INTRODUCING SONAURA™, RØDELINK II, LPA1, DS3, PODMIC FLAG AND RØDECASTER STUDIO

RØDE has today marked a major evolution in professional audio and creative workflows in the lead up to NAB Show in Las Vegas, introducing a suite of new products, technologies and software set to redefine the future of content creation.

Central to the announcement is Sonaura, a world-leading studio-grade MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) microphone technology that will underpin a new generation of professional audio solutions across RØDE and the wider Freedman Group.

Alongside this, RØDE introduced the RØDELink II professional UHF wireless mictrophone system, a range of new studio accessories including the LPA1 low-profile studio arm, the DS3 desktop studio arm, PodMic Flag branding tool, and the RØDECaster Studio podcast app – developed by its state-of-the-art AI Lab – further expanding its end-to-end ecosystem for creators.

RØDE will be showcasing these products alongside recent new releases, including the RØDECaster Video S and RØDECaster Video Core, at the NAB Show from Sunday April 18, until Wednesday, April 22 at booth C9316 in Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

SONAURA – WORLD-LEADING PROFESSIONAL MEMS MICROPHONE TECHNOLOGY

A new era for audio capture has arrived with Sonaura, a breakthrough studio-grade MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems) microphone technology. The culmination of a five-year collaboration with Infineon Technologies AG, a global leader in MEMS microphone technology, Sonaura combines RØDE’s industry-leading audio engineering with Infineon’s cutting-edge semiconductor expertise to fundamentally redefine how professional audio is captured.

Sonaura represents the next frontier for audio technology, capable of delivering exceptional audio fidelity, precision and durability in an ultra-compact 4mm x 5mm form factor. Manufactured at Infineon’s industry-leading semiconductor fabrication facilities, and engineered to RØDE’s exacting standards, Sonaura introduces a new class of microphone performance – delivering unprecedented signal clarity, resilience and versatility to creators across all disciplines.

“What we’ve achieved with Sonaura was once considered impossible” said Freedman Group Founder and Chairman Peter Freedman AM. “We have always been relentless in our pursuit of delivering the highest quality audio, and Sonaura is not only proof of that unwavering commitment, but a testament to RØDE and the wider Freedman Group’s ethos of shattering barriers and crushing conventions. In partnership with Infineon, we’ve created a foundational audio platform on which the future of sound will be built, wholly revolutionising recording technology as we know it.”

With an industry-leading Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of 83dB and a self-noise measurement of just 11dBA, Sonaura delivers an unparalleled level of clarity, providing broadcast-grade fidelity while maintaining far greater resilience than any other traditional professional microphone technology.

Measuring just 4mm x 5mm and built on a newly developed low-noise ASIC, Sonaura defies the conventional limits of audio technology design, providing a level of performance previously unattainable in such a compact form. This breakthrough enables seamless integration into applications where high-quality audio was once impossible, unlocking limitless possibilities in sonically transforming broadcasting, filmmaking and content creation.

With exceptional SPL handling, extremely high immunity to RF interference and an incredibly flat frequency response, Sonaura produces flawless audio recording in any scenario, from controlled studio environments to unpredictable field productions.

“Sonaura is a true feat of engineering,” said Ryan Burke, Freedman Group Portfolio Manager. “It’s clarity, resilience and sonic precision combined with its ultra-compact form heralds the bright future of microphone technology. Through seamless collaboration, RØDE and Infineon have delivered the best of their respective worlds to creators, with Sonaura boasting uncompromising audio quality in an incredibly versatile form factor.”

Built with longevity in mind, Sonaura is engineered to withstand extreme conditions. It features Infineon’s revolutionary Sealed Dual Membrane design which combines ultra-low self-noise with enhanced environmental robustness and reduces sensitivity to physical shock compared to conventional microphones. This ensures consistent performance and long-term reliability, making it the most durable studio-grade microphone technology ever developed.

“To accomplish this groundbreaking development, we sought a partner who shares our pursuit of acoustic excellence,” said Adam White, President of Infineon’s Power and Sensor Systems Division PSS. “With both our teams’ spirit, ingenuity and dedication, we are redefining what’s possible in audio – and accelerating the future of digitalisation.”

Sonaura will be introduced across select next-generation products within the RØDE and wider Freedman Group lineup, beginning with the L1 sub-miniature lavalier microphone from Lectrosonics. This launch marks the first step in a broader rollout of the Sonaura platform, bringing its studio-grade performance to professional wireless, broadcast and production environments.

