speaker dock

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  • Engadget giveaway: win a Hanwell speaker courtesy of Marshall!

    by 
    Jon Turi
    Jon Turi
    06.10.2014

    As our lives become saturated with digital devices, it's often refreshing to saunter over to the vintage side of things for a moment. Marshall paid tribute to its '60s guitar amp origins when it released its 50th anniversary edition Hanwell speaker and one lucky Engadget reader will now get to lay the cornerstone of their own Marshall stack. The company has served as a backdrop to rock and roll gigs for decades and the Hanwell aims to deliver a bit of that stadium sound in a living room-sized package. The speaker has separate knobs at the top for volume, bass and treble -- although they only go up to 10 -- and power is controlled with a simple on/off toggle switch. There's no Bluetooth on this baby; its only audio connector is a double-ended 3.5mm coil cord. But there's 100 watts of power ready to pump up the jams and ruin your neighbor's evening. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning this killer boom box. If you're a night owl surrounded by light sleepers, though, you could opt for some Marshall headphones to complete the package. Winner: congratulations to Chris C., New Orleans, LA.

  • NES cleverly turned into an iPhone speaker dock

    by 
    Kelly Hodgkins
    Kelly Hodgkins
    06.17.2013

    E3 took the gaming world by storm last week, so it's fitting that we take a walk down memory lane today with this old Nintendo Entertainment System that is now an iPhone dock. Made by Pete Morris, the same guy who did the Atari speaker dock, the speaker system tightly integrates into the remnants of what once was Nintendo's crown jewel. Housed inside the console is a speaker system with six EQ settings, FM radio and support for apps. The iPhone fits in the front of the console, and the open lid provides a convenient backrest for the device. The dock uses a 30-pin connector, but a Lightning adapter is available as an optional accessory. Once plugged in, the NES controller lets you change the volume, control playback and power on the dock. The lighted display on the dock can show the volume, the frequency of the current radio station and even the time when the dock is off. It's a clever new use of old technology. The NES speaker dock is available to purchase on Etsy for £185.00 (US$290). The dock is designed for the iPhone 3GS/4/4S, but you can convert it to support the iPhone 5 by purchasing a Lightning port adapter for £25.00 ($40).

  • 3D printing iPhone dock adapters

    by 
    Michael Grothaus
    Michael Grothaus
    03.17.2013

    A French 3D printing company by the name of Sculpteo has begun offering 3D printed iPhone dock adapters for third-party iPod speakers. The adapters allow users to use Lightning connector iPhones and iPods in older dock connector speaker systems. The beauty of this system is that it allows Sculpteo to offer these adapters for a wide range of older speaker systems without the upfront costs of hiring a factory to manufacture thousands of units. From a user perspective, it's advantageous because, theoretically, any old iPod speaker system they have could have an adapter made for it quickly so it's compatible with new Lightning connector iOS devices. Currently the adapter made by Sculpteo will fit over 15 iPod speaker systems. Users will still have to buy the Lightning to dock connector separately from Apple, but when used with Sculpteo's adapters new devices will fit snugly in the old speaker systems. Sculpteo's adapters currently cost US$17. [via TechCrunch]

  • Atari 2600 turned into an iPhone speaker dock

    by 
    Kelly Hodgkins
    Kelly Hodgkins
    03.08.2013

    Etsy shop owner Peter Morris took a much-loved, but now broken Atari 2600 game console and turned it into an iPhone speaker dock. More than just a pretty showpiece, the dock includes 6 EQ settings, an FM radio, a 3.5mm jack for non-Apple devices and a remote control. You can check out pictures of the retro dock on Morris' Etsy page. There's only one unit available for sale and it'll cost £150.00 (US$230) plus shipping. [Via Waylou]

  • Test-driving the Geneva Sound System Model S (updated)

