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Hands-on with Toyota's Prius plug-in hybrid (video)
Yesterday we attended Toyota's Green Drive Expo where we were given the opportunity to take the production version of the Prius plug-in hybrid (PHV) -- and its smorgasbord of technology -- for a spin. We spent a couple hours driving interfacing with the computers aboard the Advanced model, which besides being outlet-friendly, includes some unique features within the Prius lineup. Explore our gallery below, and hit the break for our impressions and hands-on videos with the latest incarnation of Toyota's iconic vehicle.%Gallery-134091%
JBL ships AirPlay-enabled On Air speaker dock
After some delay (we posted about the announcement in March), JBL has announced that the AirPlay-enabled On Air speaker dock is officially shipping to Best Buy and Apple Stores (see press release below). The system lets customers stream music from their AirPlay-enabled devices, like Macs, iPhones, iPod touches and iPads. It's also pretty cool looking, in a Darth Vader-meets-radial-tire kind of way. Other nifty features include a color LCD display, FM radio tuner and an alarm clock. Also fancy is the price; this bad girl will set you back US$349.99, so bring your wallet. If you do grab one, let us know how it goes. They look great. [Via Engadget] Show full PR text HARMAN Unveils New JBL On Air™ Wireless AirPlay® Speaker Dock for Greater Seamless Music Experience in the Home Featuring signature JBL® radial design and Apple's AirPlay technology, the device lets music lovers enjoy their entire iTunes® library from any room in their home – without using wires For product information: http://www.onair.jbl.com/ NORTHRIDGE, Calif. – HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), today announced the new JBL On Air™ Wireless AirPlay® speaker dock, the newest in the JBL® lineup to provide music lovers an even more seamless music experience within the home. With AirPlay technology built in, the JBL On Air Wireless lets you play music from your iTunes® library on a Mac or a PC, and from an iPhone®, iPad® or iPod touch® device over your existing Wi-Fi® network. Users will enjoy album artwork and song information on the bright color display, and can use the included remote control to play and pause music, as well as navigate to next and previous tracks. AirPlay requires iTunes 10.1 or later and iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with iOS 4.2 or later. Three advanced JBL transducers deliver rich, full-spectrum sound uniformly across a wide-listening area. Distinct stereo imaging is often less than ideal with desktop sound systems, but the JBL On Air Wireless dock's unique HALO (horizontal acoustic level optimization) design delivers clean, powerful sound that JBL products are known for. It also employs proprietary JBL technology – digital signal processing – to maximize sound quality and output under any listening conditions. "Since the unveiling of our very first iPod dock, HARMAN has always been at the forefront of creating the most cutting-edge products for consumers," said David Slump, president, HARMAN Consumer Division. "With the new JBL On Air Wireless speaker dock, JBL will set the standard again by introducing a solution for music lovers to store, access and listen to their music content for an even greater seamless music experience within the home." Pricing and Availability The JBL On Air Wireless speaker dock will be available in April 2011 for $349 MSRP at Best Buy and Apple online and retail store locations throughout the U.S. To learn more, visit http://www.onair.jbl.com. Product Features JBL On Air Wireless AirPlay Speaker Dock at a Glance: · AirPlay wireless music streaming · Color LCD screen · Works with Wi-Fi networks · iPod/iPhone dock · Digital FM radio with RDS and 10 station presets · Clock with dual alarms · Three JBL transducers with 360-degree HALO acoustics · Proprietary DSP technologies
JBL ships AirPlay-enabled On Air speaker dock, charges stiff premium for wireless luxury
It's a familiar face, sure, but there's a key ingredient thrown here that's been lacking on JBL's prior iDevice docks: AirPlay. We're still waiting (and waiting) to see if Apple's going to expand its licensing program to allow third-party vendors the ability to toss in AirPlay video streaming, but for now, JBL's taking advantage of what's out there. The On Air Wireless AirPlay speaker dock -- which is shipping today to Best Buy and Apple Stores after being teased a few weeks ago -- is now good and official, enabling consumers to wirelessly stream their iTunes library from Macs, PCs, iPhones, iPods or iPads right to the dock. Aside from a rather unorthodox design (which should go a long way to dispersing jams in a 360-degree fashion), you'll also find a color LCD, digital FM radio, an inbuilt alarm clock, DSP technology and a proprietary adapter that enables it to be worn as headgear at your next rave. We're guessing that final bit makes the $349.99 price tag entirely more palatable.
