Harman Kardon’s Esquire Bluetooth speaker doubles as a conference system, fits in a briefcase

Posted on 05/09/2013 by Joe Pollicino

Business professionals who've dreamt of having a portable conference system and Bluetooth speaker combo have just had their wish granted. Harman Kardon's aluminum and leather-clad Esquire portable speaker features two drivers, a bass port and noise-cancelling conference microphones. Placing the unit upright adjusts its mics for one person, while laying it flat works best for multiple people. The design is relatively clean, but you'll find physical buttons at its side for power, playback, mute, volume and Bluetooth pairing (NFC-pairing is also an option). An internal battery keeps it juiced for up to ten hours and its wall charger has three USB ports to handle your smartphone and extra gizmos. The Esquire will be available for your business travels later this year in white, black and "camel."

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Filed under: Portable Audio/Video

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Source: Harman Kardon

B&O Play previews A9 Nordic Sky edition wireless speakers (eyes-on)

Posted on 06/08/2013 by Joe Pollicino

Not to leave its $2,699 A9 wireless speaker stuck with solid colors for the fall and winter, B&O Play's added some limited editions inspired by the natural color palette of Scandinavia. Dubbed the Nordic Sky editions, the three variants previewed for Copenhagen Fashion Week represent dawn, twilight and dusk. The pastel gradient grilles aim to keep the summer night's visual influence alive through the colder seasons, as B&O explains it. The units still feature the same 480-watt (x5) 2.1 stereo output, with DLNA and AirPlay to keep the music flowing. The Nordic Sky editions will retail for the same $2,699 price as the standard versions, while current A9 owners can also purchase each color kit (three wooden legs and a grille cloth) for $259 a pop. There's no exact arrival date yet, but B&O says to expect them on its shelves in September. No doubt these pieces scream opulence, but they're a visual treat in person. Full press release after the break.

Gallery: B&O Play A9 Nordic Sky editions (press images)

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio/Video

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Source: B&O Play

HP Wireless Portable Speaker with NFC spotted in regulatory paperwork

Posted on 30/05/2013 by Sharif Sakr

HP will soon have an NFC-enabled Bluetooth speaker to go along with its NFC-enabled mouse, not that we reckon the two will ever have much to say to each other. The manufacturer's Wireless Portable Speaker (model no. S9500) has just been revealed in an FCC filing, where it managed to pass inspection without giving away a great deal of information beyond its physical styling (more retro than HP's current wireless speaker) and the name of the engineer who signed the test report ("Apple," confusingly). Beyond that, we know this speaker would have to pair manually with a Slate 7, since that tablet lacks NFC. Also, the Quick Setup Guide says "First Edition: June 2013", which suggests an official launch could be just around the corner -- potentially alongside other unknown, NFC-enabled products from HP.

Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio/Video, Tablets, Wireless, Mobile, HP

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Source: FCC

Parrot’s Zikmu Solo speaker goes Duo, two make a pair over WiFi

Posted on 08/01/2013 by Richard Lai

It was only last October when we took a close look at Parrot's new Zikmu Solo (as well as chatting up CEO Henri Seydoux, pictured above), so we were a bit surprised when the company made an announcement for the same Bluetooth speaker at CES. You see, while the original Starck-designed Zikmu was sold in a pair, the slightly smaller Zikmu Solo -- powered by a 1GHz Cortex-A8 processor no less -- was designed with small rooms in mind and is therefore sold singly. However, at some point this year, Parrot will offer a "Duo" option that lets you hook up two Zikmu Solos over WiFi to form a 2 x 100W RMS stereo system, which is conveniently twice as powerful as the Zikmu. Obviously nothing has changed in terms of audio input methods and sources for the high-end Zikmu Solo: iPhone, iPod, PC, Mac, WiFi, Bluetooth mobile phone, Ethernet and more. So, how about a discount when we buy two then, Parrot? $999 times two is quite a lot (insert wink here).

