Hasta La Gadget!

It was all the way back in January, when Blue Microphones made its CES announcements, that the Spark Digital first broke cover alongside two other mobile recording devices. Our interest was immediately piqued thanks to the mic’s USB 2.0 and iOS connectivity, which allows it to support the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch via the 30-pin jack. After a grueling wait that lasted until just a few weeks ago, Blue’s latest offering finally arrived. Was the long wait worth it? Does the Spark Digital do its part to bolster Blue Microphones’ reputation for stellar recording wares? Join us past the break as we put the peripheral through its paces and give you answers to those very queries.

Continue reading Blue Microphones Spark Digital review: a solid iOS / USB mic for recording on the go

Filed under: Peripherals

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It’s not quite a “Dear John” letter, but we’re sure the Wireless Power Consortium is heartbroken all the same. One of its key members, TI, has just signed up for the Alliance for Wireless Power to build cable-free charging on what’s effectively a competing standard. The chip designer doesn’t view the move as abandoning a long-time partner, though — it remains part of the WPC and plans to produce Qi-based wireless power chipsets alongside future A4WP components. Without any related chips to announce, there’s a long wait left before we know how well TI can juggle the two charging formats without appearing to play favorites. We’d recommend that the WPC not grow too attached in the meantime.

Continue reading TI joins the Alliance for Wireless Power, tells the WPC it can still be friends

Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals, Mobile

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When we hear of a “new way to stream music around your home and garden,” bass-heavy speakers disguised as unnaturally large rocks come to mind. It’s not entirely clear what type of “garden” the good folks at Veho envisioned for the Mimi X-3, but we’d be willing to bet underground sprinklers and fresh morning dew were never part of the picture. Whatever the venue, this cord-free combo does pack an interesting twist — a proprietary 2.4GHz wireless transmitter comes bundled in the box, letting your 30-pin dock connector-equipped iOS device stream music 95-120 feet without the need for a WiFi network. The rectangular speaker module itself can pump out tunes through its dual 4.5-watt speakers and 9-watt subwoofer for up to six hours on a full charge, and can receive transmissions from a computer using the bundled USB adapter as well. All those accessories may seem a bit excessive when you see the price, though. The X-3 is shipping now for a hair under $500.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Peripherals, Wireless

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Source: B&H, Veho

Soundmatter’s just debuted its latest entrant into the portable Bluetooth speaker arena: the foxLv2 aptX. Picking up where its predecessor left off, the foxLv2 aptX keeps the same form factor while predictably adding aptX support, which promises CD-quality audio in addition to improved sound and picture sync for games and video. A built-in mic for noise cancelation during speakerphone use, a rechargeable battery and audio output from 80Hz to 20kH also make a return. Those yearning to pick up the refreshed hardware can already do so for $199. Hit the jump for the full spec rundown.

Continue reading Soundmatters unveils foxLv2 aptX Bluetooth speaker with $199 price tag

Filed under: Peripherals

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If you’re itching to show your love for Google’s mobile OS, Polk Audio has you covered with a trio of headphones made “just for Android” that have been freshly listed on their website. Aside from sporting a black and green color scheme fit for Mountain View’s OS, the gear appears to be a simple re-branding of the firm’s sports-minded UltraFit line of in-ear and on-ear headphones, which already pack phone and audio controls. The hardware doesn’t seem to be available just yet, but audiophiles yearning to flaunt their Android pride with the gear will eventually be set back between $70 and $100. Hit the neighboring source links for the breakdown on each model.

Filed under: Peripherals, Wearables

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Via: Android Central

Source: Polk Audio (1), (2), (3)