Audio-Technica's latest $99 headset prioritizes the two essential features that gamers truly require.

      A good headset often just needs to deliver quality sound and have a capable microphone.

      Gaming headsets nowadays come loaded with numerous features such as wireless capabilities, surround sound options, RGB lighting, and companion software. In contrast, Audio-Technica has opted for a more straightforward approach with its new ATH-M20xSTS StreamSet, concentrating primarily on the headphones and microphone.

      The new wired headset retails for $99 and takes its basic design from Audio-Technica's ATH-M20x professional monitor headphones. It also incorporates a cardioid condenser microphone based on the company’s 20 Series microphones.

      However, utilizing familiar hardware doesn’t guarantee that the ATH-M20xSTS will outperform other gaming headsets in this price range. Testing is necessary to confirm that. Nonetheless, Audio-Technica seems to be focusing on the two key components of a gaming headset that are used most frequently.

      Audio-Technica is relying on known components

      The ATH-M20xSTS is equipped with 40mm drivers featuring copper-clad aluminum voice coils and a frequency response range of 15Hz to 20kHz. It employs a closed-back, over-ear design, with Audio-Technica stating that the drivers are tuned to enhance low-frequency performance.

      For voice chatting and streaming, it includes a unidirectional condenser microphone on a flexible boom arm. This mic is designed to capture the user's voice while minimizing background noise, and raising the boom automatically mutes it. The headset weighs approximately 230 grams and comes with replaceable, breathable mesh earpads, which could enhance comfort during prolonged gaming or streaming sessions.

      Limited additional features

      Connectivity is facilitated by a detachable 6.6-foot cable with a 3.5mm TRRS connector. Audio-Technica also provides USB Type-A and USB Type-C adapters compatible with PCs, Macs, mobile devices, and certain gaming consoles. There is no wireless function, eliminating the need for battery charging or dongle management. The ATH-M20xSTS also forgoes extras like RGB lighting and virtual surround sound modes.

      At a price of $99, the ATH-M20xSTS presents itself as a relatively straightforward gaming headset on paper. Instead of attempting to differentiate itself with an extensive feature list, Audio-Technica emphasizes its existing expertise in headphone and microphone technology.

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      Plaud One AI earbuds can recall conversations and assist with completing tasks afterward.

      Plaud has created earbuds that listen to meetings so you don’t have to remember everything discussed.

      For some time now, AI has aimed to be more helpful while people are conversing, yet most of that intelligence remains behind a screen. Plaud wants to shift that with a pair of earbuds that can listen to discussions, identify important points, and take action accordingly. The company has launched the Plaud One Explorer Edition, a wearable AI device targeted at professionals involved in meetings, calls, ideas, and follow-ups. It represents a new interface for what Plaud describes as an “agent era,” combining specialized hardware with the Plaud Intelligence platform to capture conversations, comprehend intentions, and perform tasks across connected services.

      Samsung has developed a 1,100Hz gaming monitor because apparently, 600Hz wasn’t sufficient.

      The Odyssey G6 boasts a 600Hz refresh rate at QHD and an impressive 1,100Hz mode at HD for competitive FPS gamers.

      Samsung has deemed 600Hz gaming monitors to be outdated. At Gamescom 2026, the company unveiled its 27-inch Odyssey G6 with a refresh rate that can reach up to 1,100Hz. This figure slightly exceeds the previously announced 1,040Hz maximum for the same monitor, although the company has not clarified what modifications were made.

      Cyberpunk 2077 is providing a significant boost to Samsung’s glasses-free 3D gaming monitor.

      Samsung is enhancing support for Odyssey 3D with more well-known titles as it tries to make glasses-free 3D less of a novelty.

      Samsung's Odyssey 3D gaming monitor is gaining another impressive showcase, with Cyberpunk 2077 now offering dedicated support for the company’s glasses-free 3D display technology. This addition was confirmed alongside another demonstration of Cronos: The New Dawn. Both titles will be showcased on the Odyssey 3D at Gamescom 2026. Samsung is building its support through partnerships with game studios rather than applying the same 3D effect uniformly across all games.