Tag Archives: JBL

JBL Launches The Live 3 Series Of Touchscreen Earbuds For Personalized Audio Experience

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JBL, a renowned name in audio technology, has made a splash at CES 2024 with the introduction of its latest generation of wireless earbuds, the Live 3 series. Comprising three distinct models – Live Buds 3, Live Beam 3, and Live Flex 3 – this lineup is designed to cater to diverse user preferences while offering a seamless and personalized audio experience. Let’s delve into the key features of these earbuds, showcased in a sleek touchscreen charging case.

Designer: JBL

One of the standout features of the Live 3 series is the inclusion of a 1.45-inch LED touch display on the charging case, a technology first introduced in JBL’s Tour Pro 2. This touchscreen functionality allows users to manage calls, view texts, control music playback, and even receive social media alerts directly from the case. Ideal for situations where users prefer not to handle their phones with sweaty hands like in the gym or when you’re out for a run, this innovative addition brings a new level of convenience to the earbud experience.

The Live 3 series introduces three unique models, each finely tuned to suit different preferences and situations. Let’s dive into what each has to offer:

First, the Live Buds 3:
Its sporting a classic bud-style design with a comfy fit. You get a solid 10 hours of playtime outside the case with ANC (active noise cancellation) off, plus an extra 30 hours of juice from the case. Perfect for those who want a laid-back, immersive audio experience.

Then, we have the Live Beam 3:
It’s JBL’s answer to AirPods Pro 2. These closed-type stick earbuds feature a noise-isolating design, giving you 12 hours of playtime with ANC off and an additional 36 hours of charge from the case. It’s all about that premium audio experience.

Lastly, the Live Flex 3:
It’s the open-type stick headphones for the AirPods 3 enthusiasts. Offering 10 hours of playtime with ANC off and an extra 40 hours from the case, these are designed for those who appreciate an open design and longer battery life.

Here’s the cool part; all of them share some awesome features. Think IP55 (for Buds and Beam) and IP54 (for Flex) dust and water resistance, Smart Charging Case tech with a 1.45-inch LED touch display, Hi-Res Audio, JBL Signature Sound, Bluetooth 5.3 support with LE Audio (via OTA update) for multipoint connectivity, and compatibility with top-notch Android phones like Google Pixel 7/8 and Samsung Galaxy S23.

This lineup isn’t just about earbuds; it’s about tailoring your audio experience to fit your style. So, whether you’re into classic buds, Pro-level sound, or an AirPods vibe, the Live 3 series has you covered.

All three models of the JBL Live 3 series are priced at $199.95 and are expected to hit stores later this summer. They will be available in black and silver, these earbuds aim to deliver a premium audio experience for users with diverse preferences and lifestyles. As the market eagerly awaits their arrival, JBL’s Live 3 series promises to redefine the standards of wireless earbuds in 2024.

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JBL Authentics: The Bonkers 270W Smart Speaker (with both Google & Alexa) Makes Waves at IFA 2023

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With an output of 270W, JBL’s new Authentics series may just be the most powerful smart speaker out there. The series boasts not only a “timeless retro design” but also a groundbreaking feature: the simultaneous integration of both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Unveiled at IFA 2023, the JBL Authentics series encompasses three distinct models — the Authentics 200, 300, and 500. Paying homage to the timeless appeal of the 1970s-era JBL L100 speaker, this series seamlessly blends nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. One of the key highlights of this series is the seamless coexistence of Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Users can effortlessly engage either voice assistant by simply invoking their respective ‘hotwords’. It’s important to note that the idea of coexisting voice assistants isn’t novel, with Sonos already offering speakers that house both Google Assistant and Alexa. However, these smart assistants are restricted to responding one at a time. What sets JBL’s innovation apart is the concurrent responsiveness of both Google Assistant and Alexa. Whether it’s the intuitive Google Assistant or the efficient Alexa, users can switch between the two according to their needs and preferences.

