Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Dyson’s OnTrac Headphones: The Next Generation of Stylish Audio Innovation

Far from just a novelty, the Dyson OnTrac offers an experience that deserves replication.

When you think of Dyson, their vacuums and hair tools likely come to mind. If you do remember Dyson’s venture into headphones, it’s probably because of the Dyson Zone, an unusual device that merged over-ear headphones with an air-purifying mask during the global pandemic.

If you lost interest after that, I wouldn’t hold it against you, but you’d be missing out on one of the most exciting concepts in consumer audio today: the Dyson OnTrac. Unlike the Zone, the OnTrac are no mere gimmick. These headphones combine eye-catching aesthetics with significant sound quality and ANC performance. In the crowded over-ear headphone market, Dyson distinguished the OnTrac from competitors by embracing customization as their hallmark.

We first reviewed the Dyson OnTrac in 2024, and upon revisiting them a year later, it’s evident they still make a statement. With frequent sales — the Dyson OnTrac recently dropped to their lowest price ever at $260 on Amazon just last month — they remain a solid choice for those seeking excellent ANC headphones.

More importantly, I hope to see more audio brands take inspiration from Dyson’s customization options, and here’s why.

How to customize the Dyson OnTrac

Many top headphones feature replaceable ear cushions, and for good reason. When a set of ear cushions becomes dirty or damaged, you can easily replace them at a reasonable cost rather than purchasing an entirely new headphone set. This is great for user-repairability, but the main focus isn’t necessarily customization. Often, a headphone brand will only offer a couple of color options for replacement ear cushions, commonly matching their primary color schemes.

Dyson takes a different route, designing the OnTrac ear cushions not only to be user-replaceable but also user-customizable. There are nine unique colors of ear cushions you can acquire, significantly more than the four color options available for the Dyson OnTrac. The concept is that you can purchase a pair of OnTrac and then personalize it with custom cushions, making Dyson’s headset as much a fashion statement as it is an audio device.

Dyson advances this concept by allowing users to replace and customize the outer caps of the headphones, which is virtually unheard of in the headphone industry. You can twist the outer cap on your OnTrac to unlock it and remove it from the headphones. This will show you a basic view of the OnTrac, its shell, and its audio drivers (once the ear cushions are removed). From there, you can add whichever outer cap material and color you prefer.

There are a total of 10 options for outer cap colors and finishes, including CNC Aluminum, CNC Copper, Titanium, and Ceramic. This versatility allows you to choose a headphone colorway that aligns with your style. Perhaps you want titanium headphones to match your titanium Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra phone, or a pink ceramic pair to complement your peony Google Pixel 9.

With the color of the headband (chosen only at purchase), the outer caps, and the ear cushions, there are over 2,000 distinct color combinations you can create with Dyson OnTrac. In a market where many of the best headphones are typically available only in black or white, this level of customization is unmatched.

A fresh approach to headphone repairability and modularity

Of course, swapping the outer cap or ear cushion on your headphones won’t enhance sound quality or provide any real benefits to the listening experience. Audiophiles, you may want to look away. However, headphones have evolved into as much of a fashion accessory as they are an audio device in recent years.

If you’re skeptical, head to the gym and tally how many individuals are exercising with AirPods Max — they might be the least suitable tool for the task, yet they are everywhere. Their appeal lies in their aesthetics and the status they convey.

It’s encouraging to see a company acknowledge that technology intersects with fashion and embrace that identity. Personalizing these headphones isn’t inexpensive, as each set of ear cushions or outer caps costs $50. Nonetheless, it’s wonderful to have the choice. Even if you wait until your ear cushions are worn or your outer caps are scratched to replace them, it will still be enjoyable to select a new colorway a year or two later.

The ability to refresh a pair of headphones that are a few years old with something new may prevent the urge to purchase an entirely new pair, thus reducing overconsumption and saving you money. Not everyone will utilize the Dyson OnTrac’s customization features in this way, but it’s refreshing that they exist.

Considering how mundane headphones like the Sonos Ace, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Sony WH-1000XM6 are starting to appear

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Galaxy S26 Speculations Suggest No Enhancement in Charging Speed for Samsung’s Future Flagship Models

Don’t Expect Faster Charging on the Galaxy S26 Models

What You Should Know:
– The Galaxy S26 Pro and S26 Edge are expected to maintain the same 25W wired charging, despite their larger batteries.
– The Galaxy S26 Ultra is not exempt either — a fresh leak indicates it remains limited to 45W rather than the anticipated 60W.
– Competing Android devices can now achieve a full charge in less than 30 minutes, leaving Samsung at a competitive disadvantage.

