Luxury Hi-Fi Brand Unveils Affordable Bluetooth Speakers for Modern Vinyl Enthusiasts

New Active Speakers from Elipson Elevate Audio Experience

Elipson, a renowned French luxury audio brand, has recently introduced two new active speakers in its Horus series: the Horus 6B Active BT bookshelf speaker and the Horus 11F Active BT floorstander. These models are designed to deliver high-quality sound while offering versatile connectivity options for modern listening environments.

Both speakers come equipped with built-in 50W stereo amplification, ensuring powerful and clear audio output. They feature a sophisticated bass reflex system, which enhances low-frequency performance without compromising on clarity. The drivers used in these speakers include 130mm glass fiber-reinforced cellulose pulp bass/mid-range units and 25mm silk dome neodymium tweeters, providing a balanced and detailed soundstage.

The Horus 6B and Horus 11F are available in three elegant finishes: light wood / beige, walnut / dark gray, and black / carbon. This range of options allows users to choose a design that complements their home decor while maintaining a premium aesthetic.

Key Features and Connectivity Options

One of the standout features of the Horus 6B Active BT is its USB Audio connection, which supports plug-and-play functionality for PCs and Macs. This allows for high-resolution audio playback at up to 24-bit/96kHz, making it ideal for audiophiles who want to enjoy their digital music library in the best possible quality.

Additionally, the Horus 6B includes a moving magnet (MM) phono input, enabling direct connection to turntables without the need for an external pre-amp. This makes it a convenient choice for vinyl enthusiasts looking to integrate their analog collection into a modern audio setup.

Both speakers also offer multiple input options, including HDMI ARC for seamless integration with televisions, coaxial and optical inputs capable of handling 24-bit/192kHz audio, and Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD support. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, from smartphones to streaming services.

Performance and Availability

In terms of frequency response, the Horus 11F Active BT delivers a broad range of 40Hz to 20,000Hz, making it suitable for a variety of music genres and listening scenarios. The Horus 6B Active BT has a slightly narrower range of 55Hz to 22,000Hz, but still provides excellent sound quality for most applications.

The Horus 6B Active BT is currently available for purchase, while the Horus 11F Active BT will be released in early October 2025. The recommended retail prices are £399 (approximately $530 or AU$840) for the Horus 6B and £899 (around $1,200 or AU$1,880) for the Horus 11F.

Conclusion

With their advanced features, stylish designs, and versatile connectivity, the Elipson Horus 6B and Horus 11F Active BT speakers are poised to become popular choices among both casual listeners and audiophiles. Whether you're looking to upgrade your home audio system or set up a dedicated listening space, these speakers offer a compelling combination of performance and style.

Auddia restructures engineering team

Auddia's Strategic Shift and Engineering Restructuring

Auddia, a company known for its innovative approach to the music industry, has recently announced a significant restructuring of its engineering team. This move is aimed at reducing operational costs while preparing the company for its upcoming transformation into an AI-native holding company. The restructuring is part of a broader strategy that includes the completion of a previously announced business combination.

Pablo Calderon, who currently serves as Auddia’s head of engineering and lead AI model developer, will be transitioning to the AI team at the holding company level. His role will involve supporting the AI engineering needs of the proposed subsidiaries, including Auddia itself. This shift highlights the company’s commitment to integrating artificial intelligence more deeply into its operations.

In addition to this change, Peter Shoebridge, Auddia’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), will be leaving the company at the end of August. His departure marks a pivotal moment in the company's evolution, as it moves towards a more focused AI-driven structure.

New Business Model Focus

As part of the ongoing restructuring, Auddia is also changing its business model. Previously operating on a consumer subscription model, the company is now shifting towards a B2B SaaS (Software as a Service) model. This new approach aims to provide artists and labels with innovative tools to leverage AM/FM radio streams, thereby connecting them with mainstream radio listeners in a more effective manner.

This transition reflects Auddia’s strategic decision to align with the evolving demands of the music industry, where data-driven solutions are becoming increasingly essential. By focusing on B2B relationships, Auddia is positioning itself to offer value through scalable, technology-driven services.

Engineering Transition and Product Development

With the engineering transition now complete, Auddia's internal AI team will focus on training and productizing the AI Placement Engine. This engine is designed to enhance the company's capabilities in delivering targeted content to audiences through various platforms.

Meanwhile, a dedicated outsourced engineering team will take the lead in developing the Discovr Radio Portal. This portal is expected to serve as a key platform for users to access and interact with radio content in new ways. The company believes that this division of responsibilities will result in a more capital-efficient and faster product development process compared to the previous structure.