JBL introduces OnBeat speaker dock for iPad, iPhone, iPod
If you've somehow avoided buying a speaker dock for your iPad, iPhone or iPod up to this point, then you might want to wait until next month before you make your decision. That's when the JBL OnBeat speaker dock will be available at Apple and Best Buy stores. Priced at US$149.95, the OnBeat is JBL's first foray into the iPad dock market. They've obviously put some thought into the design, building a swoopy design big enough to comfortably hold an iPad in portrait or landscape orientation and packing a pair of Phoenix full-range transducer speakers that can pump out your favorite tunes with great clarity and volume. The OnBeat produces 7.5 watts of computer-optimized, DSP-equalized audio per channel. Not only does the OnBeat dock handle your tunes, but if you happen to have a set of composite video cables handy, you can run 'em between the OnBeat and your TV. JBL supplies an IR remote with the OnBeat so that you don't have to get up from the couch to change tunes, and of course, you can use the dock to keep your favorite iToy charged up. As you can see from the image above, the OnBeat dock looks pretty cool, too. I don't know if it's just me, but with that iPad attached it looks like some sort of robot samurai... We'll try to get one of these docks soon for testing and giveaway. [via Engadget]
JBL intros OnBeat iPad / iPhone / iPod speaker dock, prices it at $150
This planet we call home needs another iDock about as bad as we need another Charlie Sheen running around aimlessly, but no matter -- we're getting one, and it's being delivered from JBL. The company has just outed its first-ever iPad speaker dock, the OnBeat. Truth be told, it's capable of handling iPod touches, iPhones and iPads (no word on the iPad 2), but it's clearly engineered to hold the largest of the bunch best. Aside from providing joints and jams to those situated in your living room (or basement, if that's how you roll), it can also pipe Netflix and YouTube content directly to one's television via a composite video output, and if you're running around sans an iDevice, the 3.5mm auxiliary jack ensures that any other source will still function just fine. You'll also be able to charge and sync any docked devices, but you'll be asked to dole out $149.95 in order to bring one home when it ships next month.
JBL reveals wireless AirPlay speaker dock for iPhone or iPod touch
As you can see above, the JBL On Air Wireless AirPlay is a pretty intriguing speaker dock for your iPhone or iPod. Not only does it sport that Dyson-style ring, but it's got an attached FM radio, a dual alarm clock, and even a screen to display the current name and album art of the song you happen to be listening to. As you can tell by the name, it'll connect up to any AirPlay-enabled device, streaming your songs and media wirelessly for your ears to listen to. Looks great. Of course, at home I already have a nice speaker setup in the living room, but this seems like it would be great for a bedroom or maybe even an office space. The dock should be available to the public this spring, and no price has been announced yet. [via Engadget]
JBL's On Air Wireless AirPlay speaker dock gets official, unavailable to purchase
When we first peeked this AirPlay-enabled speaker dock, we were admittedly excited to see how things would turn out after it made rounds through the FCC. JBL just tossed up the splash page for the On Air Wireless speaker and we've gotta say -- it looks to be a promising means of streaming your jams. The system connects wirelessly to your AirPlay-enabled Mac and iOS device on 4.2 or later and packs a screen that'll display the track info of the song you're rocking out to. What's more, the rounded grill sports a dual alarm clock, FM radio, and a USB port for future firmware updates. As you might have surmised by now, the dock is not yet available for purchase and there's no word on price. If you're interested, though, be sure to hit the source link, sign up for more info and get ready to headbang this spring.
