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AirPods Pro 3 Review: Enhanced Battery, Superior Noise Cancellation, and Improved Sound Quality | Apple

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Apple’s highly acclaimed AirPods Pro Bluetooth earphones have returned in their third generation, featuring an improved fit, extended battery life, built-in heart rate sensors, and enhanced noise cancellation, all while maintaining a look similar to their predecessors.


Although three years have elapsed since the previous version, these earphones remain exclusively white. The differences between them and earlier generations are subtle and require close inspection.

Priced at £219 (249 Euros/$249/$429), the AirPods Pro 3 is £30 less expensive in the UK than its predecessor at launch and features compatibility with AirPods 4.

The earphones have undergone slight shape refinements to enhance comfort, especially during prolonged listening sessions exceeding three hours. The package includes five sizes of tips, but if you prefer non-silicone earphones, these won’t offer much difference.




The stems maintain their previous length, but the earphones’ shape has been optimized to better align the tips with the ear canal. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Most functions are standard for modern earphones. Squeeze the stems for playback controls, swipe for volume adjustment, or remove them to pause music. They support features introduced with older Apple earphones, like the Shutter Remote Camera app and live translation using the translation app on your iPhone. The latter currently supports only English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish but works surprisingly well for casual conversations.

A notable drawback is that others still need to read translated speeches from their iPhones. This feature proves most useful for announcements and audio guides, especially for singular language translations in transportation hubs and museums.

One of the standout hardware features is heart rate monitoring through the sensors on the earbuds, similar to Apple’s PowerBeats Pro 2 fitness band. This can be utilized with over 50 workout tracking options via the Fitness app or select third-party apps on your iPhone. Its readings align closely with those from a Garmin Forerunner 970 or an Apple Watch during activities like walking and running. Additionally, the earphones boast an IP57 water resistance rating, making them more resilient to rain and sweat than previous models.

Battery life has improved, extending to at least 8 hours of playback, along with competitive noise cancellation on every charge, making them suitable for most listening durations.




The compact flip-top case provides two full charges for a combined playback time of 24 hours (6 hours shorter than the previous generation), with just 5 minutes of charging offering an hour of listening time. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Specifications

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, SBC, AAC, H2 chip, UWB

  • Battery life: 8 hours of ANC playback (24 hours in case)

  • Water resistance: IP57 (buds and case)

  • Earphone dimensions: 30.9 x 19.2 x 27.0mm

  • Earphone weight: 5.6g each

  • Charging case dimensions: 47.2 x 62.2 x 21.8mm

  • Charging case weight: 44g

  • Case charging: USB-C, QI Wireless/Magsafe, Apple Watch

Richer Sound and Exceptional Noise Cancellation




The silicone tips are designed to slightly expand for a better seal, enhancing both music quality and noise cancellation. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The audio experience with the third-generation AirPods Pro is impressive, offering louder playback with an expansive soundscape. They maintain powerful, well-regulated bass while enhancing the spaciousness of larger tracks. The sound is detailed and balanced, catering to various genres, with ample power when needed. However, like other Apple headphones, they can occasionally feel a tad clinical, lacking warmth and rawness in some tracks, which may lessen the impact of deep bass notes. Nevertheless, few earphones can outshine these in terms of price and size.

Apple’s implementation of spatial audio for movies is unrivaled, and while its efficacy in spatial music remains mixed, it provides an immersive experience with compatible devices and services.




The AirPods Pro offers the ideal blend of earphones and compact carrier, easily portable in your pocket. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Enhanced noise cancellation is arguably the most significant upgrade. Apple claims it’s twice as effective as the already excellent AirPods Pro 2. In direct comparisons, the AirPods Pro 3 effectively mitigates street noise, including traffic sounds and engine roars. It stands up impressively against the class-leading Sony WH-1000XM6, renowned for their over-ear design.

They also excel in dampening disruptive high frequencies, such as keyboard clicks and conversations, making them well-suited for commuting and office environments.

Apple’s leading transparency mode is equally outstanding, allowing for natural sound experiences, as if the earbuds aren’t being worn at all. Sudden loud noises can be managed, making them handy in busy streets and while using hearing aids.

Call quality is superb, with my voice sounding clear and natural, whether in quiet settings or bustling environments, with only minimal ambient sounds noticeable during calls.

Sustainability




The charging case supports USB-C, Magsafe, QI, or Apple Watch charging, and includes new features like Limit Charging to prolong battery life. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Apple does not specify the expected battery lifespan. Typically, similar devices retain at least 80% of their original capacity after 500 full charge cycles. The earphones are not repairable, but Apple provides battery servicing for £49 per earphone or case, with replacement for lost or damaged items starting from £79. Repair specialist iFixit graded these earphones a 0 out of 10 for serviceability.

Both the AirPods and their cases include 40% recycled materials, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements, and tin. Apple offers trade-in and recycling programs, detailing the environmental impact of its earphones in their reports.

Price

The price for the AirPods Pro 3 is £219 (249 Euros/$249/$429).

For context, AirPods 4 starts at £119, while Beats PowerBeats Pro 2 are priced at £250. The Sennheiser Momentum TW4 retails for £199, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 cost £219, Sony WF-1000XM5 is available for £219, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are priced at £300.

Verdict

AirPods Pro 3 takes an already impressive second-generation model and enhances virtually every aspect.

A longer battery life and a more comfortable fit for extended listening sessions are welcome improvements. Additionally, proper water resistance and integrated heart rate monitoring cater well to fitness enthusiasts, particularly for activities like powerlifting where wearing a watch may not be practical. The live translation feature performs better than anticipated, despite its conversational limitations.

The standout element is the remarkably effective noise cancellation, comparable to top-tier over-ear headphones, while being much easier to transport.

Audiophiles may notice a slightly clinical sound profile, and full functionality requires an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Compatibility with Bluetooth devices like Android phones, PCs, and gaming consoles may not offer the same features. However, the significant drawback remains its difficult repairability, a common issue for true wireless earbuds, diminishing its rating.

