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iHome iP76 LED color-changing speaker indulges your love for pretty colors

Sarah Silbert — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:44:00 EST

Music just isn't the same without a host of flashing colors to go with it, right? iHome, at least, seems to think so. Its first Glowtunes speaker tower, the new iP76, comes packed with LEDs in seven different hues that can fade, pulse or strobe as your playlist requires. The three-foot iP76 sports a dock for your iPhone or iPod and packs four speakers with Reson8 technology. There's also Bluetooth for streaming from other devices. The iP76 will go on sale for $200 in July. Already dreaming about all the sonic light shows you'll host? Jump past the break for some press info to tide you over.

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iHome iP76 LED color-changing speaker indulges your love for pretty colors originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X-mini KAI capsule Bluetooth speaker review

Trent Wolbe — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 EST

Speakers these days! They are everywhere, in constantly evolving iterations, smaller and more versatile than ever before. Singaporean manufacturer X-mini has a pretty good foothold in this game with a consistent brand message of "Sound Beyond Size." That indicates the portability, mass, and reproductive capacity of its products in a pretty nebulous fashion, so we decided to grab its latest offering, the Bluetooth-toting KAI, and place it in our real lives for a few months. It's available now for $99, which will take it off the table for many casual listeners, but those who crave what's next in distributed audio might find KAI to be quite the ear-opener. We got pretty close with it (but not weird close), and we have a couple of things to say about that whole size / sound relationship they're so keen on.

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X-mini KAI capsule Bluetooth speaker review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Braven Six Series hands-on

Terrence O'Brien — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:31:00 EST

Remember those Braven speakers from a few weeks back? Well, guess what, the trio made an appearance here at CTIA and we finally got to put our shaky, caffeine-fueled hands on them. The Six Series of Bluetooth boxes is (going from left to right in the image above) the 600, the 650 and the 625s. Both the 600 and 650 are crafted from the same aircraft-grade aluminum and are all but indistinguishable at a glance. The lone physical differentiator is the numerical labeling in the bottom right corner. Both have a pleasant heft and a matte finish that makes them feel like decidedly high-end products. And, at $150 and $190 respectively, they're priced that way too. The 3W speakers and dual passive subwoofers were perfectly pleasant sounding and got surprisingly loud -- drowning out the crowded showroom floor with relative ease. The only issue, predictively, was that the low end started to distort as the volume was cranked -- particularly on the 600. We were even able to daisy chain them through a mini stereo cable (though not turn them into a stereo pair via Bluetooth), clearly irritating Braven's booth neighbors.

The 625s is a slightly different beast. It also features an aluminum speaker grille, but the rest of the casing is wrapped in shock-absorbing rubber. It felt quite a bit lighter, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, since the company appears to think you should use this as a flashlight (hence the LED attachment). The unit even has a drybag should you decide to take it with you kayaking. We were even able to jack our iPhone in to the USB port for a bit of juice before heading back out on the floor. For more check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Braven Six Series hands-on

Joseph Volpe contributed to this report.

Braven Six Series hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jawbone unleashes Big Jambox, beefs up its Bluetooth 'smartspeaker' lineup

Joe Pollicino — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:01:00 EST

We've had a shimmer in our eye for Jawbone's $200 Jambox, the itty bitty Bluetooth 'smartspeaker,' ever since it was released back in late 2010. So, imagine our delight now that the company has just stepped things up to a larger level with its new $300 Big Jambox. Measuring in at well over double the size of the original, the 2.7-pound speaker is still very similar in design and features the familiar perforated metal grill designs by Yves Behar -- starting May 15th, you can pick one up in your choice of Red Dot, Graphite Hex and White Wave. The larger footprint helps it to be more functionally capable than its sibling, yet it's still small enough to carry in one hand. On top, the unit sports playback controls in addition to the requisite volume and talk buttons, while on the side you'll find a USB connection (for software updates), power input 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth-pairing button and a power button.

To pump out the jams, the Big Jambox features an airtight enclosure loaded with a duo of active neodymium drivers and opposing dual-passive bass radiators to handle all the wub wub you can throw at it. A 2,600mAh rechargeable battery will get you roughly 15 hours of totally wireless listening time (500 on standby), but -- as is the case with the original -- you still can't share that juice with your gadgets. Positively, Android users can take advantage of the Big Jambox's exclusive Companion app, which allows the unit to do tricks such like sync up with your G-cal to inform you about your appointments. Lastly, like the Jambox, the Big Jambox features MyTalk voice prompts / app compatibility, along with Live Audio DSP to give your sounds an immersive "3D" feel. Curious to find out more? We spent a full weekend with the new gizmo, and you can catch our full review by clicking here. Full press release after the break.

