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Klipsch Gallery G-17 Air soundbar further befits its moniker with custom speaker grilles
Remember Klipsch's $500 Gallery G-17 Air soundbar that wowed our ears last holiday season? If you weren't fond of the AirPlay-enabled rig's piano-black finish, you might be pleased to know that the company is ready to let you spice it up visually. If you'll recall, the unit features a removeable magnetic speaker grill, which can now be customized to your heart's desire -- provided you've got another 25 bucks, a 300 DPI image file and four weeks of waiting time to spare. Naturally, we're partial to seeing it affixed with the Engadget white and blue, but feel free to give it a go with something of your own favor at the source link below.
Klipsch Gallery G-17 Air soundbar review
If you'll recall, it was back at CES when we realized that AirPlay devices would be "set to explode" by this year's end -- and it's certainly proving true as a storm of new speakers have hit the market over the last few months. Of all the speakers we'd spotted on the show floor, however, a select bunch AirPlay-enabled speakerbar prototypes from Klipsch's newly unveiled Gallery lineup of high-performance home audio wares really perked our ears -- and widened our pupils. It wouldn't be until July that the smallest version, known then as the $400 Gallery Studio, would be officially unveiled as the Gallery G-17 Air, priced at a spendier $530. Now, nearly four months later the G-17 is finally hitting retail (albeit with a $20 price increase), aimed just a notch below $600 options like B&W's Zeppelin Air, but well above others including iHome's $300 iW1. We've been testing a model G-17 Air for a few days now, so join us past break to find out whether its beauty is deeper than its insanely glossy black shell. %Gallery-139873%
Yamaha's ruggedized PDX-11 iPod speaker dock lets you blast beats beyond your block for $100
If its past offerings have been any indicator, Yamaha's no stranger to pumping out attractive speaker docks for iDevices. Not surprisingly, the company's managed to pour that design sense into its latest ruggedized portable system, the PDX-11. This octagonal unit features a 4-inch woofer and a 1 and 3/8-inch tweeter that can be powered by six AA-batteries, allowing for up to eight hours of on-the-go sound. Up top, you'll find a 30-pin connection base for your iPhone or iPod, and there's also a 3.5mm jack around back to play nice with other PMPs. Notably, the speaker's metal carry handle and grill should keep it ready for a mild amount of city-slicking abuse -- and in a choice of blue, white, green or black, we'd imagine it'll look extra fresh doing so. To sweeten the deal further, a remote is included for extra control options. If you're ready to take your tunes to the outdoors, the PDX-11 is available now for a block rockin' hundred bucks. You'll find full details at the source link below.
iHome iW1 AirPlay wireless audio system finally available now, again, sort of
Remember back to September 26th when iHome's iW1 AirPlay speaker was supposed to be available? Curiously, the company's website continually listed the $300 system as "coming soon" (at least the times we checked), leaving iOS and iTunes users yearning for this cable-free audio ware in the proverbial dust. Now, a full month later, iHome has again announced the release of this flagship wireless speaker, even though it's still out of stock itself. According to the company, a quick trip to an Apple Store, Best Buy or Crutchfield should let you snag one, although, the latter's site won't have any until November 3rd. Here's to hunting -- and waiting for the smaller iW2 and iW3 units to get proper release dates. Full details in the press release after the break.
Bose's OE2 and OE2i on-ear headphones pack brand recognition, little else
Bose may be best known for its active noise-cancelling headphones, but that doesn't mean it's a stranger to the plain ol' passive types. Take for instance its latest duo of supra-aurals, the $150 OE2 and the $180 OE2i (which merely adds an iDevice compatible inline remote / mic for those extra Hamiltons). Put simply, these cans are an evolutionary update to the company's TriPort OEs, promising a more comfortable fit from memory foam padding, and improved sound quality. As you'd expect, there's absolutely no mention of specs, but frequent travelers will be joyed to know that the headphones can fold up for storage inside an included carrying case. The OE2s are currently available for purchase from Bose in a choice of black or white colorways -- a perfect match for that en route iPhone of yours. Full PR past the break.
