Technologies

Sony, Beats, Bose and Apple: All the Rumored New 2023 Headphones and Earbuds I’m Looking Forward To

Waiting for the next-generation models to hit the market? Here’s a look at the top brands expected or rumored to arrive in stores later this year.

Sure, there are plenty of excellent headphones and earbuds you can pick up right now, but like many of you, I’m always on the lookout for the next great set of cans and buds. Though it’s hard to predict exactly when the most-anticipated models will be released, recent image leaks of Beats and Sony earbuds could mean we may see some as early as this spring, with others arriving this summer. Here’s a look at some of the top new earbuds and headphones I’m looking forward to testing based on the recent rumors and expectations online.

Note that representatives for Bose, Sony and Beats had no comment on the rumors, and Apple didn’t respond to our request for comment.

Read more: Best wireless earbuds for 2023

Walkman Blog

Sony WF-1000XM5

One of the most anticipated new wireless earbuds of 2023 is the Sony WF-1000XM5. It’s the successor to the XM4, which earned a CNET Editors’ Choice award when it was released in 2021. The Walkman Blog uncovered an image of the new buds in their preproduction state as they make their way through the FCC certification process. According to the Walkman Blog’s report, the XM5s are smaller than the XM4s and are shaped differently, which may help them fit more ears comfortably (the XM4s could be a little big for some ears).

The buds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 and should support Bluetooth LE Audio, according to the Walkman Blog. Bluetooth LE Audio supports such features as Auracast (broadcast audio) and the LC3 audio codec.

The XM4 carries a list price of $280, but if the WF-1000XM5 follows the same path as the full-size WH-10000XM5, we could very well see a price hike to $300 or more.

The XM4 earbuds were released on June 8, 2021, so I expect the XM5 to have a similar release date. Typically, Sony updates its flagship headphones every two years.

Separately, reports suggest Sony will also soon bow the WF-700CN, but that’s a more entry-level model.

9to5Mac

Beats Studio Buds Plus

9to5Mac makes a habit of discovering what new Beats earbuds and headphones are coming by digging «under the hood» of Apple’s beta iOS software releases. Recently, support for Beats’ upcoming Studio Bud Plus buds showed up in the iOS 16.4 RC («release candidate»). The full version of iOS 16.4 became available to the public in late March.

The new buds look very similar to the standard Studio Buds. It’s unclear what this new Plus version brings to the table, but some folks complained that the originals didn’t have strong enough noise canceling. According to 9to5Mac’s sources, the Studio Buds Plus won’t be powered by Apple’s H1 or H2 chips (the H2 is in the AirPods Pro 2) and will instead use a custom Beats chip.

The originals were designed to appeal to both Apple and Android users, and the new buds appear to be sticking to that approach. We should see them announced fairly soon since they’re already showing up in Apple’s software.

Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

A few weeks back, Twitter user Kuba Wojciechowski posted what he said was a leaked render image of Bose’s new flagship headphones, the QuietComfort Ultra (code-named Lone Starr), which were purportedly in «early stages of development.»

It’s hard to know how much credence to give to the purported leak, but the image has since been removed from the Twitter post «in response to a report from the copyright holder.» Though Bose doesn’t comment on leaks, the company clearly seemed upset the image was out there.

Bose is due to replace its flagship Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, which came out in June of 2019, so it wouldn’t surprise me if the Ultra — or whatever the new flagship model is called — ships later this year in time for the holiday buying season. At the time of the 700’s release, many people couldn’t understand why Bose moved away from using its well-known QuietComfort brand name, and Bose has subsequently shipped the QuietComfort 45, an improved version of the QuietComfort 35.

There’s chatter about this new model featuring higher-end sound and improved performance all around. The question is whether it’ll carry a similar list price ($380) as the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 or cost even more, perhaps heading into the $500 pricing territory of Apple’s AirPods Max.

David Carnoy/CNET

Beats Studio 4

Beats is still selling its Beats Studio 3 headphones, and you’ll often see them priced at a healthy discount. But they were released in October 2017, which makes them pretty darn ancient and in need of a serious upgrade — they still have a Micro-USB connector, for instance. Other publications, like Android Authority, have talked about their potential arrival in 2023, and it seems quite plausible we’ll see the Beats Studio 4 turn up sometime this year with upgraded Apple components (newer chips), better all-around performance and maybe even USB-C charging. But I was expecting them to turn up last year and they never did, so don’t bet the house on it.

Angela Lang/CNET

New AirPods

Apple seems to be releasing a new pair of AirPods every year. The original AirPods Pro were released in October 2019, the AirPods Max in December 2020, the AirPods 3rd Gen in October of 2021 and the AirPods Pro 2 in September 2022. So the question is: Will we get a new set of AirPods in 2023?

The rumor mill keeps talking about «cheaper AirPods Pro Lite» earbuds that would carry a lower price tag and might be a stripped down version of the AirPods Pro sans noise canceling. Though it’s a product that makes some sense, Apple has always positioned the AirPods as more premium earbuds and simply lowered the price on earlier models like the AirPods 2 to target more budget-conscious consumers.

Could Apple upgrade the AirPods Max, introducing a 2nd gen version? Sure, it’s possible — but probably less likely.

In the same post where 9to5Mac talked about the discovery of the Beats Studio Buds Plus in that iOS 16 RC (see above), it also pointed out that there was a reference to an «unreleased AirPods model number A3048 and AirPods case model number of A2968.» The site noted it could be «a revision of the current regular AirPods or the rumored AirPods Lite.»