Gallery: Jawbone Big Jambox (press images)

Continue reading Jawbone unleashes Big Jambox, beefs up its Bluetooth 'smartspeaker' lineup

Jawbone unleashes Big Jambox, beefs up its Bluetooth 'smartspeaker' lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jawbone Big Jambox review

Joe Pollicino — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:01:00 EST

It was back in February when we first caught wind a beefier version of Jawbone's Jambox, thanks to some less-than-stealthy ninjas at the FCC. Today it's officially here. Dubbed Big Jambox, this $300 Bluetooth speakerphone and "smartspeaker" is unsurprisingly a supersized -- yet still portable -- version of the new-age micro-boombox that the won us over back in 2010. Naturally, there have been some tweaks to go along with the bigger footprint, but all the core features including Jawbone's MyTalk apps and noise-cancelling know-how are in tow. Now that we've used it extensively for a few days, we're ready to answer some questions you might have. Does it follow the old adage that bigger is better? How will it fit into your lifestyle compared to the Jambox? And most importantly, is it worth the asking price?

Gallery: Jawbone Big Jambox review

Continue reading Jawbone Big Jambox review

Jawbone Big Jambox review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Braven Six Series speakers offer Bluetooth audio, wired charging

Donald Melanson — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 03:56:00 EST

When is a wireless speaker not a wireless speaker? When you can also plug your phone into the speaker to charge it up in a pinch. That's the hook with Braven's new Six Series speakers, anyway, which come in three different varieties that each pack a USB port that lets you either charge your smartphone or daisy chain multiple speakers together. Ranging in price from $150 to $190, the three different models all also boast similar features across the board, but differ in construction, with the top-end 625s offering a rugged housing (not to mention a built-in LED flashlight), while the 600 and 650 each sport an all-aluminum design -- battery life also varies a bit by model. If the speakers look a little familiar, it's because Braven is the company formerly known as Spar, which offered some similar speakers under the Zephyr name. Hit the source link below for a closer look at each model.

Continue reading Braven Six Series speakers offer Bluetooth audio, wired charging

Braven Six Series speakers offer Bluetooth audio, wired charging originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 03:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Soul Electronics Party in a Box wireless speaker system: Ludacris' new way to keep your festivities bumping

Joe Pollicino — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:15:00 EST

Can we get a "hey-oh" from all the party people in the CES-house? Soul Electronics (rapper Ludacris' line of audio products) has today unveiled its first non-headphone device, dubbed Party in a Box. The name may seem a bit silly, but this speaker system is packing some serious specs. The PIAB is large enough to dock an iPad, and features both AirPlay and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. On top of ensuring nearly any modern mobile device should be able to stream audio to it sans wires, the mini-rig also comes with 5.8GHz two-way transceiver that'll allow you to play your tunes over multiple PIABs, or even other speakers. Speaking of speakers, internally you'll find a duo of 6.5-inch woofers, to 3-inch mid-purposed drivers, and finally, a quartet of 1-inch tweeters.

For wired connectivity, the rig packs an HDMI output, an auxiliary connection for wired hookup, and a best of all, a balanced mic input (XLR?) so you can MC from just about anywhere there's power. Considering that Party in a Box features a carry handle, shoulder strap and will plug plug into wall and car sockets or run off of its own rechargeable batteries, we'd imagine it's a very feasible proposition. For a bit of extra spice, the system also has a a pair of VU meters that'll bump to your jams, and even customizable mood-lighting.

Aside from PIAB, Soul is also introducing a few new color-schemes for its SL49, SL99 in-ear headphones, as well as its SL300 over-ear model. There's no specific word on pricing or availability just yet, but if we hear anything from the show floor, you can be sure we'll keep you post. Full press release just past the break.

Continue reading Soul Electronics Party in a Box wireless speaker system: Ludacris' new way to keep your festivities bumping

Soul Electronics Party in a Box wireless speaker system: Ludacris' new way to keep your festivities bumping originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iShower water-resistant Bluetooth speaker being unveiled at CES, aims to improve those shower jams

Edgar Alvarez — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:07:00 EST

We don't blame you for being surprised when you first met the iGrill meat thermometer. We mean, how couldn't you be? But now, the creators of the temperature indicator are hitting you with yet another peripheral, and this time it's heading to your shower -- that's right, your shower. The iShower is a water-resistant Bluetooth speaker capable of streaming up to 15 hours of audio within a 200-foot range. The add-on will allow you to interact with the usual options like play, pause, rewind and forward, while also displaying the time (just in case you like to camp out in there). Similar to its meaty counterpart, the iShower will cost $100, and don't let the "i" included in its dub fool you -- the device is also ready to mingle with the Androids of the world. The shower-jammer's official launch will be next week at CES, but you can take a peek at the PR to find out some more info in the here and now.

