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Wallpaper lets your friends borrow e-books from real-world shelves
As convenient as e-books may be, lending them to friends is a headache; copyright woes notwithstanding, it's simply hard to show what you have on offer. Vodafone Romania just made things a bit easier, though. Its new Digital Library Wallpaper gives you real-world (if very flat) bookshelves to showcase your digital wares. As the library owner, you order a custom adhesive wallpaper that reflects the free e-books you've chosen at Vodafone's website. Once the print is on display, visitors to your home just have to scan QR codes to borrow titles and start reading.
Yamaha intros mini audio systems with iOS remote control, explosion of colors
We're well acquainted with both connected bookshelf audio systems and colorful speakers -- seeing both in one place, though, is still a rarity. Yamaha reckons the two aren't mutually exclusive. Its MCR-B142 and MCR-042 both put out 30W of sound taken from a 30-pin Apple device dock, USB, aux-in or old-fashioned CDs, but they also come in 10 different colors; anyone who's wanted a purple stereo to match their crushed velvet decor will be right at home. Both the B142 and a more subdued, desktop-sized TSX-B232 will also receive audio through Bluetooth, and a free iOS app lets us steer the two systems without leaving the couch. These ship later this month along with the B232's wireless-free sibling, the TSX-132. Just be ready to pay a premium -- the roster starts at $400 for the MCR-042, and scales up to $550 for the TSX-B232.
Google thinks your digital books belong on a digital bookcase, digitally (video)
How to best view the Google Books collections? Why, a digital bookcase, of course. But this isn't just any bookcase, it's a giant spinning 3D helix of a bookcase, collecting more than 10,000 titles in 28 subjects. Users can navigate the WebGL Bookcase by spinning it around or swiping it up and down. Sure, it's not the quickest way to locate a title amongst tens of thousands of books, but perhaps it'll offer up some small consolation for those who miss browsing real-life bookstores. You can check out the experiment in the source link below -- be forewarned, however, that it's a bit of a resource hog.
TUAW Bookshelf: Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki
Guy Kawasaki, for those of you who don't know, was an original Macintosh evangelist and when the Mac debuted, he went to software developers, advocating that they write software for the new platform. Over the years Guy has been a loyal devotee of Apple and heard numerous startup pitches (and invested in a few). He's written some fantastic books on creating startups, beating the competition, selling others on your idea and more. Guy's latest book "Enchantment" is available starting today (find a seller on this page) and I have to say, if you're starting a company or wanting to reinvigorate an established business, it is worth a look. I've read a few "business" books in my day, plus a few "self-help" books with a business angle. Enchantment is sort of a redux of the best and brightest of those books, including the classic Dale Carnegie "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and Robert Cialdini's "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion." Enchantment, as you might imagine, refers to bringing customers under your spell. It sounds a little sketchy, but as Kawasaki points out, winning customers through cheap tricks and deception will end badly in the long run. Integrity is key. Perhaps those of us who take for granted how Apple just "gets" the needs of customers and pushes features that make sense will read this book and say "well, DUH" -- but these things are not self-evident. Far too many businesses think that by cramming a million bullet points down the throats of investors and customers via PowerPoint and social networks, they too can become a success. Enchantment is the antidote to this thinking. Instead of a bunch of parlor tricks, Enchantment is full of case studies, scientific research and Guy's experience with enchanting potential customers. It's not a dry book by any means, as Guy's personality and positivity shines through in the writing. It's a very personal book as well, as there are frequent nods to Apple, Guy's own passions and proclivities, plus some very engaging personal stories from guests at the end of each chapter. The subtitle for the book is "The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds and Actions," and I have to say that the book delivers.
