headphones

AfterShokz is one of a handful of companies making bone-conduction headphones, launching its brand earlier this year. Unlike conventional headphones and earbuds that use the eardrums to transmit sound, AfterShokz headphones rest in front of your ear and utilize bone-conduction technology to transmit sound through your cheekbones to your inner ear, bypassing your eardrum completely. The technology, originally developed for military personnel, has been around for a while, but AfterShokz and others have turned it into a niche consumer product.

Although the headphones work just fine, audiophiles probably won't be impressed with the sound quality. After all, these are … Read more

Since in-ear headphones sit in or near the ear canal, they don't interact with the pinna, the bends and curves of the outer ear that direct sound to the ear canal. The pinna also serves as an acoustic filter, enhancing the frequency range of human speech, and it also supplies directional cues, so we can localize where sound is coming from. That's how our ears and brains process sound in real life, but in-ear headphones don't interact with the pinna, so they can't sound as realistic as full-size headphones or speakers. In-ears can still sound great, … Read more

As many you already know, Monster had a partnership with Beats to manufacture Beats by Dr. Dre headphones, which now come in a variety of styles and sizes. Not too long ago the two companies severed ties, but that hasn't stopped Monster from making new headphones, and its Inspiration models officially arrive today, making their initial appearance at retail in Apple stores.

The Inspiration comes in two flavors -- a $299.99 model with active noise-cancellation and a $249.99 model with "passive" noise-cancellation. It's also available in three colors and it features a swappable headband cover that allows you to customize the look of your headphones (Monster includes an extra headband cover in the box and you can purchase a three-pack for $15). … Read more

Are you still using the earbuds that came with your smartphone or MP3 player? I'll wager they're not the most comfortable headphones to wear, and I guarantee they don't help block outside noise (unless you crank the volume, which is ruinous to your hearing.)

Do your ears all kinds of favors and switch to in-ear headphones. Like these: Newegg has the Sennheiser CX 485 in-ear noise-blocking headphones for $19.99 shipped when you apply promo code EMCNDHD65 at checkout. (As always, you need to be a Newegg newsletter subscriber to use the code.) That's a full … Read more

I was shaken and stirred by the Bowers & Wilkins P5 on-ear headphones back in 2010. It set a new standard for sumptuous sound and build quality for very small, on-ear headphones. Designed with portable music players and phones in mind, the P5 was definitely a step up from most ear buds, and the sound was easy to listen to over the long haul. The P5 ($300) is still around, but B & W recently introduced a similar, but less expensive model, the P3 ($200).

When I unboxed the new one I decided to first judge it without directly comparing … Read more

All of Apple's computers feature a headphone jack or sound output of some kind, but only a few of them offer a recording input. The iMac includes one, as well as the 15-inch MacBook Pro and the Mac Pro desktop, but you won't find one on the MacBook Air, Retina MacBook Pro, or the 13-inch MacBook Pro.

So what's an audio geek to do (aside from invest in a decent USB sound card)?

Well, in the case of the 13-inch MacBook Pro (old and new), Apple includes the option of a switchable audio port than can be … Read more

Did you leave your heart in San Francisco? What about your headphones? Well, here's your chance to get them back. This week, in honor of the city where CNET is headquartered, we're giving away a pair of V-Moda Crossfade LP Custom over-ear headphones with a San Fran theme.

Those with their ears to the world of audio accessories know V-Moda to be a reputable maker of stylish, low-profile earbuds that's branched out into headphones and, more recently, a headphone amp that's also an iPhone case.

The company's Crossfade LP Custom headphones let you choose from a wide range of plate color options, as well as stock engraving graphics (numbered jersey, crown, skull snake) or your very own custom logo. In this case, the headphones are already designed for you with swappable decorative plates featuring the Golden Gate Bridge and a cable car.

Normally, these San Francisco-centric earphones would cost you $199, but you have the chance to get them for free. How? Well, there are a few rules (including not calling San Francisco Frisco), so please listen up.… Read more

On today's 404 episode, we'll solve the mystery of phantom cell phone vibrations and why we're so often tricked into thinking our phones have a mind of their own. One psychologist from the University of Sydney thinks that it has to do with electrical currents running through parts of the body surrounding the phone, while another professor of psychology believes it's in ours heads, that our addiction to technology has made us paranoid about e-notifications.

Walking around New York in this heatwave is enough of a workout for anyone these days, but some gym-goers in Canada are so sick of skinny people making them look bad that they've issued a ban on anyone that can't be described as "plus size."

According to the NY Daily News, Body Exchange gym in Vancouver claims to be a "safe haven" for overweight people that feel scrutinized when they work out next to those without an addiction to food. Unfortunately, we'll have to defer to Richard to comment on this story, as neither Jeff nor I have ever been inside a gym.… Read more

As some of you may recall, about two months back we partnered with our good friends at Outdoor Technology to bring the CNET audience an awesome deal on Bluetooth headphones. Not only did we sell out, but Outdoor technology was kind enough to give the CNET audience extra product so no one went home empty-handed. This week, Outdoor Technology is back with an even better deal on its top-selling DJ Slims wireless headphones! Grab a pair of the awesome DJ Slims for less than $45 with free shipping.

It's time for all of you to jump on the Bluetooth … Read more