Continue reading iShower water-resistant Bluetooth speaker being unveiled at CES, aims to improve those shower jams

iShower water-resistant Bluetooth speaker being unveiled at CES, aims to improve those shower jams originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Soundfreaq gets edgy with Sound Kick mobile Bluetooth speaker

Darren Murph — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:01:00 EST

In the midst of Yet Another iPod Sound System-palooza, Soundfreaq has managed to craft some pretty differentiated pieces. Here in the run-up to CES 2012, the outfit's ushering in its most edgy device yet, the Sound Kick. It's a mobile wireless speaker that touts a unique speaker chamber, which shuts compactly for travel and then opens up whenever there's room. It's able to push on through seven solid hours of on-the-go listening (thanks to that internal Li-ion battery), and it can even share the juice with any USB-chargeable device -- similar to Spar's own Zephyr. In related news, the company's also using the show to introduce its Sound Step Recharge in white and red. Expect the new lot to ship this spring, and if you're hungry for more, the full release is just after the break.

Continue reading Soundfreaq gets edgy with Sound Kick mobile Bluetooth speaker

Soundfreaq gets edgy with Sound Kick mobile Bluetooth speaker originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spar's Zephyr portable Bluetooth speaker lineup streams your music, charges your phone

Joe Pollicino — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Say hello to Spar -- a newcomer to the land of wireless audio. Today, the company is officially accepting pre-orders for its Zephyr lineup of rechargeable Bluetooth speakers. The portable units are similar to others such as Jawone's Jambox, offering wireless music streaming, speakerphone functionality and portability, but also feature the ability to juice up your smartphone over USB. In total, you'll have a your pick of three Zephyrs, priced from $99 to a moderate $160 (including cables, a case and a charger). First up is the "pocketable" 300 model, which has a 12-hour battery and a black paint scheme (along with red and blue for a limited time). If that won't cut it, the slightly larger 500 variant packs 18-hours of battery life and comes in choice of white or black. Rounding out the bunch is the aluminum-housed 550; it features a massive 28-hour battery and comes in a either silver or black. If you're willing to give this new kid on the Bluetooth-block a try, the Zephyrs are set to ship by year's end and you'll find more info at the source link below. Full press release after the break.

Continue reading Spar's Zephyr portable Bluetooth speaker lineup streams your music, charges your phone

Spar's Zephyr portable Bluetooth speaker lineup streams your music, charges your phone originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Soundfreaq's Sound Stack Bluetooth speaker sports dual subwoofers, $400 pricetag

Joe Pollicino — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:01:00 EST

Soundfreaq doesn't release speaker systems often, but it's safe to expect something spectacularly sexy when it does. Such is exactly the case with its latest audiophile-aimed creation, the Sound Stack wireless speaker. The company is toting this $400 Bluetooth-enabled HiFi rig as a "2.2" speaker system, thanks to its DubSub design -- a duo of active subwoofers pump out lowend in an effort to complement its two other "full-range" drivers. Soundfreaq's also packed this puppy with its UQ3 processing to keep the soundstage wide despite the unit's size. Better yet, downloading a free Remote App (available on Android and iOS) unlocks the system's FM radio -- perfect for when you're feeling nostalgic. If that wasn't enough, the Sound Stack's also loaded with an iThing dock and a USB input, both of which can be used to re-juice your devices while streaming. If your Gadget Acquisition Syndrome is already kicking in, fret not, the Sound Stack is available for purchase now. You'll find more details past the break.

Continue reading Soundfreaq's Sound Stack Bluetooth speaker sports dual subwoofers, $400 pricetag

Soundfreaq's Sound Stack Bluetooth speaker sports dual subwoofers, $400 pricetag originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Logitech's Mini Boombox is a $99 Bluetooth speaker, we go hands-on (video)

Sharif Sakr — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:01:00 EST

$99? For a portable speaker? Yup, that was our reaction too -- especially when the Mini Boombox's larger sibling boasts four times as many drivers (eight instead of two) and costs just $50 extra. But then we gave this more suitcase-friendly version a whirl and discovered that it's actually loud and balanced enough to do some justice to your tunes while you're on the move. In fact, it could well make a smarter purchase than those $30 speakers you keep buying in airports and then deliberately losing. It's available from the end of this month, works with any A2DP Bluetooth-equipped smartphone or tablet and incorporates a mic for handling calls -- plus its rechargeable battery is claimed to last up to ten hours. Ears-on video and a quick round of 'name that tune' right after the break, along with the full PR.

