Google offers its own ‘Titan’ USB security key for password-free logins

Google introduced the Titan Security Key during its Google Cloud Next ’18 convention, a physical USB-based device that eliminates the need to enter usernames and passwords. The FIDO-based device includes firmware developed by Google’s engineers that verifies its integrity, so you can log onto your favorite sites worry-free. It’s available now for Google Cloud customers followed by a full mainstream availability “soon.”

“We’ve long advocated the use of security keys as the strongest, most phishing-resistant authentication factor for high-value users, especially cloud admins, to protect against the potentially damaging consequences of credential theft,” the company states.

Google’s key is based on the FIDO U2F protocol, short for “universal 2nd factor.” Borrowing from the smart card concept, you merely insert the key into a USB port or tap it against an NFC-compatible smartphone. When you create an online account (or update your existing security preferences), your PC will create two encrypted tokens: one public and one private.

Later when you log into the account, the service containing the public token will send a “challenge” requiring you to touch a button on the key, thus unlocking the private token for verification. There’s no personal information sent across the internet, and the private token used to unlock the service remains solely on the physical key.

Google and Yubico originally developed this protocol along with support by NXP but now its maintained by the FIDO Alliance. Yubico already offers its YubiKey series for desktop and mobile, such as the YubiKey 4 supporting multiple protocols, the Android-friendly YubiKey NEO, and the Security Key with out-of-the-box support for Gmail, Facebook, and more.

That said, Google’s new Titan Security Key will be in direct competition with Yubico’s products. The difference is that one of Google’s models will rely on a Bluetooth Low Energy component, a standard Yubico helped build but decided not to use because “it does not meet our standards for security, usability, and durability.” Bluetooth, according to Yubico, doesn’t offer the same security level as NFC and USB.

There’s no information about the Titan Security Key’s manufacturer, but Google plans to sell both USB- and Bluetooth-based models in a bundle for $50 or separately for around $25 each — possibly in the sub-$10 range in the future. Moreover, the Titan Security Key won’t have anything to do with Google’s Titan-branded chip used to protect cloud-based servers.

“Titan Security Key gives you even more peace of mind that your accounts are protected, with assurance from Google of the integrity of the physical key,” Google says.

Although smartphones are good for two-factor authentication, SMS-based messages can be intercepted. Even more, if your smartphone is lost or damaged, it takes your private keys with it. A USB-based key can get damaged as well, but it can hang on a keychain and doesn’t require a network connection. According to Google, the Bluetooth model can supposedly remain active for six months on a single charge.

Google will initially target customers who need the Titan Security Key the most: Journalists, business executives, politicians, and the like.

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• Google Assistant: Everything you need to know
• Here’s how and where to buy the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
• Google Project Fi: Phones, Plans, Pricing, and Perks Explained
• A cure for phone fatigue? Apple’s Screen Time vs. Google’s Digital Wellbeing
• Chrome now supports the new password-free login standard

Google offers its own ‘Titan’ USB security key for password-free logins

Google introduced the Titan Security Key during its Google Cloud Next ’18 convention, a physical USB-based device that eliminates the need to enter usernames and passwords. The FIDO-based device includes firmware developed by Google’s engineers that verifies its integrity, so you can log onto your favorite sites worry-free. It’s available now for Google Cloud customers followed by a full mainstream availability “soon.”

“We’ve long advocated the use of security keys as the strongest, most phishing-resistant authentication factor for high-value users, especially cloud admins, to protect against the potentially damaging consequences of credential theft,” the company states.

Google’s key is based on the FIDO U2F protocol, short for “universal 2nd factor.” Borrowing from the smart card concept, you merely insert the key into a USB port or tap it against an NFC-compatible smartphone. When you create an online account (or update your existing security preferences), your PC will create two encrypted tokens: one public and one private.

