Apple’s EarPods get the iFixit teardown treatment, found to basically be earbuds

Apple's EarPods get a the iFixit teardown treatment, found to be headphones

As we briefly mentioned in our EarPods review, iFixit was able to teardown Apple’s latest generation of earbuds, which are currently shipping with the iPhone 5. While we weren’t quite sure what was going on with their insides, the site has confirmed some of our suspicions and detailed a few other fun facts. As it turns out, the internal layout of each earpiece is essentially that of an average ‘bud with a forward-facing driver. The new top section, with its side-facing audio port, is apparently a good chunk of what affects the sound in unison with those strategically placed vents. The improved bass and low-mid response we noted in our review falls in line with iFixit’s confirmation that the new driver in each Pod is made with a paper speaker cone — in contrast to the plastic used on the older model.

As the site notes, those driver diaphragms should be less likely to blow-out, and the basket behind ’em have also been updated with a cleaner fit and finish. Aside from that, you’ll be pleased to know that the inline remote appears to have an improved seal for protection from the elements, and it’ll hold up better to cable snags. As you might imagine, the $29 headphones have been deemed as disposable rather than repairable. Don’t take our word for it however — you can read the teardown for yourself at the source link below.

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Apple’s EarPods get the iFixit teardown treatment, found to basically be earbuds originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 07:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skullcandy launches Edit headphone customization service, personalized cans from $199 (video)

Skullcandy launches Edit headphone customization service, personalized cans from $199

One charge you could never level at Skullcandy is that its headphones are drab. But, if you were still thinking that the designs just aren’t, well, jazzy enough, perhaps the new Edit service is for you. Taking a page out of Fanny Wang’s book, the headphone maker has handed the painter’s palette over to you. An online tool presents you with a stock pair of Aviators, letting you choose the color of the headband, frame, cord and ear caps — all for $199. If you’re even more fussy specific, an extra $20 will open up extra cap options. The creatively challenged among you needn’t worry either, as there is a randomize button, and once you’ve conjured up something to your taste, naturally you can share it with your social world. Already set on your team’s colors? Wave a brush over the source link to get started.

Continue reading Skullcandy launches Edit headphone customization service, personalized cans from $199 (video)

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Skullcandy launches Edit headphone customization service, personalized cans from $199 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 06:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple EarPods review: A $29 revolution in earbuds or another set for the recycling bin?

DNP Apple EarPods review A $29 revolution in earbuds or another set for the recycling bin

Whether you think they’re infamous or merely a signature piece of Apple design, there’s no doubt most of us have been exposed the company’s iconic white earbuds. Along with the latest batch of iPods and the iPhone 5, Apple announced the replacement for those dreaded earphones, a pair of ‘buds called the EarPods. Given that these are bundled with new iDevices (also sold as a standalone for $29), it’s hard not to think that the folks at Cupertino are drinking some sort of spiked Kool-Aid, claiming these rival headphones that cost hundreds more. While reviewing the likes of the iPhone 5, we also gave the EarPods a listen to find out whether or not they’re just an over-engineered set of ‘buds. You’ll find our detailed verdict after the break.

Continue reading Apple EarPods review: A $29 revolution in earbuds or another set for the recycling bin?

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Apple EarPods review: A $29 revolution in earbuds or another set for the recycling bin? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Circuit-Bent Mr. Incredible is Incredibly Inappropriate

Hackers love to take kids’ toys and cheap gadgets and turn them into electronic noisemakers using a technique long referred to as “circuit bending.” Usually you find something like a mutant Furby or maybe an Atari joystick – or a combo. But here we have Pixar’s Mr. Incredible – looking quite svelte these days. Oh, and he has a massive erection.

circuit bent mr incredible

The warped mind of Olaf Ladousse took this once innocent Mr. Incredible phone and turned it into an electronic plaything – where you have to play with Mr. Incredible’s potentiometer-enhanced junk to make Lo-fi sounds. What kind of sounds? Well, press play on the video below (and turn the volume down if you don’t want to blow out your eardrums.)

