Speakers

Kinivo BTX350 Digital Wireless Speaker Review

I’m a big fan of Bluetooth enabled, wireless speakers in this age of cell phones, tablets, and computers. We’re always on the go, always have our mobile phones with us, and therefore, many of us carry our music collections with us as well. Even if you don’t carry your MP3 collection on your cell phone, most of our phones can use Pandora, Spotify, or any number of mobile music apps. The market is ripe for great sounding, decently priced Bluetooth speakers. Unfortunately, the Kinivo BTX350 does not meet that first criterion.

Reviews

Scosche boomBOTTLE Weatherproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

“Another Bluetooth speaker?” Elana asked when the package arrived? (Okay she actually didn’t say that but she COULD have said it, considering just how many Bluetooth speakers we have reviewed in recent months.) Yes, the Scosche boomBOTTLE is yet another Bluetooth speaker that has made its way into the marketplace. This one, however, is an award winner, having been recognized at CES 2013 this past January. Why does this Bluetooth speaker stand out? Does it deserve the recognition? Let’s take a look so you can decide for yourself.

News & Features

3 to 5 Hours of Streamed Music from the MiPow Boom mini? Not Even Close!

We brought an exclusive first look at the MiPow Boom mini (read the post), and then we shared the first ever review of the diminutive new speaker coming from MiPow. As you might recall, Judie and I met with MiPow in January when they were showing off their newest offerings at CES 2013. We were impressed by the company and its products and were glad that the company, unknown in the US but widely popular internationally, was finally bringing their products State-side. Here’s our unboxing of the MiPow Boom mini. So here’s the thing, the MiPow Boom mini sounds great,…

Game Diary, Music Diary, Reviews

Divoom OnBeat X1 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review

To be honest, most of my gaming — whether on PC, Mac, DS, PSP, iOS, or Android — is done with headphones or the device muted. There are a couple of reasons for this: first, to allow for ‘gaming anywhere’; the second is that ever since playing games such as Thief in the late 90s, I have appreciated directional sound and the nuances of quality headphones. But sometimes, when playing a shooter, what I really want is a nice booming rattle – but that won’t happen with an iPad. Now Divoom introduces the OnBeat X1 and promises the ‘ultimate gaming…

Reviews

Turtle Shell Boombox, Is It the Bluetooth Speaker for You?

Bluetooth speakers are pretty much everywhere you look; there’s the granddaddy of them all — the rectangular JawBone JamBox. There’s the strikingly similar rectangular shaped Braven 600 speaker that adds an external battery for charging your devices. If you want the speaker that stands up tall rather than sitting low you might want to check out the SuperTooth Disco 2. If round is more important, then you’ll definitely want to check out the impressive and well-priced JBL Flip. If you want something that’s got more curves than the JamBox and is far tougher, then you’ll definitely want to check out the…

News & Features

The Scosche boomBOTTLE Is a Ruggedized Portable Speaker for Tunes on the Go

We’ve reviewed a host of different Bluetooth speakers but never one quite like this. The Scosche boomBOTTLE is a new mobile speaker that is ideal for streaming music while biking, hiking, camping and more. The boomBOTTLE not only has a unique design, but it has the features to match. A durable non-slip, shock absorbing TPU exterior is strong enough to withstand drops or vibrations caused from rough terrain, which makes it perfect for biking. An IP4X rated weatherproof construction means you can use the boomBOTTLE even when it is wet outside. The boomBOTTLE even features sealed dustproof speaker grills. The…

Reviews

MiPow Boom mini Bluetooth Speaker Review

I will admit to having gone into my review of the MiPow Boom and MiPow Boom mini Bluetooth speakers positively inclined toward both products. After all, when Judie and I met with Brian Holmes, vice president and general manager of MiPow, back at CES in January we were immediately impressed by the attention to quality and detail the company put into their mobile accessories. During our meeting we got to check out their range of external batteries and liked what we saw. We learned about their Bluetooth headsets and were anxious to try them out. And, at the end of CES, we…

