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- Sunday March 09
- 06:30 pmMaster & Dynamic ME05 earbuds review
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Excellent sound quality Smart, sturdy brass earpiece Lots of ear-tips Cons No ANC Fairly expensive Our Verdict People that prefer wired headphones or earbuds for listening to hi-res music will find that the ME05 provides high-quality sound at a competitive price. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$199 Best Prices Today: Master & Dynamic ME05 Retailer Price $199 View Deal Master & Dynamic $199 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Master & Dynamic makes some great wireless headphones and earbuds, including the excellent – but rather expensive – over-ear MW75 (included in our round up of over-ear headphones) which includes both wired and wireless options. However, it recently released the new ME05 earbuds, which are completely wired and quite a bit more affordable than the MW75. Somewhat oddly, the price varies depending on where you’re based. In the U.S., the ME05 is available in four different colours, which all have the same price at $199. However, prices vary in the U.K. and other regions, starting at £169 for the gunmetal (grey) and palladium (silver) models, while the gold and white models cost £196. That’s still relatively expensive for a set of wired earbuds, but M&D’s classy design shines through, as well as providing excellent sound quality for people who prefer a traditional wired design over the compromises of Bluetooth and wireless audio. And, as M&D states on its website, the wired design also means that it’s “one less thing to charge”. See how the Master & Dynamic ME05 compares to other wired earphones we have tested. The ME05 was originally launched way back in 2015, but M&D decided that it needed a bit of a revamp in order to bring it up to date with the latest audio technologies, such as the use of USB-C for wired audio. The external design hasn’t changed much, with the main body of each earpiece still made out of brass, which is both smart and sturdy, and also helps to reduce distortion that might affect the sound quality. Inside the earbuds are 8mm drivers made out of ‘bio-cellulose’ – a thin and light material that is similar to paper, but is produced as a by-product of growing bacteria in a lab (which sounds slightly gross, but the lightweight material is widely used in headphones and earbuds as it provides very good sound quality at both high and low frequencies). I’ve always preferred wired earbuds, but one disadvantage is that the cables can turn into an irritating spaghetti mess at times. Thankfully, though, the cable on the ME05 is made out of thick ‘tangle-free’ rubber that lets you just pick up the earbuds and quickly plug them in without spending 10 minutes unravelling the cable first. The original ME05 from 2015 just had a standard 3.5mm headphone connector, but Apple killed off the 3.5mm connector with the iPhone 7 in 2016, so the cable provided with this new model includes both a 3.5mm connector and a USB-C adaptor for the latest iPhones and iPads and other mobile devices. There’s a good set of accessories included too, with a canvas carrying pouch, five sets of silicone rubber ear-tips in different sizes, and two sets of memory foam ear-tips as well. There’s no Lightning adaptor, though, so owners of older iPhones and iPads will need to provide their own adaptor (Apple’s own Lightning adaptor has been discontinued in the U.S., unfortunately, although it still seems to be on sale in the U.K. and some other regions). Sound quality is excellent, as I stream the hi-res version of Sing Along by Sturgill Simpson from Apple Music. The track is a riotous mash-up of rock guitars, EDM keyboards and Simpson’s country twang, but the ME05 balances the dense sound perfectly even at full volume. Wired headphones often seem to have a little more power than Bluetooth, and there’s a real head-banging energy to the grinding guitar, while the dance keyboards fly through the air like fireworks. The ME05 still manages to pick out lighter details though, including the precise, ticking percussion that drives the song forward, and the bass drop towards the end lands like a punch in the gut. That beefy bass works well for dance tracks too, and the deep, electronic bass on Bad Guy by Billie Eilish has a taut, firm rhythm that’s hard to resist. The ME05 is equally at home with classical sounds. It shows the lightest of touches for delicate harp that opens Max Richter’s Sarajevo, but the entrance of soprano Sarah Leonard cuts through with piercing clarity and emotional power. The martial blast of horns brings an ominous mood to the piece, like an oncoming storm, and then the ME05 unleashes the storm as the full BBC Philharmonic erupts in a powerful swirl of strings. The only thing missing is support for active noise-cancellation (ANC), which could be a problem for some users. Should You Buy The Master & Dynamic ME05? If you prefer the convenience of wireless headphones then the old-school wired design of the ME05 probably won’t suit you. And, of course, the lack of noise-cancellation may be a deal-breaker for travellers who need good ANC. But people that prefer wired headphones or earbuds for listening to hi-res music will find that the ME05 provides high-quality sound at a competitive price.05:53 pmApple reportedly planning ‘feature-packed’ visionOS 3 update