iHome iW1 AirPlay wireless audio system review
/ Believe it or not, it was way back at CES that we first caught an in-person glimpse of iHome's flagship AirPlay-enabled audio system -- a guy dubbed iW1. We've seen a steady trickle of AirPlay devices announced in the time since, but the iW1's been one of the earliest to splash down for the fall season. Priced at a moderate $300, it's a potential option for A) those who aren't keen on smacking down at least double the Benjamins for systems like the B&W Zeppelin Air or Libratone's Live or B) an alternative to other wireless systems like the similarly priced Sonos Play:3. Despite the iW1's low(ish) cost of adoption, though, it's packed with a bevy of tantalizing features (including app support, capacitive controls and a rechargeable battery), and a classy appearance, to boot. We put this modern-age boom box through its sound-reproducing paces for the past few weeks (much to our neighbors dismay). So, if you want to find out whether or not the iHome iW1 will pack a bang for your buck, hit that "read more" link below for our full review. %Gallery-134652%
NuForce's Icon iDo amp improves iPod sound, costs more than a Classic
Ever feel the temptation to run your iDevice straight into a set of 250-ohm Beyerdynamic or Sennheiser cans? You could, but the resulting sound would hardly rock you. Thankfully, NuForce's colorful Icon iDo is ready to assist in your iAudiophile needs for only $250. This headphone amp -- supporting sampling rates up to 48kHz, 24-bits of resolution and a 10-20kHz frequency -- cables into your iPod's 30-pin connector to bypass the digital audio converter and uses its own to amp up the quality of your audio. The iDo promises to drive headphones all the way up to 300-ohms with 12mW of power via its 3.5 jack, and it's also sporting digital / analog RCAs if you want to share the love with some speakers. You'll be at the whim of wall outlets as plug-in power is required for operation, but at least its built IR receiver will let you remote control your playlists from afar. It's available today if you're finding your HiFi bugged piqued, and a backside shot with PR is just past the break.
Libratone's AirPlay-enabled soundbars want to cozy up with your iOS wares
Been on the prowl for an audio solution with AirPlay to compliment your iDevice or Apple TV? Bid hello to Libratone's ultra-chic Lounge and Live soundbars. Last year, the company introduced its eye-catching Beat wireless speaker system back at IFA; we were intrigued by its active drivers and carry handle, but mildly disappointed that cord-cutting required pesky proprietary adapters. Apple users will be happy to know AirPlay's been fully embraced this time, along with the signature adornment of cashmere wool. First up, the Live appears to be an Airplay-enabled Beat with 50 extra watts of RMS power (150 total), and an updated -- mini TOSlink accepting -- 3.5mm input for hooking up non AirPlay-enabled gear. Next up, the sleek Lounge unit above sports a similar external design and digital 3.5mm jack, but it's svelte in comparison for wall-mounting under a TV. Under its sheep fuzz, you'll find two 1-inch ribbon tweeters, two 4-inch ceramic drivers, and one 8-inch inverted woofer, all of which are independently amplified for a combined output of 150 RMS watts. Poised to please audio enthusiasts, both employ DSP and Libratone's FullRoom for a "360 degree soundscape" controllable via an iOS app, while the Lounge's volume can also be handled by a TV remote. The Lounge will be available through Apple's online store this September priced at £1,099 to €,1199 (about $1,791 to $1,954), and the Live for £599 to £6,99 ($699) at Apple retail locations in the EU and US -- both in various colorways. You'll find details in the PR after the break while your next bout of Gear Acquisition Syndrome begins settling in.
