Engadget

NuForce compresses a rechargeable speaker, USB DAC and headphone amp into a $119 Cube

Joe Pollicino — Tue, 29 May 2012 12:21:00 EST

For better or worse, your options are plentiful when it comes to palm-sized speakers aimed at improving the audio of your gizmos. While many simply tout Bluetooth or USB connectivity, NuForce is hoping to shake things up a bit with its new Cube. This micro-speaker isn't wireless, but it's got the unique ability to also function as a headphone amp and USB DAC -- all in a footprint of 38.5 x 58.5 x 60.0mm (2.30 x 2.30 x 2.36 inches). Aside from giving you multiple ways to add more kick to your tunes, the Cube packs a rechargeable battery that'll last for up to eight hours. Sadly, however, it doesn't appear like you'll be able to daisy chain units together for a tiny stereo rig. On brighter notes, you'll have a choice of silver, red, blue or black, and an iPod Nano adapter is available to make it pretty much the smallest dock we've seen. It'll cost you a spendy $119 to get the Cube within your ears' vicinity, and you'll find more details in the press release below

Continue reading NuForce compresses a rechargeable speaker, USB DAC and headphone amp into a $119 Cube

NuForce compresses a rechargeable speaker, USB DAC and headphone amp into a $119 Cube originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SuperTooth Disco2 hands-on

Joseph Volpe — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:06:00 EST

Move over Jambox, there's a new portable audio contender entering the market. The Disco2, shown off at this week's CTIA 2012, is SuperTooth's smaller, more compact sequel to its O.G. 28 watt powerhouse of the same name and a direct threat to the niche market occupied by Jawbone. Housed in a colorful hourglass-shaped design that should please the style-minded, this rechargeable speaker connects over Bluetooth to your device of choice, outputting 16 watts of 360 degree sound through two speakers and a subwoofer. It's set to hit the market mid-month priced at $99, but for consumers that want a bit more of an aural punch, an additional unit can actually be paired up to deliver a fuller stereo effect. Judging from its powerful performance on the noisy showroom floor, however, you'd probably be fine with just the one. Click on below to take a better look at the company's curvy offering.

Gallery: SuperTooth Disco2 hands-on

Sean Cooper contributed to this report.

SuperTooth Disco2 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 21:06:00 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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Grace Digital's Eco Terra boombox now available for $149.99, ready to rock the beaches

Richard Lai — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:38:00 EST

We're not sure what took Grace Digital this long to release the Eco Terra, but hey, you can now grab one well ahead of the summer season. Priced at $149.99, this IPX7-certified boombox works just fine even when dunked in water -- the two 3-inch speakers will always float upwards to annoy fellow swimmers. There's no iPod dock connector here as the job's done using a 3.5mm jack inside the watertight compartment, but much like many iPhone headsets these days, you can use the buttons at the top to control music playback and volume on supported iPods or iPhones; whereas with other MP3 players you can only change the volume after flipping a switch.

Additionally, the Eco Terra comes with an air pressure release valve to allow easy compartment access across different altitudes. We assume this means someone somewhere has a habit of blasting out music while trekking. Of course, you'll need to install four C batteries to get things started, and that'll keep you partying in the wild for around 25 hours -- long enough to play the Baywatch soundtrack CD about 23 times. Hit the source link if you're ready to spend some cash.

Gallery: Grace Digital's Eco Terra Boombox

Continue reading Grace Digital's Eco Terra boombox now available for $149.99, ready to rock the beaches

Grace Digital's Eco Terra boombox now available for $149.99, ready to rock the beaches originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WOWee and MicroVision offer 200-inch viewing and 'booming sound' on your mobile

Sharif Sakr — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:04:00 EST

Despite all the product rivalry at CES, a little romance was inevitable -- and not just in the Engadget trailer. WOWee, purveyor of the ONE portable speaker, has paired up with MicroVision and its dashing PicoP laser projector technology (shown above) to create a "marriage of sight and sound." It looks like the two companies will start out by simply bundling their respective wares, which will be available together in 120 countries from this quarter, rather than rushing to announce a hybrid device straight away. A wise decision, no doubt.

