Latest
BlitzWolf soundbar announced: great value and strong sound
Take a look at your flatscreen TV. Looks good, right? But how does it sound? When TVs became flat, the room for decent speakers more or less vanished overnight. To remedy this, you need a dedicated speaker that can match the aesthetics of your screen... Read more
Apple's cheaper HomePod may carry Beats branding
Apple is still allegedly planning a cheaper version of its Siri-powered HomePod speaker and when it does launch, it may carry Beats branding, at least that's according to a report from Apple's supply chain, via Chinese site Sina. Apple HomePod: Everything... Read more
Como Audio SpeakEasy combines Google Assistant smarts with hi-fi sound quality
American audio manufacturer Como Audio - which recently launched its first multi-room system in the UK - is back with its take on the smart home speaker. Como Audio launches multi-room system in the UK, including CD streaming What is Google Assistant,... Read more
Onkyo AVRs to work with Sonos and support Amazon Alexa
Onkyo has announced that several of the brands it owns, including Onkyo, Integra and Pioneer Elite, will soon join the 'Works with Sonos' platform, meaning they can be used as part of a Sonos multi-room streaming system. Sonos deal! Save up to £100... Read more
Apple AirPlay 2: Everything you need to know about Apple's new streaming tech
AirPlay is Apple's Wi-Fi audio streaming tech, and the second-generation - which Apple first talked about in 2017 - is on its way. But what exactly is AirPlay 2, what will it be able to do and what products will you be able to use it with? We'll explain... Read more
Ultimate Ears Megablast review: Mr Boombastic, say me fantastic
The UE Blast and Megablast step away from the Boom 2 and Megaboom to form a new family of Ultimate Ears speakers, but with a similar story to tell: it's all about loudess and portability. These are speakers that are designed to be used anywhere, any... Read more
"Alexa, how many times has the UK won nil points?": Alexa knows everything about Eurovision
All eyes will be on be on Lisbon, Portugal this weekend as the annual Eurovision song contest takes places on Saturday 12 May. Amazon Alexa is getting in on the singing action with a special Eurovision skill. Amazon Echo: What can Alexa do and what services... Read more
UE Megaboom McLaren Edition is the ultimate speaker for F1 fans
Ultimate Ears and McLaren have teamed to bring you two UE Megaboom McLaren Edition Bluetooth speakers.Available in a limited run, the speakers are inspired by the liveries of two classic McLaren F1 cars.There is the Megaboom McLaren MCL33 Edition with... Read more
Polk Audio Assist is the company's first smart speaker, powered by Google Assistant
US audio manufacturer Polk Audio has used Google I/O to announce the Assist, it's very first smart speaker powered by Google Assistant. What is Google Assistant, how does it work, and which devices offer it? It's not the first time the company has used... Read more
Sonos holding 'You're better than this' launch event in June, but for what?
Sonos has sent out invites to an event it will be hosting in San Francisco on 6 June. However, it hasn't said what it plans to unveil.Instead, the invite received by Pocket-lint shows several remote controls and a man's hand with the tagline, "You're... Read more
Sonos is readying a new smart home speaker with voice control
Sonos might soon launch a new smart home theater speaker, and it should offer integrated voice control.According to a regulatory filing, which was published on April 30, the company is readying a speaker with the model number S14. Although Sonos has declined... Read more
Sonos confirms AirPlay 2 support will come to these three speakers
Multi-room speaker pioneer Sonos, said in October last year that it would be supporting Apple's new AirPlay 2 platform, adding that all of its speakers will be able to work with it. Apple AirPlay 2: What is it, how does it work and what devices are supported?... Read more
Q Acoustics intros revamped 3000i Series speakers from £199
British loudspeaker purveyor Q Acoustics is back with its latest range – the 3000i starting at £199 for a pair.When you consider the prices of some high-end Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speakers, the value on offer here can’t be understated.After all, you... Read more
Ultimate Ears confirms updates for Blast and Megablast speakers, with greater control for Spotify
Ultimate Ears has announced a raft of updates coming soon for the Blast and Megablast Bluetooth wireless speakers, with a particular focus being given to Spotify. Ultimate Ears Megablast review: Mr Boombastic, say me fantastic The updates, which for now... Read more
The best turntables for Record Store Day 2018
You'll no doubt have noticed a greater presence of vinyl records in your local music shop, whether it be a chain or an independent and this Saturday marks Record Store Day 2018.RSD 2018 sees 200 independent record shops joining in the fun. Loads of exclusive,... Read more
Hay Sonos One collection will offer the smart speaker in all manner of colours
Sonos has announced a partnership with Danish design company Hay. It will result in a new collection of Sonos One speakers in colours other than black or white.The Hay Sonos One Limited Edition Collection will feature the company's smart speakers in Hay's... Read more
B&O Play launches Beoplay P6 as a powerful, portable Bluetooth speaker
B&O Play, the lifestyle arm of Danish audio expert Bang & Olufsen, has introduced the Beoplay P6 wireless Bluetooth speaker, which has been designed to be as much as piece of furniture in your home, as it is a speaker. The best Bluetooth speakers 2018... Read more
Is this Facebook's mystery smart speaker?
