(Panasonic RZ-S500W / RZ-S300W)
LAS VEGAS—Panasonic's CES haul includes new audio technology, including three new wireless earbuds and a speaker meant for gaming.
The first two wireless earbuds—the RZ-S500W and RZ-S300W—support Bluetooth 5.0 and Amazon's Alexa voice assistant. They should run for five hours, but with the charging case, which connects to an outlet via USB-C, you can extend that to 20 hours.
The RZ-S500W adds active noise cancellation, so they'll set you back $180 to the S300W's $120; both arrive in June.
(Charging case for Panasonic RZ-S500W / RZ-S300W)
The second wireless earbuds, the EAH-AZ70W, will be sold through Panasonic's Technics brand and arrive in June. They're pricier at $280, but the earbuds promise to offer higher-quality audio and active noise cancellation. They also support Bluetooth 5.0, use USB-C port in the charging case, and offer similar battery life.
(Technics EAH-AZ70W)
We haven't had a chance to try them out yet, but in terms of aesthetics, all three headphones have the look of a premium pair of wireless headphones. They also have also been made to be splash proof.
Panasonic SC-HTB01 Gaming Speaker
The third product is a speaker designed for gaming. Panasonic developed the SC-HTB01 with the help of Square Enix, which makes the Final Fantasy game series. It comes with three modes: one for role-playing games, another for first-person shooters, and a third for voice.
(Panasonic SC-HTB01)
"The RPG mode, ideal for role-playing games, enables users to enjoy a sense of realism and intensity as if they're inside the game world," Panasonic said in a press release. "The FPS mode provides accurate sound location and allows users to hear subtle sounds such as footsteps, making it optimal for FPS and Third-Person Shooter (TPS). The Voice mode enhances human voices and further contributes to the immersive experience."
Square Enix is officially recommending the speakers when playing Final Fantasy XIV. It supports Dolby Atmos sound, HDMI input/output, and Bluetooth connections. Pricing on the SC-HTB01 was not announced.