It appears increasingly probable that Samsung will overhaul and rename its Galaxy S series with the upcoming launch. While much of the Galaxy S26’s specifications have already surfaced, owing to recent leaks and rumors, the latest discussions regarding its charging performance could disappoint fans.

Leaker @UniverseIce on X asserts that the Galaxy S26 Pro and S26 Edge will retain the same 25W wired charging as their predecessors. This decision is noteworthy, keeping Samsung’s charging rates consistent for several generations, even as their batteries expand in size.

Previous leaks indicate that the Galaxy S26 Pro will feature a 4,300 mAh battery, an upgrade from the Galaxy S25’s 4,000 mAh. The S26 Edge is rumored to increase to 4,200 mAh from 3,900 mAh on the Galaxy S25 Edge. Larger batteries should equate to extended periods between charges, but with the unchanged slow 25W speeds, recharging will take longer.

Presently, 25W wired charging seems unsatisfactory for a flagship, and with Samsung emphasizing the Pro branding, the hardware should reflect this title.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Expected to Remain Limited to 45W

The prospects for a quicker-charging Galaxy S26 Ultra also do not appear promising. SammyGuru has identified speed ratings in Chinese regulatory documents that cast doubt on earlier upgrade speculation. The Chinese variation continues to be capped at 45W, squashing hopes for a 60W enhancement, and if this is the model Samsung distributes worldwide, no improvements will be seen.

If this information is correct, Samsung will enter its third flagship generation with unchanged wired charging speeds. Meanwhile, competitors like OnePlus, Xiaomi, and OPPO have advanced their own faster charging technologies significantly.

This situation places Samsung at a distinct disadvantage, with many of the most popular Android phones today now providing capabilities that can fully charge a device in less than half an hour. Some users may value the emphasis on battery life, but others could regard it as a lost opportunity.

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T-Mobile Provides the Latest Pixel Phone at No Cost With No Trade-In Required

The Google Pixel 10 offers just keep improving

Google’s latest flagship range is here, and the Pixel 10 offers just keep improving. Of all the promotions I’ve come across, T-Mobile seems to be in the lead with a deal that grants you a complimentary Google Pixel 10 when you add a line with “most” plans available on its site. This includes the carrier’s budget-friendly Essential plans, and there’s no trade-in needed! T-Mobile is also eliminating the $25 activation fee for a limited time. Given that the Pixel 10 series has only launched on August 28th, that’s quite remarkable.

The top Google Pixel 10 deals on the internet today

Google Pixel 10 128GB: $799 FREE with most plans at T-Mobile

The Pixel 10 has officially launched, and you can already secure the new flagship for free by adding a line with most of T-Mobile’s data plans. No trade-in is necessary, and as of September 15th, T-Mobile is even waiving the $25 activation fee for online shoppers.

While it may not be the significant upgrade we anticipated, the Google Pixel 10 remains an impressive flagship device with upgraded hardware and several unexpected specs beneath the surface. All three models in the flagship series — which consists of the standard Pixel 10, the Pixel 10 Pro, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL — are driven by the new Google Tensor G5 chipset, and you receive a revamped triple camera system, numerous new AI-driven software features, and a guarantee of seven years of OS and security updates. The Pixel 10 is also the first significant Android device to offer Qi2 MagSafe compatibility.

There are a few decisions that some Android enthusiasts might find disappointing, such as the absence of the physical SIM card tray, but these concerns are relatively minor when you consider the overall offering here. The pressing question is whether you should upgrade if you’re currently a satisfied Pixel 9 owner. Luckily, we created a Pixel 10 vs Pixel 9 comparison guide to tackle this specific question. It goes without saying, if you opt to upgrade, this T-Mobile deal might be the best option.

Google Pixel 10 launch — quick links

T-Mobile: FREE Pixel 10 with qualifying line
AT&T: up to $1,100 off with trade-in, new line
Verizon: free Pixel 10 with qualifying line
Xfinity Mobile: up to $1,000 off with qualifying trade-in, line
Amazon: Free gift cards with purchase
Best Buy: Free gift cards, trade-in credit
The best Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preorder deals
The best Google Pixel Watch 4 preorder deals

Today’s top Google Pixel 10 offers

Now that you’ve secured your Pixel 10, use some of those savings to pick up one of the best Google Pixel 10 cases!