Later when you log into the account, the service containing the public token will send a “challenge” requiring you to touch a button on the key, thus unlocking the private token for verification. There’s no personal information sent across the internet, and the private token used to unlock the service remains solely on the physical key.

Google and Yubico originally developed this protocol along with support by NXP but now its maintained by the FIDO Alliance. Yubico already offers its YubiKey series for desktop and mobile, such as the YubiKey 4 supporting multiple protocols, the Android-friendly YubiKey NEO, and the Security Key with out-of-the-box support for Gmail, Facebook, and more.

That said, Google’s new Titan Security Key will be in direct competition with Yubico’s products. The difference is that one of Google’s models will rely on a Bluetooth Low Energy component, a standard Yubico helped build but decided not to use because “it does not meet our standards for security, usability, and durability.” Bluetooth, according to Yubico, doesn’t offer the same security level as NFC and USB.

There’s no information about the Titan Security Key’s manufacturer, but Google plans to sell both USB- and Bluetooth-based models in a bundle for $50 or separately for around $25 each — possibly in the sub-$10 range in the future. Moreover, the Titan Security Key won’t have anything to do with Google’s Titan-branded chip used to protect cloud-based servers.

“Titan Security Key gives you even more peace of mind that your accounts are protected, with assurance from Google of the integrity of the physical key,” Google says.

Although smartphones are good for two-factor authentication, SMS-based messages can be intercepted. Even more, if your smartphone is lost or damaged, it takes your private keys with it. A USB-based key can get damaged as well, but it can hang on a keychain and doesn’t require a network connection. According to Google, the Bluetooth model can supposedly remain active for six months on a single charge.

Google will initially target customers who need the Titan Security Key the most: Journalists, business executives, politicians, and the like.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Google Assistant: Everything you need to know
• Here’s how and where to buy the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
• Google Project Fi: Phones, Plans, Pricing, and Perks Explained
• A cure for phone fatigue? Apple’s Screen Time vs. Google’s Digital Wellbeing
• Chrome now supports the new password-free login standard

What is USB 3.1?

Pixabay

Although USB connections are some of the most common for all sorts of cables and external devices, there are a lot of ways the universal standard can be confusing. There are a number of different generations and many types to consider, even if the more common offerings tend to fall into just one or two categories. One of the most common ones today is USB 3.1, but what is USB 3.1? How is it different from the ones that went before and came after? That’s what we’re here to explain.

The reliable Universal Serial Bus port standard is among the most commonly used on the planet. But the USB Implementers Forum — a compendium formed between companies like Intel, Microsoft, Apple, and HP to oversee the standard’s development — is constantly working on improving it. USB 3.1 is just one of many advancements that have been made over the past two decades.

By the numbers

USB 3.1 is a generational number that mostly refers to the data transfer speed of the USB connector, not its shape or size. Officially launched in July 2013, USB 3.1 (confusingly sometimes referred to as USB 3.1 Gen 2) has a maximum transfer rate of 10 gigabits per second (GBps). That works out to 1,250 megabytes per second (MBps) — note the capitalization. It superseded USB 3.0, which had a maximum transfer rate of 5Gbps and has since been supplanted by the still uncommon USB 3.2, which has a maximum transfer rate of 20 GBps.

All of these speeds are the theoretical maximums of the USB standard and are unlikely to be seen in everyday use, but you will certainly see an increase in transfer speed for files of most sizes when using a USB 3.1 device over one that is rated USB 3.0 only.

A standard Type-A cable, used for most current PC accessories.

USB 3.1 isn’t supported by all modern devices but has slowly seen greater support over the past few years. A good example of a change between hardware generations is with Dell’s XPS 13 laptop. The 2017 XPS 13 9360 laptop shipped with two USB 3.0 ports, while the 2018 9370 version replaced those with USB 3.1 connections.

Another big advantage of USB 3.1 is that it can support a feature known as Power Delivery 2.0. It allows compatible ports to provide up to 100w of power to the device they’re connected to, thereby allowing for the charging of larger devices like laptops through a single USB cable. This is most commonly seen in laptops that utilize the new, USB-C standard.

