Hasta La Gadget!

Nestled near an entrance inside Grand Central Terminal, Bose just unveiled its latest two portable audio creations: The SoundLink Mini Bluetooth speaker (A2DP) and QuietComfort 20 noise-cancelling in-ears. Measuring in at 2 x 7 x 2 inches (slightly larger than palm-sized), the aluminum-wrapped SoundLink Mini is slightly larger and heavier than a JawBone Jambox. Like its bigger brethren, the Mini has dual-opposing passive bass radiators and a two custom neodymium drivers for mids and highs. Bose claims these new drivers will output twice the volume of other, similar speakers.

While the unit will bust out the jams for seven hours, it sadly uses a proprietary charging dock. Thankfully, however, the Li-Ion battery is user replaceable. All the controls rest as a strip of silicone buttons on the top, while the side features a 3.5mm input jack. We’re digging the look of the naked metal, though, rubber covers and a nylon carry pouch will be on offer for protection. The unit’s audio quality was very pleasing, without any notable harshness. We noted an acceptable level of bass on the lowest notes of dubstep tracks and there wasn’t too much distortion when cranked up. Join us past the break for more info on the in-ears, as well as all the pricing and availability details for both items.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Wireless

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Klipsch is known for offering everything from well-designed headphones to home theater systems, but the audio-focused outfit has been staying away from producing relatively portable Bluetooth speakers. That all changed back at this year’s CES when Klipsch outed the KMC 3 as part of its Music Center lineup, which we’re now finding out will be priced at $400 (or $399.99, to be precise) when it hits store shelves this coming June. In return for your hard-earned cash, Klipsch’s first Bluetooth-equipped soundbox (apt-X and AAC) will give you a 2.1 assortment that’s loaded with 2-inch, full-range drivers, a zippy 5.25-inch subwoofer and a battery capable of running up to 26 hours — this, according to the company, makes for a system “perfectly designed for powerful, accurate sound reproductions.” Don’t mind the hefty price tag? Then make the source link below your next stop if you’re interested in snagging one of these.

Filed under: Misc, Portable Audio/Video

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Source: Klipsch

IK Multimedia got a jump start on NAMM with the announcement of its iLoud speaker duo just before the proper start of the show. Today, we swung by the company’s booth to take a closer look and spend a few minutes with the Bluetooth-wielding wireless duo. The first thing that we noticed was the build quality. Both the iLoud and iLoud Mini sport a soft-touch rubber-esque coating on the top and bottom that we’ve seen in other Bluetooth audio units. The pair also has an adequate amount of heft without being overbearing when added to the weight of an already packed rucksack. In terms of the Mini, a single volume control rests on the right side, both USB port (for charging) and aux inputs reside around to the left and the power button is at home up top.

For us, the real star of the show here is the regular iLoud. In addition to the same wireless capabilities as the smaller sibling, this unit packs a 1/4-inch input that houses the outfit’s iRig circuitry. Essentially, one of IK Mulitmedia’s adapters is crammed right into the speaker. Said jack along with controls for power, gain and Bluetooth pairing hit the backside in addition to an auxiliary port for connecting a handset or tablet via cable. The volume knob is around front on this beefier model, encircled in a glowing red light. One of the main selling points is the advertised studio-grade sound quality — especially in the 40W iLoud — which we were unfortunately unable to confirm due to the overly noisy show floor here in Anaheim. Jump down through the gallery to take a gander at the pair that is set to arrive in Q2 for $300 and $200 respectively.

Filed under: Portable Audio/Video

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Here’s a cool little surprise from the Pepcom floor: the Zagg Origin is a two-in-one speaker system. The smaller of the two fits in the palm of your hand, communicating with your tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth. It’s got some physical buttons on top and an auxiliary port, power button and mini-USB slot on its rear. It also vibrates like crazy when it plays. Drop into the larger dock desktop speaker and the music starts playing through that via the aforementioned vibes. Pretty cool, really. It’s gonna run you around $250 when it launches in roughly seven weeks. Watch video of the origin in action after the break.

Continue reading Zagg Origin is two speakers in one (video)

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Peripherals

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Looking for wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity in your next speaker dock? If so, iLuv’s most recent CES announcement may be of interest. The MobiRock is the company’s first Bluetooth unit to sport Qi-certified wireless charging pad for re-juicing sans wires while blasting the latest Big Boi album. That’s not all. The unit also features NFC capabilities as well. iLuv also outed the MobiAria: a speaker that streams wirelessly via Bluetooth with NFC lending a hand for easy pairing. A USB charging port and a 3.5mm aux jack for connecting the old fashioned way are also along for the ride. Finally, the Syren is the third member for the trio that sports NFC wares. Touting a rechargeable battery, built-in mic and auxiliary port, the device offers 360-degree sound blasts for those afternoon excursions. The MobiAria will be available in May, while the MobiRock and Syran are slated for a June arrival despite pricing info for the entire lot remaining elusive. For a look at all three, hit the gallery below to take a gander in the order of original mention.

Continue reading iLuv outs three more Bluetooth speakers, NFC and Qi-certified wireless charging join the fray

Filed under: Home Entertainment

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Source: iLuv (1), (2), (3)