Billy Steele

Senior reporter, reviews

Billy has been covering audio for a decade, with hundreds of headphone, soundbar, speaker and gear reviews during that time. After beginning his career in tech journalism as a news freelancer at Engadget in 2011, he progressed to a full-time member of the news desk in 2013. In addition to hardware, his expertise includes audio platforms and streaming services with significant long-form reporting on those topics. In 2019, Billy was Engadget’s most prolific reviewer, completing more product testing than anyone else on staff. He's also an aspiring backyard pitmaster with a number of smart grill reviews and outdoor gear guides under his (apron) belt. Recently, Billy has expanded his reporting to motorsports with in-depth coverage of Formula E’s Gen3 car.

Articles by Billy Steele

Spotify says Apple 'discontinued' the tech for some of its volume controls on iOS
Spotify has created a temporary solution for volume controls on iOS when using Spotify Connect after Apple made a change to its operating system.
Sony's new budget-friendly earbuds have a transparency mode and longer battery life
Sony WF-C510 have a key feature most budget earbuds don't: ambient sound mode.
Apple Podcasts now has a useful web interface for browsing and listening to shows
Apple Podcasts on the web now allows you to do a whole lot more than just listen.
Dyson OnTrac headphones review: When the basics aren’t enough
An almost infinitely customizable design is what’s unique about Dyson’s first headphones (without onboard air purifiers).
Meater's Pro XL uses four of its updated wireless probes to monitor your grill with WiFi
Meater is putting its updated wireless probes to use in a new smart grilling hub.
Why is the Sonos app so broken?
The Sonos app is so badly broken that the company is delaying new products to fix it.
Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 are its first earbuds that work with Gemini AI
The new Pixel Buds Pro 2 are smaller and more powerful, but its Tensor-powered features come in earbuds that are also more expensive.
Sonos is delaying two product launches until it fixes its buggy app
A poorly rolled out app update months ago is impacting Sonos' bottom line and causing product delays.
Spotify lyrics are back for free users
Spotify users who don't pay for a subscription can once again see lyrics for any song they listen to on the service.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro review: AirPods clones that actually deliver
The Galaxy Buds 3 series offers two sets of great earbuds, but Samsung borrowed heavily from Apple to design them.
ThermoWorks' RFX Meat wireless probe uses radio waves instead of Bluetooth to monitor food on the grill
ThermoWorks employs radio waves for a more reliable wireless meat probe on its new RFX line of grilling gear.
Dyson's OnTrac headphones ditch the Zone's air purifier for 'audio-only' use
Dyson's first "audio-only" over-ear headphones don't have an air filtration system. They're just a set of ANC headphones with a decidedly Dyson design and a $500 price tag.
Beats Pill review: A revival worth the wait
The Pill is a worthy revival mostly due to the much-improved sound quality.
Apple replaces the black HomePod mini with a black HomePod mini
Apple replaced the Space Gray HomePod mini with a Midnight version and... well, you try to tell the difference.
Bose adds multipoint Bluetooth to its QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Ultra Open Earbuds
You can now connect your QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Ultra Open Earbuds to two devices and switch between them with ease.
Samsung's Galaxy Buds 3 have an AirPods-esque design and a dash of AI
There are a number of updates to the Galaxy Buds 3 lineup, but the most striking is the AirPods-esque redesign.
JLab's Flex Open Earbuds are a $50 version of the Bose Ultra Open
JLab takes on the Bose Ultra Open earbuds with a $50 model that's more durable and has longer battery life.
Beats Pill speakers are back and have been redesigned from the inside out
Beats revives the Pill speaker with an updated design, re-engineered sound and more.
Sennheiser Momentum Sport review: Fitness earbuds that lack finesse
While the Momentum Sport has a better design than the Momentum 4, it struggles in key areas.
Beats Solo Buds review: Exactly what you'd expect for $80
The Solo Buds cover the basics, but that’s about it. Audio quality is flat unless you’re listening to Dolby Atmos content in Apple Music, but at least the earbuds are comfy with long battery life.

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