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Apple will replace a lost AirPod for $69
Following a slightly delay, Apple's wireless AirPods are ready to order. They're small and sleek, but the lack of cords has put a nagging thought in the back of my mind: I am guaranteed to lose one, if not both within a few weeks. If you're equally forgetful, or happen to commute in jam-packed subway carriages, you'll be happy to hear that Apple will replace a single AirPod for $69 (£65). Given a fresh pair costs $159 (£159), that seems like a reasonable fee. Similarly, a new AirPod charging case will set you back $69 (£65), for the inevitable "I threw it out thinking it was floss" stories.
Amazon's Echo smart speaker is coming to retail stores
You no longer have to buy online to give the Amazon Echo a shot. Amazon will soon sell the smart, voice-guided speaker in more than 3,000 retail stores, including Brookstone, Fry's, Home Depot, PC Richard & Son, RadioShack, Sears and Staples (which previously sold it on the web). The rollout is taking place over the next few weeks, and a few big stores are conspicuously absent in the mix -- Best Buy, anyone? Still, this beats worrying about holiday shipping headaches.
Motorola unveils wireless Pulse and Surround headphones
Hold on, folks -- Motorola's big event wasn't done when it unveiled a trio of new smartphones. The company has also launched two sets of Bluetooth headphones, the in-ear Surround (shown above) and over-ear Pulse (below). Besides the form factor, you're mostly choosing based on longevity. The bigger Pulse lasts a healthy 18 hours on a charge, while the tinier, waterproof Surround will get you a smaller, but respectable 12 hours of listening. They're both available today, starting at $60 for the Pulse and bumping up to $70 for the Surround.
Sony's latest receivers and sound bars pack Google Cast streaming
LG isn't the only tech giant rolling out Google Cast-friendly devices this month. Sony is launching two AV receivers (the STR-DN860 and STR-DN1060) and two sound bars (the HT-NT3 and the HT-ST9, above) that all take audio from Google Cast-capable mobile and web apps, so you won't have a problem sending music to your TV's speakers. Outside of the NT3, you'll also get alternatives like Bluetooth, Spotify Connect and (on the receivers) Apple's AirPlay.
Amazon's Echo wireless speaker will soon run custom apps
Amazon's voice-savvy Echo speaker is only handy for a few tasks right now, but it's about to become much more flexible. The online giant is now taking sign-ups for a beta developer kit that will let people create apps for the gadget. There aren't many details as to what coders can do with the Echo, but it won't be surprising if they'll let you ask new questions, play games or take control of apps on your mobile devices. Just be patient if you aren't a programmer -- there's no mention of when a regular developer kit will be available, and it'll likely take a while after that before you're using speaker-friendly software.
Sonos' multi-account beta lets you keep playlists to yourself
Sonos' whole-home audio gear is tailor-made for families, but you've had to use a single account for each music service -- not so hot if you'd rather not share your Spotify rap playlists with the kids. You won't have to squabble over whose account gets priority for much longer, though. A new Sonos controller app beta lets you switch accounts on the spot, so you won't have to sign in every time you want to hear your carefully curated tunes. The upgrade also provides a few additional perks, depending on the platform you use; Android users can finally control a Sonos setup from the lock screen, while Playbar owners should get better sound staging and balancing. You can try the beta today if you're using Android, a Mac or a PC, and the finished software should reach everyone before the end of the year.
