Last month, I had the opportunity to test out the Ruark Audio MR1 Bluetooth audio system, and thought it offered very good sound for its size, and an excellent, substantial build quality. Now I’ve got the Ruark Audio R1 MK3 Tabletop Radio sitting on my desk, and it’s equally as compelling.
Like the MR1, the R1 has been available in Europe for a while, but has only recently made its way to the U.S. Unlike the MR1 system the R1 is a single box, but it still offers plenty of volume for bedroom, office or kitchen. Measuring in at 6.7″ (H) x 5.1″ (W) x 5.3″ (D), and wrapped in walnut veneer (or black or white lacquered wood), it’s about the size and heft of a nice bookshelf speaker. But this is a completely self-contained audio system, with its own amplifier, a built-in FM radio tuner, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a headphone output, and it even works as an alarm clock.
The display on the R1 is easy to read, thanks to a high-contrast OLED screen that can be read from any angle. This can display not only clock and station information, but also offers up artist, track and title information on stations that broadcast using RDS, and also via Bluetooth devices.
Around back you’ll see a spot for connecting the telescoping FM antenna, as well as a line-in for external devices, a headphone jack, and even a 1.0 amp USB port for charging smartphones or media players. The inclusion of said USB port, combined with alarm functionality make the R1 the perfect bedside radio.
Beyond its good looks, the R1 sounds good too, offering warm and clean sound that isn’t overly tinny or boomy. I was pleased that the analog broadcast FM radio was totally enjoyable in this era of digital sound, though FM itself has some limitations in terms of high frequency response and dynamic range. Upon connecting my iPhone via Bluetooth, I was immediately greeted with some of the high highs that FM lacks. In the U.K., the R1 includes DAB/DAB+ digital radio capability, and I kind of wish that the U.S. variant included HD Radio.
I particularly like the intuitive control scheme on the R1. Context is selected using hard buttons, while a pushbutton scroll wheel in the middle lets you make choices and confirm their entry. Simple and easy, the way I like it. The dual alarm is extremely easy to program too, and lets you set things like duration, volume, radio station, and even if it’s a one-time alarm for a specific date, or an everyday alarm. I also love how the audio gradually fades in so it doesn’t give you a heart attack when it’s time to wake. And the snooze feature includes a countdown timer so you know how much more time you have in bed. Keep in mind that the alarm only works with the FM radio or a buzzer.
Overall, Ruark Audio has done a great job with the R1. It looks great anywhere, and offers up a complete audio system in a single box. It sounds great, especially with local audio devices, but it’s always nice to have the FM radio too as a source of content discovery, and to hear things like news, traffic and weather. The R1 is available in the U.S. from the Ruark Audio USA website for $299.95(USD). Buyers in the U.K., Europe and Australia can find it here.
Researchers have been using graphene to develop an assortment of technologically advanced things for a while, from camera sensors and contact lenses all the way to frickin' lasers. That's why it's not a surprise to see a group of engineers from Columbia University create the world's smallest FM transmitter using the atom-thick material. The end product isn't just for show, either, as it can pump tunes over the airwaves to a regular FM radio -- the team even used Gangnam Style to prove that it works. As interesting as the teensy transmitter is, the engineers have no plans to build a radio for ants, and this is merely part of a larger study into nano-electromechanical systems. Now all we need is for someone to make a tiny violin and a pair of tweezers small enough for us to play.
Filed under: Alt
Via: IEEE
Source: Columbia University, Nature
"Internet radio" is usually a misnomer, as well as an indicator of its ambition. The term "radio" is misapplied to internet services like AOL Radio, Rhapsody Radio, the upcoming iTunes Radio and their ilk. All these mediums are unrelated to radio technology. But for most people, "radio" simply means something you turn on and listen to. As a marketing term, "radio" seeks to accustom users to new technology by connecting it with familiar technology. Pandora describes itself as "free, personalized radio."
The business intent in all cases is more ambitious -- to wean people from the terrestrial radio habit and migrate them to online services. Will it work?
