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AIAIAI debuts ‘HD’ editions of its modular TMA-2 headphones
Since 2015, AIAIAI has offered headphone buyers something unique: a completely modular system of parts that allow you to craft your perfect set. The TMA-2 line is a collection of headbands, speakers, earpads and cables that are all designed for different use cases, sound preferences and more. Yes, you can pick a configuration for specific activities like DJing or recording in a studio, but you can also build your own from AIAIAI's selection of components. All of the options maintain the minimal, all-black design of the series. And starting today, those options include the TMA-2 HD as well as its new speakers and earpads.
aptX Adaptive Bluetooth audio delivers low latency and high quality
As headphone jacks continue to disappear, wireless options for audio are becoming more important than ever. In 2015, Qualcomm acquired the aptX codec for Bluetooth audio connections, and currently offers technology as a pair of extended flavors: aptX HD for "better-than-CD high definition sound quality" and aptX low latency tech keeps things in sync for video or gaming applications. Today it's announcing aptX Adaptive which takes a "why not both?" approach suitable for the way most of us live now, playing different types of media across multiple devices and environments including VR and mixed reality.
Engadget giveaway: Win a pair of Muo speakers courtesy of KEF!
As the reality of spring takes hold, we get to enjoy longer, warmer days and a burst of colorful foliage. To celebrate this positive seasonal swing, we've got a duo of rose-colored Muo speakers for one lucky reader this week. These Bluetooth portables from high-end UK audio maker Kef feature 12-hour battery life, a compact version of the company's Uni-Q driver array and styling by industrial designer Ross Lovegrove. The design echoes the curves of Kef's flagship $225,000 Muon loudspeakers. You'll be able to send CD-quality audio over Bluetooth aptX to the Muo (with a compatible device) or connect directly to its 3.5mm jack. They can be used as standalone speakers or paired for wider coverage and stereo sound when it's time to party. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning this colorful speaker set from Kef. Winner: Congratulations to Christopher S. of San Jose, CA!
Bowers and Wilkins' new Zeppelin speaker nixes the dock to go wireless
Eight years ago, Bowers & Wilkins released its first Zeppelin speaker dock. After a few updates along the way, the company nixed the dock and went wireless for the new model. The appropriately named Zeppelin Wireless keeps the airship-esque design while adding support for AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Bluetooth aptX connections. While the look might be familiar, the company says it redesigned "every element" to re-imagine "what is possible from a single speaker system." To do just that, Bowers & Wilkins used a group of five speakers: two Double Dome tweeters from its high-fi CM Series speakers, two mid-range drivers and a 6.5-inch subwoofer to manage the low end. The cabinet itself was also retooled for added strength and to reduce vibrations for improved overall sound quality.
Sennheiser made its great Momentum headphones even better
Since its introduction in 2013, Sennheiser's Momentum line headphones have added not only new color options, but on-ear and in-ear models, too. During that time, I've been quite impressed by the cans and their clear and balanced sound. At CES, wireless versions of the over-ear and on-ear gadgets made their debut, and when the news hit, I immediately wondered if the Momentum Wireless would be better than the original. After trying them out, I can confidently say that Sennheiser has made a good thing even better.
Sennheiser's Momentum and Urbnanite headphones go wireless
Sennheiser introduced its Momentum cans back in 2012, and then tacked on an on-ear option about a year later. Both of those are quite capable headphones, but wireless is all the rage these days, so to keep pace with the competition, the company is cutting the cord. Here at CES 2015, Sennheiser is debuting wireless models for the over-ear and on-ear versions of the Momentum family. Both feature NFC pairing, Bluetooth connectivity with apt-X tech to handle "superior unaltered sound." What's more, the pair packs in NoiseGuard active noise cancellation to drown out the ambient clamor during 22 hours of playback before needing a charge. There's also version 2.0 of the wired varieties, and the entire series now features a folding design for easy storage. No word on pricing or availability just yet, but you can expect the two Momentum Wireless models to arrive in both black and ivory color options.
Vertu's new Constellation is its second Android phone, and you still can't afford it
With the Ti liberating Vertu from the Symbian shackles, it was only a matter of time before the luxury phone maker released its second Android device. The Constellation, as it's called (instead of "Constellation V" as listed by the FCC), takes a small but bold step away from Vertu's usual design language, as it lacks the iconic ceramic pillow on the earpiece. What it gains instead is the largest piece of tough sapphire glass that Vertu -- or any phone maker for that matter -- has ever crafted, as well as a layer of soft but durable calf leather wrapping around the Grade 5 titanium body. It'll also come in five colors: dark brown, orange (our favorite so far), black, light brown and cherry. Vertu's CEO Massimiliano Pogliani told us that this "less is more" approach is to have a more neutral, less showy offer that he believes will appeal to a larger audience. "It tested extremely well [in study groups] in China and Russia," said the exec. "In terms of design and appearance, it is being luxury but not too bling, too wild, too pushy, so I'm very happy and very confident."
