Spotify Ready to Introduce Long-Expected Lossless Audio Functionality

High-quality audio streaming could be forthcoming for Spotify users.

What you need to be aware of

– Lossless audio has been identified in the Spotify app code (v1.2.66) and user interface, suggesting the feature is finally on its way.
– It is anticipated that this feature will be available exclusively to Spotify Premium subscribers and will accommodate high-resolution playback (up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz).
– This advancement corroborates previous reports regarding a “Music Pro” add-on, indicating that Spotify is focusing on high-quality audio.

Spotify has yet to launch lossless streaming, and hints of it date back to 2021. However, if the current indications are to be believed, the feature is poised for a timely release.

The clues emerged via Spicetify’s account on X (as reported by The Verge). It reveals that the newest Spotify version 1.2.66 contains code referencing the lossless capability.

According to the images shared, lossless mode appears in the “Streaming quality” section of audio quality settings on the platform. It notes that using lossless mode will consume up to 1GB of data per hour and will support playback up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz — utilizing FLAC and Widevine. The code also suggests availability on Spotify Connect and the Web Player.

Users should also understand that this feature seems to be limited to Spotify Premium subscribers. The Spicetify post additionally notes a new Enhance Headphones feature that the music platform appears to be developing. However, the exact functionality of this feature has yet to be confirmed.

Anticipation since 2021

The news about the Lossless feature poised for Spotify has circulated since the initial announcement made by the company in 2021. Although progress has been slow, a recent Bloomberg article indicated Spotify’s intentions to introduce a new add-on subscription tier called Music Pro. This tier is designed to be a cost-effective enhancement, likely adding $6 to the current subscription plans.

A key component of the proposed plan, which is expected to debut this year, will include high-quality audio (HiFi) streaming alongside remixing tools, access to concert tickets, and the ability to blend tracks from various artists — supported by AI assistance.

Collectively, the emergence of the Lossless streaming option in the latest Spotify app signifies that the company is intensifying its efforts to deliver premium audio streaming to its users in the near future.

Leaked Information about Nothing Headphone 1 Uncovers Distinctive Design Prior to Release

Catch the Initial Glimpse of Nothing’s Much-Awaited Over-Ear Headphones

Nothing, celebrated for its cutting-edge audio devices, is poised to create a buzz with its first over-ear headphones, the Headphone 1. Recent leaks unveil a captivating design that embodies Nothing’s hallmark translucent style.

Key Information

• The Headphone 1 boasts Nothing’s translucent aesthetic with squircle-shaped ear cups.
• It carries the “Sound by KEF” label, confirming a collaboration with KEF.
• Includes 3.5mm audio support, a feature not commonly found in contemporary Bluetooth headphones.

As per leaks, the Headphone 1 displays a distinctive design with large ear cups and a see-through finish. Anticipated color choices include jet black and silver/white. The headphones come equipped with two physical buttons and foldable ear cups for easy transport.

The “Sound by KEF” label underlines Nothing’s partnership with KEF, ensuring an improved audio experience. The addition of 3.5mm audio support offers a wired alternative, distinguishing it from the majority of modern Bluetooth headphones.

With the launch date nearing, excitement grows for Nothing’s Headphone 1. With its unique design and appealing features, it seeks to make a mark in the competitive headphone industry. The official release is scheduled for July 1.

Fairphone 6 Embraces a Fresh, More Eco-Friendly Design

The eagerly awaited Fairphone 6’s leaked images indicate the company’s dedication to repairability.

What you need to know

– Leaked images showcase a modular design for the Fairphone 6, enabling straightforward component replacement.
– The Fairphone 6 is anticipated to introduce a new design featuring flat edges and a unique neon-themed power button, offered in black, white, and green hues.
– The Fairphone 6 is rumored to debut on June 25th with a starting price of €549, and may include a 6.31-inch pOLED 120Hz display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, and a 4415mAh battery.

Fairphone is poised to introduce its sixth eco-friendly device next week. Ahead of the launch, we now have purported images of the device displaying its design and key features.

According to the render images released by Roland Quandt via WinFuture, the supposed Fairphone 6 appears in three color options: black, white, and green. While the color schemes seem reminiscent of the previous model, the actual design of the phone is significantly altered. Regardless of the colors, there is a neon-themed power button, which at first sight resembles past Pixel models, such as the Pixel 3.

We are likely to notice flatter edges, and the protruding camera visor has been replaced with an individually positioned camera system at the rear.

According to the leaked promotional images of the alleged Fairphone 6, it is expected to have a back cover directly below the camera sensors secured with only a few screws. Once unscrewed, users may find it possible to remove the battery, as it is not glued to the device but secured with additional screws.

