Sony is battling against the rising threat of AI-generated music on streaming services, and now industry giants want clear AI tagging.

‘Premium sound, standout ANC, price that undercuts most rivals… what's not to love?’ — why Huawei’s FreeBuds Pro 5 are the new AirPods rivals to beat

I compared Bluesound’s and Sonos’s wireless speakers and I never expected it to be this hard to pick an undisputed sonic champ.

Spigen’s new AirPods Pro 3 case is inspired by Macintosh mice from the 1980s.

With top brands including Sony, Sonos, Bose and JBL all discounted, now is a fantastic time to upgrade your personal audio.

Elipson's new active speakers have extensive wired and wireless connectivity including an MM phono stage and aptX HD

Spotify's Wear OS upgrade is truly stunning, but its pretty new visuals are just the beginning.

Spotify for Windows just got a big upgrade — and audiophiles are going to love this one.

RØDE has announced the RØDECaster Video Core, a major new addition to its video production lineup, alongside a defining new integration capability that connects the console with select RØDECaster audio interfaces: RØDECaster Sync. Hot on the heels of the release of the RØDECaster Video S in November last year, the latest offering in RØDE’s growing range of all-in-one video and audio production consoles delivers the most streamlined solution yet for video podcasters, solo creators and live streamers at any professional level.

Designed specifically for creators working in modular or software-driven workflows, the RØDECaster Video Core offers the same advanced production power as the flagship RØDECaster Video. Combining advanced video switching, recording and streaming with a fully integrated professional audio mixer, it offers a flexible foundation for creating broadcast-quality content across video podcasts, live streams and studio productions in a compact desktop-friendly unit.

Launching alongside it, RØDECaster Sync is an innovative new feature that seamlessly connects the RØDECaster Video Core with the RØDECaster Pro II and RØDECaster Duo audio interfaces, creating a single unified production hub. With RØDECaster Sync, audio-first creators can expand into video with zero fuss, scaling their setup effortlessly while maintaining the studio-grade sound and intuitive control that has made RØDECaster the creative industry standard.

“The launch of the RØDECaster Video Core and RØDECaster Sync marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of content creation,” said RØDE CEO Damien Wilson. “With the RØDECaster range, every creator, no matter their skill level or workflow, is supported by a complete ecosystem that makes professional production more accessible than ever. As always, RØDE continues to set the industry benchmark for tearing down barriers to democratise content creation worldwide.”

VIDEO UNLOCKED
Designed for creators working in both software-based and modular production environments, the RØDECaster Video Core delivers a seamless new way to bring professional video into any audio-first workflow. Compact and streamlined, it offers the same octa-core processor as the flagship RØDECaster Video, making high-end switching, streaming and recording more accessible than ever.

For creators who prefer software-based control, the RØDECaster Video Core integrates seamlessly with the RØDECaster App. This free dedicated companion app provides extensive control over every aspect of production, allowing users to switch between video sources, design custom multi-camera layouts with the scene builder and mix pristine audio with the intuitive mixer. With advanced configuration available at every level, the RØDECaster App gives productions a professional polish with total flexibility.

RØDECaster Sync takes this flexibility even further, introducing an innovative new way for the RØDECaster Video Core to integrate with compatible RØDECaster audio consoles, creating one unified production setup. By simply using a USB-C cable to connect the RØDECaster Video Core with the RØDECaster Pro II or Duo, creators can manage both audio and video from a single surface, expand their inputs and outputs, enable shared mixing and recording and unlock advanced switching capabilities that scale effortlessly as their studio grows.

BROADCAST-READY OUT OF THE BOX
With its compact footprint, the RØDECaster Video Core delivers uncompromising broadcast-quality production power. It supports switching between up to four video sources with fully customisable scenes, smooth transitions, graphic overlays and multi-source layouts – providing professional results without the complexity of traditional broadcast hardware.

With three Full HD HDMI inputs featuring auto frame rate conversion, configurable HDMI output monitoring, a configurable USB-C expansion port and support for network cameras via up to four NDI inputs, the RØDECaster Video Core adapts to virtually any video setup, from podcasts to live studio productions.

In terms of audio, it brings the studio-grade sound RØDE is renowned for, featuring two Neutrik combo inputs with ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamps for pristine capture from microphones, instruments or line sources. Each of the nine stereo audio channels is enhanced with world-class APHEX processing – including EQ, compression, noise gating, de-essing and legendary effects like Aural Exciter, Big Bottom and Compellor – ensuring every production sounds as polished as it looks.

ANY CREATOR, ANY SETUP
Whether live streaming or recording for post-production, the RØDECaster Video Core integrates effortlessly into any creative setup. Creators can stream directly to YouTube, Twitch and other major platforms via Ethernet, or record straight to an external USB drive or SSD, with the option to capture each video and audio source independently through isolated (ISO) recording for maximum flexibility in the edit.

