Creative Aurvana Ace 2

Quality earbuds with brand-new audio tech

- CLIFF JOSEPH

$149.99 From https://us.creative.com

Features Bluetooth 5.3, AAC, aptX Lossless; wireless charging case; IPX5 water resistant

THEY SAY THAT "the only constant in life is change", and that's certainly true when it comes to digital technology. However, some technologies can be a little more resistant to change, and devices such as headphones and speakers have been using essentially the same tech for many years. Just recently, though, new technology has come along that could give the audio industry a bit of a shake-up.

The technology is called MEMS - microelectro-mechanical systems - and rather than designing traditional headphones with "dynamic drivers" that contain copper wires, magnets and other components, this new technology creates the entire driver out of silicon, just like modern computer chips. (Find out more on page 44.) The MEMS technology has been around for a few years, but one of the first companies to bring it into the mainstream consumer market is Creative Technology with its Aurvana Ace and Ace 2 earbuds.