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Bose continues to take on Sonos with new SoundTouch speakers
Bose took to New York City to celebrate its 50th birthday in style. Not only did the audio company introduce a new partnership with streaming service Deezer, but it also introduced its Series II set of WiFi speakers. The revamped SoundTouch 20 and new flagship SoundTouch 30 (pictured above) are a follow up to last year's home systems, as Bose looks to better compete with the likes of Sonos. The SoundTouch 20 and SoundTouch 30 are both capable of syncing across your WiFi network and can be controlled via Bose's controller app, available for iOS and Android -- the flagship model, however, is obviously the most powerful of the two from the inside out. The SoundTouch 30, as does its sibling, features the company's Waveguide technology, which Bose says allows for the system to create a great amount of bass output from a very small enclosure, alongside a 9 lb subwoofer. And trust us, the thing is beautifully loud.
Deezer's regular subscription plan arrives in the US as a Bose exclusive
Deezer brought its high-quality streaming option to Sonos systems in the States last month, and now it's delivering a regular subscription option... but there's a catch. The outfit's Premium Plus plan hits the US for the first time -- so long as you're wielding either a Bose SoundLink speaker or SoundTouch WiFi setup. A $10 monthly subscription allows access to Deezer's catalog of 35 million songs ad-free, with radio, playlists, offline mode and other perks you've come to expect from the likes of Spotify, Rdio and Beats Music. Bose owners will get a 50 percent discount ($5/month) for the first year though, and an October 10th software update will ensure SoundTouch systems are properly equipped to access the service.
Weekends with Engadget: Bose sues Beats, OS X Yosemite preview and more!
This week, we looked at the top 12 tablets available, watched Bose sue Beats, took the OS X Yosemite public beta for a test drive and reviewed the Oppo Find 7. Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last seven days. Oh, and be sure to subscribe to our Flipboard magazine!
Engadget Daily: the battle for VR, Bose sues Beats, and more!
Today, we explore the world of VR, watch Bose sue Beats, learn about a few tools to help you get the most out of Netflix and look at our favorite 11 laptops you can buy right now. Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
The TUAW Daily Update Podcast for July 25, 2014
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get some the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the player at the top of the page. Be sure that your podcast software is set up to subscribe to the new feed in the iTunes Store here.
Bose files patent infringement lawsuit against Beats over headphone noise cancellation
According to TechCrunch and CNBC, Bose today filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Beats Electronics in the US District Court for the District of Delaware. The complaint, embedded below, accuses Beats of infringing several patents related to noise-cancellation technology used in headphones. Apple is in the process of acquiring Beats Electronics in a $3 billion deal that is expected to close in September of this year. Bose v. Beats Civil Complaint
Now that Apple is buying Beats, Bose sues over noise-canceling patents
The ink is likely dry on the Apple/Beats deal, but it has yet to be officially stamped with regulatory approval. Bose is now going after Cupertino's big purchase though, as the audio outfit is suing over alleged patent infringement. The suit takes aim at Beats' noise-canceling tech in its $300 Studio line of wireless cans, claiming that the company swiped items from five of Bose's patents. As you may recall, Dr. Dre's outfit is also facing legal proceedings from MOG founder David Hyman who's looking to recoup over $20 million in compensation. We've reached out to both sides and we'll update this post when we hear back, but until then, the full complaint is accessible below. [Photo credit: Glenn Asakawa/The Denver Post via Getty Images]
Engadget giveaway: win a pair of Bose QuietComfort headphones courtesy of Amazon!
In case you've forgotten, Father's Day is approaching and it wouldn't hurt to grease the skids with the old man by setting him up with some fresh technology. Amazon's Electronics Father's Day Gift Guide is a great spot to find a variety of gadgets for dear old dad, but the company has also done us a solid by offering up a pair of Bose QuietComfort 20i Noise Cancelling headphones for two lucky Engadget readers. We're sure you'll consider re-gifting them when you understand the dual-purpose solution these earbuds can provide. Dad could tune out all your racket by using Bose's noise cancellation tech and you wouldn't have to suffer through his golden oldies playlist or daliance with Skrillex's latest when he has those headphones popped in. And just in case he's a bigger tech junkie than yourself, you'll always have some sweet hand-me-downs in your future. Just head down to the RaffleCopter widget below for up to three chances at winning a pair of these Bose earbuds. It's always good to have a bargaining chip at the table when it comes time to mow the lawn. Winners: congratulations to Chris P., Flatwoods, KY and Michael H. Palo Alto, CA
Bose's new SoundLink III has improved sound, battery life
Today Bose unveiled the SoundLink III, a pint-sized speaker the company says is its best-performing Bluetooth model yet. Designed to be used primarily while you're out and about, the $300 portable speaker comes packing a longer-life 14-hour battery than its predecessor, as well as some sound improvements under the hood. Inside the three-pound speaker you'll find four neodymium transducers and dual-opposing passive radiators, a combination that makes it louder than previous models, while still maintaining "balanced and natural" sound. Music is streamed from your favorite mobile device to the SoundLink III using Bluetooth A2DP, and the speaker remembers the last six devices to connect, so you don't have to worry about constantly pairing. Five optional $35 cases keep it protected during your travels. Hit the source link for more details.
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.
