Hasta La Gadget!

Earlier this summer HTC scooped up a slice of Beats by Dr. Dre stock, and we’re finally seeing the much-anticipated Beats Audio popping up in phones. We also know that HTC is throwing developers some neat API tools, so it’s no stretch to imagine that the two projects might one day play nice together. Sure enough, a developer API is on its way — good news for music loving app makers eager to hook into the tune-enhancing functionality. HTC told us the tools will “allow third-party developers to harness the potential of Beats Audio and bring that top-notch audio experience to their own apps,” although with no release date, it’s still out of ear-shot for the time being. That said, the timing might be perfect given that Google’s download store just went official. While we’re looking forward to hearing how those clever coders will make use of the tools, and exactly what goodies HTC is offering, we’re hoping at least some ideas won’t be given the Beats factor.

Filed under: Portable Audio

HTC’s new audio API Beats OpenSense into developers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

A walk in the park may never be the same again now that Pioneer has announced its new Steez range of dance-troupe friendly portable music players. In what appears to be a tango using its DJ and audio player skills, Pioneer’s Steez relieves dancers — solo or otherwise — of the tyranny that is static music sources. Forget about getting your groove on in the privacy of your own condo, instead get busy on the subway, the drive-in car park, or with your favorite monkey. You have a choice of three models to express yourself in front of: the STZ-D10S-L “Solo”($299), STZ-D10T-G “Duo” ($349) and STZ-D10Z-R “Crew” ($499). Each model comes with the company’s own special software which keeps your beats in time, lets you set cue points, change tempo along with many more booty shaking functions. Best of all is the special Battle Mode which plays your chosen sequence of tracks and lets you know when the next dancer, or robot, is up. These ghetto-blasters for the Tecktonik generation won’t hit the shelves until next month, but feel free to tap your toes and read the PR below while you wait.

Continue reading Pioneer’s new music players give dancers some Steez

Pioneer’s new music players give dancers some Steez originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 02:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Know how sometimes you’ll be walking down the street when you encounter a seemingly crazy person talking to themselves? And you think, “But you’re too well-dressed to be insane.” That’s when you see it — the Bluetooth headset tucked neatly around their ear. Well, Bose is adding a newer, high-end option for this well-heeled crowd of faux lunatics with its Bluetooth Headset Series 2. The luxe, over-ear attachment doesn’t discriminate as to your best side, coming in both right and left versions. There’s a whole load of hyperbolically-named proprietary tech bundled into it to reduce background noise and adjust listening levels accordingly — exactly the performance you’d expect at this $150 price point. Bose is offering this BT 2.1 headset now, so you can snag it if you’re nearby one of its boutiques. Or, make like the rest of us and order it online. Official PR with all its audio jargon after the break.

Continue reading Bose Bluetooth Headset Series 2 enters the marketplace, still makes you look like a crazy

Bose Bluetooth Headset Series 2 enters the marketplace, still makes you look like a crazy originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 03:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Henri, who seems understandably tired of his earbuds falling out whilst exercising. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I’m planning to buy a set of earbuds for outdoor use, mainly for sport. There are so many options — I’m curious if anyone has any specific suggestions. It goes without saying that the plugs should be easy to pop in the ear as well as take them off, and the wire to player should be as light as possible. Thanks for the help!”

Got any headphones you love taking to the gym? How’s about a set that doesn’t fall out? Toss your suggestion(s) in comments below!

Ask Engadget: best earbuds for outdoor / fitness use? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 22:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

A brainchild of the legendary Frog Design firm, the Sinch is a small, unobtrusive earbud accessory with a single purpose: keep your headphones tangle-free and attached to your phone/media player using magnets. For the most part, it works pretty well. More »