Sonos Android update adds support for wireless audio streaming

Sonos is one of the go-to companies for wireless streaming options, and Android users can finally get in on the fun, thanks to an update to the Sonos Controller app. The update now enables users to play music and audio stored on their Android phone or tablet anywhere that they have a Sonos wireless speaker or player.

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Luckily, the app supports Android 2.1 and higher, so most if not all Android users should be able to use the new app and stream their local music to a Sonos device. All you have to do in order to get the update running is update the app from Google Play, make sure all the devices are on the same WiFi network, and then you’ll be able to play your music stored on your Android device.

Once you have the app updated, there will be a new menu called “This Mobile Device.” Tapping on that will bring up the expected categories, including Artists, Albums, Genres, Tracks and Playlists, as well as Podcasts. The app isn’t completely fleshed out, though. We noticed some issues with podcasts showing up in different categories other than the Podcasts category.

Another caveat is that music downloaded directly from the Google Play Store can’t be played through the Sonos app right away. You have to download them from Google Play to your computer, and then transfer them to your Android device’s Music folder in order to get them to work with Sonos. This is kind of tedious, but hopefully Sonos can find a way around it sooner or later.

VIA: Android Community

SOURCE: Google Play


Sonos Android update adds support for wireless audio streaming is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
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Nokia Unveils Budget-Friendly Boom, Knock, And Pop Headphones

For those shopping about for affordable headsets, Nokia might have you covered as the company has announced a trio of new headsets that they worked on together with Zound Industries, the same company behind the Marshall Headphones, Molami, and Urbanears. […]

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Plantronics BackBeat Go 2 In-Ear Headphones

Before there was the Plantronics BackBeat Go 2, you know for sure that there was the Plantronics BackBeat Go. Yeah, it could not get any more obvious than that, could it? Well, here we are with the sequel to the […]

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Plantronics BackBeat Go 2 Bluetooth in-ears: sweat resistance, six-month sleep

Plantronics intros BackBeat Go 2,

Plantronics was proud to present its BackBeat Go Bluetooth in-ear headphones last year, but it’s also aware improvements are always welcome. To that end, the company’s ready to show off its second iteration: BackBeat Go 2. P2i moisture resistance and reworked internals for improved sound back up the sporty wire-behind-the-ear design and fit stabilizers — look out, Jaybird. Not only does the hardware remember up to eight devices, but a DeepSleep mode shuts it down if you walk out of range without turning the power off, allowing it to sleep for up to six months. The internal batteries squeeze out about 4.5 hours of playtime for music, and an optional microUSB charging case ($20) can provide about two and a half refills. As you’d expect, an inline remote keeps you in control of your playlists and calls, while DSP enhances incoming and outgoing sound. Ears perked? The headphones will be available starting today at various retailers in your choice of black or white for $80.

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Four Easy Ways to Listen to Your Music Outdoors

Four Easy Ways to Listen to Your Music Outdoors

The season for backyard barbeques and pool parties is upon us! But with the summer sun smothering the East Coast, who wants to crowd their ears into a pair of headphones or jam silicone buds down their ear canals? Instead, here are four easy ways to bring your playlist poolside.

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Braven launches 855s, a $300 rugged competitor to the Big Jambox

DNP Braven rugged speakers

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.

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Source: Braven

Accord 3D Printed Earphones: Beats by You

We’ve already seen a couple of 3D printed headphones, but they were mostly proofs of concept, not for daily use. Designer Julian Goulding hopes to incorporate the revolutionary technology into consumer-grade earphones with his Accord concept.

accord 3d printed headphones by julian goulding

In theory, the Accord headphones present a variety of advantages. The first one is personalization. You can either go to a professional audiologist make molds of your ears or get a DIY molding kit from Goulding. Either way, you’ll send your molds to Goulding’s company to be scanned and turned into 3D files. This ensures that your earphones will fit snugly in your ears. They’ll also keep your files so you can order replacement parts in the future.

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Another benefit of Accord’s 3D printing process is that they’re more sustainable: the earphones are printed on demand and not mass-produced. But as some you may know, custom and made-to-order earphones are nothing new. Companies like Ultimate Ears have been offering the service for years now. The problem with these existing personalized earphones is that they’re very expensive.

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The picture above shows a mockup of the Android app for Accord. You can download a test version of the app here. The app lets you order your custom earphones and will let you choose its material and color, as well as track your order when it’s shipped. I wouldn’t be surprised if the price shown above is just a placeholder, but I’d even be more surprised if Accord earphones end up costing as much as its high-end counterparts. Besides, the fact that you can choose the material means you have some control over how expensive your order will be.

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Goulding also mentioned on his website that the Accord can be localized by 3D printing firms to further drive down its printing costs. I wonder if that means you can specify a 3D printing shop near your location, or perhaps even let you print the Accord if you have your own 3D printer.

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They actually look decent; now all we need to know is how they sound. Head to Goulding’s website to see a few more images of the Accord.

[via Damn Geeky]

Ruark Audio R7: Don Draper Would Have Loved It

There are plenty of audio systems available for your home, but not all of them look as beautiful as this console from Ruark Audio. It’s got lots of retro appeal, and will look awesome in a number of different decors.

ruark audio r7 console speaker

The Ruark Audio R7 has a stylish look, that seems to be inspired from some hifi gear from the 1960s. It comes wrapped in walnut veneer and can stand on black lacquer legs. The center console is made from aluminum and glass. It houses a DAB+/FM/Internet radio, CD and MP3 player. Like many newer audio devices, it can stream music wirelessly over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

ruark audio r7 console speaker close

There’s a removable remote, called a RotoDial, that lets you control the console from anywhere in your home. The console has two drivers, an eight-inch subwoofer, and 160W of power from its class A-B linear amplifiers. It’s also got inputs for auxiliary digital or analog audio sources.

ruark rotodial remote

The Ruark Audio R7 will be available this fall for £2,000 (~$3,052 USD).

ruark audio r7 console speaker alone

[via Uncrate]

Prosthetics Double Up As Musical Instruments

Have you watched The Lone Ranger yet? Do you remember how Helena Bonham Carter’s character has an ivory leg that is not only strangely appealing to most men who want to touch it, it also comes in pretty handy whenever […]

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Buy These Headphones, Help a Deaf Person Hear

Buy These Headphones, Help a Deaf Person Hear

It’s not often that you can indulge yourself with a shiny new toy and help someone in need at the same time. But with LSTN, an up-and-coming company that specializes in making headphones out of reclaimed wood, that’s the whole point.

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