Samsung has a soundbar that matches your curved TV (update: US pricing)
Let's say you bought a pricey curved TV, only to remember that your existing soundbar is (gasp!) flat. Will you have to live with that geometry mismatch for the life of your set? Not if Samsung has its way. It just unveiled the Curved Soundbar, which it says is the first audio system designed to match curved screens -- specifically, the company's 55- and 65-inch sets. The aluminum-clad device looks the part, of course, although it also promises some better-than-average audio with 8.1-channel surround support and side speakers that add to the immersion. There's no word on just when the curvy peripheral will show up or how much it will cost, but it's likely to sit on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Pure delves deeper into multi-room audio with higher-end Jongo and Evoke systems
Pure first set foot into the multi-room audio space at last year's CES with its frugal Jongo line; in 2014, it's targeting slightly more affluent listeners who would otherwise go for Sonos gear. Its $299 Jongo T4 speaker (above) is reaching the US for the first time, and carries enough oomph at 50W to fill a living room. The $229 Evoke F4 (below), meanwhile, is the company's first internet-savvy radio with Jongo support built-in. There's also a pair of big software upgrades on the way, including SiriusXM streaming (for subscribers) and a developer kit for third-party app support. Both the T4 and F4 reach the US this later this month, while the software should arrive during the first quarter of the year.
Samsung intros 'Shape' wireless audio system, starts at $400 for one speaker
It's not like Samsung's new to the home audio space -- it already sells speaker bars and the like -- but somehow, it's only just getting into wireless speaker systems. The company today announced its very own Sonos competitor, the Samsung Shape system. Named mostly after their triangular hardware, which can lie horizontally, stand vertically or be mounted to a wall, these speakers come armed with WiFi, Bluetooth or NFC, allowing you to stream music over your home network (or not). Even more than that sexy design, though, Samsung is emphasizing the easy setup process, which involves plugging either the speaker or hub into your router, and then downloading a free app to your Android or iOS device; the network setup just takes care of itself. As for the app, Samsung's created a drag-and-drop interface wherein you can drag a song to a specific room of the house. In addition to playing locally stored music, you can also stream from Pandora, Rhapsody, Amazon Cloud Player, TuneIn Radio and any nearby devices that happen to be connected using Samsung AllShare. Using the app, you can also control the volume with either an on-screen slider or your phone's volume rocker -- and the volume doesn't have to be the same in each room, either. You can also mute speakers remotely, adjust the EQ or have different rooms play different music. Audio-wise, you're looking at five drivers per speaker, including two mid-range speakers, two tweeters and a woofer.
Insert Coin: Split, a diminutive, bite-controlled music player in earbud form
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. With Split, developer Greenwing Audio is Kickstarting Moore's Law to your ears. What you see in the image above are more than just wireless earbuds, they're everything you need to listen to music wherever you are -- no additional devices needed. Right about now you're probably wondering how standard stuff like playback and volume controls work. Well, those tasks are handled by biting. No, you didn't misread that. One bite skips a track and a double bite adjusts how loud your music is. According to the pitch video, gentle chomps are sufficient and you don't even need to open your lips. What makes Split different from many other wireless audio device is it isn't beaming Bluetooth radiation into your skull, so maybe you'll be able to retire that tinfoil hat. If the project reaches its $435,000 Kickstarter goal, your $155 pledge won't be a promise, it'll mean you don't have to spend hours of your life untangling headphones for listening to music on the go.
Qualcomm takes on AirPlay with AllPlay wireless streaming
Looks like the Toq smartwatch isn't Qualcomm's only announcement today. At the chipmaker's Uplinq conference in San Diego, CEO Paul Jacobs also announced AllPlay, a wireless audio streaming tech based on Qualcomm's Alljoyn software framework. Like Apple's AirPlay, the technology lets the user stream music from apps to compatible speakers, receivers or other devices. One of AllPlay's first partners is Rhapsody, and Jon Irwin, president of the music service company, came on stage with Jacobs to demonstrate streaming Rhapsody tunes to several different speakers in the room. Other AllPlay features include the ability to play different songs on different speakers and you can even have separate volume controls for each. According to Jacobs, AllPlay-compatible audio equipment is coming and an AllPlay SDK should be out before the end of the year. There's no word yet on which hardware maker is on board. Nevertheless, it does seem like the media streaming space just got a lot more competitive. [Image source: GigaOm]
Braven launches 855s, a $300 rugged competitor to the Big Jambox
Watch out, Jawbone; looks like Braven's continuing its assault against the Big Jambox by releasing another comparable Bluetooth speaker... but this time, it can get wet and take some bruises. Similar to its predecessor, the 850, model 855s is a 20W speaker encased in aluminum and can charge smartphones, tablets and cameras. It even has the same dimensions (10 x 4 inches) and can play tunes for up to 20 hours, or so the company claims. The new speaker costs $300, just like the 850, so choosing between the two depends on whether you want a rugged version or not. As a nice touch, you can pair the 855s with its predecessor for true stereo sound; just be sure to remember which one doesn't like water if you go that route.