    by 
    Steve Sande
    Steve Sande
    02.10.2013

    Update: In this review, one of my major complaints is that the Model S does not have Bluetooth capabilities. Just after the review was published, Geneva contacted me to note that a Bluetooth version of the Model S will be available in the Spring of 2013. In a world seemingly dominated by cheap, tinny-sounding iPhone/iPod speaker docks, I'm always on the hunt for manufacturers who focus on quality sound and classy design. I received the Geneva Sound System Model S (US$299.95) for review quite a while ago, but didn't have the time to write it up until now. What I found when I finally unboxed this product was a speaker dock clock radio that seems perfect for older iPhones and iPods; however, the Model S lacks some features found on newer (and much less expensive) competitors. Design Geneva Labs makes a full line of speaker docks for iPhone and iPod, ranging from the tiny Model XS I reviewed last summer to the huge $3,500 Model XXL that will be available next month. The Model S has been around since 2010, which means that it's missing one very important feature -- a Lightning connector. That's not too much of an issue, since you can always use one of Apple's $29.99 Lightning to 30-pin Dock Connector adapters to bridge the generation gap. The review Model S came in glossy black on an aluminum table stand. You can remove that table stand if you wish, although I think it adds some panache to the device and also seems to make the speaker sound a bit louder. The front of this black box (it also comes in red, silver, and white, although the red and white versions are shown as "out of stock") features a perforated metal grille for durability and cat-proofing. Through that grille you can see the red LEDs of a display, which displays the time when the speaker is not in use. The top of the Model S is the big surprise: it's touch-sensitive. There's a small fingertip-sized indentation on the top back right corner of the speaker dock, which powers up the device with a light tap. When the power's up, the magic begins. A motorized iPhone/iPod dock rotates into view, ready for you to plug your device in and blast music. As it uses a mechanical connection, you also get the benefit of having your device charged while it's on the dock. %Gallery-178426% You also see a very classic iPod-like set of controls glowing atop the Model S. There's a scroll wheel with embedded OK button, the standard play/pause, skip forward, reverse buttons, a menu button, and a mode button. The mode button toggles between the iPod mode, FM radio mode, and Line In input. On the back of the unit you'll find a very generic power plug (fortunately, the power supply is built into the Model S, so there's no ugly power brick), the aforementioned Line In socket, and a place to attach a telescoping FM antenna. Functionality As mentioned, the Model S has a 30-pin Dock Connector. When I plugged the adapter into the device and plopped my iPhone 5 on top of that, it looked ... a little weird. And you definitely don't want to power down the Model S with the adapter plugged in, as it will keep the motorized dock from disappearing into the top of the unit and could possibly damage it. Once you've plugged an iPhone or iPod into the Model S, it recognizes it and the word iPod appears on the LED for about a minute. After that time, it switches back to the time display. All of the controls on top of the Model S work nicely, and there's an infrared remote control for those times you want to sit across the room on the love seat with your honey and go through your Al Green collection. That remote allows six presets for the FM radio, and controls all manner of settings. There are buttons for controlling the level of bass and treble through the twin speakers embedded in the case, volume controls, a way to set the clock and/or alarm clock, switch modes, and control playback on your iPod or iPhone. I found the sound quality of the Model S to be much better than average for a speaker dock of this size. As mentioned earlier, I found the sound from the Model S to be a bit more "full" when the speaker dock was sitting on top of its three-inch pedestal. Now, my complaints. As mentioned, this speaker dock has been out for almost three years now, which is a lifetime in the tech world. Many of the newer docks boast AirPlay compatibility via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth streaming, while the Model S is stuck in the past with only the 30-pin Dock Connector and line-in. For that very reason, I'd recommend the Model S only for people who have devices that use that connector and have no way to stream music wirelessly. One other issue is the price. While $300 isn't out of the question for a mid-level FM radio alarm clock speaker dock, there are a number of docks that do embrace the new technologies and are priced more reasonably. The iHome iW4 ($249.95) has streaming capabilities, an FM radio and alarm setup, and works with iPads -- which the Model S won't do. If you don't need streaming but need the other functions, the Philips DC291 Docking Clock Radio is a bargain at $119.95. Finally, like most touch interfaces, that fancy touch input on top of the unit grabs fingerprints like a CSI. Unlike the surface of your iPad or iPhone, it's not oleophobic. As you can see from one of the images in the gallery, the smears with clean fingers can look pretty bad. Conclusion While the Geneva Sound System Model S provides good sound quality and has some unique features, it seems a bit dated and is in need of an update to add AirPlay streaming, a Lightning connector, and the ability to work with iPads as well as iPhones and iPods. Pros One of the best sounding speaker dock / alarm clock systems I've tested Touch controls on the top of the Model S and an IR remote control make it easy to operate Stylish design Unique table stand (removable) Easy setup and operation Cons Relatively expensive for a speaker dock clock radio No AirPlay / Bluetooth streaming capabilities Has a 30-pin Dock Connector instead of a Lightning connector Rotating connector seems like a electromechanical failure waiting to happen Can't be used with iPads Who is it for? Owners of legacy iPods or iPhones who want good sound from an FM speaker dock clock radio and have no issues with paying a bit more.