Pros: Highly effective noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, industry-leading transparency, water resistance, integrated HR monitoring, seamless controls, advanced features when paired with Apple devices like spatial audio, remarkable comfort, and a premium case with excellent call quality.

Cons: Challenging to repair, premium price, lacks high-resolution audio support, minimal functionality with Android/Windows, similar appearance to its predecessor, and only available in white.




The AirPods Pro 3 is among the finest earphones available, especially for iPhone users. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Doctors Believe Kennedy’s Proposal for Nutrition Education in Medicine is Sound in Theory

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is advocating for enhanced nutrition education for doctors.

On Wednesday, he revealed that a specialized team within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will address the “serious lack of nutrition education in medicine.” Their aim is to significantly incorporate nutrition into the medical curriculum, licensing exams, residency training, board accreditation, and continuing education requirements for physicians.

“We can reverse the chronic disease epidemic by simply modifying our diet and lifestyle, but for that to happen, nutrition must be an essential part of every physician’s training,” Kennedy stated. Watch the video on X. “We’ll initiate this by integrating nutrition into the pre-med programs at universities and assessing it through the MCAT.”

This shift includes cutting vaccine research and reducing federal health agencies as Kennedy makes more controversial decisions to reform American public health.

HHS did not answer specific inquiries but highlighted an NBC News press release.

The department has instructed medical education institutions to present written plans for integrating nutrition education by September 10th. The American Association of Medical Colleges has established the Medical College Entrance Examination (MCAT), which sets coursework requirements or recommendations that pre-med students should follow.

Numerous doctors commended the announcement, acknowledging nutrition’s vital role in managing and preventing chronic diseases. Kennedy’s personal commitment aims to elevate the importance of the policies he championed upon taking office. However, while some worry about insufficient time for nutritional counseling, HHS advocates believe it is preferable to bolster hospital staffing with nutritionists or enhance counseling coverage. Others contend that Kennedy’s announcement could undermine trust in physicians and raise concerns about their patient care capabilities.

In June, Texas and Louisiana enacted laws aligning with Kennedy’s proposed medical education reforms. In Texas, physicians must complete nutrition courses to renew their licenses, while medical schools are required to include nutrition education to access certain public funds. Louisiana mandates that some doctors undergo at least one hour of continuing education in nutrition every four years.

Dr. Natewood, a primary care physician at Yale School of Medicine and director of culinary medicine, endorsed the need for doctors to be well-trained in nutrition. However, he questioned whether this approach is the most effective means of addressing chronic diseases.

“It’s somewhat short-sighted to assume that providing nutritional counseling is the solution to this chronic disease crisis,” he asserted.

“Many appointments are for sick patients who seek quick solutions to multiple complex issues,” Wood added.

In a Wall Street Journal editorial, Kennedy expressed concern that healthcare providers tend to “overlook” nutrition education requirements. He referenced a 2022 Journal of Wellness Survey, which indicated that medical students receive less than one hour of formal nutrition training annually. He also cited findings from Nutrition for Journal’s Research Advances in 2024, reporting that 75% of U.S. medical schools require coursework in clinical nutrition.

Previously, Kennedy proposed withholding funds from medical schools lacking nutrition courses.

“This motivated me to enter this field, as nutrition is a primary health factor for many of my patients, yet it was largely absent from my education.”

He expressed support for Kennedy’s policy initiatives regarding nutrition education in medicine.

“The federal government is essentially stating, ‘If you’re not fulfilling your duties—if you’re not training your doctors accordingly—we’ll halt funding.’ And they will heed that warning,” Mozaffarian remarked.

However, the American Association of Medical Colleges contends that medical students do receive training on dietary impacts on health. According to their recent surveys of U.S. and Canadian medical schools, all 182 institutions now include nutrition as a crucial aspect of the curriculum, up from 89% five years ago.

“The School of Medicine acknowledges the significant role nutrition has in preventing, managing, and treating chronic health conditions, and thus incorporates essential nutrition education into the core curriculum,” stated AAMC Chief Academic Officer Alison Wehrran.

Kennedy’s appeal for enhanced nutrition education has ignited discussions about the realistic expectations patients can have from primary care physicians.

Mozaffarian emphasized that the aim is not to transform doctors into nutritionists, but to equip patients with the knowledge needed to identify dietary concerns and refer them to specialists.

Conversely, Dr. Jake Scott, an infectious disease expert at Stanford Medicine, believed that physicians already possess this foundational knowledge.

“I am not uninformed about nutrition; that’s the implication,” he remarked.

Scott pointed out that malnutrition in the U.S. is not solely due to a lack of awareness regarding healthier food choices; it’s also a consequence of systemic barriers, such as lack of affordable healthcare or limited access to healthy food options. Approximately 18.8 million people in the U.S. live in food deserts, which are low-income areas far from grocery stores.

“There are numerous creative and feasible solutions, but if I were leading HHS, this medical education requirement would be the least of my priorities,” he commented.

Wood suggested that a more effective approach would be to advocate for increased access to nutritionists covered by insurance. For instance, while Medicare may cover these services, it usually requires patients to have diabetes or develop kidney disease. Coverage may vary for private insurances and Medicaid patients, he noted.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Tuning Out Digital Noise: The True Sound of Democracy in Crisis | Raphael Bear

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rDuring my holiday, I would emerge and introduce myself as “offline.” A more precise answer would be France, where internet access is indeed available. However, I intentionally limited my usage. Constantly checking your phone undermines the entire purpose of escaping.

In the last decade, the idea of a vacation has shifted to signify a break from the digital world rather than simply leaving home. The respite begins with logging off, rather than with boarding a flight; decluttering work emails, archiving professional WhatsApp chats, and removing social media apps signify that transition.

