13
Jan
2012
Digital Trends: iHome showed off three new models of Apple Airplay products that are high on style and make wireless streaming easy with a new iHome Connected app. (more…)
Tag: speaker
30
Sep
2011
Electronista: Bose has introduced its first sound bars for home theaters, the CineMate 1 SR and Lifestyle 135. Both offerings maintain the company’s focus on the high-end market, featuring compact speaker arrays built into a single sound-bar that can be placed in front of a television. The sound bars are paired with a wireless subwoofer to handle low frequencies. (more…)
28
Mar
2011
Engadget: There’s a ton of gadgetry that goes into speakers, but the notable thing here is that the Pioneer folks have begun using HVT, or Horizontal-Vertical Transforming technology — but more on that in sec. This beauty is engineered to reduce unwanted vibration and preserve bass caliber while outputting 100W of sound. (more…)
11
Mar
2011
Electronista: Orb Audio has expanded and launched their latest line of tiny but audiophile-class, hand-made in the US speakers, called the Orb. The four-inch, 17-ounce round satellites — about the size of a baseball — can function as stand-alone units or be part of a modular system that includes subwoofers and additional speakers. The company says they offer high-quality construction but with direct-from-manufacturer pricing.
Orb Audio uses technologies such as rare earth magnets, CCAD voice coils, Santoprene, Nomex and other materials to get “big” sound from their small speakers. The body of the Orb is made of carbon steel and comes in six finishes: Black Gloss, Pearl White Gloss, Hand-Polished Steel, hand-antiqued Copper and Bronze, and a new offering, Hammered Earth.
Though hand-making the speakers in small batches using very high-quality parts is a very labor-intensive process (the exteriors rely on metalwork artisans), the company avoids the high markups usually associated with such products by selling on the internet only and direct to consumers rather than pay high distribution fees.
The systems are all entirely upgradeable as well, meaning those on a tight budget can start with a very modest two-satellite setup and upgrade adding a subwoofer and additional speakers as required. Pre-configured full systems are also offered, from a two-speaker system aimed at desktop computer users to elaborate home-theatre setups. The company’s most popular system, which includes five satellites, a 200-watt 8-inch “Super Eight” subwoofer, hand-made stainless steel speaker stand and all necessary cabling sells for under $1000.
Orb speakers start at $239 for a Quick Pack (two satellites), and the company has locations in New York and Los Angeles where customers can try out the systems first hand. For clients outside those locations, Orb Audio points to strong reviews from various audio magazines and websites, and offers a 30-day in-home trial period.
10
Sep
2010
Newlaunches.com: We’ve seen a handful of speakers rolling in for iPods and iPhones but there haven’t really been too many iPad accessories to play music out loud. This cool Bluetooth enabled wireless speaker called the Fidelio is Philips’ way of spreading the love and music from your iPad. It incorporates a pair of 3-inch full range woofers that pump out 15-Watts (x2) RMS output. It also provides support for A2DP/AVRCP Bluetooth connectivity. Simply download the Fidelio App and customize the use of the speaker directly from your phone.
The kit also packs a remote control for the speaker that will control volume and playback of tracks. There’s no word about the battery durability.
01
Jul
2010
Übergizmo: Can’t afford Bowers & Wilkins’ Zeppelin speaker, but want to have its cool design? If that’s the case, you could always go for the Teac SR-100i, which looks very much like the real deal, and is only going for half the price – $299. For your money, you got a speaker that packs a slot-in CD player, FM radio and iPod/iPhone connectivity. Would you be willing to shell out $299 for this design?
19
Apr
2008
Absolute Gadget: Bored of Bluetooth? Weary of wires? Now you can sync your phone with your wireless speakers just by touching it. That’s the idea behind the Parrot Party Black Edition- the first speaker system to use Near Field Communication. Rather than having to navigate through Bluetooth menus, which can take a while, the Parrot Party Black Edition can play music from your phone simply by touching it to the speaker using NFC.
NFC works in a similar way to how Londoners use Oyster cards to travel on the tube network where touching the card on a pad registers the users travel fare.
The technology is already used widely in Japan where shoppers can pay for items simply by swiping away at an NFC-enabled surface.
The speakers come dressed in glossy black and feature what Parrot calls “stereo widening” and “virtual superbass” for the best sound and bass frequencies.
It also includes a built-in Class-D amplifier and two drivers, with a total power output of 6W. To broaden its use, the device is also compatible with existing Bluetooth MP3 players, phones, PC’s and Macs.
30
Oct
2007
Slashgear: Sure, wireless speakers aren’t all that new, neither are outdoor speakers, but a smart combination of the two brought to you by Sharper Image, well that’s nearly a work of art. They use 2.4GHz signals, so you’ll have to make sure it doesn’t interfere with any of your other gear.
Other than that, all you need is an audio source that uses a standard headphone jack for its output. You can also by a second speaker, to make it stereo, its not another one of the main unit, it’s a special auxiliary speaker.
18
Oct
2007
Electronista: XtremeMac has introduced a new audio system for use with the iPod. Calling it the Tango Studio, the company advertises full-range stereo sound, which is powered by two 3-inch loudspeakers. Designed for the budget-minded iPod owner, it lacks the subwoofer of its more expensive sibling, the Tango.
However, the Studio is more compact which allows for more versatile placement. The unit features a built-in FM tuner, an auxiliary line in, a remote, a retractable dock connector, and a simple no-frills look. The LCD, which displays the FM station, volume level or input source, shines through from behind the cloth speaker grill. Controls are also located on the top of the sound system, in case of a misplaced remote.
07
Jul
2007
AVReview.co.uk: Summer may be currently wetter than an otter’s pocket, but Grundig is no doubt hoping things clear up in time for you to play with its new GUPSW5000 outdoors wireless speaker.
Looking like the result of a tellytubby mating with a hoover (if indeed that’s possible), the GUPSW5000 is battery or mains operated, boasts 20 watts RMS of sound and works across a 50 metre range; just hook up the transmitter to your hi-fi system, MP3 player or other device with a line out cable and you’re away. What’s more, it’s splash proof so if those pesky rain clouds return it’ll battle on regardless. And if you’re garden partying at night, the GUPSW5000 emits a blue glow, giving your neighbours a nice target to aim at.