bluetooth

I learned a lesson last week: BlackBerry PlayBook owners are a passionate bunch! My mere suggestion that the tablet was not long for the world (along with a couple forehead-smacking factual errors) elicited a response that I can only describe as fanboy-esque.

Even a RIM rep reached out to insist, "RIM remains committed to the BlackBerry PlayBook." Time will tell, of course, but I'm glad to see the product has such a vocal fan-base. I'm going to see if I can get some hands-on time with a PlayBook so I'm better informed about it next … Read more

The Jawbone Jambox portable Bluetooth speaker is a must-pack item for travelers, but its small size means you're not using it to host dance parties or even as a permanent computer speaker at home.

That may soon change, however, as an FCC excavation from Web sleuths at Wireless Goodness exposed Jawbone's plans for a larger, boom-box-style Jambox.

The code name right now is "Big Jambox," but the filing doesn't unearth much dirt aside from that and its Bluetooth connectivity. Depending on its size, however, the larger speaker will likely compete with larger iPod/iPhone speakers … Read more

Last week I wrote of my love for speaker docks.

You know the only thing better? A wireless speaker, one that lets you stream music right from your smartphone or tablet--no docking required. (Here's a list of CNET's top portable Bluetooth speakers.)

While supplies last, Ben's Outlet has the refurbished Altec Lansing InMotion Air IMW725 wireless speaker for $99.99 shipped. It lists for $199.99, and the best price I've seen elsewhere is $136.

Its name notwithstanding, the InMotion Air does not incorporate Apple's AirPlay technology. Rather, it supports wireless audio streaming via Bluetooth, … Read more

Led by products like the Jawbone Jambox and Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile Speaker, compact Bluetooth speakers are hot little items these days, and Geneva Lab has placed itself in the middle of the fray with its Sound System Model XS, which retails for $250 and comes in black, red, or white.

In case you've never heard of Geneva Lab, as its name implies, it's based in Switzerland, and has been making high-end iPod and iPhone audio systems since 2006. Most of its speakers--such as the Model L we reviewed back in 2007--are actually quite beefy, so it surprised me to see the company go extra-small with an XS model. However, I'm glad it did because, despite the somewhat inflated price tag, it's a very solid product. … Read more

TGIF, am I right? To help kick off your weekend, I've rounded up five eclectic deals--a little something for everyone, I hope. First up: a ridiculously inexpensive HDTV.

1. An story in today's USA Today suggests that pre-Super Bowl TV deals are "less super" this year, but apparently Walmart didn't get the memo. They've got the Sceptre X460BV-FHD 46-inch LCD HDTV for $409.98, plus sales tax where applicable. You can bag free shipping with the site-to-store option. The user reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

2. Today only, 1SaleADay has the factory-refurbished Jawbone One Bluetooth headset, in black or silver, for $9.99. … Read more

Microsoft has issued a set of guidelines for hardware certification on Windows 8 tablets--a policy it applies to all new operating systems.

While there aren't a lot of surprises (see charts below), Microsoft does specifically address a "convertible" design, which is expected to become popular on both Intel- and ARM-based devices.

Convertible: "A convertible form factor is defined as a standalone device that combines the PC, display and rechargeable power source with a mechanically attached keyboard and pointing device in a single chassis. A convertible can be transformed into a tablet where the attached input devices … Read more

We recently had a listen to DBest London's tiny Bluetooth speaker, the 4001, which the company billed as the "world's smallest Bluetooth hi-fi system." Well, the U.K.-based company has more products in the pipeline, including the larger--and better-sounding--PS4501, which DBest is calling the "Terminator of mini speakers."

We're not sure what that means, but in its metallic version, it does look like a high-tech grenade.… Read more

I'm a big fan of Bluetooth speakers. Plunk one down just about anywhere and you can wirelessly stream tunes from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. I have one of those Jawbone Jamboxes, and it's proven a great little accessory.

But pricey; it lists for around $200. Here's a much more affordable alternative: for a limited time, and while supplies last, Best Buy has the Logitech Wireless Speaker for $59.99 shipped (plus sales tax where applicable).

Although Best Buy's product page indicates this is "for Apple iPad," the Wireless Speaker can pair with any … Read more

LAS VEGAS--One of the gadgets getting a little buzz here at CES is a spherical wireless waterproof speaker that floats in your pool.

It's called the Splash 100 and comes from Behringer, a German pro-audio company, which is surprising considering it will retail for a mere $99 when it comes out later this year.

We didn't get a chance to hear it yet (alas, the demo model didn't have sound) but it will allegedly have a 230-foot range (via a 900MHz RF signal) and deliver 3.5 hours of sound from its rechargeable battery.