USB-C isn’t the same as 3.1

A MacBook with its single USB-C connector. Maurizio Pesce/Flickr

While often associated with USB 3.1, USB-C is not the same thing. USB types, like A, B, and C, denote the shape and form-factor of the port and connector, rather than the data transfer speed. Many modern devices have moved away from the classic USB-A, USB-B, and microUSB ports to USB-C which is small, reversible, and often goes hand in hand with USB 3.1 transfer speeds — though not always.

USB-A is still offered on a number of devices to offer legacy support for older accessories and cables that still use that standard, but it’s becoming increasingly common for laptops and smartphones to ship with just USB-C connectivity.

Whether a laptop, tablet, or smartphone has USB-A, USB-C, or some other connection in that wheelhouse though, it does not guarantee that it is USB 3.1. The Microsoft Surface Book 2 ships with two USB-A ports and a USB-C port, all of which are “USB Gen 1” which is actually USB 3.0, not 3.1. It’s confusing but shows how important it is to read between the lines if you care about your new hardware having the latest standards.

Thunderbolt 3

Bill Roberson/Digital Trends

To make things even more confusing, USB-C can also be compatible Thunderbolt 3 ports. Thunderbolt 3 is a standard that utilizes the USB-C port and offers data transfer rates up to 40GBps — four times that of USB 3.1 and even two times that of USB 3.2. Although it can be cross-compatible with USB 3.1 cables, that’s not always the case.

Where USB 3.1 is designed more for data transfers and charging, Thunderbolt 3 targets a broader array of abilities. It is simultaneously a charging and data-transfer medium, as well as a content streaming solution. Its developer, Intel, touts its ability to charge devices, as well as send data and video to externally connected displays at the same time. By leveraging the USB-C port, its compatibility is expanded considerably over the previous generations’ miniDisplayPort connector.

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• Apple could make MagSafe a reality on USB-C MacBooks if it really wanted
• Best Lightning cables for iPhone

Best Replacement Watch Bands for Samsung Gear S3

Samsung makes it easy to upgrade your band to something new.

The Samsung Gear S3 is one of our favorite smartwatches, and a great alternative to many of the Android Wear watches out there. The Gear S3 supports standard 22mm watch bands, making it really easy to upgrade with something new.

Here are a few of the best third-party watch bands to consider once you pick up your brand new Samsung Gear S3!

• ArtStyle nylon strap
• EloBeth Milanese Magnetic Loop Strap
• Snowoxen genuine leather strap
• TRUMiRR Milanese stainless steel band
• Barton silicone band
• Rechere stainless steel watch band

ArtStyle nylon strap

Keep things simple, fun, and functional with the ArtStyle watch band made from a sturdy nylon material and a durable metal buckle! The ArtStyle nylon strap is easily adjustable and is hypoallergenic, making it the perfect band to wear if you have sensitive skin.

The material from this particular band is also breathable and waterproof on top of being extremely comfortable to wear day-to-day. One downside, though? It might interfere/cover up your Samsung Gear 3’s heart rate sensor.

On top of the ArtStyle’s practical design, the watch strap comes in a ton of different, bright colors, including red, blue/yellow, black, black/gray, navy blue, gray, khaki, orange, army green, black/blue, black/green/red, black/gray/blue, black/gray/orange, black/gray/green, black/red starting at around $9.

See at Amazon

EloBeth Milanese Magnetic Loop Strap

If you’re someone who struggles with putting on your Samsung Gear S3 with one hand, or if you simply want a little bit of additional security when you’re sporting your S3, then the EloBeth Milanese Magnetic Loop Strap might be a good option to take a peek at.

The strong, magnetic clasp keeps this $12 – $13 watch band tight around your wrist, and can easily be adjusted to fit almost any wrist type, so if you have especially larger or smaller wrists, this band might be a great option for you.