LG outs diminutive Bluetooth headset with 8 hours of battery life
LG's big ticket items may take up most of our attention span, but the South Korean firm's latest Bluetooth headset solution has caught our eye. Coming in at roughly the size of a matchbox (35.9 × 50.2 × 19.2mm), the BTS1 boasts an 8 hour battery life, features a built-in clip, supports the aptX codec and packs on-board controls for volume, pause and play, sifting through songs and handling phone calls. With the help of Bluetooth 3.0, the pack connects to smartphones, laptops, tablets and even TVs -- yes, even those in LG's 2013 line-up -- with the wireless standard baked in. Of course, you could always lean on a Roku 3 if you're hankering for a wire-free television experience for your earbuds. There's no word of a US release, but if you find yourself in PSY's homeland, you'll be able to score one for 59,000 won (roughly $53).
Antec to extend its Bluetooth product range with Pulse, SP1+, SP3 and SPzero (hands-on)
To most people, Antec's probably better known for its desktop-related products, but at Computex, the company made quite a big effort to pimp its A.M.P. (Antec Mobile Products) range of Bluetooth audio devices. You may have already come across the SP1 Bluetooth speaker (pictured above in several colors), but we've been told that an identical-looking SP1+ is coming this October. What's new? Well, the refresh will come with NFC-enabled Bluetooth pairing, as well as CSR's TrueWireless Stereo technology that will let you use one SP1+ as the left channel, and another SP1+ as the right channel (but both drivers in each SP1+ are still active in this case). Do read on to see what else Antec has up its sleeve later this year. %Gallery-191259%
Klipsch details Stadium and KMC3 wireless speakers, hopes to be at the Center of your listening experience
Sound and time: two things that fly by pretty fast -- and many an Engadget editor has been known to make time zip by faster with Klipsch headphones. While the company showed us its latest ear-gear in the fall of 2011, it's kicking off 2013 at CES with a focus on speakers. It was a year ago when we checked out a mockup of Klipsch's Stadium AirPlay speaker, and it's finally poised to hit shelves in the coming months. Part of its Music Center lineup, the visually striking, wireless 2.1 system (pictured right) hasn't changed aesthetically, but the company does have more to share when it comes to specs and availability. In addition to AirPlay, it's now loaded with DLNA and Bluetooth, with compatibility for aptX. The Stadium is loaded with a duo of 5.25-inch subwoofers, a pair of three-inch woofers for mids and a pair of 1-inch "horn-loaded" tweeters to handle the highs. Now word on price just yet, but north of $1,500 (yes, you read that right, audiophiles) wouldn't be a bad guess when it arrives this summer. For those looking solely for Bluetooth connectivity in a semi-portable package, Klipsch's KMC3 (pictured left) might be the ticket. This 130-watt system features a 5.25-inch subwoofer and a pair of two-inch full-range drivers. Naturally, an 3.5mm input lets you plug your devices in the old fashioned way, while an integrated USB port can be used for charging your devices. Sadly, there's also no word on price for the KMC3, but it should arrive a bit sooner in the spring. Klipsch says it has more planned for the Music Center line this year as well, so we'll keep you posted when we hear more. More details in the press release after the break.
