration will do the trick. If however, you intend to connect multiple devices to your soundbar, or if portability is a big factor in your selection, then absolutely look for a Bluetooth-capable soundbar.

Stereo or Surround Sound – It’s substantially easier to find soundbars offering stereo sound technology as opposed to virtual surround sound. The difference is a matter of audio compression technologies used; virtual surround output requires newer, more advanced engineering and equipment than good ol’ stereo output.

While it’s impossible to create “true” surround sound without an arrangement of several strategically placed and synchronized speakers, modern audio engineering has done a pretty pretty pretty good job of synthesizing the effect. You’ll see synthetic surround-sound systems commonly referred to as “virtual” or “virtual surround sound.”  So, no duh, that’s what you get with an independent, “surround” soundbar. It’s not uncommon for mid and high-end soundbars to come with brand-specific surround-sound technology; take “Dolby virtual,” for example.

If you’re looking for a sound experience close to cinematic, dig into the computer soundbars that offer Dolby 5.1 virtual surround sound, and keep your eye out for bars that come with (or can at least connect easily to) an accompanying subwoofer.

Best Soundbars for Computers FAQ

What is the best way to connect a soundbar?

The best way to connect a computer soundbar depends on what you’re working with. The good news is that you probably have some options, and setup for each is fairly simple.

Connecting your soundbar via a 3.5-mm aux tends to be the simplest. And since aux cables are designed specifically to carry sound (unlike many do-it-all USB cables), the sound fidelity should be pretty solid. Make sure you have a quality cable, especially if your soundbar didn’t come equipped with one. You can upgrade to any of the leading aux cables for less than $10.

That said, Bluetooth reliability is rapidly catching up to that of traditional wired connections. And the effective range for Bluetooth devices typically far outstrips that of wired alternatives. Most affordable soundbar options offer BT ranges starting at 10 meters/33 feet; some even boast 15 meters/50 feet.

Since Bluetooth is probably here to stay for a while, we recommend looking through the best soundbars for computers that offer both 3.5-mm aux and Bluetooth v4.0 or higher input.

Do I need a 2.1, 5.1, or 7.1 Setup?

That depends on your interior space, desired audio quality, and budget.

To borrow from the pros at The Home Theater DIY, “A 2.1 soundbar includes two speakers, usually a left and right channel and a subwoofer. A 5.1 soundbar includes five speakers. Usually, front left, front right, front center, surround left, surround right, and a subwoofer. You can also opt for bigger systems, like a 7.1 soundbar if your wallet can handle it.”

Expect 2.1 systems to be the run-of-the-mill varietal in today’s market.

You can score a decent 5.1 setup for under $200, although it’s likely limited to wired-only connectivity. Expenditure between $200 and $400 should secure an ample and multi-speaker 5.1 digital/virtual surround system.

7.1 setups, while sexy af, may be a little much for scenarios in which the primary input source is a computer. 7.1 arrays typically start around $600 and go up from there; they are usually found in the rare air of ample home theatres. But hey, live your dream. If all that’s missing from your Minecraft experience is a little 7.1 blast to the ears, go for it.

Sources

1. How Virtual Surround Sound Works – HowStuffWorks
2. How to Choose a Surround Sound System – HowStuffWorks

Portable solar chargers have become a must-have piece of gear for anyone who spends considerable time outdoors. These nifty devices can make or break a camping weekend, bikepacking trip, or other excursions through their ability to keep phones, GPS trackers, and other gear ready to use. The Soluser 30,000 mAh Solar Charger is an ideal companion to help you stay charged up and connected even in the most remote venues. Its sturdy construction, emergency features, and charging capacity provide peace of mind and assurances that low batteries won’t be the snag that holds you back.

Soluser Solar Charger: the Basics

Soluser’s 30,000 mAh Solar Charger includes enough charging capacity to charge some phones up to a dozen times. The charger can crank up an iPhone 7 battery as many as 12 times off a single charge. It can juice an iPhone 11 up to eight and a half times and a Samsung S10 nearly seven times. It also has the power to charge larger devices, like an iPad mini or a MacBook.

