“What the hell…”

That was my first reaction when I saw a picture of these devices. For a second, I thought these were fancy looking mallets for air hockey tables or something. However, they are in fact the new mobiBlu UFO MP3 players.

No.. they do not fly, nor do they levitate (though Fox Mulder might like a pair of these for fun). They are in fact just portable MP3 players with built-in NXT flat panel speakers.

Measuring a mere 90 x 42 mm, the UFO MP3 player is available in storage sizes ranging from 512MB to 8GB. There’s a USB port allowing you to connect the player to your PC, a 3.5 mm audio jack for other devices, and built-in Bluetooth wireless for pairing with other devices. File format support include MP3, WMA, ASF, and OGG. Battery life is 6 hours in speaker mode and 15 hours in earphone mode.

mobiBlu also has a Bluetooth speaker only model of the UFO (without the built-in MP3 player).

[Check it out via DAPreview]

Technorati Tags: mobiBlu, UFO MP3 player, MP3 player

If you’re looking for a truly portable speaker solution for your iPod, iPhone, mobile phone, or MP3 player, then you should definitely check out the new Altec Lansing Orbit MP3 and Orbit M speakers. These tiny wonders can easily be stored away in your pocket, purse, or backpack and then brought out to provide a 360 degree sound field wherever you’re at. The units also come with an integrated cord storage system that allows you to wrap the cord around the speakers for storage and protection. As for the difference between the Orbit MP3 and Orbit M -  the M includes a 2.5 mm adapter for music-enabled mobile phones.

The Orbit speakers run off of three AAA batteries which provide up to 24 hours of power. You can further customize the Orbit speakers by skinning it with designs provided by Skinit.com. Pre-designed skins can be purchased for $14.95 while custom skins can be created for $19.95.  Here are some pictures of skinned Orbit speakers.

The Orbit MP3 and Orbit M can be purchased for $39.95.

Technorati Tags: Altec Lansing, Orbit MP3, Orbit M, portable speakers, iPod, iPhone, MP3 players

Sony rolled out five new accessories this week – a new noise canceling headphones (model MDR-NC7), new travel speakers (model SRS-M50), a new universal remote control (model RM-VL610), new Sony EX style earbuds (model MDR-EX36V), and new Stereo Bluetooth sports headphones (model DR-BT160AS).  Here’s a quick rundown on each of the new products:

Sony MDR-NC7 noise canceling headphones:

• Updated version of MDR-NC6
• Improved style and noise reduction
• Noise reduction reduces approximately 87.4 percent of ambient noise
• ear-cups that swivel flat and a foldable headband for easy storage and travel
• Batteries in the housing
• 30mm driver – closed type design for dynamic sound
• Includes carrying pouch and in-flight adapter
• Available in black and white versions
• MSRP of around $50 dollars

Sony SRS-M50 travel speakers:

• Compact light design
• Built-in battery compartment
• 39mm driver unit
• Available in black, pink, and white
• MSRP of around $50 dollars

Sony RM-VL610 universal remote control:

• Three swappable back plates in bright or neutral colors. Bright colors are Crimson Red, Chantilly Pink and Sky Blue; the neutral plates include Pearl, Champagne and Kilimanjaro Brown
• Handles up to 8 AV compatible components
• On-screen menus for many devices and includes learning function
• One-touch system with 12 macro functions
• MSRP of around $30 dollars

Sony MDR-EX36V EX style headphones:

• Features colorful metallic accents
• in-line volume control
• New hybrid silicone earbuds in three sizes
• Available in silver, red, blue and pink
• MSRP of around $30 dollars

Sony DR-BT160AS Stereo Bluetooth sports headphones:

• Wireless behind-the-neck design
• Built-in microphone for hands-free conversations via mobile phone
• Rechargeable Li-ion batteries
• A2DP Bluetooth Stereo support
• Adjustable earpiece shaft
• Water-resistant
• MSRP of around $130 dollars

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, MDR-NC7, SRS-M50, RM-VL610, MDR-EX36V, DR-BT160AS

If you’re looking for a funky statue/speaker system (because they’re a lot of you out there who look for these kind of things of course!), then check out the limited edition MG2 Midnight Mexico MiniGod by designer Marka27. This Mexico Minigod stands 17 inches tall, has a working speaker built right inside, and comes with a mini-jack connector allowing you to connect external audio devices such as an MP3 player, CD player etc. The unit costs $119.95 and only 200 of them will be made.

[Check it out via technabob]

Technorati Tags: MG2 Midnight Mexico MiniGod w/ Speaker

Above is iLuv’s new portable speaker system – the iSP100 Ultra Portable Stereo Speaker Unit. The speakers run off of 3 AAA batteries, supports audio devices via a 3.5 mm auxiliary input jack, and has a total power output of 4 watts RMS. iLuv touts that the iSP100 has a 720 degree dynamic stereo sound support.. which we think means, you should be able to hear sound from all directions. Ummm.. ok. You can purchase the iSP100 for $34.99.