Gains don’t manifest immediately. The dissonance may echo in your mind for days before you finally sense a deeper peace, marking a shift in rhythm. It’s a stark contrast between navigating the internal currents of your thoughts and the relentless rush driven by societal demands. The difference grows sharper, and upon returning to work, you find yourself inundated with notifications and alerts.

I’m not advocating for the analog past. You won’t find me lost without Google Maps. I don’t believe that society was better off when the clergy held absolute authority or when people were more susceptible to superstitions.

We are now entering the third decade of the first digital century. The revolution is irreversible, and we tread into uncharted territory. History has seen explosive advancements in connectivity due to significant innovations in communication technology, but only a few have been truly transformative. Naomi Alderman refers to these shifts as an “Information crisis,” claiming we are experiencing the third iteration, with the printing press representing the second.

While comparisons may not be exact, the scale of our current experiences is immense and immeasurable. We have little understanding of just how far we have traveled down this digital path. AI is only in its infancy.

Readers of the Gutenberg Bible in the late 15th century had no means of predicting how movable type would revolutionize social, cultural, economic, and political frameworks in Europe. Are we better prepared to envision the world another century of digital transformation will bring?

My brief two-week hiatus from technology didn’t yield significant insights, but it highlighted that these ongoing transformations are profoundly cognitive. When you step away from the constant stream of information or dial it back, you come to appreciate the chaos of the rest of the time.

Our brains have evolved to interpret a relatively small dataset from our immediate environments, tracking predators and figuring out survival strategies. We are organic processors. Yet, the capacity for rational judgment can be constrained by how quickly sensory signals can be transformed into coherent mental models, determining our subsequent actions.


The app store has a “giant interference” to remove porn for profit.


While we possess remarkable abilities, they often falter under conditions of sensory overload. This doesn’t negate our capacity to process the profound shifts we’ve undergone or our ability to perceive the world at a rapid pace. Just as we adapted to urban life after centuries of rural existence, we can adjust to the influx of stimuli. However, these swift changes can be turbulent, stressful, and often violent. This information crisis induces a cosmological shift, altering how humanity organizes and views itself. Hierarchies crumble, societal norms are rewritten, and morality is reevaluated. A new philosophy is emerging; traditional beliefs are being discarded.

It’s no wonder that democratic systems struggle to adjust in this upheaval. A lone Congress on a small island in the North Atlantic is moving to impose new global tech regulations.

During my brief internet hiatus last month, key provisions of the Online Safety Act came into effect. Social media platforms and search engines are now required to restrict access to content deemed harmful by new legislation for minors (including content promoting abuse, pornography, self-harm, terrorism, and suicide).

Tech companies are lobbying vigorously for change. Donald Trump’s administration views it as an infringement on free speech. Nigel Farage concurs, threatening to repeal the law if he comes to power. The Labor Minister has accused the reform leader of siding with the interests of pedophiles.

As a compliant adult user, it’s difficult to ascertain whether these new restrictions will achieve their intended objectives. The aging process is no more concerning than the daily personal data submissions we make in exchange for a seamless digital experience.

Reports suggest that non-pornographic news and public health sites have been inadvertently blocked. Critics argue that these protections can be easily circumvented with minimal digital savvy. It appears that an overzealous approach by tech companies or a lack of risk management is leading to inconsistent filtering. However, the implications for political freedom – the potential hindrance to free speech that some equate with extreme censorship – seem negligible.


Indeed, the framework for monitoring information involves the potential for a more oppressive agenda. Future administrations could redefine what constitutes “harmful” content, which could include government criticism or anything undermining traditional family values. Advocates of the new legislation should be wary of its potential misuse.

Yet, some of its most ardent opponents, particularly those aligned with Trump, are hardly trustworthy defenders of political freedom. Their motives stem not from a genuine concern for free speech but from the commercial interests of entities overseeing much of our digital information landscape. The system is riddled with toxicity, with those profiting from the chaos refusing accountability, resisting regulation for the same reasons encountered by polluters since the Industrial Revolution: simply because they can. It’s more profitable when they don’t have to clean up their own mess.

Online safety regulations may have flaws, yet they might also be necessary. Currently, it’s a minor skirmish in a broader battle that will determine how power dynamics shift in the wake of the ongoing information crisis. It sends a subtle but vital message: a cry for help from politicians struggling amidst digital chaos.

Source: www.theguardian.com

AI Can’t Capture the Sound of Orgasms: The Growing Demand for Voice Actors Amidst Robot Narrators in Audiobooks

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The reasons audiobooks resonate are deeply human. They evoke moments that catch in the throat or a genuine smile when a word is spoken.

Melbourne actor and audiobook narrator Annabelle Tudor refers to narration as a storyteller’s innate ability, a fundamental and priceless skill. “The voice easily reveals our true feelings,” she explains.

However, this art form might be facing challenges.

In May, Audible, the audiobook service under Amazon, revealed plans to enable authors and publishers to narrate in English, Spanish, French, and Italian, using over 100 voices generated by artificial intelligence.

With a dwindling number of audiobook companies, emerging talents like Tudor are increasingly reliant on these opportunities, sparking concerns regarding job security, transparency, and overall quality.

Having narrated 48 books, Tudor is uncertain whether AI can replicate her work, yet fears that a dip in quality may alienate listeners.

“I once narrated a particularly explicit scene. The AI lacks understanding of how an orgasm sounds,” she remarks. “I’m curious to know how they plan to address such nuances, including more delicate scenes like childbirth.”

Audiobook Giant Audible claims it aims to use AI to enhance human narration rather than replace it. Photo: M4OS Photo/Aramie

The Audiobook Boom

A 2024 report from Nielseniq Bookdata indicates that over half of Australian audiobook consumers have increased their listening in the last five years. On an international scale, US audiobook sales have risen by 13% from 2023 to 2024. Meanwhile, the UK has seen audiobook revenues soar to £268 million, marking a 31% increase in 2023, as reported by the Publishers Association.

