Hasta La Gadget!

For those who’ve been wondering what Altec Lansing’s got up its sleeves for this year, we stopped by its CES booth to check out its forthcoming range of speakers and iPod docks. Most notably, a few of the new models bear the same ID as the Octiv Duo, featuring a curved face with a central ridge running lengthwise across the speakers. Come Spring, European folks will get to pick up the VS2721 2.1 system and the VS2720 2.0 kit, with the former besting its predecessor — the trapezium-shaped VS2621 — with a wired remote for volume, tone, and mute controls. Meanwhile, US buyers will still be seeing the current VS2620 and VS2621 desktop speakers instead of the aforementioned twosome, but they’ll also have the BXR1321 budget 2.1 system sporting the new ID, as well as the BXR1320 USB-powered 2.0 speakers. More after the break.

Continue reading Altec Lansing Q1 2011 product line hands-on

Altec Lansing Q1 2011 product line hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 13:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Hardcore Doctor Who fans might argue that the faulty chameleon circuit is to be blamed here, but really, this mini TARDIS is just a forthcoming Speakal iPod speaker dock that also doubles as a Bluetooth speaker and an IR remote control. As pictured above, the dock connector lies in a pull-out tray at the bottom-front of the device, with the stereo speaker drivers hidden behind the front windows. There’s also a bass chamber inside the box, and we could see the opening through the back windows, along with the volume dial and power switch at the bottom. We were told that the final product will actually be slightly smaller than this prototype, and the lamp at the top will also have an IR emitter installed, which can control your TV via an iOS app (presumably via Bluetooth). Anyhow, expect to see this blue box on the shelves for around $130 to $150 come April.

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Speakal Doctor Who TARDIS speaker prototype hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 21:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Klipsch managed to unveil a black-and-white version of its high-end Image X10i earbuds as well as something referred to as a LightSpeaker at last CES, and this year they’re doing the inevitable: unveiling a trio of iDevice-friendly sound systems. All a part of the new Gallery series, the Studio, Forum and Arena are all making their debut tonight in Vegas. Each of these units are AirPlay certified, meaning that each one will wirelessly ingest smooth jams and fusion metal from a nearby iTunes library. The Studio and Forum each have slots along the front edge where you can rest your iPhone / iPod / iPad, while the high-end Arena actually has a 30-pin Dock Connector port as well as a video output. The unit’s the company had on display this evening were far from being production quality, but the overall design was nice, if not a touch understated. To remedy that on the Studio, the outfit plans to offer well over a dozen faceplates with various graphics — if sales are strong, we’re told that it could create similar plates for the higher-end siblings.

To go along with those, Klipsch also unveiled a trifecta of slim, passive speakers: the G-12, G16, G-28 and G-42. These range from $299 to $599 per speaker, and are obviously aimed at the more affluent crowd. One thing of note — the backs of these speakers have clever cutouts along the bottom and rear, enabling you to better manage your wires. Yeah, wires. These units definitely aren’t wireless, but here’s hoping for 2012, right? As for the iPod sound systems? Those are slated to ship in Q2 or Q3 with prices set for $399 (Studio), $599 (Forum) and $799 (Arena).

Continue reading Klipsch unveils AirPlay-enabled Gallery Studio, Forum and Arena soundbars (hands-on)

Klipsch unveils AirPlay-enabled Gallery Studio, Forum and Arena soundbars (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 02:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

You’ll be forgiven for being a little misty on who exactly Orbitsound is — the British company has only sold its T12 soundbar in the domestic market — but today it’s reminding everyone of its presence with a brand new product for CES-goers in the T14 you see above. The company’s patented “spatial stereo” sound is still the big selling point, promising a revolutionary aural experience that eliminates the need to occupy the traditional sweet spot for enjoying stereo sound. That’s achieved via six 2.5-inch drivers and a studio-class amp that “senses” surrounding acoustic conditions and calibrates output for best results. A bold claim, to be sure, but you’d expect no less for something that will cost $600 when it becomes Orbitsound’s first global launch later this year. Wireless technology is also put to good use, with the T14 communicating through the air with its accompanying subwoofer and wireless iPod / iPhone dock. We’ll be tracking one down while here in Vegas and trying to figure out just how spaced out its sound really is.

Continue reading Orbitsound T14 soundbar debuts at CES, will take its sweet time getting to market (hands-on)

Orbitsound T14 soundbar debuts at CES, will take its sweet time getting to market (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments