Month: June 2017

Rayz Rally is a pocket-sized Lightning-powered conference speaker

Posted by Jack on in Audio/Video Gadgets, Bluetooth, conference speaker, rayz rally, rayz rally conference speaker, rayz rally speaker, Speaker

rayz-rallyEver wished that your speaker would be able to pack more of a punch, without losing any of its efficiency while sporting a very reasonable price tag? Pioneer has more or less successfully achieved this via the Rayz Rally. The Rayz Rally carries the distinction of being the first Lightning-powered portable speaker which is able to transform the iPhone into a conference speakerphone that is loud enough to fill the boardroom. It will not only be able to take advantage of the iOS app, but will also make use of innovative Lightning accessories in order for the listeners to enjoy a completely new experience.

The Rayz Rally will utilize Apple’s newest Lightning audio technology, that is powered by Avnera Corporation’s LightX platform, in order to deliver simple and smart solutions for today’s mobile consumers. Since it arrives in a form factor that is small enough to fit into your pocket, you might think it has a “small” performance factor, too. However, things work differently since the Rayz Rally can amplify your call experience unlike ever before.

It also carries the proud distinction of being the first Lightning-powered plug-and-play speaker in the world. It will be different from other kinds of portable conference speakers, since the Rally does not have any battery whatsoever. Rather, it will draw its power from the iPhone that it is plugged into, allowing it to work every single time at your beck and call. The LightX platform helps the Rally to minimize the power usage whenever it remains plugged into the iPhone’s Lightning port. It is also versatile in its functionality, allowing it to be used for Internet calling on the iPad and iPod touch, and on the Mac and PC via a standard Lightning to USB cable.

Those who are interested in the Rayz Rally Lightning powered conference speakers will have to fork out $99.95 for it from Apple.com and Apple stores worldwide.

Press Release
[ Rayz Rally is a pocket-sized Lightning-powered conference speaker copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Focal’s new family of portable headphones go wireless

Posted by Jack on in Audio/Video Gadgets, listen earphones, listen headphones, listen wireless

Listen-WirelessWhile we strive to achieve a wireless environment for as far as possible, there are still some instances where it remains impossible to being untethered. Take power for instance — we are still unable to enjoy our laptops being charged wirelessly, so wireless audio will have to do for the moment. Focal has introduced a new family of portable headphones that will boast of integrated wireless technology to help you enjoy your favorite tunes without the pesky cables that come with a regular pair of headphones. The three new models are the premium closed-back wireless over-ear Listen Wireless, in-ear Spark and Spark Wireless, and hi-fi in-ear Sphear S, but we will look at the flagship Listen Wireless only for now.

Listen Wireless happens to be the high-end closed-back Listen headphones sans wires. It will fly the flagship staff for Focal, and boasts of Bluetooth 4.1 wireless technology to offer an exceptional listening experience. Its earpieces have been specially designed in order to integrate Bluetooth technology, and is compatible with aptX. Listen Wireless claims to deliver excellent sound rendering.

Not only that, it has an ultra-flexible headband which makes it light, all the while reducing pressure on the head and increasing durability at the same time. It will also feature memory foam ear cushions that are made from fabric and leatherette for excellent isolation. The ear-pieces can be folded for easier portability, and it comes in a scratch-resistant lacquered Black High Gloss finish. Alternatively, you can also opt to make use of this wireless headphones with a traditional audio cable. When hooked up to a DAC, they will be able to deliver all the power and scale that one would normally discover in a high-end hi-fi product.

With a battery life of more than 20 hours of audio playback and taking less than 3 hours to fully juice up, you get a total range of 240 hours thanks to the automatic standby feature. Reception range stands at up to 60 feet, and a dual omnidirectional microphone system with Clear Voice Capture software delivers improved voice clarity when talking. The Listen Wireless will be available from July onward for $299 apiece.

Press Release
[ Focal’s new family of portable headphones go wireless copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Rayz Smart Mute feature now available for Rayz Plus Lightning headphones

Posted by Jack on in Audio/Video Gadgets, pioneer, rayz plus, rayz plus earphones, rayz plus headphones

rayz-plusWhen it comes to a pair of headphones, it is all very personal. Pioneer and Onkyo have come up with what they call a brand new “Smart Mute” feature for not only the Rayz, but also the Rayz Plus Lightning earphones, in addition to a slew of new Rayz Plus colors (Black and Rose Gold) that will be made available exclusively at Apple.com. If you prefer to shop at a brick and mortar store, then you can also pick those headphones up at Apple Retail stores worldwide.