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Ways to Enhance Your Experience with Spotify’s Latest Lossless Function

With Spotify introducing lossless music streaming for premium users, an entirely new dimension has emerged for your listening pleasure! Nonetheless, transitioning from lower-quality files accessible to non-premium users to the pristine 24-bit/44.1kHz FLAC files will necessitate some financial commitment on your end, as your Bluetooth earbuds may not be compatible with this new service.

If you possess over-ear headphones, you might already have the suitable gear for Spotify’s lossless audio, but a DAC is probably still required. No need to worry; we’re here to assist! We’ve compiled the collective insights of Android Central’s audio experts to provide you with suggestions on how to maximize your Spotify Premium experience with lossless sound.

Affordable options

Android Central’s Harish Jonnalagadda recommends the robust yet compact FiiO KA11 USB-C dongle as his DAC choice. It’s exceptionally durable, featuring a flexible silicone and braided cloth-covered cable that links the USB-C side to the 3.5mm ported DAC. It delivers a warm sound profile with excellent mid and treble reproduction, and the cost is just $32.99.

Brady Snyder has also been struck by the FiiO KA11, remarking that it’s “merely a USB-C to 3.5mm dongle on steroids” and that audio from your Android device “instantly sounds superior when processed through the KA11.”

For in-ear monitors (IEMs), Jonnalagadda suggests the Truthear Hexa ($89.99), which delivers impressive sound quality, although some have found the bass to be slightly lacking. However, a little EQ can easily address this! They lack an inline microphone for calls, but they’re aesthetically pleasing, come with memory foam, and include two types of silicone ear tips.

Regarding headphones, Snyder prefers KZ Audio’s KZ ZSN Pro X. He mentions that these $21.59 IEMs are cheaper than a meal nowadays and provide excellent audio for the cost. “I find the wrap-around cable design combined with the silicone ear tips to be very comfortable, and I appreciate that the cord is detachable if you need to swap or customize it.”

Snyder describes the sound quality as “firmly good enough” for casual listening sessions. You can procure both of his recommendations for under $60! Quite affordable.

For my own budget recommendation, I’m opting for the iFi Go Link USB-C DAC ($59.99). It features a stunning alloy body and a lovely braided cable. Its sound profile is rather neutral, providing an enjoyable soundstage and treble sparkle that gives music a live ambiance.

For connecting to those DACs, I recommend the Sennheiser CX 300S in-ear headphones with inline call and playback controls. As you’re considering budget earbuds, the $38.90 price on Amazon for the red variant fits the criteria!

The bass is decent, while the mids and highs are slightly emphasized, providing solid vocal clarity. Between the two options, you should be well-equipped to enjoy lossless audio for around $100, taxes included. If that’s still a bit challenging, you can’t go wrong with FiiO’s KA11 dongle DAC.

Entry-level enhancements

Harish kicks us off again with his DAC upgrade, the FiiO BTR17 Bluetooth 5.4 USB-C DAC AMP ($220). It accommodates not only wired connections but also LDAC and aptX Lossless. This unit is powerful with both 3.5mm and the more potent 4.4mm connections, allowing it to grow alongside your needs, and it includes a desktop mode to prolong battery life. This is an affordable DAC with some flagship traits that produces excellent sound!

For your IEM, he’s endorsing the TIN HiFi P1 Max II, which features 14.2mm planar drivers. They come with a 3.5mm cable but lack an inline microphone.

Brady’s upgrade suggestions include the esteemed Sennheiser HD600 and FiiO KA15. He notes that the former can achieve high volumes when paired with a good DAC and adapts well to a wide range of music genres, making them a versatile entry-level choice for audiophiles. They come with plush ear cushions and an adjustable headband, which he describes as “ideal for long listening sessions without discomfort.”

While he hasn’t personally used the KA15, he points out that “it’s the natural upgrade from the KA11 that I adore. This DAC is a bit larger, but offers higher balanced output power suitable for high-impedance headphones, plus supports up to 768kHz/32bit and DSD256 sampling rates — more than sufficient for Spotify’s lossless sound. I also enjoy the small display and the design that gives the KA15 a vintage cassette player vibe.”

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Sony Xperia 10 VII Incorporates Design Features from Google’s Pixel Line

**The Phone is Rocking the Pixel’s Signature Camera Bar**

Sony has introduced its newest mid-range smartphone, the Xperia 10 VII, which signifies a major shift from its conventional design. The device now sports a Pixel-inspired, pill-shaped camera bar, departing from the vertical camera strip that has characterized prior models. This design modification echoes Google’s Pixel series, providing the Xperia 10 VII with a contemporary and sleek appearance.