Continue reading Parrot's Zikmu Solo speaker goes Duo, two make a pair over WiFi

Filed under: Home Entertainment

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iLuv outs Bluetooth speaker trio: Mo’Beats HD, MobiCup and MobiOut

Posted on 06/01/2013 by Billy Steele

Now that Bluetooth speakers are all the rage, iLuv is looking to add to its lineup of said offerings just before the official start of CES. First, the Mo'Beats HD wireless unit features SRS WOW tech and a 3.5mm aux jack for wired streaming. The gadget also touts a space that will cradle that handset or slate while The Black Keys are blasting. Next, the Bluetooth-wielding MobiCup is designed to get cozy in that beach chair this summer with 360-degree speakers, built-in microphone, top-mounted controls and splash-resistant buttons to keep things dry (to a certain extent, of course). Last but not least, the MobiOut (pictured above) is also splash-resistant and sports a built-in mic, but this unit boasts Jump-start tech that will offer a quick charge in a pinch and deeper bass tones alongside high-fidelity sound. The MobiCup is priced at $59.99 and the MobiOut at $129.99, however there's no pricing info on the Mo'Beats HD just yet. While the former two speakers will arrive later this month, the latter is scheduled for May. For a look at the entire lot in order of mention, consult the gallery below.

Gallery: iLuv Mo'Beats HD, MobiCup and MobiOut

Continue reading iLuv outs Bluetooth speaker trio: Mo'Beats HD, MobiCup and MobiOut

Filed under: Portable Audio/Video

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Source: iLuv (1), (2), (3)

Soundmatters unveils foxLv2 aptX Bluetooth speaker with $199 price tag

Posted on 04/12/2012 by Alexis Santos

Soundmatter's just debuted its latest entrant into the portable Bluetooth speaker arena: the foxLv2 aptX. Picking up where its predecessor left off, the foxLv2 aptX keeps the same form factor while predictably adding aptX support, which promises CD-quality audio in addition to improved sound and picture sync for games and video. A built-in mic for noise cancelation during speakerphone use, a rechargeable battery and audio output from 80Hz to 20kH also make a return. Those yearning to pick up the refreshed hardware can already do so for $199. Hit the jump for the full spec rundown.

Continue reading Soundmatters unveils foxLv2 aptX Bluetooth speaker with $199 price tag

Filed under: Peripherals

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Parrot Zikmu Solo reaches US in November, makes a tower of wireless sound yours for $999

Posted on 05/10/2012 by Jon Fingas

Parrot has taken some time trotting out the Zikmu Solo speaker since we first saw it at CES, but those enamored with very vertical audio can rest easy now that the unit has a North American release schedule. Both Canada and the US can buy the Philippe Starck-crafted speaker in November, when it will cost $999 for Americans in its black and white guises (sorry, no red for now). While that's a lot to pay for a 100W speaker, Parrot is counting on the unique acoustic design, a conventional iOS dock and a mix of Bluetooth, NFC and WiFi to tempt people away from the land of horizontal sound. It's undoubtedly one of the easiest ways to make a speaker dock the focus of a room -- and that's part of the point, isn't it?

Continue reading Parrot Zikmu Solo reaches US in November, makes a tower of wireless sound yours for $999

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio/Video

Parrot Zikmu Solo reaches US in November, makes a tower of wireless sound yours for $999 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ARIS 100-watt wireless speaker shipping for $499 with DLNA and Windows 8 certification

Posted on 05/10/2012 by Sharif Sakr

If you're on the look-out for a decently boombastic wireless speaker but can't quite stump up three grand for the latest B&O, then perhaps the ARIS from Aperion Audio is worth a gander. Having finally emerged from pre-order status, it's available from Amazon and other retailers priced at $499, which gets you a 100-watt (RMS) output from six internal speakers housed in a 15-inch wide single-piece aluminum enclosure held up on a red wire frame. The ARIS handles regular DLNA and is also certified to with work with Windows 7 and 8 sources over your home WiFi network -- just in case you should happen to have any cash left after that pricey Surface Pro.

