IFA - Europe's biggest consumer technology show - has just about finished up for 2018, and heck, there were so many gadgets. While we don't quite have the time to list them all, here's a couple of headphones and speakers that caught our eye this year.
Sony WH-1000X M3
Sony's 1000X M3 are the latest version of its critically acclaimed noise-cancelling headphones, and are said to be quieter than ever. Specifically, Sony claims its new noise cancelling processor has four times greater performance, and is better at cancelling out ambient noises. You'll be able to get your ears on the 1000X M3 in September for $499.95.
Bose Home Speaker 500
Much like every other audio manufacturer, Bose is getting into the smart speaker market. It's first smart speaker - the creatively named Home Speaker 500 - is powered by Alexa and even has a small screen on the front that will show you what's currently playing. Since it's made by Bose, we're assuming it will sound pretty good. You'll be able to grab it from October 11 for $599.95.
Beosound Edge
Bang & Olufsen is known for its unique industrial design, and the Besound Edge sure is unique. Edge is a bit of weird name though, given that it's literally a giant circle encased in aluminium. You can sit on the floor, or mount it on a wall if you'd prefer. You will however pay for the privilege: Bang & Olufsen's monolithic new speaker will set you back $5,000 when it arrives in Australia in October.
Beoplay E6
The E6s are a new pair of lightweight wireless earbuds from Bang & Olufsen. They'll last for up to five hours per charge, and come with a fancy snap on charging solution ostensibly turns them into wired buds if you need to charge while you're on the go. And at $449, they're a little more affordable than the aforementioned Beosound Edge. You'll find them in stores from September.
Sonos Amp
As the name might suggest, Sonos Amp isn't a speaker in itself, but an amplifier. It lets you bring up to four traditional wired speakers into the wireless multi-room world, supplying up to 125 watts per channel. Sonos Amp will also let you add turntables and other old school audio components to your Sonos setup. You'll be able to grab it in February 2019 for $999 through professional installers.
Netgear Orbi Voice
Netgear's Orbi Voice is one of the cleverest products we've seen in a while. It's an Alexa-powered smart speaker that also acts as a Wi-Fi network extender for the Orbi router ecosystem. While you have to use Netgear's Orbi mesh router solution to get the most out of Orbi Voice, we are so very for here for routers that do more than just, well, route. Australian pricing and availability for Orbi Voice has yet to be confirmed.
UE Boom 3
Ultimate Ears has refreshed its iconic Bluetooth speakers with sleeker design and an important change: they now have a pause / resume button on the top, so you won't need to reach for your phone as much. The Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 will go on sale in September locally, retailing for $199.95 and $299.95 respectively.
Alex Choros
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