Speaker

Can the Big Jambox replace my office stereo system?

In the last month or so, I've been on a minimalism tear. For example, I traded in my 27" iMac for a MacBook Pro with Retina Display. I also decided to get rid of my 2011 MacBook Air.

As it turns out, I rarely used the MacBook Air, because it was just too slow to get any real work done. The iMac was a beast, but it wasn't portable, which caused many of my files to fragment between multiple devices. I decided it would be best if I just had one powerful, yet portable machine to get all of my work done. It just so happened that the MacBook Pro with Retina Display was the perfect device to meet my needs.

To go along with these changes, I decided it was time to rid myself of my old antiquated component audio system. I have a Pioneer receiver coupled with Pioneer speakers. It's a 5.1 audio system that's incredibly heavy, a birds nest of wires, and power hungry to boot.

I needed something smaller, totally devoid of wires, and easier on the power consumption — all without sacrificing too much in the way of sound quality. Obviously, the highly regarded Jawbone Big Jambox was on my short list of devices to choose from, but was it up to the challenge of completely replacing my traditional stereo system?

The Phillips Mini Hi-Fi: the ultimate iPhone-run party machine

Every good party needs good music. And nowadays, most people seem to store most of their good music on their iPod or iPhone. So that makes iOS compatibility an important feature when you're out shopping for a stereo.

There's no shortage of music players that have a 30-pin dock connector, and there's several to pick from that can connect to your device through AirPlay. But sometimes a Jambox isn't enough. Enter the Phillips Mini Hi-Fi...

The EDGE.sound pumps music in a stylish way

Confidently utilizing Kickstarter to fund their project, CUBEDGE announces its upcoming elegant and eco-friendly Bluetooth speaker for enabled devices. Combining sleek aesthetics with sound quality, the goal is to produce the EDGE.sound, a lightweight and portable speaker accessory that also pushes excellent audio.

In addition to listening to favorite tunes, EDGE.sound can also be used to place wireless phone calls and charge in the sun with an optional solar dock...

iPhone 5 backplate leaks: enhanced speakers, thinner profile, smaller dock connector

A new report out this morning points us to an allegedly leaked part purported to belong to an upcoming sixth-generation iPhone (not to be confused with a front panel part leaked by another source). It looks like it's machined from a single piece of an aluminum alloy, similar to Apple's Unibody manufacturing process for notebook chassis. If authentic, the leaked part casts additional light on the backside and profile of Apple's upcoming iPhone revision.

It does reinforce the mostly agreed-upon thesis of the next iPhone having a slimmer chassis and a much smaller and rounded dock connector...

How about this gorgeous speaker dock for your iPad by Jean Michel Jarre?

Jean Michel Jarre, a composer, performer and music producer, may be best-known for his trademark new-age sound and a penchant for lavish concerts that dazzle fans with fireworks and spectacular light equipment rocking the out-of-this-world laser shows (and that was back in 1986).

What you might not have known is that this 63-year-old French also runs Jarre Technologies, a cutting-edge brand for high-end home entertainment products and technological lifestyle.

The AeroPod Two is the latest in prosumer speaker dock technology to come out from Jarre Technologies. There's a lot to like about this product, especially if you're fond of elegant designs akin to Apple's. The beast of a speaker dock is a whopping 34 inches wide, but wait 'till you hear the price...

Sony’s magnetic fluid speaker dock makes speakers interesting again

There isn't anything much more boring than iPhone speaker docks. They do what you would expect, and that's get audio out of an iPhone, iPad or iPod and tries to look good in the process.

Sony has somehow managed to pique our interest though, with two new speaker docks being announced that offer something a little different to the bland, boring speaker docks that have become the norm of late.

Sony's two new models, the catchily named CMT-V75BTiP and CMT-V50iP, feature a new type of speaker dampening. Rather than the traditional dampening, these new speakers are actually damperless, with magnetic fluid being used to passively damp the movement of the speaker cone...

$30,000 iPhone Speaker Dock Spotted at CES

Last month we told you about one of the world's largest and most expensive iPhone speaker docks: the iNuke Boom. Made by Behringer, the speaker weighs over 700 pounds and can pump out a staggering 10,000 watts of power.

Want to try it out? You can, if you happen to be in Las Vegas right now. Behringer has a working iNuke on hand at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show, which has completely taken over Sin City this week...

Meet the World’s Largest iPhone Speaker Dock

Still trying to figure out what to get that special someone for the holidays? Well, if that person happens to be an iPhone owner and you happen to have $30,000 laying around, you might want to check out the iNuke Boom.

Behringer, a well known manufacturer of audio and music equipment, has managed to make the world's largest (and loudest) iPhone speaker dock. The gigantic accessory will make its debut at next year's CES convention...

iStation Keyboard and Speaker Dock: Retro Class Comes to the iPad

Normally, something going by the name of "iStation" would make us cringe, but this time around we're going to make an exception. This particular iStation takes us back to our youth, and we love it!

This iStation is an iPad stand that also doubles as a home for speakers and a Bluetooth keyboard, both of which are included in the $140 asking price. Once everything is hooked up and switched on, the whole thing gives the effect of an old-school computer, just like we used to have when we were kids. (Stop laughing in the back there, we're not that old!)

Call us crazy, but there is just something appealing about taking a state-of-the-art tablet and making it look like an old PC. No, really...

Introducing the iHome iP4 iPhone Boombox, For Those That Missed the 80s

Every so often something comes across our radar that requires a double-take. Rarely, it requires even further attentions because, well, we just can't quite believe our eyes.

The iHome iP4 fits that bill rather nicely, while offering the world's most ugliest iPhone speaker dock in the process. The kicker? The iP4 will set you back a whopping $199.99, should you desire to purchase a boombox for your iPhone...

Why the iPhone’s Speaker is on the Bottom of the Handset

Have you ever wondered why Apple chose to place the iPhone's speaker at the bottom of the handset? It's a minor detail really, but the minor details is what Apple prides itself in most. The company has been known to really focus on the small things.

But Apple doesn't do things without a specific purpose in mind either, and the iPhone's speaker-placement is a perfect example of that. Designer Dustin Curtis found this out the hard way when he switched from his iPhone 4 to a Samsung Galaxy S II...

Talk to Your iPhone 4S and Control Siri From Across the Room with “IRIS 9000”

Space Odyssey fans will know of the article intelligence called HAL 9000. Taking cues from Arthur C. Clarke’s beloved science fiction series, the folks at ThinkGeek have developed the IRIS 9000 for Siri and the iPhone 4S.

IRIS 9000 acts as a remote control hub for Siri that lets you talk to the robotic woman in your iPhone 4S from across the room. You can also make and receive calls like a regular speakerphone. The accessory will pick up your voice from up to 50 feet away, and you can remotely trigger Siri on your 4S via the micro remote control.