Continue reading ARIS 100-watt wireless speaker shipping for $499 with DLNA and Windows 8 certification

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Wireless

ARIS 100-watt wireless speaker shipping for $499 with DLNA and Windows 8 certification originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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B&O Play’s BeoPlay A9 wireless speaker gets your classy party jumping for a cool $2,699 (eyes-on)

Posted on 04/10/2012 by Joe Pollicino

B&O Play is at it again for the younger crowd with money to burn. With a TV, a hybrid iPad dock, an iPad friendly speaker system and a portable speaker already under its belt, Bang & Olufsen's spin-off brand is ready to really get the festivities going with its new BeoPlay A9. Starting at cool $2,799, this ~~satellite dish~~ circular eye-catcher also doubles as a full-on 2.1 speaker system. Simply put, we'd describe its looks as a super-sized half of the BeoPlay A8 speaker dock. We'd guess the A9 stands at roughly three feet tall (legs mounted) and three feet wide based on our quick in-person look. Behind its fabric grill you'll find a duo of three-quarter-inch tweeters and a pair of three-inch mid-range drivers, all of which get their power from independent 80-watt digital amps. Of course, the A9 brings the rumble as well, featuring an 8-inch "bass unit" that gets double the wattage of its drivers. Notably, AirPlay & DLNA are baked right in, ensuring you'll have access to WiFi streaming across whichever platforms you prefer.

You won't find any physical controls, but on the top-edge of its backside you'll notice a status light and a power button, both separated by a long touch-sensitive strip that lets you adjusts the volume, or mute it completely. Below that, a pop-off cap hides a USB port for docking and charging devices and a 3.5mm jack if wireless isn't an option, but it's also where an admittedly unsightly power cord plugs in as well. As you can see in the photo, the A9 can be supported by a trio of wooden legs, however, it can also be wall-mounted or hung from a ceiling like the BeoPlay V1 TV -- thankfully, it features three DSP presets to cope with however you'd decide to place it. As you might imagine, it's also incredibly loud -- just a duo of A9s were being used as the sound system at the large Penthouse party we were in. As such, it wasn't an ideal environment to comment much further on its audio performance.

If it's up your alley, expect the system to hit B&O and select Apple stores near the end of November, with your choice of a black, red, silver, green or white grill, and wooden legs in beech, oak or teak -- all of which can be purchased separately. For now, you can get your own eyes-on with it in the gallery below.

Gallery: B&O Play A9 wireless speaker system (eyes-on)

Continue reading B&O Play's BeoPlay A9 wireless speaker gets your classy party jumping for a cool $2,699 (eyes-on)

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B&O Play's BeoPlay A9 wireless speaker gets your classy party jumping for a cool $2,699 (eyes-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TDK preps its first weatherproof speaker, we go hands-on

Posted on 20/09/2012 by Dana Wollman

Back at IFA we spent most of our time handling new tablets and Win 8 devices, but, given that the show has grown into something of a mini-CES, there was news in almost every product category, portable audio included. TDK announced a trio of speakers that week, and though we didn't get hands-on in Berlin, we got a second chance tonight at a New York City press event. In particular, the company is showing off its first ruggedized product, the Wireless Weatherproof Speaker. As you can see in those photos down there, it has all the stylings of a run-of-the-mill portable speaker, except it also happens to be IP64-certified against the elements. When TDK talks about its durability, it talks about liters of dousage, so a splash on your next beach vacation shouldn't be an issue.

As for audio, it has two speakers up front, a subwoofer and two passive radiators 'round back. TDK declined to clarify the wattage, but we'll say this: the little guy is powerful enough that we could hear it over the din at Pepcom, a local press event. And, TDK had a larger, more powerful speaker playing nearby, and we still had no problem hearing the song coming from the weatherproof model. Granted, then, this was hardly the best scenario to evaluate audio quality, but we did sense that the treble was a bit trapped compared to the bass, which came through loud and clear. Lastly, there's a rechargeable battery inside, which TDK rates for up to six hours of runtime. It'll go on sale in late October for $250, but in the meantime help yourself to some first-hand shots below.

Gallery: TDK Wireless Weatherproof Speaker hands-on