Grace Digital punts WiFi radio into a wireless bookshelf speaker system, can't escape Reciva's ghost
Just when we thought Grace Digital Audio had turned over a new, touch-friendly leaf, the company's back with another WiFi internet radio that uses the frustrating Reciva interface. We can't say we're pleased, but the firm's new $250 Wireless Stereo Micro System does have one new feature that might be worth checking out -- it comes with a pair of handsome bookshelf speakers that connect over the ether as well. This time, you can not only connect to your home wireless network (or auxiliary media player) and pull down loads of tunes from the typical array of services -- including Pandora, Live365 and Sirius XM -- but listen in stereo too, while hopefully hiding that ugly four-line LCD and its irksome nests of menus from ever disturbing your view.
Sonos ZonePlayer S5 all-in-one wireless speaker lowers cost of entry (video!)
For many, the perceived high cost of getting into a Sonos wireless home audio system has been a significant barrier. While you crave whole-home, distributed audio that just works without pops, hisses, or clicks, you simply can't justify dropping $350 on a ZonePlayer ZP90 and another $200 or so for a pair of decent amplified speakers. Even then, you're still only talking about a single room -- adding more rooms (or zones) and dedicated Sonos controllers jacks the price up even higher. Today, Sonos fills a significant gap in its product portfolio with the introduction of its $399 / €399 all-in-one ZonePlayer S5 speaker. The 217 x 365 x 123-mm S5 brings a decidedly Bose-like external design while packing a 5-driver speaker system (two tweeters, two 3-inch mids, and a built-in 3.5-inch sub) that's meant to fill a room with Sonos' wireless audio. And because the ZonePlayer is integrated right into the all-in-one chassis, it easily drops into your existing Sonos device network to extend audio into any room that needs it -- no wiring required. There's even a headphone jack for stealth listening in the bedroom. Of course, the beauty of Sonos is in the wide variety of audio sources available: freebies like thousands of internet radio stations, your iTunes library, CIFS NAS storage, or line-in devices like your home stereo or MP3 player; or subscriptions music services like Last.fm, Pandora, Rhapsody, Sirius, or Deezer depending upon your geographic location. If you already have an iPhone or iPod touch and the ability to easily network the S5 back into your router (via fixed Ethernet or close proximity), then $399 / €399 is what it now takes to get started with Sonos. Otherwise, you'll need to add a $99 / €99 ZoneBridge to link the S5 to your router over Sonos' proprietary SonosNet 2.0 (think 802.11n but optimized for distributed mesh audio) and another $349 / €349 for the dedicated CR200 controller if the free PC / Mac software controllers don't serve your need. We'll be getting our hands-on with a unit soon and will update you with our subjective listening experience. Until then, you can ponder the "end of October" and November 10th ship dates for the US and Europe, respectively. Video demonstration after the break. %Gallery-75378% Show full PR text SONOS INTRODUCES THE SONOS ZONEPLAYER S5: THE ALL-IN-ONE WIRELESS MUSIC SYSTEM CONTROLLED WITH AN IPHONE Wirelessly play music in any or every room of the house for $399 per room Enjoy room-filling, high-performance sound with all digital architecture Access your iTunes® library, plus thousands of radio stations and millions of songs from the Internet Control your music experience with free Sonos Controller for iPhone™ app or any other Sonos Controller SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – October 13, 2009 – Sonos®, Inc., the leading developer of wireless multi-room music systems for the home, today introduced the Sonos ZonePlayer S5, an all-in-one wireless music system that can be controlled with an iPhone, iPod® touch or any Sonos Controller. The S5 delivers crystal-clear, room-filling sound that rivals much larger, more complicated audio equipment. Plus, the S5 provides instant access to unlimited music with control from the palm of your hand. Now music lovers can find and play any song from an iTunes library, plus, a world of music and radio on the Internet, in any room of the house. The S5 will be available for $399 in late October. To see the S5 in action, please visit: www.sonos.com/S5demo. "Our customers tell us they listen to twice as much music after bringing Sonos into their homes," said John MacFarlane, CEO of Sonos. "The new S5 is our latest effort to simplify the Sonos experience so more people can enjoy more music than ever before." The S5 features a 5-driver speaker system that packs a big sound – filling an entire room with music. Sonos uniquely designed the S5 with an all-digital sound architecture for precise sound reproduction. The S5 includes two tweeters, two