HiddenRadio2 Produces Magical Sounds

Tech By on Dec 20, 2013

Bluetooth speakers have saturated the market, so it’s even more important for designs to stand out. The HiddenRadio2 ($149) has a couple of things going for it. It’s got rounded corners. iPads have rounded corners. Babies are also round. People like babies and iPads, therefore people like rounded things. Is that how logic works? Also, push a button on the unit or your smartphone and the cover magically raises revealing the speaker underneath. At that point, you can ‘hear’ or ‘listen’ to whatever’s coming out. Hearing and listening, you like that too, don’t you?

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Harman Kardon Nova Wireless Speakers: Emphasis On The Acoustics

Tech By on Nov 11, 2013

Unlike your family singalongs, the Harman Kardon Nova Wireless Stereo Speaker System ($300) puts an emphasis on quality acoustics. This is a powered 2.0, stereo speaker system with performance-tuned 2.5” drivers and 1.25” tweeters that aim to deliver a richer listening experience. The passive radiator also promises extended bass response.  The Nova adapts easily to nearly any audio system, and offers both analog and optical connections as well as Wireless Bluetooth with NFC, cranking out 40 watts of power. Now just tell Aunt Connie to take it down a notch.

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Sonos Play:1: Babysteps Into The Ecosystem

Tech By on Oct 17, 2013

Sonos’ home audio products are all about creating a cohesive system of quality speakers throughout your house. But up until now, getting that project going took a little bit of a leap into the financial deep end of the pool. The Play:1 ($200) lets you wade in from the shallow end. It’s a stylish and sturdy wireless speaker that supports most streaming music services and plays anything from your phone, tablet, or PC. Plus now through Dec. 31 you’ll also receive the Sonos Bridge (normally $50) free of charge. That device lets you build a connected army of Sonos speakers in your home.

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Geneva Model S Wireless: The Clock Radio Grows Up

Tech By on May 15, 2013

The dreaded BEHHT! BEHHT! BEHHT! of traditional alarm clocks was almost outdone by their unsightly aesthetics. The Geneva Model S Wireless ($300) fixes both of those problems with a slick minimalist design and powerfully precise acoustics. Seemingly free of any controls, once you connect your iPhone or iPod to the device an array of options light up. When you’re not waking up to your tune du Jour or the FM radio, you’ll have room-filling sound to savor. This is progress.

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LG Wireless Dual Docking Speaker: Music + Mood Lighting

Tech By on Jan 2, 2013

So LG sent out this press release and they’re all like “Yo man, we be gittin up in this portable speaker game, dawg!” OK, maybe I’m paraphrasing a bit, but it’s true, LG’s new ND8630 Wireless Dual Docking Speaker does further solidify their entrance into this, uh, “game.” It works with both Android and iOS mobile devices, letting you wirelessly play your music from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop PC that supports Bluetooth or AirPlay. This 80W speaker also offers a special “mood lamp” feature with a built-in ambient light sensor, so now there can be no excuses for not setting the mood right with your lady. None. [via]

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