Sony unveils NFC-enabled Bluetooth speakers, waterproof Walkman MP3 headphones at CES (eyes-on)
With Sony's CES press conference literally just starting, we're pleased to give you a look at the latest sound pushers from its Personal Audio Division. The company's still aiming for that classicly subtle, retro-futuristic look on these new devices, so you might not be swayed if you've never been a fan of the aesthetic in the past. That said, we're pretty impressed with what's inside of 'em. To start, there's a duo of new NFC-packing speaker bars intended for use in and around the house -- think of them as wireless replacements for your old docking speaker. Monikered as the not-so catchy SRS-BTX500 and BTX300, both can handle AAC and apt-X streaming over Bluetooth, staying charged for eight and six hours, respectively. Naturally, NFC handles pairing and powering the devices on for seamless tap-to-start playback. Both systems will house "damperless" drivers, which Sony claims reduces vibration and increases clarity. Each system also features a USB port that'll charge your devices and speakerphone capabilities, as these are becoming the norm. While the bars we handled were dummies, we aren't fond of the fragile kickstand found on the smaller 300. We managed to easily knock the speaker over trying to fiddle with its clumsily locking switch. Otherwise, these might make a nice addition around the house in March if the sound matches up to the $300 (BTX500, in black) and $200 (BTX300, in white or black) price points. Beyond those, Sony's announcing US availability during the same month for its smaller -- also NFC and Bluetooth-packing -- SRS-BTM8 ($99, in black) and BTM5 ($69, in black, white and pink) speakers. The BTM8 is begging to be taken on your next picnic thanks to its carrying handle, while the BTM5 is a palmable orb with one up-firing speaker for when you need a speakerphone in a pinch. Lastly, the company is highlighting its newest Walkman-branded MP3 fitness headphones, the NZW-W270. While the Bluetooth in-ears look similar to previous models, Sony's made them completely waterproof this time around (previous models were only water resistant). You'll get 4GB of non-expandable onboard storage, as well as up to eight hours of use from its internal battery. Better yet, a three-minute quick charge from a dead battery will yield up to an hour of run-time. Expect it to hit shelves in black, white, pink and blue this March for 100 bones. Check out the galleries above for a closer look in the meantime -- bonus points if you manage to recall the product names after you move on to more of our CES coverage. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Soundmatters unveils foxLv2 aptX Bluetooth speaker with $199 price tag
Soundmatter's just debuted its latest entrant into the portable Bluetooth speaker arena: the foxLv2 aptX. Picking up where its predecessor left off, the foxLv2 aptX keeps the same form factor while predictably adding aptX support, which promises CD-quality audio in addition to improved sound and picture sync for games and video. A built-in mic for noise cancellation during speakerphone use, a rechargeable battery and audio output from 80Hz to 20kH also make a return. Those yearning to pick up the refreshed hardware can already do so for $199. Hit the jump for the full spec rundown.
NuForce launches $300 Bluetooth 4.0 bookshelf speakers, promises to please audiophiles
NuForce has just launched the NuForce S3-BT, a line of high-quality bookshelf speakers that tout Bluetooth 4.0 as one of its main selling points. Most Bluetooth speakers tend to pale in comparison to their analog counterparts, but NuForce is confident its apt-x and AAC codecs will provide CD-quality audio even to the most discerning audiophile. If you're unconvinced, NuForce has also included a set of analog inputs plus the company's own Air DAC wireless system for slightly higher quality audio streaming. The powered speakers have a 3.5-inch bass driver and a 1-inch tweeter each, and the woofer touts a proprietary anti-resonance cone. If you care about looks, the speakers are wrapped in either soft white or black leatherette. They aren't cheap -- a pair will cost you $300 -- but for attractive high-fidelity speakers that won't contribute to your home's existing nest of wires, it may well be worth it.
Klipsch revamps Image One series headphones, intros first Bluetooth variant (update: ears-on)
As if updating and expanding its in-ear headphone lineup wasn't enough, Klipsch has gone ahead and unveiled its revamped Image One on-ear set here at Irving Plaza in NYC. As we're told, the new Image One is acoustically similar to its predecessor, but now it has a more stylish and robust design that should hold up better over time. Notably, the headphones only have a single cable leading into the left earcup (rather than splitting into both cups like the original), and it's also of the flat variety to prevent tangling. The earcups can still fold flat, but now they can fold into the headband as well, making a smaller footprint for storage in a stuffed bag. In terms of comfort, the leather earpads are now a totally flat to provide an improved seal and better comfort. Beyond that, an Apple-certified inline remote / mic will help you control your music and calls on the go. An airliner converter, a 1/4-inch adapter and soft-shell carrying case are naturally included, and best of all, its price will remain set at 150 bones. Rather than just tweaking the original, however, Klipsch has decided to finally enter the wireless headphone game by offering a $250 Bluetooth-equipped variant for those who hate cords. This version looks nearly identical, with the subtle tweak of having the playback and volume controls positioned as buttons on the outside of the right earcup. The Image One Bluetooth also sports a built-in rechargeable battery, yet the set only gains 10 grams of weight (180 grams total) on top of its wired sibling -- should the battery die, a detachable cable allows for passive functionality. What's more, audiophiles will pleased to know that aptX and A2DP are both baked-in for high-quality lossless audio streaming. If your ears are already tingling with excitement, the new Image One and Image One Bluetooth are set to hit shelves by the end of the month. We're already putting both sets of cans through their paces here at the event, so check back soon as we'll be updating this post with our initial impressions. Update: You'll find images of the headphones below and our brief ears-on after the break. %Gallery-162134%
HTC Car StereoClip hands-on
Looking for something nice to take home alongside your shiny (oh, so shiny) new HTC EVO 4G LTE? How about the Car StereoClip? When the latest EVO hits shelves on May 18th, it'll launch with this Bluetooth accessory that lets you stream audio to any device with a mini stereo auxiliary input. The tiny, USB thumb drive-sized receiver has a micro-USB port on one end for charging, and a male 3.5mm connector hides under a cap on the other side. While the dongle is being marketed for in-car use, it could be used to turn your home stereo into a set of Bluetooth speakers as well. HTC claims that Bluetooth 4.0 and aptX support should make for drastically improved audio quality -- at least when paired with a similarly specced phone. You'll be able to pick up the plug for $60 from Sprint, followed shortly thereafter by AT&T. Check out the gallery below for a few more pics.
