Wireless Speaker

The Braven 600 portable speaker is on point

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Having reviewed different ranges of audio accessories for iOS devices, until now, I had yet to review a portable wireless speaker set. There are plenty around, but none of them ever piqued my interest. Unless my wife started asking about them, I would not have considered owning a wireless speaker considering I have a pretty serious home system and a pair of nice headphones.

After spotting the Braven 600, I figured why not give it a shot. It seemed like a well-built option, considering the price. Braven is a company with which I was not immediately familiar, but when I opened the box, I was quite surprised at the well-packaged speaker. It's a perky little thing, for the size, and it is a nice addition to my current line up. Follow me past the fold for the full details...

Big Jawbone Jambox update improves streaming to iOS devices and more

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the Jambox is by far my favorite. It may not be the best-sounding, or give you the most bang for your buck, but I love its build quality and design, and the fact that Jawbone issues regular updates.

In fact, it just rolled out an update today for its Big Jambox line, bringing its firmware to version 2.0. The update features new AAC support for iOS 6.1, which will provide better audio streaming with less dropout, and improved battery life...

Petite Square: an elegant, powerful wooden bluetooth speaker

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

If you're in the market for a wireless Bluetooth speaker, you won't have to look far to see some good options. There's the Jawbone Jambox and the Beats Pill, and countless other offerings from the likes of Logitech, JBL and Bose.

But what if you want something more elegant-looking? Like maybe perhaps with a vintage wooden enclosure? Then your options become a lot more limited. Luckily, we're adding another one to that list today with the Petite Square...

The Boombot Rex is a durable speaker with Siri support

Cody Lee ∙ December 7, 2012

When it comes to iPhone-friendly speakers, there's no shortage of choices. There's the Jawbone Jambox, the Beats Pill, and countless other options. But when it comes to durable speakers that you can take with you anywhere, the choices are a lot more limited.

In fact, you might even say there's a gap in the market for such a product. And the Boombot REX ultraportable speaker is hoping to fill that gap...

Tales of a connected home: how iOS is changing modern living

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

I'm a huge proponent of using technology to make my life easier, especially around the home. Technology for the home has been around for quite some time in the form of home automation systems, lighting, and so forth. Unfortunately, such systems have been extremely pricey in the past, or overly confusing to setup and maintain.

Enter the smartphone.

Smartphones, and in particular the iPhone, have served as a great equalizer over the past few years. I can do things with my phone that I never would have dreamed of just a few years ago, and it gets better with each passing year.

Inside, I'll reflect on some of the cool things that I've been able to accomplish lately with my iPhone, along with videos and links to articles that cover the subjects more in-depth. Have a look...

Can the Big Jambox replace my office stereo system?

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

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?

Prisma Bluetooth speakers add big sound and class to your desktop

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated May 20, 2016

I wouldn't call myself an audiophile, not even if I was stretching my imagination, but I do have a set of speakers in almost every room in the house. Circa 1997, I bought a pair of portable desktop speakers, which have held true for 15 years, but it is time for a change. Technology has adapted and changed, but my old speakers have not.

To increase the savvy of my sound and look, Edifier sent over their Prisma E3350BT 2.1 BT Audio System and, I must say it is quite an impressive package. In fact, the system boasts a 2008 CES Design and Engineering honor and has received updates throughout the past few years...

The EDGE.sound pumps music in a stylish way

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 25, 2016

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...

iOS 6 beta 3 brings new AirPlay feature to Apple TV

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 4, 2018

On Monday, Apple seeded the third beta of iOS 6 to developers. The update includes bug fixes, added stability and a handful of new features.

Apparently, among those additions is a new AirPlay feature for the Apple TV. In iOS 6, users will have the ability to stream audio from their set-top boxes to external AirPlay-enabled speakers...

Jawbone outs Big Jambox, a bigger, louder Bluetooth boom box

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 7, 2016

I like accessories Jawbone makes. Last year, I had a chance to test-drive their wireless portable speaker system, the Jambox, and to say that I walked away pretty much impressed would be an understatement.

As for the original Jawbone headset, it's still widely regarded as one of the best Bluetooth headsets available.

The recently released iPhone health bracelet dubbed Jawbone Up also stirred up quite an interest, even with certain reviews have not been so favorable.

The latest from Jawbone is Big Jambox, essentially a blow up version of the original Jambox. This badass speaker system is a dream come true for party-goers as it provides more oomph, offers greater personality and promises more bang for your buck than its $200 predecessor...

Zooka is a wireless portable speaker for your iPhone and iPad

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 3, 2018

Kickstarter is a wonderful platform where anyone with an idea can pitch it to earn funding, and then put the idea in development. We've shown you many cool projects out of Kickstarter before. Today, we have a new wireless speaker that sure deserves your funding.

Patrick Triato has created a new wireless speaker concept called the Zooka. The Zooka uses Bluetooth to allow you to stream your iPhone or iPad's audio directly to it...