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Bose wants to launch a streaming music service
Bose doesn't want to rely solely on fashionable audio gear to compete with the likes of Beats and Sonos --it's venturing into the online music space, too. Hypebot highlights a job listing for a senior designer that would help shape a "next generation streaming music platform" and a matching "ecosystem of products." Just what it would entail isn't clear, but the future recruit would ideally have experience at a big-name streaming service, whether it's Beats, Pandora or Spotify.
Bose intros SoundTouch WiFi music systems, makes home audio more like a car stereo
Bose is out to take on the likes of Sonos with its new SoundTouch WiFi music systems. The speakers rely on a free SoundTouch app that acts as a simple controller for all of your favorite music. It pulls media from your network-connected computers and Pandora, and we're told other popular streaming services will be added soon. The app uses a very simple interface that's almost like a mix of the Sonos Controller app with the intuitiveness of a car stereo. The universal feature across the speakers and software are six customizable presets (individual artists, playlists or internet radio stations) that can be changed on the app, with an included remote or using physical buttons on SoundTouch-optimized systems. If you hear or search for something you enjoy, it's as simple as holding one of the preset buttons for a few seconds to store it -- just like you would in your car.
Bose unveils SoundLink Mini Bluetooth speaker, QuietComfort 20 noise-cancelling in-ears (ears-on)
Nestled near an entrance inside Grand Central Terminal, Bose just unveiled its latest two portable audio creations: The SoundLink Mini Bluetooth speaker (A2DP) and QuietComfort 20 noise-cancelling in-ears. Measuring in at 2 x 7 x 2 inches (slightly larger than palm-sized), the aluminum-wrapped SoundLink Mini is slightly larger and heavier than a JawBone Jambox. Like its bigger brethren, the Mini has dual-opposing passive bass radiators and a two custom neodymium drivers for mids and highs. Bose claims these new drivers will output twice the volume of other, similar speakers. While the unit will bust out the jams for seven hours, it sadly uses a proprietary charging dock. Thankfully, however, the Li-Ion battery is user replaceable. All the controls rest as a strip of silicone buttons on the top, while the side features a 3.5mm input jack. We're digging the look of the naked metal, though, rubber covers and a nylon carry pouch will be on offer for protection. The unit's audio quality was very pleasing, without any notable harshness. We noted an acceptable level of bass on the lowest notes of dubstep tracks and there wasn't too much distortion when cranked up. Join us past the break for more info on the in-ears, as well as all the pricing and availability details for both items. %Gallery-190314%
Edifier's iF335 Bluetooth speaker pumps up the volume for $99
Looks like Mr. Eddie Fier, the man we hope is CEO of Edifier, is planning to wade into the Jambox-wars with this Bluetooth speaker-cum-speakerphone. The iF335 Bric Connect bonds with your devices over Bluetooth and auxiliary inputs, pumping out 12 watts of RMS power over a pair of 70mm drivers. It's available from today for $99.99, assuming you can still type after the unremitting hilarity of our Eddie Fier / Edifier gag earlier.
IRL: Bose SoundLink, DropCopy and Worldmate Gold
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. Happy Friday, folks. This week in real life, Brian invests in the Bose SoundLink after his pet rabbit destroyed his previous setup (no, really), while our own Andy Bowen explains why he'd rather use the DropCopy app than DropBox, much less AirDrop. And Darren, who racked up frequent flier miles this week traveling out to Google I/O, details the virtues of Worldmate over TripIt. Bunnies! Apps versus apps versus more apps. All that, just past the break.
Bose SoundLink Air speaker with WiFi spoiled by the FCC, bank accounts brace for impact
Bose's ventures into wireless audio for mobile devices have so far either been proprietary or portable -- and often expensive. We're not sure if Bose will ever dodge that last claim, but an FCC filing has just revealed that a more standardized approach to wireless speakers is on the way. Not much more is known about the speaker other than its SoundLink Air name; that said, an unmistakable mention of WiFi on the early label suggests a speaker that could potentially play well with others. We're hoping that it's an allusion to AirPlay, DLNA or another format many of our devices already use. Whatever technology it runs, the new SoundLink will be comparatively close to a launch after passing through the FCC, even if our bank balances aren't ready for the hit.