JBL Spark Bluetooth speaker uncovered at the FCC with wall mounting, retro looks
JBL is known for its love of exotic speaker designs, but a new FCC approval suggests it's about to turn back the clock for its next look. An unannounced Spark Bluetooth speaker appearing at the US agency wouldn't look out of place at the top of a gramophone -- albeit one draped in red plastic. It could also be part of the decor, as a manual in the filing suggests there's support for mounting brackets. While the FCC filing doesn't give away any launch details for the Spark, the 13W of total power hints that we won't be paying a lot for our semi-retro audio.
Sony SBH50 Bluetooth headset touts NFC and a smart remote (video)
Sony's Xperia ZR isn't reaching the market all by its lonesome: it's accompanied by a high-end Bluetooth headset, the SBH50. The sequel to the Smart Wireless Headset Pro mostly ups the ante with NFC -- listeners just have to tap the smart remote against their Xperias (or many other NFC-aware devices) to get going. There's still the emphasis on higher-than-usual quality for wireless audio; likewise, the remote continues to preview calls and messages, play FM radio and take the owner's pick of wired headphones. Sony has only committed to launching the SBH50 "soon" and hasn't mentioned prices, but we'd use the previous headset's $150 price as a rough benchmark. Catch Sony's overview video after the break.
Bēm Wireless intros four Bluetooth speakers, aims to fulfill your wireless audio needs
Never heard of Bēm Wireless? Don't worry, it's our first time, too. The audio company has taken to this year's CES to show of quartet of interesting wireless speakers. First up, its $300 Speaker Trio consists of a charging base that houses three wireless speakers -- no word on whether it's inductive, though, we'd hope so for that price. The cube-shaped sound pushers have a 120 foot range in total over Bluetooth, and come in either black or white. If you like the aesthetic of the Trio but only need one for traveling, the company also offers its Mobile Speaker. The unit runs over Bluetooth, comes in a few colors and costs a cool $70. Beyond those, Bēm is highlighting its larger Boom Box 2.1 Bluetooth system with a handle, which looks similar to Sony's NFC-loaded $99 SRS-BTM8. Sadly, it may be harder sell at $250 (if it's similar in size to Sony's), but it'll net you 10 hours of wire-free music streaming per charge. Last up in the lineup is the "juice box-sized" Outlet Speaker, priced at $99. Similar to an offering by JBL, the unit plugs directly in your power outlet, letting you stream music over Bluetooth from "up to 25 feet" away. We'll do our best to check these out on the show floor, so check out the press release past the break to find more info in the meantime.
Parrot's Zikmu Solo speaker goes Duo, two make a pair over WiFi
It was only last October when we took a close look at Parrot's new Zikmu Solo (as well as chatting up CEO Henri Seydoux, pictured above), so we were a bit surprised when the company made an announcement for the same Bluetooth speaker at CES. You see, while the original Starck-designed Zikmu was sold in a pair, the slightly smaller Zikmu Solo -- powered by a 1GHz Cortex-A8 processor no less -- was designed with small rooms in mind and is therefore sold singly. However, at some point this year, Parrot will offer a "Duo" option that lets you hook up two Zikmu Solos over WiFi to form a 2 x 100W RMS stereo system, which is conveniently twice as powerful as the Zikmu. Obviously nothing has changed in terms of audio input methods and sources for the high-end Zikmu Solo: iPhone, iPod, PC, Mac, WiFi, Bluetooth mobile phone, Ethernet and more. So, how about a discount when we buy two then, Parrot? $999 times two is quite a lot (insert wink here). Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Parrot Zikmu Solo reaches US in November, makes a tower of wireless sound yours for $999
Parrot has taken some time trotting out the Zikmu Solo speaker since we first saw it at CES, but those enamored with very vertical audio can rest easy now that the unit has a North American release schedule. Both Canada and the US can buy the Philippe Starck-crafted speaker in November, when it will cost $999 for Americans in its black and white guises (sorry, no red for now). While that's a lot to pay for a 100W speaker, Parrot is counting on the unique acoustic design, a conventional iOS dock and a mix of Bluetooth, NFC and WiFi to tempt people away from the land of horizontal sound. It's undoubtedly one of the easiest ways to make a speaker dock the focus of a room -- and that's part of the point, isn't it?