The launch of the Discovr Radio platform is anticipated to coincide with the completion of the AI-native holding company restructuring. This timing underscores the importance of aligning product launches with strategic organizational changes.

Future Outlook and Investment Opportunities

As Auddia continues to evolve, it is clear that the company is making significant strides in adapting to the changing landscape of the music and technology industries. The shift towards an AI-native structure and a B2B SaaS model represents a forward-thinking approach that could open up new avenues for growth and innovation.

For investors, these developments may present opportunities to engage with a company that is actively redefining its business model and leveraging cutting-edge technology. While specific investment details and performance metrics remain to be seen, the company's strategic direction suggests a commitment to long-term value creation.

Overall, Auddia's recent announcements signal a transformative phase for the company, one that is likely to shape its future trajectory in the dynamic world of digital media and artificial intelligence.

The AI Doomsday Clock Ticks

The Limits of Large Language Models and the Search for a Better Path to AGI

The race to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) has become one of the most ambitious and competitive endeavors in modern technology. However, as top AI companies pour billions into building increasingly complex large language models (LLMs), many researchers are questioning whether these models are truly the path to achieving AGI.

The AI Bubble and Investor Concerns

OpenAI, now the most valuable startup in the world, has raised over $60 billion and is on track to surpass a $500 billion valuation. Its flagship product, ChatGPT, boasts 700 million weekly users and has set the pace for the AI industry. Despite this success, concerns about profitability and long-term viability persist. OpenAI is not yet profitable, and its mission to create AGI that benefits all of humanity remains unfulfilled.

Other major players like Google, Meta, xAI, and Anthropic are also investing heavily in scaling their LLMs. This includes acquiring talent, buying data, and constructing massive data centers. Yet, the gap between the hype surrounding AI and the reality of its capabilities is growing. Some investors and industry leaders believe the AI sector is experiencing a bubble, with expectations outpacing actual progress.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has acknowledged that the current excitement around AI may be excessive. Meanwhile, a recent stock market sell-off highlighted widespread uncertainty. Investors are now closely watching Nvidia’s earnings report, as the company plays a critical role in powering LLMs. If the results show signs of slowing growth, it could trigger further doubts about the future of AI.

The Problem with Large Language Models

Despite their impressive performance, LLMs have significant limitations. A June paper from Apple researchers titled “The Illusion of Thinking” found that advanced reasoning models struggle with complex tasks, relying more on pattern recognition than true understanding. This raises concerns about whether LLMs can evolve into AGI.

Andrew Gelman, a professor at Columbia University, compared the performance of LLMs to human cognition, stating that while they can handle simple tasks, they fall short when it comes to deeper reasoning. Geoffrey Hinton, often called the "Godfather of AI," has argued that training models to predict the next word forces them to understand context. However, many researchers disagree, pointing to issues such as hallucination, misinformation, and inconsistent outputs.

A German study found that LLMs across 30 languages have an average hallucination rate of 7% to 12%, reinforcing the idea that these models are not yet reliable for critical applications. Companies that adopt AI often require human oversight to ensure accuracy and safety.

The Scaling Dilemma

Many AI researchers believe that increasing the size of LLMs will eventually lead to AGI. This approach, known as scaling, is based on the idea that more data and computational power will improve model performance. However, recent studies suggest that LLMs may be hitting a wall, with diminishing returns as they scale.

Yann LeCun, Meta’s chief AI scientist, has emphasized that simply adding more data and compute does not guarantee smarter AI. He advocates for alternative approaches, such as world models, which simulate real-world environments rather than relying solely on text-based patterns.

New Approaches to AGI

Researchers like Fei Fei Li and Yann LeCun are exploring alternatives to LLMs. World models, for example, aim to replicate how humans learn by simulating and interacting with the physical world. These models can make predictions and adapt to new situations, offering a more robust foundation for AGI.

Google’s DeepMind recently released Genie 3, a world model capable of simulating real-world environments like volcanic terrain or underwater landscapes. This development highlights the potential of world models to enable AI systems that can reason, plan, and interact with the physical world.

Other promising approaches include neuroscience-inspired models, multi-agent systems, and embodied AI. Embodied AI, in particular, integrates world models into physical forms, allowing robots to interpret and learn from their surroundings.

The Future of AI

While LLMs have made remarkable strides, many experts agree that they are not the final solution. As the AI industry continues to evolve, the focus is shifting toward more holistic and adaptive models. Researchers like Gary Marcus, once considered skeptical, now advocate for a move away from pure scaling and toward cognitive models that better reflect human intelligence.