Gallery: Logitech Mini Boombox hands-on

Continue reading Logitech's Mini Boombox is a $99 Bluetooth speaker, we go hands-on (video)

Logitech's Mini Boombox is a $99 Bluetooth speaker, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X-mini KAI Bluetooth speaker daisy chains the jams

Donald Melanson — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:25:00 EST

The X-mini series of portable speakers may not have changed much in appearance over the years (with a few exceptions), but the company behind them has now finally made one significant upgrade: it's produced a Bluetooth model. As with the other speakers, the new X-mini KAI is a pocket-sized device, and it can be daisy chained with additional speakers for some bigger sound (a standard 3.5mm jack is also included for your non-Bluetooth devices). No word on a North American release just yet, but you can look for it to hit parts of Asia in December for around $100, and CNET has hands-on at the source link below.

[Thanks, Jay]

X-mini KAI Bluetooth speaker daisy chains the jams originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JBL On Tour iBT Bluetooth speaker now available for $150, iPad stand included

Billy Steele — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 06:47:00 EST

Have a soft spot for wireless speakers? There were tons of options out there already, but JBL just threw one more into the ring with its On Tour iBT. As we'd expect form the audio gurus, the system boasts wireless audio internals that play nice with both A2DP and AVRCP Bluetooth devices. In addition to four JBL Odyssey transducers, the kit packs a built-in microphone for Facetime or hands-free calls, an adjustable iPad stand and a USB connector for charging -- when the Katy Perry tune blastin' device is plugged in itself, of course. Interested? It can be yours now via the source link for $150, but if you'd care to take a closer look before committing, peep the gallery below.

Gallery: JBL On Tour iBT

JBL On Tour iBT Bluetooth speaker now available for $150, iPad stand included originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Oct 2011 06:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo BT820 wireless speaker triggers impromptu rave at the FCC

Sharif Sakr — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:47:00 EST

At first glance this looks like your average, dime a dozen, AA-powered portable speaker. But then you realize the unannounced device is at the FCC because it's wireless -- Bluetooth in this instance. Next, you notice the chunky eight-inch midriff and the large (but still cheap-looking) stereo drivers and you finally acknowledge that this thing might actually beat the puny speakers in your brand new Lenovo Ultrabook. Still, it's not nearly as surprising as a music-playing lightbulb.

Lenovo BT820 wireless speaker triggers impromptu rave at the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bose unveils SoundLink wireless mobile speaker, fancies up A2DP for a premium (hands-on)

Joe Pollicino — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:11:00 EST

Ah, Bose -- give it an audio product and it'll be sure to add that seemingly unnecessary luxury feel, minus the hard hitting details. If you'll recall, the Massachusetts-based company had quietly pushed some new 'wares through the FCC this past week, but with not so much as a sliver of info. Today in the Big Apple, it finally let us in on one new item, the SoundLink wireless mobile speaker. Priced at $300 and up, this unit is a "portable" A2DP Bluetooth speaker weighing in at around three pounds with less than two-inches of depth -- basically, it's massive against similar speakers like the Jawbone Jambox or foxL v2. We had the opportunity today to spend a few minutes with this opulent gizmo, and you'll find all the details just past the break.

Gallery: Bose SoundLink wireless mobile speaker hands-on

Continue reading Bose unveils SoundLink wireless mobile speaker, fancies up A2DP for a premium (hands-on)

Bose unveils SoundLink wireless mobile speaker, fancies up A2DP for a premium (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP Touchstone Audio Dock passes FCC on the way to anonymous launch

Daniel Cooper — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:32:00 EST

If your grandest dream involves HP releasing a Touchstone dock that could stream music over Bluetooth, you probably suffer from the same lack of ambition that caused it to meekly push the Pre 3, unheralded, into Europe this week. Such a dock has made the rounds at the FCC, and from their documents we can glean that it's packing a 3.5mm audio-out jack and can broadcast over 6MHz, a capability that was also added to the Pre 3 for an as-yet ambiguous reason. Perhaps we can expect the new dock to arrive in Europe prior to the Pre 3 landing stateside -- it's asking a lot, we know, but crazier miracles have come to pass.

HP Touchstone Audio Dock passes FCC on the way to anonymous launch originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia's Play 360 Bluetooth speaker uses NFC daps to pair with your phone

Michael Gorman — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 01:37:00 EST

Nokia's N9 got most of the attention earlier today, but the gang from Espoo also announced a nifty new portable speaker to complement its slice of MeeGo. Called the Nokia Play 360, this little barrel of omnidirectional audio streams music from your phone via Bluetooth. It also makes the pairing process easy with NFC -- a simple tap of your N9 or Nexus S to the speaker gets the tunes flowing. Not only that, when you get two of these sound boxes together, they sense each other through NFC and switch your sound to stereo. So, what's the price of such aural enjoyment? It'll cost you €149 ($213) when it ships in Q3 of this year.

