The loneliness of the long distance ride can be unbearable at times. While it is one thing to take in the scenery and enjoy the ride sometimes a little music will make that climb or just the miles on the road go by a little quicker. Headphones – especially in-ear headphones or earbuds – can block the outside world, and while that might seem a good idea in fact it really isn’t. Continue reading Bike Speakers Bring the Noise
Category: Audio
Ecoxgear Cuts the Cord with Bluetooth Speaker
We’ve seen a few products from Ecoxgear, and liked their concept for a waterproof case and speaker in one. Now the company has introduced its EcoxBT, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Unlike the Ecoxgear EcoxPRO, which is a speaker than contains the device inside, the EcoxBT allows the speaker to get wet while the Bluetooth device, such as MP3 player can remain safe on dry land. Continue reading Ecoxgear Cuts the Cord with Bluetooth Speaker
Klipsch Introduces All-Weather Headphones
Klipsch Audio makes some great speaker system for home theater and even the computer desktop. The stylish speakers look as good as they sound and are the sort of thing that you’d want to treat with serious respect.
However, sound is what really matters and now audiophiles can take that quality with them and not worry about the elements. Klipsch has announced its new Image S4i Rugged Headphones that can stand up to Mother Nature’s bad side. Designed for music and more these can be used to enjoy and experience iPhone music and phone calls, while oversized buttons mean you can control the sound even with bulky gloves. The in-ear headphones, which are available in yellow, orange, blue and red, feature oval ear tips that are designed to be comfortable for hours of wear. Continue reading Klipsch Introduces All-Weather Headphones
Eton Radio Can Juice Up Devices
We often wonder how the castaways on Gilligan’s Island managed not to break that small radio. We know from one episode that it had rechargeable batteries, but it still seemed to be pretty tough for its day. Today those taking a three hour tour, or deciding to trek into the wilderness might consider something more durable.
The Eton FRX3 is such a radio. It is a self-powered safety radio, meaning it can be powered with a hand-turbine or solar energy to recharge the internal Ni-Mh lithium ion battery. But that juice can also be used via a direct power transfer to charge a mobile devices such a mobile phone or iPod. We think the former might be more useful because you have the radio but the phone can be used to call for help! Video after the jump
Weekend Reading List (6.23.2012): Cord Wrapping, Runners Try Bikes, Tour de France Cheats
Klinggon Not Just a Star Trek Villain
Mention the word “Klingon” and the image of a Star Trek villain is likely to come to mind – and yes, we’re geeky enough to know that in the later series the Klingon were supposedly friends. Regardless, a bunch of clever designers are thinking of a different kind of “Klinggon” (with two g’s) – a injection molded cord catcher that can be used by athletes who want to hear some tunes while working out. Continue reading Klinggon Not Just a Star Trek Villain
Waterproof Phone Case Doubles as Speaker
If there is one thing that smartphone users have learned (after not to drop it), it is that water and phones don’t go together. There are plenty of cases out there, and even cases that allow a device to be attached to an external speaker. But now Grace Digital Audio – maker of waterproof speakers such as the Eco Extreme and Eco Terra – has created the next must-have gadget for the beach this summer in the guise of a simple package that allows the phone to be protected while also doubling as a speaker. Continue reading Waterproof Phone Case Doubles as Speaker
Another Sound Idea for Cyclists
We’ve been seeing a number of new methods to deliver music to those riding a bicycle, and this week we came across the Otus Mini-Speakers, which mount to the wearer’s helmet. These resemble traditional earbuds, but the 15-watt speakers are not actually designed to go into the years. Instead these are applied to hang just above the ears. Videos after the jump
Sleek and Hear
We’ve seen numerous ways to bring tunes to a workout, but riding a bike with headphones can be dangerous especially in traffic. A good alternative could be the SleekSpeak, a wireless, high-powered speaker that delivers full range of music at over 80 dB directly from the handlebars.
Unlike other bulky handlebar mounted speaker systems, the SleekSpeak offers a small form factor in a rubberized cube. Music can be streamed from a portable music player or smart phone via Bluetooth, and can run for up to 12 hours on a single charge. The device isn’t ready for prime time just yet but is part of a Kickstarter project, and we hope to see this sleek speaker real soon! Video after the jump
Serious Bicycle Horn
There are bicycle horns and then there are serious bicycle horns! DYIer Chad Thoren – known to his friends (and apparently foes alike) as The Chadster – outfitted his bicycle with a dual trumpet horn from the locomotive! He connected the born to a tank filled with compressed air, which he says produces much louder results that you get by just honking up the horn to an air compressor.
No doubt this had some serious weight to his cruiser bicycle, but is the video shows we doubt anyone won’t know The Chadster is coming! Video after the jump
Sonic Walk Invents Wearable Speakers for Joggers and Cyclists
Tired of looking for the perfect pair of workout headphones? Sonic Walk has introduced a line of wearable mini speakers that let you rock out to your tunes without being tied down by wires or uncomfortable earbuds.
The entry-level 300 Series (Lightning; pictured) weighs 8.5 ounces and is designed for walkers, cyclists, and joggers. The strap fits snugly around your shoulders and features built-in speakers that can pump out your tunes, but also keep you aware of your surroundings (unlike most earbuds which drown out ambient noise). They even feaure a built-in LED band that lights up with the push of a button for night jogging. Volume controls are located on the strap itself as is a rechargeable 10-hour battery and pocket for your smartphone/MP3 player. Continue reading Sonic Walk Invents Wearable Speakers for Joggers and Cyclists
Sunday Q&A: PEAR Sports’ Kristian Rauhala Discusses the Virtual Coach
Whether you’re running casually or training for competition, it helps to have a coach keep track of stats and give you motivation to keep going. PEAR Sports’ PEAR Square ONE plus an iPod Nano, which uses ANT+ to transmit data, puts a virtual coach in your ear to keep you updated on heart rate, calories and other stats. The coach also sets the pace for each workout. PEAR Sports President and Co-Founder Kristian Rauhala talks about the personal coaching PEAR Square ONE provides as you run through the season.
Continue reading Sunday Q&A: PEAR Sports’ Kristian Rauhala Discusses the Virtual Coach
Tunes for The Beach – Rain or Shine
Beach season is just around the corner, but boomboxes are so last decade as everyone now relies on “personal music devices.” How about something that combines the two?
The Beach Sounds Mandalay Radio & Speaker from SunnyLife might not look like a serious outdoor device, but it caught our attention. While simple and basic looking, it is actually a fairly robust- and water resistant – housing for an iPhone or other portable music player, or even smartphone. The Mandalay Radio & Speaker provides a speaker as well as radio tuner, and can thus supply the tunes whilst protecting your MP3 player – rain or shine.