Rinspeed BamBoo electric concept is world's largest HTC Flyer dock
Talk about your cross promotions. The Rinderknecht-built Rinspeed BamBoo concept electric car looks to be the stuff of a gadget nerd's dreams. Unfortunately, that dream resembles a dystopian nightmare envisioned by a Neal Stephenson novel whereby everything we own is sponsored, trivial, and slathered in corporate logos. But hey, it's just a concept, and production vehicles never look like the original idea so anything goes... and we mean anything. To start with, the breadbox-inspired dash features a Siemens VDO display with a docking station in the glovebox for the new HTC Flyer tablet. The BamBoo dash is flanked by flowery JBL GreenEdge speakers and the starter key is styled after a Swiss army knife. And if we're not mistaken, there's a webcam extended off a stalk from the center of the dash. An interesting piece of work right on down to the cluster of old school throw switches for the wipers, lights, hazards, etc. But that's just the cockpit. The radiator grill has been replaced by an internet-connected "identiface," developed by Daimler subsidiary MBtech, whereby the occupant can display any number of messages to onlookers from Facebook or Twitter, for example, or even the radio station preset you're currently jamming. The inflatable rear seats are removable as is the inflatable waterproof roof developed by Tecnotex that doubles as a beach blanket. The whole kit is powered by a 54 kW electric motor capable of a 120km/h top speed and battery capable of pushing the sporty golf cart some 105 kilometers before requiring a recharge from an RWE intelligent charging station. Look for it to make its big reveal at the Geneva Motor Show. Until then, head over to Autoblog to feast on their gallery of images with a few choice shots added below. %Gallery-116981% [Thanks, Tim]
JBL's AirPlay-enabled On Air Wireless speaker dock hits the FCC
JBL was one of the first companies besides iHome and Denon / Marantz to announce support for Apple's AirPlay technology, so it's no surprise that the company's On Air Wireless speaker dock just hit the FCC, complete with its manual -- we've been hearing that AirPlay will be all over the place at CES 2011. The On Air Wireless seems like a fancier riff on JBL's On Air line of speaker docks and alarm clocks -- it features that familiar swoopy-loop design but adds in a large color LCD display that displays album artwork while streaming music. Looking at the manual, the display also makes WiFi setup and configuration a little easier, which is nice. All in all, it looks promising, but we'll see what price and availability looks like when we get to CES.
Dell Inspiron Duo and speaker dock up for pre-order at Microsoft Store now, no clue when they'll ship out
The Dell-Microsoft symbiotic relationship continues where it left off with the Venue Pro, as another highly desirable piece of hardware has been made available at a Microsoft Store ahead of Dell: the transforming Inspiron Duo and its JBL-powered speaker dock. That's actually in your favor this time, however, as you won't have to trek across the countryside to one of Microsoft's seven brick-and-mortar stores, but rather grab the $549 convertible at Microsoft's website, and you can even get $50 off the audio station's typical $99 price. That said, these are most definitely pre-orders we're dealing with here and there's no expected shipping date on the site, so it's hard to tell if you're actually securing yourself the first spot in that "first week of December" line. They won't charge you until it ships, though, so if you're not willing to wait for our full review to see if that slick spinning screen is up to snuff, now is probably the time. [Thanks, Joe]
Dell XPS 14 review
When Dell told us of its plans to revive its tried and true XPS laptop line we were pretty darn excited. With so much brand dilution in the past few years -- there's been the Adamo XPS and the Studio XPS -- the products have noticeably strayed from providing the rock solid gaming and multimedia experience they were once known for. There's a reason XPS stands for Xtreme Performance System, right?! The new line, which includes 14-, 15-, 17-inch systems, has all the ingredients to set it back on track -- including Core i5 / i7 processors, NVIDIA GeForce 400M graphics with Optimus, JBL speakers, a backlit keyboard, an HD webcam and a solid aluminum lid – but has Dell succeeded in creating a well-rounded multimedia machine? And does it rival our oh-so-adored HP Envy line? We've spent the last week using the more mobile $899 XPS 14, so read on to find out in our full review! %Gallery-106841%
JBL brings the twist to On Stage IV and On Stage Micro III iPod sound docks
We're guessing that we'll be seeing these iPod sound systems at the bottom of our Lucky Charms boxes next year, but JBL's trying to milk things while it still can. The company has just unleashed a new pair of iPod / iPhone-compatible sound systems, the On Stage IV and On Stage Micro III. Strangely enough, they look fairly identical, but the latter just so happens to be the more portable of the two (shocker!). The new duo sports a unique twisted base, with the On Stage IV housing four Odyssey transducers and having the ability to operate on a six-pack of AA batteries; the smaller Micro III uses just two Odyssey transducers, but it can pump out the jams for 24 hours on just four AAA batteries. Each one ships with an IR remote, touch volume controls and a built-in stereo mini-jack input for connecting those other PMPs you've got sitting around. The On Stage IV is expected to ship soon for $179.95, while the little guy goes for $119.95.%Gallery-104937%
Is BridgeCo the foundation for 'Made for AirPlay' Apple accessories?
