Creative’s D5XM self-calibrating modular wireless speaker gets previewed at IFA (video)

Creative's D5XM selfcalibrating modular wireless speaker and DSXM subwoofer make beautiful music together video

If you’ve been following our IFA coverage this morning (and shame on you if you haven’t), the Creative D5XM’s name ought to ring a bell or two. After all, it wasn’t so long ago that we were telling you all about the Creative D5 Air. The D5XM, however, while similar in name, is a decidedly more serious deal than the AirPlay speaker bar. Creative is hyping the product as “the world’s first self-calibrating modular wireless speaker” — it’s a mouthful, but its certainly a cool prospect. The rectangular speaker can be used alone or as part of a larger speaker system, communicating with other D5XM devices and the DSXM — coincidentally, “the subwoofer for the world’s first self-calibrating modular wireless speaker.” What are the odds?

You can string up to three D5XMs together and two of the subwoofers, if you’re really, really into low-end. No word on pricing for these guys yet, but we imagine that such a set up would get fairly costly, fairly fast. Creative’s referring to the three-at-a-time deal as “party mode,” in which all three devices are playing the same thing simultaneously — you can also split them up into discrete channels, using a mobile device (iOS or Android). That communication (which occurs via Bluetooth) happens thanks to the chip in the speaker — the same as the one we saw on the Sound BlasterAxx. Click on through for more info and a video.

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Creative’s D5XM self-calibrating modular wireless speaker gets previewed at IFA (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 06:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TDK unveils quartet of new Life On Record speakers

Back in the day TDK was one of the big names in blank cassette tapes used for recording songs. I’m sure anyone that grew up in the 80s had a bunch of these tapes laying around the house with their favorite songs recorded in dubious quality. Now that cassette tapes are a thing of the past, TDK has made the switch to digital media and other devices for its product mix such as the company’s new line of Life on Record audio products.

TDK has announced that the Life on Record products now feature Bluetooth technology allowing wireless audio for portable devices on the go. One of the more interesting products looks like a modern 80s boombox fittingly called the Life on Record Wireless Boombox. It supports wireless streaming with Bluetooth 2.1, has an integrated rechargeable battery, 2.1 stereo configuration, and an integrated FM tuner. It also comes with remote control and has a 3.5 mm input. The device sells for $399.95.

The next product is the Life on Record Wireless Weatherproof Speaker. This device looks more like a sound bar for a notebook computer but is made to be able to survive spills and rain on the go. It features Bluetooth 2.1, an integrated rechargeable battery, and has a weatherized design that is IP64 compliant. It also has an integrated microphone and a 3.5 mm stereo input it will sell for $249.95.

The Wireless Sound Cube has a different shape than the other devices, but shares most of the same features, including Bluetooth, adjustable equalization, an auxiliary input, and remote control. It will sell for $299.95. One of the other products is the Wireless Charging Cube selling for $399.95. This device and is a speaker cube with integrated Bluetooth but also has a Qi induction charging pad on the top. That means you can lay your compatible smartphone or other device on top to charge while you listen to music. It is also weatherized with an IPX3 compliant design.


TDK unveils quartet of new Life On Record speakers is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
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Woven’s wearable platform for gaming, cool points and a whole lot more (video)

Woven's wearable platform for gaming, cool points and a whole lot more (video)

TshirtOS showed us one take on wearable gadgetry earlier this month, and now it’s Woven’s turn. This particular e-garment packs quite the selection of hardware, as you can see above — a trio of LilyPad Arduino boards (and some custom ones), a Bluetooth module, 12 x 12 RGB LED “screen”, speakers, bend sensors, a heart rate monitor, shake motors and a power pack. You’ll need to accessorize, of course, with a smartphone for hardware harmony and to run companion apps. So what’s it for, you ask? Well, the creators are touting it primarily as a “pervasive” gaming platform, and even seem to have a working first title in the form of SPOOKY (think gesture-based ghost-fighting). Other uses (which appear a little more conceptual) see Woven as a workout companion, TV remote, Wii controller, social network alerter or simply a fashion accessory. Check out the videos below to see it in action and imagine all the fun you could have in the five minutes before you’re ushered into that padded room.

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Woven’s wearable platform for gaming, cool points and a whole lot more (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 05:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer lets iPhone cyclists feel the simulated burn (video)

Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer lets iPhone cyclists feel the simulated burn video

Wahoo Fitness’ BlueSC cycling sensor is well and good for iPhone owners that always have fair weather and friendly roads to ride. For everyone else, there’s the company’s just-unveiled KICKR Power Trainer, a bike training system that uses a Bluetooth 4.0 link with Apple’s device (or an ANT+ bike computer) to come as close as possible to the real thing. The KICKR can change resistance as soon as third-party iOS apps like Kinomap Trainer and TrainerRoad give the word, either arbitrarily for a routine or to replicate that on-asphalt feel at up to a 15 percent hill grade. Wahoo claims the super flywheel and wheel-off design improve the sensation of the virtual road and keep the measurements for both power and speed accurate over the long haul. If there’s anything holding back indoor athletes, it’s the launch. The KICKR will only land in US basements and living rooms come November, and while we haven’t been quoted a price, we’d wager that it’s much more likely to fall in line with the cost of a regular bike trainer than a sensor like the BlueSC.