mid-range drivers and a built-in single subwoofer – each individually powered by a dedicated digital amplifier and optimized to deliver room-filling sound with smooth tonal balance and deep bass. All filter settings, bass and treble controls, active equalization, and time-alignment are done in the digital domain through state-of-the-art DSP circuitry, so there's absolutely no loss of audio quality or energy. With the Internet-connected S5, you can listen to way more music than you can with a dock that only plays the songs that fit on your iPod. The S5 gives you instant access to a world of music, including 25,000 Internet radio stations, shows and podcasts -all free of charge and pre-loaded on Sonos. Sonos works seamlessly with the most popular music services to provide computer-free access to millions of songs and stations from the likes of Last.fm, Napster, Rhapsody, Pandora, SIRIUS Internet Radio, and Deezer. The S5 also gives you instant access to any iTunes library stored on any computer or Network Attached storage, such as an Apple Time Capsule. The S5's analog audio input lets you connect to an external audio source (such as an iPod, CD player, TV, DVD, VCR, or radio) and play music or audio on all ZonePlayers in the system. When it comes to controlling your S5, you simply reach into your pocket for your iPhone or iPod touch. With the free Sonos Controller for iPhone app (available on the iTunes App Store), you can search for songs and stations, choose the music and control the volume in as many rooms as you like. And because the iPhone is controlling the music, and not the source of it, when a text comes in or you need to make a phone call, the music doesn't stop. That also means you can keep your iPhone in your pocket, not stuck in a dock. The S5 also includes free Sonos Controller software for your Mac or PC. Or you can let everyone in the house share the control with the dedicated Sonos Controller 200 (sold separately). As with all Sonos ZonePlayers, the S5 is simple to set up, easy to expand and 100% compatible with all other Sonos products. Just plug in the S5 wherever you want music. One ZonePlayer or Sonos ZoneBridge™ (sold separately) must be connected to your router and all the rest will work wirelessly. When you're ready to play more music in more rooms, simply add S5s or other ZonePlayers without adding wires. Now you can play the same song in every room with perfect synchronicity or mix it up by playing different songs in different rooms. The S5 will be available for purchase in the United States beginning in late October. To learn more or to locate an authorized Sonos dealer, please visit www.sonos.com or call 877.80.SONOS.
Peachtree Audio showcasing first speakers at CES 2009
Peachtree Audio had a small presence at CEDIA last year, but it's looking to really catch some ears at CES 2009. The company will be showcasing its very first speakers -- the DS4.5 -- in Vegas here in just a few days, which aim to please audiophile-grade computer users or those in need of pristine sounding "mini monitors." Each of the speakers contain a 4-inch woofer and a silk-dome tweeter, and they were designed to match cosmetically with the company's line of integrated amplifiers with built-in USB ports. Speaking of amps, the two speakers are set to be sold in a bundle with the Decco for around $1,199. These puppies better sound like solid gold for that -- just sayin'.
Canton delivers new floorstander, surround bar and bookshelf speakers
The speaker manufacturers are out in full force in the run-up to CEDIA, and Canton's making sure its voice coils are recognized, too. For starters, the company is introducing its Reference family of speakers consisting of four models (including the Reference 3.2 floorstander, going for $16,000 per pair). It's also looking to snag a sliver of the soundbar market with the CD 90 SB, which packs a trio of speakers and comes in black or silver for $650. Finally, the outfit will be demonstrating its upgraded Ergo and GLE lines, each benefiting from updated driver technology and finish options. Follow the links below to satisfy your curiosity about any of the aforementioned wares.Read - Canton upgraded linesRead - Canton Reference 3.2Read - Canton CD 90 SB
PSB pushes out Imagine loudspeakers, leaves nothing to the imagination
PSB is noticeably proud of being based in Canada, but its patriotism is just slightly overshadowed by the pride put forth in the construction of its new Imagine line of loudspeakers. On course for a CEDIA debut, the Imagine crew consists of the Imagine T three-driver tower, Imagine B two-way bookshelf, Imagine C dual-woofer center channel and the Imagine S dual-two-way surround. The new family is available as we speak, though they aren't for the short-on-cash crowd; the C alone is $800, while the floodstander rings up at two large per pair. Full release (with all the juicy details) is just after the break.