  • Philips outs new speaker docks with Lightning connector, prices start from $90

    by 
    Edgar Alvarez
    Edgar Alvarez
    12.05.2012

    Docking speakers that are friendly with Cupertino's shiny new Lightning connector are far from being a dime a dozen just yet, which is to be expected given the small amount of time it's been around. Staring today, though, we can add Philips to the small list of companies who are now offering a solution for those of you who would like to turn your iPhone 5 into a modern day alarm clock (among other things, of course). Thankfully, Philips brought plenty to choose from, with the outfit outing the Bedroom DS1155, Room-to-Room DS3205, Portable DS7580 and a high-end Lifestyle Music System DMC2067. These Lightning-equipped iDevice companions will be available this month starting at $90 for the DS1155 and $130 each for both DS3205 and DS7580, while the more powerful DMC2067 is yet to receive a price tag of its own.

  • Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012: speakers and docks

    by 
    Zach Honig
    Zach Honig
    12.05.2012

    Welcome to the Engadget holiday gift guide! Picking presents for friends and loved ones is never a simple task, and with thousands of options for each category, buying technology can be an especially frustrating experience. We're here to help. Below you'll find today's bevy of curated picks, and you can head back to our hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season. And don't forget to enter our giveaway -- leave a comment for a chance to nab AT&T's Samsung Galaxy Express. Apple may have killed off the ubiquitous 30-pin connector, but that doesn't mean the dock is dead. Millions of older iPhones and iPads remain in use today -- and will for many years to come -- and Bluetooth and WiFi-equipped speaker rigs let you pipe in tunes regardless of your device's hardware port. Apple's Lightning adapter will also let last year's docks remain relevant, while standard 3.5mm inputs ensure compatibility with nearly any audio source. You should, of course, be aware of each system's connectivity before making a purchase, but don't let that previous-gen plug dissuade you from picking up an otherwise awesome setup. As always, we're happy to assist as you sort through the selection -- here are our top finds for every budget, so queue up some tunes and blast past the break.

  • Logic3's Ferrari-branded headphones and speakers make their stateside debut, no license required to rock

    by 
    Joe Pollicino
    Joe Pollicino
    11.21.2012

    Ferrari isn't a stranger to licensing its brand for use on gadgets. As of this week, the automaker's added some new offerings in the US on the audio front with the help of Logic3. Way back at CES we got our eyes on the duo's full lineup of co-branded headphones and speakers, and now folks in the US can officially get their hands on two such offerings (Tim Stevens-approved racing gloves not required). Its $400 Cavallino T350 headphones come in black or tan, featuring 40mm drivers, active noise cancellation, an inline remote / mic for your smartphone and a tangle-proof cord. As you'd expect, they're crafted from premium metal and leather for an extra luxurious feel on the ears. Those looking to fill a room with sound should take note of the $500 Scuderia FS1. It's a 2.1 speaker system complete with Bluetooth and the ever-aging 30-pin connector for older iOS devices. Sure, it's been a slow start to market, but here's to hoping the performance matches the prices -- hey, it still beats an actual payment on one of Ferrari's actual whips. Full press release after the break.

