Announced earlier in February, Pioneer's Rayz Plus Lightning earphones allow Apple users to simultaneously listen to music or make a phone call while also charging their iPhone, thanks to the inclusion of an inline charging node. Today, the company announced a new feature called "Smart Mute" coming to the earphones as well as two new Rayz Plus colors launching exclusively on Apple.com and in Apple retail stores.

Rayz Plus and the basic Rayz earphones (the latter do not include an inline Lightning port) are both getting the new Smart Mute ability, which automatically mutes the microphone when a user is not speaking and unmutes it when they begin talking. Pioneer said that this will be perfect for any Rayz wearers who often find themselves taking calls on the earphones in noisy environments.

pioneer rayz update
The update will be available through the Rayz app on the iOS App Store [Direct Link]. Pioneer worked with Avnera Corporation in developing Smart Mute, and Avnera CEO Manpreet Khaira said that it is "one of several smart technologies" being developed by the company.

"Rayz appcessories were launched with a commitment to deliver new compelling experiences for our customers through future software updates using the Rayz companion iOS app" said Munenori Otsuki, CEO of Pioneer and Onkyo Corporation. "In keeping with this commitment, we are pleased to announce Smart Mute today, a feature that will enable truly compelling call experiences."

Customers are also now able to buy Rayz Plus earphones in new Black and Rose Gold color options only on Apple.com and in Apple retail locations around the world. Currently, the Rayz earphones are available in Onyx Black and Ice White, while the Rayz Plus are available in Graphite and Bronze.

Existing features of the Rayz and Rayz Plus earphones include AutoPause technology so music starts and stops automatically when the buds are placed in or removed from the user's ear, HearThru noise cancelling, Smart Button controls, and dynamic audio adjustment via the iOS app.

The pricing on the earphones remains unchanged, with the Rayz available for $99.95 and the Rayz Plus available for $149.95. Those interested can purchase Rayz Plus in Black and Rose Gold exclusively on Apple.com beginning today.

Top Rated Comments

moxxham Avatar
105 months ago
After having AirPods since launch, the look and thought of wired earphones just seems so dated now. People think AirPods look strange, but after so long with them, seeing people connected to their phones with wires just looks strange to me now haha.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
one more Avatar
105 months ago
After having AirPods since launch, the look and thought of wired earphones just seems so dated now. People think AirPods look strange, but after so long with them, seeing people connected to their phones with wires just looks strange to me now haha.
While being convenient, the sound quality of AirPods is not rated high, that's why some people might still choose the wired gear:

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-true-wireless-headphones/
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleRobert Avatar
105 months ago
Picked this up in an Apple Store yesterday on a whim.

All I have done so far is installed the app and calibrated the earphones. I did not go any further with the app and earbuds for their functionality BECUASE I cannot stop listening to my music.

Run don’t walk if you are in the least bit interested, they are returnable so no risk.

I have the AirPods, they sound nothing like the Pioneer trust me. And the AirPods offer zero isolation and noise reduction. And the Pioneer go much louder.

I also have the Beats X, I like the sound quality of those BUT grow tired of the wiring around the neck and they also aren’t noise cancelling.

Back to the music. Viola.
[doublepost=1499442392][/doublepost]
I like what they're doing but at these price points why would you not just get beats X? :(
Read above, that’s why. And they have a wire so they aren’t completely wireless anyway.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Munch Avatar
105 months ago
I just wish there was a "dumb" mute button on headphones. It's incredibly difficult using the Apple supplied headphones on a conference call. On a locked screen it takes time to unlock, unmute on the screen and start talking. A typical work conference call is:

- Someone asks a question
- Dead silence
- Someone else starts talking
- An interruption with someone saying, "sorry I was trying to get off mute"
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
v0lume4 Avatar
105 months ago
While being convenient, the sound quality of AirPods is not rated high, that's why some people might still choose the wired gear:

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-true-wireless-headphones/
No doubt it. I listened to AirPods at the Apple Store and was floored by the technology ("It just works," Apple style), yet the sound quality was only "good enough." And to be fair, I think that's the point.

I've just been too spoiled by my Audio Technica ATH-M50 cans. Once you know, you know. ;)
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nikicampos Avatar
105 months ago
After having AirPods since launch, the look and thought of wired earphones just seems so dated now. People think AirPods look strange, but after so long with them, seeing people connected to their phones with wires just looks strange to me now haha.
I'm with you on that one, bought a pair of Plantronics Backbeat Fit about 3 years ago, they broke and a year ago bought the PowerBeats 2, its been 3 years now and never went back to connect a pair of earphones.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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