GeekSugar

Happy Crank Up Your Stereo Day

GeekSugar — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 10:01:23 PST

National geeky holidays are the best. And who knew that there's one that gives you total permission to go nuts and blast your stereo? Yes, January 18 is Crank Up Your Stereo Day. So maybe your landlord and neighbors might not approve, but for one of your favorite songs, just go for it!

The Sounds Like and Feels Like Bamboo Stereo

GeekSugar — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 09:01:00 PST

I think the idea of nature meeting technology is great. . . wood gadgets, you name it, I'm all for it. However, when I came across this "Bamboo" stereo system on Yanko Design, I couldn't help but ask the what's and why's surrounding this product's inception. Picture a real bamboo stick, its make-up, its sound and try imagining its base features integrated into a stereo system. And in comes the cylindrical "pink" Bamboo stereo. . .This concept design stereo, which has been designed by Soohyuk Im, is through and through high-tech boasting WiFi capability, wireless speakers, an integrated LED screen, remote desktop syncing, a radio and a cd player. The stereo can be used without the connected side speakers or taken apart to have two wireless speakers. It'll be interesting to see if this concept idea ever takes off.

Luxurious Geek: $860,608 Stereo

GeekSugar — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 14:00:32 PDT

Have you ever wondered what a stereo that costs about eight times the average college tuition looks like?

This stereo system, which was recently featured at Berlin's IFA trade show, touts a price tag of $860,608. Yes, you read that right.

In the center is a Clearaudio "Statement" turntable (that costs about $137,000), two subwoofers by JBL "Project Everest" (they're about $68,700 a pair) and four Velodyne subwoofers that total $52,000. Of course we can't forget to mention the Krell amps that are worth $163,000, a Mark Levinson pre-amp that costs $54,000 and some miscellaneous obscenely - and pricey - add-ons.

While there is always an air of mystique surrounding luxury gadgets, this set is just another example of how geeks can go terribly wrong creating intricate and painfully expensive devices. No one with $860,608 to burn on a stereo wants it to look like a machine that makes hubcaps. I'm just sayin'.

Source: Crave

Love It or Leave It? Hello Kitty Stereo System

GeekSugar — Wed, 16 May 2007 12:00:44 PDT

I know there's a good mix of you who like pink gadgets and adore Hello Kitty accessories, so I figure this one will have, at the very least a cult following. What's great about this Hello Kitty stereo system, is the fact that it doesn't scream 'Hello Kitty' and it is a subtle shade of pink.. which I can totally handle. For the Hello Kitty fanatics, don't worry, you'll find the signature Hello Kitty logo on top of the mp3 player. Featured on Gizmodiva, this USB stereo system can play mp3's as well as CD's. Priced at $370. How are you feelin' about this Kitty inspired stereo?

Pandora's CES Product Domination

Kelly Schwarze — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:39:29 PST

Despite an uptick in competition (ahem, Spotify) Pandora isn't budging in its quest for online radio domination, as seen in the dozens of products they're embedded in at CES this year. Cars are the theme this year, as they announced 23 automotive partnerships for 2012. Can we expect a Pandora system in every new car sold now? Just about.

Look to BMW, Mini, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Toyota, and Scion for Pandora embedded in the car, using voice commands or dashboard controls. Car stereo manufacturers like Alpine Electronics, Audiovox, Kenwood, and others throughout the year will roll out in-dash receivers featuring the streaming music provider.

Pandora's also integrating beyond smart TVs, with Sony's new line of WiFi-enabled Blu-ray players. Don't forget there's also the Samsung refrigerator we saw at last year's show, so you'll never have to be without streaming music again.

Source: BMW and Kenwood

iPad Gets an Old-School Makeover

Kelly Schwarze — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:31:09 PST

Geeks nostalgic for the all-in-one look of vintage Apple products can now add a dash of retro to their gadget with the iStation, a docking device reminiscent of an Apple I desktop. What set Apple apart in the early days of personal computers was the bundle design that integrated the keyboard, speakers, and monitor within one shell. Even those not wistful for technology designs of yore can appreciate the prospect of occasionally using an iPad more as a desktop.

