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The Samsung Galaxy S4 has been around for a few months already, but we are far from finished when it comes to newer models (looking just about the same on the outside, albeit with changes made to it underneath the […]

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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.

We called Beacon Audio’s Phoenix “our new favorite portable speaker” just over a year ago. Today, the company’s taking to Kickstarter to fund the production of its followup: the Blazar. The speaker features a grown-up design wrapped in aluminum (the Phoenix was plastic), with a softball-sized, cube-esque design. The slightly bulky shape allows for 12 hours of battery life, aside from promising big and clean multi-directional sound thanks to two 50mm drivers and a 65mm bass radiator. Beacon’s also loaded the speaker with a microphone, NFC and a dual pairing mode for completely wire-free stereo sound between two units — like Nokia’s Play 360.

On top you’ll find rubber playback controls, while one side of the unit houses a microUSB input, 3.5mm input and output jacks, power switch and a pairing / mode button. Early-bird pledges of $99 dollars will be available for the first 198 units (split between silver and graphite), followed by an additional 600 priced at $124. Beacon’s counting on its artist collaboration editions, however, offering three more colors (500 pieces each) at $134 with Neon Trees, AWOLNATION and Halestorm. If you’re up for the risk, Beacon plans to ship all orders by December 1st. Join us past the break for some impressions with pre-release units.

Filed under: Portable Audio/Video

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Source: Beacon Audio, Kickstarter

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

Logitech has taken the wraps off its new Z600 Bluetooth speakers, which it is specifically aiming at those with ultrabooks and Mac computers with its design, though they’ll work with any device with Bluetooth. The speakers support connection with multiple devices at the same time, allowing the user to toggle between those devices by pausing one audio stream and firing up another.

The feature is particularly useful for those who commonly use a couple different devices, with the Z600 being able to connect to up to three at the same time. One who prefers to use the speakers with a computer, for example, but prefers to stream music over a smartphone can connect both, then use them over the speakers without messing with the connection by simply playing one while the other is paused.

Said Logitech’s Global Vice President of Brand Development and Portfolio for PC Accessories: “The Logitech Bluetooth Speakers Z600 were designed to resemble an object of art using shapes, materials, and colors that meld with the modern living space and complement the look of ultra-thin laptops. And with built-in Bluetooth connectivity, a first for Logitech multimedia speakers, these speakers are ideal for today’s wireless, multi-device lifestyle.”

Each of the speakers feature 3 drivers, and controls are taken care of via a touch panel located on the top of the right unit. Turning the volume up and down, for example, is achieved by running a finger along the edge of the panel. The rest is located in the back of the speaker, such as the standard 3.5 mm input, the power button, and the Bluetooth pairing feature.

The Bluetooth transceiver is USB for those with a computer that doesn’t have wifi, and the 3.5 mm jack allows for wired connections to devices. The wires were designed so that they lay flat between and from the two speakers, reducing visual clutter and helping to avoid tangled messes. The speakers are slated for launch next month, and are priced at $150 USD.

SOURCE: Logitech

Logitech Z600 Bluetooth speakers unveiled with multi-device connectivity is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2013, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Google Glass rival GlassUP has launched its own wearable display project, throwing the wireless headset – the prototype of which we tried out back in March – open to crowdfunding backers. Aiming to raise $150,000 (though promising units even if that goal isn’t met) the GlassUP team argues its full glasses design is more functional than Google’s eyepiece, beaming details from your Bluetooth-tethered smartphone onto the lens from a projector mounted in the right arm of the frame.

Whereas Google has opted to shift Glass’ display up, and out of the usual eye-line of the user, GlassUP has gone for a more persistent arrangement. The projection is purposefully aimed right in the center of the wearer’s vision, which GlassUP claims will cause less strain overall since you won’t be glancing up all the time.

Two versions are planned, one “classic” and another “sporty”, with the option for prescription lenses due shortly after the first units begin shipping, estimated for February 2014. They’ll work with an Android or iOS device, pushing notifications, message previews, subtitles and translations, turn-by-turn directions, gaming information, and more into the line-of-sight.

GlassUP overview:

Still, GlassUP has made some compromises along the way. For instance, beyond a trackpad control on the side, there’s no way to send data to the tethered smartphone: there’s no camera, for instance. The display itself is monochrome and just 320 x 240 (and will be either green or amber in the final units), though GlassUP says that helps keep battery life reasonably long: it’s estimated at up to 150 hours of standby, or eight hours of “normal” use.

Sensors include an accelerometer, compass, ambient light, and an altimeter, and the whole thing is expected to weigh in at around 65g. That’s considerably more than the 36g of Google’s Glass, though the GlassUP team says it could be trimmed by the time the prototype evolves into the production version.

We’re usually a little wary of crowdsourcing projects, but the GlassUP team claims that, even if its $150,000 funding goal isn’t met, all backers will still get the headset they’ve pledged for, since they’ve “found investors” for the company. Early backers will have to put down $199 for a unit, with the final price expected to be $399.

GlassUP wearable display takes on Google Glass is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2013, SlashGear. All right reserved.