WOWee and MicroVision offer 200-inch viewing and 'booming sound' on your mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bang & Olufsen intros B&O Play brand, showcases $800 Beolit 12 portable AirPlay speaker

Joe Pollicino — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST

We've just met Bang & Olufsen here at CES, sitting through a variety of PowerPoint slides and Venn diagrams, but boy was it worth it. The company revealed its lifestyle-focused brand, dubbed B&O Play, and the first product in the lineup which we already spied passing through the FCC back in November. The Beolit 12 is portable AirPlay speaker for iOS Devices, and although it's basically iPhone-speakerdockapalooza here in Vegas, B&O Play's solution is cut from a unique and elegant mold. Click on past the break for a our initial impressions.

Gallery: B&O Play Beolit 12 portable AirPlay speaker (hands-on)

Continue reading Bang & Olufsen intros B&O Play brand, showcases $800 Beolit 12 portable AirPlay speaker

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TOSY and Justin Bieber announce mRobo: we go hands-on, dance-off (video)

Amar Toor — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:18:00 EST

Beethoven's Fifth. Michelangelo's Pietà. Plato's Republic. Cornerstones of human civilization, to be sure, but they all pale in comparison to what we saw today at CES: TOSY's new mRobo robot, inspired by none other than the Cultural Colossus of our time, Justin Bieber. The Vietnamese manufacturer and pubescent Prince have just taken the wraps off their latest collaboration: a petite, portable speaker-robot that dances -- nay, transcends -- just like his only slightly larger ~~progenitor~~ counterpart. When in speaker mode, the mRobo weighs in at just 3.3 pounds, stands a little under eight inches tall, and boasts 2GB of internal memory. Its integrated speaker pumps out the jams at bass levels of 40Hz, but the real magic happens once the music starts playing, automatically prompting the system to transform into an 18-inch tall robot and start dancing. Unfortunately, the bot is still in prototype mode, but it's expected to retail for about $200 when it launches during the fall of 2012.

Today, though, we were lucky enough to get a sneak peak of the mRobo, courtesy of a mic'd-up Messiah with sweepy bangs and a leather jacket. Upon taking the stage to roars of applause and Jelly Bean sunshowers, Bieber went on to do a brief demo of the bot, displaying its ability to sync its dance moves to whatever tunes blare out of its abdomen speaker -- in this case, Billie Jean. The mRobo looked admittedly clumsy at times, and was especially awkward when onstage with the teen phenom, but, as TOSY repeatedly reminded us, it's still in prototype phase. (Bieber, for his part, did a good job of looking completely awestruck throughout much of the experience.) Before descending from his bubblegum pulpit, Bieber reminded his acolytes to "follow your dreams." Ours, at least, have just been realized. Follow yours past the break, straight to our hands-on video.

Mat Smith contracted Bieber Fever from this report.

Gallery: Tosy mRobo launch with Justin Bieber

Continue reading TOSY and Justin Bieber announce mRobo: we go hands-on, dance-off (video)

TOSY and Justin Bieber announce mRobo: we go hands-on, dance-off (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:18:00 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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Yamaha's ruggedized PDX-11 iPod speaker dock lets you blast beats beyond your block for $100

Joe Pollicino — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:32:00 EST

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.

Continue reading Yamaha's ruggedized PDX-11 iPod speaker dock lets you blast beats beyond your block for $100

Yamaha's ruggedized PDX-11 iPod speaker dock lets you blast beats beyond your block for $100 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:32:00 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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Altec Lansing debuts new ultraportable iMT630 speakers for iPhone and iPod

Terrence O'Brien — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:40:00 EST

Altec Lansing just debuted a pair of new portable speaker docks for the iPhone and iPod dubbed the iMT630 Classic (which we saw at IFA) and Sport. What separates the two? The Classic comes in black, while the sport has options for teal and red (ooo... fancy). That's it. Otherwise they're the same units with a pull out connector and a compartment on the back that holds and conceals the remote when the stand is flipped up. Both docks also feature a rechargeable battery and the ability to interact with Altec's apps, like Alarm Rock and Music Mood. Both are shipping now for $150 but, before you go, check out the gallery below and the PR after the break, won't you?

