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LG's 2022 OLED TVs are available now
LG is starting to ship its 2022 OLED TVs in the US, although you'll have to wait for some models.
Altec Lansing announces a trio of 'Custom Series' in-ear monitors -- no, seriously
Sure, we've covered in-ear monitors from the likes of Westone and Shure, but Altec Lansing? Believe it. Taking a sidestep from its usual consumer-focused audio wares, the company today announced a partnership with ACS Custom to bring a trio of custom-molded IEMs, packing balanced-armature drivers to market. Each ear-mold is "handcrafted from advanced, medical-grade silicone" and you can expect noise isolation in upwards of 27dB, although, you'll somewhat disappointingly be stuck with Altec's signature smoked-grey and gold color scheme. The IEMs feature kevlar-wrapped cabling -- which notably, isn't removable like similar offerings at this price -- and a right-angle 3.5mm plug for hook-up. The trophy piece of the bunch, dubbed A3 (pictured), is aimed at music professionals and will retail for $1000, featuring a duo of treble and mid-range drivers along with a single woofer. For those leaning toward something less spendy, the $750 A2 variant drops one of the high / mid drivers in favor of a dual-driver setup, while the $500 A1 gets even smaller with a single full-range driver. Better yet, after ordering a set from Altec or an authorized retailer, you'll have a choice of about 300 audiologists -- hopefully within reasonable distance your abode -- to get you ear's impressions taken and sent over for creation. If you're willing to give 'em a shot, the Altec Lansing Custom Series IEMs will be available starting this month, and you'll find the full press release after the break. %Gallery-139366%
Audi announces A2 electric concept car, uses lasers to ensure safety of future humans
Lasers make everything better, including (but not limited to): microphones, kidneys and Audi's electric A2 concept. This newest flight of fancy uses a laser diode as the rear fog lamp, which projects a red triangle onto the road to let other drivers know you're there. The German car-maker has tricked out the rest of the EV's lighting system as well by implementing matrix beam technology using LEDs and microreflectors -- giving it high resolution, non-glaring beams and intelligent tail lights that change in intensity based on weather conditions. Claiming other state-of-the-art features like gesture controls instead of keys, and brake lights that glow brighter the harder you press, it sounds like this would be a pretty sweet ride -- if it ever makes it to market. No word on the other, insignificant details (ya know, like what actually powers the thing) but there's plenty more about the car's lighting system in the PR after the break.
DBM Energy's electric Audi A2 completes record setting 372 mile drive on a single charge
116 miles in an electric vehicle? No problem. But you'll quite literally be pushing your new Nissan Leaf another 250 miles to achieve what's being hailed as a world record in Germany. Little Lekker Mobil, a four-seat Audi A2 refitted with an experimental electric powerplant as part of a government sponsored project with Germany's lekker Energie and DBM Energy, just completed a 372-mile (600-km) stretch of road between Munich and Berlin on a single charge, a journey that lasted around seven hours. Even with the heater running, the modified A2 with fully usable trunk arrived with spare electricity in the "tank." The battery uses DBM Energy's KOLIBRI AlphaPolymer Technology said to be 97 percent efficient and chargeable from virtually any socket -- plug it into a high voltage DC source and it can be fully charged in just six minutes according to the car's driver and battery inventor, Mirko Hannemann. While Hannemann wouldn't be pinned down on pricing for the battery, the 27 year old did say that it would be more powerful and cheaper than conventional lithium ion batteries. He even went so far as to suggest that his company was ready to begin mass production of the batteries now -- presumably aided by the large sacks of money he'll be handed after pulling off the record breaking stunt.
iiView A2 borrows Apple's panache for a Win 7 netbook
Manufacturers the world over have given this one some serious thought, and they've decided that you want something that feels like a MacBook Air, looks (vaguely) like a MacBook Air, and doesn't run OS X. Available come October 22, the iiView A2 features an Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz CPU, 2GB DDR2 RAM, 320GB HDD, a 12.1-inch display, and 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless. Shipping for $399 with Windows 7, this guy will look right at home next to your award-winning collection of Air KIRFs -- and won't break the bank in the process. Hit that read link for more info. [Via ChipChick]
Engadget's recession antidote: win a pair of Audioengine A2 speakers!
