MacTribe's Audio Spotlight
Editor's Picks
Etymotic Research hf5 High-Fidelity Earphones
Are you an audiophile that yearns for a top of the line upgrade for your iPod/iPhone earphones? Etymotic Research has released its fifth generation model of
high fidelity earphones. The new model boasts a variety of eartips, from flanged silicon to foam, which fit gently and firmly inside the ear canal and also block out all external noise. Meticulous care was taken by Etymotic Research to test soundwave accuracy and responsiveness, as well as a snug and comfortable ear fit for noise reduction. As a result, volume levels can stay low, and music crispness, quality, and clarity remain true. These headphones can block out external sound from 35-45 decibels, which make them perfect for that potentially jarring metropolitan subway commute, gym workout, or for the office. Etymotics hf5 headphones are available in black, scarlet, and electric blue. For the exquisite quality, these high-frequency headphones are worth every penny. Highly Recommended!
Available exclusively at
www.Amazon.com.
$149.00
Sleek Audio SA6 Adjustable Earphones
Sleek Audio's new release is the SA6 Adjustable Earphones and is catching an audible buzz (the good kind). The unique swiveling treble tips allow you to adjust what type of frequency you wish to emphasize. Bass filters also do not drown out higher frequencies to allow for a broad spectrum of sound. These earphones are lightweight, (.5 oz.), and conveniently come with interchangeable swivel cables. The option of replaceable cables allows you to take care of your investment and go green with your earphones. iPhone cord options and wireless option available separately.
Highly Recommended!
www.sleek-audio.com
$199.00
iSkin Cerulean F1
The Cerulean F1 Bluetooth Headset is another fine offering from iSkin products. This clever little headset offers a back ear clip to keep them placed perfectly in any ear shape. You have the power to control exactly what song/conversation you wish to listen to with just a tap or two on the ear controls. These lightweight, stylish numbers are Leopard compatible, and allow you to take calls by any Volp/Bluetooth enabled mobile. Snap, tap, and hello!www.iskin.com
$99.99
Kensington's Bluetooth Headphones W/Mic
Kensington's comfortable Bluetooth wireless headset has a fantastic over the ear design that is stylish and powerful. Tap the ear control and answer a phone call with the adjustable microphone, the then effortlessly snap back to your favorite song. Perfect for multitasking at the office, with an impressive 66-foot wireless range. PC and Mac Leopard compatible, this headset has a rechargeable lithium ion battery that keeps the music coming for up to 23 hours. www.us.kensington.com
$79.99
Upbeat Audio Boostaroo
If you ever find yourself hoping for that 11 setting on your iPod volume dial, Upbeat Audio's Boostaroo AC/USB powered amplifier and splitter is what you are seeking. The Boostaroo gives you the luxury to connect your music to your computer, headphones, or speakers while helping to extend battery power and boost volume. Do take advantage of the "double volume boost" while fighting video villains, jetting to your next holiday, or driving off into the sunset. www.upbeataudio.com.
$49.99
Blue Ant M1
Blue Ant's M1 stereo speakers allow for Bluetooth music and audio transmission from your iPod, iPhone, LCD television, or computer. The reception to Bluetooth connectivity is up to 10 meters, which allows you to place the music or conversation exactly where you want it. All audio is delivered at 28 Watts RMS, which is impressive for a Bluetooth amplifier, and the rechargeable battery allows for cordless positioning almost anywhere. These Blue Ants are truly excellent! www.myblueant.com
$199.00
Digital Signature's Mint Audio 220
The new Mint Audio line from Digital Signature offers refreshing digital fidelity with its Mint 220 model iPod player. Texas Instruments purepath digital audio amplification ensures excellent performance. The included wireless USB transmitter allows 2.4 GHz audio streaming and digital wireless transmission for up to 45 feet. The handy remote control adds additional freedom to your listening experience. Two 3.5 full range peerless transducers enable impressively complex sound to emerge from such a compact speaker. Refreshing Mint fidelity is available now.www.mintds.com
$149.00
Skullcandy Skullcrushers
Skullcandy offers the traditional covered-ear headphone system with the added benefit of edgy full and deep bass transduction. The mini subwoofers in the Skullcrushers Multimedia model help blow those winter blues away while keeping the warm techno/hip-hop beats flowing and making that early morning caffeine rush unnecessary. There is the added benefit of keeping your ears warm this winter while trekking to the office, classroom, or club. The adorable skull motif keeps your headphones as fun and funky as you are.
