On the surface, the smart speaker market is already pretty packed with competitors. The two most well-known of these, Google Home and Amazon Echo, dominate the market. So why would someone like Harman Kardon and Microsoft team up to create what is arguably a late entry into this competitive landscape?
What happens when you’re pining for a massive home theater TV system, but can’t possibly afford a 100” LED TV? You’ll want to consider Hisense’s new 4K Ultra HD Smart laser TV with Harman Kardon Audio.
From the beginning, the JBL Pulse line has been made up of excellent portable speakers which happen to include a light show. But it wasn’t until the Pulse 3 that the design became sophisticated. The JBL Pulse 3 looks like the love child of a portable Bluetooth speaker and a fancier lava lamp, and it’s one pretty baby.
If you’ve got an Amazon Alexa or Google Home device, then you’ve already found out that while intelligent speakers are okay, they usually aren’t that great to look at nor do they sound as amazing as one might hope.
Another one my favorite CES visits each year is with Harman. As someone who absolutely loves AKG, JBL and Harman Kardon audio products, time at the Harman display space is like being a kid in a candy store. I missed it, but Judie spent some quality time before heading to see Sting in concert.
Everyone enjoys good music, and with a little bit of help from our favorite Harman brands, you can stay within your budget and brighten someone’s holidays. Take a look at these items from Harman, JBL, and AKG …
While much of their IFA press conference centered on growth of the brands covered by the Harman parent company (JBL, Harman-Kardon, AKG, Infinity, etc.), there was one announced product that I want to focus on, because I think it may ultimately be the most intriguing — the Everest headphone collection with TruNote Sound Calibration.
As I mentioned previously in this series on Car Audio, I test a lot of premium factory car stereo systems, and while I am impressed with the quality they achieve I have found they still cannot stand up to the sound quality of aftermarket components installed properly. If you are ready to upgrade that factory stereo system, read on.
Music in the mobile environment is more than just an accessory or option to drivers, and for many it is a necessity. Every new vehicle I test usually arrives with a premium audio system, and I love putting the stereo systems through their paces almost as much as the vehicles themselves. But car audio can be more, much more.
I don’t want to even try to count the number of headphones that, between the two of us, Judie and I own. And when she reviewed the Harman Kardon Soho Headphones I’ll admit I was a bit jealous. We both have the Harman Kardon Soho Wireless Headphones and I absolutely love mine. She does too. Here’s a look.
At 49 years old, I find myself on my own and “starting over.” I want my new place to feel like home. Fortunately I know what I like and, within reason, I can afford what I need. This post series will look at some of the gear that come into play as I start my life … at midlife.
Lincoln Motor Company (still a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company) took the world stage Tuesday morning to shows its all-new MKX luxury midsize crossover utility vehicle. While not calling it at 2016 model, the next MKX will boast a choice of V-6 powertrains including the new 330hp turbocharged EcoBoost 2.7-liter V-6 and two new available Lincoln Black Label limited edition designer themes.
What happens when you bring forty (or so) auto writers to Lake Tahoe to cover the launch of the 2016 Kia Sorento the day before a huge winter storm is predicted to roll in? It turns out that not only have you guaranteed that the SUV will have a chance to shine, you’ve also guaranteed a great time for all.
We reviewed the Harman Kardon Esquire a short time ago and were impressed; it sounds as gorgeous as it looks. I was thrilled to see that the company was releasing the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini Bluetooth Portable Speaker. This smaller version of the Esquire is under $150, and it has the same refined look and feel as its big brother.
If you are looking for a Bluetooth wireless speaker that offers a clean yet rugged look and serves plenty of bass for under $150 you’ll want to check out the JBL Charge 2. This is a seriously loud portable speaker. Better still, as the name suggests, this speaker can double as an external battery for your phone or tablet.
I’ve never seen myself as a minivan type of person, but I have always considered myself practical. What will allow me to haul my family from Point A to Point B safely, comfortably, stylishly, and perhaps most importantly — without feeling like I’m driving a land barge? The 2015 Kia Sedona is a multi-purpose vehicle that easily accomplishes that goal. I recently spent an afternoon driving a loaded Kia Sedona SXL through some of the twisty Southern California hills near Dana Point. While I may not be the typical Minivan customer, I left thinking that driving a Kia Sedona was a much more attractive option than…
I reviewed the Harman Kardon Esquire Bluetooth speaker a few weeks ago and was completely blown away by its build quality, feature set and, of course sound. It is a Bluetooth speaker that looks and feels more like jewelry than anything else. Now the company has announced a new speaker – the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini Bluetooth wireless speaker.
While Judie and I were together last weekend, we discussed the features of the Sony Xperia Z2 we find most compelling. We both said we love the magnetic charging point that lets us quickly charge the phone. Having just flown to Israel, I have to say the built-in noise cancellation has now risen to the top of my list.
In addition to the new JBL headphones we posted on earlier today, the company also introduces two new headphones targeted at those who are a bit more athletic. The JBL Synchros Reflect and Synchros Reflect BT In-Ear Sport Headphones comes in striking colors, are $59.95 and $99.95 respectively, and they promise great sound while you work out.
JBL just announced their new Synchros E-Series Lifestyle Headphones. The headphones, there are both in-ear and around-the-ear, “combine JBL engineering with innovative features sure to complement every lifestyle and every way of listening.” With prices from $39.95 for the JBL Synchros E10 all the way up to $149.95 for the E50BT, there is something for every taste and budget.
Over the past few years I have come to appreciate the fact that great industrial design and quality audio are not mutually exclusive. One of the companies that consistently proves it possible to have speakers (or headphones) that look gorgeous and sound great is Harman Kardon. The Harman Kardon Esquire Bluetooth Speaker is the perfect example.