We know that you're being crushed under the seemingly endless weight of economic despair and financial strife, and we want to help. That's why Engadget is giving away one gadget every day until we run out of stuff and / or companies stop giving us products to hand out. It's our little way of putting the recess back in recession! Today you'll be playing for a pair of Audioengine A2 speakers, so read the full rules below, and start commenting! Special thanks to Audioengine for providing the gear! The rules: Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too. You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine. Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad. Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one pair of Audioengine A2 speakers. Approximate value is $199. If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Entries can be submitted until Wednesday, February 18th, 11:59PM ET. Good luck! Full rules can be found here.
The little engine that can: Audioengine A2 speaker review
In our review of Audioengine's AW1 wireless audio adapter, we tipped our hand a bit: our interest in Audioengine's products started with the idea of setting up wireless surround channels. Let's face it: nobody likes fugly wires running along the baseboards, pulling wires through the attic (when it's even an option) is a hassle and carrying wires through crown-moulding isn't exactly plug-and-play, either. For rear-channel purposes, pairing the AW1 along with active speakers makes sense, especially if you're trying to minimize the aesthetic downside of your audio setup. Putting a whole separate receiver in the back of the room is no way to go, and even a small zone amplifier is just another box you're going to have to hide. As luck would have it, Audioengine has a small active speaker, the A2, that fits the bill. Much like the AW1, however, the A2 had some surprises for us.%Gallery-18467%
Reaction Engines' A2 supersonic jet could easily humble the Concorde
Concorde, schmoncorde. At least that's what we assume Reaction Engines' A2 would utter if it could in fact speak. The supersonic jet, designed by Oxfordshire's own Reaction Engines, could one day shuttle passengers from Europe to Down Under in less than five hours, cruising at up to 4,000 miles-per-hour along the way. Granted, the aircraft is still in concept mode at the moment, but if all goes to plan, it could be operational "within 25 years." Reportedly, the 156-yard long jet could maintain a speed of 3,800 miles-per-hour -- over twice that of the famed Concorde -- and could carry 300 guests on each trip. Who knows how much a seat would cost, but we're guessing the sky's the limit.[Via Engadget Spanish]
Wal-Mart now selling Toshiba's A2 HD DVD player for $198?
Remember all the hubbub about the $299, then sub-$200 Wal-Mart HD DVD player? Well, if that photo is to be believed, then it's here. However, this ain't some cheapo, no-name player. Nope, it's Toshiba's A2, listing for $399 back in April, now just $198. According to the AVS Forum jockey who supposedly took the pic, it'll be on sale nationwide on November 3rd with an allocation of 18 units per store. However, at least a few lucky AVS members are reporting that sales have already begun. So what's the dealio readers, how's it looking at your own local Wally World? [Thanks, Andrew]
Toshiba releases 24p firmware update
HD DVD joins the 24p party today as Toshiba releases the latest firmware for their second generation HD movie players. There are a few other updates included as well, but for those who have TVs that support it, they can now enjoy movies with one less conversion than before. Of course the real question is, will you notice a difference? Regardless, you'll find your movie experience more enjoyable just thinking about the fact that you're watching the film at the same frame rate as it was originally captured in. If your player is connected to your network, just check for an update tomorrow and you'll be all set, otherwise follow the read link and download the iso image.[Via FormatWarCentral]
Toshiba drops HD DVD MSRP, effective 4/1/07
At just about the one year anniversary of the format war, it looks like Toshiba is throwing the next punch. HD DVD will be one step closer to that magic price point of $299, with that latest update of the MSRP of their HD DVD players. According to a few retailers at the AVSFroum on April 1st Toshiba will change the MSRP and the least expensive model; the A2 will now have an MSRP of $399. The A2 isn't the only model with a new price, as the other two models see a drop as well, the A20 will be $499 and finally the high end model, the XA2 for $799. So if price was the only thing stopping you from getting in the HD DVD game and the Xbox360 add-on just isn't your style, then now might just be the time. Of course some of you will still be waiting for the $600 Blu-ray player instead.[Thanks, WiFiSpy]
Is this the Cowon A3?
No, we have no idea if this pic from a Korean message board -- which purportedly shows Cowon's successor to its A2 portable media player -- is legit. And there are no real specs available yet, either. In fact, the only thing anyone seems able to glean from the pic is that this will include a DMB receiver (that's presumably what the antenna's for, and it's a safe bet to make for a new Korean PMP, regardless of any other info). Still, after months of "true video iPods" and "tablet Macs," it's nice to see that Apple doesn't have the market for rumors and suspicious-looking product mockups all to itself.