With this revolutionary new audio platform, RØDE and Infineon have set a new standard for microphone technology, achieving unmatched precision, performance and durability for the next generation of audio capture.

Learn more about Sonaura technology

RØDELINK II – PROFESSIONAL UHF WIRELESS MICROPHONE SYSTEM

RØDELink II signals the next generation of professional wireless microphone systems. Built for filmmakers, broadcasters and content creators, RØDELink II features proprietary UHF wireless transmission, offering unparalleled sound quality, best-in-class range, staunch stability and a host of powerful features that set a new industry standard for wireless microphone systems.

Drawing on the deep wireless heritage within The Freedman Group, RØDELink II benefits from decades of UHF innovation pioneered by stablemate Lectrosonics. By leveraging engineering expertise from one of the most respected names in professional wireless audio, the system brings proven UHF performance into a new generation of RØDE products, delivering exceptional reliability, interference resistance and operational confidence in demanding RF environments.

Designed for versatility, RØDELink II includes two transmitters and a single receiver, offering seamless dual-channel operation for recording multiple sound sources at once. Each transmitter is paired with a broadcast-grade lavalier microphone featuring locking connectors, delivering exceptional detail and secure, high-quality audio capture for interviews, productions and live performances in any environment.

Replete with a host of professional features, RØDELink II is headlined by 32-bit float on-board recording, allowing users to capture pristine audio directly to a microSD card, no matter how loud or quiet the source. This revolutionary feature ensures that no take is ever lost, providing absolute peace of mind in any recording scenario. Additionally, a dedicated timecode I/O port makes it easier than ever to accurately align audio and video, removing the need for complex post-production adjustments.

Built for professionals, RØDELink II features a rugged metal body designed to withstand the rigours of location recording, along with three included removable lithium-ion batteries that deliver extended operating time in demanding environments. Complete with a comprehensive accessory kit housed in a premium travel case, RØDELink II redefines what’s possible in wireless audio, making it an essential tool for any production.

Complementing RØDELink II are a range of timecode and audio cables launching alongside it, designed to provide seamless connectivity and exceptional performance for creators and filmmakers. These include the 3.5mm TRS to 5-Pin and 3.5mm TRS to BNC timecode cables, both featuring locking connectors, professional-grade construction, and right-angle designs for a compact, secure setup.

Additionally, the 3.5mm TRS to XLRM and XLRM Splitter cables offer premium solutions for connecting microphones and audio sources to professional recording devices, with options for summing stereo channels or splitting them into separate XLR outputs. Built for durability and reliability, these cables ensure stable connections and uncompromising performance in any production environment.

RØDELink II, along with the new range of timecode and audio cables, will be available soon.

LPA1 – PROFESSIONAL LOW-PROFILE STUDIO ARM

The LPA1 expands RØDE’s studio ecosystem with a professional low-profile studio arm engineered for precision placement without visual obstruction. Designed for modern recording, streaming and broadcast setups, the LPA1 sits neatly below the camera’s line of sight, keeping creators unobstructed on screen while delivering accurate microphone positioning.

With an extended horizontal reach of 650mm and a wide vertical adjustment range, the LPA1 offers exceptional flexibility to accommodate both end-address and side-address microphones. Smooth 360° rotation and silent operation allow for precise repositioning during recording or live broadcasts without introducing unwanted noise, ensuring complete creative control in any studio environment.

Built to support professional equipment with confidence, the LPA1 features a high load capacity of up to 2kg and universal thread compatibility, making it suitable for a wide range of microphones and studio accessories. Integrated cable management keeps XLR and USB cables neatly concealed, maintaining a clean, organised workspace while preserving full freedom of movement.

Effortlessly mounted to any standard desk using the included clamp, the LPA1 delivers a streamlined, professional solution for studios at home or on location. Purpose-built for creators who demand precision, reliability and a clean on-camera presence, the LPA1 is a heavy-hitter in RØDE’s suite of next-generation studio workflow tools.

LPA1 is coming soon.

DS3 – PROFESSIONAL DESKTOP STUDIO ARM

The DS3 introduces a new standard for compact desktop studio arms, delivering precise positioning, exceptional stability and a refined design for modern content creation. Built for creators who demand flexibility without compromise, the DS3 provides effortless placement for microphones, cameras, smartphones, lights and accessories in any desktop setup.