The charger features an 18-watt power delivery output, which allows for universal quick charging. For example, bringing an iPhone 11 up to a 50% charge takes about 30 minutes. An iPhone 12 can reach a full charge in about 55 minutes.

Features

While the charger is capable of cranking up a single device repeatedly, a key feature of the Soluser 30,000 mAh Solar Charger is its ability to power multiple devices simultaneously.

The portable charger has four separate outputs, including three micro USB ports and one USB-C port, which comes with bidirectional charging. That means one can charge the device via its integrated solar panel or through a plug.

It’s waterproof, dustproof and shatterproof, and includes a lanyard to keep it securely fastened.

Aside from energy, the charger includes six bright LED lights that can be used as a flashlight or emergency SOS strobe.

How Much?

At the time of writing, the Soluser 30,000 mAh Solar Charger is available online for less than $50.

Its quick-charge compatibility coupled with its ability to charge up to four devices at the same time make the charger a perfect piece of gear to keep all your electronics running when you’re far from the powered world.

Purchase

Cord-cutting is all the rage for audio tech. En masse, makers and consumers flee from the wiry arms of yester-tech and charge ever so eagerly into the mostly experimental bosom of true wirelessness. But is wireless equipment really what we want? And what do we cost ourselves by cutting the (very literal) cord? The forthcoming, first-of-its-kind, dual digital-to-analog converter and amp USB-C cable by Astell&Kern got me wondering.

It’s Kind of a Big Deal: Dual DAC & Amp USB-C Cable

Astell&Kern’s dual DAC and amp cable, slated for release this May, is the missing link between USB-C media devices (i.e., Windows and macOS laptops, non-iOS smartphones) and headphones. It’s also a lot more than that. Don’t think of it as a USB-C cable: the device is a smart, hi-fi igniter.

In an era that’s all but done away with the headphone jack, A&K is bringing it back with precision audio-circuit engineering. Here A&K introduces us to the concept:

As streaming services begin to support high-quality, high-resolution audio, are wireless earphones and headphones able to provide the full audio playback experience?

How can you enjoy high-quality music playback or games with dynamic and realistic sound on your computer without an expensive high-end sound card?

The dual…DACs are paired with an independent analog amplifier, designed to provide true audio playback so you can feel the live, warm and clear sound as intended, without distortion.

The cable’s dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 MasterHIFi DACs and analog amplifier drive its performance. The amp has enough thump to channel premium sound through a wide range of phones — even those with high impendence or hefty power requirements.

What Is DAC, Really?

If you’re between, idk, 12 and 60 years old, you’re probably familiar with analog-to-digital conversion in some make or manner (e.g., converting print photos to digital files or ripping .mp4s from compact discs, etc.). Digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) does just the opposite. Today, ‘DAC’ is a term most strongly associated with audio equipment companies like Astell&Kern.

The digital-to-analog conversion requires demigod-like expertise and best-in-class audio equipment. The process involves digging into studio-quality OG copies of digital audio tracks to find, preserve, and amplify those tracks at high fidelity.

Original digital tracks contain abundant sound data, which makes for high-quality sound. The problem is, most of it gets squashed or lost when recordings get compressed into low-byte, easily streamable formats, like .mp4. A&K makes its passion for sound quality clear, calling the compression process “scarification.”

Pre-Order Info

You can pre-order Astell&Kern’s 25-gram, titanium-bodied dual DAC and amp USB-C cable from the company at MSRP $149 or put a request in with one of the company’s retail partners.

Are you a shameless patrician? Do you frequently attend upper-echelon functions such as cotillions, where you must impress debutantes and aristocrats with lavish displays of egregious monetary wealth? Do you enjoy the feeling of exotic leather touching your face? Just one more question, we promise: do you need headphones that further amplify these lifestyle characteristics? If so, pontificate no further: Caviar Royal Gift has formulated the AirPods Max Golden Black just for you.

