BYTES AND PIECES for November
By Max Jay, Erick Royer, Amy Eller and Christine Eads
Bose Bypasses Blue Tooth with new Home Audio System
Bose had introduced a new line of ultra-sophisticated home speaker systems that use
wi-fi to access all of your musical preferences with just one touch.
The Bose Sound Touch music systems come in three models designed for various situations. The Sound Touch Portable ($399.95) has the compact convenience of being able to move when you’re on the go. The Sound Touch 20 (399.95) is designed to fill medium sized rooms with the full range of sound expected from a Bose product. The Sound Touch 30 (699.95) – the largest of the three – is designed to fill even the largest of rooms with wire-free music.
The equipment gives you the option of accessing your music library or Pandora with only one touch. They are equipped with six personalized presets for speedy access to whatever your mood dictates. All models also come equipped with the option for use with the free Sound Touch app for your smartphone or computer.
Fujifilm Announces INSTAXTM Mini 90 Neo Classic Camera
Fujifilm has announced the INSTAXTM Mini 90 Neo Classic instant film camera.
The INSTAXTM combines a level of nostalgic design with the newest features expected from modern cameras. The INSTAXTM features a double exposure option and macro modes with the convenience and speed necessary to express the users’ photographic prowess.
PlayStation App Coming soon in U.S.
Sony has announced that the PlayStation App is set to launch this month in the U.S. – just two days before the full launch of the PlayStation 4.
The PlayStation App is engineered to allow the user to interact with the PlayStation 4 from afar. The app will also allow the user to access the PlayStation Network Store to buy games and interact with your game library. The PlayStation App will be available free of charge.
Belkin’s Ultimate Keyboard Case
Belkin, the popular accessory manufacturer, has announced the Ultimate Keyboard Case for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 inch version.
The Ultimate Keyboard Case will boast an aluminum base held to the tablet with magnets, so the keyboard always keeps its shape. The keyboard’s smart sense technology will turn the keyboard on and off automatically ensuring the optimization of battery life (which is touted to last for about 6 months without a recharge).
The keyboard also has Belkin’s award-winning TruType keys to give the Ultimate Keyboard Case the speed and accuracy of typing on a laptop. With the inclusion of Android specific keys Belkin’s Ultimate Keyboard Case is looking to be the definitive accessory for the Samsung tablet.
The Ultimate Keyboard Case for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 is set to release in December for $129.99.
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Telephoto Zoom Lens
Canon is expanding its line of Stepping Motor (STM) lenses with the announcement of the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens. Canon’s STM line aims to provide high quality video while simultaneously reduce motor noise from the lens.
The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens offers the quality magnification video enthusiasts look for while also providing an Optical Image Stabilizer for shake correction. When Combined with the quality Canon EOS Movie Sevo AF lens (available on select EOS cameras)The EF 55 provides continuous autofocus while shooting video and taking photos.
The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is expected to be available in late September for an estimated retail price of $349.99
Qualcomm Snapdragon
The Qualcomm Snapdragon Processors are making a splash in the world of quality smartphone processors.
Like Intel in the past, Snapdragon processors are becoming synonymous with quality smartphones and consumer electronics. The Snapdragon processors allow the highest quality of processing speed, while still conserving the battery power of any device.
Always on the cutting edge, Qualcomm Snapdragon Processors have the ability to beautifully run the highest graphical gaming quality without a hitch while still providing a smoothness to other apps that can often slip through the cracks.
MUNITIO’s PRO40 Headphones
Established headphone manufacturer MUNITIO has announced their first foray into over the ear headphones with the PRO40 model.
MUNITIO’s PRO40 Headphones take design cues from DJs and other industry professionals to bring the most versatile and comprehensive experience to the user, whether they’re in a studio or on the street. MUNITIO used CODA AXIS in-line technology when designing the PRO 40 model to give it a natural range of motion without compromising the quality of the sound output.
Everything from the 45mm titanium-coated drivers, to the neodymium drivers work in tandem to lend a level of quality and professionalism to the PRO40 that encompasses everything that is important to industry professionals.
ALCATEL Launches Two New Smartphones at T-Mobile
ALCATEL has announced the launch of two new smartphones at T-Mobile.
The ONE TOUCH Fierce runs on the Android 4.2 platform and boasts a 4.5 inch HD display and a 1.2Gz quad-core MediaTek processor. The Fierce’s premium innards allow the device to easily connect to a 4G signal and play games, run apps and surf the web with speed.
The ONE TOUCH Evolve was designed as an entry level device that is easy to use from moment one. The Evolve runs on a 1 GHz MediaTk chipset designed to be user friendly. Running on Android 4.1, the Evolve also has an adaptive keyboard for increased accuracy while typing and texting.
Monster Debuts two tablets
If you’re a brand conscious consumer and you look behind your T.V. right now you’ll probably see a Monster brand cable. Known for making some of the highest quality cables and accessories it was only a matter of time before Monster dipped its toe into the consumer electronics market.
That time has come with the announcement of the 7” M7 Monster tablet and the 10.1” M10 Monster Tablet. Monster’s new line of tablets are designed to both look and feel as if they are meant to be used with Monster’s already established line of headphones.
The M7 tablet will be released first, boasting a 1.5GHz dual core processor, Android operating system and an HD 1280×800 resolution screen. Accompanied by robust Bluetooth options, an expandable (MicroSD) 16 GB HD and a 7-hour battery life the M7 is sure to be a force to be reckoned with.
The M7 is available exclusively at Walmart.com for $149.99. The 10” Monster M10 tablet will be launch later this fall, with price and spec announcements coming in the near future.
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Telephoto Zoom Lens
Canon is expanding its line of Stepping Motor (STM) lenses with the announcement of the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens. Canon’s STM line aims to provide high quality video while simultaneously reducing motor noise from the lens.
The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens offers the quality magnification video enthusiast look for and an Optical Image Stabilizer for shake correction. Combined with the quality Canon EOS Movie Sevo AF (available on select EOS cameras), it provides continuous autofocus while shooting video and taking photos.
The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is expected to be available in late fall for an estimated retail price of $349.99
A New Family of Roku Devices Unveiled
Roku has announced that a new family of devices geared toward allowing the entire family to stream their favorite multimedia is launching this month.
The Roku LT ($49.99) is touted as being the simplest option. It will have the ability to stream to any neighboring TV with support for video quality up to 720p HD. The Roku 1 ($59.99) will upgrade the quality of the LT model, allowing for identical streaming options in 1080p HD.
The new Roku 2 ($79.99) will do everything that the Roku 1 can do, but with some great additional features. With a remote and a built in headphone jack, the Roku 2 will offer simple and quiet streaming options for the user. On top of that, the built in dual-band wireless capabilities will give the Roku 2 a much improved level of internet connectivity.
Combine the new additions to the family with the already established Roku 3 device ($109.99) and there is an option for all levels of streaming enthusiasts. Previously the Roku 3 was only available in the US. but now the device will be able to bring the joys of motion control gaming, Ethernet options, and a USB input to Canada the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland.
Roku is also partnering with M-GO to bring customers all of the options for movies and TV they could possibly want. M-GO will also have integrated billing on the Roku for added convenience and speed. All M-GO options will be available on Roku models in the U.S.