Bowers & Wilkins intros classy A7 and A5 AirPlay speakers, leaves out the 30-pin dock
When it comes to Apple-focused audio wares, Bowers & Wilkins makes some of the of the ritiziest options available. Expanding on its its existing speaker range, the company has introduced a duo of new AirPlay speakers dubbed as the A5 ($500) and A7 ($800). Both HiFi boxes are nearly identical from the outside (aside from the size difference), and feature the same black and silver aesthetic as the MM-1 media speakers. The A7 nets you a duo of 25-watt 1-inch Nautilus "tube-loaded" tweeters" (just like the MM-1s), two 25-watt 3-inch drivers for the mid-range and a 50-watt 6-inch woofer, while the A5 shrinks things by forgoing a woofer and using a smaller speaker array of two 20-watt tweeters and two 20-watt mid-range drivers. The speakers on both units are independently driven, and both systems feature an "audiophile-grade" DAC that'll upscale music streams to a maximum 24-bit / 96kHz sample rate. As you'd expect, the units feature WiFi and Ethernet connectivity and 3.5mm inputs for hooking in sans wireless, but it's worth noting these audio boxes lack 30-pin docks -- at least you still get a remote. Check out the video after the break for a detailed look at both, and the source link below for all the juicy details.
Beats Pill Bluetooth speaker spotted at FCC and HMV: take one and call Dr. Dre in the morning
The Beats by Dr. Dre badge has usually been attached to headphones and the occasional laptop or smartphone. We've never really seen it attached to dedicated speakers, however, and that's where both an FCC filing and a sighting at UK retailer HMV's online store raise a few eyebrows. The House that Dre Built appears on the edge of launching the Beats Pill, a Bluetooth wireless speaker with four drivers and a shape that more than explains the medicinal name. While we don't know just how much of that signature Beats thump we'll get, we do know from the FCC that the Pill can serve as a speakerphone, carries an aux-in jack and will last for a typical 8.5 hours on its USB-rechargeable lithium-ion battery. There's also signs of a red version of Beats' Mixr headphones coming at the same time. HMV has publicly scoured its pages of any trace of a ship date or price for the Pill, but cached copies point to a £170 ($276) price and a release around September 28th -- not necessarily trustworthy figures, but they may be in the ballpark. Our only question is whether or not we'll get a dose of the Pill in the US. [Thanks, Germaine]
JBL freshens its portable speakers with Micro II, Bluetooth-toting Flip and Micro Wireless
JBL has been on a wireless speaker kick lately -- it might as well throw some truly portable models into the equation. Accordingly, two of the three speakers it's shipping today, the Flip and Micro Wireless, sport Bluetooth audio and a 5-hour battery to cut the cord. The Flip (seen above) is the multi-talented athlete of the bunch: its design can work either upright or on its side to stuff into small spaces, and a built-in mic provides speakerphone duties. The Micro Wireless' puck shape isn't as clever, but it fits a standard 3.5mm input jack and space to clip to a carabiner or lanyard. Both these and the Micro Wireless' strictly wired counterpart, the Micro II, have a bass port to improve the low-end frequencies that are so often missing in this class of speaker. Prices may be the real incentives here: the Flip is the most expensive of the trio at $99, while the Micro Wireless and Micro II are even lighter on the wallet at respective $59 and $39 price points.