The journey to AGI remains uncertain, but the search for better alternatives is ongoing. Whether through world models, embodied AI, or other innovative approaches, the next phase of AI development could redefine what it means to create intelligent machines.

Top 5 Switch 2 Cases Tested – The Winner Revealed

The Best Switch 2 Case I've Tried

Since the release of the Switch 2, I’ve tested a wide range of cases. From the smart but bulky charging case from Belkin to the nearly great felt Sleeper Case from Genki, an incredibly slim and simple one from TomToc, and even the official Nintendo case, each has had its own unique strengths. However, as I settle into long-term use with the console, it's time to choose which case I'll rely on daily.

The winner surprised me at first, but after several weeks of testing, especially with a small design flaw now fixed, it became clear that Dbrand’s Killswitch system is the standout choice.

What Makes the Killswitch Unique

The Killswitch isn’t just a typical case; it's a protective shell that can be applied to different parts of the Switch 2. At its core is a pair of Joy-Con protectors that your controllers clip into, along with a sleeve for the middle portion of the console. This setup makes the Switch 2 slightly bulkier, but significantly more ergonomic in handheld mode.

When you're ready to store or travel with your console, you can simply attach a frosted plastic cover that securely wraps around the Switch 2 using an elastic strap. This cover also includes a magnetically attached cart holder that can hold up to ten spare games.

If you plan to dock your Switch 2, the sleeve may make it too thick to fit into the standard dock. To address this, Dbrand provides a docking attachment that slots into the dock and allows you to attach the console externally. While not the most elegant solution, it works effectively.

Addressing Initial Issues

When the Killswitch first launched, some users reported two main issues. First, when holding the console with one hand in portable mode, the Switch 2’s controller could detach more easily than without the case, posing a risk of dropping. Second, the initial docking attachment wasn't smooth to use and required more effort to dock or undock the console with one hand.

Dbrand has since addressed these problems. They sent a supplementary kit to all existing customers, including friction pads to improve the grip of the docking attachment and redesigned Joy-Con grips that offer a better magnetic connection to the main body of the console. These updates have largely resolved the issues.

My Personal Experience

I haven’t used the docking attachment much because I almost always play the Switch 2 in handheld mode. For me, removing the sleeve when I want to dock the console is easier and saves space next to my TV. I didn’t have any issues with the original Joy-Con grips, but the revised versions are a welcome improvement for long-term use.

Despite the initial hiccups, I appreciate how Dbrand has worked to fix the problems. However, what truly convinced me was the comfort the Killswitch provides. While I never found the Switch 2 uncomfortable, many people criticize its lack of ergonomics. The added grip and comfort from the Killswitch make a noticeable difference, and I’ve grown so used to it that playing without it feels odd.

Additional Features

I also enjoy the small control stick-caps included with the case, which make the control sticks more grippy. When I use the Switch 2 without the Killswitch, it feels less comfortable, and when I compare it to other cases, the added bulk isn’t a major issue when packing it away.

Overall, I’m very satisfied with the Killswitch system. It offers excellent protection and comfort, making it my top recommendation for Switch 2 owners. One thing to note is that shipping can be pricey if you’re not based in the US.

Top 5 Switch 2 Cases Tested – The Winner Revealed

The Best Switch 2 Case I've Tried

Since the release of the Switch 2, I’ve tested a wide range of cases. From the smart but bulky charging case from Belkin to the nearly great felt Sleeper Case from Genki, an incredibly slim and simple one from TomToc, and even the official Nintendo case, each has had its own unique strengths. However, as I settle into long-term use with the console, it's time to choose which case I'll rely on daily.

The winner surprised me at first, but after several weeks of testing, especially with a small design flaw now fixed, it became clear that Dbrand’s Killswitch system is the standout choice.

What Makes the Killswitch Unique

The Killswitch isn’t just a typical case; it's a protective shell that can be applied to different parts of the Switch 2. At its core is a pair of Joy-Con protectors that your controllers clip into, along with a sleeve for the middle portion of the console. This setup makes the Switch 2 slightly bulkier, but significantly more ergonomic in handheld mode.

When you're ready to store or travel with your console, you can simply attach a frosted plastic cover that securely wraps around the Switch 2 using an elastic strap. This cover also includes a magnetically attached cart holder that can hold up to ten spare games.

If you plan to dock your Switch 2, the sleeve may make it too thick to fit into the standard dock. To address this, Dbrand provides a docking attachment that slots into the dock and allows you to attach the console externally. While not the most elegant solution, it works effectively.

Addressing Initial Issues

When the Killswitch first launched, some users reported two main issues. First, when holding the console with one hand in portable mode, the Switch 2’s controller could detach more easily than without the case, posing a risk of dropping. Second, the initial docking attachment wasn't smooth to use and required more effort to dock or undock the console with one hand.