So unlock your music library (which most likely bursts with avant-garde, socially-relevant acts like Bastille and Avicii) with your retinal scanner and get ready to let AirPods Golden Black whisk you away from your real-world capitalist paradise to a proverbial sonic one.

AirPods Max Golden Black: It’s Not What’s Inside That Counts

What is AirPods Max Golden Black? It’s a set of Apple AirPods. But what matters is that this cranial accessory contains 750 grams of pure gold and is dressed with “rare black crocodile leather.”

If you’re the kind of person who’s excited by the idea of “rare leather” wireless earbuds, follow us right this way.

Headphones Under $500!? Were You Born in a Trash Can?

Cruise on over to Caviar Royal Gifts to order AirPods Max, the accessory that promises to both elicit servile fawning from your rarefied cohort and drown out the inane things that constantly come from their mouths. Don’t know how? Caviar Royal Gifts provides you with a personal consultant to help you every step of the way. Only $108,000, please.

Purchase

Hologram portrait technology has been around for a while — baseball cards were doing a version of it in the early nineties, and Kanye West commissioned a hologram of Kim Kardashians’s dead father for her 40th birthday (as a side note, Kanye programmed the hologram to call him “the most, most, most, most, most genius man in the whole world” — so the whole thing went down about like you’d expect).

But you don’t have to be a Kardashian (or the most, most, most, most, most genius man in the whole world) to enjoy hologram tech thanks to the Looking Glass Portrait — a new piece of tech currently raising funds on Kickstarter. The device allows you to turn any photo with depth information (read: portrait mode) into a lifelike hologram that sits on your home office desk.

How to Create Your Hologram Portrait

The Looking Glass Portrait is about the size and shape of a shoebox and fits nicely on a desk, shelf, or anywhere else you’d put a picture frame. To create your very own hologram, all you have to do is take a photo in Portrait Mode with your iPhone (and some Androids). Portrait mode photos contain depth information, which the Looking Glass Portrait then uses to create lifelike three-dimensional holograms.

Once you’ve uploaded your photo to the pc/Mac compatible HoloPlay Studio software (included), the software automatically converts the data into a hologram and stores it on the Looking Glass Portrait so you can display your futuristic portrait anywhere, anytime!

Taking it Up a Notch with Light Field Photos

If you want to take your holographic creations to the next level, tap into the incredible capabilities of the Looking Glass Portrait to create light field photos. Switch to Panorama mode on your phone, capture an image, then upload it into the HoloPlay Studio. The additional data makes an even more detailed and convincing hologram!

The Looking Glass Portrait’s Interactive Applications

What makes the Looking Glass Portrait unique (in our opinion) is its capability to function as an interactive tool for creatives of all types. When used in Desktop mode, Looking Glass Portrait can interface with 3D creation software like Unity, Unreal, Blender, and Maya. That means 3D artists and animators can render a character or landscape into the Looking Glass Portrait to get an in-depth look at their creation. If we were in that position, we’d use the technology as a proof-of-concept tool. Nothing wows like a hologram; showing your character design in holographic 3D space might be a good way to convince a stubborn executive that you are right and they are wrong about the design choice in question.

The Looking Glass Portrait can also run the experimental Azure Kinect recording application to capture and display motion in real-time. We don’t know what you’d use it for, but we suspect it would be fun!

Desktop Requirements

Any PC or Mac with HDMI and USB-C ports will interface with the Looking Glass Portrait. You’ll need a graphics card like the GTX 1650 (or equivalent), an Intel i5 chip or higher, and 8 or more GB of RAM.

Kickstarting the Hologram Portrait

The Looking Glass Portrait will retail for $349, but a campaign special will get one on your desk for $249 and includes all the software needed to run the advanced applications and produce your own hologram portraits. The product will ship anywhere in the world and is expected for delivery in April 2021. Hurry up if you want one — only 84 of the original 1,000 are still available.