  • JBL intros first Lightning-equipped speaker docks, we go ears-on

    by 
    Joe Pollicino
    Joe Pollicino
    11.15.2012

    That larger JBL speaker dock looks familiar, doesn't it? Near the end of September, Harman gave us a peak at its latest consumer audio products. Curiously, however, a slew of new iOS-focused speaker docks were shown off, each lacking a Lightning connector. Today that's changed, as JBL has announced a duo of systems that are equipped with Lightning docks. To start, the larger unit is dubbed as the OnBeat Venue LT ($200). This speaker is essentially a Lightning-enhanced version of the 30-pin loaded Venue we recently spent time with, featuring the same 30 watts of power and Bluetooth connectivity with Apt-X support. Like it's sibling, the dock can be set flush with the front, and better yet, you'll even be able to dock your iPad mini into it. Sizing things down a bit is the OnBeat Micro, a $100 bedside system that'll play nice with the iPhone 5 and the new iPod nano. While it doesn't benefit from Harman's Bluetooth know-how (a pricing consideration, as we're told), it can be loaded with four AAA batteries for quick bouts away from wall power. Based on a quick listening session, we can report that the Venue LT sounded very full and clear. Even with the optional bass- or vocal-boosts enabled, it didn't seem like the speakers were having trouble pushing out high levels of volume. The Micro on the other hand sounded decidedly tinny, which we're frankly not surprised about given the size. Both systems are compatible with JBL's MusicFlow app as well, giving you some extended options for tweaking EQ. The rigs felt fairly sturdy, but we were immediately able to notice some niggles with the Lighting connector. Our iPhone 5 and Harman's iPad mini and iPod nano clicked into place easily with the connector, but the hinge it's built on is very loose without any tension. A slight knock could potentially send an iOS device leaning forward, which would have us concerned in a party situation (the problem is more apparent on the Venue). Secondly, the docks won't play nice with common cases like Speck's CandyShell, so you'll need to have your devices naked before docking. JBL noted the quirks, stating that they have little control over the behavior of connector itself, as it's supplied by Apple. %Gallery-170981% JBL expects that the OnBeat Venue LT and Micro will be the only Lightning-packing speaker docks for at least the holidays, so check out the press release after the break for more details if you're interested. As for us? We'd say the Venue LT is definitely worth a look, but we'd just as easily pass on the Micro given the myriad options out there for smaller Bluetooth-equipped speakers.

  • Behringer iNuke Boom Junior for iPhone, iPad

    by 
    Kelly Hodgkins
    Kelly Hodgkins
    10.09.2012

    Behringer is known for its professional audio and music equipment, and the company is keeping this tradition alive with its iNuKe Boom Junior. The Boom Junior is a scaled down version of the iNuke Boom, a monstrous dock that delivers 10,000 watts of audio power. The Junior delivers the same quality audio hardware and a 3-way active speaker design in a dock that is 1/23 the size of the original BOOM. Unlike the Boom, which is too large for personal use, the smaller size (8.7 x 16.5 x 9.8") of the iNuke Boom Junior is perfect for your house or apartment. It'll throw off enough sound "to throw a party or get you thrown out of your apartment," says Behringer. The Boom Junior is available for US$179 from Costco and is compatible with the iPhone (4 / 4S / 3GS / 3G), iPod Touch, iPod Nano, iPod Classic (5th Generation), and the iPad (1 / 2 / The New iPad). [Via Engadget] Show full PR text BEHRINGER SCALES DOWN THE WORLD'S LARGEST, LOUDEST, 10,000 WATT DOCK TO FIT INTO YOUR HOME: INTRODUCING THE iNUKE BOOM JUNIOR OCTOBER GIVEAWAYS: BEHRINGER will giveaway one iNuke BOOM Junior every weekday during October on Facebook SEATTLE – October 4, 2012 – BEHRINGER, an award-winning innovator of professional audio and music equipment, has scaled down the world's largest and loudest dock ever, the 10,000-Watt iNuke BOOM, and is bringing it to you. We're excited to reveal the iNuke BOOM Junior - a 1:23 scale model of its powerful predecessor, packed with professional grade components and a 3-way active speaker design. Now, anyone can have the chance to sit back or rock out while enjoying concert quality sound at home with thumping lows, sizzling highs and crystal-clear sound at any level. "We wanted to shake up the whole i-device docking world with a product that brings home some of the magic of the original 10,000-Watt iNuke BOOM," says Costa Lakoumentas, BEHRINGER Senior Vice President of Marketing. "If you make a little room for the iNuke BOOM Junior in your home it will pay you back with stunning sound clarity and enough bass to throw a party; or get thrown out of your apartment." If you "Love" the iNuke BOOM Junior, then "Like" Behringer on Facebook for a chance to win your very own! Behringer is celebrating the launch by giving away one iNuke BOOM Junior each weekday in October. Entering is easy-- the giveaway hopefuls only need to visit www.facebook.com/inukeboom, and hit the "Like" button to be entered in the daily drawings. The iNuke BOOM Junior is available online exclusively at www.costco.com as item number 671770 (or search for iNuke) for $179.99 including Shipping and Handling, and it is compatible with almost all mobile phones or media players with its included cables. Specifications: • Indicators: Standby LED indicator, Line-In LED indicator, Aux LED indicator, iPod LED indicator • Connectivity: iPod dock, Line In, Aux In (stereo RCA connectors), Video Out (video) • iPhone / iPod / iPad compatibility: iPhone 4 / 4S / 3GS / 3G, iPod Touch / Nano / Classic (5th Generation), iPad 1 / 2* / The New iPad* • Batteries (remote control): 1 x CR2025 (included) • Speakers: tweeter (2 x 1"), midrange speaker (2 x 3"), woofer (1 x 5.25") • Power consumption: max. 50 W • Power requirement: 110-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz • Weight: 10.6 lbs. (4.8 kg) • Dimensions (H x W x D): 8.7 x 16.5 x 9.8" (220 x 420 x 250 mm)