Continue reading Nokia's Play 360 Bluetooth speaker uses NFC daps to pair with your phone

Nokia's Play 360 Bluetooth speaker uses NFC daps to pair with your phone originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 01:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Perch: the Bluetooth speaker / smartphone dock of your dreams, shipping soon for $180

Darren Murph — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 15:02:00 EST

Okay, so maybe that's a stretch, but there's no question that Quirky's latest socially-developed product is one of the slicker wireless speaker / dock combos out there. Dubbed Perch, this two-piece device acts as a standalone Bluetooth speaker if you'd like, but it also includes a dock / tray for holding your device while it's charging. It's model and brand agnostic, and it's up for pre-order right now for $179.99. Gallery's below, but don't dive in if you're easily swayed by eye candy.

Gallery: Quirky's Perch Bluetooth speaker / dock

Continue reading Perch: the Bluetooth speaker / smartphone dock of your dreams, shipping soon for $180

Perch: the Bluetooth speaker / smartphone dock of your dreams, shipping soon for $180 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 09 Jan 2011 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jawbone Jambox vs. Soundmatters foxL v2... fight!

Sean Hollister — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 19:01:00 EST

Two portable speakers clamber into the ring, each boasting big, beautiful sound for their diminutive size. Both cost $200. Both have the same technology inside. The Jawbone Jambox and the Soundmatters foxL v2 with Bluetooth each want to be your wireless audio wunderkind, blasting music and taking Bluetooth calls. At best, you're only going to buy one. Which speaker should you choose? Following our Jambox review, we got our hands on a foxL and put the two head to head, and after the break you'll see which one came out on top -- both literally and figuratively.

Gallery: Jawbone Jambox vs. Soundmatters foxL v2... fight!

Continue reading Jawbone Jambox vs. Soundmatters foxL v2... fight!

Jawbone Jambox vs. Soundmatters foxL v2... fight! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jawbone Jambox review

Sean Hollister — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 11:55:00 EST

You may have already gathered that we're fans of the Jawbone Jambox -- seeing as how it appears in our Holiday Gift Guide -- but does a miniature portable speaker, even one that pumps out 85 decibels, deserve a $200 price? How about that battery life? We've spent weeks now with the little Bluetooth speaker that could, throwing it at every scenario in sight, and after the break you'll find a full review with all the upsides and downsides.

Gallery: Jawbone Jambox unboxing and hands-on

Continue reading Jawbone Jambox review

Jawbone Jambox review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jawbone Jambox Bluetooth speaker now available for $200

Donald Melanson — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 01:10:00 EST

It's hardly the most affordable Bluetooth speaker around, but Jawbone's new Jambox did manage to impress us when we got our hands on it earlier this month, and you can now finally pick one up yourself directly from Jawbone, or at your local Apple store and "select" Best Buy stores. As expected, it'll set you back $200, and it's available in your choice of four different colors / designs, each of which pack the same 800mAh lithium-ion battery that promises ten hours of continuous use, a built-in mic that will let you use it as a speakerphone, and an output capacity of 85 decibels that Jawbone says "fills even the largest rooms with stellar hi-fi sound." If you're looking to judge that for yourself, you can apparently do so at an Apple store, where Jawbone says the Jambox will be "featured alongside the iPad."

Jawbone Jambox Bluetooth speaker now available for $200 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 01:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jawbone intros Jambox portable bluetooth speaker, we go hands-on (update)

Sean Hollister — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST

Since 2006, Jawbone's been making noise-canceling bluetooth headsets boasting modern design and military-grade sound. This is not one of those. This is the Jawbone Jambox -- a wireless bluetooth speaker -- and it's what happened when the company decided to let the music out. Functionally it's almost exactly the same as a Jawbone Icon, down to the pairing process, and MyTALK upgradable software platform, but instead of a tiny mono earpiece you're getting a stylish portable speakerphone with a 3.5mm input jack and some serious stereo potential. We've had it playing for several hours now, and while it's not going to be the life of a large party even at maximum volume, it pumps out a terribly impressive amount of clear, room-filling sound for its size. If you pick it up or set it down on a table, you'll feel the vibrations nearby.

You can't quite tell from this angle, but that stainless steel grill wraps around an airtight enclosure made of polycarbonate infused with glass, which houses a pair of full-range drivers and a microphone up front and a "moving-wall passive bass radiator" around back for some extra low-end goodness. We're told this last was quite the innovation, which didn't impress us much until we were told what Jawbone put inside the radiator to ensure mass and rigidity: the unit's 800mAh lithium-ion battery. Speaking of juice, Jawbone tells us the unit's good for about eight hours of continuous playback at 75 percent volume. You'll be paying a good bit to get this designer toy pumping out your jams, as any of the black, red, blue or silver units will run $200 at Best Buy and the Apple Store when they hit November 16th, but if you've been aching for a modern, handheld ghetto blaster, this is definitely one way to go. PR after the break.