Editorial: Apple's Dash for the Dashboard
Cars are dangerous, all the more when drivers reach for controls positioned at arm's length. Road risk is increased by the fact that many drivers seek distraction or productivity while rolling along. Multitasking while behind the wheel can be more perilous than driving drunk. The car also represents third-party business opportunities. It is an under-served mobile environment. Many apps that work beautifully at home or in a coffee shop, such as music playback or messaging, are halting or awkward in the rolling living room of a car. The race is on for control of the car's infotainment systems. Apple's recently granted patent for a touchscreen dash is Cupertino's aim toward owning the dashboard operating system and interface, in ways that hook into the company's device and media businesses. But thorny competition comes not only from other tech companies, but also from the car companies. And whatever victories Apple enjoys in the dashboard could ultimately be neutered by longer-term automotive tech inventions.
Dr. Amar Bose, audio visionary, dies at 83
Opinions about Bose's consumer audio products aside, there's no discrediting the extensive contributions its founder added to the world of amplified sound. On that note, we're saddened to report that its Founder, Chairman and Technical Director, Dr. Amar Gopal Bose, has died -- this, just two years after donating a majority of Bose Corporation shares to MIT. According to MIT News, after earning degrees in Electric Engineering at the college, he taught there from 1956 until 2001. While teaching, he studied physical and psycho-acoustics, which resulted in his patents in "acoustics, electronics, nonlinear systems and communication theory." In 1964 he founded the company, Bose Corporation, that would bring us the well-known noise-cancelling headphones and audio systems that many have come cherish. An official statement from Bose Corp. and more info about the man himself can be found at the source links.
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%
Bose intros AE2w Bluetooth headphones, competitively priced at $250
Although Bose has been using Bluetooth in its Aviation headsets, SoundLink portable speakers and earpieces for cellphones, wireless headphones have been lacking from the company's roster. That's changing today, with the company email-blasting US customers about its just-released AE2w Bluetooth headphones. Think of these as a pair of AE2 (roughly $150) over-ear cans with an A2DP-enabled Bluetooth dongle tacked on. This protrusion (which is removeable) provides access to a multi-function button, volume controls, power switch and micro-USB port for charging. Battery life is seven hours, with 200-hours of standby, which is about the norm for this type of kit. The Bluetooth unit enables actively-equalized audio, but can be swapped for a 3.5mm cable (included) -- this is ideal for long trips away from power. If you're interested, the AE2w are available in the US directly from Bose today for $250 -- pinning it as a competitor to cans like the apt-X-enabled Klipsch Image One Bluetooth. Our EU-based readers will also be pleased to know that sites like Tom's Hardware Guide (Italian) have them pegged to arrive May 14th for 250 euros. [Thanks, Motty]
Bose SoundDock III embraces Lightning-equipped iPhones and iPods for $250
The last significant upgrade to Bose's core SoundDock model was seemingly eons ago -- distant enough in time that the iPod classic still showed up in press images. We might be thankful, then, that the arrival of the Lightning connector has prompted the arguably overdue SoundDock III. As you'd expect, the primary (and really, only) change to the speaker dock is a switch to the much smaller Apple plug for charging and playing music from that new iPhone 5, iPod touch or iPod nano. The system will otherwise seem uncannily familiar, right down to its remote control and aux-in jack. The SoundDock III is on sale today for $250; while that's a lower initial price than its 2008-era ancestor, the if-it-ain't-broke design philosophy may face a tough battle when much of the competition has since gone wireless.
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.
Bose's OE2 and OE2i on-ear headphones pack brand recognition, little else
Bose may be best known for its active noise-cancelling headphones, but that doesn't mean it's a stranger to the plain ol' passive types. Take for instance its latest duo of supra-aurals, the $150 OE2 and the $180 OE2i (which merely adds an iDevice compatible inline remote / mic for those extra Hamiltons). Put simply, these cans are an evolutionary update to the company's TriPort OEs, promising a more comfortable fit from memory foam padding, and improved sound quality. As you'd expect, there's absolutely no mention of specs, but frequent travelers will be joyed to know that the headphones can fold up for storage inside an included carrying case. The OE2s are currently available for purchase from Bose in a choice of black or white colorways -- a perfect match for that en route iPhone of yours. Full PR past the break.
Bose Bluetooth Headset Series 2 enters the marketplace, still makes you look like a crazy
Know how sometimes you'll be walking down the street when you encounter a seemingly crazy person talking to themselves? And you think, "But you're too well-dressed to be insane." That's when you see it -- the Bluetooth headset tucked neatly around their ear. Well, Bose is adding a newer, high-end option for this well-heeled crowd of faux lunatics with its Bluetooth Headset Series 2. The luxe, over-ear attachment doesn't discriminate as to your best side, coming in both right and left versions. There's a whole load of hyperbolically-named proprietary tech bundled into it to reduce background noise and adjust listening levels accordingly -- exactly the performance you'd expect at this $150 price point. Bose is offering this BT 2.1 headset now, so you can snag it if you're nearby one of its boutiques. Or, make like the rest of us and order it online. Official PR with all its audio jargon after the break.
Bose's CineMate 1 SR and Lifestyle 135 soundbar systems are slim, sleek, not particularly cheap
Bose is offering up two new soundbar systems for folks with a few extra bucks in their bank accounts. The Lifestyle 135 is a single speaker system with a soundbar that can either be laid on a flat surface or mounted on a wall. The system also features a control console with six HMDI inputs, an iPod dock, AM/FM radio, a wireless Acoustimass module and a universal remote, all for $2,500. The 1 SR features only the soundbar, remote and Acoustimass for $1,500. Info on both systems can be found in the source link below. [Thanks, Anders]