HTC One V unveiled: Sense 4.0 on ICS, Beats audio, 3.7-inch WVGA LCD
It's not often that device codenames serve as a direct mission statement, but with the outing of the One V, neé Primo, first-timers are getting an entry level HTC-welcome. The Ice Cream Sandwich-laden handset, running a Sense 4.0 overlay, hearkens back to the design of the Legend, with a black-ish gray, aluminum unibody, hardware keys (three for back, home and apps) and prominent chin jutting out below its Gorilla Glass-coated, 3.7-inch WVGA LCD display. The company hasn't specified the exact CPU powering the phone, but we do know it's a 1GHz single-core affair buffered by 512MB RAM. Storage-wise, you're looking at a paltry 4GB onboard that can be augmented via 25GB of Dropbox, or the available microSD slot. Beneath its sealed enclosure lies a 1,500mAh battery, quadband GSM and WCDMA radios, in addition to support for GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth. Directly benefiting from the manufacturer's recently announced ImageChip, is its 5 megapixel rear shooter, outfitted with an AF f/2.0 lens and capable of recording 720p video. There's no front-facing camera to be found on the unit, although situated as it is on the lower end of the consumer spectrum, that's to be expected. Check after the break for HTC's video preview.
HTC unveils One S, arrives with dual-core power, engineered metal finish
HTC's new phone appears to be its middle-weight offering, but it's still looking to impress with a 4.3 inch Super AMOLED display and a new dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 S4 (MSM8260A) inside set to do the heavy-lifting. Previously known to leak fans as the Ville, HTC's brought Ice Cream Sandwich to the fold, alongside the very latest version of its Sense UI -- 4.0 to match that Android version number. The highlight here appears to be that uniformly thin alloy unibody; in science terms, it's a plasma-heated micro arc oxidation process, giving HTC's typical aluminum frame a smooth ceramic finish and apparently toughening it up on the way. Camera-wise, it's wielding a potent eight megapixel sensor with HTC's very own ImageChip and a f/2.0 autofocus lens that's likely to blow all of its previous camera modules out of the water. HTC has focused on the camera software too -- the One S apparently capable of nabbing shots in under a second and the ability to capture full-size stills during 1080p recording. All this, and it's a mere 7.9mm thick. We'll be hunting down a model for a hands-on as soon as we're finished here. Expect to see our impressions very soon, check HTC's video preview after the break now.
HTC One X announced at MWC 2012
HTC's launched a new flagship handset for Mobile World Congress 2012, the HTC One X -- codenamed Endeavour. Dipping into design notes from The Nokia Lumia line, the One X is a unibody device machined from white polycarbonate that uses Gorilla Glass to protect its 4.7-inch 1280x720 non-pentile Super LCD 2 display. Stunning outside appearances aside, HTC's newest features an NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor for the Global edition and a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual-core for the LTE iteration. Memory specs on the box show 1GB DDR2 and 32GB of built-in storage -- 26GB of which is available to the user -- and an additional 25GB free for two years through DropBox. Connectivity options abound with quad-band GSM and quad-band 42Mbps HSPA+ -- which includes AWS frequencies, huzzah! At the heart of its 8MP f/2.0 camera section is HTC's ImageChip silicon for clearer shots even in low light conditions and the ability to shoot pictures while recording continuous focus 1080p video. Rounding out the new set's photographic prowess is a unique LED flash with support for 5 levels of automatic brightness control and a front facing 1.3 megapixel number that'll sort your 720p HD needs. All things considered we'd say HTC has likely knocked it out of the park with this Engadget specced device, the only thing some might possibly nitpick would be that the 1800mAh battery nestled in the housing is never coming out nor will you find a spot to pop an additional memory card in. We'll be back as quick as we can with some detailed hands-on details, pics, and video. What we do know is that it'll be out globally in April.