Update: As some have pointed out in comments, a number of the ideas here aren't actually new -- you can find a very similar portable Bluetooth speaker (down to a patent-pending "BassBattery" and a $200 price) in the Soundmatters foxL v2 with Bluetooth.

Update 2: As it turns out, the foxL v2 isn't exactly a competitor, it's an ally of sorts, because the Jambox is a collaboration with the same Dr. Godehard Guenther who invented the original device. "JAMBOX leverages the core analog acoustics that made FoxL great," says a representative, but with numerous improvements: Jawbone's noise cancellation and Bluetooth know-how, a thicker, stiffer speaker enclosure and a Yves Behar design.

Gallery: Jawbone Jambox unboxing and hands-on

Gallery: Jawbone Jambox press shots

Continue reading Jawbone intros Jambox portable bluetooth speaker, we go hands-on (update)

Jawbone intros Jambox portable bluetooth speaker, we go hands-on (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Devotec rolls out updated Solar Sound 2 Bluetooth speaker

Donald Melanson — Wed, 26 May 2010 05:34:00 EST

Devotec's new Solar Sound 2 Bluetooth speaker may look nearly identical to the original model we got our hands on last year, but the company assures us that it has in fact been "re-designed from the ground up," and promises that it'll give you a whole lot more for the slightly higher $99.99 price tag. The biggest advantage, it seems, is some significantly better sound thanks to some new and improved speaker cones, silver plated oxygen free copper speaker cabling, and a more efficient power circuit that promises to "get even more juice to the amp and speakers." You'll also get some new gold-plated connectors on the unit itself, along with an integrated line-out, and a slightly larger battery that should give you between five and ten hours of use (compared to eight at most before). Head on past the break for the full press release, and hit up the source link below to get your order in if you like.

Continue reading Devotec rolls out updated Solar Sound 2 Bluetooth speaker

Devotec rolls out updated Solar Sound 2 Bluetooth speaker originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 May 2010 05:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Soundmatters' foxL v2 portable Bluetooth speaker rocks the suburbs

Darren Murph — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:08:00 EST

Soundmatters made a few (sine) waves last year with the introduction of its awfully cute foxL Bluetooth speaker, but for those preoccupied with other matters, there's nothing wrong with snagging v2 in order to catch up. The pocket-sized (5.6- x 2.2- x 1.4-inches) speaker sports new BT circuitry that allows for 3x better reception than the prior version, and it also automatically pairs and searches for Bluetooth devices. Users can now answer and terminate a call from the speaker itself, and as expected, you'll also get a bit more volume out of this one compared to the original. The rechargeable battery will keep the jams spinning for five hours on a full charge, and if the international charging prongs weren't enough, there's also the option to regenerate over USB. It's set to ship later this month to jet-setting music junkies for $199, while a wired (read: non-BT) variant will go for $30 less.

Soundmatters' foxL v2 portable Bluetooth speaker rocks the suburbs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Devotec Solar Sound Bluetooth speaker hands-on and nano-review

Nilay Patel — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:27:00 EST

So we've been playing with the Devotec Industries Solar Sound Bluetooth speaker system for a couple days now, and we've got to say we're pretty impressed -- we just wish it could run directly (and indefinitely) off the solar panel, instead of requiring an internal battery that takes 12-24 hours to charge from the sun or four hours to charge off USB. That said, you will get eight hours of decent audio when the battery is full, and it's actually relatively loud -- you'll be more than fine indoors and in quieter spots, although cranking things up all the way results in some audible distortion. Of course, it's A2DP, so setup is a breeze with most Bluetooth devices, including 3.0 iPhones, and you can hook most everything else up with the included 3.5mm headphone cable. (Just keep in mind that Apple doesn't properly support AVRCP, so the forward and back control buttons don't work correctly over Bluetooth.) Not bad for $79 -- and you won't have to burn through endless AAs to take your tunes on those summer picnics and beach trips.

Gallery: Devotec Solar Sound unboxing and hands-on

Filed under: Portable Audio

Devotec Solar Sound Bluetooth speaker hands-on and nano-review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Devotec debuts Solar Sound Bluetooth speaker system

Donald Melanson — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:41:00 EST

Devotec Industries has mostly kept itself occupied with solar chargers and the like to date, but it looks to be branching out somewhat with its latest product, which appears to be one of the first solar-powered Bluetooth speakers to hit the market. Obviously designed primarily with portability in mind, the Solar Sound packs a pair of 2W speakers, along with a retractable 3.5mm cable to accommodate your non-Bluetooth devices, a built-in mic for some hands-free calling when paired with a phone, a nifty touch panel display, and a promised 8 hours of use from the internal battery (which recharges in 12 to 24 hours from the solar panel, or four hours via AC or USB). Sold? Then you can pick one up right now for $79.