The EloBeth Milanese Magnetic Loop Strap is made out of a high-end stainless steel that’s perfect for day-to-day wear, and if there are any issues with the band, you have an 18-month warranty to fix any issues.

You can pick up the EloBeth Milanese Magnetic Loop Strap in black, gold, rose gold, or silver finishes.

See at Amazon

Snowoxen genuine leather strap

There’s nothing more simple and stylish than a classic leather watch band, and Snowoxen nails it with their affordable leather band for the Samsung Gear S3! Made from a high quality and sturdy yet lightweight and soft leather, the Snowoxen genuine leather strap comes with an easy-to-buckle stainless steel clasp, making it the perfect day-to-day band.

Unlike some other watch straps, the Snowoxen’s design is super simple and void of all logos, so it’s perfect for people who want a classic-looking smartwatch accessory.

The Snowoxen leather band also comes in a number of vibrant, eye-catching colors, like gray, dark red, coffee, navy, and so much more for around $14.

See at Amazon

TRUMiRR Milanese stainless steel band

The Milanese look has been a staple with traditional watch designs for decades, so incorporating the TRUMiRR Milanese stainless steel band might be the perfect fit if that’s the particular style you’re after.

This 22mm watch band is designed with a mesh, woven, stainless steel wire, and is adjustable for a variety of wrist sizes, so you never have to be uncomfortable while sporting your Samsung Gear S3 — and for $11 – $12, that’s quite the steal!

To attach and detach your watch band, all you need to do is release a small spring bar, minimizing annoying tools. The TRUMiRR may not come in a ton of colors, but it does come in a shiny silver, blingy gold, or a clean, classic black design.

See at Amazon

Barton silicone band

After garnishing its fair share of positive reviews online and coupled with an easy-release design, vibrant colors, comfortable feel, and much more, the Barton silicone band is a great option to check out while you’re customizing your Samsung Gear S3.

The Barton silicone watch band is designed with a textured back, making the slipping and sliding of most smooth silicone bands a thing of the past. The silicone design also makes it a great tool for working out, as you can easily remove and wash it if it starts to look dirty or stink.

To change your watch band, simply turn the band over and flip the switch — no tools are required! You can pick your Barton band from a number of vibrant colors, including black, white, turquoise, forest green, brown, gray, burgundy, yellow, navy blue, orange, peach, dark gray, and baby blue for around $14.

See at Amazon

Rechere stainless steel watch band

The Rechere 22mm stainless steel watch band is an affordable, high quality strap that keeps your Samsung Gear S3 looking classic and clean without any clutter or useless accents of other watch bands.

Unlike some other straps, the Rechere cannot be adjusted to fit individual wrists with a simple tightening system; rather, users will have to remove the links near the band’s clasps in order to make the stainless steel Samsung Gear S3 accessory smaller. You can pick up this band for around $11.

To remove the Rechere, you will have to use a small tool which comes with the band. The Rechere only comes in one color, silver, but if you’re looking for a watch with a similar style in a different color, then we suggest taking a peek at the Vetoo.

See at Amazon

Your pick?

Is there a third-party watch band that you think would be perfect for the Samsung Gear S3?

Drop a link in the comments with a brief description of why you like it so that others can check it out as well!

Updated July 2018: We removed the Rerii leather band because it’s no longer available and added the Snowoxen genuine leather strap instead.

Qualcomm Expects Apple to ‘Solely’ Use Intel Modems for 2018 iPhones

Apple does not have plans to use Qualcomm’s LTE chips in its next-generation devices, Qualcomm’s CFO said today during Qualcomm’s second quarter earnings call.

As relayed by CNBC, Qualcomm CFO George Davis told investors Apple will use a competitor’s chips in its 2018 iPhones, likely speaking of Intel.

“We believe Apple intends to solely use our competitors’ modems rather than our modems in its next iPhone release. We will continue to provide modems for Apple legacy devices,” said Davis.

