Hasta La Gadget!

It was not too long ago (just a couple of days, actually) that Nokia introduced a couple of new Windows Phone 8-powered devices, with the Nokia Lumia 920 leading the helm. Well, what is the whole point of a next generation flagship smartphone if there are no equally great accessories to go along with it? This is where JBL comes in, where the famous audio company has introduced speakers for the new Lumia devices that are touted to deliver wireless streaming and charging capabilities to boot. We shall look at their individual merits in the extended post.

The JBL PowerUp and JBL PlayUp will be under scrutiny here, where both of them will ride the wirelessly boat by “hooking up” to the upcoming Nokia Lumia 920 and Nokia Lumia 820 through their respective NFC chips. Not only that, the JBL PowerUp will boast of Qi wireless charging capability, letting Lumia owners place the handset on the dock in order to get it playing or charging – no hassles, dude!

Juicing up your device while having it play music is not a new idea with the plethora of audio docks out there in the market at the moment, but doing both wirelessly is a novel idea. Just in case you still have some devices that happen to be relics from the past, you can always rely on the classic 3.5mm audio connector, now how about that?

Sachin Lawande, executive vice president of HARMAN and co-president of HARMAN Lifestyle and Infotainment, said, “These JBL speakers were designed for Nokia’s on-the-go music lover who wants a quality wireless audio performance without sacrificing convenience. The JBL PowerUp uses the latest in wireless technologies such as near-field communications to create an ultra-convenient yet high-performance speaker – just drop your phone on the speaker to charge and play. Music fans will hear the truth and appreciate the quality audio experience they expect from JBL.”

Last but not least, pricing details. The JBL PlayUp is tipped to retail for $149 a pop, while those who want the beefier JBL PowerUp will have to fork out three Benjamins for this puppy as they arrive later this year.

Company Page

[ JBL embarks on new adventure with Nokia’s upcoming Lumia handsets copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

If Proficient Audio’s new MaxTV MT2 speaker box is anything to go by, the company obviously isn’t enamored with the latest slew of slim, elegant soundbars. As the picture shows, it’s designed to act as a platform for your TV and can support up to 160 pounds — enough for even the biggest of flatscreens. The hard, no-grill design shows off the box’s two 1-inch tweeters, four 2.5-inch mid-range speakers and two 5.25-inch, down-facing subs. Four internal 20-watt, two-channel digital amps take care of the power, and with two of those dedicated to the woofers, we’d expect some serious neighbor-waking bass. It’s not just for your TV either, as the built-in Bluetooth supports audio streaming from any of your favorite gadgets. The soundbar-on-steroids is shipping now for 599 bones, and if that sounds a little steep, Proficient Audio assures you that “once someone hears the difference MaxTV makes, they will buy it.”

Continue reading Proficient Audio launches MaxTV MT2 speaker box, soundbars start job hunt

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

Proficient Audio launches MaxTV MT2 speaker box, soundbars start job hunt originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 01:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Usually, when I play music on my phone, it drains the battery, unless I have it docked. Thanks to this new charging dock/speaker from TDK, I can play and charge at the same time, without any wires or even a dock connector. Now that’s pretty neat, because I wouldn’t want to give the cable squid under my desk and computer more cables to procreate.

The TDK Wireless Charging Speaker comes with a built-in Qi-compatible inductive charging pad on top, allowing you to charge your device while it’s playing music. Naturally, this sucker comes with Bluetooth, so you need no wires at all to play your tunes either. The built-in rechargeable battery will provide you with 6 hours of playback, though it’s unclear if the inductive charging works when on battery power, or if only when plugged in.

It also is weatherized for outdoor use, and comes with four full range left/right speakers, a ported subwoofer, a 3.5mm input for non-wireless connections as well as a 1 Amp USB charging port. All this wireless wizardry doesn’t come cheap. The TDK Wireless Charging Speaker will retail for $399.95(USD).

[via Uncrate]

JBL has been on a wireless speaker kick lately — it might as well throw some truly portable models into the equation. Accordingly, two of the three speakers it’s shipping today, the Flip and Micro Wireless, sport Bluetooth audio and a 5-hour battery to cut the cord. The Flip (seen above) is the multi-talented athlete of the bunch: its design can work either upright or on its side to stuff into small spaces, and a built-in mic provides speakerphone duties. The Micro Wireless’ puck shape isn’t as clever, but it fits a standard 3.5mm input jack and space to clip to a carabiner or lanyard. Both these and the Micro Wireless’ strictly wired counterpart, the Micro II, have a bass port to improve the low-end frequencies that are so often missing in this class of speaker. Prices may be the real incentives here: the Flip is the most expensive of the trio at $99, while the Micro Wireless and Micro II are even lighter on the wallet at respective $59 and $39 price points.

Continue reading JBL freshens its portable speakers with Micro II, Bluetooth-toting Flip and Micro Wireless

Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio/Video

JBL freshens its portable speakers with Micro II, Bluetooth-toting Flip and Micro Wireless originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 18:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s been a year since the legendary guitar amp and speaker makers at Marshall Amplification made a splash in consumer audio with its Marshall Headphones spin-off (Zound / Urbanears). In commemorence of the amplification division’s 50th aniversary, both have announced the Hanwell: Marshall’s first speaker rig that’s made for a counter-top instead of a festival stage. Combo guitar amp / speaker meets HiFi speaker. Most anyone who plays guitar, or has seen the likes of Slash and Nigel Tufnel shredding it up, will immediately recognize the iconic Marshall design ethic down to its iconic plastic nameplate on the front grill and gold accents.

There’s no major tech at play inside of the system, but with looks this cool it’s not like it matters — hopefully, the sound quality will match. Up top there’s a familiar panel housing a 3.5mm input, power toggle and knobs for bass, treble and volume, while internally you’ll find a duo of long-throw woofers and tweeters. The cab itself is made from wood and wrapped in black vinyl tolex like its bigger JCM siblings — heck, it even comes with a coiled audio cable. There’s no specific information beyond all of that such as pricing and availability — especially whether “these go to 11” — but you’ll find a press release and close-up shots after the break.

Continue reading Marshall’s Hanwell HiFi speaker is bred from guitar amps, at-home with your PMP

Filed under: Misc, Home Entertainment, Portable Audio/Video

Marshall’s Hanwell HiFi speaker is bred from guitar amps, at-home with your PMP originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 18:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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