Droid Speaker Glitch Spotted?

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Well, it looks like the very first glitch in the Motorola Droid smartphone has come to light. Engadget reports that a number of Droid users have encountered a very peculiar problem. Every so often, the external speakers on the phone will cut out and die for no apparent reason. So far, all signs point to this being a software issue and not a problem with the Droid's hardware itself.

If you encounter this issue with your Droid, try restarting it. Some users have found that a restart fixes the problem temporarily. A more permanent fix will have to wait for a patch from Motorola. If you can't hold on that long, Moto is replacing all effected handsets.

Posted on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:05:35 CST | by Robert Evans

Joey Roth Takes Porcelain, Cork, and Baltic Birch To Make Speakers

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Joey Roth, based in San Francisco, pointed us to these interesting speakers he designed. The speaker system is made from porcelain, cork, and Baltic birch.
Joey Roth says: "As you can see, I wanted to reduce the speaker system to its most simple form, using raw materials that show their natural beauty and aren't usually associated with electronics."
Read more

Posted on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Tenqa SP-99 Bluetooth Speaker Review

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Today I am checking out the Tenqa SP-99 Bluetooth speaker. The speaker is designed for streaming audio from Bluetooth phones and computers.

The small speaker can be powered by an AC adapter or AAA batteries. The SP-99 has two drivers and no subwoofer so bass is weak. Read more

Posted on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:18:16 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Jabra Cruiser Bluetooth Speakerphone Launches

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Jabra makes a full line of Bluetooth hands free gear from Bluetooth speakerphones to Bluetooth headsets. I have reviewed a few of their devices and found them to be pretty good. Jabra has announced its latest hands free speakerphone, the Cruiser.

The Cruiser supports Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR and eSCO. The device also supports A2DP and AVCRP music streaming from your MP3 player to the speaker inside the Cruiser. Other features include DSP sound and voice technology, a visor clip, and auto-pairing. Read more

Posted on Fri, 2 Oct 2009 09:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Hercules Debuts New Line of XPS Ultra Slim Speakers

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Hercules has unveiled a new line of speakers called the XPS Ultra Slim Speaker Line that has two different products. The products use the same satellites, but one adds a subwoofer to the mix. The speaker systems are called the XPS 2.0 40 Slim and the XPS 2.1 40 Slim.

Hercules says that the satellites of the systems use the thinnest style that is available and feature a black lacquer finish. The XPS 40 2.1 Slim system features a pair of satellites with a subwoofer. The satellites are 9.5-inches tall and have a total of 5 watts RMS and 10 watts of power peak. Read more

Posted on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

LaCie Sound2 Speakers Tuned By Cabasse

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LaCie announced high-end speakers, modeled after Cabasse's renowned loudspeaker technology – the LaCie Sound2 Speakers, design by Neil Poulton. LaCie has partnered with acoustic engineering company Cabasse to bring high-quality sound to any computer system or A/V device.
Coupled with Cabasse's loudspeaker driver support, the LaCie Sound2 Speakers provide premium sound quality to computers. Additionally, users can use the line-in connection to experience the same high-quality sound from audio/video devices like iPods and portable multimedia players. Read more

Posted on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:39:30 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Monster Turbine Pro High Performance In-Ear Speakers Available For Pre-Order

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High End Audio equipment is like good wine. Some can hear or respectively taste the difference between low-end and high-end and many do not. I still remember my visit to a audiophile trade-show and was buffled by the extreme variety of high-end audio gear I never heard of and never would by.
Monster tries their luck to appeal to audiophiles with a the new Monster Turbine Pro High Performance In-Ear Speakers.
Read more

Posted on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 06:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Emo Labs Invisible Speakers Caught On Tape

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Sometimes in this sort of job you come across a gadget or invention that is strikingly unique. The invisible on-screen Edge Motion speakers from Emo Labs are just such an invention. They work by sticking a clear membrane on the left and right sides of the monitor, and then vibrating it with piezoelectric actuators to create stereo audio.

Engadget has video of the new "speakers" in action. Obviously it's impossible to make any sort of detailed judgement on the sound quality from that sample, but from what I could hear there were no distortions or issues with the music sounding tinny. I couldn't see any problems caused by the membrane on the screen, either.