Dbrand has since addressed these problems. They sent a supplementary kit to all existing customers, including friction pads to improve the grip of the docking attachment and redesigned Joy-Con grips that offer a better magnetic connection to the main body of the console. These updates have largely resolved the issues.

My Personal Experience

I haven’t used the docking attachment much because I almost always play the Switch 2 in handheld mode. For me, removing the sleeve when I want to dock the console is easier and saves space next to my TV. I didn’t have any issues with the original Joy-Con grips, but the revised versions are a welcome improvement for long-term use.

Despite the initial hiccups, I appreciate how Dbrand has worked to fix the problems. However, what truly convinced me was the comfort the Killswitch provides. While I never found the Switch 2 uncomfortable, many people criticize its lack of ergonomics. The added grip and comfort from the Killswitch make a noticeable difference, and I’ve grown so used to it that playing without it feels odd.

Additional Features

I also enjoy the small control stick-caps included with the case, which make the control sticks more grippy. When I use the Switch 2 without the Killswitch, it feels less comfortable, and when I compare it to other cases, the added bulk isn’t a major issue when packing it away.

Overall, I’m very satisfied with the Killswitch system. It offers excellent protection and comfort, making it my top recommendation for Switch 2 owners. One thing to note is that shipping can be pricey if you’re not based in the US.

AGI Talk Shakes Silicon Valley, But Fears Linger About Superpowered AI

The Rise and Fall of AGI Hype

Once upon a time, Silicon Valley was captivated by the promise of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). In early 2024, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confidently stated that his company had “AGI achieved internally.” This came after he previously claimed that AGI might be realized in 2025. His team even adopted the nickname “AGI Sherpas,” while former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever led researchers in chants of “Feel the AGI!” Microsoft, a major backer of OpenAI, published a paper in 2024 suggesting that GPT-4 exhibited “sparks of AGI.” Elon Musk founded xAI with the goal of building AGI, predicting it could arrive as early as 2025 or 2026. Demis Hassabis of DeepMind also claimed the world was “on the cusp” of AGI.

Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, pledged to develop “full general intelligence” for future products. Dario Amodei of Anthropic, though skeptical of the term AGI, suggested powerful AI could emerge by 2027. Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, predicted AGI would arrive within three to five years. However, the enthusiasm surrounding AGI has since waned, with a noticeable shift toward pragmatism over utopian visions.

A Shift in Focus

The AGI fever is now fading, marking a significant change in tone among tech leaders. At a CNBC appearance this summer, Altman dismissed AGI as “not a super-useful term.” In the New York Times, Schmidt urged Silicon Valley to focus on practical technology rather than chasing superhuman AI. AI pioneer Andrew Ng and U.S. AI czar David Sacks both called AGI “overhyped.”

The confusion around what AGI actually means contributes to its growing skepticism. While most agree that AGI stands for “artificial general intelligence,” definitions vary widely. Some see it as AI rivaling human brain complexity, while others define it as systems capable of performing any cognitive task a competent human can. OpenAI’s definition emphasizes autonomous systems that can outperform humans at economically valuable work.

The Reality of AGI

Despite the hype, progress in AI development has not met expectations. The rollout of OpenAI’s GPT-5 model in August 2024 was underwhelming, offering only incremental improvements rather than the breakthrough many anticipated. Shane Legg, who helped coin the term AGI, noted that GPT-5 lacks real understanding, continuous learning, and grounded experience.

Altman’s retreat from AGI language is particularly notable given the company’s founding mission. OpenAI was built on AGI hype, raising billions in capital and forming a partnership with Microsoft. A clause in their agreement restricts Microsoft’s access to future technology if OpenAI declares AGI achievement. Microsoft, having invested over $13 billion, reportedly wants to remove this clause and has even considered walking away from the deal.

A Healthy Vibe Shift

Many view the shift away from AGI rhetoric as a positive development. Shay Boloor, chief market strategist at Futurum Equities, called it “very healthy,” emphasizing that markets reward execution over vague narratives. Others argue that the focus is moving from a monolithic AGI fantasy to domain-specific “superintelligences.”

Daniel Saks of Landbase believes the future lies in decentralized, domain-specific models achieving superhuman performance in particular fields. Christopher Symons of Lirio argues that the AGI term is unhelpful, as it diverts resources from more concrete applications where AI can benefit society immediately.