Over the course of the last few months, there have been mixed reports about Apple’s LTE chip plans given the legal disagreement between the two companies. Respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in February that Intel would be the supplier of LTE modems for all 2018 iPhones, with Apple using no Qualcomm chips.

Kuo’s report was called into question in April when Fast Company said that Intel would supply Apple with 70 percent of the LTE chips needed for the 2018 iPhones while Qualcomm would provide the rest, but it appears that report was inaccurate.

Qualcomm’s statement today is also in line with an October report from The Wall Street Journal suggesting Apple would eliminate Qualcomm chips from its 2018 iPhone and iPad lineup, instead using chips from Intel and perhaps MediaTek.

Apple’s decision not to use Qualcomm chips in its latest crop of iPhones is understandable given the increasingly bitter legal battle the two companies have been embroiled in for more than a year.

Apple in January 2017 sued Qualcomm for $1 billion, accusing Qualcomm of charging unfair royalties for “technologies they have nothing to do with” and failing to pay quarterly rebates. Apple and its suppliers stopped paying licensing fees at that time.

While Apple insists Qualcomm charges unfair royalties, Qualcomm claims that its technology “is at the heart of every iPhone.”

It didn’t take long for Qualcomm to file a countersuit claiming that Apple had infringed on several of its patents. Since then, both companies have filed multiple lawsuits against one another, and Qualcomm has also sought import and export bans on some iPhones in the United States and China.

Apple has used Qualcomm chips in its iPhones for years, but until the legal dispute is resolved, the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus could be the last iPhones with Qualcomm chips.

Apple is rumored to be working on its own Apple-designed modem chips for future iPhones, but until its own technology is ready, Apple devices may be equipped with Intel technology.

Rumors suggest that Apple’s 2018 iPhones will use Intel’s XMM 7580 modems, which support both GSM and CDMA networks. Apple is said to be planning to introduce improved antenna technology for faster connection speeds and dual-SIM dual standby functionality.

Qualcomm today reported better-than-expected quarterly results with $5.6 billion in revenue and earnings of $1.01 per share. Qualcomm saw “strong demand” from Chinese device makers amid “lower demand” from Apple.

Related Roundup: 2018 iPhonesTag: Qualcomm
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Best eight Android apps for avid readers

Technology has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, and like it or not, reading is no exception to this.

Today it seems we’ve almost forgotten the feeling of holding a book in our hands, as the world is slowly turning digital. But it’s not all bad! Because being able to carry a global library in your pocket comes with a few advantages. Like saving quite a lot on costs.

So for all the literature fans who are trying to step in the modern age, here’s a bunch of apps that you should definitely be downloading as you read this. Whether you’re looking for a book discovery app or an app that serves you small bits of classic literature daily, you’ve come to the right place.

Goodreads

What it is:

Perhaps the most popular literature app out there. It also features a very strong social component.

Why we like it:

• It’s a discovery app. Readers can access a global library, where they can stumble upon new names and books.
• Users are invited to create their own profile and add the list of books you’ve read or those they are planning to read (wishlist). Follow your friend’s reading activity and see what they are reading next.
• The app has a handy “barcode scanner” option. Scan a hard-copy book and it can be immediately added to your shelf.
• Some e-books are free to read.

Install Goodreads

Scribd

What it is:

The app lets you tap into a library of books, audiobooks, magazines, documents and more. However, you’ll need to pay a fee ($8.99) to do so. The app is free to download, though.

Why we like it:

• It offers a varied library and is updated with new titles regularly.
• Clean and intuitive interface. Easily browse through categories for new titles to read including books, audiobooks, magazine and more. Each book features its own descriptive page with notes from the editor and a short introductory description.
• Books/magazines are categorized based on interests including Politics, Psychology, Happiness, Science and more.
• App lets you store content offline for later use.