As demand for audio content surges, companies are seeking quicker and cheaper production methods. In January 2023, Apple unveiled a new catalog featuring AI-narrated audiobooks. Later that year, Amazon introduced a feature allowing self-published authors to convert their Kindle ebooks into audiobooks using “virtual audio” technology, resulting in tens of thousands of Audible titles now available in AI-generated formats.

Additionally, in February, Spotify announced support for AI audiobooks, making it easier for authors to reach wider audiences. Audible claims its goal is not to supersede human narrators but to enable more authors and titles to connect with larger audiences. In the US, Audible is testing audio replicas of audiobook narrators to create a unique voice, enhancing their capacity to produce high-quality audiobooks.

“In 2023 and 2024, Audible Studios has hired more [human narrators],” a spokesperson shared with the Guardian. “We continually engage with creators eager to have their work available in audio format and reach new audiences across languages.”

Yet, robot narrators remain a more economical choice than human talent, raising fears among industry professionals about potential job threats.

Volume vs. Quality?

Australian bestselling crime author Chris Hammer helped narrator Doge Swallow launch his career, highlighting a belief that AI narration is a tool designed by people who fail to grasp the intricacies, techniques, and skills necessary for quality audiobook production.

“Some assume we just press a button for a similar or sufficient quality result,” he notes.

Simon Kennedy, president of the Australian Audio Actors Association, mentions a long-standing struggle in Australia about fair remuneration for narrators. Recording an audiobook can mean narrators spend up to three times the length of the finished product for recording, not counting the initial read to understand the narrative and characters.

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“In my view, AI narrators prioritize volume over quality and aim to cut costs,” he asserts.

In 2024, Kennedy founded the Australian Voice Subject Association in response to AI’s looming threat. In a submission to a parliamentary committee last year, the organization warned that 5,000 Australian voice acting jobs were at stake.

While not surprised by Audible’s recent announcement, he dismisses it as a “foolish decision.”

“Audiobook narrators hold a truly special and intimate connection with their listeners; pursuing an approach that lacks this connection is misguided,” he suggests.

Regarding voice cloning opportunities, he states that voice actors should be involved in the process, but warns that it may lead to a homogenized robotic voice that listeners quickly tire of.

“If a monotonous, emotionless narration suffices for ‘high quality,’ then perhaps,” he counters. “However, if you seek an evocative, captivating listening experience, don’t expect to find it there.”

Another pressing concern is the absence of AI regulations within Australia. The EU has its own AI ACT, while China and Spain also have measures in place, whereas Australia lacks regulations regarding the labeling of AI-produced content.

“No laws exist to prevent data scraping, voice cloning, or breeding deeper AI capabilities,” Kennedy explains. “There’s no labeling or transparency requirement for AI-generated material or its origins, nor any regulations governing the proper use of AI-generated deepfakes, audio clones, or text.”

Author Hannah Kent expresses concern that AI will “devalue creativity” in the arts. Photo: Carrie Jones/Guardian

This year, during the burial ceremony and dedication of her work, Author: Hannah Kent dropped with astonishment upon discovering that pirated copies of her work had trained meta AI systems. Despite initial resistance and frustration towards AI’s infiltration in creative spaces, she shows curiosity about Audible’s AI developments and the prospective trials for translating texts into various languages.

“It’s evident that the primary motive behind AI adoption is cost-efficiency. Its aim is to reduce artistic value and creative narratives,” Kent reflects.

Both Tudor and Swallow agree that large corporations struggle to fully substitute human narration, as many Australian authors express opposition.

Yet, it remains unclear whether audiences can discern the difference.

“We are rushing straight into a dystopia,” Tudor warns. “Will I listen to humans or robots?”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Leaders in the Performing Arts Sound Alarm on UK Government’s AI Plan, Warn of Copyright Issues

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A group of more than 30 British performing arts leaders, including executives from the National Theatre, Opera North, and Royal Albert Hall, have expressed concerns over the government’s proposal to allow artists to use their work without permission.

In a joint statement, they emphasized that performing arts organizations rely on a delicate balance of freelancers who depend on copyright to sustain their livelihoods. They urged the government to uphold the “moral and economic rights” of the creative community encompassing music, dance, drama, and opera.

Signatories to the statement include top leaders from institutions such as Saddlers Wells Dance Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and Leeds Playhouse.

They expressed concern over the government’s plan to diminish creative copyright by granting exemptions to AI companies. The statement highlighted the reliance of highly skilled creative workers on copyright and the potential negative impact on their livelihoods.


While embracing technological advancements, they warned that the government’s plans could hinder their participation in AI development. They called for automatic rights for creative professionals and criticized proposals that require copyright holders to opt out.

Additionally, they demanded transparency from AI companies regarding the copyrighted material they use in their models and how it was obtained. The government’s proposed transparency requirements in copyright consultations were noted.

The statement emphasized the importance of music, drama, dance, and opera to human joy and highlighted the backlash against the government’s proposals from prominent figures in the creative industry.

The controversy revolves around AI models that power tools like ChatGpt chatbots, trained using vast amounts of data from the open web. A government spokesperson defended the new approach, aiming to balance the interests of AI developers and rights holders.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Analaria: The Unimaginable Sound

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Some people can’t imagine a dog barking or a police siren. I can’t get the song out of my head. They have no inner voice. Anauraria It was proposed in 2021 by scientists at the University of Auckland to explain the little-known condition of the silent mind. This time, the University of Auckland is hosting a world conference on imagined sounds in the mind, aimed not only at scientists but also at philosophers, musicians, poets, and writers.

Aphonia is a lack of auditory imagery, or the inability to hear anything in the inner ear. Image credit: Vat Roai.

Professor Tony Lambert from the University of Auckland said: “Scientists are interested in how the brain creates, or does not create, imaginary sounds such as inner voices.”

“But for writers, musicians, and poets, it can be an important part of the creative process, so they too have insights to share.”