Designer: JBL

The Authentics 300 stands out as a portable marvel, designed to accompany you on your musical journey. With a built-in handle that lets you carry it around everywhere and an impressive 8-hour battery life, this model ensures your music keeps playing wherever you go. What’s more, the consumer-replaceable battery adds a layer of convenience to ensure a longer product lifespan.

Drawing inspiration from the design of the JBL L100 speaker, the Authentics 300 features a captivating grid pattern reminiscent of the sound-proofing padding seen in audio recording setups (a feature that the L100 mimicked). The “custom synthetic leather-wrapped enclosure” enhances the speaker’s tactile appeal, while gold-colored aluminum accents give the speaker its undeniably premium appeal. Its high-flying design aside, the speaker still reflects JBL’s commitment to the environment by employing recycled plastic, fabric, and aluminum in its construction. The user-replaceable battery is also a nod to the new EU regulations that require consumer gadgets to now allow batteries to be accessed and replaced by consumers.

Designed for audiophiles, the speaker’s interface comes with dedicated controls for bass and treble, along with a play/pause button, volume control, and even a dedicated button to like tracks. The rear of the Authentics 300 (as well as the 500) features an ethernet port for a dedicated wired internet connection, along with a 3.5mm audio input, a USB-C port, and a power supply port.

As the flagship of the Authentics series, the Authentics 500 captures the essence of premium sound. With its powerful configuration, it offers three 1-inch tweeters, three 2.75-inch midrange woofers, and a 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer. This unique arrangement results in an impressive 270 watts of 3.1-channel sound, enhanced further by Dolby Atmos technology.

The Authentics 500 also mirrors its predecessor’s design inspiration. The iconic grid pattern on the grill, reminiscent of the JBL L100, serves as a captivating nod to audio history. The flagship also comes with the synthetic leather-wrapped enclosure and aluminum accents (employing the same recycled materials as the Authentics 300), but visibly lacks the handle that the Authentics 300 had, making it less transport-friendly.

Connectivity is a breeze, with Bluetooth, aux input, and Ethernet ensuring compatibility with multiple devices. The speakers seamlessly integrate with AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast, with Tidal Connect on the horizon. Moreover, future firmware updates promise the ability to orchestrate stereo and multi-channel sound setups by pairing multiple JBL speakers.

Though the concept of simultaneous voice assistants might be in its infancy, the groundwork laid by JBL, Google, and Amazon is fairly promising. As we navigate this evolving landscape, the notion of both Alexa and Google Assistant coexisting on a single platform isn’t merely a fleeting experiment but a step towards a more intelligent future. Now if only my smart-speaker had ChatGPT built into it…

The post JBL Authentics: The Bonkers 270W Smart Speaker (with both Google & Alexa) Makes Waves at IFA 2023 first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Feature-packed Flagship JBL Bar 1300

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JBL has recently announced the latest addition to its premium sound bar lineup – the JBL Bar 1300. The flagship device packs a range of features and advanced technologies that aim to deliver an immersive audio experience like no other. Equipped with JBL’s proprietary MultiBeam technology, the Bar 1300 can deliver 3D surround sound that fills the entire room. This feature ensures that listeners can enjoy a cinematic audio experience right in their living rooms. The JBL Bar 1300 also boasts a range of connectivity options, including built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as HDMI eARC and a USB port.…

The post The Feature-packed Flagship JBL Bar 1300 first appeared on Trendy Gadget.

Take Your Music Anywhere with the JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker – Get it Now on Amazon!

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The JBL Flip 6 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers powerful sound in a compact and durable package. This speaker is perfect for on-the-go listening, with a waterproof and dustproof design that can withstand any adventure. Featuring a rechargeable battery that delivers up to 12 hours of playtime, the JBL Flip 6 allows you to enjoy your favorite music wherever you go. It also includes a built-in noise and echo-canceling speakerphone for hands-free calls. With its PartyBoost feature, you can easily pair two JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers for an even more immersive sound experience. Plus, the JBL Flip 6 has…

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This cloud connected JBL speaker concept with curved display elevates audio bliss to the next level

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Talk of portable speakers and JBL has got every kind of user covered. Be it an adventurer who wants to cling an audio device to their hiking backpack, someone throwing a pool party, or one looking for casual audio listening at home. The JBL Clip 4, Partybox 310, or JBL Extreme 3 are the perfect options for these situations.