While we aren’t getting a new Apple Vision Pro model in 2025 as some may have hoped, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is planning a ‘feature-packed release’ for visionOS 3 this year at WWDC. more…05:26 pmApple’s new A16 iPad may have a special trick up its sleeve
Last week, Apple hit us with a little bit of a surprise, and introduced the with an A16 chip. The new iPad wasn’t much of a surprise, but the A16 chip certainly was. Rumors had long suggested that we should expect an A17 Pro chip, but that never came to fruition. However, the A16 chip might provide a special perk, one that assures the product can stay around at its $349 price tag in the short term. more…05:24 pmApple Intelligence vision via AirPods camera is in active development
Apple is working on bolstering future Apple Intelligence efforts by working on AirPods with built-in cameras.AirPods ProOne of the many ways Apple has moved forward with Apple Intelligence is the introduction of Visual Intelligence, a feature that is used to acquire information and to get details of real-world items using an iPhone 16. However, Apple is also considering making a version that doesn't involve you pointing an iPhone camera at things in the first place.According to Mark Gurman in Sunday's newsletter for Bloomberg, Apple is "actively developing" a product that can combine AirPods with cameras. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:58 pmApple is ‘actively developing’ AirPods with cameras: What to expect
According to AirPods Pro 3, which are expected to debut this year – but nonetheless, it’s in the pipeline. Apple wants your AirPods to better understand your environment, but why? more…03:26 pmCrime blotter: Suspects charged in international 'new age porch pirate' ring
Federal prosecutors charged more than a dozen people for their alleged roles in a sophisticated theft ring, while an executive in Japan was arrested over MacBook-related fraud in this week's Apple Crime Blotter.Ginza Apple Store in Tokyo The latest in an occasional AppleInsider feature, looking at the world of Apple-related crime. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:13 pmApple’s iPad-like smart home hub gets significantly delayed
Learn why the Apple smart home hub launch got pushed back — a blow for iPhone and Mac users who are fans of home automation. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)03:01 pmReport: iOS 19 focused on bringing ‘current’ Apple Intelligence capabilities to new apps | 9 to 5 MacReport: iOS 19 focused on bringing ‘current’ Apple Intelligence capabilities to new apps
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s upcoming iOS 19 release will focus more on expanding existing Apple Intelligence capabilities, rather than introducing brand new ones. more…01:53 pmApple's rumored Home Hub said to be under employee-testing
Apple's long-rumored Home Hub peripheral is now rumored to be debuting in the second half of 2025, and is allegedly being taken home by select Apple employees for real-world testing.One concept for a future Apple Smart Home Hub.Various rumors have suggested that Apple will be making a big push into smart home accessories across the second half of 2025, including the existing Home Key feature for a future smart doorbell. Apple is also working with other manufacturers of smart home accessories to ensure HomeKit compatibility.A new report from Bloomberg reiterates earlier claims that Apple intends to tie the rise of HomeKit accessories into a smart Home Hub, now with a device code name: J490. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:30 pmApple smart glasses still a distant possibility as Apple considers its wearables future | AppleInsiderApple smart glasses still a distant possibility as Apple considers its wearables future
Apple is still working out how it can press forward with wearable devices, with it considering a possible switch away from bulky Apple Vision Pro headset instead creating the fabled Apple Glass by 2030.Optimistic renders of what Apple Glass could look likeThe wearable device ambitions of Apple are somewhat troubled, with the Apple Vision Pro considered a commercial flop in its first release. While it has other ways it can progress forward on the concept, it's still taking time to work out the best way forward.In Sunday's Bloomberg newsletter, Mark Gurman writes that Apple is at least looking into different form factors. After axing its project to create AR glasses as an external Mac display earlier in 2025, Apple is now thinking about standalone AR glasses once again. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:51 pmGurman: Apple smart home hub ‘postponed’, employees participating in at-home testing
According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple has opened up an internal testing program for the upcoming smart home product, which some refer to as HomePad. It was scheduled to debut in March, but has unfortunately become delayed while the company figures out how to build its promised new Siri capabilities. more…08:00 amReplace your Microsoft 365 subscription with a cheaper lifetime license