With support for a wide range of modern video inputs, from HDMI cameras to network sources and USB devices, the RØDECaster Video Core is built to adapt as productions grow. It also pairs seamlessly with the free RØDE Capture app, allowing creators to turn an iPhone into a high-quality dual-camera source for wireless multi-angle streaming, perfect for podcasts, interviews and solo content creation.

Compact, powerful and designed for the realities of today’s creators, the RØDECaster Video Core delivers a complete professional production solution without the traditional barriers of broadcast complexity.

The RØDECaster Video Core will be available worldwide to pre-order for US$599.

The post RØDE launches Video Core and Sync for content creators appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

Sonos boss Tom Conrad has been speaking to Bloomberg about plans for headphones and audio for the car.

Earbuds, wireless over-ears, retro on-ears, boombox-style speakers, a turntable, and a ‘micro hi-fi system’ — is there any audio product Philips isn’t releasing in 2026?

I tested Marshall’s second party speaker, and it may be smaller, but my word does it pack a punch — here’s how I rated it.

Spotify could be developing support for smart glasses — here's what it could entail when Spotify enters the world of XR.

Astell & Kern's budget arm has unveiled new wired earbuds, the Scoop, which offer five drivers and multiple connection options for under £100.

The AirPods Pro 3, unfortunately, launched in Australia at a higher price than their predecessor, but this Amazon Big Smile Sale discount makes them a much more attractive proposition.

Speakers you plaster over in the wall that actually sound great? I was skeptical, but they work

I have them; I love them — and for just £78.99 they're an absolute no-brainer on the last day of Amazon's Spring Deal Days sale extravaganza.

Sony’s PS-LX310BT has been a roaring success — but time waits for no Bluetooth turntable, so more than six years since the 310 launched it’s finally being replaced. Which means this PS-LX5BT has some big and successful shoes to fill…

Spotify could finally bring playlist folders to the mobile app after years of users desperately begging.

5 years later, we get the H2 chip and a ton of new features

Cleer Audio's new Arc 5 open earbuds offer THX and Dolby Atmos spatial audio, in a confusing package.

Renting doesn't mean you can't have an awesome home theater setup, but learn some lessons before you start

Long and dark, shiny and black: why AKG’s new Lyriq EV Dolby Atmos sound system made me want to drive straight to the Cadillac ranch

There's a lot that Spotify could be investing in, but these three areas are the first that spring to mind.

I've tested over 40 Bluetooth speakers, and after pitting these similarly priced Bang & Olufsen and Bose models against one another, there's only one I'd actually buy.

AV Insider: Digging into the background of Sonos' return to releasing speakers, plus the threat to its soundbars from Dolby Atmos FlexConnect

Spotify is rolling out a tool that lets you have full control over your Taste Profile, here's how your feedback tailors your recommendations.

Users say a Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen firmware update has removed key features — here's what to do if you feel the same

I've been using the Sony WH-1000XM6 for almost a year now, and they're the best noise-cancelling headphones I've ever tested.

JBL has unveiled the Live 780NC and Live 680NC headphones to US markets, as well as a PartyBox karaoke speaker which uses proprietary magic to reduce vocal lines from your favorite songs.

I use the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones every day and can't recommend them enough, especially at a record-low price.

'No one is motivated by making an innovative music discovery experience'

This fully automatic turntable looks far more expensive than it is thanks to extensive use of aluminium. In addition to a good quality preamp and good Bluetooth codec support, it also features integrated lighting.

Users are already loving SongDNA for its in-depth song credits, and it's looking to be a handy new way to discover new artists.

The Skullcandy Push 540 Open combine old-school tools with Skullcandy magic, and it could give them the gumption to take on the Shokz as our favorite open earbuds.

The Sonos March Madness sale is now live with up to 25% off a range of talented speakers and soundbars — I can't recommend them though, especially at these prices.

Burson's new Stellar Series promises high-end headphone amplification in a more compact and accessible form

Spotify has revealed its 2025 revenue and payouts, but lesser-known artists are still struggling to make a living.

Most of the earbuds deals I've seen in the Spring Deal Days sales are fine rather than fantastic — but Nothing's Ear (a) at this new lowest-seen price are a no-brainer

If you're a user of the Sonos Android app, you can once again control playback and volume from the notification shade and lock screen.

The OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro are officially on their way and according to early teases from the company, bass and ANC are the names of the game.

Amazon's Spring Deal Days are here and I've picked out the best portable hi-fi deals live now, with some lowest-seen prices across audiophile products — enjoy!