Install Scribd

Kobo

What it is:

Quite similar to Scribd, Kobo also boasts a large database of digital reading material of up to 3.5 million titles. You’ll have to purchase a subscription to get full access to the library.

Why we like it:

• Most of the books come with a few preview, so you can read a few chapters before deciding if the book is worth purchasing or not.
• All books have their own description page that features things like Related Titles and Reviews.
• App lets you choose from three different reading themes including Classic, Night and Sepia.

Install Kobo

Serial Reader

What it is:

Serial Reader is an app that will make you well-read in 20 minutes a day. Can’t see yourself reading full 500 or 600-page books written in the florid 19th-century prose? With this app, you don’t have to.

Why we like it:

• Feeds you small, manageable 20-minute chunks of classic literature. They are delivered to your smartphone at a time of your choosing every day.
• This way you can go through a classic work such as Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein in 28 days.
• There’s no limit to how many materials you can consume side-by-side. So if you think you’re up to it, you can read two or three books in parallel.
• App lets you customize fonts, colors and more for a tailored reading experience.

Install Social Reader

Moon+Reader

What it is:

Want to keep track of all your ebooks? Then the Moon+Reader app might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Why we like it:

• The app is part eReader app, part library. It lets you keep track of your ebooks and also has a bunch of free ebooks you can read for free.
• Plenty of customization options. For example, you can choose how you view the book and the controls to interact with it. You can also choose the font color or background color.
• Let’s you easily access free net libraries like the Project Gutenberg or WebNovel, so you can download new content.
• The app keeps statistics including Books on Shelf, Read Books and Reading Hours.

Install Moon+Reader

Libib

What it is:

An app to help you organize your collection of books. Libib is also great for those who want to keep track of their movies, music and video games.

Why we like it:

• Comprehensive library cataloguing tool which options such as automatic add with ISBN scan, keyword search and statistics about catalogued item.
• Like GoodReads, Libib has a social component. This means you can follow friends to see what they are currently reading and set up a personal profile.
• Clean, easy-to-get-around interface, so you can get cataloguing in no time.

Install Libib

Pocket

What it is:

How many times did you stumble upon an interesting article you did not have time to read right there and then? Chances are you forgot about it afterwards. Pocket solve this problem efficiently.

Why we like it:

• App lets you quickly save an article, video or link you want to read later. It syncs across phone, tablet or PC, so you can access it wherever you want.
• Pocket has a clean, easy-to-view layout that keeps distractions at bay.
• Quickly organize your content with tags.
• Highlight important passages, so you can revisit them later.
• Text-to-Speech function, so you can listen to articles when you don’t feel like reading.
• Follow friends and check out their reading recommendations.

Install Pocket

Audible

What it is:

Audible is the perfect solution for those who prefer to listen to books. With a collection of over (paid) 180,000 titles, anyone can find something to their liking.

Why we like it:

• The app also has a system in place that tracks your reading list and reading habits.
• There’s a multi-tasking feature for background downloading and listening.
• Audible also gives you access to the latest news as covered by The New York Times, The Washington Post and others.
• Let’s you customize your narration speed.

Install Audible

Best Battery Backup for Oculus Go

Keep it charged up.

With the Oculus Go finally out, there are many things to keep in mind when you’re playing it on the go. One of the main concerns is how to keep the battery full when playing it since there’s not a whole lot you can do when you’re on the move.

These are the best options for battery backups you can get for your Oculus Go.

• Best overall
• Best value
• Best money seller

Best Overall: RAVPower Portable Power Bank

RAVPower is a great option for chargers if you don’t mind spending extra money on it. This charger offers 22000 mAh with a micro USB charger and two USB charging cables. It also comes with three USB ports for you to charge any of your devices from.

It’s a great charger for when you’re going on a long trip if you don’t mind spending $41.99 on it.

See at Amazon.

