Braven announces Fuse audio mixer, luxury speakers line, Bridge.

One company is really making a splash at CES this year, and that company is Braven. Yesterday we gave you the news about three new speaker lines from the accessories manufacturer. Today, the press release flood continued with news of the US$99.99 Fuse audio mixer, the 1100 ($249.99), 2200b ($299.99), and 2300b ($349.99) luxury speakers, and the $299.99 Braven Bridge “executive conference call companion”.

First up is the Fuse audio mixer, described as a portable Bluetooth audio mixer. Seen in the image at the top of this post, the device has multiple Bluetooth connections so that it can link to two audio sources and two speakers. On the little box (less than 5 inches long) are a plethora of onboard controls, including volume and low/mid/high tuners for each audio source, a source level equalizer, a headphone out switch to listen to different audio sources, and a cross fader.

Running off an internal 1200 mAh rechargable battery, the Fuse Audio Mixer can operate for over 12 hours on a single charge. It will be available in the second quarter of 2015.

Next, the company expanded its design series speaker collection adding three premium Bluetooth speakers. The Braven 1100 supports aptX encoded audio and uses TrueWireless to pair with a second Braven speaker for true stereo sound. It will be available in the second quarter of 2015 as well in black, dark gray, light gray, red, orange and blue colors.

The Braven 2200b and 2300b are designed to deliver “room-filling ultra-premium HD sound in an awe-inspiring package.” All hyperbole aside, both speakers feature left and right channel stereo, interchangable grill options, and the ability to receive over-the-air firmware updates. Those grills will be available in black, dark gray, red, orange and blue, and the speakers should ship in the second quarter of 2015.

Finally, Braven is building on its reputation for making speakers with excellent speakerphone capabilities with the Braven Bridge. It’s a stylish accessory designed for executives who want to make loud and clear conference calls while on the road, and like the rest of these accessories it should be available in the second quarter.

The Braven Bridge features dual omnidirectional microphones built into a aluminum body with leather accents. As expected with a product like this, there are 360-degree HD microphones and noise cancelling technology built in. The battery inside has a capacity of 2800 mAh and can be used to charge mobile devices.

The Om/One Levitating Bluetooth Speaker

Let’s all be honest with each other for a minute, we’ve all wished at one time or another that someone would invent a Bluetooth speaker that would also act as a speakerphone. What? We already have those? Did I neglect to mention that it should also levitate?

The Om/One Levitating Bluetooth Speaker – Crisp, Full Sound Meets Elegant Craftsmanship & Unmatched Coolness [Pre-Order]

“THIS DEATH STAR HAS A SICK SOUND SYSTEM”

Listen up, people – we have a game changer on our hands here. The OM/ONE is the world’s first levitating Bluetooth speaker, and it absolutely doesn’t disappoint.

Of course, the most important aspect of any speaker worth its salt is the sound quality. The unique levitating design of the OM/ONE allows it to direct all of its amplification energy into the driver to create full, crisp, and clear sound (a full 105decibels of output with a 3 watt RMS amplifier to be exact).

This is coupled with an elegant and meticulously engineered design makes this Star Wars -esqe audio orb a force to be reckoned with.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

It’s a high-quality speaker that also happens to defy gravity. With the high-quality, crystal clear sound to match its beautiful design and hovering innovation. You not only get the coolest speaker on the market, you also get one that blows the rest away. Pretty sure that’s reason enough.

The Om/One Levitating Bluetooth Speaker – Crisp, Full Sound Meets Elegant Craftsmanship & Unmatched Coolness [Pre-Order]

TOP FEATURES

• Universal: Works with any device equipped with Bluetooth 4.0
• Microphone: Use the OM/ONE as an awesome, floating speaker phone
• Portable: Pick up the OM/ONE speaker orb and take it anywhere
• Long lasting battery: Up to 15 hours of continuous play

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Compatible with any and all Bluetooth-enabled devices

THE PROOF

“The OM/ONE is the Criss Angel of Bluetooth speakers…” – NBC News

“…the OM/ONE is definitely the kind of gadget that will get noticed the next time you have your friends over.” – Fast Company

“The gravity-defying speaker that floats above the rest.” – Maxim

PERI Duo: Its a Bluetooth/Wi-Fi speaker, a battery case, and more.

If there are two product areas that seemingly don’t need any new entries, those are probably portable Bluetooth speakers and iPhone battery cases. But what if you could get both of those product genres in one product? That’s the idea behind the PERI Duo, an iPhone case (5/5s/6/possibly 6 Plus) that integrates a detachable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker system with a 2500mAh battery.

