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Aliph Jawbone Jambox review
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Home Entertainment, Portable Audio / Video, Product Reviews, Wireless / WiFi,
Aliph has made top-quality mono Bluetooth headsets for years, but the company has generally stayed away from the murky world of Bluetooth stereo. That changes with the Jawbone Jambox speaker set ($199.99 direct), the company's first foray into stereo. It's a small, battery-powered speaker that can play music from a wired or Bluetooth connection from your cell phone and also function as a speakerphone. It packs a surprising amount of punch for such a tiny device, and while it doesn't sound perfect, it's surprisingly good.
Design
The Jambox looks like a cross between an Aliph Jawbone Icon ($69, 4 stars) headset and a brick. It's perfectly rectangular, with stark, straight lines. The top and bottom of the speaker are capped with hard rubber, and the metal grill between them wraps all the way around the body. The grill has a diamond pattern, evoking the look of Aliph's headsets. At 6 by 2.2 by 1.6 inches (HWD), the Jambox is a compact, if blocky, device. It's also surprisingly heavy, weighing 12 ounces.
Click to continue reading Aliph Jawbone Jambox review
Gallery: Aliph Jawbone Jambox review
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XIM3 brings precise mouse and keyboard control to Xbox 360
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Accessories, USB, Peripherals, Video Games,
PC gamers have always had a leg up on us console shooters as far as precision goes. There's no match for a mouse and keyboard, even though the Xbox 360 controller managaes to get the job done quite well. Previous mouse/keyboard translators failed to mimic the true PC control feel through console because of the unique levels of "aim-assist" that console shooters incorporated. However, the Xbox Input Machine (XIM3) boasts what they call "Smart Translator" technology that manages to override the console aim schemes and reproduce true precision aiming just like true PC shooters. XIM3 includes a touch-screen display that is much more sophisticated than previous models, and can also connect with any Xbox 360 controller. Hopefully this will mean that the XIM3 is both easier to configure and cheaper than past XIMs.
XIM3 is configured to run with such popular FPS console shooters as Halo: Reach and Call of Duty: Black Ops. Check out the video of how it works on Halo: Reach below.
- Game on your Xbox 360 using your favorite PC gaming-grade hardware
- Mice, Keyboards, Joysticks, and Gameboard compatibility
- Unsurpassed in-game feel thanks to advanced Smart Translator technology
- Simple configuration through an on-board full-color LCD screen
- Firmware upgradable
- Active community forum
Click to continue reading XIM3 brings precise mouse and keyboard control to Xbox 360
Read More 
| XIM3
Gallery: XIM3 brings precise mouse and keyboard control to Xbox 360
Luxeed LED keyboard shines new light on computer accessories
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Accessories, USB, PC / Laptop, Peripherals,
The Luxeed Dynamic Pixel LED Keyboard features 430 individual LEDs to light up the board in literally every spectrum across the rainbow. Heck, you can even customize your keyboard to display a rainbow effect of colors. Not to mention that the keys can be programmed to light up individually as pressed. Furthermore, the four preset buttons change the "skin" of the keyboard, attributing unique glowing skins to run with certain video games. For instance, each key can glow in accordance to the buttons used for that game, or could just show illuminated patterns and designs.
The Luxeed LED Keyboard comes as black or white, and is available for $129.99.
Features include:
- 430 LEDs that dynamically change the color of each key
- Individual key LED programming
- Custom illuminated key layouts with 4 preset buttons
- Animated rainbow effect, or animated random key colors
- "Spark" mode allows keys to illuminate only when pressed
- Standard USB connection
- Keyboard Dimensions: 15" x 7.5" x 1"
- Plug & Play (P&P) for onboard color control, or Software Controlled (SWC) for more advanced functions. Drivers are available for Windows, Mac and Linux.
Click to continue reading Luxeed LED keyboard shines new light on computer accessories
Read More | ThinkGeek
Gallery: Luxeed LED keyboard shines new light on computer accessories
Monster Beats Pro by Dr. Dre review
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Wearables, Movies, Product Reviews,
The Beats Pro by Dr. Dre. at $399.95 (direct) is a serious pair of headphones designed for the modern DJ. The ear cups flip backwards to free one ear, the cable is detachable, and jacks on both ear cups act not only as inputs, but as outputs to send audio to a friend's headphones. The Beats Pro sounds excellent—there's plenty of bass, but the high frequencies are accurately reproduced, as well. The potential deal breaker for standard users and DJs alike: they're heavy and not comfortable when worn for long periods.
Design
Weighing in at nearly a pound (15.2 ounces), the Beats Pro comes in black or white models that each feature healthy doses of brushed metal on the ear cups and headband. The lowercase Beats logo is emblazoned in red on each ear, and the interior of the headband and ear cups is a cushioned black material. There's a 3.5mm jack at the bottom of each ear cup—it doubles as both an input (from your sound source) or an output to send audio to another pair of headphones. The connection for other headphones, however, is loose and could easily detach if you move around (this is because the jacks both have a twist-to-secure feature that only seems to work with the included cable). The cable itself is the signature Beats red, thick, and coiled at the bottom. Not only is a ¼-inch adapter included, but it comes fastened to the coil so you never have to go looking for it; just snap it on to the 3.5mm tip whenever you need it. Also included with the headphones: a protective pouch and a cleaning cloth with "advanced Aegis Microbe Shield technology" so microbes will never come between you and your music.