Why the RAVPower is the best

The average portable charger goes for anywhere from 30-50 dollars. Not only is the RAVPower directly in the middle of that average, but it comes with those two added bonuses. Yeah, we’re talking about the charging cables. On Amazon, you can get a two pack of micro USB chargers for about $8. When you add that value to the price you’re paying for your basically getting three products for the price of one.

Then let’s talk about the mAh on it. 22000 mAh is a really good amount of power for once device. This could charge a phone almost 4 times, meaning you can probably charge your Oculus Go 2-3 times before this device needs to be recharged. This could give you a total of almost 9 hours of gameplay without having to take the headset off.

Best value: Keluoer Ultra Slim

This charger has 20000 mAh with a micro USB input for you to charge it up. It includes two USB ports for you to charge two devices at once and it’s slim enough to fit into your pocket. This makes it perfect for plugging in your Oculus Go and then slipping it into your shirt pocket.

For $16.99, it’s a great charger for an even better price.

Bottom line: For less than half the price you could get just a slightly smaller charge, and one less USB port, then the RAV offers. It doesn’t come with the spare chargers so if none of those things are important to you then this is the choice to go for.

See at Amazon.

Best money saver: TONV Power Bank

With 10000 mAh, two inputs and two outputs, this charger is great for your Oculus Go. With two inputs for charging you can get it to full power even faster for your on-the-go moments.

It’s a great charger and not a bad deal for $10.99.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for a quick charge this will certainly double your battery life. You probably won’t get more than a charge and a half with this on the Oculus Go, though. It does charge in half the time, but you have to consider how much time you’ll have around a wall outlet.

See at Amazon.

Update July 2018: We’ve updated this article with even better portable chargers for you to take a look at. Not just that, but some of the prices have even gone down. So make sure you check out those sweet prices!

Oculus Go

• A parent’s guide to Oculus Go
• Oculus Go vs. Lenovo Mirage Solo
• Best Gamepad for Oculus Go
• Best Battery Backup for Oculus Go

Oculus Go 32GB
Oculus Go 64GB

AKG K52 Headphones review: Studio headphones on the cheap

Just needs a removable cable.

A few days after this review is published, I’ll be playing guitar and singing at my first solo show in two years. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been buying equipment like amplifiers, a microphone and stand, and a music stand. I also wanted some studio headphones to hear my amplifier effects without disrupting my neighbors. I also wanted neutral headphones around for when I get around to recording some music I’ve written, and some lightweight headphones for long listening sessions.

One of the record stores I visit frequently has a record player with headphones attached to an amplifier for customers to sample records on. While writing in there one day, I borrowed the headphones to hear how they sound and how comfortable. Those headphones were the AKG K52, and I immediately fell in love with them.

AKG K52 Headphones

Price: $65

Bottom line: These are headphones that sound great with neutral sound, featherlight weight, and are relatively inexpensive.

The Good

• Hardly any bulk or weight, allowing for super long listening sessions
• Neutral sound
• Distraction-free listening
• Long cable is great for studio use

The Bad

• Cable is non-replaceable and annoyingly long for desk use
• Wired only
• Only one color option

See at Amazon

AKG K52 Headphones What I like

I’ll get this right out of the way: these are not Bluetooth headphones. If that’s a deal breaker for you, that’s entirely understandable and you’d be better served by a different pair of headphones. I didn’t buy these to be my on-the-go headphones, they’re for home studio use and to keep me focused during long writing sessions at my desk.

And they serve both of those purposes well. Not having a Bluetooth radio, microphones, and battery makes the headphones that much lighter, which makes them that much more comfortable for wearing for hours on end. The longest I’ve worn these headphones is eight hours — with bathroom breaks — and my ears and the top of my head didn’t feel any discomfort by the end of that day. These are a full ounce lighter than the already light Bose QC35 II headphones, and you can feel the difference.

