Bluetooth speaker
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Nokia's Play 360 Bluetooth speaker uses NFC daps to pair with your phone
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.
Perch: the Bluetooth speaker / smartphone dock of your dreams, shipping soon for $180
Okay, so maybe that's a stretch, but there's no question that Quirky's latest socially-developed product is one of the slicker wireless speaker / dock combos out there. Dubbed Perch, this two-piece device acts as a standalone Bluetooth speaker if you'd like, but it also includes a dock / tray for holding your device while it's charging. It's model and brand agnostic, and it's up for pre-order right now for $179.99. Gallery's below, but don't dive in if you're easily swayed by eye candy. %Gallery-113323%
Jawbone Jambox vs. Soundmatters foxL v2... fight!
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-111933%
Jawbone Jambox review
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-106618%
Jawbone Jambox Bluetooth speaker now available for $200
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 intros Jambox portable bluetooth speaker, we go hands-on (update)
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-106618% %Gallery-106677%
Devotec rolls out updated Solar Sound 2 Bluetooth speaker
Devotec's new Solar Sound 2 Bluetooth speaker may look nearly identical to the original model we got our hands on last year, but the company assures us that it has in fact been "re-designed from the ground up," and promises that it'll give you a whole lot more for the slightly higher $99.99 price tag. The biggest advantage, it seems, is some significantly better sound thanks to some new and improved speaker cones, silver plated oxygen free copper speaker cabling, and a more efficient power circuit that promises to "get even more juice to the amp and speakers." You'll also get some new gold-plated connectors on the unit itself, along with an integrated line-out, and a slightly larger battery that should give you between five and ten hours of use (compared to eight at most before). Head on past the break for the full press release, and hit up the source link below to get your order in if you like.
Soundmatters' foxL v2 portable Bluetooth speaker rocks the suburbs
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.
Devotec Solar Sound Bluetooth speaker hands-on and nano-review
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.
Devotec debuts Solar Sound Bluetooth speaker system
Devotec Industries has mostly kept itself occupied with solar chargers and the like to date, but it looks to be branching out somewhat with its latest product, which appears to be one of the first solar-powered Bluetooth speakers to hit the market. Obviously designed primarily with portability in mind, the Solar Sound packs a pair of 2W speakers, along with a retractable 3.5mm cable to accommodate your non-Bluetooth devices, a built-in mic for some hands-free calling when paired with a phone, a nifty touch panel display, and a promised 8 hours of use from the internal battery (which recharges in 12 to 24 hours from the solar panel, or four hours via AC or USB). Sold? Then you can pick one up right now for $79.[Via TestFreaks, thanks Vincent D]
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker approved by vacationing Billy Corgan
We don't know a single soul who hasn't wanted to hear Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness from start-to-finish whilst swimming off the coast of Phuket, but seriously, who's going to tune in on a $40 waterproof Bluetooth speaker ball? Then again, maybe Billy's secretly more concerned with his choice of swimwear and lack of sunscreen than the clarity of Iha's riffs.
Sony Ericsson's MS500 Bluetooth speaker makes old people cranky
Annoyed by urban youth and their desire to fill the world with "music" from the tin-can speakers on their cellphones? Yeah? Then prepare yourself old man 'cause your curmudgeon knob is about to get a twist from this new Bluetooth 2.1+EDR speaker from Sony Ericsson. The MS500 2-watt speaker is designed for mobility with a durable splash-proof shell, wrist-strap, and hook allowing it to be tethered to any messenger bag for up to 5-hours (off AA batteries) of optimal annoyance. Although pictured in the wide-open spaces favored by the beautiful, expect to see the MS500 riding the subway seat next to you when it ships on an unspecified date for an undisclosed price. One more product shot after the break.