Klipsch's AirPlay-enabled Gallery G-17 Air soundbar pleases ears sans cords for $530
No, that's not some oversized Kinect KIRF. What you're looking at is Klipsch's latest soundbar, the Gallery G-17 Air. Seem familiar? If you'll recall, back at CES it was known as the Gallery Studio -- the smallest of three AirPlay-enabled speaker systems the company let us demo at CES. Although not totally new, its full specs have been revealed and its price re-vamped from $400 to a slightly spendier $530. The bi-amplified stereo rig features four individually powered drivers that aim to deliver full-range sound via two Tractrix-horned .75-inch tweeters (10 watts each), and dual 2.5-inch, 20 watt woofers. Although you'll probably be streaming music over WiFi from iDevices or iTunes, the unit's equipped with USB and 3.5mm inputs should you ever want to plug-in directly or juice-up your battery. There's an ultra-svelte grill-cloth magnetically attached to the front, playback and power buttons on the side, and it also comes with a remote. The system itself sits atop a tempered glass base, but if space is at premium it can be mounted to a wall. The G-17 is set to release this fall, but if your ears are already tingling you'll find more info in the source link below.
Sony's CMT-CX5BiP HiFi system takes a style cue from the S2
Leave it to Sony to deliver odd-ball futuristic designs. The company's latest CMT-CX5 "HiFi" system sure is a looker, and could easily be mistaken as the lovechild of its S2 tablet and B&W's Zeppelin. This made for iPhone rig packs 40 watts of RMS power in its modular design with removable speakers, and can also be wall-mounted if you've cluttered your bookshelves. To get the jams flowing, you'll find an iDevice dock, CD player, USB and aux-in ports, as well as FM and DAB / DAB+ radio tuners; Sony's also added in its Dynamic Sound Generator X-tra processing if you want to give your music a slap of vibrance. You'll be able to pick up the CX5 in either black or white from the UK beginning in August, although pricing remains to be seen. For now, feel free to skim the PR past the break while you decide.
Oscium's iMSO-104 turns your iPad into a mixed signal oscilloscope
Inventive people continue to demonstrate how versatile iPads are. The latest example we've found turns the device into an oscilloscope. Oscium developed the iMSO-104 mixed-signal oscilloscope for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch "quickly and easily," the company says, thanks to Apple's iOS and MFi (Made for iPod, Made for iPhone and Made for iPad) developer programs. "It boasts a 5 MHz bandwidth and up to 12 MSPS (megasamples per second) sample rate, while simultaneously analyzing up to one analog and four digital signals," says Oscium. The sensors use Cypress Semiconductor's PSoC® 3 programmable system-on-a-chip to manage two-way communication between the sensors and your device The app is in the App Store now for free, while the full hardware rig will run you US$279.99. That's not a bad price for an oscilloscope. [Via Engadget]
Apple sues HyperMac battery maker for using patented MagSafe and iPod connectors without approval
Most Mac-wielding Engadget editors have had huge crushes on their HyperMac batteries ever since Apple moved to sealed-in MacBook Pro cells across the line, but there's a chance the party is over: Cupertino filed a patent-infringement lawsuit against HyperMac manufacturer Sanho earlier this month, claiming that it's using the patented MagSafe power connector and 30-pin iPhone / iPod dock connector without a license. Ouch. What makes this all the more interesting is that Sanho's always said it's using original Apple MagSafe connectors, which would theoretically defeat Apple's patent claims -- once a patent holder sells a product that contains a patented technology, it can be difficult to claim that the patent is being infringed by the use of that product, even if there's modification involved. (Legal nerds might want to look up "patent exhaustion" here.) The iPod connector claims might be a little easier for Apple, since we don't know if Sanho's using original parts in those cables -- and whatever savings it might have accrued by using knockoff connectors are probably going to be wiped out by the costs of this lawsuit. If we had to guess, we'd say Apple's simply unhappy that Sanho hasn't joined the lucrative Made for iPhone / Made for iPod / Made for iPad licensing programs that govern use of the connector, and that the MagSafe claim is just additional ammunition to force a settlement -- we'll see what happens, but we'd predict things come to a quick end once Sanho's lawyers send in the first bill.
