Ifi's Up Travel is a high-quality, portable Bluetooth transmitter designed for audiophiles.

      You can find a variety of Bluetooth transmitters on Amazon that allow you to connect your wireless headphones or earbuds to an airplane's seatback entertainment systems, but there are few that function as both a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver. Moreover, I haven't come across one that offers as many codec options as Ifi's new Up Travel.

      Retailing at $99, the Up Travel is priced higher than many similar devices and may not be the best choice if you only need basic connectivity. However, if you are an enthusiast for high-quality wireless audio, it may justify the expense. Within its compact, flip-open design, resembling a car key fob, Ifi has incorporated separate chips for Bluetooth transmission and digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) functions, as well as a dedicated clock circuit, which is often the weakest part of a digital audio signal path.

      The dongle can be used as a transmitter (sending an analog signal wirelessly to your headphones) or as a receiver (transmitting wireless audio from your phone to a hi-fi or car audio system). In either mode, you can select from an extensive list of high-quality Bluetooth codecs:

      - SBC

      - AAC (receive only)

      - aptX

      - aptX HD

      - aptX LL (low latency) (transmit only)

      - aptX Adaptive

      - LDAC

      - LHDC/HWA (receive only)

      Changing codecs is straightforward. A dedicated button cycles through the options, with a color-coded LED indicating which codec is currently active (yellow for AAC, light blue for LDAC, dark blue for aptX, etc.). This button also allows you to adjust the DAC's sample rate: 44.1-48kHz or 88.2-96kHz.

      When using the Up Travel as a transmitter, you can still utilize voice applications like calling or Zoom, thanks to the dongle's built-in microphone, which features Qualcomm’s cVc technology—an algorithm used in many wireless headphones and earbuds to reduce background noise during calls.

      Similar to devices like the AirFly Pro, the Up Travel can connect to two headphones or earbuds for simultaneous listening. The Ifi Nexis app provides options for customization and firmware updates.

      The only drawback, relatively speaking, is its battery life. Ifi claims it lasts about 10 hours, which is shorter than many competing products. Additionally, you may need to purchase a dual-prong adapter if you find yourself using an older audio interface on a plane.

      You can purchase the Up Travel from ifi-audio.com.

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      Simon Cohen serves as a contributing editor for the Audio/Video section of Digital Trends, where he is dedicated to exploring the latest developments in wireless technology.

      Spotify DJ now accepts song requests akin to real-life interactions, free from the pressure of others' opinions.

      Do you recall the moments at clubs when you requested a song from a DJ, only to face the discontent of your friends? Spotify has revealed that its DJ feature will now accommodate your song requests just like a real DJ would, allowing you to enjoy music in the comfort of your home, car, or gym without any judgment.

      According to a press release from Tuesday, the streaming service stated that Spotify DJ will accept song requests simply through your voice, similar to how Alexa or Siri operate, provided you are a Premium subscriber. However, the capability extends beyond specific requests; it can suggest songs based on your preferred genre, mood, artist, or the activity you're currently engaged in. For example, if you say, "Play me some early 2000s songs," it will play tracks by artists like 50 Cent, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, or Evanescence. If you're preparing for a music festival, you can request, "Play me some house music to get me excited for Coachella."

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      The Sony WH-1000XM6 is expected to launch on May 15, following an announcement on YouTube about a new product that hints at a new set of headphones. Therefore, the Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones (the previous version) are likely to be on sale more frequently, including currently.

      For a limited time, you can purchase the Sony XM5 headphones for as low as $350, while the standard retail price for this model is $400, offering a $50 savings.

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      Wiim is set to unveil its first wireless speaker, the Wiim Sound, tomorrow. It resembles Apple's HomePod with an almost cylindrical design covered in a fabric grille and features a set of touch controls on top. However, the highlight is its built-in 1.8-inch circular touchscreen, which provides the same album display and controls as the screen on the Wiim Ultra, the company’s leading network music streamer.

      As with all Wiim products, its primary features are intended to integrate effortlessly within the affordable Wiim ecosystem, providing even more incentives for Sonos users to consider switching.