www.skullcandy.com79.95
Jensen Banshee Jiss-330
Jensen has launched the Jiss-330 Banshee Audio iPod speaker system. It simultaneously plays and recharges your iPod while providing full sound and an eye-catching design. This ingenious system is complete with a video line out to give you the freedom to play your iPod video on your television screen. The included remote control and cables allow the option to connect your video game system, computer, or almost any sound-emitting peripheral to a fuller listening and/or viewing experience. www.spectraintl.com
$99.00
Logitech Pure-fi Mobile
Logitech offers the Pure-fi mobile wireless speaker/microphone system. These wireless speakers give you the freedom to receive a Bluetooth signal up to 33 feet away from your phone. Their 2-inch drivers deliver sparkling full spectrum sound with sophisticated acoustics. Use as a speakerphone with the option of using two built-in microphones. The included carrying case protects your cables and speakers wherever you may need them. Hear, here, or wherever you may be.
www.logitech.com
149.99
Ultimate Ears by Logitech
The iPhone-compatible Super.fi 4vi
Are you a rock god looking for a stellar design accessory for your gorgeous new iPhone that lets you hear every word and song lyric? Ultimate Ears Super.fi 4vi by Logitech uses the same technology as custom headsets worn by the Rolling Stones and the Killers. Ultimate Ears Super.fi 4vi is an iPhone-compatible earphone that provides -26 dB of noise isolation and superior sound quality, so you are free to take your call in a loud environment or listen to your music without external distractions. The sparkling aluminum earpieces compliment the futuristic look of the phone, and the inline control button will let you switch from call to music in a snap! www.ultimateears.com
129.99
More Audio
More News
iPad Costs
iSuppli Corp., which generally waits until it can actually get the new Apple product to estimate its production cost, has decided to forgo hands on examination in the case of the iPad. They have--from just looking at it, it's amazing--decided the base model only costs $219.35 for Apple to produce. According to AppleInsider the base model won't make Apple anywhere near as much profit as the 32 GB model with 3G wireless priced at $729...that one reportedly costs only $287.15 to produce.
That's some profit! No wonder Apple execs have said they'd stay nimble on pricing! With demand for the iPad under scrutiny and this week's news that the "Take Picture" hint was removed from the Address Book app in the iPad simulator even we are starting to wonder if it's not worth waiting for the 2nd generation.
Trust us, it's painful to say.
Google Challenges the Internet
"Think Big" indeed. This time, Google is setting its sights on the very way we transmit information and asking people from around the country to nominate their city or state to be included in an ultra-high speed open internet network of Google's building. Set to include anywhere from 50,000 to 500,000 people, this network will boast 1GB per second fiber optic connections that Google reps are hoping will bolster developer creativity, test new ways to build the infrastructure and challenge internet service providers to band together to create a better internet instead of shunning change to maintain their bottom lines.
This is huge news, and we hope our city is on the receiving end of the new interwebs...here's the official Google Blog if you want to read it all in detail or submit your community.
Dogs on Twitter
From the country that's given us karate and karaoke comes the newest iPhone app: that's right, Japan's Index Corp. has announced the release of "Bowlingual," the dog emotion translator. Latest in a long line of technological advances, this app (to be released this summer) analyzes Fido's bark and puts it into one of six categories, like "needy." Or "happy." Then it adds a caption based on the emotion and allows you to snap a photo of your pooch in its current mood; as if that weren't enough it can modify that photo to enlarge your pet's eyes...oh...so cute.
Seriously, the app is set to sell for $5 and will post your pet's barks to Twitter. Silly? Yes. Fun? Probably!!
Will you let your dog speak his mind? Tell us here.