Reviews

Braven 570 Charges Your Smartphone and Ears On the Go

We met with Braven at CES 2013 (check out the post) and had a chance to see their new speakers. We watched as the Braven BRV-1 went for a swim and checked out the budget-priced Braven 570. Now we’ve got out hands on the Braven 570 for a hands-on review. Before we jump in though take a look at the BRV-1. If you’ve used one of Braven’s speakers or checked out our head-to-head match between the Braven 600 and the JawBone JamBox (read the post) you are already familiar with the design of the Braven 570. It is a rectangular…

Reviews

Audyssey Wireless Speakers Review

Hi, Captain Obvious here with a thought that is… well, obvious. Today’s totally obvious thought? No matter how good tech gets, there will always be pros and cons to any and every device. This holds for computers, it holds for tablets, and it holds for audio systems; let’s focus on audio system. I LOVE my Sonos system. It works perfectly for me, thanks to its connection with my home WiFi network and the terrific Sonos app that works on any and all my devices. And since I subscribe to Spotify, I can have all my music anywhere there is a…

Reviews

NYNE NB-200 Bluetooth Speaker Review; Provides Music on the Go

In an increasingly crowded market, a Bluetooth speaker needs something special if it is going to stand out. The JawBone JamBox stands out by having largely set the stage for this line of small speakers. The Braven 600 stands out because it also serves as an external battery to recharge your phone on the go. The Jabra SoleMate stands out with its huge sound and ruggedized design, and the JBL FLIP draws attention thanks to its low price and excellent sound-quality. How does the NYNE NB-200 Bluetooth speaker carve out its space? Read on to find out. From NYNE: NB-200…

Reviews

JBL FLIP Portable Wireless Loudspeaker Review

The last year or two has seen a huge proliferation in the number of small battery-powered Bluetooth speakers. We’ve reviewed the Jabra SoleMate, took a look at the popular JawBone JamBox a shootout between the Braven 600 and the JamBox and, most recently, reviewed the SuperTooth Disco 2. When the JBL FLIP arrived for review it looked to be yet another in this long and growing line of portable speakers. At just $99 how good could it be? The answer might surprise you. From JBL: The JBL Flip with Bluetooth® capability is an ideal wireless stereo system for smartphones and…

News & Features

Lightning Strikes with Two JBL Speakers Sporting Apple’s New Lightning Connector

Accessories equipped with Apple’s new, smaller Lightning Connectors are finally beginning to roll out. The other day we brought news of Belkin’s lightning-equipped car charger. Today we get word that JBL has announced two new speakers that also work with the iPhone 5, iPad mini and other current generation iOS devices. Priced at $99 and $199, one of the speakers is great on the go, while the other will happily take up residence in your kitchen or next to your bed. Both feature the updated connection; here’s a look. The JBL OnBeat Micro is …an ultra-portable, acoustically sophisticated speaker that…

Events, News & Features

Libratone Zipp Named a CES Innovations 2013 Design and Engineering Award Honoree

The Libratone Zipp a CES Innovations 2013 Design and Engineering Award Honoree In that arena of “cool gear”, one of the biggest surprises for me this year has been the Libratone Zipp. When it arrived, I was struck by its unusual appearance; it is a cylindrical column. I was also taken by its design flexibility thanks to the interchangeable wool covers. Yes, the Zipp can be “dressed” to match pretty much any decor. But it wasn’t until I went to listen to the Zipp, that I was blown away. The speaker is rather small, but it pumps out huge, excellent…

Reviews

JBL Micro 2 Rechargeable Portable Speaker Review

Your iPhone’s speaker stinks, and so does your iPad’s; even the iPad mini’s stereo speakers, a first for an iOS device, are crappy. And your Android devices? They don’t really do much better. Yes, for a quick YouTube video or conversation the speaker on your mobile device is certainly adequate but it’s not going to win any audiophile prizes. And while you could keep a larger speaker such as the JawBone in your gear bag, that takes up space and adds weight. That’s where this diminutive speaker from JBL comes in. The JBL Micro 2 is small, light, and can…