  • Behringer iNuke Boom Junior shrinks a giant iOS dock, won't trigger as many earthquake warnings

    by 
    Jon Fingas
    Jon Fingas
    10.05.2012

    As enraptured as we might be with Behringer's monolithic iNuke Boom, the 8-foot-long frame and 10,000W output don't really lend themselves to a home installation. Not unless we want to produce false positives on the USGS' earthquake meters, anyway. We're happy to say the company has addressed that domestic oversight with the iNuke Boom Junior. The iOS- and iPod-capable speaker dock won't launch nearly as large-scale an audio assault at 50W, but it's also less than a twentieth of the size of its parent; no one will need a forklift to get Junior into the living room. In spite of the less than ego-inflating dimensions, the smaller system appears balanced with discrete woofer, tweeter and mid-range components as well as separate bass control. We just wish it was slightly more futureproof. As glad as we are that the iNuke Boom Junior's $180 price at Costco spares us from raiding our retirement funds, the speaker is still using a pre-Lightning dock connector and lacks any wireless audio -- iPhone 5 owners will have to turn to an adapter or the aux-in jack. At least we won't be violating any local noise laws in the process.

  • Jarre Aeroskull speaker dock packs dual 15-watt woofers, recently departed Apple Dock Connector

    by 
    Zach Honig
    Zach Honig
    09.20.2012

    Just in time for Halloween, Jarre's new Aeroskull dock embodies 70 watts of total power in a human-like cranium, complete with a pair of speaker-packing shades. Jarre is showing off the colorful chrome tune machine in black, white, blue, green, orange, pink, purple and yellow finishes, with a matching IR bone remote to boot. With a tinted lens appearance, the permanently affixed sunglasses actually contain two 15-watt speakers, with a 40-watt subwoofer occupying the skull's rear. The lofty £349 (about $565) sticker price will net you some of the latest technologies, including Bluetooth audio support and a standard 3.5mm audio input, but Apple's new Lightning port is notably absent, with a good-as-dead Dock Connector mounted up top, instead. With 70 watts of power and Jarre's backing, this seemingly bizarre rig may actually offer decent performance. You'll need to wait until its October ship date to see for yourself, but if a skeletal sound system is on your list of must-haves, you can rest in peace knowing that you have but weeks to live (with your current spirited setup).

  • Bluetooth dock adapter Pear disappears from Kickstarter, founders promise return under new name

    by 
    Mat Smith
    Mat Smith
    08.06.2012

    You might remember Pear, a recent Insert Coin debutant that connects your favorite iDevice dock to (almost) any Bluetooth-connected smartphone. However, you probably didn't notice its swift disappearance from Kickstarter just before the weekend. The people behind the project have contacted us, explaining that the crowdfunding site was hit with a cease and desist order for the dock converter, centering around a "trademark infringement issue." With its funding page down, Pear says it had no way to tell its supporters that product development would continue, albeit under a new name. Anyone that funded the project is advised to register at the source link below to keep up-to-date. The founders aim to return to Kickstarter in around 3-6 weeks, with several as-yet unannounced enhancements coming alongside a new logo and moniker -- something that it's going to task its backers with deciding.

  • Denon intros Cocoon Home and Portable AirPlay docks, will transform songs into musical butterflies

    by 
    Brian Heater
    Brian Heater
    08.02.2012

    Denon's got a snazzy new pair of iPhone speaker docks to show the world -- the Cocoon Home and Cocoon Portable. The Home features AirPlay streaming from iPhones, iPods, Mac and PCs through 100 watts of total power. Its 25-percent smaller sibling has 50 watts of power and battery life of up to five hours. Both docks will be hitting this summer for $599 and $499, respectively. We're crossing our fingers for a Steve Guttenberg spokesman deal. Full press details after the break.