The report further mentions that a similar method is likely to be used for the cameras, display, and speaker module—all contributing to the sustainability goal that the Fairphone 6 aims to achieve.

The device is expected to launch on June 25 starting at €549, with specifications for the upcoming Android phone comprising a 6.31-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, which can be further expanded via microSD up to 2TB.

A 4415mAh battery capacity is anticipated to energize the Fairphone 6 with support for 33W fast charging. The camera setup on the phone is likely to feature a 50MP main sensor, a 13MP secondary sensor, and a 32MP front-facing camera. Finally, the Fairphone 6 reportedly holds a Class “A” certification for both reparability and durability, according to EU standards.

Xiaomi’s Buds 5 Pro: Remarkable Attributes Exceeding Outstanding Audio Performance

These earbuds feature Qualcomm’s XPAN integration, providing significantly improved connectivity.

Xiaomi has repeatedly demonstrated its capability to create earbuds with impressive audio performance and great value, and after testing most of its offerings in this category over the past decade, I generally appreciate the sound tuning and comfort. The Buds 5 Pro maintain this standard, bringing forth a distinctive feature that sets them apart from the competition — Wi-Fi integration.

The Buds 5 Pro utilize Qualcomm’s XPAN mode embedded within the Snapdragon Sound suite, enabling the buds to alternate between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity while delivering superior music playback quality. This mode supports up to 96kHz/24-bit, and it is exciting to finally witness this technology in action. The standard Buds 5 Pro are priced at £159 ($213) in the U.K., while the Wi-Fi version retails for £189 ($253).

Lightweight construction with rapid charging

Xiaomi succeeded in the design aspects, and the Buds 5 Pro exude a premium quality akin to the finest earbuds. The buds feature elongated stems with metal accents, and the casing has a matte finish. They fit very comfortably; the sound tube does not penetrate excessively into your ear, and the weight is evenly balanced across the shell and the stem.

Even after prolonged usage, I encountered no problems with these earbuds, and at just 5.6g, they are light enough that you often forget you have them on. The case showcases an elegant design with a transparent panel, and the only drawback is the lack of Qi charging — you are confined to USB-C. This is a missed opportunity by Xiaomi, especially considering that even budget models include this feature nowadays, making its absence on earbuds over $200 frustrating.

The earbuds offer IP54 dust and water resistance and sufficiently prevent sweat from entering during workouts. Thankfully, the design ensures they remain secure while running, and this has not posed any issues. Although I’m not usually fond of touch controls on earbuds, the extensive recognition area around the stem allows for accurate gesture activation.

The Buds 5 Pro are equipped with a 64mAh battery, while the case houses a 570mAh battery. I achieved over six and a half hours of music playback on a single charge, along with fast charging that provides two hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge.

The audio performance is exceptional

In terms of sound, the Buds 5 Pro feature a custom 11mm driver paired with a planar driver and dedicated tweeter, resulting in considerably superior sound quality compared to many earbuds. The buds produce engaging bass with satisfying rumble, clear mids that highlight vocals and instruments, and rich treble that extends well without any sibilance.

The bass is not overemphasized, and I discovered that adjusting the EQ to boost the low-end made these earbuds really come alive for most contemporary music. Out of the box, they seem primarily set up for viewing movies and TV shows, but there’s ample opportunity to customize the sound.

On that note, these earbuds excel at noise isolation. I used them consistently for over a month, and they’ve effectively blocked out the humming of the air conditioner as well as the sounds from my mechanical keyboard. Calls were clear as well, featuring environmental noise isolation, making them adept at minimizing wind noise during outdoor calls.

A Xiaomi phone is required to access the extras

Now for the additional features; they offer a 50ms low latency mode and enable spatial audio following a personalized hearing test. You gain access to AptX Lossless codecs, with the standout feature being 96kHz/24-bit audio — it’s refreshing to see Xiaomi exploit Qualcomm’s audio offerings. However, you must utilize a recent Xiaomi phone to access this mode — I tested it using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra — and it reverts to 48kHz/24-bit when paired with devices like the Xiaomi 15.

Spatial audio is exclusive to Xiaomi phones, mirroring a common practice among other brands with their products. Overall, using the Buds 5 Pro with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience, as the combination of sound quality, lossless audio, and excellent connectivity gives these buds a notable advantage. Being within the Xiaomi ecosystem is essential to fully utilize some of the additional features, and for owners of the Xiaomi 15 or 15 Ultra, these earbuds are a highly recommended choice.

With impressive audio performance and unrivaled connectivity, the Buds 5 Pro rank among the top earbuds available today.