Available in a faux wood-grain finish with a white keyboard or white glossy finish and white keyboard, the iStation is compatible with both the iPad and iPad 2, as well as iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. Each unit comes with an iStation in your color of choice, Bluetooth wireless keyboard, USB charging cable for the keyboard, 3.5mm mini-stereo cable, built-in stereo speakers, and an AC power adapter; and for $86, it's a fairly affordable tech frill. Check out a

Buzz Gift Guide: New Tunes For Holiday Music Fanatics

Becky Kirsch — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:39:56 PST

We all know one - that friend or family member who starts listening to Christmas music before Halloween and doesn't let up until Santa Claus has finally come to town. Or maybe you're just tired of listening to the same old holiday albums that your parents love, and you're ready to help them mix it up. Either way, we've got a selection of brand-new albums that will please your holiday-humming loved ones.

If the person you're shopping for is a pop music fan, chances are good that they'll happily rock out to the latest from Justin Bieber or a new collection from the Glee kids. Those who love indie music (or have a crush on Zooey Deschanel) will be happy to pop A Very She & Him Christmas into their stereos, while Michael Bublé's Christmas will please holiday music purists. If you don't fancy any of those, Carole King also has a new collection of holiday tunes, while showtunes fanatics will go gaga for The Jersey Boys Christmas album. Happy listening!

Glee, The Christmas Album Volume 2, ($10)	She & Him, A Very She & Him Christmas ($10)
Seasons Greetings: A Jersey Boys Christmas ($10)	Michael Bublé, Christmas ($12)
Carole King, A Holiday Carole ($10)	Justin Bieber, Under the Mistletoe ($11)

Website of the Day: Drinkify

Kelly Schwarze — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:52:44 PST

Admit it, you've been looking for a way to spice up happy hour. Instead of finding a new, over-priced and crowded hot spot, keep things at home and let your music preferences drive your beverage choices. Drinkify, a new site developed during Boston's recent Music Hack Day, suggests the best drink pairing for your current musical mood.

Enter the musician or band blasting from the stereo and Drinkify provides an adult drink recipe that best matches the tunes, complete with garnish and how the drink should be served. According to Drinkify, Jay-Z is best with gin on the rocks, while Red Bull is required for Justin Bieber (he is underage, after all). Since the site plugs in to Last.fm's API, there is a nearly limitless database of musicians ready for their libation mate. The question of what to serve at this year's holiday party has now been answered, as long as the playlist is settled.

HTC Announces the Rezound, the Beats Audio Smartphone

Kristy Korcz — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:43:15 PDT

Obsessed with music? You'll probably love this phone: HTC announced the Rezound smartphone that features celeb-approved Beats By Dre integration right in the device. That means, the phone comes with unique tuning that helps your music come alive with stereo quality and clarity. Also included with the Rezound are a pair of Beats By Dre earbuds, so you don't even have to worry about grabbing a new pair - just load up the Rezound with your tunes and go.

Besides awesome audio, the Rezound comes with a 4.3-inch LCD screen, an 8MP camera with autofocus and dual LED flash, a 1.5 Ghz dual-core processor and 4G capabilities. It also comes stocked with HTC Watch, which gives you mobile access to movies and TV shows on the go, and the latest version of HTC Sense UI.

The Rezound will go on sale Nov. 14 for $300 through Verizon's network. Want a closer look? There's more eye candy in the gallery.

Libratone AirPlay Wireless Speakers Now Available in US

Kelly Schwarze — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:45:29 PDT

We've gotten giddy over Libratone's sleek speakers before, but since the goods were only available in the UK, we could only dream of a Scandinavian-influenced home stereo experience. Design geeks will be happy to hear Libratone has officially brought its minimalist look to the US with the launch of the wireless Live and Lounge speakers. They use Apple AirPlay technology to stream music from their Mac or PC iTunes libraries as well as songs stored on an iOS device through their WiFi networks.

Each speaker incorporates what is called FullRoom technology to ensure the full acoustic, clear sound is heard throughout the room via a single (and supremely stylish) speaker. The focus on design is reflected in the speakers' materials, which are crafted from luxe Italian cashmere, chrome, and wood.

At 40 inches long the Lounge was created with larger living room spaces in mind, and is available in gray, black, and beige for $1,300 or red and green for $1,400. Intended for smaller spaces, the Live also comes in gray, black, and beige cashmere for $700 or red and green cashmere for $800. Both Libratone speakers are available in the Apple Store.