The Xperia 10 VII comes with a new 1/1.56-inch primary sensor and a 1/3-inch ultrawide lens, although Sony has not revealed the megapixel details. The front features a 6.1-inch Full HD+ OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, safeguarded by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

Alongside its design revamp, the Xperia 10 VII preserves several traditional attributes that attract users looking for functionality. It is equipped with enhanced stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring versatility and comprehensive hardware. The device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, expandable up to 2TB via microSD. A 5,000 mAh battery energizes the device, augmented by an “Adaptive Charging” feature aimed at extending battery longevity.

Sony upholds its hallmark build quality with IP65/68 water and dust resistance and includes a physical shutter button for swift camera access. The Xperia 10 VII measures 153 x 72 x 8.3 mm and weighs 169 g. On the software side, Sony commits to four years of OS updates and six years of security patches, establishing a high benchmark in the mid-range sector.

Despite its improvements, the phone features noticeable top and bottom bezels, and its availability may be restricted to Europe and Asia, likely excluding the U.S. market. Priced at around £399 / €449, the Xperia 10 VII is offered in White, Turquoise, and Charcoal black. While it may not stand toe-to-toe with flagship devices, the Xperia 10 VII provides a dependable and thoughtfully enhanced mid-range alternative, reinvigorating interest in Sony’s 10 series.

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Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 as Its Upcoming Top-Tier Processor

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: An Innovative Phase for Qualcomm’s 8-Series Line

Qualcomm has unveiled the latest version of its premium chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, representing the fifth generation of its 8-series line since 2021. This updated naming structure signifies the development of Qualcomm’s high-end chip series, retaining the “Elite” designation to denote the pinnacle performance level within the Snapdragon lineup.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is expected to launch in high-end devices like the Xiaomi 17 series and the Samsung Galaxy S26, highlighting its advanced features. Qualcomm’s choice to label it “Gen 5” is intended to clarify its product timeline, showcasing progress since the introduction of the single-digit naming approach.

Launched as an independent platform, the Snapdragon 8 Elite series introduced the Oryon CPU to mobile devices, resulting in considerable performance improvements. The new Gen 5 chipset carries on this heritage, pledging enhanced functionalities for future mobile ecosystems.

Qualcomm will officially present the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 at the Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii on September 23, 2025. This introduction is part of a larger strategy to apply the Gen 5 naming across forthcoming mobile frameworks, further solidifying Qualcomm’s position in mobile innovation.

With the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Qualcomm seeks to offer consumers a transparent and uncomplicated view of its technological progress, ensuring that the “Elite” label continues to reflect premium performance.

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Live Reporting of Meta Connect 2025: Hypernova, Ray-Ban 3, Meta AI, Quest, and Additional Highlights

**Meta’s Aspirations for Tomorrow: AI Eyewear and the Metaverse**

Meta has revealed its Connect 2025 agenda, showcasing its ambitious goals for artificial intelligence and the metaverse. The agenda promises thrilling advancements and insights into the future of computing, centering on AI eyewear and emerging technologies.

**Key Highlights:**

– **Connect Keynote (9/17 5p PST):** Mark Zuckerberg is set to unveil the latest innovations in AI eyewear and outline Meta’s perspective on merging artificial intelligence with the metaverse. This presentation is anticipated to offer a thorough overview of Meta’s strategic path and advancements.

– **Developer Keynote (9/18 10a PST):** Executives from Meta will share how the firm’s latest technologies are generating new possibilities for developers. This session seeks to motivate developers to create groundbreaking experiences that utilize Meta’s state-of-the-art tools and platforms.

– **The Future of Computing (9/18 10:45a PST):** Visionaries Michael Abrash and Richard Newcombe will investigate the thrilling future of computing, focusing on the promise of eyewear with contextual AI. This session will examine Meta’s intentions to transform the computing landscape and change how users engage with technology.

The agenda affirms the launch of new products, matching expectations for significant announcements. While the keynote will draw wide-ranging interest, the session on the future of computing is especially captivating for smart eyewear fans, providing insight into Meta’s vision for upcoming hardware generations.

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LaCie Rugged SSD4: An Adaptable and Resilient 4TB External SSD

**LaCie Rugged SSD4: An In-Depth Review**

The LaCie Rugged SSD4 has made a notable impression in the realm of portable storage solutions. Earning a score of 4 out of 5 stars from Android Central, this gadget is lauded for its distinctive design, exceptional performance, and robust protection. It is especially recognized for its universal connectivity via USB-C, ensuring compatibility with various devices, including Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.