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Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer lets iPhone cyclists feel the simulated burn (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 03:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TDK introduces new wireless Boombox and two new weatherproof speakers

TDK introduces new wireless Boombox and two new weatherproof speakers

TDK‘s Boombox rocked minds and windows alike with its modern take on a retro classic. Buoyed by its success, the casette-maker of old is back with new audio hardware at IFA. Three devices, again on the speaker front. First up is the Boombox Wireless, which is a similar, but updated, design from the original and features not only streaming sans cables via Bluetooth, but inductive charging, too. If you don’t want to cut the cord completely, there’s a 3.5mm aux input, USB slot for charging plus an FM radio and headphone output. Next up is the Wireless Weatherproof Speaker, which despite being described as “rugged” and boasting an IP 64 weather compliant design, looks like any regular device. It, too, has Bluetooth streaming and inductive charging, along with 3.5mm input and built-in microphone. If these two were all looking a little bit oblong, then the curious Wireless Charging Cube might be for you. Yep, it’s Bluetooth streaming and the same wire-free charging, but this time that goes both ways. Plonk your Qi induction compatible device on top, and it’ll juice that while you jam (there’s a non wireless charging / charger version also.) How much do these slabs of sound cost? The Boombox is $399, the Wireless Weatherproof is $250 while the Wireless Charging Cube is $399. Not a peep on availability at this time, we’ll connect you up though, once we get it.

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TDK introduces new wireless Boombox and two new weatherproof speakers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gametel Bluetooth mobile controller lands stateside for $49.99

Gametel Bluetooth mobile controller lands stateside for $4999

We were awash in skepticism when we first heard of Gametel’s Bluetooth controller for Android and iOS, but then we laid our hands on one at CES 2012. At the time, it’d been available in Europe for awhile, and we were told to expect it on the shores of America by Q1. Gametel missed that mark, but the gamepad’s finally for sale in the US and can be had for $50. That half a hundred gets you nine hours of battery life along with a d-pad, four standard buttons and two shoulder triggers for your tactile gaming pleasure. Sound good? You can pick one up at the source below.

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Gametel Bluetooth mobile controller lands stateside for $49.99 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Logitech Ultimate Ears Headphones: One for Every Kind of Ear

Logitech released a couple of teasers late last week about their new series of headphones from their Ultimate Ears line, and they finally have made public what they have been working on. The UE series of headphones includes 4 different models that will go over your ears and into them.

logitech ultimate ears headphones

The Logitech UE 4000 headphones ($100 USD) are available in three colors, black, blue, and magenta. The cord is detachable and has an in-line mic as well as audio controls that will work with iOS devices. The UE 6000 ($200) is the over-ear model that folds up nicely for when you are on the go. It’s got an in-line remote and active noise cancellation.

logitech ue 6000 9000 headphonesThe UE 9000 ($400) are the top-of-the-line wireless Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancellation. The UE 900 (also $400) are their high-end in-ear model that sports a quad-armature design with in-line controls.

logitech ultimate ears headphones earphones

All of the headphones are available now, and you can find more details over on the Logitech UE website.


Jabra Solemate Bluetooth speaker hands-on, soles off

Hey, it’s a shoe-themed Bluetooth speaker — because, hey, why not, right? Jabra announced the punnily named Solemate yesterday, and we happened to run into one on the floor of this year’s IFA. It’s a small, solid little speaker with a hearty rubber sole that sits on the bottom, protecting the device from shocks and the like. The heel actually peels off, so you can replace it with different colors. Jabra had a slew of brightly colored options aside from the basic black and white, though apparently those won’t be widely available at launch.

The pairing process is quite easy — just flip the Bluetooth button on the side of the device and a glowing blue light will turn on — not only that, but a friendly device will walk you through the process. Find the speaker on your device’s drop down menu and you’re good to go. As for the sound, it’s surprisingly loud (120dB, to be exact). We walked off the show floor for a second to demo it, but it turned out we didn’t need to. Oh, and when you’re using a non-Bluetooth device, there’s a wired connection that lives on the bottom of the sole that you can pull out.

All in all, it’s a really solid and nicely built speaker — and for its $200 asking price, we’d certainly hope so. The speaker has big volume buttons on the top and a carrying loop on its side. It also comes with a small black bag, which it can actually play through without dampening the sound too much. It’ll hit the US on September 2nd, but you can pre-order it now, if you’re eager.

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Jabra Solemate Bluetooth speaker hands-on, soles off originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 12:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VAIO Tap 20, the new Family Touch PC from Sony!

Here you are another little wonder from Sony, the VAIO Tap 20, a a fully featured 20″ Desktop PC with touch technology. Also introduced during IFA, the VAIO Tap 20 comes in different flavors including a Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 CPU as well as 4 or 8GB of RAM. The VAIO Tap 20 also comes with either a 750GB or 1TB of HDD, an Intel HD Graphics 4000, Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0…

 
Model
VAIOTM Tap

Processor
Intel® Core™ i7-3517U, Intel® Core™ i5-3317U or Intel® …

Sony introduces the VAIO Duo, a new convertible Ultrabook!

Good lord! Is Sony back on track? No seriously we didn’t seen anything that cool since well, the UX? Anyway behold the VAIO Duo, a new convertible Ultrabook than can be either used as like a tablet and changed into a really capable laptop thanks to its slide-out keyboard! The Vaio DUO comes with a tiny full HD 11.6″ screen, Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro, a Core i3, i5 or i7 CPU (i7-3517U), from 4 to up to 8GB of RAM 128 or 256 GB of SSD and an Intel HD Graphics 4000 for just 1.3kg! Man …