Gallery: Altec Lansing iMT630

Continue reading Altec Lansing debuts new ultraportable iMT630 speakers for iPhone and iPod

Altec Lansing debuts new ultraportable iMT630 speakers for iPhone and iPod originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scosche BoomCan ups your mobile device's sound for $25, annoys anyone near you

Joe Pollicino — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:10:00 EST

Sure, you could use the built-in speaker on your tablet or cellphone to crank your tunes on the bus or at the office, but Scosche's BoomCan may be the ticket for those looking to pump out a bit more volume. It's not wireless like some other options, but twenty-five smackers gets you a 2 x 2.5-inch aluminum Can loaded with a 40mm driver, an audio / USB charging cable and a pouch for scratch-free traveling. You'll have seven hours to rock on its internal battery, and although any chance of stereo separation looks pretty slim, you'll be able to daisy chain a few of them together for a mini rig. The BoomCan is up for order now at Scosche's website in red, blue, black or silver if you haven't heard of the breakthrough in portable sound technology known as headphones. Full PR past the break.

Continue reading Scosche BoomCan ups your mobile device's sound for $25, annoys anyone near you

Scosche BoomCan ups your mobile device's sound for $25, annoys anyone near you originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Logitech's clip-on tablet speaker latches onto your slate for dear life, doubles as a stand

Dana Wollman — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:33:00 EST

We can swear we feel hints of fall creeping in already, but Logitech just announced a product we would have loved to see at the start of beach season: a speaker bar that clips onto the back of any tablet, effectively turning it into the boombox it wasn't built to be. We know, we know, that barrel of a speaker looks a tad silly next to the likes of the iPad 2 and Galaxy Tab 10.1, but we're digging how it doubles as a stand, propping up the slate if, perchance, you're also down for watching a movie. In our brief hands-on, the speaker felt lighter than it looks in those photos down there, and delivered decently loud sound, too. Like we said, we can see this making for a festive old time at the beach or a picnic, though when we asked a Logitech rep about durability he said we might want to shield the speaker from sand. Because this is a wired product (it charges via USB and lasts up to eight hours on a charge), it commands less than the wireless speaker for iPad that Logitech's already shilling. Specifically, we're told it'll cost $49.99, though as of this writing it hasn't popped up in the company's online store, which means those of you unashamed of your Justin Bieber collection will have to just sit tight.

Gallery: Logitech Tablet Speaker

Logitech's clip-on tablet speaker latches onto your slate for dear life, doubles as a stand originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:33:00 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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UCube speakers run off USB, are coming to an Amtrak quiet car near you

Zach Honig — Thu, 19 May 2011 04:25:00 EST

You can use these USB-powered UltraLink UCube speakers on a bus, on the beach, or on the table at your favorite McDonald's, but please -- for the love of god -- don't. Remember: with great convenience comes great responsibility, and if these speakers are as impressive as the dramatic marketing video below implies, disruption of the peace is about to know no bounds. At $150 per pair, these sleek sound machines aren't cheap, but each speaker is able to pump out 15 watts of peak power -- you won't be filling a large room with crisp, distortion-free sound, but they're probably loud enough to play your tunes or flicks for a group of friends, or to annoy strangers in a park. UltraLink claims that the speakers use DSP-controlled power supplies to "store energy during quiet passages," allowing the 3.25 inch cubes to reach their 15 watt peak output with 170-degree listening angles. We haven't had a chance to go hands on, but if these speakers sound half as good as they look, we may have a better solution for playing music in the CES trailer next year.

Continue reading UCube speakers run off USB, are coming to an Amtrak quiet car near you

UCube speakers run off USB, are coming to an Amtrak quiet car near you originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 May 2011 04:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Altec Lansing's Orbit USB Stereo trumps your laptop's speakers, has split personality

Richard Lai — Wed, 04 May 2011 14:32:00 EST

USB speakers aren't exactly headline-grabbing gadgets these days, but the fact remains that most laptops could still use a little help on the audio end. If you're in need of a quick fix for your weak-sounding machine, then Altec Lansing's $49.95 Orbit USB Stereo (iML247) might be worth your consideration. As the name says for itself, both power and audio input are managed through one USB cord, meaning no batteries are required here. Better yet, when not in use, you can simply fold up the legs, stuff the cables into the hollow ends, and then twist the speakers together to form one smooth tube for storage. Of course, note that this Orbit won't work with devices sporting the common 3.5mm headphone jack, and obviously don't expect cinematic sound quality from these tiny canisters -- hey, there's always a trade-off. Hands-on pics in the gallery below.