  • Klipsch Gallery G-17 Air soundbar further befits its moniker with custom speaker grilles

    by 
    Joe Pollicino
    Joe Pollicino
    07.29.2012

    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.

  • Grace Digital's MatchStick speaker dock for the Kindle Fire hits Amazon

    by 
    Donald Melanson
    Donald Melanson
    07.17.2012

    We heard back in March that Grace Digital's FireDock for the Kindle Fire would be available in July, and it turns out that was at least partly true. The device is now shipping from Amazon (at a $30 discount of its $130 list price), but it's been rebranded with the even more Kindle-esque name of MatchStick. It remains unchanged otherwise, though, packing the same rotating cradle designed specifically for the Fire (despite the silver-framed device in the press image above), an aux input for other devices, a pair of 3-inch speakers with a 16 watt class D digital amplifier, and an optional lithium-ion battery pack that will be available in August.

  • Insert Coin: Pear brings Bluetooth to your Apple-compatible speaker dock

    by 
    Zach Honig
    Zach Honig
    07.12.2012

    In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. What a lovely set of speakers. Let me just dock my smartphone right th... Or perhaps you happen to own one of the thousands of devices not equipped with a proprietary Apple dock connector. Well, when it comes time to slide your Android or Windows Phone into place, the only sound you're likely to hear is the screech of a 30-pin plug scratching up the case. If the speaker rig packs Bluetooth, you can use that instead, but if you own one of many that don't, you'll probably want Pear. Drawing some name and design inspiration from an arguably more popular fruit, Pear brings Bluetooth connectivity to any dock connector-equipped speaker set, drawing power from the port so it can pair with virtually any smartphone or tablet, letting you play your tunes while keeping your handset in hand. It offers a range of 30 feet indoors or up to 75-feet outside (there's a video proving the feat at the source link below), and works with any apps and devices that offer Bluetooth output. The wireless gadget's designer is turning to Kickstarter to raise the funds necessary to launch Pear into production. The team has already developed a working prototype, so there's proof that you're not backing vaporware, and a $30 pledge can net you one of 250 early bird devices. After that initial run, you'll need to hand over 40 bucks (which also happens to be the expected retail place) for an arctic white or jet black Pear. The developers are hoping to raise $40,000, to cover their prior investments and push the device to the manufacturing stage (no, it won't be "made in the USA"), so if you want to see Pear pop up in a speaker dock near you, hit up our source link below to make your pledge. You can also jump past the break for a quick intro video, and an update on a previous Insert Coin project.

  • Pure unleashes Contour 100i iDevice speaker with swiveling dock

    by 
    Joe Pollicino
    Joe Pollicino
    07.11.2012

    It was this past CES when we got a quick look at Pure's curvy Contour 200i AirPlay system, and now the company is getting a bit more basic -- and wallet-friendly -- with its 100i. It may not be wireless, but this little rig pumps out a maximum of 20 watts through its speakers and features an FM radio, an auxiliary port, a headphone jack and a remote. Although it's exceedingly par the course as far as speaker docks go, the 100i does feature a swiveling dock that stows away when you're not mounting your iDevice. Additionally, Pure's made its internet radio-enabling Lounge app free for a limited timed from the iTunes and Google Play store, noting plans to launch a subscription service later this year. The unit is only compatible with iThings, but it can be had now at Brookstone for $169 bucks if your interest is piqued. You'll find more info in the press release after the break.

  • Gear4 speaker dock supports USB audio for Jelly Bean at Google I/O 2012 (hands-on video)

    by 
    Myriam Joire
    Myriam Joire
    06.30.2012

    Another day, another speaker dock. We initially dismissed Gear4's latest accessory at Google I/O 2012 until we noticed that the attached Nexus 7 was playing audio digitally via the USB port instead of simply through the headphone jack (or wirelessly over Bluetooth for that matter). It turns out that Jelly Bean supports USB audio, a software feature that's bound to spearhead a whole new generation of accessories for Android devices. Gear4's universal speaker dock with alarm clock radio is the first to handle USB audio. While the sound for any app can be routed to the USB port in Jelly Bean, the functionality is missing from older versions of Android. Thankfully, Gear4 includes an app with its accessory that can be used to set alarms, sync time, tune the radio and play media over the USB port on legacy versions of Android. Want to know more? You'll find our gallery below and our hands-on video after the break.%Gallery-159523%

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

    by 
    Sarah Silbert
    Sarah Silbert
    05.17.2012

    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.