01.30.2013
BB Z10: Zebrawood
There's a lot of buzz about the new Blackberry Z10 device. Even accessory makers are thinking it's going to be a hit and rushing innovative cases to the market. If we had to pick, we'd want this Zebrawood number.
Inspired by vintage automotive interiors, the "Crafted Woods Collection" marries natural materials with a high-tech brushed aluminum.
$80 at Case-Mate.
Posted by Evan
Category:
cell phones
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01.29.2013
Trendy Bamboo Keyboard
C'mom, admit it. You've always wanted a bamboo keyboard. We found one for you at CES - the new Impecca Bluetooth Bamboo Keyboard for tablets, iPhones, and other Bluetooth devices. Impecca has created the first bamboo computer products in the market and this sustainable “green” line of bamboo computer accessories are created for the eco-conscious consumer.Inlaid with bamboo, it adds a refreshing natural look to a hi-tech work environment.
Well-designed and portable, the Bamboo Keyboard is also very comfortable to use, with a
fixed bamboo panel on the bottom rear of the keyboard that automatically positions it in
an ideal position to ensure ergonomic comfort while typing. The keyboard conforms to standard QWERTY style with an assortment of special “hot keys”, and is compatible with iPads, Android tablets, netbooks and other Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices.
$99 plus a mouse - bamboo of course - at Impecca.
Posted by Evan
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computers
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01.24.2013
Nessie, The Solution To Home Recording
We first spotted this baby on the floor of the CES convention hall. It's the brand-new microphone from Blue Mic.
Besides it's good looks, the adaptive USB mic delivers studio-enhanced sound for desktop recording of vocals, instruments, voiceovers and more. Nessie adapts in real time, applying professional studio processing, combined with a built-in pop filter and internal shockmount to produce expertly finished sound, without the need for additional mixing or editing.
Nessie’s key features -- and internal processing -- are specifically designed to combat the most common pitfalls of recording. The built-in, studio-grade pop filter and shockmount reduce harsh plosives and disruptive rumbling and vibrations, while the adaptive processing, including EQ, de-esser and level control, automatically smoothes and refines your audio in real time.
Nessie is plug-and-play compatible via USB with both PC and Mac with driverless installation. For mobile recording, connect to iPad using Apple’s camera adapters (30-pin to USB or Lighting to USB), sold separately.
Unlike many of the gizmos we saw at CES, Nessie is available now for $99 at Blue Mic.
Posted by Evan
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devices
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01.23.2013
Jabra Speak : 15 Hours of Yak Time
Building off the success of the Jabra Speak 410, Jabra today announced the Jabra Speak 510 Series, which includes the Speak 510+ and Speak 510. Designed with the Mobile Worker in mind, the Jabra Speak 510 Series is designed for use at home, in the workplace and on the go.
Jabra Speak 510+
A wireless speakerphone for use with both smartphones and softphones (with a 300 foot range!) via a dongle.
Jabra Speak 510
A corded option for softphones or Bluetooth capability for smartphones or tablets.
Both speakerphones in the series feature 15 hours of talk time - which Jabra claims is more than double that of competitive products on the market. The Speak 510 is currently available so we'll be testing that soon, and the Speak 510+ will be available in March. Until then, stay plugged in.
Posted by Evan
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cell phones
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01. 8.2013
Rock Your iPhone Case
People always have said you have a magnetic personality,and now they can say that about your iPhone case as well. Say what?
Stick with us and we'll explain. The new Rokform case lets you mount your device to any magnetic surface, as well as non-metal surfaces like your car dashboard.The new v3 is not so much a case as a "system," with features such as an integrated lock mechanism, anti-slip grip, detachable lanyard and an optional magnet insert. Fortunately, you can remove the outer bumper for a slimmer profile.
For someone who likes to slip her iPhone in her jean back pocket, this wouldn't work for me on a daily basis but it just goes to prove the old adage that there's a case for everyone. Or something like that.
Available in six colors, the RokShield v3 case costs $49.99.
Posted by Evan
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cell phones
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12.10.2012
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: DON'T LET THE HOLIDAZE SET IN
Holiday shopping making you crazy and putting you into a "holidaze?" Have no fear! Even though there are only a few shopping days left, we are here to help see you through with our latest holiday gift guide. Let us help you decide what to get for the techie... okay... geek... in your life. Click continue to read on...
Continue reading "HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: DON'T LET THE HOLIDAZE SET IN"
Posted by Brian
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shopping
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12. 4.2012
FoxLV2 Sound
Previously, we reviewed the FoxL Bluetooth portable speaker, agreeing with Time magazine, who declared it the "Top 10 Gadget of the Year."