“Charles Dickens said he could hear the voices of his characters. So did Alice Walker. Some readers even picture the voices of their characters in their heads.”

For Sang Hyun Kim, a student at the University of Auckland with a quiet mind, the idea of ​​other people hearing imaginary voices may seem strange. And he will be intrigued to see what research turns out about auditory imagery.

of heart ear and inner voice The conference will be held in Auckland, New Zealand from April 14th to 16th, 2025.

We would like to include personal accounts of individuals who have experienced anodynia and hyperacusis, the experience of highly vivid auditory images.

“Some people say they can reproduce a symphony in their heads in great detail; others report weak auditory imagery, while others report nothing at all,” the researchers said.

“It is estimated that nearly 1% of people in New Zealand experience aphonia. This is often accompanied by aphantasia, a lack of visual imagination.”

“There doesn’t seem to be any downside to a silent mind. On the contrary, recent research suggests there may be positive outcomes associated with increased attention.”

“The concept of musicians experiencing atonia seems perplexing. How can you play a role without being able to conjure up sounds in your head?”

“I don’t understand this either,” Professor Lambert said.

“The mind of such a musician may contain representations of music that are not auditory in nature. This is similar to the difference between hearing music and music represented as a musical score. Masu.”

“Overall, auditory imagery has received far less research attention than visual imagery.”

“Our conference is unique in that it focuses on these issues from a very interdisciplinary perspective.”

“Who doesn’t imagine voices, music, and other sounds?” If so, how common is this? What is the psychological impact of experiencing a quiet inner world? Is that so?”

“We have good answers to the first two questions. The last question is a much bigger question, but we believe we have made significant progress.”

“Ongoing research in the Aunaularia Laboratory at the University of Auckland includes neuroimaging studies that combine high-density EEG, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and electromyography of the activity of muscles used in speech production. .”

“The conference’s lineup of keynote speakers from around the world includes experts in fields called voice hearing (auditory hallucinations) and cognitive literary studies.”

Source: www.sci.news

Seven frog species recently identified produce vocalizations that resemble the sound effects from Star Trek

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Boophis pikei, a new species of frog from Madagascar

Miguel Vances (CC-BY-SA 4.0)

Deep in the forests of Madagascar, researchers have discovered seven new species of frogs and named them after characters. star trek.

“The frog sounds are very reminiscent of the series' iconic futuristic sound effects,” he says. Mark D. Schertz At the Natural History Museum of Denmark.

Bufis mallogesensis A small brownish frog found in the damp forests of Madagascar. The animal was first described in 1994, but over time, researchers began to wonder if this puppy-eyed amphibian was actually more than one species. I did.

To find out, Schatz and his colleagues collected as much data as possible from a variety of individuals. B. mallogesensis Collected over 30 years. They recorded and analyzed the frogs' calls, compared their physical characteristics, and sequenced their DNA.

Their results showed that what was previously thought to be one species of frog is actually eight different species. Physically, they look almost identical, Schertz says. “The main difference is in the sounds they make. Their piercing, high-pitched whistle calls differ in pitch and timing of the whistle.” DNA sequencing also shows genetic differences, making them different It was confirmed that it is a species.

Male frogs attract females with bird-like calls, but because these newly named species live near rivers, they have evolved high-pitched whistles to make their calls stand out from the noise of flowing water. Mr. Schertz thinks so. However, much about the lives of these frogs remains a mystery.

one of the species is named Boufis Khaki, In honor of James T. Kirk. Other members are named after Jean-Luc Picard, Benjamin Sisco, Kathryn Janeway, Jonathan Archer, Michael Burnham, and Christopher Pike.

“We wanted to honor captains who lead teams on missions of exploration and discovery,” says Schatz. “This may also serve as a reminder of how much discovery still remains on Earth before we set our sights on the stars.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

What is the unusual sound emanating from Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft?

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Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft carried astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams to the International Space Station.

NASA/Johnson Space Center

update: A statement was sent to SpaceNews’ Jeff Faust.NASA said the sound had stopped and explained why: “The feedback from the speakers was the result of an audio configuration between the space station and Starliner,” NASA said. “The space station’s audio system is complex, with multiple interconnected spacecraft and modules, and it is common for noise and feedback to occur.” They added that the feedback had no technical impact to the crew or spacecraft operations.

The ill-fated mission to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft has run into trouble once again. The two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who only recently learned they would be staying on the ISS until at least February, began hearing strange noises coming from the Boeing spacecraft over the weekend.

“We’re hearing some strange noises coming from the speakers,” Wilmore told Mission Control in Houston, Texas, on August 31. Recorded by an enthusiast“We don’t know what caused it.”

Mission Control told Wilmore they would investigate the regular pulsating noise. New ScientistBoeing referred requests for comment to NASA, which did not immediately respond.

The Starliner spacecraft delivered Wilmore and Williams to the ISS on June 5, but a thruster failure and helium leak made the planned return trip with passengers deemed too risky.

The noise has puzzled space industry experts and mission control. “It’s very strange,” one person said. Martin Barstow Professor at the University of Leicester in the UK. “I’ve never been on a spacecraft, so I have no idea.”

Social media posts have speculated about the possibility of sonar interference, but say such interference couldn’t come from outside the capsule because sound waves cannot travel in space. Jonathan Aitken “I don’t think it’s a big deal,” said the researcher at the University of Sheffield in the UK. “The bigger question for me is whether it’s a single speaker that’s making the noise, or the whole communications system.”

To investigate the source of the noise, Barstow recommends a thorough inspection of the aircraft. “Find out where there are microphones that might be providing input and isolate them,” he says. “But the sound could also be coming from the audio system electronics.”

Barstow noted that the regular but occasionally erratic nature of the pulse may support the idea that this is a problem with electronic interference.

This hypothesis is Phil Metzger “Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is very common and difficult to eliminate,” said John F. Kennedy, a professor at the University of Central Florida who helped test the ISS intercom system as co-founder of NASA’s Swamp Works research facility at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. He wrote to X.