[Check it out via Digital Trends]

Technorati Tags: iLuv, iSP100 Ultra Portable Stereo Speaker Unit

Logitech also announced two new speaker docks for the Apple iPod and iPhone devices today – the Pure-Fi Express Plus and the Pure-Fi Anytime. The Logitech Pure-Fi Express Plus speaker dock features omnidirectional speakers and is ideally targeted for multiple rooms in the household while the Pure-Fi Anytime speaker dock/alarm clock is an ideal nightstand companion.  Both speaker docks support the iPod or iPhone including the first generation iPhone and the iPhone 3G.

Here’s what you need to know about the Pure-Fi Express Plus offering:

• First to offer omnidirectional acoustics which transmits sound evenly in all directions
• Runs on AC or battery power
• Integrated handle for portability
• Wireless remote control with up to 30 foot range
• Remote has volume, play, pause, fast forward, rewind, shuffle, and repeat controls

Here’s what you need to know about the new Pure-Fi Anytime system:

• Motion-sensing backlight makes it easy to set the alarm without waking up anyone. The alarm clock’s controls light up when you wave your hand over the speakers and the buttons automatically dim when you’re done with it
• Wave your hand over the speakers to activate snooze
• Easy to read display
• Recessed dock prevents accidental knock-overs of iPod or iPhone
• Digital AM/FM radio

Both speaker docks will be available in October of 2008 with suggested prices of $99.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Logitech, Pure-Fi Express Plus, Pure-Fi Anytime, Speaker Dock, iPod, iPhone

Advance Sound Devices (ASD) announced a new Slim Touch Portable 3G Audio System redesigned for Apple iPhone 3G and iPod compatibility. The slim speaker system comes with a rechargeable Li-Ion battery which provides enough power for eight hours of usage. Features of the Slim Touch include:

• Sync and charge your iPhone 3G through the built-in dock connector
• Folds down for convenient mobility
• Comes with storage pouch
• Video output for displaying video on your TV
• Input jacks for connecting regular MP3, DVD, and CD player

No word on pricing or availability.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: ASD, Slim Touch Portable 3G Audio System, Apple iPhone 3G

Bose introduced their new second-generation SoundDock system today called aptly – the SoundDock Series II digital music system. This is the first SoundDock system from Bose to work with the Apple iPhone. 

Features of the SoundDock Series II include:

• New auxiliary input that allows other audio devices to connect
• Dock and charge the iPod or iPhone
• Included infrared remote control to control basic iPod and iPhone functions including playlist navigation
• Design updated to resemble the Bose SoundDock Portable digital music system
• Measures 6 5/8 x 12 x 6 1/2 inches

The SoundDock Series II will work with the original iPhone and the iPhone 3G as well as most iPods. The system will be available in Gloss Black for $299 starting in early September.

Technorati Tags: Bose, SoundDock Series II digital music system, iPhone

What you see above is the new soundmatters foxL – a compact portable speaker system that soundmatters claims is “good enough for audio purists.” The unit measures a mere 5.6 x 2.2 x 1.4 inches and provides a frequency response range of 80Hz to 20kHz. The foxL was designed for users who wanted high quality sound while traveling on the road. The specs are as follows:

• Two 1 inch Linear Magnetic Drive Twoofers tuned to 100Hz
• soundmatters’ Twoofer features field-focused, back to back, dual Extreme-Energy(TM) neodymium magnets and bifilar, 1″ dual voice coils
• Available with and without Bluetooth connectivity
• Internal noise/echo canceling microphone
• Conduct hands-free telephone conversations with the Bluetooth version
• Lithium-ion “BassBatttery” battery lasts up to 5 hours on a single charge
• BassBattery also serves as mass for the FlatMagic bass radiator
• Protective grille doubles as a speaker stand

The foxL will be available in early Sept. with the Bluetooth model (foxLmb) going for $249 and the non-Bluetooth model (foxL) going for $199.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: soundmatters foxL audiophile portable speaker system

I4U published a review of the Mint 220 Digital Music Station here on their website. At first glance, the Mint 220 looks like any other iPod speaker dock.. but wait! There’s more! The device is capable of wirelessly streaming music from any PC or Mac within 45 feet of the unit thanks to the included USB Wireless Transmitter. The Mint 220 comes with two 3.5 inch full-range Peerless transducers for “big speaker sound and compact, mini-speaker versatility” and Texas Instrument’s PurePath Digital audio technology. Sounds pretty good eh? So what does I4U think?

Overall, the Mint 220 is very impressive. The sound quality from the small system is great, the price is very good at $179, and the system is very easy to set up for wireless streaming. It’s hard to go wrong with the Mint 220

Not bad.. they get an 8.5 out of 10 from I4U.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Mint 220 Digital Music Station, iPod dock