Having an Amazon Eco Dot or Google Nest Audio brings more options for a connected lifestyle – way more than your Bluetooth speaker. So, getting the audio quality of a JBL speaker, combined with the connected capability is the way to go.

Designer: Monoranjan Ghosh

This concept JBL speaker for modern audio listeners is just the right kind of accessory with those welcome geeky functions. The designer calls it TRIGO, an internet-enabled speaker with a curved digital display for enhanced user experience and ease of playing music. The user can beam voice commands at it to control music, listen to podcasts on the fly or communicate with other devices for a seamless lifestyle that’s becoming the norm of the current times.

The design language of TRIGO takes a detour from the flat or roundish aesthetics that we’ve seen on their current and previous models. This time around, a reimagined portable JBL speaker gets a triangulated shape with a futuristic vibe to lure young audiophiles. The sub-bass audio drivers are placed on the inside of the triangle-beaming on both sides, and the mids and highs are forced through the speakers to one side. On the outside to one side is the display interface for the current track, play/pause, shuffle, artist Albumart and seek bar. Complementing the visual player interface is the cool bias lighting on each side for that techno feel.

This concept JBL speaker hits all the right notes in terms of design and carrying aesthetics. Thus, making it well suited for weekend parties, shower karaoke, or listening while working at home. The silver lining here for me is the interactive display that adds zing to the whole experience of listening. I’m sure JBL will be looking at this concept with keen interest because this design beacons the future.

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JBL unveils the Tour PRO 2 TWS Earbuds with an actual touchscreen display on the charging case

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Is that the new iPod Nano?? Nope… it’s a pair of JBL TWS earbuds with a screen on the case.

Announced just before IFA 2022 kicks off in Berlin, the Tour PRO 2 are JBL’s upcoming flagship TWS earphones. Their latest gimmick feature? A touchscreen display that shows you music-related information so you don’t need to pop your phone out to navigate Spotify or Apple Music while listening to tunes and podcasts. It has the potential to be an incredibly clever idea (I’ll explain myself shortly), but it isn’t the kind of idea JBL is capable of pulling off, so we’re probably stuck with one more screen on our person… although it does offer a more music-centric experience. After all, nobody wants to scroll through their music playlist while also seeing angry messages from their boss about why they haven’t sent that mail yet.

Designer: JBL

To just get the facts out of the way, the Tour PRO 2 are JBL’s latest flagship pair of TWS earbuds priced at $249.44 USD. They come with 10mm audio drivers and are Bluetooth 5.3 compatible, have active noise-canceling, and last 10 hours alone, and 40 hours with the charging case. However, their most impressive little upgrade lies in plain view in the form of a 1.45-inch touchscreen LED display on the front that lets you toggle features like ANC, make adjustments to your music-listening experience, or answer/reject calls without taking your phone out. JBL’s idea with this seems to hark back to the original days of the iPod – to provide a clean, uncluttered music experience.

Honestly, I find myself a little conflicted with the idea of a display on my TWS earbud charging case because there are as many cons as there are pros. There are also as many unexplored potentials, which I promise I’ll get to in a bit. For starters, the Tour PRO 2 does, to a degree, give you the benefit of a phone-free experience. You can control playback, seek through songs, see what’s playing, and even toggle earbud features without needing an app or even needing to unlock your phone. However, this doesn’t quite work as well for other earbud-aided experiences, like watching videos or attending video calls/conferences. JBL also somewhat shoots itself in the foot by using that screen to show you phone notifications. So there’s still that likelihood of stumbling across angry texts from your boss/client. Effectively, this makes you end up taking your phone out, which completely destroys the premise of a phone-free music experience in the first place. Not to mention that yet another screen on a device means more battery woes. It also results in a thicker product.