Gallery: Altec Lansing Orbit USB Stereo

Continue reading Altec Lansing's Orbit USB Stereo trumps your laptop's speakers, has split personality

Altec Lansing's Orbit USB Stereo trumps your laptop's speakers, has split personality originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 May 2011 14:32:00 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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The Aepel Phone is a product

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 06:34:00 EST

Um, ok look... we're not sure what the Aepel Phone is exactly. We know it's for girls because the t-shirt says so and we know it's a phone because it's right there in the product name. However, "phone" seems to be a whacky mistranslation of the "binary CDMA" tech used in the wireless mic. If we had to guess, we'd say it's a battery-powered compact speaker for fetishists ensnarled by their desire to read Canon service manuals to bespectacled teddy bears. It's more common than you think. Check the whole mangled press release after the break.

Continue reading The Aepel Phone is a product

The Aepel Phone is a product originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 06:34:00 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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iMainGo X portable speaker doubles as a case, looks like a cassette

Darren Murph — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:54:00 EST

It's hard to say what exactly Portable Sound Laboratories is going for with its latest iMainGo speaker, but for those who are still shedding tears over Sony's decision to axe the Walkman cassette player, it's probably a sight for sore eyes. The iMainGo X portable speaker doubles as a PMP enclosure, with a clear back that still allows for access to on-unit controls. It also packs a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, an internal speaker, a 3.5 millimeter auxiliary input and the ability to daisy-chain with other X devices. At $69.95, it's not exactly an impulse buy, but at least they're tossing in a travel bag, wrist strap and carrying case, right?

Continue reading iMainGo X portable speaker doubles as a case, looks like a cassette

iMainGo X portable speaker doubles as a case, looks like a cassette originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JVC introduces SP-A230 and SP-A1M: portable speakers for portable players

Darren Murph — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:53:00 EST

We'd tell you these things are probably too easy to lose, but it probably matters not -- after all, you've already been suckered into buying one based on how insanely janky / adorable it is. JVC has just introduced the SP-A230 and SP-A1M portable speakers, with the former being shown above. That guy is a bar-styled stereo unit with a pair of 30mm drivers, a brain-melting 160mW x 2 of power and a 3.5mm auxiliary cable for connecting to any 'ole PMP. The A1M ships with a single 30mm driver and relies on a pair of AAA batteries, compared with a pair of AA batteries necessary on the larger A230. Pricing remains elusive, but you can expect 'em in a variety of colors this November... well, in Japan at least.

JVC introduces SP-A230 and SP-A1M: portable speakers for portable players originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Franklin Roadie modular music system needs a table to boom

Darren Murph — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:16:00 EST

We've seen speaker systems that use flat surfaces as a diaphragm before, but Franklin's Roadie might be the first modular to splash down in the new millennium. It's a three part system (if you want it to be), consisting of the EVS-2000, EVS-3000 and EVS-4000. In order of mention, you've got a base model that accepts sources via a 3.5mm input jack, a rechargeable battery with SD card slot, and a bonus tweeter / equalizer. It ain't much good in your hand, but slap it on a table (or any other flat surface, like a floor) and the tunes start to boom. Or become marginally more audible, anyway. The trio should go on sale soon for $99.99 as a bundle, while the 2000 and 3000 can be picked up by themselves for $49.99 / $79.99, respectively.

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Franklin Roadie modular music system needs a table to boom originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Logitech S715i rechargeable iPod / iPhone speaker unleashes next generation hyperbole

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 06:41:00 EST

We know what you're thinking: not another iPod / iPhone speaker dock. Maybe, but it's way more than that if you listen to Logitech describe it. According to the boys from Cali, the $149.99 S715i "sounds like a beast" with 8 custom-designed, laser-tuned speaker drivers that deliver "next generation," "professionally tuned acoustics" capable of "filling a room" with "bold sound." So yeah, it's just another iPod speaker dock, although that 8-hour rechargeable battery is nice. Full PR and video overview after the break.