Galaxy Z Fold 7 Camera Improvement Guarantees Better Selfie Quality

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 may be bidding farewell to under-display cameras.

What you should know

– Samsung could be eliminating the concealed selfie cameras and reintroducing punch-holes on both the inner and cover screens of the Z Fold 7.
– UDC technology still faces challenges with clarity due to the screen layers atop the lens.
– If these modifications are implemented, the Z Fold 7 may be Samsung’s pathway back to leading the foldable segment.

A fresh rumor about the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has emerged, suggesting that Samsung might replace under-display cameras with punch-holes on both the primary and cover screens.

According to PandaFlash on X, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to abandon the under-display selfie cameras for a more traditional punch-hole design (source: TechRadar). Recent visuals support this assertion, distinctly displaying the new camera cutout on both the main screen and cover display.

Reviewing the recently leaked visuals, it is evident that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will feature punch-hole cameras on both its inner and cover screens. However, some fans may perceive this change as a regression in terms of aesthetics and technology for the Fold series.

This change harkens back to the Galaxy Z Fold 2, the last instance when we saw punch-holes on both the main and cover screens. Since that time—even through the current Galaxy Z Fold 6—Samsung has opted for under-display cameras (UDC), commencing with the Z Fold 3, the first model to conceal its inner selfie camera under the display.

Why make the switch?

There is no official statement regarding why Samsung is moving away from the under-display camera on the Z Fold 7, but the probable reason is straightforward: enhanced photo quality. Despite advancements, UDC technology still struggles to compete with the clarity of a standard punch-hole camera, owing to the additional display layer covering the lens.

Indeed, under-display cameras represent a notable technological achievement, but concealing the lens beneath screen layers often compromises photo quality. The camera must deal with multiple display layers, which generally results in noisy, poorly exposed images, along with problems such as excessive lens flare and odd artifacts.

A punch-hole camera, conversely, avoids the visual complexities and generally produces much clearer, sharper images.

Is this Samsung’s foldable renaissance?

If these speculated adjustments actually make it to the final version of the Z Fold 7, Samsung could finally regain the momentum needed to reclaim the foldable throne. After years of cautious approaches, this could be the disruption that elevates it back to the forefront of every best foldable list.

Samsung remains silent for the moment, but all indications suggest a reveal for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 on July 9.

Gemini’s Latest Android Function Quickly Recognizes Song Lyrics

Ever find yourself curious about the song playing in a cafe or on the radio? Your Android device, equipped with Gemini, can now help with that.

What you should know

– Android users now have the capability to use Gemini for identifying songs through playing, singing, or even humming.
– However, instead of providing answers directly in the chat, Gemini redirects you to a Google Search page, interrupting the flow.
– Moreover, iOS users are currently left out, although a broader rollout is likely on the horizon.

Google has been refining Gemini on Android, and it can now finally recognize that elusive song for you—a highly requested feature that enhances its everyday utility.

Initially, when Gemini debuted, it lacked some beloved functionalities from Google Assistant, such as identifying currently playing songs. Asking it back then would simply direct you to another app.

But as reported by 9to5Google, this has evolved. In recent weeks, Gemini has subtly acquired built-in song identification, effectively bridging a significant gap with its predecessor and enhancing its capability as a comprehensive assistant for Android users.

Just ask and play

To test out Gemini’s new song identification feature, simply say, “What song is this?” It will then switch to a full-screen mode and request you to play, sing, or hum the melody. While it’s listening, you’ll observe that iconic pulsing sphere as it seeks the closest match using Google’s intelligence.

Gemini’s music recognition capabilities function universally, meaning it can detect songs playing in the vicinity, from your playlists, or even those you hum.

Still a bit clunky

Although Gemini on Android can now identify songs, it’s not fully integrated into the Gemini experience just yet. When you ask it to recognize a song, it actually transfers the task to the full-screen listening mode of the Google app.

It works, but it’s not as fluid or integrated as something like Pixel’s built-in Now Playing feature, which continues to excel in seamless song identification. You can activate it with a simple voice command or by tapping the lock screen shortcut, providing results directly in the interface. Additionally, it functions offline, which is a significant advantage.

Another distinction of Gemini’s song identification compared to a fully integrated system is that it displays results on a Google Search page instead of keeping it within the chat. Thus, instead of a smooth, inline response as you would receive from Google Assistant, you’re redirected from the conversation flow, making the experience feel somewhat fragmented.

At present, Song Search is exclusively available in Gemini on Android. Google has not officially announced when (or if) it will arrive on iOS, but it’s likely just a staggered rollout.