Hasta La Gadget!

Researchers have been using graphene to develop an assortment of technologically advanced things for a while, from camera sensors and contact lenses all the way to frickin’ lasers. That’s why it’s not a surprise to see a group of engineers from Columbia University create the world’s smallest FM transmitter using the atom-thick material. The end product isn’t just for show, either, as it can pump tunes over the airwaves to a regular FM radio — the team even used Gangnam Style to prove that it works. As interesting as the teensy transmitter is, the engineers have no plans to build a radio for ants, and this is merely part of a larger study into nano-electromechanical systems. Now all we need is for someone to make a tiny violin and a pair of tweezers small enough for us to play.

Filed under: Alt

Comments

Via: IEEE

Source: Columbia University, Nature

Pandora has complained for years that royalties for internet-only radio stations are too steep. It may have found an end run around the problem, however: it just bought an FM radio station in South Dakota. The company’s Chris Harrison argues that the deal will make ASCAP and music labels offer Pandora the same songwriting licenses that they do to rivals like iHeartRadio, which allegedly gets better terms through its traditional broadcasting roots. Opponents argue that Pandora is simply trying to dodge fair compensation through the buyout, although the streaming service claims to have been forced into more than one unfair rate hike with current licensing. Whatever the truth, Pandora is racing against the clock — competition won’t get any easier when built-in services like iTunes Radio are on the way.

Filed under: Portable Audio/Video, Internet

Comments

Source: The Hill (1), (2)

Here you are another very well designed product from Sony with the XDR-55TV. Unlike the SRS-BTX300 and SRS-BTX500, the XDR-55TV is not a portable Bluetooth and NFC Speaker but a simple AM/FM Radio with 1Seg Support that will stream Japanese TV programs audio wherever you are. The XDR-55TV comes in Black and White, weight 480g for a size of 190x36x95mm run on two AA batteries that will give you enough juice for 17hrs of continuous 1Seg Audio playback!
The XDR-55TV will be sold in Japan early …

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.

Continue reading TDK introduces new wireless Boombox and two new weatherproof speakers

Filed under: Home Entertainment

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.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Here you are another CD Mini Component from Onkyo, the X-U1X. Announced at around 35,000 Yen and schedule for a September releases comes with the obvious basic CD Player, FM Tuner, USB (for Mp3 and WMA), but also Bluetooth 2.1+ EDR and A2DP 1.2 that will enable you to stream any audio files coming from a Smartphone, Tablet or PC via Bluetooth. The X-U1X comes with S.BASS and a 15Wx2Ch amplifier.