Continue reading Logitech S715i rechargeable iPod / iPhone speaker unleashes next generation hyperbole

Logitech S715i rechargeable iPod / iPhone speaker unleashes next generation hyperbole originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 06:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WOWee One portable speaker latches onto surfaces, iPad's coattails

Donald Melanson — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 01:49:00 EST

Portable devices that turn any surface into a speaker are hardly anything new, but the folks behind the WOWee One portable speaker (not WowWee) seem to be making some slightly bigger claims than most, and are even throwing out the increasingly popular "perfect companion for the iPad" phrase for good measure. As with other similar devices, the WOWee One conducts sound through any surface you rest it on (even a wall with an optional attachment), but it also has the benefit of patented "Gel Audio" technology, which promises to produce bass frequencies about three octaves below any other comparable device. You'll also apparently get about 20 hours of use from the built-in rechargeable battery, and your choice of three different colors -- all for the not so low price of $79.99. Head on past the break for a quick video.

Continue reading WOWee One portable speaker latches onto surfaces, iPad's coattails

WOWee One portable speaker latches onto surfaces, iPad's coattails originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 01:49:00 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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Bose Wave SoundLink wireless music system goes on sale today

Joseph L. Flatley — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:21:00 EST

Bose Wave SoundLink, the too-expensive, yet pretty OK looking wireless music system by the "too expensive, yet pretty OK looking" consumer electronics people over at Bose, has gone from rumor to reality as of today. Expect to pay $599.90 for the whole McGillicuddy or -- if you've already bought into the Bose Wave thing -- pick up that SoundLink upgrade kit featuring a USB Bluetooth dongle for a mere $149.95. A steal at a fraction of the price! PR after the break.

Continue reading Bose Wave SoundLink wireless music system goes on sale today

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio

Bose Wave SoundLink wireless music system goes on sale today originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Logitech dishes two new iPod / iPhone speaker docks, one of them rechargeable

Darren Murph — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:17:00 EST

Not quite sure if you've noticed, but Logitech has been on a tear for the ages here recently. As the torrent of new gear continues, we're now faced with another pair of iPod sound systems desperately attempting to knock the "me-too" status and contribute something positive to the world. The Rechargeable Speaker S315i is the larger of the two, boasting a rechargeable battery that's supposedly good for up to 20 hours of listening. The unit is fully compatible with dock-connecting iPods and iPhones, and there's even an auxiliary input for those who aren't down with Cupertino's wares. The smaller Portable Speaker S125i plays and charges any iPod model and can be powered by an AC adapter, four AA cells or 8.43 tablespoons of Jobs' favorite fairy dust. Check 'em out this month and next for $129.99 and $69.99, respectively.

Gallery: Logitech dishes two new iPod / iPhone speaker docks, one of them rechargeable

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Video

Logitech dishes two new iPod / iPhone speaker docks, one of them rechargeable originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FiiO PS1110 Walkbox portable speaker says 'buy more'

Paul Miller — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 23:16:00 EST

$15 for a hunk of metal and plastic that makes noise and looks pretty cool? Sure, it's not quite that pink cube that OMM told you pick up on the way home from your occupation, but FiiO's PS1110 Walkbox portable speaker is just that right blend of retro and modern that makes us all weak in the knees. Let us be thankful we have commerce.

[Via technabob]

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio

FiiO PS1110 Walkbox portable speaker says 'buy more' originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 23:16:00 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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Bose intros SoundLink wireless music system, charges $550 with a straight face

Darren Murph — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:18:00 EST

Ah, Bose. While almost any other audio company would be properly lambasted for charging $549.95 for a portable sound system with absolutely no hard specifications (driver material, amplifier type, wattage, etc.) to speak of, somehow or another Bose gets away with the practice. All bitterness aside, the fresh SoundLink Wireless Music System is actually rather attractive, and unlike its other models, this one arrives with a USB dongle that enables computers to stream tunes directly to it. 'Course, we're not told what kind of technology is used here nor how far you can stray without losing signal, but as we alluded to earlier, this is all par for the course for Bose. In brighter news, there's a rechargeable battery that keeps it humming for three hours on a full charge, and the bundled IR remote could probably be programmed to control your media app from afar. Oh, and there's a standard 3.5 millimeter auxiliary jack for linking things up the "old way." Start saving your ~~pennies~~ quarters, folks -- this one ships to those with more dollars than sense on August 27th.