Engineered with a heavy weighted base, the DS3 sits securely on any flat surface without the need for clamps or mounting points, ensuring maximum stability in even the most dynamic recording environments. A precision-engineered ball head offers smooth, controlled movement and a wide range of adjustment, allowing users to achieve perfect positioning with whisper-quiet operation during streams, recordings or live broadcasts.

Crafted from precision-manufactured metal and finished in either classic black or crisp white, the DS3 balances rugged durability with understated elegance. A natural cork base inlay not only enhances stability but adds a premium tactile finish, making the DS3 a seamless addition to any professional or home studio.

Designed to adapt to a wide range of equipment, the DS3 features universal mounting compatibility with included 5/8” and 1/4” thread adaptors and supports devices up to 1.5kg. Integrated cable management keeps XLR and USB cables neatly secured and out of sight, maintaining a clean, organised workspace while preserving complete creative flexibility.

Designed and made in RØDE’s state-of-the-art facilities in Sydney, Australia, the DS3 reflects RØDE’s commitment to precision engineering, thoughtful design and uncompromising build quality across every element of the creator workflow.

DS3 is coming soon.

PODMIC FLAG – CUSTOM MICROPHONE BRANDING FLAG

Designed specifically for the RØDE PodMic, this customisable microphone flag allows users to display their logo or artwork with a refined, broadcast-ready finish – expanding the visual identity of the modern podcast studio with a simple yet impactful way for creators to showcase their brand on camera.

Precision-engineered to integrate flawlessly with the WS14 pop filter, the PodMic Flag preserves the PodMic’s sleek silhouette while adding a distinctive branded element. Its durable construction ensures a secure, reliable fit, making it ideal for video podcasts, livestreams and professional studio productions where presentation matters as much as performance.

Creators can design, download and print their own artwork, enabling a streamlined, accessible path to personalised studio branding. The wrap-around sticker format applies smoothly for a polished result, delivering a crisp, professional aesthetic that elevates any on-screen setup.

PodMic Flag is coming soon.

RØDECASTER STUDIO – INTELLIGENT PODCAST PRODUCTION APPLICATION

RØDECaster Studio is an innovative new desktop application designed to revolutionise how podcasters and audio creators edit, refine and publish spoken-word content. Developed by RØDE’s state-of-the-art UK AI Lab, RØDECaster Studio combines studio-grade transcription accuracy, intuitive speaker identification and a suite of AI-driven editing tools to streamline post-production workflows like never before.

Available for both Mac and Windows, RØDECaster Studio supports seamless import from compatible RØDECaster devices, including direct-to-cloud workflows via RØDE Cloud. Creators can record on a RØDECaster Pro II or RØDECaster Duo and continue editing instantly in the app, with projects automatically synced and accessible across devices.

With its next next-generation transcript-based editing engine, RØDECaster Studio can generate highly accurate transcripts with word-level timestamp alignment and intuitive speaker identification. Integrated speaker profile management and automatic voice recognition ensure precise host and guest labelling, enabling structured navigation, topic-based editing and faster review of long-form conversations.

Creators can also refine dialogue simply by editing text. Advanced AI-powered in-painting tools allow words or entire phrases to be corrected or replaced naturally, preserving tone and cadence without requiring re-recording. RØDECaster Studio also features an integrated voice and chat-powered RØDE Assistant, capable of handling high-level editing tasks through natural-language commands. Creators can trim intros and outros, remove filler words and gaps, apply censorship, smooth speech or request meaning-based edits simply by asking while preserving the authenticity and character of every recording.

RØDECaster Studio also introduces a flexible composition system, enabling users to generate multiple versions from a single recording. Highlight reels, concise cuts and alternate edits can be created non-destructively, while the original recording remains intact and instantly recoverable.

Beyond editing, RØDECaster Studio streamlines the path to publication. Automatic title and summary generation accelerates content preparation, while one-click export presets optimise sample rate, format, bit depth and loudness for major platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. Full audio, selected clips or transcripts can be exported in professional formats, ensuring platform-ready results with minimal manual configuration.

With real-time waveform analysis and proprietary AI enhancement models delivering balanced, studio-grade sound automatically, RØDECaster Studio represents a significant evolution in podcast production – uniting capture, cloud workflow, intelligent editing and distribution within a single, cohesive system.

