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Unleashing the Power of LDAC Codec: How to Enable Hi-Res Audio on Android Devices with WF-1000XM4, WF1000XM5, and WH-1000 series?

Bluetooth headphones, Headphone 101, noise cancelling headphones, wireless earbuds

the Power of LDAC Codec: How to Enable Hi-Res Audio on Android Devices with WF-1000XM4, WF1000XM5, and WH-1000 series?

With the release of Sony WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM5, more and more owners are wondering how to enable Hi-Res audio, which is one of the key features of high-end Sony wireless headphones and earbuds, in addition to the signature noise canceling feature.

This guide explains and shows you how to use LDAC codes to enable Hi-Res audio on Android devices so that you can enjoy the best quality audio you have paid for. Detailed step-by-step instructions are included. Questions you may have on LDAC codec and Hi-Res audio are also answered.

This guide applies to all wireless headphones and earbuds with LDAC codec support. We use Sony WF-1000XM4, WF1000XM5, and WH-1000 series just as examples.

Background info on Bluetooth codecs and Hi-Res audio

Bluetooth codec and Hi-Res audio were discussed thoroughly in other posts. In this post, we will focus on how to use LDAC codec and enable Hi-Res audio on Android devices.

However, some readers may need some background info.

Bluetooth audio sucks.

Many cheap wired headphones are better than high-end wireless headphones.

Most wireless earbuds, including the AirPods Pro series, Sony WF-1000 series, and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds series, are inferior to most cheaper wired headphones.

But Bluetooth audio solves the problem when “wire” is unavailable (or not an option). Especially in the current market, almost all “flagship” or high-end phones have removed the most useful (for audiophiles) 3.5mm audio jack. You may have to look for a Bluetooth headset or wireless earbuds.

Bluetooth codec makes a difference.

All Bluetooth “audio” devices must support the baseline codec: SBC (subband codec), which is part of the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP). This guarantees that all Bluetooth headphones or earbuds work with all “sending” devices (e.g., iPhone and Android phones).

AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) was standardized by ISO and IEC. Almost all headphones and earbuds manufacturers support it, although it is not royalty-free. Generally, AAC offers better (arguable)audio quality than SBC with the same bandwidth. Of course, this depends on the implementation of the sending and receiving devices.

Hi-Res means different in file format and Bluetooth codec.

When talking about individual music files, Hi-Res usually means either uncompressed (e.g., WAV) or compressed but lossless (e.g., FLAC and ALAC). MP3 and AAC are two common examples of the opposite side: compressed and lossy.

For the codec, the Japan Audio Society certifies Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless. … Read the rest

Galaxy Buds Pro vs Galaxy Buds Live: what’s new in Galaxy Buds Pro?

Bluetooth headphones, noise cancelling headphones, Samsung Galaxy Buds, sports headphones, wireless earbuds

Galaxy Buds Pro vs Galaxy Buds Live: what's new in Galaxy Buds Pro?

With Galaxy S21, Samsung released the new wireless earbuds: Galaxy Buds Pro in January 2020 as an upgrade for Galaxy Buds+. This causes some confusions on Galaxy Buds' lineup because Galaxy Buds Live (released with Galaxy Note 20 in August 2020) is also an upgrade for Galaxy Buds+. So,  how about Galaxy Buds Pro vs Galaxy Buds Live?

This earbuds guide explains the new features of Galaxy Buds Pro (vs Galaxy Buds Live): traditional fit/shape, IPX7 rating, Voice Detect, ambient sound, 360 Audio, Auto Switch. Based on the comparison of Galaxy Buds Pro vs Galaxy Buds Live, you may also understand which earbuds are the right one to meet your needs.

The differences among Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds+, and Galaxy Buds were explained in detail here (Galaxy Buds Live vs Galaxy Buds+) and here (Galaxy Buds+ vs Galaxy Buds). The layout of Galaxy Buds Live can be found here.

Galaxy Buds Pro and Galaxy Buds Live share similar active noise cancelling (ANC), similar battery life, similar audio quality, and similar microphone quality. This guide tries to highlight the new features of Galaxy Buds Pro vs Galaxy Buds Live.