Metzger said: New ScientistIn response to an interview request from SpaceX, astronaut John McClellan explained on social media that the interference could be coming from outside the Starliner: “During one test, we heard a noise that we tracked down to its source and found to be coming from a power inverter that is part of the test facility and not the spacecraft,” he wrote. “We believe that the noise on Starliner was due to electromagnetic interference leaking into something like an audio cable with a loose braid at the connector interface.”

What to do about it is another matter: Wilmore’s radio communications with Mission Control suggest that neither he nor Williams were overly concerned about the noise, but were confused as to its source.

There’s no rush to find out what the problem is, since Starliner is scheduled to return to Earth on its own on September 6. “I don’t think it’s significant since there won’t be a crew on board, but anything unusual should always be investigated,” Barstow said. “It might shed some light on an underlying problem.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

AI Industry Faces Risks, Employees from OpenAI and Google DeepMind Sound Alarm

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A group of current and former employees from prominent artificial intelligence companies has published an open letter. The committee warned of inadequate safety oversight within the industry and called for better protection for whistleblowers.

The letter, advocating for a “right to warn about artificial intelligence,” is a rare public statement about the risks of AI from employees in a usually secretive industry. It was signed by 11 current and former employees of OpenAI and two current and former Google DeepMind employees, one of whom previously worked at Anthropic.

“AI companies have valuable non-public information about their systems’ capabilities, limitations, safeguards, and risk of harm. However, they have minimal obligations to share this information with governments and none with the public. We cannot rely on companies to share this information voluntarily,” the letter stated.

OpenAI defended its practices, stating that they have hotlines and mechanisms for issue reporting, and they do not release new technology without proper safeguards. Google did not respond immediately to a comment request.

Concerns about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence have been around for years, but the recent AI boom has heightened these concerns, leading regulators to struggle to keep up with technological advancements. While AI companies claim to be developing their technology safely, researchers and employees warn about a lack of oversight to prevent AI tools from exacerbating existing societal harms or creating new ones.

The letter also mentions a bill seeking to enhance protections for AI company employees who raise safety concerns. The bill calls for transparency and accountability principles, including not forcing employees to sign agreements that prevent them from discussing risk-related AI issues publicly.

In a recent report, it was revealed that companies like OpenAI have tactics to discourage employees from freely discussing their work, with consequences for those who speak out. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman apologized for these practices and promised changes to exit procedures.

The open letter echoes concerns raised by former top OpenAI employees about the company’s lack of transparency in its operations. It comes after recent resignations of key OpenAI employees over disagreements about the company’s safety culture.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Unveiling the creative process behind Monument Valley 2’s heartwarming music: Creating the sound of a warm hug

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'TThe part where the mother and child get separated on the Red Mountain is a level fairly early in the game where you have to go back and find the mother. I was completing the sound design and music in the hospital. She was right next to my mother as she slept while she was recovering from open heart surgery. ”

Todd Baker pauses for a moment. He recalls the development process for Monument Valley 2, a 2017 indie puzzle game. Biggest success stories It will remain in the history of mobile games. The second game is more experimental than the first. The number of stories has increased and the atmosphere has changed. While the first title was all optical illusions and impossible objects, the sequel moves away from his MC Escher-inspired towers and spiers to non-Euclidean geometry and brutalism.

At the center of it all are a mother and daughter, wordlessly walking back and forth in each other's paths, desperately trying to stay together as the world heaves and undulates and does its best to tear them apart. It's about women's heritage and relationships, and for Todd there were parallels between fiction and reality. “The fact that this game is about a mother and a child, and the fact that I lost my mother at the end of the year when I was making this game, is very heartbreaking.”

“I wanted the music to speak and tell the story”…Monument Valley 2. Photo: ustwo

Monument Valley 2's soundtrack is the kind of music you want to listen to when you're not playing. Even when separated from the parent game, it's still very enveloping, very rich and textured, and provides a comfortable background for whatever you're doing. Waves of warm, organic tones and ambient, soothing sounds wash over you. This was always Baker's intention. Even before the unfortunate coincidence of fictional and real losses, Monument Valley 2's soundtrack was designed to be soothing, familiar, and gorgeous.

“Basically, what I was trying to do was create the sound of a really warm hug,” Baker said with a laugh, referring to one of the early stages of the game, when the child first comes to his mother. He described the moment he was held in his mother's arms. “At that moment, the kid comes in and I hug him, and there’s a lot of bass going on…I needed a really warm, fuzzy feeling, like this is where I want to be right now. .”

This moment in the game is very important. It's all about setting what's at stake. Yes, this story is abstract and minimalistic, but this moment has such power. Baker creates an impromptu acoustic guitar melody that he layered on three tracks and played on an EBow for a slightly supernatural sound, all backed up by an intoxicating supporting bass note, but it's not unlike the visuals here. I am doing a very important job. Establish everything that's at risk, Apple/iOS friendly, “bright on white”. If you don't watch the game to the end, you'll never see these two reunite.

That resonated with the audience, Baker said. “What's amazing is that now I get messages from people saying, 'This was the soundtrack of my childhood,'” Baker laughs. “They talked to me as adults now who were playing this game when they were 11 or 12 years old and said this is nostalgic and it's a safe space for them. It touches people's hearts. , they have a lot of nostalgia for it now.”

'It touched people's hearts'…Todd Baker performs music from Monument Valley 2 at London's V&A. Photo: ustwo

Baker was responsible for not only the music for Monument Valley 2, but also the entire sound design. Things like how a chime sounds when you swipe or tap on certain interactive elements, or how a little music plays as you explore a curious geometric world. It gets sucked in. This was an opportunity for him to emulate the approach Martin Stig Andersen took with Limbo and Inside. Both games had a huge influence on Monument Valley 2's audio, even though they couldn't be more different in tone.