Future-facing and creator-focused, this latest innovation further extends RØDE’s ecosystem beyond audio capture and into a new era of intelligent editing.

By Srijith KN

An in-depth look at Nothing’s 4a Pro, the clean stylish looking mid-range powerhouse!

Nothing has built its reputation on standing apart in an increasingly crowded smartphone market. With the launch of the Nothing Phone (4a) and the more ambitious Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, the company continues that philosophy while shifting its positioning. While the standard model focuses on accessibility, the Pro model moves closer to the premium segment, combining refined hardware with one of the most impressive displays in its category.

The Design Shift

The first thing that stands out about the Phone (4a) Pro is its departure from Nothing’s signature transparent aesthetic. Instead of the exposed internal design language that defined earlier models, the Pro adopts a more traditional and solid look with a clean metal frame and a conventional camera bump. At just 7.95mm, it is also the slimmest Nothing phone to date.

It is a different direction, but one that works. The device feels noticeably more premium than its price might suggest. Having used Nothing phones extensively, including the Phone (1) for nearly two years and the Phone (3) as a daily driver, this design shift feels like a more mature step for the brand. For some users, the move toward a more understated look may actually increase its appeal.

A Display Built for Immersion

The Phone (4a) Pro features a large 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a variable 144Hz refresh rate. On paper, these specifications are already top tier for this price range.

In practice, the display delivers exactly what those numbers promise. The screen feels fast and responsive with extremely smooth scrolling, while peak brightness reaching up to 5000 nits ensures excellent outdoor visibility. For everyday use, the combination of size, speed, and brightness makes the device feel significantly more expensive than its mid-range positioning suggests.

Performance That Surprises

Powering the device is the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset paired with up to 12GB of RAM. While this chipset is not designed to compete with flagship processors, it represents a meaningful performance jump compared with previous mid-range Nothing devices.

In early testing, the phone handled multitasking comfortably and performed well in gaming scenarios. Nothing has always focused on smooth real-world performance rather than chasing benchmark numbers, and the Phone (4a) Pro continues that same philosophy. For most users, the device feels quick, responsive, and capable of handling everyday workloads without difficulty.

Nothing OS Remains a Strength

Nothing OS continues to be one of the strongest aspects of the device. The software experience remains clean, responsive, and refreshingly free from unnecessary bloatware.

In a smartphone landscape increasingly filled with overly aggressive AI features and cluttered interfaces, Nothing OS stands out for its simplicity. For users who prefer a lightweight Android experience that stays focused on usability, the software remains one of the Phone (4a) Pro’s biggest competitive advantages.

Camera Performance

The Phone (4a) Pro includes a 50-megapixel main camera supported by a telephoto lens designed to offer additional versatility for photography.

In good lighting conditions the camera produces detailed images with balanced colour reproduction. While it may not fully compete with flagship level camera systems, the overall performance remains strong for the device’s price category.

However, there are some compromises. The ultra-wide camera uses an 8MP sensor and the front facing camera represents a slight downgrade compared with higher end models in the Nothing lineup. For most users the results will still be more than sufficient, but the camera system does not completely match flagship expectations.

The 140× Zoom Experiment

One of the more unusual features on the Phone (4a) Pro is the advertised 140× zoom capability. On paper this sounds extraordinary, particularly for a mid-range device.

In practice the phone achieves this through a combination of its 3.5× optical telephoto lens and AI driven image processing that digitally extends the zoom range far beyond what the optics alone can provide.

Carl Pei once mentioned in an interview that some features come from giving internal teams the freedom to experiment creatively. The 140× zoom feels like one of those ideas. It may not always produce perfect photos, but it works surprisingly well as what could be described as a “digital binocular” mode.

The Glyph System: Refined Identity

The Glyph lighting system remains one of Nothing’s most recognisable design signatures. On the Phone (4a) Pro the concept evolves with a larger and brighter light array that expands its visual notification capabilities.

The Glyph system can display alerts for incoming calls, timers, notifications, and recording indicators through distinctive lighting patterns on the back of the phone.

While visually distinctive and occasionally useful for quick notifications, the Glyph system still feels more like a signature design element than a practical necessity. That said, the implementation on the Phone (4a) Pro looks particularly striking and continues to give Nothing devices a visual identity that few other smartphones offer.

