Panasonic cuts the wires from its SoundSlayer neck speaker for gamers
Have you heard of neck speakers? Well, Panasonic is releasing a new wireless neck speaker called the GNW10 SoundSlayer. This updated version features AI voice isolation for phone calls and in-game voice chat, as well as beefier speakers. It also uses a small transmitter that delivers audio with minimal latency, making it ideal for a more immersive gaming experience. The SoundSlayer will be available in late October and is priced at $299. With its AI capabilities and improved design, Panasonic is hoping to make neck speakers a must-have accessory for gamers.
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Introduction to the new Panasonic GNW10 SoundSlayer neck speaker
The Panasonic GNW10 SoundSlayer is the latest addition to the SoundSlayer series, offering gamers a wireless and immersive audio experience. Neck speakers have gained popularity among consumers due to their unique design and convenience. The GNW10 SoundSlayer aims to enhance the gaming experience with its innovative features and improvements. This article will explore the various aspects of the GNW10 SoundSlayer, including its wireless technology, improved sound quality, AI voice isolation, and customizable sound modes.
Features and improvements of the wireless neck speaker
The GNW10 SoundSlayer brings wireless technology to neck speakers, providing users with the freedom and convenience of a wireless audio solution. Unlike its predecessor, which was wired, the wireless version eliminates the hassle of tangled cables and allows for greater mobility during gaming sessions. The small transmitter that plugs into your console or PC uses a proprietary 2.4GHz wireless protocol, ensuring low audio latency of under 20ms. This reduces audio delay, providing a more immediate and seamless gaming experience. Compared to Bluetooth audio, which can have significant latency issues, the GNW10 SoundSlayer offers superior performance for gamers.
One of the standout features of the GNW10 SoundSlayer is AI voice isolation. This technology enhances phone calls and in-game voice chat by leveraging beamforming noise-cancellation abilities. While the name “AI voice control” may be confusing, it refers to the speaker’s ability to use AI to better eliminate background noise and echo during calls. This ensures clear and crisp communication, enabling gamers to effectively communicate with teammates and friends.
Additionally, the GNW10 SoundSlayer features a larger housing compared to its predecessor. This increased size allows for improved bass performance, delivering deeper and more impactful low-frequency sound. Bass is essential in gaming audio, as it adds depth and enhances the overall immersive experience. Panasonic has taken this into consideration when designing the GNW10 SoundSlayer, ensuring that gamers can enjoy rich and dynamic sound quality.
The SoundSlayer is equipped with four speakers strategically placed within the neck speaker, optimizing sound output. The placement of the speakers ensures a well-balanced audio experience, immersing gamers in their favorite games.
To cater to different gaming scenarios, the GNW10 SoundSlayer offers six sound modes. These modes are designed to enhance specific genres of games, including RPGs, first-person shooters, and dialogue-heavy titles. By selecting the appropriate sound mode, gamers can enjoy customized audio tailored to their gaming preferences.
Compatibility is another crucial aspect of the GNW10 SoundSlayer. It is designed to work seamlessly with consoles and PCs, ensuring that gamers can easily connect and enjoy immersive audio across various gaming platforms.
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Comparison to other wireless neck speakers on the market
While neck speakers may still be a niche market, there are a few notable competitors to the GNW10 SoundSlayer. One such competitor is the discontinued Bose SoundWear Companion. The Bose SoundWear Companion offered a unique and fun audio experience, but it was often criticized for its impractical design. In comparison, the GNW10 SoundSlayer aims to provide a more comfortable and ergonomic design without sacrificing audio quality.
Another competitor is Sony’s Bravia XR-focused neck speaker. Sony’s neck speaker is specifically designed for their Bravia XR TVs, offering an immersive audio experience that complements their television lineup. However, the GNW10 SoundSlayer aims to be a versatile option that can be used across different gaming platforms, giving it a broader appeal to gamers.
Price and availability of the new SoundSlayer
The GNW10 SoundSlayer is priced at $299 and is expected to be available for purchase in late October of this year. Gamers can find the SoundSlayer at various retail locations and online platforms. The price point reflects the premium features and quality that Panasonic has incorporated into the SoundSlayer, making it an attractive option for gamers looking for a wireless and immersive audio solution.
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AI voice isolation for phone calls and in-game voice chat
The AI voice isolation feature of the GNW10 SoundSlayer takes phone calls and in-game voice chat to the next level. By leveraging beamforming noise-cancellation abilities, the speaker is able to effectively isolate the user’s voice and eliminate background noise and echo. This ensures clear and uninterrupted communication, allowing gamers to coordinate strategies, chat with friends, and immerse themselves fully in the gaming experience. The AI voice isolation technology enhances the overall gaming experience by providing high-quality voice communication.
Proprietary 2.4GHz wireless protocol for low audio latency
The GNW10 SoundSlayer utilizes a proprietary 2.4GHz wireless protocol that offers low audio latency. This means that the audio transmitted from the console or PC to the neck speaker has minimal delay, resulting in a more immediate and synchronized audio experience. Compared to Bluetooth audio, which can suffer from significant latency issues, the proprietary wireless protocol used by the GNW10 SoundSlayer ensures a seamless and lag-free gaming experience.
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Improved bass and sound quality with larger housing
Bass is a crucial component of gaming audio as it adds depth, impact, and realism to the sound experience. The larger housing of the GNW10 SoundSlayer allows for improved bass performance, delivering deeper and more powerful low-frequency sound. This enhancement ensures that gamers can fully immerse themselves in the game’s audio, whether it’s the rumbling of explosions in an action-packed scene or the rich tones of a musical score. The larger housing contributes to overall enhanced sound quality, providing a more dynamic and engaging gaming experience.
Six sound modes for different gaming scenarios
The GNW10 SoundSlayer offers six sound modes tailored to specific gaming scenarios. These sound modes allow gamers to customize their audio experience based on the genre of the game they are playing. For example, the RPG mode provides a more immersive and atmospheric audio experience, enhancing the fantasy world of role-playing games. The first-person shooter mode emphasizes directional audio cues, allowing players to pinpoint their enemies’ location based on sound. The dialogue-heavy mode focuses on clear and crisp voice reproduction, ensuring that every word and conversation in the game is heard with clarity. These sound modes cater to different gaming preferences, further enhancing the overall gaming experience.
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Design considerations for comfort and ergonomics
Panasonic has taken comfort and ergonomics into consideration when designing the GNW10 SoundSlayer. Neck-worn devices can often cause fatigue and discomfort due to their weight and design. However, the SoundSlayer is carefully engineered to reduce the burden on the trapezius muscles and minimize discomfort. By distributing the weight evenly and ensuring a snug fit, Panasonic aims to provide gamers with a comfortable and enjoyable audio experience. Additionally, the design prevents the neck speaker from digging into the clavicle bones, further enhancing comfort during long gaming sessions.
Public reception and reviews of the new SoundSlayer
While the GNW10 SoundSlayer has not yet been released to the public, early feedback and reviews from consumers and industry experts will provide valuable insights into its performance, features, and value for money. Gamers and tech enthusiasts are eager to see how the wireless technology, improved sound quality, and AI voice isolation enhance their gaming experience. The public reception and reviews of the GNW10 SoundSlayer will shed light on its overall performance, usability, and how it compares to other neck speakers and alternative gaming audio solutions.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/20/23882622/panasonic-soundslayer-wireless-neck-speaker-gaming