**Design and Resilience**

The LaCie Rugged SSD4 is crafted to endure tough environments, featuring a striking orange silicone exterior and a brushed aluminum frame. It complies with the MIL-STD-810G standard, guaranteeing it can survive drops from heights of up to three meters and endure 2,000 pounds of pressure. Moreover, it offers IP54 dust and water resistance, provided that the USB-C port is covered with the included cap.

**Performance and Compatibility**

Fitted with a 40Gbps interface, the Rugged SSD4 facilitates exceptionally fast data transfers, making it one of the quickest SSDs on the market. It can manage ProRes video at 4K120 on iPhones, making it an ideal selection for video aficionados. The device can reach up to 3,700MB/s transfer speeds until the cache buffer is depleted, after which it sustains speeds between 800 – 1,700MB/s.

**Pricing and Availability**

The LaCie Rugged SSD4 is offered in multiple capacities: the 1TB variant is priced at $135, the 2TB variant at $249, and the 4TB variant at $479. Each purchase includes a three-year limited warranty and data recovery services, as well as a two-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud Pro.

**Advantages and Disadvantages**

Advantages:
– Distinctive and robust design
– Exceptional performance
– Durable protection
– Universal connectivity via USB-C

Disadvantages:
– Elevated price compared to similar SSDs

**Final Thoughts**

The LaCie Rugged SSD4 is a superb option for those seeking a sturdy, high-performance portable SSD. Although it is priced at a premium, its design, speed, and dependability make it a valuable investment for both professionals and enthusiasts.

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Selecting the Optimal Color for Your Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

A freshly launched Fan Edition from Samsung has just been released. Here are all the available colors.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is now officially available, and the good news is that you can purchase it online or at your local retail outlet. Before you make your way to purchase, it’s important to determine which color option you prefer. Similar to the 2024 Fan Edition Galaxy model, the S25 FE features silver frames and camera lens settings. This is consistent across all the color options of the phone. However, unlike the S24 FE, the S25 FE is offered in four colors instead of five and boasts a matte finish rather than a glossy one.

Some shades of the Galaxy S25 FE stand out more than others due to the contrast of colors. Take a close look at each color before you begin to finalize your selection.

This year’s Fan Edition of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is available in the following four colors

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Baseus Unveils Enhanced 5,000mAh Qi 2 Power Bank

The PicoGo AM31 is an excellent option if you’re in search of a lightweight and slim Qi 2 power bank. Baseus has consistently provided quality charging solutions, but the Chinese brand is elevating its game significantly in 2025. The company has launched numerous new offerings, including power banks and car chargers that feature retractable cables, GaN chargers, and more.

What grabbed my attention the most is the Qi 2 power bank; I evaluated the regular PicoGo models earlier this year and appreciated their compact size and robust build quality. While there are plenty of magnetic power banks currently available, the PicoGo ranks among the slimmest, and its Qi 2 support makes it a standout option.

Baseus has now introduced an updated model known as the PicoGo AM31; this version is offered in 5,000mAh and includes Qi 2 functionality along with a kickstand located at the rear. The PicoGo AM31 is listed on Amazon for a mere $39, aligning it with other magnetic power banks I’ve tested recently.

Weighing only 136g, the PicoGo AM31 is extremely lightweight, and it is slimmer than most smartphones, enhancing its portability. The curved design adds a pleasant touch, making it more comfortable to hold. It is available in four colors, allowing you to match it with your phone.

Featuring a metal casing for durability, I encountered no issues with build quality during the two months of use. The kickstand at the back is an intriguing feature that facilitates the use of StandBy mode when paired with an iPhone.

I tested the PicoGo AM31 with my Pixel 10 Pro XL and iPhone 16 Pro Max, and it performed exceptionally well in charging both devices. It achieves 15W through the Qi 2 protocol, and there’s a USB-C port on the side that supports up to 20W. The magnetic connection is quite strong, and I faced no difficulties using the power bank outdoors.

There are small LED indicators at the back showing battery life, and a power button located at the bottom. The primary distinction between the 5,000mAh PicoGo AM31 and the standard version is the addition of Qi 2 integration; if this is a feature you require, I strongly recommend opting for the AM31. The integrated kickstand also facilitates phone interaction while charging, but if you don’t find it necessary, the regular PicoGo is available for $22, a real steal.

The PicoGo AM31 encompasses all essential features for a Qi 2 power bank: it boasts a sleek design, powerful magnets, and is built to endure.

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