Pandora has complained for years that royalties for internet-only radio stations are too steep. It may have found an end run around the problem, however: it just bought an FM radio station in South Dakota. The company's Chris Harrison argues that the deal will make ASCAP and music labels offer Pandora the same songwriting licenses that they do to rivals like iHeartRadio, which allegedly gets better terms through its traditional broadcasting roots. Opponents argue that Pandora is simply trying to dodge fair compensation through the buyout, although the streaming service claims to have been forced into more than one unfair rate hike with current licensing. Whatever the truth, Pandora is racing against the clock -- competition won't get any easier when built-in services like iTunes Radio are on the way.
Filed under: Portable Audio/Video, Internet
Source: The Hill (1), (2)
Is your tabletop radio jealous of all the attention you lavish on your smartphone and tablet? Now everyone can play nice. Announced earlier this year, Tivoli's finally offering its Model One BT up for purchase, bringing Bluetooth device streaming to the fancy table-tap AM/FM radio. That $260 unit is joined by the PAL BT ($300) radio and Blucon Music Receiver ($150), which brings Bluetooth functionality to your home audio system. The latter two, up now for pre-order, are set to ship by the end of the month.
Filed under: Home Entertainment
Tivoli's newly Bluetoothed radios up for order, bring your smartphone into the mix originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 18:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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TDK's Boombox rocked minds and windows alike with its modern take on a retro classic. Buoyed by its success, the casette-maker of old is back with new audio hardware at IFA. Three devices, again on the speaker front. First up is the Boombox Wireless, which is a similar, but updated, design from the original and features not only streaming sans cables via Bluetooth, but inductive charging, too. If you don't want to cut the cord completely, there's a 3.5mm aux input, USB slot for charging plus an FM radio and headphone output. Next up is the Wireless Weatherproof Speaker, which despite being described as "rugged" and boasting an IP 64 weather compliant design, looks like any regular device. It, too, has Bluetooth streaming and inductive charging, along with 3.5mm input and built-in microphone. If these two were all looking a little bit oblong, then the curious Wireless Charging Cube might be for you. Yep, it's Bluetooth streaming and the same wire-free charging, but this time that goes both ways. Plonk your Qi induction compatible device on top, and it'll juice that while you jam (there's a non wireless charging / charger version also.) How much do these slabs of sound cost? The Boombox is $399, the Wireless Weatherproof is $250 while the Wireless Charging Cube is $399. Not a peep on availability at this time, we'll connect you up though, once we get it.
Continue reading TDK introduces new wireless Boombox and two new weatherproof speakers
Filed under: Home Entertainment
TDK introduces new wireless Boombox and two new weatherproof speakers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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If you’re the kind of person that loves retro-looking gear, then you’ll love these new radios launched by the UK brand Pure. The Evoke Mio comes all kinds of retro-trendy color schemes and will definitely set itself apart in your swanky pad.
In addition to the colorful pattern design by Orla Kiely shown here, the Evoke Mio comes in rose, paprika, seagrass, pepper, sage, and mustard colors. Each of these have a sort of two-tone leather finish that matches the front fascia. The Mio is also available in more traditional colors: teal, grape, cherry and black.
Despite its old school looks, the Mio has a digital and FM radio, an input for MP3 players and an OLED display. There is an extra power pack available for when you’re on the go and need some extra juice. Unfortunately, the Mio is designed primarily for Europe, bundling only a 230V power adapter, and the digital receiver either receives DAB in the UK or DAB/DAB+/DMB-Radio outside of the UK. Sorry, no HD Radio for the US market.
It will sell for £129.99 (~$204 USD) starting this June directly from Pure.
[via Fareastgizmos]
Do you really think a black FM radio -- or even worse, one in an off-season shade of grape --- can get you through the summer? Radio maker Pure wants to correct your errant ways. The company is expanding its Evoke Mio radio line with six new "on-trend" color options. The radio is already available in black, teal, grape and cherry, and now Pure is adding pepper, mustard, paprika, sage, rose and seagrass shades. While the colors are new, the specs are the same as on the original model: there's digital and FM radio, space for 30 presets, an auxiliary input for a PMP and an auto-dimming OLED panel. The new Pure Evoke Mio collection will go on sale in June for £130 (it's unclear if the radios will head stateside as well).
Pure updates Evoke Mio radio with six new colors, thinks you need a new shade for summer originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 May 2012 08:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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