The PERI Duo is currently an Indiegogo campaign that is 51 percent funded with a month left. For as little as $79, you’ll be one of the first to get the device, which comes in three different color combos: White/Gold, Red/Black, or Black/Silver.

As you can see from the accompanying video, the PERI Duo features both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, can handle Multi-Casting (the ability to create a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network and stream music to more than one device), has a high-resolution digital-to-analog coverter, and will have an app to offer equalization settings.

Add a case that should keep your iPhone safe from drops and recharge it with a 2500mAh battery, and you’ve got a truly multi-function case. Judging from the interest in this campaign, there’s a good chance the PERI Duo will go into production. Let’s see if TUAW readers can help push the campaign over its goal.

You can also check out the PERI website for more information about the design and internals of the Duo.

Bem Wireless Speaker Band is wearable fun: A TUAW Video Review.

Everybody is getting on the wearable tech bandwagon these days, so it’s not surprising that audio accessory manufacturer Bem Wireless decided to create the Speaker Band (US$49.99). It’s a Bluetooth speaker that just happens to reside on your wrist, and it comes in six fun colors. And if you’re someone who has always wanted a Dick Tracy Wrist Radio, your ship has just come in. We’re also giving one away, so be sure to fill out the giveaway form at the end of this post.

Specifications

• 6 hours of talk time on a single charge
• Works with Siri, acts as a speakerphone, and has spoken caller ID
• Comfortable silicone wrist strap
• Charges through USB to micro-USB cable (included)
• Includes play/pause, answer, skip and reverse buttons
• Weight: 2.0 ounces (56.7 grams)

Conclusion

OK, so it’s not a Pebble watch or the mythical iWatch, but the Speaker Band provides is solid audio functionality without a big price tag. Bem Wireless should be commended for providing an inexpensive, fun, and usable iPhone accessory that anyone can afford and use.

Logitech X100 Mobile Wireless Speaker is a handful of fun.

TUAW reviews its share of Bluetooth speakers big and small, and today’s review comes courtesy of accessory megacorp Logitech. That company has been doing some amazing things for iPhone and iPad users, and it has recently introduced the X100 Mobile Wireless Speaker (US$49.99), a tiny short cylinder of sound that comes in a rainbow of fun color combos. Let’s take a look:

Specifications

• Dimensions: 3.38 inch diameter x 1.44 inch thick (8.59 x 3.66 cm)
• Weight: 5.7 ounces (161.6 grams)
• Recharging cable: USB to micro-USB (included)
• Battery life: Five hours
• Available colors: Green, Grey, Orange, Red, Yellow

Design Highlights

My initial impressions of the X100 were positive. It’s hand-sized, colorful (my “orange” model is actually a dark blue with a bright orange speaker grille and highlights), and immediately intuitive to understand. Around the side of the short cylinder are three plainly marked buttons for volume control (+ and -) and Bluetooth. The Bluetooth button is used to pair the X100 with your device or answer an incoming phone call, and also serves as a pause button while playing music. There’s also a power button that is marked only by the universal power symbol.

The exterior of the speaker is primarily a soft-feel polyurethane, so you can be assured that the X100 will live through drops and bumps. There’s only one LED on the entire speaker — a tiny blue one located behind the speaker grill that alerts you that the speaker is turned on. In case you need to connect the speaker to a non-Bluetooth device, there’s also an AUX input located next to the micro-USB port.

An opening at the top of the speaker leaves room for the included cord or a self-supplied carabiner, making it easy to hand the X100 from a belt loop or backpack.

Functionality Highilights

As usual, testing the speaker meant that I needed to test sound reproduction for music and phone calls, as well as ease of pairing and using the speaker. The controls on the X100 are really simple. I pressed the power button and voila! — the power came on. The first time, it also went into what I assumed was Bluetooth pairing mode, since the blue LED was flashing.

A quick trip to Settings on my iPhone acknowledged that the X100 needed to be paired, and with a quick tap that was completed. The X100 makes the usual bleeps and bloops to tell you when it is powering up and down and has connected to your iOS or OS X device.

What I don’t understand is how a pint-sized non-stereo speaker like the X100 can outperform some competitors costing four times as much. It has amazing sound reproduction capabilities and surprising volume. It’s not the greatest in the speakerphone category, but I have yet to be impressed with speakerphone quality with any Bluetooth speaker.