Posted on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:24:32 CDT | by Robert Evans

Tenqa Bluetooth Speakers Debut on Amazon

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A new line of Tenqa Bluetooth wireless speakers has debuted on Amazon.com. The line of speakers allow users to stream music from their smartphones including the iPhone, Blackberry and others supporting Bluetooth A2DP wireless stereo to the speaker from up to 30 feet away.

The line of speakers includes the SP-99 that has integrated music controls that allow the user to change track and volume from the speaker. The SP-99 sells for $79.99. the SP-109 desktop speaker is a compact wireless, speaker that is designed to sit on a desk or shelf and can play music up to 33 feet from the source and sells at $89.99. Read more

Posted on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Sony S-Series Walkman Has External Speakers

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It's about time we got an MP3 player with this feature. Sometimes you want to share a song with your friends without sharing your earbuds or headphones with them. Now, thanks to the external speakers on the Sony S-series of Walkman MP3 players, you can. These new S-series players are a little thicker than some at roughly .5”, but that's to be expected considering the extra hardware they have to pack.

Outside of the external speakers, this new Walkman line is pretty standard. It's got a 2.4” QVGA LCD monitor, 30 FPS playback, and Sony's 'Clear Audio' and 'Digital Linear Phase Speaker System' technologies. The battery life Sony claims on this new line is very impressive; over 42 hours of audio playback or 6.5 of video. When the external speakers are in use, the battery life drops substantially. You get 17 hours of audio, or 5 of video. That's not bad, and some battery life is a worthwhile trade for being able to show your videos and movies off to the world.

Posted on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:06:04 CDT | by Robert Evans

Asus uBoom Speakers: For Netbook DJs

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Most netbook speakers are good enough for watching a movie or blasting some tunes, but wholly inadequate for supplying a party with beats. That's why Asus has come out with the new uBoom speakers, a clunky and ridiculous pair of speaker-extensions that let your netbook reach unprecedented heights of loud. I can't speak to the sound quality of either, but they both look kind of cool, in an overbuilt, 90s sort of way.

The uBoom Q Sound-Bar speakers get all of their power from your netbook, and connect via USB port. These 2.4 watt speakers are capable of woofer frequencies of 200-500 Hz. The uBoom is much larger than the Q; it weighs 3 kg, as opposed to the 400 gram Q. Unlike its smaller brother, the uBoom requires a dedicated power source to put out its 24 watt beats.

Posted on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:30:00 CDT | by Robert Evans

ASUS uBoom USB Sound-bar Speakers Unveiled

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ASUS announced the launch of its first ever multimedia speaker series. The new ASUS uBoom and uBoom Q sound-bar speakers are designed to provide high fidelity audio and bass via a maze-like reflex port, which is then channeled through speakers designed to place the user in the audio sweet-spot.

For added convenience and mobility, both the ASUS uBoom and uBoom Q sound-bar speakers feature USB 2.0 connectivity for audio output. The uBoom Q also draws its power via the USB 2.0 port.
Read more

Posted on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 08:21:10 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Logitech Apple iPod and iPhone Speaker S315i and S125i Unveiled

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Today, Logitech unveiled the Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S315i and the Logitech Portable Speaker S125i for Apple iPods.
The Rechargeable Speaker S315i delivers up to 20 hours of listening time, while the Portable Speaker S125i offers extra bass on 4 AA batteries.

The Rechargeable Speaker S315i uses custom, full-range drivers to accurately reproduce the highs and lows of your favorite songs. And, with its slim design – it’s less than two-inches thick – and durable metal grills, the S315i is ready for the rigors of your suitcase, backpack or car.
When you need to charge your iPod or iPhone, just dock it in the Rechargeable Speaker S315i. The Rechargeable Speaker S315i works with the iPhone and any iPod model with the Apple Universal Dock Connector. Read more

Posted on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

K-box Portable Speaker with Gel Audio Tech Unveiled

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Social networking and streaming music site Kerchoonz has announced a new portable speaker called the K-box. The speaker uses the first audio gel technology that turns any solid surface into a speaker system. The patented audio gel turns the surface into sound with bass response.

The speaker will work on any solid surface including a desk, wall, table, or window. The speaker can be plugged into any device like a laptop, portable gaming device, MP3 player, phone, TV or other device with a 3.5mm audio jack. Read more

Posted on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Devotec Solar Sound: Cheap, Green Bluetooth Speakers

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For some reason, whenever something's 'solar-powered' it becomes about ten times as cool as it would normally be. Having the ability to charge your gadgets anywhere (but the U.K or Seattle, at least) is incredibly convenient, especially for those of us who enjoy the outdoors.