[Via TestFreaks, thanks Vincent D]

Filed under: Portable Audio

Devotec debuts Solar Sound Bluetooth speaker system originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker approved by vacationing Billy Corgan

Darren Murph — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:18:00 EST

We don't know a single soul who hasn't wanted to hear Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness from start-to-finish whilst swimming off the coast of Phuket, but seriously, who's going to tune in on a $40 waterproof Bluetooth speaker ball? Then again, maybe Billy's secretly more concerned with his choice of swimwear and lack of sunscreen than the clarity of Iha's riffs.

Filed under: Portable Audio

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker approved by vacationing Billy Corgan originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson's MS500 Bluetooth speaker makes old people cranky

Darren Murph — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 04:31:00 EST

Annoyed by urban youth and their desire to fill the world with "music" from the tin-can speakers on their cellphones? Yeah? Then prepare yourself old man 'cause your curmudgeon knob is about to get a twist from this new Bluetooth 2.1+EDR speaker from Sony Ericsson. The MS500 2-watt speaker is designed for mobility with a durable splash-proof shell, wrist-strap, and hook allowing it to be tethered to any messenger bag for up to 5-hours (off AA batteries) of optimal annoyance. Although pictured in the wide-open spaces favored by the beautiful, expect to see the MS500 riding the subway seat next to you when it ships on an unspecified date for an undisclosed price. One more product shot after the break.

Continue reading Sony Ericsson's MS500 Bluetooth speaker makes old people cranky

Filed under: Peripherals, Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson's MS500 Bluetooth speaker makes old people cranky originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 04:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson's MS500 Bluetooth speaker makes old people cranky

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 04:31:00 EST

Continue reading Sony Ericsson's MS500 Bluetooth speaker makes old people cranky

Filed under: Portable Audio

Sony Ericsson's MS500 Bluetooth speaker makes old people cranky originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 04:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bluepeaker weds GPS, speakerphone and Bluetooth into one ugly puck

Darren Murph — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:44:00 EST

Right, we know -- it's probably the hideous FCC photograph that's turning us off on the design, but there's still something here that just screams 1997. Nitpicking aside, the so-called Bluepeaker is a multifaceted device that provides GPS data to Bluetooth-equipped phones, PDAs and laptops, all while doubling as a BT speaker (audio streaming is obviously supported) or a BT speakerphone (handsfree is a lock). The unit itself can get juice via any powered USB port or AC wall charger, and we're told it should last for around 200 hours in standby mode. Sadly, the FCC isn't really much for handing out pricing details, but we'll be sure to keep an ear to the ground.

[Via Slashgear]

Filed under: GPS, Home Entertainment, Portable Audio

Bluepeaker weds GPS, speakerphone and Bluetooth into one ugly puck originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's flower-inspired BSP6000 Bluetooth speaker hits FCC

Darren Murph — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:41:00 EST

Samsung has a history of pumping out Bluetooth speakers with unorthodox designs, so we can't say we were totally taken off guard when this one popped up in the FCC's database. That said, it's hard not to be a little shocked when checking out a speaker that looks more like a pair of black flowers than an audio maker, but that's exactly what's presented in the BSP6000. This mobile companion not only allows for BT music streaming, but it also pairs with your handset in order to initiate / answer / end calls. Predictably, Sammy threw in a standard 3.5 millimeter auxiliary jack for connecting any other music source, and we're told that it'll work with your BT phone so long as it's within a 30 foot radius. Obviously, there's no mention of a price or release date (though that would be nice of you to find out, FCC), but we'll be sure to keep an eye out for more. Shouldn't be too hard to miss.

Filed under: Multimedia, Peripherals, Samsung

Samsung's flower-inspired BSP6000 Bluetooth speaker hits FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's flower-inspired BSP6000 Bluetooth speaker hits FCC

Darren Murph — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:41:00 EST

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Samsung's flower-inspired BSP6000 Bluetooth speaker hits FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Soundmatters foxL Bluetooth speaker gets reviewed

Darren Murph — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:34:00 EST

For audiophiles, it's a perpetual challenge to find a portable speaker that carries even half the tunes of your assuredly expensive towers at home. Soundmatters has attempted to halt your looking, however, with the recently-unveiled foxL. This portable speaker, which is also available in an entirely-more-delectable Bluetooth flavor, was recently put to the test by Sound & Vision, and the reviewer came away more than impressed. Put simply, no system this small -- at least in the critic's mind -- ever came close to "sounding this good." In testing, he found that the frequency response of the foxL "looked like that of a well-engineered, $2,000-per-pair bookshelf speaker," and honestly, when the biggest complaint is that it can get too loud for the average hotel room, you pretty much know you've got a winner on your hands.