Despite the recent Cambridge Analytica data scandal, Facebook is still expected to launch a voice-enabled smart speaker at some point. It was expected to be unveiled at the company's F8 conference in May, but due to other recent events, that may now not... Read more
Ikea Eneby are minimalist Scandinavian speakers for a budget price
Swedish flat-pack furniture retailer Ikea has entered the AV market for the first time, by launching its very own wireless Bluetooth speakers.Called the Eneby, the new range is available in two sizes: 20 x 20cm and 30 x 30cm and in white, grey or black... Read more
Ruark’s stylish MRx connected wireless speaker boasts Spotify Connect and more
Brit audio firm Ruark has announced the MRx – a mid-size compact aptX Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speaker. It’s the company’s first foray into a fully connected speaker; there’s no DAB here, for example, though you can stream internet radio stations of... Read more
Oppo Digital isn’t going to make those top-notch 4K Blu-ray players anymore
It’s rare that a company decides it’s just going to stop making stuff.At a time when Oppo’s mobile arm is expanding, Oppo’s audio visual division has decided that there’s no money in audio or its excellent 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray players and will... Read more
Last chance! Get two Sonos One speakers for £349 before 4 April
It's your last chance to buy two Sonos One speakers with Alexa support for £349, giving you a huge saving of £50 - the offer is available until 4 April. Get two Sonos One speakers for £349 here The Sonos One is without doubt our favourite voice-controlled... Read more
Como Audio launches multi-room system in the UK, including CD streaming
American audio company Como Audio has announced it's bringing its range of multi-room speakers, radios and music systems to the UK.Multi-room audio: What is it and how do you get it?The Como Audio range comprises four models: Musica (£649), a one-box... Read more
Sonos welcomes Audible back to its streaming platform
Sonos has announced that Audible, the audiobook service from Amazon, is now back up and running on Sonos speakers after being removed from the multi-room streaming system a couple of years ago. Which Sonos speaker is best for you? One, Play:1, Play:3,... Read more
Wave hello to B&O Play's new ocean-inspired Spring collection
B&O Play, the lifestyle arm of high-end Danish AV company Bang & Olufsen, has revealed new colours for some of its products. Arriving in time for Spring, the new colours are inspired by the "vibrant and powerful colours of the ocean." Which B&O Play speaker... Read more
The best smart speaker 2018: HomePod alternatives to rival Apple's new super Siri speaker
The Apple HomePod isn't alone in the smart speaker space with plenty of competition, but it is unique in that it's the only one with Siri as the virtual assistant at its core rather than Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Samsung's Bixby is also set to... Read more
A smaller, cheaper Apple HomePod could be on the way
The Apple HomePod has only been available for about a month, and it's currently only available in the UK, US and Australia, but that hasn't stopped the rumour mill from churning and saying a new, cheaper model of Apple's smart speaker will be out later... Read more
Bose SoundLink Micro review: Mega sound from the palm-sized portable
When we first looked at the SoundLiink Micro's diminutive proportions, we thought "nah, this dinky speaker can't sound good, can it?". How wrong we were, for Bose's smallest speaker kicks out considerable volume and with more bass than you might imagine.It's... Read more
Multi-room audio: What is it and how do you get it?