Editor’s Impressions

Having moved from the Phone (1) to the Phone (3) as my primary device, the Phone (4a) Pro feels like an interesting pivot for Nothing. The shift away from a fully transparent aesthetic toward a polished metal design feels both refreshing and more mature.

Performance is strong enough for everyday use and even moderate gaming, while the display is easily one of the highlights of the device. The camera system is capable, though there are a few compromises including the 8MP ultra-wide lens and the slightly downgraded front camera.

For users looking for the absolute highest specifications available, there are other devices that push further into flagship territory. But that has never been Nothing’s core philosophy. Instead, the brand focuses on creating devices that feel distinctive, practical, and thoughtfully designed.

WHOOP, the human performance company, today announced it has raised $575 million in Series G funding at a $10.1 billion valuation, advancing its global expansion and long-term vision for personalized health. The round was led by Collaborative Fund and includes strong participation from GCC-based investors, including 2PointZero Group, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), and Mubadala Investment Company, alongside global investors Abbott, the Mayo Clinic, Macquarie Capital (entities administered by Macquarie Capital), Glade Brook, B- Flexion, IVP, Foundry, Accomplice, Affinity Partners and Bullhound Capital, as well as prominent global athletes and individual investors.

Individual investors in the round include notable figures with strong ties to the GCC, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Karen Wazen. Other individuals investing in the round include LeBron James, Rory McIlroy, Reggie Miller, Niall Horan, Virgil van Dijk, and Shane Lowry, underscoring the brand’s growing cultural relevance across the region and deep connection to elite performance, health and global culture.

This funding comes at a defining moment for WHOOP and the future of health. Chronic disease is rising globally, while many healthcare systems remain built for reactive care. At the same time, advances in AI and continuous biometric data are enabling a fundamentally new approach that predicts risk, guides behavior, and improves health in real time. WHOOP has spent over a decade building toward this moment. With this investment, the company will accelerate global expansion and scale its platform as a new standard for personalized, preventive health.

“We are building the personal health platform that people use to improve their health and livelihood,” said Will Ahmed, Founder and CEO of WHOOP. “The GCC is one of the most forward-looking regions in the world when it comes to health, performance and longevity. We’re building real momentum on the ground, expanding our local teams and growing our retail footprint in multiple markets. We’re also developing meaningful partnerships across the region to integrate WHOOP into broader health and performance ecosystems. We’re committed to investing here for the long term. We’re especially proud to be joined by so many investors from the region.”

Accelerating International Growth

WHOOP is experiencing rapid global momentum amid an extraordinary period of growth:

• The company now has over 2.5 million members around the world
• In 2025, bookings grew 103% year-over-year, exiting the year at a $1.1B run rate
• In 2025, WHOOP operated cash flow positive
• WHOOP is hiring for over 600 new roles around the world this year to support research and development and international expansion

Proceeds from this Series G financing will fuel international expansion across the GCC, Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

 

 

Building the Preeminent Global Health Platform

This financing will accelerate WHOOP in building the world’s leading personal health platform – an intelligent, unified system designed to extend healthspan, optimize performance, and prevent disease before it begins.

As part of its international expansion, WHOOP is scaling its presence across the GCC to deepen research and innovation capabilities while contributing to the region’s rapidly evolving performance science ecosystem. In the coming months, WHOOP will open WHOOP Labs Doha, the company’s first international performance research and development facility, marking a significant milestone in its global growth. Alongside this, WHOOP is advancing a series of initiatives across the UAE and Qatar designed to accelerate adoption and establish WHOOP as a leader in health and human performance across the region.

Powered by more than 24 billion hours of physiological data and purpose-built AI models, WHOOP delivers predictive, personalized health insights. Members open the app an average of over eight times per day – almost three times higher than other screenless wearables – to understand how they slept, whether they are recovered, how hard to push or pull back, and how daily behaviors like training, nutrition, and stress are impacting their performance and long-term health. These insights go beyond sleep and fitness, helping members identify early warning signs, reduce risk, and take action that can prevent serious health events. From world leaders and executives to elite athletes and artists, WHOOP has become an essential platform for those committed to performing and living at their highest level.

“WHOOP has become one of the most important tools I use to support my long-term health,” said Cristiano Ronaldo, a WHOOP investor and global ambassador. “I am proud to participate in this round because I believe in the future we are building together. No other company has created a health platform this powerful that people are proud to wear.”