Filed under: Reviews, Speakers

Soundmatters foxL Bluetooth speaker gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Soundmatters reveals foxLmb portable Bluetooth speaker

Darren Murph — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:01:00 EST

Soundmatters already has the living room taken care of, so it makes sense to see it aiming for those times when you need sound everywhere else. All set to debut at CEDIA, said company has unveiled its foxL portable speaker, which measures in at 5.6- x 2.2- x 1.4-inches and promises "audiophile" grade sound quality. The foxL is also available with integrated Bluetooth (foxLmb), and both flavors include a pair of 1-inch "Twoofers" (yes, we're serious) and a Li-ion battery good for around five hours on a full charge. Expect these to surface in early September for $199 and $249, respectively.

Filed under: Speakers, Others

Soundmatters reveals foxLmb portable Bluetooth speaker originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung showcases YA-SBR510 Bluetooth speaker

Darren Murph — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:19:00 EST

Samsung already loosed a 3-channel Bluetooth speaker earlier this year, but apparently, one just isn't enough. The company has now introduced its YA-SBR510 over in South Korea, which streams audio from BT-enabled players and includes a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary jack for hooking up just about everything else. A tad pricey at €150 ($222), but it's a total bargain should it come bundled with that oh-so-furry rug. Sammy, care to comment?

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio, Wireless

Samsung showcases YA-SBR510 Bluetooth speaker originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's YA-BS900 Hyper 3-channel Bluetooth speaker gets official

Darren Murph — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 17:01:00 EST

Recall that curious "3-channel" speaker we peeked back in November? Turns out, Samsung was saving the good stuff for CES, and now we're being blessed with a whole heap of official details. The YA-BS900 speaker automatically connects to your BT-enabled PMP / handset / etc. and features Bluetooth 2.1, a motion detector to power on the system when a paired device comes near, 30-watts of power and a USB port for playing tunes stored on a flash drive. Furthermore, it even boasts automatic volume reduction when a call comes in on your paired mobile, and while the onboard touch controls are fine and dandy, we'd certainly take advantage of that remote if we were you. Sadly, this beauty won't be available for two more months, and as if that weren't depressing enough, it'll cost you a staggering $399 when March finally does roll around.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio

Samsung's YA-BS900 Hyper 3-channel Bluetooth speaker gets official originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung readies YA-BS900 Hyper-Directional Bluetooth speaker

Darren Murph — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 04:07:00 EST

Samsung's YA-BS900 won't deliver any jams in 5.1, but it most certainly is "Hyper-Directional," for whatever that's worth. The interestingly designed speaker touts Bluetooth technology, claims to be "3-channel" in nature and possesses the innate ability to play back tunes streamed in with your BT-enabled cellphone or DAP. Furthermore, the unit will take Ozzy down a notch if it notices that a Bluetooth phone is answered, but we're not told what other inputs (you know, like a totally convenient 3.5-millimeter jack) are included. Per usual, price / availability remain a mystery, but those tidbits can't hide for too much longer.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio

Samsung readies YA-BS900 Hyper-Directional Bluetooth speaker originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 04:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson's MBS-100 Bluetooth speaker might contain spores

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 07:16:00 EST

If Sony Ericsson was the name for an embarrassing fungal wart then you'd be reaching for a bucket right about now. However, given that SE makes consumer electronics you're actually looking at their new MBS-100 Bluetooth speaker. The crater-pocked sphere features A2DP stereo audio and a rechargeable 5-hour battery for delicious portability. Unfortunately, SE tells us that it "looks as good as it sounds" which doesn't make us too hopeful on the acoustic front. They've also released a 25-hour, HCB-105 Bluetooth car Speakerphone kit. Sure, it looks a bit staid but at least it won't scare the children. No prices given, but the MBS-100 will drop in Q4 while the HCB-105 arrives in Q1.

Gallery: Sony Ericsson's MBS-100 Bluetooth speaker might contain spores

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio, Transportation

Sony Ericsson's MBS-100 Bluetooth speaker might contain spores originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 07:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's BS300 Bluetooth speaker for the small minded

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 03:30:00 EST

If you've been wondering just how'd you take advantage of your new Yepp P2's or T10's Bluetooth radio, check this: Samsung's new YA-BS300 Bluetooth speaker. The interesting thing about this lil' pup is not the pair of tin-can speakers, but the inclusion of a variety of controls to flip tracks and such while your Bluetooth phone or DAP is tucked away safely in your man-sack. You know, assuming they support the AVRCP Bluetooth profile. Then proudly string that speaker up under your umbrella..brella...ella and show the world just how toxic your musical tastes can be.

Filed under: Portable Audio

Samsung's BS300 Bluetooth speaker for the small minded originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Aug 2007 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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