Continued Debate and Concerns

While the AGI narrative is less prominent, the mission and phrase haven’t disappeared entirely. Executives at Anthropic and DeepMind still refer to themselves as “AGI-pilled,” though the term is debated. Some see it as belief in AGI’s imminent arrival, while others view it as the ongoing improvement of AI models.

Some critics argue that the hedging around AGI is concerning. Former OpenAI researcher Steven Adler warned that some companies aim to build systems smarter than humans, calling for serious attention to the risks. Max Tegmark of the Future of Life Institute accuses AI leaders of changing their tune to avoid regulation, comparing it to a cocaine salesman downplaying the drug’s effects.

The Future of AI

Whether referred to as AGI or another term, the hype may fade, but the real questions about AI’s trajectory remain. With so much at stake—money, jobs, security, and safety—the conversation about where this race leads is far from over.

AGI Talk Shakes Silicon Valley, But Fears Linger About Superpowered AI

The Rise and Fall of AGI Hype

Once upon a time, Silicon Valley was captivated by the promise of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). In early 2024, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confidently stated that his company had “AGI achieved internally.” This came after he previously claimed that AGI might be realized in 2025. His team even adopted the nickname “AGI Sherpas,” while former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever led researchers in chants of “Feel the AGI!” Microsoft, a major backer of OpenAI, published a paper in 2024 suggesting that GPT-4 exhibited “sparks of AGI.” Elon Musk founded xAI with the goal of building AGI, predicting it could arrive as early as 2025 or 2026. Demis Hassabis of DeepMind also claimed the world was “on the cusp” of AGI.

Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, pledged to develop “full general intelligence” for future products. Dario Amodei of Anthropic, though skeptical of the term AGI, suggested powerful AI could emerge by 2027. Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, predicted AGI would arrive within three to five years. However, the enthusiasm surrounding AGI has since waned, with a noticeable shift toward pragmatism over utopian visions.

A Shift in Focus

The AGI fever is now fading, marking a significant change in tone among tech leaders. At a CNBC appearance this summer, Altman dismissed AGI as “not a super-useful term.” In the New York Times, Schmidt urged Silicon Valley to focus on practical technology rather than chasing superhuman AI. AI pioneer Andrew Ng and U.S. AI czar David Sacks both called AGI “overhyped.”

The confusion around what AGI actually means contributes to its growing skepticism. While most agree that AGI stands for “artificial general intelligence,” definitions vary widely. Some see it as AI rivaling human brain complexity, while others define it as systems capable of performing any cognitive task a competent human can. OpenAI’s definition emphasizes autonomous systems that can outperform humans at economically valuable work.

The Reality of AGI

Despite the hype, progress in AI development has not met expectations. The rollout of OpenAI’s GPT-5 model in August 2024 was underwhelming, offering only incremental improvements rather than the breakthrough many anticipated. Shane Legg, who helped coin the term AGI, noted that GPT-5 lacks real understanding, continuous learning, and grounded experience.

Altman’s retreat from AGI language is particularly notable given the company’s founding mission. OpenAI was built on AGI hype, raising billions in capital and forming a partnership with Microsoft. A clause in their agreement restricts Microsoft’s access to future technology if OpenAI declares AGI achievement. Microsoft, having invested over $13 billion, reportedly wants to remove this clause and has even considered walking away from the deal.

A Healthy Vibe Shift

Many view the shift away from AGI rhetoric as a positive development. Shay Boloor, chief market strategist at Futurum Equities, called it “very healthy,” emphasizing that markets reward execution over vague narratives. Others argue that the focus is moving from a monolithic AGI fantasy to domain-specific “superintelligences.”

Daniel Saks of Landbase believes the future lies in decentralized, domain-specific models achieving superhuman performance in particular fields. Christopher Symons of Lirio argues that the AGI term is unhelpful, as it diverts resources from more concrete applications where AI can benefit society immediately.

Continued Debate and Concerns

While the AGI narrative is less prominent, the mission and phrase haven’t disappeared entirely. Executives at Anthropic and DeepMind still refer to themselves as “AGI-pilled,” though the term is debated. Some see it as belief in AGI’s imminent arrival, while others view it as the ongoing improvement of AI models.

Some critics argue that the hedging around AGI is concerning. Former OpenAI researcher Steven Adler warned that some companies aim to build systems smarter than humans, calling for serious attention to the risks. Max Tegmark of the Future of Life Institute accuses AI leaders of changing their tune to avoid regulation, comparing it to a cocaine salesman downplaying the drug’s effects.

The Future of AI

Whether referred to as AGI or another term, the hype may fade, but the real questions about AI’s trajectory remain. With so much at stake—money, jobs, security, and safety—the conversation about where this race leads is far from over.