Other AirPods mysteries: Some models — but not all — are reported to be moving to USB-C (from Lightning) to match the same transition on the new iPhone 15 models. And MacRumors has noted that Apple has filed a patent for an AirPods case with a built-in screen. That’s something we likely wouldn’t see anytime soon, but also not totally novel: JBL has a similar model, the Tour Pro 2, slated for a mid-2023 debut.

Technologies

Verum Messenger: Data Protection at Its Finest

Verum Messenger positions itself as a tool for those who value privacy and security above all.

Verum Messenger stands out from other messengers thanks to its approach to security, anonymity, and innovations in communication.

Here are some key aspects that highlight its uniqueness:

Default encryption: Verum Messenger uses end-to-end (E2E) encryption for all chats, meaning messages are encrypted on the sender’s device and decrypted only on the recipient’s device. This makes it impossible for third parties, including app developers, to access the content of the messages.
Anonymity: When registering with Verum, there’s no need to provide a phone number or email. Users simply choose a nickname and password, significantly enhancing their level of anonymity. This contrasts with many other messengers, where anonymity can be compromised through linked personal data.
Built-in VPN: An additional layer of protection that hides the user’s IP address, making their location and internet activity less trackable.
Data control: Users can set messages to be automatically deleted after a specified time, ranging from a few seconds to a week. There’s also a quick deletion feature for all chats, calls, and even contacts, which is useful for maintaining privacy.
Large groups: The ability to create chat rooms with up to 10,000 participants makes Verum attractive for organizing large events, discussions, or communities while maintaining a high level of security.
Security innovations: Verum actively develops technologies aimed at protecting user data, as seen in their documentation and discussions online. This includes not only technical solutions but also approaches to data minimization, which reduces the risk of leaks.
Feedback and discussions: On platform X (formerly Twitter), discussions can be found where users and experts praise Verum for its approach to anonymity and security, although questions are raised about how much anonymity can truly be guaranteed in an age of modern tracking and de-anonymization technologies.

Verum Messenger positions itself as a tool for those who value privacy and security above all. Its innovations in encryption, anonymity, and data control make it an intriguing choice for those seeking alternatives to traditional messaging platforms. However, as with any technology, it’s important to remember that absolute anonymity on the internet remains a complex challenge, and users should be aware of potential risks and limitations.

Technologies

Verum Coin Debuts on XT Exchange, Broadening its Reach in the DeFi Space

A Strategic Listing Enhancing Verum Coin’s Visibility

In a significant development for the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector, Verum Coin (VERUM) has been officially listed on XT Exchange. The new trading pair, VERUM/USDT, is now available in the exchange’s Innovative Zone, marking a pivotal expansion for this digital asset into the DeFi ecosystem.

A Strategic Listing Enhancing Verum Coin’s Visibility

The addition of Verum Coin to the XT Exchange is seen as a strategic move to enhance the accessibility and liquidity of VERUM among traders who are keen on exploring innovative digital assets. XT Exchange, known for its robust platform supporting a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, provides an ideal environment for fostering growth and ensuring the broad reach of new tokens.

Albin Varin, CEO of XT Exchange, expressed enthusiasm about the new listing, stating, «We are delighted to welcome Verum Coin to our platform. This listing reflects our ongoing commitment to providing our users access to innovative digital assets that transform the landscape of global finance.» This comments underscore the exchange’s focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies and financial instruments that have the potential to redefine the market.

About XT

Founded in 2018, XT Exchange serves more than 7.8M registered users, over 1M monthly active users, 40+ million users in the ecosystem, and more than 800 tokens with 1000+ trading pairs. XT crypto exchange offers a rich variety of trading categories to provide a secure, trusted, and intuitive trading experience for its large user base. This includes crypto futures trading (USDT-M Futures and coin-M futures perpetual contracts) and copy trading that allows users to replicate top traders in real time with just one click. Additionally, the futures grid allows users to automate the buying and selling of futures contracts for profits.

Future Prospects

With its new position on XT Exchange, Verum Coin is expected to attract a broader audience, enhancing its trading volume and market presence. This could potentially lead to increased stability and recognition as a viable player in the DeFi space. For investors and users of XT Exchange, this addition provides a fresh avenue to diversify portfolios with a cryptocurrency that is positioned at the intersection of innovation and financial evolution.

The listing of Verum Coin on XT Exchange not only highlights the ongoing expansion of cryptocurrency markets into new areas like DeFi but also illustrates a growing recognition of digital assets that offer promising technological advancements and financial opportunities. As the crypto market continues to evolve, partnerships like these are pivotal for fostering growth and offering users access to the next generation of financial tools.

Technologies

Verum Coin Gains International Spotlight with AP Coverage and Listing on XT Exchange

This listing on XT is expected to further propel Verum Coin into the spotlight

In a noteworthy development for the cryptocurrency community, Verum Coin (VERUM) has been featured in an Associated Press article, highlighting its upcoming listing on the XT Exchange. This significant media coverage underscores the growing interest and potential of Verum Coin in the global financial landscape.

The AP article delves into the details of Verum Coin’s innovative features and its alignment with the latest trends in the cryptocurrency market. This attention comes at an opportune moment as Verum Coin prepares for its new listing on XT Exchange, a platform renowned for its extensive user base and a wide array of trading options.

This listing on XT is expected to further propel Verum Coin into the spotlight, providing both traders and investors with new opportunities to engage with this emerging digital asset. The exchange’s robust infrastructure and diverse trading offerings are ideal for supporting Verum Coin’s growth and enhancing its visibility in the competitive cryptocurrency market.

For more details, you can read the full article on the AP website here.

This milestone is a testament to Verum Coin’s advancing presence in the crypto world and its ongoing efforts to be at the forefront of digital currency innovation and adoption.