While it's hard to improve on perfection, Sound matters has done that with the foxLv2 by shrinking the size (5.6" wide x 2.2" high x 1.4" deep), increasing the rechargeable battery-time to 12 hours or more, but keeping the price at $199,the same as the original model.
The new "Foxy" (our nickname for it) was created for the growing range of aptX equipped phones and tablets, (think Samsung, HTC, Motorola) and features dual 1-inch Linear Magnetic Drive "Twoofers" usually found in large expensive hi-fi speakers for remarkable clarity and range,and the bass kicks butt. (It uses the battery as a woofer,which results in a smoother, more powerful bass.)
There's the same built-in noise-canceling mic in this smaller version,too.
The perfect holiday gift for the audiofile on your list? May all your gifting be this easy.
Posted by Evan
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devices
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10.17.2012
New Beats by Dre Products
Beats Electronics launched three new products today adding to their ever-growing line of wares designed to bring studio-quality audio to today’s listener.
The vision of Beats Co-Founders, legendary artist and producer Dr. Dre and Interscope-Geffen-A&M Chairman Jimmy Iovine, is to re-introduce sound to today’s listener, giving them music the way the producer intended it to be heard and bringing back what has been lost through poor quality equipment and digital music encoding. The new portfolio of products carries this vision forward.
Introduced today were:
• Beats Pill Portable Wireless Speaker. Amazing sound from an aptly-named small Bluetooth speaker. The first speaker to support tap-to-pair NFC and apt-X technology for easy and instant Bluetooth audio. Designed to optimize sound quality and maximize volume. Available in black, white and red for $199.
• The Executive Over-the-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones. Designed to balance noise cancellation that is so important to many travelers without compromising sound. Features all of the benefits of the Beats by Dre Studio Headphones with the added benefit of blocking out jet engine noises and screaming children. Available in a classic silver color featuring high-end metallic and leather finishes for $299.
• urBeats In-Ear Headphones. This newest mid-price edition to the Beats earphone line features tough metal housing for more durability, better sound, and beautiful looks. Available in Black, White and Gunmetal for $99.
The new product line takes clear aim at competing products, such as the Jawbone JAMBOX speaker and the BOSE QuietComfort headset. From what we heard today, Beats’ aim was perfect because they hit the bullseye!
All three products are available now from the Beats Store, authorized Beats resellers and at www.beatsbydre.com.
Additionally, Beats announced today that artist and producer Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails fame has joined the company, bringing yet another relentless perfectionist to the team.
Posted by Brian
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luxury
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08.28.2012
Because Alarm Clocks Are a Buzz Kill
"No More Rude Awakenings"
"Wake your potential , not your partner."
Got your attention? Good, that was Lark's plan, the maker of the new sleep device which not only wakes you up with wrist-band vibrations but also monitors your sleep patterns to coach you to better rest.
Even if you take the wristband off in your sleep there's an audio back-up. Bluetooth technology makes it compatible with the iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad.
With the Pro version, you get a dashboard which shows you how to improve your sleep. (For review purposes, we tried the basic model, for $99 at Lark.)
We were anxious to try it since our partner has to wake up early (think 5:00 am) to get to shoots by morning light, making it hard for us to sleep in. Would our husband - a notoriously deep sleeper - wake up with the "sleep P.J's" ( a flexible wristband) ? He did. Did we get to sleep in? We did.
Did it save our marriage? Probably.
Posted by Evan
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devices
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08.20.2012
Shower with a Friend
Remember those tinny shower radios from the "olden days"? At the time, it was the only way to listen to music in the shower, short of bringing your laptop/music deive into a steamy bathroom which is NOT recommended. And inevitalby, you were listening during drive-time so you had to endure tons of commericals.
Well, say hello to the brand-new water- resistant ishower from iDevices which has a 200 ft range. For us, that mean that we can leave the iPad downstairs and blast our music in the upstairs bathroom.
Either hang the speaker over the shower head or use the stand to put it on the counter. When you power it up it Says "HI", then simply bluetooth pair it with your iOS, Android or Windows Phone-compatible device.
It doesn't show tracks, but does have volume, play/pause, forward and back buttons. And yes, it even has a clock to you won't be late for work.
Compared to the shower radios of yesteryear, the sound quality is big and rich. Pump up the bass and get clean. $99 at iShower.
Posted by Evan
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devices
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