Hands up if you've ever heard of BridgeCo. No? Us neither, but that's about to change following a CNBC report detailing the company's relationship with Apple. BridgeCo is in the business of embedding its network media processor and software stack into its partners' audio equipment to enable wireless streaming. Now, according to a CNBC interview with BridgeCo CEO Gene Sheridan, Apple decided sometime last year to make BridgeCo an AirPlay launch partner. As such, any vendor that embeds BridgeCo's newest tech will be able to accept streaming audio (and its metadata) from an iTunes library or handheld iOS 4.2 device -- there's no mention of video or picture streaming although AirPlay supports both. According to CNBC, audio gear should start arriving with the BridgeCo software in time for the holidays allowing iTunes users to "mix and match their favorite equipment with a common software." What that means isn't exactly clear, though BridgeCo does offer the ability to link systems into a distributed home audio network that includes a "party mode" where all speakers are synced to play from a common source. Importantly, according to Sheridan, this is the first time that Apple has opened up its iTunes software to a third party, giving it a glimpse at the source code. Exclusively? That's the big question. When Apple announced AirPlay, it listed Denon, Marantz, B&W, JBL, and iHome as "featured" partners. Coincidentally, in a blog post published two days after Apple's fall music event, BridgeCo listed all of these brands, with the exception of Marantz, as partners of its own. If you'll recall, the "Made for iPod" licensing program has provided a steady stream of revenue for Apple since 2005. And in the last few years, Apple has relied upon a proprietary authentication chip to authorize device compatibility and to unlock features such as video streaming. Apple undoubtedly seeks similar control over the expected rush of AirPlay-enabled devices in order to ensure a consistent user experience while making a few bucks on every third party accessory sold. So is BridgeCo the new chip and software behind a "Made for AirPlay" accessory certification program? We can't say for sure. Sheriden does let on that the Apple deal's impact is "immense" and should provide more than half of the company's revenues. Needless to say, the idea of combining systems from multiple brands into a unified whole-home audio network is certainly attractive. Sonos and Squeezebox, your approach to distributed wireless audio is officially on notice. Update: Computerworld published a second interview with Sheridan this morning that digs a bit deeper into BridgeCo's capabilities. For example, BridgeCo solutions support Pandora and Rhapsody streaming in addition to 12,000 streaming radio stations. BridgeCo also makes an SDK available to OEMs and developers. Now for the money quote: "The two companies spent the last year working together to develop AirPlay technology." In other words, BridgeCo is not just an AirPlay licensee, it helped develop the tech. Computerworld also confirms that AirPlay will be licensed similar to "Made for iPod" systems. And with all the speculation and rumor about Apple getting ready to offer its own subscription streaming service once its data center is complete (and contracts signed), it's easy to see how AirPlay could monetize Apple's bid to dominate the connected home audio market.
iHome reveals first AirPlay wireless speaker system
iHome, makers of iPhone and iPod accessories, is the first to announce an AirPlay compatible wireless speaker system. So far, the details are slim, but what we do know is that it will incorporate Apple's new AirPlay technology, have a rechargeable battery, and be available for the holiday season! In related news, Apple's official AirPlay website reveals a lineup of other featured partners who are incorporating the AirPlay technology. JBL, Marantz, B&W, and Denon have also signed up, but as of yet, no further information is available. In case you missed it, our own Richard Gaywood did a great piece on why he's looking forward to Airplay. If streaming music, video, and picture tickles your fancy, check it out here. We'll keep you posted on any further Airplay developments as they happen.