News & Features

JBL Offers a Complete Portfolio of Wireless Speakers

The other day my favorite Kickstart-Addicted friend (aka Judie) and I were debating backing an awesome project for iOS devices. I commented that we needed to place a moratorium on projects that are specific to the iPhone 5 or the iPad since, at the moment, we are in a transitional period. Yes, with the iPad 4 all iOS devices will be using Apple’s new, smaller, connector. Until then though we have a mix of devices using either the 30-pin dock connector or the new connector. That means there has never been a better time to go wireless. That’s why Judie…

Reviews

Libratone Zipp AirPlay Speaker Review

Last week I offered a first look and video of the Libratone Zipp. The airplay speaker fuses European aesthetics with Cupertinian technology. The round speaker works fine at home, but it also runs on battery power so you can take it on the go. Libratone, who already offered two different speakers designed for home use has now made a speaker that is ready to, as they put it, “Leave the House”. From Libratone: Share your music anywhere, anytime! Libratone Zipp is an easy-to-use, wireless sound system wrapped in changeable Italian wool. Stream your favourite tunes with PlayDirect™ and AirPlay technology, directly…

Gear Bits

Libratone Zipp Wireless AirPlay Speaker, First Look

Every now and then a product comes along that not only meets your expectations but actually exceeds them. That’s the case so far with the Libratone Zipp AirPlay Wireless Speaker. Sure, it has a cool, unique look. And sure, the fact that you can change the wool covers then, in seconds, have a speaker that looks completely different is very cool. And sure, it has AirPlay. All that is true, but what really makes this speaker stand out is its Play Direct and its awesome sound. Play Direct means you can stream great audio wirelessly even when you don’t have an…

News & Features

NYNE NB-200 and NB-230 Bluetooth Speakers Combine Style and Sound

There are plenty Bluetooth speakers on the market. Now a new company, NYNE, has released a series of speakers designed for an “active life-style”. Their NB-200 and NB-230 Bluetooth speakers provide in-home quality audio through either a wireless connection with any Bluetooth enabled device, or a 3.5mm aux-in cable connection with a non-Bluetooth device. Their stylish and portable form allows for music enjoyment on-the-go both indoors and outdoors. Here’s a look at both. There’s the NB-200. It is designed to be taken with you wherever you go and can be attached to a bike or baby stroller handlebars with its…

Reviews

Jabra Solemate Bluetooth Speaker Review

I’ve had my Jawbone Jambox for well over a year, and I’ve loved it. It is small, easy to use, and it packs a punch! More recently I had the opportunity to review the Braven 600. It is about the same size, but it has a built-in battery that will also charge your mobile device even as it fills the space with music. Then there is the most recent entry into this category – the Jabra Solemate Bluetooth Portable Speaker. It costs $200, is a bit bigger than the other two speakers and, quite frankly, looks like it wants to…

News & Features

Phorus and Play-Fi Want to Bring Music to Every Room in Your House

If you read the site, then you know that I love my Sonos audio system; you also know I am an OS X and iOS guy. Still, I’m always on the lookout for the next awesome home audio solution. That’s why I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak with a number of the key players from Phorus a few weeks ago. Phorus, and their signature Play-Fi wireless technology, are poised to challenge your assumptions about home audio on every level. The system is simple to set up, sounds great, offers flexibility with regard to connectivity, is priced to be accessable, can…

News & Features

CROON Audio’s Original Sound System Looks Great, Promises to Sound Just as Good

I went into the office today after a few weeks of vacation. While returning email I decided to listen to some tunes. My set up at work looks like this- I have an excellent Altec Lansing Speaker that Judie gave me for Hanukkah a few years ago connected to an Airport Express which, in turn, is plugged into the wireless ethernet post that comes into my study. It was that Airport Express that provided WiFi in that part of the building. More than that, however, it also takes the standard, docking stereo and turns it into an Airplay-enabled speaker. I…

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