Here’s what gets me excited about this idea, though. The TWS earbuds are essentially wearables, and a screen on the case now has the unique ability to offer a wearable-grade fitness device experience that matches, if not overtakes a smartwatch. Here’s the data you can capture through your earbud – your body temperature, and your pulse (two data points that your smartwatch already tracks). Pair this with music hardware and you’ve got yourself the ultimate fitness device. Imagine if these earbuds could track your heart levels alongside the music you listen to. It knows when you’re exercising and how effectively you’re exercising, it also knows whether you enjoy a song because of changes in your body temperature and heart rate. Moreover, the earbuds can also help with routines like meditation, just because they’re audio devices with bio-tracking abilities. I’ve long believed that if Spotify wanted to absolutely obliterate Apple at the music game, they’d launch smart earbuds that could do the aforementioned things. Sadly though, it seems like JBL isn’t quite the company that’s up for the task… and now I’ve given up my idea for free.

The JBL Tour PRO 2 will only be available in Europe for now, starting January 2023 (that gives JBL enough time to really fine-tune their product). This isn’t the first time we’ve seen screens on TWS earbud cases, though. Just last month, a Teenage Engineering TWS earbud concept showcased something quite similar!

The post JBL unveils the Tour PRO 2 TWS Earbuds with an actual touchscreen display on the charging case first appeared on Yanko Design.

JBL’s 75th anniversary special is a modern day amplifier encased in a uniquely retro aesthetic!

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For audiophiles and general listeners alike, JBL carries some of the most iconic pieces of audio equipment in circulation today. While more moderate listeners consistently find JBL’s collection of wireless speakers to be both durable in product design and vibrant in sound quality, technical listeners can appreciate JBL’s fine-tuned commitment to producing commercial amps with detail-oriented, studio-grade standards at an unsurprising market value. For instance, JBL might have been one of the first audio equipment companies to have manufactured a commercial amplifier to confront TIM/SID and LSN problems with the SA600 Amplifier’s debut in 1966. Fast forward to 2021 and, in celebration of their 75th anniversary and tribute to their coveted equipment from the 60s and 70s, JBL plans to launch the new SA750 Integrated Amplifier, along with a limited stock of anniversary-edition L100 Classic 75 loudspeakers.

The new JBL SA750 takes me back to my childhood home’s downstairs audio system, coated in aluminum with teak wood veneer side paneling and stainless steel, sheathed control knobs for sensitive tuning. JBL’s SA750 offers a mellowed upgrade from the audio giant’s amplifiers of the 60s and 70s. With most of the front panel on the SA750 maintaining the original interface of dials and knobs from the late 20th century 600 and 660 SA models, some key differences were made, however, in order to accommodate modern-day technology. Doubling the SA600’s single audio jack for two, one for headphones and one for an aux cord, the new JBL SA750 offers options for both solo and group listening. The new hi-fi amp is also geared for Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, or UPnP connectivity and can transition between MC and MM to generate the signal for users hoping to plug in their pre-amp.

Just like in the 60s and 70s, JBL designed the SA750 wireless amplifier to deliver studio-quality audio and attempts to achieve this through integrated features like a DAC converter, which converts a digital signal into an analog one, delivering crisper sound from your speakers. Through compression, an MQA decoder also helps deliver the fuller, more robust audio quality listeners expect with hi-fi amplifiers. JBL SA750 is also ‘Roon-ready,’ equipping your music collection with a digital front-end that allows you to source your input from different home-devices, connected together by the installed Roon software. Finally, the new JBL SA750 comes with Dirac Live Room Correction, which removes sound coloration produced by interior rooms’ acoustics. The accompanying L100 Classic 75 loudspeakers are designed to match the amplifier’s teak wood veneer finish and offer bi-wiring with a rear network suited for today, along with improved woofer suspension to mask those low frequencies. Officially launching in May of 2021, JBL SA750 will go for $3,000.

Designer: JBL by Harman