First things first — the Rayz Plus happens to be the first and only Lightning earphones that sport an inline charging node, enabling you to juice up the iPhone as well as tune in to music or carry a conversation simultaneously. The Rayz Plus makes use of Apple’s latest Lightning audio technology, which is powered by Avnera Corporation’s LightX platform so that mobile consumers will be able to enjoy a simple yet smart solution.

What of the “Smart Mute” feature? This particular feature for the Rayz and Rayz Plus will automatically mute the microphone whenever a user is not speaking, while unmuting said microphone when the user starts to speak, making it the perfect tool when you are engaging with a phone call within a noisy environment. The Smart Mute feature is enabled after downloading the latest Rayz app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch on the App Store while performing a Rayz software update.

Just to make sure that your pair of Rayz Plus is going to match your iPhone’s color, potential customers are able to check out this pair of headphones in either Black or Rose Gold shades that are available on an exclusive basis. This is one particular instance where waiting is better than being an early adopter, fashion-wise.

Press Release
[ Rayz Smart Mute feature now available for Rayz Plus Lightning headphones copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Xchime goes beyond that of a smart doorbell

Posted by Jack on in Audio/Video Gadgets, Home Gadgets, video doorbell, xchime, xchime smart doorbell, xchime video doorbell

xchime-smart-doorbellIt looks like the world of home security and automation has become a wee bit smarter, never mind the fact that smart homes are all the rage these days. A fully funded Indiegogo campaign, the Xchime is more than just a video doorbell. It is going to be an essential part of your home safety environment, where you will be able to enjoy the added convenience and security features such as a garage door opener and smart light bulb integration.

Security goes beyond that of the front door with the presence of Xchime in your home, which is expected to ship some time in August this year for its backers. After all, with garages being targeted by criminals as an easier entry point compared to the front door, it is imperative that more be done in that department. This is especially so as home owners tend to forget about the garage door, and with the Xchime in place, you can check out the status of your garage door instantly from your mobile device. You can opt to open or close it with a single touch via the mobile app, thanks to the optional garage door opener kit add-on accessory.

Having a well lighted area is also another major deterrent against would-be thieves, and it is always a good idea to integrate smart light bulbs with Xchime in order to remotely turn on or off exterior lights. Another thing that the Xchime does well is the elimination of lag time — something that other video doorbells tend to suffer from. Having a 7 to 8 second delay is no fun at all, especially when someone you know and love is waiting in front. While the Xchime does not exactly offer real-time video playback, it is as close to real-time as possible.

Early backers of the Xchime will be pleased to know that their device will retail for a mere $129 apiece, which is a whole lot more affordable than the $199 to $249 price point of other leading video doorbells in the industry. Any takers for this Full HD video doorbell?

Press Release
[ Xchime goes beyond that of a smart doorbell copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Logitech Circle 2 home security camera

Posted by Jack on in Audio/Video Gadgets, circle 2, circle 2 camera, Home Gadgets, Logitech, logitech circle 2

logitech-circle2Logitech is well known for their range of peripherals, and this time around, it would be the home security camera which would be their device of choice that will grace your home. It will not be a gaming peripheral, but rather, something that offers you added peace of mind whenever you are on the move. It could be that you are living alone or have a family, it does not matter. The Logitech Circle 2 will allow you to feel more connected to both home and family, where this home security camera has been specially designed to work just about wherever you want, whether indoors or outdoors. You might want to keep tabs on your pet, or just see whether anyone is snooping around your bedroom, the Circle 2 gets the job done.

The Circle 2 is a natural evolution of Logitech’s original Circle camera, where it delivers best-in-class features such as unlimited 1080p HD streaming, night vision, 180 degree wide-angle lens, and two-way talk and listen. Each Circle 2 camera will arrive with 24-hours of free, secure bank-level encrypted cloud storage, and if you feel that this is not enough, fret not. Logitech offers two other Circle Safe plans.

Circle Safe Basic will deliver 14-days of storage while Circle Safe Premium offers 31-days of storage, in addition to other features like custom Motion Zones and Person Detection. The Circle 2 sports both Wired and Wire-Free options, and you can also use it on its own or have it paired with accessories that have been customized to fit different use cases or locations. Mounts include a Window Mount and a Plug Mount, and if you would like the Circle 2 to monitor the outside area, there is the Weatherproof Extension. This Weatherproof Case would make sure that all of the cables are safe from outside weather conditions, and the Wire-Free camera’s battery can be swapped with a Rechargeable Battery that is able to last for up to three months.

Product Page

[ Logitech Circle 2 home security camera copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]