“From the beginning, I was confident that I could do this. We were able to do the whole project holistically, including discussions about whether to license the music or use other artists for the trailer.” But for this one…I had to bring it myself. I wanted the music to speak and tell the story, and I wanted the rest of the development team to be really excited about it.”

As Baker says this, he imitates a hug and brings it around himself, recreating the hug he tried to evoke in the hearts and ears of players in the game's early moments. A decade after the original game was released, Apple still promotes both Monument Valley and the sequel on the App Store, with the latter installed on at least 30 million of his devices. There's no doubt that millions of people heard echoes of that hug and Baker's relationship with his mother. If you've never played this game with the sound on, find your headphones, head over to the App Store, and give it a try. I promise you, it's worth the effort.

The Monument Valley series turns 10 this month, and to celebrate, developer ustwo Commemorative website.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The most powerful laser ever created is “Sound Laser”

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“Phonon laser” emits sound particles instead of light

Dmytro Radzinkov/Alamy

Tiny floating beads are the core of an unprecedentedly bright laser that fires particles of sound instead of light.

Just as light rays are made up of many particles called photons, sound is also made up of particle-like clumps called phonons. For decades, researchers have created “phonon lasers” that output these particles in narrow beams, similar to the way optical lasers emit photons.

Now, Hui Jin Researchers at Hunan Normal University in China have developed the brightest phonon laser ever.

The heart of their device was a silica bead about the size of a typical bacterium, roughly micrometers long. They used two beams of light to levitate a bead and surrounded it with a reflective cavity. The tiny vibrations of this bead generated phonons, which were captured and amplified within the cavity. This continued until there were enough phonons to form a laser-like beam.

Several research groups had previously tested similar designs. But Jin and his colleagues added electrodes directly beneath the beads to generate carefully selected electromagnetic signals. This modification increased the laser’s “brightness” (the amount of power delivered at each phonon frequency) by a factor of 10, making the beam tighter and longer lasting. Previous devices developed by Jin’s team and others could only operate for a few minutes, but the latest phonon lasers can operate for more than an hour.

Because phonons are less affected by traveling through liquids, they may be more effective than traditional lasers for imaging water tissue in biomedicine and some deep-sea monitoring devices, Jin said. To tell.

But Richard North Researchers from the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands say the current experimental setup is too complex, requiring precise alignment of all components. Phonon lasers can require years of research and engineering before they can match the usefulness of comparable optical lasers.

“Given the impact optical lasers have had on modern life, there is excitement about phonon lasers, but only time will tell if they will have a comparable impact,” he says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Light and sound therapy may provide preventative measures against chemically-induced brain changes in Alzheimer’s disease

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Some cancer treatments can cause so-called chemobrain, commonly defined as problems with memory and concentration.

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An experimental treatment for Alzheimer’s disease that involves flickering lights and low-pitched sounds may also help prevent cognitive impairment after cancer treatment, also known as chemical brain, a study in mice suggests.

In the case of Alzheimer’s disease, light and sound stimulation has been shown in small human trials to reduce memory and concentration problems, but larger studies are still investigating it.

The light flashes 40 times per second, or 40 Hz, and the sound also has a frequency of 40 Hz. This frequency was originally chosen because the brainwave intensity of Alzheimer’s patients is lower than 40 Hz and is associated with memory processing. The idea was that this treatment would stimulate these brain waves.

Subsequent research has shown that such brain waves may have a wide range of benefits for the brain, including increased immune cell activity and, more recently, strengthened drainage systems that may help remove a toxic protein called beta-amyloid. It suggests that there is.

Cai Li Hui The Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers who developed this approach thought it could help cancer patients who have memory and concentration problems after chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. It is thought that these may be caused by damage to brain cells, but the exact mechanism is unknown and there is no cure.

In the latest study, Professor Tsai’s team exposed cancer-free mice to light and sound for one hour a day while being given a common chemotherapy drug called cisplatin, compared to those who had just received chemotherapy. They found that they experienced less decline in mental acuity than mice.

Acuity was assessed by a memory test in which mice were exposed to either new or familiar objects, and the animals typically showed more interest in things they had never seen before. Chemotherapy reduced the mice’s ability to identify objects, but this was prevented by light and sound treatment.

The therapy had several effects, including reducing inflammation in the brain, reducing DNA damage, and reducing the loss of myelin, the insulation around nerve cell fibers.

nazanin derakshan Researchers at Britain’s University of Reading say the idea needs to be tested in people to see if it has any overall benefits. If this treatment is given at the same time as chemotherapy and reduces cell death in the brain, it may help cancer cells survive there, she says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Slowing Alzheimer’s Disease Progression: How Light and Sound Can Remove Toxins from the Brain

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Cross-section of a mouse brain highlighting neurons that appear to release molecules that increase toxin clearance

Tsai Laboratory/MIT Picower Laboratory

A new explanation has emerged for why an experimental treatment for Alzheimer’s disease that involves flickering sounds and lights may help slow cognitive decline. This frequency appears to strengthen the brain’s waste processing network, helping to remove beta-amyloid and other toxic proteins that contribute to memory and concentration issues.

“Once we understand the mechanism, we can probably understand how to further optimize this whole concept and improve its effectiveness,” he says. Cai Li Hui at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The treatment involves exposure to light that flashes at a frequency of 40 times per second, or 40 hertz, and to a bass sound, also at 40 hertz. Typically, stimulation is given for one hour per day.

The key to this new approach is that large networks of brain cells naturally fire in sync with each other at different frequencies, known as brain waves. Brain waves around 40 Hz are common when people are concentrating and forming or accessing memories.

In 2016, Tsai’s team wondered if 40Hz stimulation could enhance cognitive performance in Alzheimer’s patients, since visual or auditory stimulation at a certain frequency is known to enhance brain waves at that same frequency. I decided to investigate.

Their group and other researchers have shown that this reduces amyloid accumulation in mice with Alzheimer’s disease and has cognitive benefits. Small trial in people with this condition, an even larger trial is underway. However, it is unclear how this treatment works, and another idea is that it boosts the function of immune cells in the brain.