For all Galaxy Buds models and their key features, please check the Galaxy Buds History page.

Traditional fit/shape

Galaxy Buds Pro looks more like Galaxy Buds+ than the bean-shaped Galaxy Buds Live.

The more traditional ear tip design offers a better seal for the earbuds' sound from ambient noise. You can choose an ear tip of different sizes to fit your ear. It also makes active noise cancellation more effective.

However, some users may feel it is less comfortable compared to Galaxy Buds Live. Galaxy Buds 3, with a stem and open-ear design, is the successor to Galaxy Buds Live

The bean-shaped Galaxy Buds Live is usually more comfortable for wearing for a long time. But it seems a few owners find the Galaxy Buds Live does not fit their ears well, and, therefore, it may cause pain. The wingtip on Galaxy Buds Live offers minor support, and many owners are not aware of the different sizes of wingtips in the box.

Anway, Galaxy Buds Pro returned to the traditional shape and improved the fit and comfort over Galaxy Buds+. If you re looking for an even lighter version of Galaxy Buds Pro, you may try Galaxy Buds 2, Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Galaxy Buds … Read the rest

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live vs Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus vs Apple AirPods Pro

Bluetooth headphones, noise cancelling headphones, Samsung Galaxy Buds, wireless earbuds

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live vs Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus vs Apple AirPods Pro

It took Samsung only 6 months to update and upgrade the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus (Galaxy Buds +) with the totally new Samsung Galaxy Buds Live.

The added active nosing canceling (ANC) makes Samsung Galaxy Buds Live a direct and serious competitor to Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM3.

This headphone guide explains the new features and improvements of Galaxy Buds Live (vs Galaxy Buds Plus), and how Galaxy Buds Live stands against Apple AirPods Pro to help you choose a pair of proper wireless earbuds.

Samsung now also offers $200 (MSRP) Galaxy Buds Pro with similar or improved features of Galaxy Buds Live. You may check this guide on the new features of Galaxy Buds Pro (vs Galaxy Buds Live). You may check the Galaxy Buds History page to compare Galaxy Buds Live with all other Galaxy Buds.

What is active noise canceling (ANC)? How active noise-cancelling headphones work?Please note Galaxy Buds 3 is the successor to Galaxy Buds Live if you want to get an open-ear design earbuds with active noise canceling (ANC). Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is the successor to Galaxy Buds 2 and Buds 2 Pro.

Galaxy Buds Live vs Galaxy Buds Plus: the new features of improvements

Galaxy Buds Live shares many similar features and controls with Galaxy Buds Plus (Galaxy Buds +).  For example, both buds share the 2-way dynamic speaker system tuned by AKG, 3-microphone array, touch panel control, Spotify integration, Qi wireless charging and wireless PowerShare charging.   The plugins for these two buds in Galaxy Wearables are very similar as well.

But Galaxy Buds Live comes with some improvements and new features that cannot be found in Galaxy Buds Plus.

In this post, we will focus on these differences.

ANC

The No.1 new feature of Galaxy Buds Live is the active noise cancelling (ANC).

Samsung claimed that Galaxy Buds Live received UL Verification for reducing background noise by up to 97% in low-frequency bands.

It is an overstatement, although ANC on the buds is comparable to other wireless earbuds.

In the real world, the top-tier consumer ANC over-ear headphones (e.g., Sony WH-1000XM4, Bose QuietComfort 35)  can reduce about 70-90% background low-frequency noise. Wireless earbuds with ANC normally can only reduce about 40-70% noise.

Galaxy Buds Live adopts the open-type design. The buds do not try to create a sealed environment … Read the rest

A Complete Guide for Jabra Elite Sport

Bluetooth headphones, sports headphones, wireless earbuds

A Complete Guide for Jabra Elite SportJabra Elite Sport, which was first released in 2016, is still one of the best wireless sports earbuds with a heart rate monitor and audio coaching.

