Sony introduced the MDR-1000X headphones a decade ago. That model combined noise canceling, sound quality, design, and comfort in a way that set a new standard for wireless headphones. At the time, the Bose QC35 was the closest competitor, but many found Sony's sound tuning superior. The 1000X line went on to become a benchmark in the wireless noise-canceling headphone market. Sony is now celebrating the original's launch with the 1000X The Collexion. The name's "X" references the headphones' 10-year milestone. The collection includes special editions of the WH-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM5, as well as a new carrying case and other accessories. The WH-1000XM5 in the collection features a luxurious leather finish and a unique color scheme. The WF-1000XM5 earbuds also receive a premium treatment with a metallic coating and a matching charging case. Sony says the collection uses higher-quality materials than the standard models. The 1000X The Collexion is priced at $499.99 for the over-ear headphones and $299.99 for the earbuds. That represents a significant premium over the standard versions, which retail for $349.99 and $249.99 respectively. The collection is available starting today on Sony's website and at select retailers. Sony is positioning the 1000X The Collexion as a luxury item for audiophiles and collectors. The company says it honors the legacy of the original MDR-1000X while offering an elevated experience. The standard WH-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM5 remain available at their regular prices.

The Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, once again hosts Google I/O, the company's annual developer conference. This year's event comes as Silicon Valley is abuzz with developments in AI search, autonomous agents, vibe coding, and e-commerce, setting the stage for a slew of announcements from Google. Attendees may also catch glimpses of smart glasses demos and concept projects, though hardware is not expected to take center stage.

Google already preempted major hardware reveals last week with the introduction of the Googlebook and Fitbit Air. Additionally, much of what Android has in store was covered during the Android Show. As a result, the keynote is likely to focus heavily on software and AI advancements.

The AI landscape has shifted considerably since the last I/O, with competitors like OpenAI and Microsoft making aggressive moves. Google is expected to counter with updates to its Gemini model, deeper integration of AI into Search, and new tools for developers to build AI-powered applications.

Vibe coding, a term that has gained traction in developer circles, refers to AI-assisted programming where developers describe intent and the AI generates code. Google may unveil new capabilities in this area, potentially expanding its existing tools like Project IDX and Firebase.

E-commerce is another area where AI is making inroads. Google could announce features that leverage AI to personalize shopping experiences, improve product discovery, and streamline transactions across its platforms.

Smart glasses have been a recurring theme at past I/O events, and this year may bring more concrete demonstrations. Google's Project Astra, an AI assistant that can see and interact with the world through a camera, could be showcased in a glasses form factor.

The conference runs over two days, with the keynote being the main event. Developers and media are on-site to cover the announcements as they happen. Google typically releases developer previews and beta versions of its software during I/O.

No major hardware launches are expected during the keynote itself, as the Googlebook and Fitbit Air were already announced. However, Google may provide additional details on these products, including pricing and availability dates.

As the keynote unfolds, more details will emerge on the specific features and timelines for the announced products and services. The Verge is providing live coverage from the event.

Microsoft has introduced new versions of its Surface Pro and Surface Laptop lines, this time powered by Intel's latest Core Ultra Series 3 processors. The company is prioritizing Intel chips for this refresh cycle, a shift from its previous strategy where Arm-based models debuted first. The Surface Pro 12, officially named the Surface Pro for Business 13-inch (12th Edition), is available for business customers starting today. Its base configuration includes an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor and carries a price tag of $1,949.99. The Surface Laptop 8 also receives the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 update, though Microsoft has not disclosed specific pricing or availability details for that model at launch.

The decision to lead with Intel chips marks a departure from the timeline of the previous generation. In 2023, Microsoft unveiled Arm-based Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 models nearly two years ago, with Intel variants arriving more than six months later. This time, the Intel versions are arriving first, with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2-powered models expected to follow later in the year. The Core Ultra Series 3 processors are designed to deliver improved performance and efficiency, particularly for AI workloads, leveraging Intel's integrated neural processing unit.

The Surface Pro 12 targets business users with its 13-inch display and detachable design, offering a versatile form factor for productivity. The base model includes 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, with options to upgrade to higher memory and storage configurations. Microsoft has not yet announced consumer versions of the Surface Pro 12 or Surface Laptop 8, suggesting the initial focus is on enterprise and commercial customers. The devices run Windows 11 and include features such as Windows Hello facial recognition and a 1080p front-facing camera.

Microsoft's decision to prioritize Intel chips may reflect a desire to cater to business customers who require compatibility with legacy software and peripherals. Arm-based systems, while offering longer battery life and cellular connectivity, can face compatibility challenges with certain x86 applications. By launching Intel models first, Microsoft ensures that the Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8 can run the full range of Windows software without emulation.

The Surface Laptop 8, meanwhile, retains the traditional clamshell design with a 15-inch or 13.5-inch display option, depending on the configuration. It features a precision touchpad and a full-size keyboard, appealing to users who prefer a laptop form factor. Both devices support Thunderbolt 4 via USB-C ports, enabling fast data transfer and external display connectivity.

Pricing for the Surface Laptop 8 has not been officially confirmed, but it is expected to start at a similar premium to the Surface Pro 12. Microsoft has not provided a specific release date for the consumer versions, though they are likely to follow in the coming months. The company is also expected to offer configurations with Intel Core Ultra 7 processors and up to 32GB of RAM for higher-end workloads.

The Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8 are available for order through Microsoft's business store and authorized resellers. The base Surface Pro 12 model is priced at $1,949.99, with higher-tier configurations reaching over $2,500. Microsoft has not announced any trade-in or discount programs for these devices at launch.

Marshall has introduced the Milton A.N.C., a new pair of on-ear wireless headphones that bring active noise cancelation back to the company's smaller form factor. The last Marshall headphones to feature ANC in this category were the Marshall Mid A.N.C., which debuted in 2018. Since then, noise canceling has been exclusive to the larger over-ear Monitor III A.N.C. model.

The Milton A.N.C. retains Marshall's signature design language, including a textured leather finish and gold accents. The headphones are designed to be lightweight and portable, catering to users who prefer a compact on-ear style without sacrificing noise cancelation. Marshall has not disclosed specific battery life figures for the Milton A.N.C., but the company emphasizes that ANC is now available in a more travel-friendly package.

Priced at $229.99, the Milton A.N.C. sits $70 above the Marshall Major V, another on-ear model that lacks ANC but offers over 100 hours of playback. The price difference reflects the addition of active noise cancelation and potentially other features, though Marshall has not detailed further specifications. The Major V remains a budget-friendly alternative for those who prioritize battery life over noise isolation.

The headphones are available for purchase starting today through Marshall's official online store. Broader availability will follow on May 27th, when the Milton A.N.C. will be sold at select retailers. Marshall has not specified which retailers will carry the product, but the company typically partners with major electronics and audio stores.

Marshall's decision to reintroduce ANC in its on-ear lineup suggests a response to consumer demand for noise cancelation in smaller headphones. The Milton A.N.C. competes with other compact ANC models from brands like Sony and Bose, though Marshall differentiates itself with its vintage-inspired aesthetic. The company has not announced plans for additional colors or variants.

For now, the Milton A.N.C. is available only in black, consistent with Marshall's classic look. The headphones come with a carrying case, charging cable, and audio cable for wired use. Marshall's website lists the product as in stock with standard shipping options.

As of the launch date, the Milton A.N.C. is priced at $229.99 and available exclusively on Marshall's website. Retail partners will begin selling the headphones on May 27th.