Bluepeaker weds GPS, speakerphone and Bluetooth into one ugly puck
Right, we know -- it's probably the hideous FCC photograph that's turning us off on the design, but there's still something here that just screams 1997. Nitpicking aside, the so-called Bluepeaker is a multifaceted device that provides GPS data to Bluetooth-equipped phones, PDAs and laptops, all while doubling as a BT speaker (audio streaming is obviously supported) or a BT speakerphone (handsfree is a lock). The unit itself can get juice via any powered USB port or AC wall charger, and we're told it should last for around 200 hours in standby mode. Sadly, the FCC isn't really much for handing out pricing details, but we'll be sure to keep an ear to the ground.[Via Slashgear]
Samsung's flower-inspired BSP6000 Bluetooth speaker hits FCC
Samsung has a history of pumping out Bluetooth speakers with unorthodox designs, so we can't say we were totally taken off guard when this one popped up in the FCC's database. That said, it's hard not to be a little shocked when checking out a speaker that looks more like a pair of black flowers than an audio maker, but that's exactly what's presented in the BSP6000. This mobile companion not only allows for BT music streaming, but it also pairs with your handset in order to initiate / answer / end calls. Predictably, Sammy threw in a standard 3.5 millimeter auxiliary jack for connecting any other music source, and we're told that it'll work with your BT phone so long as it's within a 30 foot radius. Obviously, there's no mention of a price or release date (though that would be nice of you to find out, FCC), but we'll be sure to keep an eye out for more. Shouldn't be too hard to miss.
Soundmatters foxL Bluetooth speaker gets reviewed
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.
Soundmatters reveals foxLmb portable Bluetooth speaker
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.
Samsung showcases YA-SBR510 Bluetooth speaker
Samsung already loosed a 3-channel Bluetooth speaker earlier this year, but apparently, one just isn't enough. The company has now introduced its YA-SBR510 over in South Korea, which streams audio from BT-enabled players and includes a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary jack for hooking up just about everything else. A tad pricey at €150 ($222), but it's a total bargain should it come bundled with that oh-so-furry rug. Sammy, care to comment?
Samsung's YA-BS900 Hyper 3-channel Bluetooth speaker gets official
Recall that curious "3-channel" speaker we peeked back in November? Turns out, Samsung was saving the good stuff for CES, and now we're being blessed with a whole heap of official details. The YA-BS900 speaker automatically connects to your BT-enabled PMP / handset / etc. and features Bluetooth 2.1, a motion detector to power on the system when a paired device comes near, 30-watts of power and a USB port for playing tunes stored on a flash drive. Furthermore, it even boasts automatic volume reduction when a call comes in on your paired mobile, and while the onboard touch controls are fine and dandy, we'd certainly take advantage of that remote if we were you. Sadly, this beauty won't be available for two more months, and as if that weren't depressing enough, it'll cost you a staggering $399 when March finally does roll around.
Samsung readies YA-BS900 Hyper-Directional Bluetooth speaker
Samsung's YA-BS900 won't deliver any jams in 5.1, but it most certainly is "Hyper-Directional," for whatever that's worth. The interestingly designed speaker touts Bluetooth technology, claims to be "3-channel" in nature and possesses the innate ability to play back tunes streamed in with your BT-enabled cellphone or DAP. Furthermore, the unit will take Ozzy down a notch if it notices that a Bluetooth phone is answered, but we're not told what other inputs (you know, like a totally convenient 3.5-millimeter jack) are included. Per usual, price / availability remain a mystery, but those tidbits can't hide for too much longer.
Sony Ericsson's MBS-100 Bluetooth speaker might contain spores
If Sony Ericsson was the name for an embarrassing fungal wart then you'd be reaching for a bucket right about now. However, given that SE makes consumer electronics you're actually looking at their new MBS-100 Bluetooth speaker. The crater-pocked sphere features A2DP stereo audio and a rechargeable 5-hour battery for delicious portability. Unfortunately, SE tells us that it "looks as good as it sounds" which doesn't make us too hopeful on the acoustic front. They've also released a 25-hour, HCB-105 Bluetooth car Speakerphone kit. Sure, it looks a bit staid but at least it won't scare the children. No prices given, but the MBS-100 will drop in Q4 while the HCB-105 arrives in Q1.%Gallery-8481%