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Gallery: Monster Beats Pro by Dr. Dre review
2010 Holiday Gift Guide: Zomm wireless smartphone leash
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Smartphones, Features, Wireless / WiFi, Family, Women, Men, Techies, Teens, Under $100, Under $250, Under $500,
We've spent some time with the Zomm "wireless leash" and have come away impressed by the simplicity of the device, as it's one of those things that make you wonder why a product like it hasn't been available until now. With that, we thought it would be a good inclusion in our 2010 Holiday Gift Guide. The Zomm can be attached to your keychain, and connects to your smartphone over Bluetooth. Once paired, it becomes your wireless alarm system for your phone. For example, if you walk away from your phone, Zomm will sound a notification alarm and start vibrating, letting you know that you've left your device more than 30 feet away. This way, you don't leave a restaurant without your phone, or spend forever looking for it because you left it in the car (or, that you are in your car driving and left your phone at home!) Cool enough, but it does more.
Zomm also has an integrated speaker and microphone, so it also acts as a hands-free calling device. If your phone rings, Zomm will ring as well, and you just press the Z button to take the call without having to fish around for your phone while driving. Zomm also has a built-in panic alarm. Hold down the Z button and the alarm will go off. Continue holding it, and the Zomm will use the Bluetooth connection to your phone to dial 911, and it will let you speak with the authorities right from the Zomm device. This is seriously a cool piece of technology that is a must-have for those people who constantly leave their smartphones behind in cabs and restaurants, or just anyone who wants an extra layer of security with them at all times. You can get a Zomm from Newegg for $79.99.
Click to continue reading 2010 Holiday Gift Guide: Zomm wireless smartphone leash
Read More | Zomm Bluetooth Smartphone Leash
Gallery: 2010 Holiday Gift Guide: Zomm wireless smartphone leash
2010 Holiday Gift Guide: Jawbone Jambox
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Music, Wireless / WiFi, Techies, Under $250, Under $500,
Pretty much any modern smartphone or tablet device has Bluetooth built into it nowadays, and that means you can pair them to a speaker device to send audio wirelessly through a more powerful, louder unit. The thing is, those have been few and far between, and not very good. Aliph changed that with their newly-released Jawbone Jambox Bluetooth speaker. You can easily pair it with your phone, iPod touch, iPad, or any other device that support Bluetooth audio. It's a small speaker that you can hold in your hand, but manufactured in such a way that it provides fantastic sound, so you can stream audio to it from wherever you are in the room, no wires needed. You can choose from four colors, and the battery is rechargeable. You can get it from Best Buy or Apple for $199.
Oh, and of course, if you or someone you know needs a Bluetooth heads, the Aliph Jawbone is one of the best. These guys know how to make Bluetooth devices.
Gallery: 2010 Holiday Gift Guide: Jawbone Jambox
2010 Holiday Gift Guide: Beatbox from Beats by Dr. Dre
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Music, Techies, Teens, Under $500,
We're still working on our full review of the Beatbox, the first loudspeaker dock from the Beats by Dr. Dre line of products, but we figured there was no more reason to wait to award it a spot in our 2010 Holiday Gift Guide. This thing is solid. The Beatbox is a speaker dock for your iPod touch or iPhone. You dock it the device, and your music comes to life. This is one of those speakers that can fill a large room with sound, bass and all, with no distortion even when cranked up to the max. The Beatbox sports 5.25-inch bass drivers and 2-inch high frequency drivers, and it retails for $399. It's the best iOS speaker dock that you can find right now, and you can get yours from Apple online.
Read More | Beatbox
Gallery: 2010 Holiday Gift Guide: Beatbox from Beats by Dr. Dre
Wrist Charger: Convenience at the price of fashion
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Accessories, Wearables,
As if you didn't look geeky enough, strap on a glow-y digital wrist thing-y and let the insults rain down. But who cares? This wrist charger is super convenient. It saves you space from extra battery packs bulging in your backpack, or from large gadget cases with built in batteries weighing you down. Charge on the go without a second thought for just $35.
Click to continue reading Wrist Charger: Convenience at the price of fashion
Read More | I Want One of Those
Gallery: Wrist Charger: Convenience at the price of fashion
How many times have you laid down in your bed, only to realize that you left the remote control across the room? I know I do it on a nightly basis. With that said, why the Pillow Remote Control is just now coming to fruition is beyond me; but hey, if you manage to lose this remote then perhaps you don't deserve to watch TV.
Click to continue reading Pillow Remote Control
Read More | Brookstone
Gallery: Pillow Remote Control
Keyboard Buddy brings QWERTY keyboard to iPhone 4
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Accessories, Smartphones, Peripherals, Wireless / WiFi,
Tired of seeing all of those Droid owners whipping out their hardware QWERTY keyboards and typing right in your face? If your're suffering from a sever case of keyboard envy, then Keyboard Buddy is here to remedy what ails you. The Keyboard Buddy is a case integrated with a slide-out Bluetooth keyboard meant to give some real keys to users of the iPhone 4. If that wasn't cool enough, it has its own power switch, and can last up to 45 days on a single charge. The Keyboard Buddy is available now for $70.
Read More | Boxwave
Gallery: Keyboard Buddy brings QWERTY keyboard to iPhone 4
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