Multi-room audio is as the name suggests, audio in multiple rooms. It's a concept that has been around for many years, with Sonos perhaps being the pioneer. While the very idea of pumping music around several rooms in your home is now easier than ever,... Read more
Sonos One review: Superb sound with the added bonus of Amazon Alexa
The Sonos One is is described by the company as "the smart speaker for music lovers" and it not only offers Amazon's Alexa, but it will offer Google Assistant in 2018 too, giving you a choice of the personal assistant you want to use. Sonos One vs Sonos... Read more
Qualcomm Broadcast Audio brings multi-room audio to Bluetooth devices
Qualcomm has revealed details about a new feature called Broadcast Audio that comes as part of the new Snapdragon 845 mobile processor. Broadcast Audio allows one Bluetooth source device, such as a smartphone, to transmit audio to multiple Bluetooth speakers... Read more
The best Alexa speakers: Top Amazon Echo alternatives
Alexa is great, she can control all manner of smart home products, answer any questions you may have and play you music she thinks you'll love.But that last one can pose a problem if you have the Amazon Echo, because it isn't the greatest sounding speaker... Read more
Spotify smart speaker could be on the way following job listings
Spotify could soon mount a challenge to the likes of Apple, Sonos, Google and countless other speaker manufacturers, after MusicAlly (via The Guardian) spotted three adverts for an "operations manager", "senior project manager: hardware production" and... Read more
The best Apple HomePod tips and tricks: Plus how to set up HomePod
So, you've got a new HomePod. Great! But aside from saying "Hey Siri, play me some music" there is plenty more the smart speaker can do.Here we've detailed a load of HomePod tips and tricks to get you started and show you what your new Apple smart speaker... Read more
Which Sonos speaker is best for you? One, Play:1, Play:3, Play:5, PlayBar or PlayBase
Multi-room speaker options are plentiful to say the least, with Denon, Samsung, LG and Bluesound all offering their own take.Unlike some of the newer additions to the multi-room speaker sector, Sonos has been kicking around for over a decade and it offers... Read more
Sonos One vs Sonos Play:1: What's the difference?
How do you choose between the Sonos One and Sonos Play:1? Which is the right Sonos for you?The two Sonos speakers are very similar even though one brings integrated voice control with Amazon Alexa (Google Assistant will also be coming to Sonos One... Read more
Apple HomePod now available for £319, here's where to buy it
The Apple HomePod is now available to buy in the UK, US and Australia. First announced at Apple's developer conference in June 2017, the new Siri-equipped speaker takes on the Amazon Echo and Google Home in the race to be the smart home speaker... Read more
Why HomePod sounds so good: Inside Apple's secret audio lab
Six years ago, Apple decided it was going to get into the speaker business for a second time. The first attempt, the iPod Hi-Fi, launched in 2006 to mixed reviews.Although the iPod Hi-Fi's life was brief, Apple says it was successful. And let's face it,... Read more
Apple's HomePod is now available to order from John Lewis in the UK
The Apple HomePod is now available to buy from John Lewis ahead of the in-store launch this Friday.If you buy one in advance you can collect it from any John Lewis or Waitrose store on Friday - the day of release in the US, UK and Australia. It's available... Read more
What can - and can't - you do with Apple's HomePod?
Apple’s HomePod is here and will be in stores on Friday. But there’s been a lot of confusion about what you can and can’t do with Apple’s new super speaker. No matter, because we’re here to clear up the confusion. Let’s get clarifying! Everything... Read more
Apple HomePod vs Google Home vs Amazon Echo: What's the difference?
Apple's HomePod is here, so how does it compare to the other key players on the market? Namely the significantly cheaper Amazon Echo and Google Home devices. Check out our verdict on the Apple HomePod Amazon released the original Amazon Echo three years... Read more
Apple HomePod on track to launch "soon", as Apple begins receiving shipments
Just last week, analytics company GBH Insights said Apple's HomePod smart speaker would go on sale within the next four to six weeks. It seems the industry analyst does have good insight, as Apple is said to have started receiving the first shipment of... Read more
Apple HomePod smart speaker could go on sale in the next six weeks
Apple's long-awaited HomePod smart speaker could finally be released within the next four to six weeks, according to industry analysts. The speaker was first announced at Apple's WWDC event in June 2016 and was meant to go on sale in December. Apple HomePod:... Read more
Orbitsound's Dock E30 is a powerful wireless speaker with wireless charging built in
British audio company Orbitsound has announced the Dock E30 wireless speaker. At nearly 30cm wide, the Dock E30 isn't the largest speaker around, but it's been designed to take up permanent residence in your room.It features the company's proprietary... Read more
Klipsch Three and One speakers combine old school looks with modern Google Assistant control
There are multiple manufacturers adding Google Assistant to their speaker systems, but most prefer a more futuristic look to go with the modern day control methods.Klipsch, on the other hand, has announced Google Assistant is coming to two speakers that... Read more
Monster Classic Rock Blaster and Firecracker speakers will make your metal heavier
Monster's Blaster range of speaker systems has been around for a while now, but we've always considered them as leaning more towards hip-hop and dance in style and audio signature.Now though, the company has collaborated with Aerosmith's Joe Perry to... Read more
Sony's new soundbars virtualise Dolby Atmos surround sound
Sony has announced new audio products at CES 2018.We were really struck by the HT-Z9F and HT-X9000F, two soundbars that offer Dolby Atmos surround sound, though you'll still need overhead speakers to achieve true Atmos. The HT-X9000F is a 2.1 soundbar,... Read more