The 3.5mm cable is permanently attached to the headphones — more on that later — and it’s sufficiently long enough to plug into my amplifier and let me move around with my guitar. It’s a bit annoying to have the long cable running down my back, but an annoyingly long cable is better than a short cable that would make my equipment fall over. AKG includes a 3.5mm-to-6.35mm adapter in the box for plugging the headphones into an amplifier.

But the best part about these headphones — and the reason I specifically use them over some wired gaming headsets I already owned — is their neutral sound. Almost every wireless pair of headphones — and even other wired headsets — has some sort of tuning built in to make music sound “better” than competing headphones. I don’t mind this since some manufacturers’ definition of “better” matches my definition of “better”, but for hearing myself play and sing I don’t want any unnecessary effects or tuning.

AKG K52 Headphones What I don’t like

My main complaints with these headphones come down to the 3.5mm cable being permanently attached to the headphones. The long cable is excellent when I’m playing guitar and singing, but much more annoying when I’m just listening to music at my desk. I usually have the cable wrapped up and velcroed to keep it tidy, but that’s not great for the long-term health of the cable.

And because the cable’s permanently attached, ruining the cable will ruin the headphones as well. This is made more frustrating by the fact that AKG sells other headphones at a similar price that includes a removable (though non-standard) cable.

Finally, while I’m sure most musicians would be fine with the plain black style — as am I — it’d be great to see more color options.

AKG K52 Headphones Should you buy them?

Maybe. There are definitely better studio headphones that feature a wider soundstage, but if you don’t want to spend too much money on your home studio or desk headphones, these are a great option. I purchased my set for $30 at Guitar Center during their Fourth of July sale, and if you can find a similar bargain go for it.

At full price, things get a little dicey. I would have gone for the AKG’s K240 solely for the removable cable, and the semi-open back design would have meant a wider soundstage for hearing myself play. But that also means my music would leak out, disturbing other people nearby. Each pair of headphones has merits and detractions.

4
out of 5

Even at full price, these are a great pair of headphones for anyone who wants an inexpensive pair of headphones for their desk or home studio.

See at Amazon

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Tim Cook to Speak at LOVELOUD Festival This Saturday

Apple CEO Tim Cook will speak at the second annual LOVELOUD festival at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City this Saturday. He will then introduce the band Imagine Dragons for a live performance on stage.

LOVELOUD was founded in 2017 by Dan Reynolds, the lead singer of Imagine Dragons, to “help ignite the relevant and vital conversation of what it means to unconditionally love, understand, accept, and support LGBTQ+ youth in an effort to keep families together,” according to the foundation’s website.

“Tim Cook joining us in Utah for LOVELOUD sends a clear message to LGBTQ youth that they have unlimited potential to achieve their dreams,” said Reynolds. “Tim is an unwavering advocate for human rights and equality, and we’re thrilled he’ll be joining our powerful line-up of speakers and performers.”

Other guest speakers will include actor Alfonso Ribeiro, dancer Julianne Hough, Ellen Show star Kalen Allen, Tegan Quin of Tegan and Sara, Grammy-nominated songwriter Justin Tranter, musician WRABEL, singer Mary Lambert, comic Dana Goldberg, singer-songwriters VINCINT & Parson James, and more.

Other performers will include Zedd, Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda, Grace Vanderwaal, and Neon Trees’ Tyler Glenn. Nationally touring stand-up comedian Cameron Esposito will also perform and emcee the day’s festivities.

LOVELOUD tickets are available for purchase online, while AT&T will be live streaming the entire event on Twitter. The non-profit LOVELOUD Foundation says proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to LGBTQ+ organizations, including Encircle, the Tegan and Sara Foundation, and the Trevor Project.

The festival is scheduled for Saturday, July 28, with doors open at 2 p.m. local time, and music beginning at 3:30 p.m. local time.

Apple as a company has shown its support for the LGBTQ community over the years by participating in Pride parades around the world, introducing Pride-themed Apple Watch bands, and supporting LGBTQ rights and laws.

Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

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