bluetooth

I shouldn't really have to sell you on Bluetooth at this point. Bluetooth has already established itself as the de facto wireless connectivity standard for phones, cars, and a plethora of accessories. However, many users view Bluetooth as just the thing that lets you make calls in your car, the blinking blue light that lets you know the guy talking to himself on the sidewalk isn't crazy, yet another thing to distract you, or (for a surprising number of users) something to be completely ignored. So, I've presented below six reasons why Bluetooth in the car merits … Read more

With the booming popularity of sound bars, iPod docks, and tiny Bluetooth speakers, it's increasingly obvious that most people aren't interested in buying the best-sounding speakers. Other factors, such as the smallest possible size and maximum feature set are higher priorities than sound quality. I go the other way and put sound at the top of my list, but I'm far from convinced that the most accurate sound is the best sound. Accuracy isn't what it's cracked up to be.

Digital audio formats, for example, always have more accurate frequency response than any analog format, … Read more

The Jawbone Jambox Bluetooth speaker has always offered tinkerers the freedom to choose a custom voice through its MyTalk platform, but the company just announced even more customization down the line. Beginning August 28, you'll be able to build a unique Jambox using 13 grille and nine cap colors on the newly remixed Web site.

The combinations offer more than 100 possible permutations to fit your favorite palette. I recommend using Wes Anderson's cinematic aesthetic as inspiration, but you can start anywhere you'd like.… Read more

When it comes to portable speakers, most products cram a couple drivers into a small brick of the Jawbone Jambox or Logitech Mini Boombox variety.

Many of them sound pretty good for their size, but the best stereo comes when you've got two speakers spaced farther apart.

On the other hand, you still want portability, and, ideally, Bluetooth.

Problem solved: Abe's of Maine has the DBest Duo Bluetooth mini speaker set for $49.99 shipped. That's after applying coupon code CNET20 at checkout. (That's right: This is another fine exclusive just for Cheapskate readers.)

Update: The … Read more

- What artists and songs were found on John Lennon's long lost jukebox?

- Ultimate Ears' custom tuned in-ear monitors.

- Condav99's custom Nintendo Boomcase! More on Boomcases here.

- Can a tiny $39 amp make your headphones sound a lot better?

- The Audiophiliac picks 11 of the world's best headphones.

- The Philips Shoqbox is our favorite camp-friendly, rugged Bluetooth speaker.

- Self-portraits done to a different drug every day.

Follow Steve Sphere Guttenberg on Twitter.

Bathroom break video: Steve Coogan impersonates Steve Hawking.… Read more

The lovely Mrs. Cheapskate has a smartphone, but her minivan lacks a stereo input jack. Thus, there's no easy way for her to listen to her playlists, podcasts, Pandora stations, and the like.

A new breed of FM transmitters promises to solve that problem. Like this one: Today only, 1SaleADay has the Livio LVC02A Bluetooth Internet Radio Car Kit for $29.99, plus $4.99 for shipping. It's new, not refurbished, and it sells elsewhere (like on Amazon) for at least $76.

Update: Sadly, but unsurprisingly, this is now sold out.

Update No. 2: Back in stock!

The … Read more

Congrats to Kevin A. of Beverly, Mass., for winning last week's giveaway, a $300 gift certificate from device accessory maker iSkin.

We still have a few weeks left of summer, and that's a few weeks that could be spent traveling and playing outdoors with this week's multitasking prize, a Braven 625s rugged and portable Bluetooth speaker/speakerphone/device charger.

The all-in-one device delivers wireless stereo streaming from as far away as 33 feet for up to 16 hours per battery charge. It also charges your mobile device and takes hands-free calls through the built-in speakerphone. (If your device isn't Bluetooth-compatible, you can still connect using the included 3.5mm audio cable.)

The Braven 625s measures 6.3 inches by 2.5 inches by 1.8 inches and weighs just 11.6 ounces, so it's easy to tote in its water-resistant carrying bag. It even comes with a little USB-powered LED flashlight if you happen to be taking it out into the woods. Bear repellent not included. … Read more

With the release of iOS 6 highly likely in September (concurrent with the expected iPhone 5 announcement), the rumors around unannounced feature changes at tech sites are reaching an all-time high, so I decided to round up some of the big ones here. We already know about the main features in iOS 6 Apple announced at WWDC in June, but this list is more about leaked info that other sites are talking about. Obviously, we can't know for sure if any of these will be true at launch, but it's always fun to talk about what might be … Read more

Always on the hunt for exciting new Exclusive deals, a few weeks back I spent some time at the CEA line shows in New York. There I made friends with the Matrix Audio team and fell for their ONE speaker line. These … Read more