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The best Chromecast speaker
By Brent Butterworth This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter, reviews for the real world. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here. After a blind listening test and more than 40 hours of casual use with a variety of speakers, we think the JBL Playlist is the best Chromecast speaker for most people. It sounds good and looks great, and is priced low enough that you can buy several for the price of one high-end Chromecast or competing Wi-Fi speaker.
Grace Digital's MatchStick speaker dock for the Kindle Fire hits Amazon
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.
Grace Digital's FireDock is a speaker dock for your Kindle Fire
Own a Kindle Fire? Can't find an audio dock made specifically for your gizmo, and not an iThing or Android device? Say hello to Grace Digital's FireDock, the $130 solution to your quandary. While we've seen Kindle-compatible docks before, this stereo system is actually made to seamlessly connect with the Fire's bottom ports and power button, allowing it to charge while docked. What's more, there's a turn-and-tilt feature that'll let you switch between landscape and portrait orientations -- perfect for going from books to movies. If that wasn't enough, an optional rechargeable battery can also be attached to the mini-rig for listening sans cords while you're out and about (though, this route disables the ability to charge the Kindle itself). If you're burning with desire for the FireDock, the bad news is that it won't be available for purchase until July. In the meantime, you'll find more info in the press release after the break to help you cool down.
Grace Digital's Eco Terra boombox now available for $149.99, ready to rock the beaches
We're not sure what took Grace Digital this long to release the Eco Terra, but hey, you can now grab one well ahead of the summer season. Priced at $149.99, this IPX7-certified boombox works just fine even when dunked in water -- the two 3-inch speakers will always float upwards to annoy fellow swimmers. There's no iPod dock connector here as the job's done using a 3.5mm jack inside the watertight compartment, but much like many iPhone headsets these days, you can use the buttons at the top to control music playback and volume on supported iPods or iPhones; whereas with other MP3 players you can only change the volume after flipping a switch. Additionally, the Eco Terra comes with an air pressure release valve to allow easy compartment access across different altitudes. We assume this means someone somewhere has a habit of blasting out music while trekking. Of course, you'll need to install four C batteries to get things started, and that'll keep you partying in the wild for around 25 hours -- long enough to play the Baywatch soundtrack CD about 23 times. Hit the source link if you're ready to spend some cash.
Eco Pod waterproof case keeps your device dry while you're riding dolphins
When we're out on the water, we're constantly longing to take our phones and mp3 players for a swim with us... aren't you? Now we can enjoy a little "I'm on a Boat" when we're actually on a boat -- thanks to Grace Digital Audio's Eco Pod -- without worrying about our handheld's survival. The company announced today that its latest sand, shock and waterproof enclosure is now available -- and it even comes with a set of waterproof earbuds. While the added protection will set you back $50, the ability to bump Katy Perry while exploring a coral reef is, indeed, priceless. Scope out the full PR after the break for all the specifics, and get your white water rafting playlists ready.
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.
Grace Digital adds color displays on new Solo Touch, Bravado X, and Mondo WiFi radios
Can't say we had the best of times with Grace Digital's Allegro, but the dawning of a new year means the dawning of a new effort. Three efforts, in this case. Poised for an official unveiling next week at CES, the outfit's new trio of internet radios have all been upgraded with color displays. Up first is the Solo Touch, a $249.99 device with an expansive 4.3-inch touchpanel, bundled remote, Ethernet connection, RCA outputs and a headphone jack. Stepping down a notch, there's the Bravado X ($179.99), which offers a 2.7-inch color display, RCA in / out and a USB connector. Finally, the $169.99 Mondo packs a 3.5-inch color display, a full-on alarm clock (with snooze!) and a USB port of its own. The whole lot can be controlled via a free iPhone app, and they're each capable of tuning into iheartradio, Pandora, Sirius XM, WeatherBug, CBS Radio, MP3Tunes and more. Now, off to Vegas to see if those user interface quirks have been cleared up...
Grace Digital Allegro review
Dedicated internet radios have always been niche products; when you can get all the same content on your desktop, laptop or even smartphone, it's hard to see the point of relying on WiFi. Without a traditional FM antenna, they're many are chained to your network -- if not your wall -- and the lack of keyboard input for setup and channel search furthers their plight. Even so, there must be something to it, as this gadget category refuses to die, so we thought we'd give one promising newcomer a good, thorough try. The Grace Digital Allegro caught our attention with a packed feature list (including Pandora) and a clean, mobile design. Did it enthrall or disappoint? Find out after the break.%Gallery-92306%
