Vivo has entered the over-ear headphone market with a new model that directly targets Apple's AirPods Max. The company officially unveiled the Vivo Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones, its first product in this category. The headphones are priced at 499 yuan in China, significantly undercutting competitors while offering premium features.

The headphones boast an impressive 75 hours of battery life with noise cancellation turned off. When active noise cancellation is enabled, the battery life drops to 40 hours. This positions the device as one of the longest-lasting options in its class. Vivo also included fast charging support, providing 10 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge.

Active noise cancellation is a core feature, with Vivo claiming the headphones can reduce ambient noise by up to 40 decibels. The device uses multiple microphones to capture and cancel external sounds. Users can switch between transparency mode and full noise cancellation through a dedicated button on the ear cup.

The headphones feature 40mm dynamic drivers with a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz. Vivo has tuned the sound signature to emphasize clarity and bass response. The ear cups are made from memory foam covered in protein leather, designed for long listening sessions. The headband is adjustable with a stainless steel frame.

Connectivity is handled via Bluetooth 5.2, supporting AAC and SBC codecs. There is no mention of aptX or LDAC support. The headphones also include a 3.5mm wired connection for use with devices lacking Bluetooth. A built-in microphone array enables hands-free calling with voice pickup technology.

Vivo has integrated its own companion app for the headphones, available on Android and iOS. The app allows users to adjust the equalizer, switch between noise cancellation modes, and update firmware. The headphones also support multipoint connection, allowing simultaneous pairing with two devices.

The Vivo Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones are currently available for pre-order in China through Vivo's official online store and major e-commerce platforms. The retail price is set at 499 yuan, which converts to approximately $70 USD. The company has not announced international availability or pricing for other markets.

Sales in China begin on March 10, 2025, with units shipping shortly after. The headphones come in two color options: black and white. Each purchase includes a carrying case, USB-C charging cable, and 3.5mm audio cable. Vivo has not disclosed sales targets or production volumes for the new device.

A virtual public comment hearing hosted by the US Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday drew a long line of environmental advocates who voiced strong opposition to proposed new regulations. The regulations would weaken requirements that utilities must follow in cleaning up toxic coal ash residue at hundreds of sites across the country where coal was burned to produce electricity. Lisa Evans, senior counsel at Earthjustice and a former EPA attorney, said in a statement that the Trump administration has jeopardized the nation’s drinking water supplies as a favor to polluters. She added that it is just not right.

The Trump administration announced in April that it would repeal a rule put in place in 2024 by the Biden administration’s EPA. That rule required utilities to monitor coal ash sites at inactive coal plants. The Trump EPA also said it would loosen requirements for protecting groundwater near those sites. Now the Trump administration wants to rely on states for coal ash monitoring and enforcement, enabling them to bypass national standards in some cases.

Coal ash is a byproduct of burning coal for electricity and contains toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and mercury. Improper disposal can contaminate groundwater and surface water, posing risks to human health and the environment. The Biden-era rule aimed to ensure consistent monitoring and cleanup across the country, particularly at inactive sites that may not have been subject to previous regulations.

Environmental groups argue that the proposed rollbacks would undermine public health protections and shift the burden to states that may lack resources or political will to enforce strict standards. They also contend that the changes could lead to increased contamination of drinking water sources near coal ash disposal sites. The hearing provided a platform for advocates to express their concerns directly to EPA officials.

The Trump administration has defended its proposal as a way to reduce regulatory burdens on utilities and give states more flexibility. Officials argue that states are better positioned to address local conditions and that the previous rule imposed unnecessary costs. However, critics counter that the move prioritizes industry interests over environmental and community health.

The EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed rule through a specified deadline. After reviewing comments, the agency will decide whether to finalize the changes. The outcome could have significant implications for the management of coal ash at hundreds of sites nationwide, many of which are located near communities already burdened by pollution.

Thursday’s hearing was one of several opportunities for public input. Environmental advocates urged the EPA to maintain strong federal oversight and reject the proposed rollbacks. They emphasized that coal ash contamination is a long-lasting problem that requires consistent national standards to protect drinking water supplies for millions of Americans.

Apple Music may soon offer a free, ad-supported tier, according to code found in the Android beta version of the app. The discovery was made by developers analyzing the latest beta release. Strings within the code reference an "Apple Music Free" option alongside existing subscription plans.

The code includes phrases such as "Listen to music for free with ads" and "Free with ads." These strings appear in the app's subscription management interface. The free tier would likely include limitations such as shuffle-only playback and restricted song skipping, similar to other ad-supported music services.

Apple Music currently offers a three-month free trial for new users, after which a paid subscription is required. The individual plan costs $10.99 per month, while the family plan is $16.99. A student plan is also available for $5.99. The introduction of a permanent free tier would mark a significant shift in Apple's strategy.

The move would position Apple Music to compete more directly with Spotify, which has long offered a free, ad-supported tier. Spotify's free version allows on-demand listening on desktop but restricts mobile users to shuffle play. Apple's free tier could follow a similar model to attract users who are unwilling to pay for a subscription.

It remains unclear when or if Apple will officially launch the free tier. The code was found in the Android beta, which suggests the feature is still in development. Apple has not publicly commented on the discovery. The company often tests new features in beta versions before rolling them out widely.

Apple Music launched in 2015 and has grown to over 100 million subscribers. The service is available on iOS, Android, and other platforms. A free tier could help Apple expand its user base, particularly in markets where subscription services are less common.

The Android beta version of Apple Music is available to testers through the Google Play Store. The code discovery was first reported by 9to5Mac, which analyzed the beta's strings. Apple typically releases new features after several beta iterations.

Apple Music's current pricing structure includes a $10.99 monthly individual plan, a $16.99 family plan for up to six people, and a $5.99 student plan. The free tier would add a fourth option. The company has not announced a launch date or confirmed the feature's existence.

Engadget has compiled a review recap featuring several recently tested gadgets. The roundup includes the ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo, Fitbit Air, and GoPro Mission 1, among other devices. Each product received a detailed assessment from the publication's reviewers.

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo is a dual-screen gaming laptop that offers a secondary display above the keyboard. Engadget noted its innovative design but pointed out some ergonomic trade-offs. The device targets gamers and creative professionals who can benefit from the extra screen real estate.

Fitbit Air is a lightweight fitness tracker designed for everyday wear. Reviewers highlighted its accurate step counting and long battery life. However, the lack of GPS and limited smart features were mentioned as drawbacks compared to more expensive models.

GoPro Mission 1 is a compact action camera aimed at casual users. The review praised its ease of use and stabilization but criticized the limited resolution options. It is positioned as an entry-level alternative to GoPro's higher-end Hero series.

Other products covered in the roundup include a smart home hub and wireless earbuds. Each review provides a balanced look at pros and cons, helping readers make informed purchasing decisions.

The full article on Engadget offers more detailed analysis and comparison between the devices. Readers are directed to the original post for complete review scores and additional context.

Engadget's review recap serves as a quick reference for those interested in the latest tech products. The publication continues to provide thorough evaluations across various categories.

For the complete breakdown of each product's performance and features, visit Engadget's website.