We’re big fans of high-end earbuds around here, but we’re also big fans of buds that don’t cost much at all. Both have their place. One of the more interesting sets of the past year are the 2023 Amazon Echo Buds, which just got a few new features this past week.
First up are tap controls. You can now set a tap gesture to run a full Alexa action, or multiple actions in a routine. Other long-press options include play/pause, next/previous track, volume, voice assistant, and mute — or you can just disable the long-press altogether.
And maybe bigger is that you can change the wake word you use for hands-free commands. So if saying “Alexa” just isn’t your thing, you can change it to “Echo” instead.
The Amazon Echo Buds cost just $50 and are available in white or black. The case charges via USB-C, which is nice, and is easily pocketable. (You’ll need to supply your own cable, though.) Expect these to get some interesting competition over the summer as Beats releases the Solo Buds. Those will cost 60% more, though, but that might not matter to someone looking for fairly affordable earbuds outside the Amazon ecosystem.
All in all, the Echo Buds are a great option if you’re looking to not spend too much on a basic pair of earbuds that just got a wee bit better thanks to some new features.
Instagram is making its way to yet another screen, and this time, Apple TV is getting a taste of the Reels rabbit hole. The company has launched a dedicated Instagram app for Apple TV, bringing Reels, longer videos, and live shows to the big screen. So, if watching one quick clip on a phone somehow turns into an hour of scrolling, there's now a much larger screen for that.
Instagram brings Reels and more to Apple TV
Audio-Technica, a brand well known for making some of the best studio and professional headphones on the market, has just come out with the ATH-AWX7000, which the company itself claims to be its "finest headphones ever." The new flagship closed-back headphone has debuted at an eye-watering price of $3,799. It combines hand-finished Japanese woodwork with a newly developed 58mm driver.
The earcups are made from Kiso cypress, a prized wood historically used for Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Each housing is finished by hand with traditional Echizen lacquer, which brings out the grain and is expected to darken over time. The frame and sliders are finished in a deep navy kachi-iro shade traditionally associated with samurai.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.