During CES 2014 Parrot introduced the MiniDrone. The small, less-expensive app-powered drone makes an immediate impression and looks like a ton of fun! Connect it to a smartphone or a tablet with Bluetooth Smart and watch it take flight. I asked the “pilot” to use Judie as a landing zone for the MiniDrone. They were happy to comply.
While CES is taking place in the warmth of Las Vegas, much of the nation is gripped by record-breaking cold, snow, and wind. IUI Design is launching the Bass Jumper water resistant speaker at CES to let you rock on despite the elements! It is ready for anything with IPX5 water resistance, carabineer for portability, and a 10 hour battery! Here is what they say: “With an emphasis on portability, the Bass Jumper is packaged with a carabiner clip so users can bring along and share their music on any adventure,” commented Al Fortino, Director of Business Development, iUi Design….
JBL’s new JBL Authentic L8 and JBL Authentic L16 wireless speakers bring classic speaker design together with superior wireless technology to create an authentic and impressive sound experience. Each features premium materials, optimized low-frequency and high-frequency JBL transducers and meticulous acoustic design. With AirPlay, DLNA and Bluetooth connectivity they cut the cord but not the audio quality.
In 2013 we reviewed the Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning and the Soundfreaq Sound Spot. Both impressed with their sound, value, and design. Now Soundfreaq has announced two new products — the Sound Rise and the Double Spot. The Sound Rise is the company’s take on the alarm clock; the Double Spot is two Sound Spots in one.
Speakers, watches, headphones … my phone seems to keep losing wires, yet it continues to communicate with more devices. Being free from wires is an awesome feeling. It’s like getting shackles taken off, and being able to roam about freely. I recently had the opportunity to test out the $99 Thump Case Pack and go wireless; let’s take a look.
Lately I have found myself listening to audio from my phone. Wether it be music or podcasts, I have come to prefer audio over television. Portable, wireless audio options with superior sound are important to me. I was recently able to try out the TouchTone from id America which promises big sound in a small package for &79.95.
Jabra’s newest speaker, the Jabra Solemate Mini, has the same great design as the original Jabra Solemate but offers a lower price and has a smaller footprint. Great for listening to all kinds of music, at under $100 the Solemate Mini is small but has plenty of soul. It is a great option for anyone looking for a portable audio experience.
Felt Audio’s Pulse mobile Bluetooth speaker is a fine example of the old adage “Good things come in small packages.” The adaptable wireless speaker is about the size of a business card, a little thicker than an iPhone, and weighs only 2.5 ounces. The Pulse can serve many functions, all while fitting in your pocket. The Pulse retails for $79.99.
There are two kinds of garages out there: the garages where cars live while shelves of stuff loom over them ominously, and the garages where the idea of fitting a car amongst all the stuff stored there is laughable. No matter which garage you have, myLIFTER is a Kickstarter project designed to organize your garage and control it from your phone!
Is there room for yet another small, portable Bluetooth speaker in an ever-more-crowded market? I sure hope so. The TYLT TUNZ is small but surprisingly powerful, easily customized and some features that make it a great option if you are looking to take your music on the go while charging your mobile device at the same time.
Do a lot of typing on your iPad but prefer a real keyboard to a touchscreen? There are plenty of Bluetooth keyboard options out there, but what about incorporating it into a case that doesn’t add a lot of bulk as most keyboard cases do? For the iPad Air, Belkin has released the QODE Slim Style Keyboard Case.
It’s good to know the days of all portable Bluetooth speakers being little, black boxes is coming to an end. Leading the way is the Soundfreaq Sound Spot. This small, $69 speaker packs big sound, good battery life and it looks great in any one of its many colors. Mix and match Sound Spots for a great looking sound.
There are a number of decent options for listening to music while working out. However, the choice quickly becomes limited if you want wireless sport headphones. Similarly, on-ear headphones are few and far between. Fortunately, Monster’s iSport Freedom on-ear Bluetooth headphones are good enough that you won’t want to go hunting for other options.
The $199 Ultimate Ears UE BOOM is one of the best Bluetooth speakers available. (Read our review.) The UE MIMI BOOM also impresses and when used as a stereo pair… wow. (Read the review.) A new firmware update teaching the UE BOOM an alarming new trick by improving audio and letting the UE BOOM become your alarm clock.
The Boomerang NFC Speaker is a crescent-shaped wireless audio dock that “offers a portable home-theater for your mobile device or tablet”. NFC technology makes pairing simple and the unique “Expansion Sleeve Design” lets it work with numerous devices. Available in two sizes, the large Boomerang ($79.99) has two 6W speakers, while the mini Boomerang ($59.99) has two 4W speakers; both arrive in mid-December.
I have already posted the launch announcement and my first impressions, so it is time to close things out. And I really thought that the best way to do it was to highlight the five things I like best, that have kept iLoud at my side since it arrived. I have included a new hands-on video as well.
Both the sound and the design of the Soundfreaq SoundStep Lightning impressed us. Now Soundfreaq is looking to take the audio market by storm with new colors of their Sound Spot Available in ten new color combinations, the $69 Sound Spot is just 5″ square. Use it at home or on the go, the Sound Spot even charges your phone.
Earlier today I posted about IK Multimedia’s new iLoud Bluetooth speaker system. This is their entry into the portable speaker market, but with a twist – rather than just releasing yet-another Bluetooth speaker, they designed an audio system with musicians in mind. I have had a chance for a first look, and it is awesome. Check out my first-impressions video!
Over the last few years the Bluetooth speaker market has gone from non-existent to absolutely amazing. At GearFest we listened to a number of speakers that were loud, paired easily, and sounded great. Today IK Multimedia released iLoud, another of the cool products revealed at CES. iLoud brings the musician’s sensibilities and needs to the world of Bluetooth speakers. Here are some of the features: Loud and Clear The iLoud speaker is indeed very loud. In fact, it’s 2 to 3 times louder than comparable size speakers — a blasting 40W RMS of power. But iLoud is extremely clear at…
Harman Kardon’s new $299.95 Nova system combines analog and optical inputs along with Bluetooth so it easily works with systems such as Roku, HDTV, Apple TV and pretty much any Bluetooth-enabled device. Compact and unique-looking, the Nova’s 2.5” drivers, 1.25” tweeters and passive radiators pack a punch and make this system more than just a pretty face.
Boston Acoustics has come out with a great midrange Bluetooth speaker system that sits on your table and pumps out quality sound. The MC100 Blue is an attractive tabletop speaker that also has NFC technology built-in for easy pairing with your wireless device. The Boston Acoustics MC100 Blue retails for $149.00 and can be found at many online retailers.