[Via HotHardware]

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Bose intros SoundLink wireless music system, charges $550 with a straight face originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crapgadget: Delicious salmagundi of decorative inanities edition

Laura June — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:36:00 EST

We're always big fans of mixed-use gadgets -- but these ones kind of mutilate the principle. On hand today we've got a two pack of bedazzled necklaces -- one an MP3 player, the other a USB flash drive / watch combo. We've also unearthed a USB speaker that claims to be a whale, but more closely resembles a weird, in our opinion. Finally (and this one was worth the wait, trust us), we've got a tiny Moto Horn for your bike, which makes it "safer" to ride your bike by... making vroom vroom motorbike noises as you zoom along. Consider these our best suggestions for what to do with your disposable income, folks.

Read - USB Jewel Square Necklace MP3 Player
Read - USB Jewel Watch Necklace Flash Drive
Read - USB Cetacean Whale Speaker
Read - Moto Horn

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Crapgadget: Delicious salmagundi of decorative inanities edition originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Podio speakered PMP for cyclists sure to cause accidents, impromptu dance parties

Laura June — Sat, 02 May 2009 02:56:00 EST

We've seen plenty of speaker / PMP combos around these part, but the Podio -- which looks kind of like a hairdryer to us -- is designed for the cyclist on-the-go who just can't bike without jamming to Green Day at a semi-loud volume. The Podio comes with a harness to attach it to the bike's handlebars, and boasts a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that gets somewhere between nine and twenty hours of use per charge. The whole thing weighs 139 grams, boasts 2GB of onboard storage, and has a 1.5 watt speaker to get the party started. There are no details on pricing or availability as of now, but we'll let you know when they come around -- err... are on the market. One more photo after the break.

[Via Oh! Gizmo]

Continue reading Podio speakered PMP for cyclists sure to cause accidents, impromptu dance parties

Filed under: Portable Audio

Podio speakered PMP for cyclists sure to cause accidents, impromptu dance parties originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 May 2009 02:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X-mini Max II looks like a trash can, pumps out the jams

Joseph L. Flatley — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:13:00 EST

If you've ever thought to yourself, "I could use a pair of tiny, tinny, and aesthetically-impaired portable speakers for my laptop or PMP," this is your lucky day. X-Mini, known for pushing sound through something that looks like a cross between alien hardware and a donut, is back on the scene with the Max II. A stunning departure from the usual fare, this thing ditches the wagon wheel in favor of something that one of Dark Helmet's minions might wear in Spaceballs. Apparently, the new design also features a bigger driver meaning, you guessed it, "twice the bass." We didn't have the heart to point out that two times bupkis is still bupkis. We're not sure when this 2.5W sonic wonder will be released in the US, but we'll be keepin' our eyes peeled.

Continue reading X-mini Max II looks like a trash can, pumps out the jams

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio

X-mini Max II looks like a trash can, pumps out the jams originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X-mini Happy arrives for quasi-spherical MP3 playback

Paul Miller — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:08:00 EST

There's just something slightly alien to the X-mini, and this latest "Happy" model does little to assuage our unfounded fears of it. What's new this time around is MP3 playback, thanks to an SD card slot. Size and shape-wise it's almost identical to its X-mini II predecessor. Happy can handle about 6 hours of playback, or 11 hours of speaker work, on a charge, and the USB cable not only charges the ball but also allows the unit to work as a slightly-less-difficult-to-misplace SD card reader. You can also still daisy chain Happy speakers like with the X-mini II. Happy is currently in prototype stage, and should hit the market sometime around Q3.

[Thanks, Yutaka]

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio

X-mini Happy arrives for quasi-spherical MP3 playback originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:08:00 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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Yamaha boasts world's most powerful USB speaker, the NX-U10

Barb Dybwad — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 02:26:00 EST

Question: what's the most common complaint about USB speakers? Answer: they suck. And why do they suck? They're woefully lacking in power because of the limitations of the USB port, which only outputs 5V/0.5A. Yamaha claims to have gotten around this hurdle by developing its ~~flux capacitor~~ "Charged Capacitor Amplifier" that, via the magic power of technology, throws out 10x the normal power to achieve 10W x 2. And to turn it up to 11, Yamaha added its SR-Bass technology to produce the "deepest bass ever" in proportion to its size. The speaker sports a stereo mini-jack and can also be battery-operated for those rare moments when you and your laptop need some "separate time." You'll be able to pick up the NX-U10 early this year for £149, or about $193 USD.

Filed under: Portable Audio

Yamaha boasts world's most powerful USB speaker, the NX-U10 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Jan 2007 02:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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