This sports earbuds guide explains everything you need to know about the Jabra Elite Sport: the outstanding (and unique) features (a no-nonsense review of Jabra Elite Sport), items in the box, the layout of the Jabra Elite Sport buds and the charging case/base, how to use the buttons to control Jabra Elite Sport, how to charge the buds and charging case, how to wear the earbuds properly, how to pair the buds with mobile devices, how to reset the earbuds, how to use HearThrough and SideTone.

For owners of the Jabra Elite Sport, this guide will show you how to use the main features properly and answer questions you may have about the earbuds. For readers who are considering this product, this guide will help you make informed decisions when purchasing a new pair of sports earbuds.

Fitness-focused features of Jabra Elite Sport (A concise review of Jabra Elite Sport)

As one of our favourite sports earbuds, Jabra Elite Sport has some outstanding fitness-focused features.

Heart rate monitor

Jabra Elite Sport has a heart rate monitor. Most importantly, it is quite accurate if you wear the buds correctly.

Samsung Gear IconX (2019) removed the heart rate sensor. Galaxy Gear Buds does not have it either. The updated Galaxy Buds+ does not have one. AirPods and AirPods Pro never have one.

So, if you need a heart rate monitor with your wireless earbuds, your choice is actually very limited. And this Jabra Elite Sport wireless earbuds probably is the best choice.

Exercise tracking

Ther built-in tri-axis accelerometer can track your walking or jog very accurately.

Of course, if you want to track or map your run, you need to use GPS on the phone through the Jabra Sport Life app (or some other supported fitness tracking apps).

You can also track reps for some exercises with the Jabra Sport Life app.

Audio coaching

You can get “personalized” real-time audio coaching through the Sport Life app.

You can watch the video illustration for some cross-training activities on the phone. It's beneficial for owners who didn't have a coach before.

VO2 max measurement

The Jabra Sport Life app can estimate your VO2 max based on your heart rate and activities. It uses the technology … Read the rest

What is active noise canceling (ANC)? How active noise-cancelling headphones work?

Bluetooth headphones, Headphone 101, noise cancelling headphones, wireless earbuds

What is active noise cancelling (ANC)? How active noise cancelling headphone works?

You need an active noise cancelling (ANC) headphone if you want to block the ambient low-frequency noise, like engine noise in the aeroplane. For example, Sony WH-1000XM (XM1-XM4) series, Bose Quietcomfort series (e.g., 15, 25, 35, earbuds), Apple AirPods Pro, and Samsung Galaxy Buds Live all have ANC.

Active noise cancelling (ANC) is different from noise blocking/isolating, which passively blocks both high and low-frequency noises.

This headphone guide explains what the active noise cancelling (ANC) is and how the active noise cancelling headphone works. It will not only help you understand ANC but also help you choose proper active noise-cancelling headphones.

What is active noise cancelling (ANC)?

Active noise cancelling (ANC, aka active noise control) is a set of audio technologies that actively cancel the ambient noise.

Both the annoying noise and music reach your ear as sound waves are transmitted through the air.

So, one simple way to reduce noise is to physically and passively block it. For example, there are many soundproofing materials and technologies.

In the airport, you may notice ground staff are wearing earmuffs to block the engine and other noises. In shooting clubs, earmuffs are also commonly used.

Active noise cancellation (ANC), on the other hand, uses negative sound waves to cancel the noise actively.

This means ANC requires at least three components:

  • Power source.  Active noise cancelling (ANC) always requires a power source to detect and analysis noise and then generate a negative wave.
  • Noise detection. Normally, one or more microphones are used to sample the ambient sound.
  • Anti-noise sound wave generator. Once the ambient noise is sampled, an active noise cancelling (ANC) system must generate an inverted (negative) sound wave (with similar amplitude) to cancel the low-frequency noise.

When the ambient noise is cancelled, you will get a quieter environment for your music.

Active noise cancelling (ANC) is still evolving, especially on how to sample ambient sound, how to analyze the sampled ambient sound, and eventually how to effectively cancel the low-frequency ambient noise in real-time.

Please note that active noise canceling (ANC) currently is most effective for low-frequency noise only.

… Read the rest