Devotec's come out with a new speaker system that they're calling 'Solar Sound'. Basically, it's a set of solar-powered speakers with integrated Bluetooth technology. The idea is that customers will be able to send their music wirelessly to the speakers via Bluetooth. The 'Solar Sound' is a 2 x 2W speaker, and Devotec promises 'superior sound quality'.

Posted on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:30:00 CDT | by Robert Evans

The iLuv iMM9400: The Fanciest iPhone Speakers Ever

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When you buy a set of iPhone/iPod speakers, you usually get what you pay for. Most of the sets I've owned throughout the years have broken after a few months of gentle use, proof that no good piece of electronics costs less than fifty dollars. Thankfully, the iLuv iMM9400 costs $250, which either means they are fantastic or highly overpriced. Either way, they look awesome and they have some fairly impressive specs.

First of all, this dock works for the iPhone 3GS, 3G, original, iPod, and generic MP3 players thanks to the dock adapters. It also has a built-in SD card slot and USB port, so you can connect your media devices that way. While I can't vouch either way for the quality of these speakers, they were a CES Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering Award Honoree.

Posted on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:45:00 CDT | by Robert Evans

Eagle Arion ET-AR402IR-BK 2.1 iDock Speakers with Subwoofer Review

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Today I am looking at the Eagle Tech Arion iPod speaker dock with dual satellites and an integrated subwoofer. The system is designed with a dock that works with most dockable iPods and a USB input and RCA ports for other sources.

The system also features an IR remote and adjustable bass and treble. The dock system has nice sound quality and if you are looking for a new iPod system this product may be just what you need. Read more

Posted on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:02:55 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Podio MP3 Player/Speaker for Bikes

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A new stereo MP3 player has been announced out of Taiwan. The player is called the Podio and it's designed to be small enough to fit in the hand or in the pocket but pack full and natural sound.

The device includes a full range driver and a proprietary MicroAMP. The player is housed in a cylinder shaped metal micro speaker 88mm long. All of the features and functionality of an MP3 player are integrated without the need to wear earphones. Read more

Posted on Fri, 1 May 2009 06:35:25 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Mitsubishi Adds 16 Speakers and 3D to New HDTVs

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Mitsubishi pulled back the curtain to reveal a throng of new HDTVs, each offering cinephiles and home-theater enthusiasts something new.

First up, the newly branded Unisen flat panel HDTVs. These premium sets feature a high-quality picture that Mitsubishi claims utilizes “wide color gamut backlight technology to reproduce approximately 25 percent more color than most LCD-TVs,” according to the release. But the real kicker comes in the form of a 16-speaker soundbar for 5.1 surround sound. Mitsubishi stops short of calling the Unisen sets a complete home theater in a box, but a consumer would be hard-pressed to find an HDTV with truly impressive audio included.

The Unisen sets will range in size from 40” to 52” and will run in price from $1,799 to $3,299 depending on the model and size.

Also reveled were the 737 and 837 models. Much like the Boeing 737, these HDTVs are huge, running in size from 60” to 82”. Along with Mitsubishi’s jargon features (including JADE Activity Based User Interface, Improved DeepField Imager, and SharpEdge, to name a few) the 737 and 837 come complete with new 3D-Ready viewing technology, which includes 3-D gaming.

Posted on Wed, 8 Apr 2009 20:35:00 CDT | by James Douglas

Grace Audio Aqua Sounder Floating Speaker

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Summer will be here before you know it and lazy days spent by the pool will be common. To get more enjoyment out of those poolside days, you need some tunes. The catch is that getting electronics near water can be a very bad thing.

Grace Digital Audio has a new line of outdoor speakers including the Aqua Sounder Wireless Floating speaker that sells for $149.99. The speaker has a 150-foot range from the transmitter that can connect to any 3.5mm jack device. Read more

Posted on Mon, 6 Apr 2009 07:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Scosche solCHAT Solar Bluetooth Speaker Phone unveiled

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Scosche unveiled a Bluetooth speaker phone powered by the sun called solCHAT.
Harnessing the power of the sun, the solCHAT is powered by an integrated solar panel and lithium ion rechargeable battery combination. Utilizing voice announce technology, the solCHAT announces calls as they come in so users can keep their eyes on the road while driving. Read more

Posted on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:15:09 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr