“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 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

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

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

MOTOROKR EQ7

• Supports stereo music and speakerphone calls
• Four JBL speakers with deep bass
• Stereo Bluetooth support
• Includes 3.5 mm audio cable for non-Bluetooth devices
• Built-in speaker functions such as noise and echo-reduction technology
• Mute button
• Includes AC adapter
• Uses four AA batteries for up to six hours of usage

MOTOROKR EQ5

• Portable design – slips into a pocket
• Stereo Bluetooth support
• Includes 3.5 mm audio cable for non-Bluetooth devices
• SRS WOW HD audio enhancement technology
• Noise and echo reduction technology
• Speakerphone
• Radio frequency shielding
• Six hours of play time on a single charge
• Kick stand
• MicroUSB port
• Rechargeable non-replaceable batteru

The EQ7 is available for $199.95 while the EQ5 has an asking price of $119.95.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Motorola, MOTOROKR EQ7, EQ5, Portable Speakers

Here’s an unnamed Bluetooth capable portable speaker system that you’ll probably never see here in the U.S. I wasn’t going to post this one but I just love the cylindrical look of the speaker. According to NewLaunches, features include:

• Support for A2DP/AVRCP/HFP/HSP profiles
• Bluetooth 2.0 spec
• Stereo mini input connector
• Two watts per channel output
• Frequency response of 20 Hz to 20kHZ
• Rechargeable Lithium battery
• AC adapter
• USB connector

If you do want it, you’ll need to get it in Japan for around 7980 Yen ($76 dollars)

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Bluetooth, Portable Speaker system,

The MBS-200 Wireless Portable Speaker features:

• Bluetooth support
• Mutes when a phone call comes in
• Available in Q4

The MBS-400 features:

• Similar to the MBS-200 except comes with two speakers for stereo sound
• Available in Q4

Finally, the MPS-100 features:

• Builds on the MPS-60
• Mini-speakers that plug into your phone
• Available in Q4

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony Ericsson, MBS-200, MBS-400, MPS-100, Bluetooth Speakers

CNET has a review posted of the new version of the iMainGo portable speaker system from Portable Sound Laboratories called aptly – the iMainGo 2. The new version features upgraded titanium speakers and is compatible with more MP3 players. The basic premise stays the same of course – the iMainGo 2 is both a case and a speaker system for your MP3 player. Here’s the verdict from CNET:

The iMainGo 2 portable speaker offers an innovative design, solid sound quality, compatibility with a ton of MP3 players, and an extremely competitive price. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to rock out loud on the go.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Portable Sound Laboratories, iMainGo 2

Adding another “Eee” product, ASUS has officially launched their new SP-BT23 Bluetooth Speaker device. Known as the “Eee” speaker, the SP-BT23 features:

• Bluetooth v 1.2 Class 2 support
• Supports Advanced Audio Distributed Profile (A2DP)
• Max output of 4 W (2 x 2W)
• Frequency Response of 150 Hz to 20KHz
• Measures 170 x 123.5 x 54 mm and weighs 400 grams
• AC powered or powered by 4 AA batteries

Thanks to AVING for a picture of the SP-BT23.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: ASUS SP-BT23 Bluetooth Speaker

The folks at Techware Labs have published a review of the Altec Lansing T612 Powered Audio System. The T612 is similar to their inMotion lineup of powered external speakers except this model supports the Apple iPhone. Features of the $199 system include:

• Four full range speakers
• Bass through XdB bass enhancement technology (no subwoofer on the speaker system)
• Built-in dock for the iPhone and the iPod
• Immune to the intermittent noises that come from GSM phones
• Wireless remote
• Wall-mountable design
• MP3 player jack

Here’s the verdict from Techware Labs:

This product is highly recommended to anyone in the market for an iPod/iPhone docking station or anything similar.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Altec Lansing, T612, Apple iPhone, Techware Labs Review

Looking for a portable speaker system for that Bluetooth enabled phone or media player device? Check out the newly introduced Logitech Pure-Fi Mobile speaker system. The one-piece speaker system connects to your mobile phone or portable media player via Bluetooth wireless technology. The device supports the Bluetooth Advanced Audio Distribution (A2DP) profile which allows you to stream stereo audio wirelessly from your phone to the speakers at a range of up to 33 feet.

The Logitech Pure-Fi Mobile features:

• 2 inch high-excursion drivers
• Dual 2 inch pressure drivers
• Wireless speakerphone functionality
• Two built-in microphones – one to pick up vocal nuances and one to monitor and block unwanted background noise
• Call-answer and call-end controls on top of the speakers
• Includes protective case which can also carry charging cables
• 12 hours of play time with rechargeable batteries
• 3.5 mm audio jack for connecting audio devices

The Logitech Pure-Fi Mobile will be available in June for a price of $149.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Logitech Pure-Fi Mobile

Talk about multi-functional bags – this is the Reebok NXT Speaker Backpack. Yes.. it’s a backpack that also doubles as portable speaker system thanks to the NXT speakers. The bag is made out of 600 denier polyester, dobby polyester, 420 denier nylon, jersey thermoform, and nylon mesh. There’s also pockets galore within this Reebok bag – a total of 12 pockets (6 external pockets, 5 internal pockets, and 1 internal laptop holder pocket). The bag measures 18.5 x 13 x 8.2 inches and weighs 1.6 kg. It’s selling price? £69.99.

[Check it out via Ubergizmo]

Technorati Tags: Reebok NXT Speaker Backpack

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Targus, Speaker Book, NXT

Features of the Nokia 5320 XpressMusic include the following:

• Voice controlled “Say and Play” feature allows users to say the name of the artist or song to automatically play it
• Dedicated XpressMusic keys
• 3.5 mm audio jack
• 24 hours of playback time
• Audio chip for hi-fi sound quality
• Supports up to 8GB of external memory
• HS-USB for fast music transfer
• HSDPA support
• Full featured Internet browser
• Nokia Search 4.1
• Dedicated N-Gage gaming keys
• Landscape view
• Estimated price of 220 EUR

Features of the Nokia 5220 XpressMusic include the following:

• Unique asymmetrical design
• Built-in lanyard
• 24 hour playback time
• Dedicated XpressMusic keys
• 3.5 mm audio jack
• Estimated price of 160 EUR

Nokia also introduced a new portable speaker today called the Nokia Mini Speakers MD-8. It’s a pocket-sized design capable of delivering up to 40 hours of music and featuring an FM antenna and a tangle-free cable. The MD-8 should come out during the second quarter of this year.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Nokia, 5320 XpressMusic, 5220 XpressMusic, Mini Speakers MD-8