Apple's AirPlay music streaming coming to third party speaker docks, receivers, and stereos
Steve didn't mention it during his keynote just now, but in addition to bringing AirPlay music streaming to iOS 4.2 and iTunes 10, Apple's also opening the tech up to third parties, with a few big names already on board. That means you'll be able to stream music from iTunes, your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad to speaker docks, receivers and stereos from companies like Denon, Marantz, Bowers & Wilkins, JBL and iHome, complete with song, album, and artist info and album art. That certainly makes the system much more flexible, especially since you can stream to multiple speakers at once -- and damn, building a mix-and-match whole-house audio system just got incredibly easy. We're definitely digging for more info on this and some release dates for compatible gear, we'll let you know. [Thanks, Iain]
JBL ships MS-8 digital processor, promises to 'revolutionize' car audio
Remember that JBL MS-8 you plopped atop your must-have list back in March? No? Fret not, as quite a bit has happened in the meantime. Today, however, the aforesaid outfit is shipping its new in-car digital processor, which remains a bit of a mystery device that magically improves audio quality for up to four seating positions simultaneously. JBL assures us that the real secret sauce lies in the software, and with it, people will apparently "never experience music in their vehicle the same way again." This all sounds a bit Bose-ish to us, but at least we're told the specifications: the box includes an onboard 20W x 8 amplifier, eight-channel preamp-level and speaker-level inputs and outputs, and full-range stereo auxiliary input. The package also includes a wireless RF remote, LCD display (with a five-line, 128 x 64-pixel screen), Logic 7 technology and a graphic equalizer with 31 bands. The actual installation process also remains a mystery -- all we're told is that a pro could do it during the time it'd take you to have lunch, but given that this thing isn't wireless, you can bet that a good bit of splicing will be in order. Head on past the break for a look at what $799 nets you.%Gallery-95288%
Harman Kardon, JBL spring forward with refreshed audio lineups for 2010
Say hello to Harman International's home, media and mobile updates for the spring, bringing its audio expertise to those who aren't quite ready to step up to its higher end line of standalone receivers and the like. Promising to perfect the audio performance of any car audio setup in just 10 minutes, the $799 JBL MS-8 is as interesting as it is specialized. The HKTS 20 and HKTS 30 ($799 / $999, March) are standard 200w 5.1 surround sound setups, and while they promise improvements over their predecessors the Go + Play Micro boombox ($399, March), On Time Micro & 200P clock devices (both $249, April) and On Stage Micro II ($129, April) probably aren't hiding anything too surprising underneath those iPod docks, but we'd suggest perusing the gallery just to be sure. %Gallery-88520%
Quad-core Core i7 720QM slips into Dell Studio 15 / 17 and Studio XPS 16
Ready for some fireworks? Good. Intel's just-announced Clarksfield processor -- which was accurately rumored for a September launch way back in July -- is landing in Dell's lineup in a big way. The refreshed Studio 15 and Studio 17 will both be sold with an available Core i7 720QM or Core i7 820QM, as will the gamer-centric Studio XPS 16. As a reminder, the former checks in at 1.6GHz with a 1,333MHz FSB and 6MB of L3 cache, while the latter hums along at 1.73GHz. The Studio 17 is also seeing a few non-CPU related updates, with a JBL-sourced 2.1 audio system, optional 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650 and support for dual HDDs. Outside of that, most everything else on these rigs is just as it was yesterday, though consumers interested in snagging one with a shiny new chip should take note of the price points. The Core i7'd Studio 15 gets going at $999, while the 17.3-inch sibling starts at $1,099 and the Studio XPS 16 (available today, or so says Dell) at $1,249.Read - Dell Studio 15Read - Dell Studio 17Read - Dell Studio XPS 16
JBL rolls out new ScreenArray speakers to cinemas, mansions
If you personally own a cineplex, or just a really big home theater, you've no doubt discovered that filling large spaces with high SPLs takes a lot of power. Conventional "cones in a box" just aren't very efficient, which is why so many large venues use horn-loaded drivers; and it's also where JBL's new ScreenArray series of digital cinema loudspeakers fit in. The 4732, 3732, 3731, 4722 and 3722 models each feature the new 3-inch high-frequency compression driver that's also been goosed to blast through perforated screens with the treble intact, and they're also all available in amplified and passive flavors. Our local theater isn't exactly rolling in cash right now for this kind of purchase, but then again, there's nothing crappy sound coming from a blown driver to make us blacklist a theater once and for all.
modu music jacket with JBL turns your mini-phone into a mini-boombox
We've seen plenty of teensy speakers setups for phones, some wired, some Bluetooth, but the beauty of modu is that in this case, the speakers become the phone. Slip modu into this "music jacket" built by PCH International and you get some surprisingly good sound out of the stereo JBL Odyssey speakers, a quality speakerphone setup, and a regular (if incredibly fat) handset experience to boot. The phone side of the device includes a 2.2-inch display and a 3 megapixel camera with flash, and there's a funky "digital sound meter" for visualizing your noise. The jacket will be available later this year; no word on price, but we expect it will stick with the modu trend of "cheap."%Gallery-44949%
