Hands-on with the X-mini BLU

XM-I has produced some truly cool mini speakers over the past two years, notably the Red Dot–winning X-mini capsule speaker that started it all for the team, and the double-barreled X-mini Max stereo spinoff. Not bad for a young upstart out of Singapore. The X-mini BLU heralds yet another effort by the company, this time harnessing its nifty sonic prowess for a Bluetooth stereo headset that addresses the growing need for combined phone/music earpieces.

So the question is, does the BLU live up to the standards set by its speaker siblings?

First things first. If you're picky about your listening experience, turn away. A wired headset will always best a wireless headset anytime. There's just no way to avoid the latter's hollowness, fuzzy trebles and sound degradation issues due to radio interferences. The one advantage you'd get in a Bluetooth stereo headset: It's wireless. So if you're looking for a headset that can switch between your music and phone calls wirelessly and at a touch of a button, read on.
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SanDisk firmware update adds OGG, FLAC support to Clip and Fuze

Awhile back, SanDisk released some fairly major firmware updates for both the Sansa Clip and the Sansa Fuze. Well, technically, the update for each is a different piece of software, but most of the fixes and enhancements are similar, so I'm treating the two as one here.

I finally got around to installing the new firmware on the Clip and I have to say that it's definitely a worthwhile install (most firmware is). If you haven't done it already, make sure you do--I've included some basic steps for updating Sansa players below.

Perhaps the most exciting thing for audio format nerds is the addition of support for both Ogg Vorbis and FLAC file types. This added feature certainly gives the Sansas a leg up on the competition, as only a handful of other MP3 players offer such playback. (Cowon is a notable example.) In addition, the players now support the most advanced Audible AAX format (type 4), and they include enhanced control over audiobooks and podcasts.
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iPanda audio system un-bearably cute

If you're not one for cute and cuddly audio systems, read on at your own peril.

Speakal, which not long ago brought us the iPig speaker dock system, is expanding its grip on animal-themed audio devices with the iPanda, a similar product in a less pink skin.

As its name suggests, the gadget broadcasts audio and charges iPods via a precious panda bear. Specifically, it has five speakers, including a 4-inch subwoofer, that deliver 25 watts of sound in 360 degrees. The compact iPanda connects to all iPods, plus other MP3 players, gaming consoles, mobile gaming devices, cell phones, desktop PCs, and laptops.

The product sells for US$139.99, which doesn't seem like too much bamboo to fork over for a new electronic pet. The best part, of course, is that you control the volume by touching the ears. Fun, right?

Via Crave CNET

Able Planet's new gaming headphones

Able Planet, known for developing headphones for those with mild to severe hearing loss, recently unveiled a new high-fidelity multimedia headset for PC gamers--the PS500MM.

Able Planet's chairman and CEO, Kevin Semcken, said:

"We designed this innovative new headset specifically with PC gamers in mind. Gamers tend to spend significant periods of time playing online games and such extended play of rich multimedia sounds puts a cumulative strain on the ears this can cause hearing loss and fatigue. Our technology minimizes this risk so that users no longer have to turn up the volume just to be able to drown out background noise."
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TuneStream adds Bluetooth to iPod, sorta

When Apple was set to unveil its second-generation iPod touch back in September, stereo Bluetooth was among the features rumored to be included. Hopefully, no one was holding their breath.

Apple may have dropped the ball on including stereo Bluetooth in its latest crop of iPods, but there are a few ways you can add Bluetooth streaming with accessories. One such accessory is the TuneStream from Scosche. It's one of the smallest Bluetooth adapters we've seen for the iPod.

The tuneStream doesn't work with every iPod, however, and when it does work it throws you a few annoying quirks. To find out if the TuneStream is right for you, read our full take over at CNET Reviews.

Via CNET Crave

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