Sony intros four new made for iPod / iPhone headsets
Sony's already kicked out some decent looking PC gaming headsets this month, and it's now followed those up a new batch of 'buds (and one set of over-the-ear headphones) that are "made for" for your iPod or iPhone. The earbuds come in the form of the DR-EX300iP, MDR-EX38iP, and MDR-E10iP, which pack either 9mm or 13mm Neodymium drivers, along with in-line controls, a built-in mic and, in the latter two cases, your choice of two different colors. They're joined by the DR-V150iP headphones "tailor-made for DJs," which pack the same in-line controls and mic, along with a 30mm ferrite driver that promises "deep bass and generous power handling." Of the lot, only the MDR-EX38iP is available now (for $40), with the rest due out in May.%Gallery-89052%
Sony WHG-SLK1 iPod shelf system surfaces at CES
Sony doesn't seem to have gotten around to an official announcement for this one just yet, but its WHG-SLK1 iPod shelf system was on hand at CES 2010, and the folks at Sony Insider managed to get a quick peek at it. Designed as much for video as for audio, this one packs a fairly large 9-inch screen front and center, and promises a full 100W of power, along with an iPod dock, a built-in DVD player, a USB port, and accommodations for both Memory Sticks and SD cards. You'll also get video in/out ports to connect other devices or connect the system itself to a larger screen, but there's unfortunately no indication of a price or release date.
Bowers & Wilkins first ever P5 headphones follow the iPod money trail
When you've got the brand cachet of a Bowers & Wilkins, the decision to launch your first-ever headphone will be met head-on with plenty of pre-defined market expectations. But with products spread wide across diverse audio tastes and prices, well, pretty much anything goes. So it's probably no surprise then to find B&W prostrating itself to the dollar with its P5 Mobile Hi-Fi Headphone. These Made for iPod noise-isolating cans with speech and device control are meant for use far beyond your carefully constructed "critical listening" audio nest at home. You can, however, swap out the iPod cable for the B&W supplied gold-plated cable by popping off the magnetically attached ear pad. Mind you, the P5 does not offer electronic noise cancelation, instead, the listener is isolated through a combination of the P5's closed-back design and sealed leather ear pads. They also bring the promise of "unfatiguing performance" thanks to B&W developed ultra-linear neodynium magnets and Mylar diaphragms. Naturally, we'll reserve judgment until these babies ship sometime in January. %Gallery-77847% Show full PR text Bowers & Wilkins headphones hit the streets Concert for one Unfatiguing natural sound gets you closer to the music. Noise isolating design for use on the move. Metal an sealed-leather construction maximizes comfort, for life-long listening. Made for iPod®, weith cables supplied for speech and device control. Bowers & Wilkins is proud to announce its first ever headphone. Designed for use on the move, the P5 Mobile Hi-Fi Headphone allows people to have Bowers & Wilkins sound quality wherever they are. Some 45 years of audio experience has gone into the P5; close to five-decades of research into what true sound is. The ultimate aim of all Bowers & Wilkins products is to bring the listener as close as possible to the sound intended by the recording engineers. That is as true of the world-renowned 800 Series speakers used in the likes of Abbey Road Studio, as it is for the best sounding premium iPod® speaker available, Zeppelin. And now it's true for Mobile Hi-Fi Headphones. Recognizing that many mobile headphones can be tiring when listened to over extended periods, Bowers & Wilkins' engineers at the world-famous Stenying Research Establishment have worked tirelessly to produce a headphone with a natural, unfatiguing performance. The use of specially developed ultra-linear neodymium magnets and highly optimized Mylar diaphragms provide the best possible sound quality. As always, countless hours of critical listening and tuning have played a major part in the P5's natural and engaging performance. This pristine sound performance is married to design and construction techniques aimed at isolating as much noise as possible, for consumers that do not require full electronic noise cancellation. This isolation is achieved through a combination of the closed-back design featuring a rigid metal faceplate, and the sealed-leather ear pads. These materials not only remove a lot of external noise, providing an enveloping listening experience without completely removing the user's sense of place, they also offer an extremely comfortable user experience. The leather-clad headband has been designed for extreme comfort where it interfaces with the side of the head, while the softest available sheep's leather from New Zealand has been used for the ear pads. Recognizing the dominance of Apple's iPod and iPhone® in the portable media market, the P5 comes supplied with a Made For iPod approved cable, which allows for speech and device control. It also comes supplied with a high-quality, standard audio cable with gold-plated plugs. Switching between the two is facilitated by the magnetically attached ear pads, which simply pop off allowing access to the cable. Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin and Zeppelin Mini provide the best possible sound from an iPod at home, and now the P5 lets you take that great performance with you wherever you go. Bowers & Wilkins P5 is available from January 2010 To find your nearest Bowers & Wilkins stockist visit www.bowers-wilkins.com.