Well, the special light and sound appears to work by enhancing the function of the brain’s drainage system, also known as the glymphatic system.

In the latest study, Tsai’s team conducted a series of experiments to study the mechanism of treatment in mice that were genetically modified to have amyloid buildup that normally occurs with age and to have worse memory than typical mice. carried out.

As expected, when the animals were exposed to light and sound, the amount of amyloid decreased. The new findings were that during treatment, the amount of cerebrospinal fluid entering the brain increased, and the amount of waste fluid leaving the brain through the glymphatic vessels increased.

This appears to occur because nearby blood vessels pulsate more, which may help glymph fluid flow through the blood vessels, allowing more water to flow into the glymph system.

The research team also found that the activity of a particular type of brain cell known as an interneuron appears to cause an increase in glymph flow by releasing a molecule called vasoactive intestinal peptide. When the research team chemically blocked the production of this molecule, the treatment no longer accelerated amyloid clearance.

Miken Nedergaard A professor at the University of Rochester in New York who helped discover the glymphatic system says the discovery is consistent with what we already know about it. “The brain, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid are all contained within the skull. When the blood volume expands, the brain tissue cannot be compressed, so the cerebrospinal fluid volume must also move.”

In the accompanying article natural medicineDr. Nedergaard says that a better understanding of the mechanisms of toxin removal in the brain “could be the key to unlocking that.” [their] Treatment Possibilities.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Thousands Rally for Smartphone-Free Childhood: British Parents Sound the Alarm

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More than 4,000 parents have joined a group pledging to ban their young children from smartphones, amid growing concerns about online safety and the impact of social media on mental health.

The WhatsApp group ‘Smartphone Free Childhood’ responds to concerns about children’s smartphone use and the ‘norm’ of giving children smart devices when they attend secondary school, created by former school friends Clare Furnyhoff and Daisy Green. Founded by Well.

“I have children aged 7 and 9. Daisy has children of a similar age and we both feel really scared and anxious and now it’s 11 years old and it’s normal. I didn’t want him to have a smartphone at his age.”

Fernyhoff and Greenwell hope the campaign will encourage parents to delay giving their children smartphones until at least the age of 14 and ban them from accessing social media until the age of 16.

But what they had hoped would be a small group of friends “empowering each other” turned into a nationwide group after the group reached its 1,000-person capacity within 24 hours of Greenwell uploading the message. It turned into a campaign. Instagram post To promote it.

“We were completely surprised by this,” Fernyhough said. “I’ve gone completely crazy.”


Daisy Greenwell. Photo: Alastair Bartlett/Tilt Shift Creative

The pair encouraged people to form local groups to deal with the demand. “Before our eyes, within 30 minutes, 30 local groups were born across the country, and it continues to grow,” Fernyhoff said.

The group has been transformed into a community to allow more people to participate and currently has approximately 4,500 members.

Smartphones are exposing children to a “world they’re not ready for”, with access to pornography and content about self-harm and suicide, which can have a negative impact on children’s mental health, Furneyhough said. said. “I thought maybe they don’t need it. You don’t need a smartphone at that age. A brick phone can do everything you need.”

Ofcom research shows that 91% of children in the UK own a smartphone by the age of 11, and 44% by the age of 9.

“We thought we had extreme ideas, and that’s why we wanted to be in solidarity with each other, but what we realized was that we were actually pulling the lid on something. I mean, it’s like an open question. I came here by mistake, and people really need to talk about this, and a lot of people feel the same way we do. I feel like I can’t talk,” Fernyhoff said.

Brianna Gee’s mother, Esther Gee, earlier this week called for a complete ban on social media for under-16s, calling for a complete ban on social media access for under-16s, unless tech companies take steps to restrict access to harmful content. , said there would be more people with mental health problems.

Brianna was murdered on February 11, 2023, and her mother believes she was vulnerable after spending so much time online.

The goal is to change this norm, Fernyhow said, so that by the time children graduate from elementary school, the whole class will come together and say, “Let’s all delay this until at least 14 years old.” This means that all children in primary school go on to secondary school where they have a certain number of peers doing the same thing, reducing peer pressure.

“We don’t just want kids to go to middle school,” Fernyhoff said. “It’s a nightmare. No one would do that to their child.” But if 20%, 30%, even 50% of his children enroll because their parents made that decision. , they will be in a much better position.

“They can have the childhood they were meant to have, focus on learning, and enjoy the real world without having to spend their lives scrolling. We all know that’s not good for them. I know.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review: Bose Ultra Open Earphones with Unique Open Fit and High-Quality Sound

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Bose’s latest earbuds are a big departure from previous noise-canceling champions, as they’re designed to let outside sound in instead of blocking it out and sitting in your ears, making them more than just gadgets. It also resembles jewelry.

These are the latest evolution of Bose’s open audio technology, which uses small speakers to play music without blocking your ears, and was last seen in the excellent Frames audio glasses, which have since been discontinued.

The Ultra Open Earbuds cost a hefty £300 (€349/$299), joining the ranks of smaller open earbuds such as:
£179 Shocks Open Fit Or the £149 Sony LinkBuds. However, Bose has two major advantages over his rivals. It has a great, full sound and an innovative fit that doesn’t get in the way of glasses or other headwear.





The look and fit of the Ultra Open is unlike any other earphone. The slit on the top projects noise canceling sound and reduces noise leakage from the earphones.

Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The battery cylinder is located behind the ear and connected via a flexible silicone spring to an L-shaped plastic speaker arm, which together hold the earbuds in place around the side of the ear.

The fit is very unique and takes a little practice to get it right, but once it’s in place it’s light and comfortable. I was sure it would fall if I ran, but no matter how much I sweated or how much I shook my head, it remained firmly in place.





The earbuds are charged via metal contacts on the underside of the battery.

Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com