Macworld When you think about it, Microsoft 365 costs you more every single month. You’re never done paying for it, so as long as you rely on apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, you’re always losing money. The alternative is to switch to a lifetime license that might be a little more expensive on day one, but it’s cheaper every month after. Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac comes with Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook Teams (basic) OneNote (free version) You can install each of these apps on one computer one time, and you’ll never pay a subscription fee or recurring costs of any kind. They work great, too. Microsoft 365 may have some new AI updates, but AI tools are everywhere. Do you really need one popping up and distracting you when you’re just trying to write something? Time to replace Microsoft 366. Through March 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get a Microsoft Office Home and Business Lifetime License for $79.97 (reg. $219). Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License – $79.97 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.08:00 amUpgrade laptop’s setup with this portable OLED monitor — Get $90 off
Macworld Have an emotional support laptop you bring along everywhere? We won’t judge. But If you’ve been looking to upgrade your portable setup, this OLED Portable Touchscreen Monitor answers your prayers. And you can take one home for $269.99 (reg. $359) with code DISPLAY30. See what this monitor can do The Glance Plus OLED Portable Touchscreen Monitor is ideal for those who tote around their MacBook. It elevates the visual experience, offering crystal clear visuals whether you’re tackling work emails or immersed in your favorite game. And its 15.6″ display offers 1080p resolution and a 100,000:1 contrast ratio. The OLED feature, which stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diode, rivals your usual LCD screen option, allowing your monitor to emit light at the pixel level without any backlight needed. This lets you enjoy your content both indoors and out. A straightforward plug-and-play setup means you don’t need any other drives or software installed; just plug it into your laptop, and you’re ready to rock. It even includes a durable smart cover that protects it from dust, scratches, and water damage while serving as a foldable stand. Save $60 and add this Portable Touchscreen Monitor to your setup for just $269.99 with code DISPLAY30. Glance Plus OLED Portable Touchscreen Monitor for Laptops – $299.99 See Deal StackSocial prices are subject to change.07:31 amThe iPad Mini 7 WiFi 128GB is $100 Off
Amazon has the iPad Mini 7 marked at 20% off, bringing the price down from $499 to only $399. Featuring an A17 Pro chip and the latest Wi-Fi 6E, expect ultra-fast performance when tackling your daily tasks at work, projects, or gaming. Apple Intelligence will boost your productivity even more, letting you write, express yourself, […] The post appeared first on iLounge.07:30 amAssassin’s Creed Shadows for Mac coming on Thursday, March 20
Apple announced that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be launching for the Mac on March 20, which will be simultaneous with the game’s launch for Windows PCs, PlayStation 5, and Xbox consoles. Ubisoft declared plans to launch the game for Mac last year in May, and back then the release was set for November. Delays have […] The post appeared first on iLounge.07:29 amMac Studio with M3 Ultra and M4 Max announced by Apple
Mark Gurman from Bloomberg recently reported that a revamped version of the Mac Studio will soon be launched, and is anticipated to feature the M4 Max Chip that was first implemented into the MacBook Pros last year. It might also be an M3 Ultra, a new chip though not part of the M4, rather falls […] The post appeared first on iLounge.07:28 amSandy Liang and Beats collab to make Solo 4 Headphones design
Beats is collaborating with Sandy Liang, a famous designer, for a limited edition Solo 4 Headphones. Apple’s Beats emphasizes playfulness and nostalgia along with the iconic whimsical style of Liang. A pink ribbon is found on top of the headband of the metallic silver version, which the designer drew by hand, with matching pink buttons […] The post appeared first on iLounge.07:26 amThe New iPad WiFi with 128GB is $20 Off
It’s rare to see a discount on a just-announced iPad model, so this Apple deal might catch your eye. Today, the iPad 11-inch WiFi with 128GB storage is down to just $429 from its original price of $450 on Amazon. The newest iPad sports Touch ID, Wi-Fi 6, and a Liquid Retina display, all of […] The post appeared first on iLounge.07:26 amBigger battery planned for the iPhone 17 Pro Max
An online leak recently revealed that the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max will be thicker to accommodate a higher-capacity battery. The leaker with the handle ‘Ice Universe’ said that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be thicker than its predecessor. The device’s thickness is said to be 8.75 mm compared to the previous iPhone Pro […] The post appeared first on iLounge.07:25 amApple announces King Charles Apple Music playlist
Apple recently announced that a new Apple Music playlist will be added by King Charles III. The music playlist is said to be recorded right in the Buckingham Palace and is titled ‘The King’s Music Room’. The list of tracks will range from Commonwealth country artists, including Grace Jones, Kylie Minogue, and Bob Marley. The […] The post appeared first on iLounge.