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A loud popping noise that sounds like a bang or gunshot and then no audio at all has been the experience for numerous owners of the $900 Sonos Arc soundbar. But don't worry: Sonos is working on re-creating the problem—and has been doing so for over two years.

That's right. As an Ars reader helpfully pointed out, users have been openly complaining about their Arc startling them with a "gunshot-esque" or popping/cracking sound and then dropping audio until being power-cycled for years. If you don't believe me, check out this thread on Sonos ' community forum that goes back two years and has 980 replies. There's also this 2-year-old thread , another thread that's a year old, and some more recent ones . There are piles of discussions on Reddit, too (here are just some examples: one , two , three , four ).

The tales sound rather disturbing. One user on Sonos' forum, going by William_61, described the Arc's sudden sound as much more of a blare than a pop.

Enlarge (credit: Razer)

Razer is using CES 2023 to expand its soundbar lineup with a top-tier model with its own subwoofer. Specs include a frequency response of 40-20,000 Hz and a max sound pressure level of 98 dB. But for those who prefer being extremely cautious with their gadgets when it comes to privacy and security, the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro 's integrated camera is disappointing to see.

The soundbar is 23.6×4.5×3.5 inches, and the subwoofer is 10.2×11.6×10.2 inches. (credit: Razer)

But Razer insists that the infrared camera, which exists in the front center of the speaker, is all in the name of next-level virtual surround sound. Using head-tracking AI, the soundbar can tell where the user is and create a virtual soundscape with the listener as the center point. The beamforming technology comes from Audioscenic , which discussed the feature as research at CES 2017 and demoed it at CES 2022 . The tech allows the soundscape to change while it tracks you as you move.

That makes the soundbar a unique product, with Razer aiming to expand PC audio capabilities without filling home offices and gaming dens with physical speakers. The Leviathan V2 Pro uses THX Spatial Audio virtual 7.1 surround sound (Razer acquired THX in 2016) and, per Razer, focuses on "crisp, clear treble" and "deep, punchy bass" through three different audio modes, which you can toggle across through a button on top of the soundbar.

Enlarge / During actual use, there'd be some cables coming out of the Microsoft Audio Dock. (credit: Microsoft)

As part of its Surface event today, Microsoft announced the Audio Dock, a USB-C docking station that can serve as your computer's speakers and microphone, too. While the dock doesn't include Thunderbolt 4 or even USB4 , the compact device further attempts to earn a small space on people's desks with USB-C power delivery and a dedicated Microsoft Teams button.

Microsoft is calling the Audio Dock, which works with Windows and macOS, an "all-in-one speakerphone." It can connect to and charge PCs over USB-C (3.2 Gen 2) with up to 60 W. That should be enough to support some ultralight laptops, but you can find greater charging capabilities—even from a speaker dock. Logitech's Logi Dock offers 100 W over USB-C.

The Microsoft Audio Dock rounds out the port selection with two more USB-C (3.1 Gen 2) ports. Both support 7.5 W charging, but one of them also supports DisplayPort over Alt Mode.

Enlarge / Razer's Leviathan V2 X PC soundbar. (credit: Razer)

Razer on Tuesday announced a soundbar that it claims is fit for movies, music, and gaming while being able to connect to computers, iPhones, and Android phones. Measuring 15.7 inches (400 mm) long, the Leviathan V2 X is meant to slide under desktop monitors and is a cheaper, less powerful version of Razer's $250 Leviathan V2 , which includes a soundbar and subwoofer.

According to Razer, the Leviathan V2 X can reach 90 dB from a distance of 3.3 feet (1 meter). The gaming peripherals and PC maker also claims a frequency response of 85-20,000 Hz, which is a bit high on the low end. In comparison, the pricier Leviathan V2, which includes full-range, tweeter, and passive radiator drivers, plus a subwoofer and THX Spatial Audio, claims 45-20,000 Hz.

An exploded diagram of the soundbar. (credit: Razer)

The new Leviathan V2 X isn't built for as robust audio as its sibling but includes two full-range racetrack drivers measuring 2 x 2.0 x 4.0 inches (2 x 48 x 95 mm) and a pair of passive radiators measuring 2 x 2.0 x 4.1 inches (2 x 48 x 105 mm).

Enlarge / Apple's discontinued HomePod smart speaker. (credit: Jeff Dunn)

After officially killing off the HomePod last year, Apple will soon release a new version of the smart speaker, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in a Sunday newsletter.

The report detailed expectations without citing sources and said the speaker "is unlikely to arrive until" 2023. Gurman said the new HomePod is currently in development under the code name B620. It will reportedly use a new S8 processor that will also be used in the next Apple Watch. The New S8 "will have the same specifications as the S7, which was also the same as the S6," Gurman said.

Bloomberg's newsletter also said the new HomePod "will be closer to the original HomePod in terms of size and audio performance, rather than a new HomePod Mini."