Scosche tapSTICK adds hard buttons, purpose to new iPod shuffle
We appreciate Apple's efforts to make the iPod shuffle into something that no one's ever done before, but seriously, the no-buttons approach is sort of, um, annoying. Thankfully, the good guys and gals over at Scosche are totally in agreement, and thus, they've taken the time to develop the remarkable tapSTICK. Put simply, this 3rd-gen iPod shuffle case protects one's player from the elements while adding hard buttons that simulate the commands on Apple's own VoiceOver-friendly earbuds. The result? An MP3 player that's not partial to lackluster white 'buds, not to mention one that you can actually control with relative ease. Too bad it'll cost you $29.99, but we suppose that's the going rate these days to extinguish frustration. Full release is after the break.
DigiFi and Kleer debut Digital Opera S2, S5 wireless earbuds
We haven't heard much from the Kleer / DigiFi combo since they finally brought their first Opera wireless earbuds to the US at the beginning of the year, but they're now back with not one but two new sets of 'phones, including the follow-up Digital Opera S2 and the Made for iPod Digital Opera S5. As you might suspect, both models are mostly identical, and pack the same 32 foot range and ten hours of playtime as before, along with the usual promise of uncompressed, CD quality audio. The S5 model, however, adds an iPod-compatible transmitter and some control buttons right on the headphones themselves, while the S2 opts for a basic 3.5mm-based transmitter to accomodate your non-Apple gadgets. No word on pricing just yet, but both should be available on June 20th.
Movie Cowboy iPod media streamer goes heroic with DC branding
We won't front -- our heart goes into overdrive each time Japan's own Digital Cowboy births a new product, and we're especially jazzed about its latest Movie Cowboy. Known for introducing markedly outré home entertainment gear, the company's freshest piece is an iPod-friendly HDD-based media streamer that inexplicably boasts branding from DC Comics. So far as we know, the DC-MC35ULI doesn't come loaded with a director's cut of Watchmen, but it does provide room for a single 3.5-inch hard drive along with an Ethernet jack, USB 2.0 sockets, coaxial / optical digital audio outputs, HDMI, a few composite hookups, iPod streaming and charging capabilities and support for an array of file formats. Still, for ¥24,800 ($255), we'd definitely expect some built-in storage... or the promise of eternal invisibility, one.[Via Impress]
Creative TravelSound i85 adds external speaker, FM tuner to iPod nano
There's really no easy way to say it -- Creative's TravelSound i85 is bordering on unsightly, so devout fashionistas should probably look elsewhere. For those who always put design second and utility first, this here device adds a portable speaker and FM tuning abilities to Apple's fourth-generation iPod nano (the tall, thin one, for those unaware) and even includes a built-in rechargeable battery for pumping out up to 15 hours of house jams. Aside from operating as a gaudy wrist adornment, it can also double as a stand (horizontally or vertically), though there's no Dock Connector pass-through (just a miniUSB plug). Worth $99.99? That's between you and the monster underneath your bed.[Via FarEastGizmos]
Sony bites the bullet, releases Made for iPod music systems
Sony's using CES to update its iPod / iPhone-compatible stereos -- it's releasing the iPod / iPhone-friendly CMT- LX20i micro shelf system and MHC-EC99i mini boombox (pictured above). Not a whole lot left to say other than they also play CDs and rattle windows, respectively. For pricing and release details -- including a word or two on the new Muteki systems -- hit up the read link.%Gallery-40935%