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

If you’re a real freak and want to add this to your collection of weird and rude toys, head on over to Etsy, where you can grab it for $99 (USD).


Scientists Invent Levitation Method to Create More Effective Drugs [Video]

The demonstration in the video may seem like MAGIC! but it’s real: scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory are employing a levitation machine that uses sound waves to make liquids float and create “more effective pharmaceuticals with fewer side effects.” More »

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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Pioneer announces DDJ-WeGO two-channel DJ controller, provides entry-level jams

Pioneer announces DDJWeGO twochannel DJ controller, provides entrylevel jams

Remember that fancy-looking DDJ-AERO we saw from Pioneer recently? Well if that was a bit too “buttony,” or perhaps just too expensive for your beginner DJ pockets, how about that which you see above? Announced today, this is the DDJ-WeGO an (or is that another) all-in-one DJ controller — squarely aimed at the cheaper end of the market. With a suggested retail price of $399, it’s Pioneer’s cheapest controller to date, and comes bundled with Virtual DJ LE software. For your money, you get two platters and a mini-mixer, FX buttons, a choice of five colors (white, black, red, green or the pictured violet), as well as some built-in LED effects that help you learn to mix (the lights get brighter as the pitch of the two songs gets closer, etc.). On a more practical level, the unit is compact, USB-powered, and has a built-in audio-interface (no extra sound card required for headphone monitoring). You can get your spin on from next month, at the aforementioned quad-benjamin price-point, or tease yourself with the PR past the break.

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Pioneer announces DDJ-WeGO two-channel DJ controller, provides entry-level jams originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 03:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Novation launches MiniNova compact hardware synth with ‘VocalTune’ (video)

Novation launches MiniNova compact hardware synth with 'VocalTune' video

Phones, tablets and huge TVs not your thing? Then thank the stars it’s not just the gadget-mega-brands releasing products today. Maker of fine music gear, Novation, has just revealed its latest offering too — the MiniNova. The more astute among you might have worked out from the nomenclature that this is a compact synth, but we’re assured it has full-size features. There’s 37 ivories (ok, plastics) for you to tickle, while the sound and effects engine has the same DNA as the maker’s flagship UltraNova. You may have noticed that goose-neck microphone up top, and that’ll come in handy with the new “VocalTune” and vocoder features. It’ll land in your studio with 256 preset sounds, but there’s space for another 128 of your own creations. Sound like something you can get down with? Then if you sing a song to the tune of £300 ($629 MSRP / $400 at dealers), you’ll be able to call one your own from October. Excitement-stirring demo video after the break.

Continue reading Novation launches MiniNova compact hardware synth with ‘VocalTune’ (video)

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Novation launches MiniNova compact hardware synth with ‘VocalTune’ (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audyssey Wireless Speakers: Yes, Bluetooth Can Sound Really Good [Lightning Review]

Audyssey makes killer speakers—the best AirPlay speaker of them all, in fact. But we don’t usually equate Bluetooth with killer audio, and in fact, usually it’s the opposite. Not this time. More »

Toshiba tries its hand at home theater audio with the SBX4250 Sound Bar

Toshiba tries its hand at home theater audio with the SBX4250 Sound Bar

Toshiba has long been acquainted with the visual facets of home theater setups, and now the firm is entering the audio side of the equation with the SBX4250 — the first in a line-up of sound bar speaker systems. Featuring SRS TruSurround HD and accompanied by a wireless subwoofer, the strip packs two tweeters and four speakers in a 3.6-inch tall, 2.2-inch deep and roughly three-foot long form factor. In addition to the included HDMI and optical audio inputs, the box boasts Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio from PCs, tablets, smartphones and other compatible devices. For those willing to part with $329.99, the 300-watt rig can already be snapped up online and at select brick-and-mortar establishments. Check out the glamour shots and the full press release below.

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Toshiba tries its hand at home theater audio with the SBX4250 Sound Bar originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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