Sony unveiled Bravia Theater U HT-AN7 speaker, which should be worn around the neck instead of a headset (video)

Sony has unveiled the Bravia Theater U, a new $300 neck-worn speaker designed specifically for gaming and TV. The Bravia Theater U boasts 360-degree sound with full bass, but lacks full 3D sound isolation. It has a battery life of up to 12 hours, supports Dolby Atmos, and shows noticeable improvements in connectivity over previous models such as the NS7. Unlike its predecessors, it allows two users' devices to be connected to the same TV at the same time.

Here's What We Know

The speaker has dimensions of 235x48x178 millimetres, weighs 268 grams and is IPX4 water and dust resistant. A 5-watt charger is used for charging. Sony emphasises that the new product is "lightweight, portable, sits securely on your shoulders and is completely flexible, so you can find the shape that suits you". It uses drivers with an "X-Balanced" design, created to improve sound reproduction and increase sound output while reducing reproduction distortion. The main difference between these drivers is their irregular shape with cut-outs in the corners, resembling the letter "X". This shape provides a larger diaphragm area than traditional round drivers of the same size, resulting in lower sound distortion and higher power output.

A note on neck speakers

Neck speakers, also known as wearable or around-the-neck speakers, are a type of personal audio device designed to be worn around the neck. Unlike traditional headphones, these speakers are placed on the user's shoulders, projecting sound upwards towards the ears. This design provides hands-free listening, allowing you to hear ambient sounds along with the audio being played, which improves situational awareness. They are ideal for users who are uncomfortable wearing headphones or for those who need constant sound without isolation from the environment. They are most commonly used for listening to music, making phone calls, and watching videos, making them popular in both indoor and outdoor environments. It is believed that Bose was one of the first companies to produce such a speaker. The company introduced the Bose SoundWear Companion in 2017, which became popular due to its innovative design and sound quality.