Razer has designed its gaming earbuds for both PS5 and Xbox, pricing them quite competitively.

      Razer has redesigned its budget gaming earbuds in Xbox green and PlayStation white. However, one version offers a compatibility edge. The Razer Hammerhead V3 X HyperSpeed for Xbox and PlayStation are priced at $99.99 each, aligning with the cost of the existing standard model.

      The PlayStation variant features white earbuds adorned with blue Razer logos and comes with a PS-branded case, while the Xbox version boasts black earbuds with green logos and a vibrant green interior for its case.

      The Xbox version has the ability to function with both platforms.

      Neither the PS5 nor Xbox consoles have direct Bluetooth headphone support. Razer circumvents this issue using its HyperSpeed Case, which serves as both a charging case and a 2.4GHz wireless receiver when connected to the console via USB. SmartSwitch allows the earbuds to seamlessly switch between this low-latency connection and Bluetooth 5.3 for use with phones and other devices.

      Razer officially states that the Xbox model is compatible with Xbox consoles as well as the PlayStation 5, whereas the PlayStation model’s compatibility does not extend to Xbox. Both models are also compatible with PC, smartphones, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and other handheld devices, making the Xbox version the more flexible choice unless the PS5-inspired design is more appealing.

      The spatial audio functionality varies by platform. The PlayStation version supports the PS5's 3D Audio, while the Xbox version utilizes Windows Sonic. Connecting either model to a compatible Windows PC allows access to THX Spatial Audio via Razer Synapse.

      The more affordable option comes with a noticeable trade-off.

      The earbuds feature 11mm drivers, touch controls, built-in microphones, Chroma RGB lighting, and an IPX4 water-resistance rating. Razer claims up to 10 hours of listening time from the earbuds and an additional 25 hours from the case, though using them with a console typically reduces the battery life per charge to about eight hours.

      Active noise cancellation (ANC) is not included. Therefore, those seeking ANC and newer Bluetooth 6.0 compatibility will need to consider the $129.99 Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeed, which currently lacks Xbox compatibility. In comparison, Sony’s PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds retail at $199, positioning Razer’s new models at half that price.

      Vikhyaat Vivek is a technology journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience focusing on consumer hardware.

      Your next song might soon come with an AI warning label, and the music industry supports this initiative.

      The concern is no longer about the existence of AI, but rather about awareness of its use.

      The music industry is transitioning into a new phase of its engagement with artificial intelligence. After two years of legal battles regarding unauthorized training on copyrighted music, record labels are now focusing on a more straightforward issue: transparency. A coalition of major record labels, artists, and music organizations is urging streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music to inform listeners when a song has been generated using artificial intelligence.

      The proposal, highlighted by The Wall Street Journal, arises as AI-generated music becomes increasingly indistinguishable from tracks produced by human artists. Instead of an outright ban on AI music, the industry contends that listeners should be informed about the origin of the music before they press play.

      YouTube playlists can now be transformed into actual TV shows, but there’s a caveat.

      YouTube has provided creators from its Partner Program with an episodic framework akin to what Netflix has leveraged to engage viewers effectively for years.

      YouTube has equipped its creators with a feature that streaming services often take for granted: the capacity to arrange content in a proper episodic format. If you’re part of the YouTube Partner Program and have been curating your videos into playlists in hopes of attracting algorithmic recognition and audience engagement, then the new Shows feature is the enhancement you've been seeking.

      Sony makes its return to the professional IEM market with the IER-M500.

      Equipped with a new dynamic driver, high passive noise isolation, and a design suited for stage performance, the IER-M500 is aimed at live performers.

      Sony is officially reentering the professional in-ear monitor (IEM) market with the launch of the IER-M500, a new pair of earphones designed for a range of users, from aspiring musicians to seasoned performers. Rather than focusing on features like active noise cancellation or spatial audio for casual listening, the IER-M500 is constructed specifically to help artists hear themselves clearly during live performances, prioritizing stage use over daily commuting needs.