Panic releases Coda 1.5
Panic has released Coda 1.5, a free update to my favorite all-in-one web development application. Coda 1.5 adds several major new features, including find-and-replace across multiple files and a fully-integrated Subversion client. Also included in the update is a user-customizable bookshelf, which allows you to specify any given website as a "book." You can also enter a sample search URL with a wildcard character, and command-click on terms to look for them in the book you created. Syntax highlighting has also been improved, as well as performance running under Leopard. Full release notes are available, too. The update is free for all registered Coda users, and $99 for new users. Discounts are available for registered Transmit owners, too.
Pioneer unveils S-4EX bookshelf / S-8EX center channel
Pioneer's not just focusing on the video side of things, oh no, it's also throwing a bone to the audio lovers in attendance. Designed to complement the EX series of drivers, the S-4EX bookshelf and S-8EX center channel were each constructed with the same heralded technology as used in last year's S-3EX tall boy speakers. When coupled with said boys, you've got yourself a complete multi-channel system consisting of EX drivers from top to bottom. Specs wise, each speaker can handle 160-watts of unadulterated power, and furthermore, you'll find a 3cm Ceramic Graphite tweeter dome, 16cm bass driver (2x in the center channel), ultra rigid cabinet construction and beech high gloss veneer or dark teak matte finishes. As usual, mum's the word on pricing / availability. %Gallery-26128%
Infinity begins shipping Classia Series loudspeakers
Remember those toothsome Classia Series loudspeakers that Infinity introduced us to just before CES? Yeah, those beauties are finally making their way from the labs and into eager hands everywhere. The C205 bookshelf loudspeaker, C336 floorstanding speaker, CC225 wall-mountable center channel speaker and C255ES wall-mountable surround loudspeaker -- all of which boast "selectable monopole / bipole / dipole / dual-speaker operation" -- are shipping now to those in need. Oh, and if you didn't get your pre-order in, fret not, as Infinity would love to accommodate your audio wishes now for $349 to $899 per speaker.
Intelligent bookshelf keeps track of your media
Two rather clever gentlemen from the Netherlands have created a new system of tagging and tracking books, DVDs, or various other media that will undoubtedly find its way into libraries and businesses in no time at all. The program works by utilizing small RFID tags placed inside of books, and an array of sensors attached to the shelves. The data concerning an item's movement on or off the shelf, as well as the its position when not in use is then communicated to a terminal, providing the means of locating not just whether a piece of media is available, but its exact physical location. No word on when or how this will be made available, but for those of us with large book collections, we wait with bated breath. Check the demonstration video after the break.
Pioneer's PureMalt S-A4SPT-VP speakers: whiskey makes 'em better
You loved those JVC sake-soaked speakers right? Only, the smell of that warm fermented rice elixir is a painful mnemonic of some woeful, Golden-Gai excess you'd sooner forget. Yeah, us too. Then check the latest rev of the "PureMalt" speaker line-up from Pioneer made from the 100 year old oak used to barrel-age whiskey (or is that whisky?) before retiring in your bookshelf HiFi. As to the specs, well, if this is the kind of marketing ploy that appeals to you, then do you really care about the inclusion of Pioneer's Technical Audio Devices (TAD) technology usually found in their professional speakers? Didn't think so. The S-A4SPT-VP goes on sale in August for ¥48,000 or about a $421 equiv for the pair.[Via Impress]