If there’s any negative I can find with the X100, it’s the battery life. Most other speakers have battery life measured in the eight to ten hour range; the X100 can run for about give hours before needing a recharge.

Conclusion

Logitech continues its run of useful high quality accessories for iOS devices with the X100 Mobile Wireless Speaker. Rugged, playfully designed, small, light and loud, the X100 also hits the market at a reasonable price.

Beacon Releases the Phoenix 2 – The Portable Bluetooth Speaker That’s Your Boombox’s Worst Nightmare!

From the Beacon Audio news release: 

Measuring in at 3 x 3 inches, ThePhoenix 2 maintains the compact build of its sibling, making it a must-have audio choice for listeners on the go. As with any travel item, battery life also plays an important role in the selection of a wireless speaker. Never fear; The Phoenix 2 guarantees 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, allowing you to keep the party going from your mobile device well into the night. 

The speaker allows a universal wireless Bluetooth, allowing anyone to play DJ from up to 40-feet away.

Sound quality hasn’t been ignored with the Phoenix 2, as the new system includes the addition of a subwoofer to deliver richer, fuller sound. The device also includes a built-in mic for speakerphone functionality.

The Phoenix 2 is available via Beacon Audio’s website for $79.99, and is available in black, blue, red, or white.

For more information, visit www.beaconaudio.com.

Source: MacTrast.

iShower water resistant Bluetooth speaker review.

by  Aaron Kraus from technologytell.

Category: Water resistant Bluetooth speaker
Developer: iDevices
System Requirements: iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad, Mac, or any other Bluetooth-equipped device
Price: $99.99
Availability: Out now

If you find your singing in the shower could use some accompaniment (or real music to drown you out*), taking your iPhone into the bathroom is not the wisest idea. Water+expensive electronics rarely get on well together, but in the case of the iShower, a little H₂0 is no issue.

Take your tunes in the shower, to the pool, or out on the beach, secure in the knowledge that your expensive electronics will survive the harsh environment.

Pair It

Pairing the iShower is simple, if you follow the directions. Failure to follow the directions will result in failed attempts at pairing, because there is an extra button press after the device enters pairing mode (Play/Pause)—the reason for that is explained further on down. From there, it is a simple matter of choosing an audio source on your iPhone/iPad, then safely stowing it away from the water while the iShower ventures forth into danger. Once paired, you can use the iShower’s controls to pause, skip, and adjust the volume of the audio playback.

Unlike other Bluetooth devices, the iShower boasts a range of up to 200 feet. This claim was not put to a stringent test for this review, but the iShower exhibited better range than most Bluetooth devices; at the 50 foot mark there was no noticeable loss of sound quality or increased interference/static. This range means you can leave your phone safely in a car/bag and just take your tunes with you poolside. The conveniently hinged carrying handle doubles as a non-slip tabletop prop, while a self-adhesive mounting bracket holds the speaker snugly on any hard surface. Even the three AA batteries required to run the iShower are included (though at the $100 mark, it is surprising to see a non-rechargeable battery).

Share It

The multistep pairing process for the iShower is a byproduct of the device’s ability to remember up to five paired Bluetooth devices, meaning you can keep your iPhone, iPad, and a few other devices paired, or share your speaker when having a pool party. Multiuser settings in the shower…are well outside the limits of what we can cover in a family-oriented blog. Switching between paired users is as easy as pushing the Forward/Back buttons to cycle through all five paired devices. Obviously only one device can be playing music at a time, but switching devices does not require re-pairing each time. Smart power management is included, so the iShower can turn itself off when no music is playing to save batteries.

Bare It

iDevices lists the iShower as being water-resistant, meaning it can handle getting splashed, spritzed, or sprayed, but not fully submerged (it is not waterproof).  In testing, the iShower was unfazed by casual splashing from kids in a pool, soap and water in a shower, or a sudsy rinse on a kitchen sink’s backsplash.  Sound quality is acceptable and performs well without noticeable distortion at most volumes, though cranking up a bass-heavy track does cause distortion.  The iShower is not an ideal choice for poolside raves, but it is perfect for casual listening to a variety of music.

All in all, the iShower is a solid little speaker that lets you not only take your music to new places, but even lets you control it. iDevices has created a solid little speaker that handles multiple users with aplomb, which is perfect for a family bathroom or friends by the pool.  And the best part is never having to worry about giving your iPhone a bath!

*No neighbors were harmed in the performance of this review.