GeekSugar

Zipbuds Help You Say Sayonara to Tangled Headphone Cords

Kristy Korcz — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:25:27 PST

Tossing your earbuds in your bag in a rush only results in a headache later. Thankfully these headphones and earbuds from Zipbuds will prevent your cables from ending up like a rat's nest so you can grab, go, and tune in without spending time unraveling.

Compatible with your iOS, Android, BlackBerry, and other mobile devices and MP3 players that accept 3.5mm headphone jacks (like, all of them?), the Zipbuds transform into one tangle-resistant cord for easy storage. The brand-spankin' new L.A.B. Headphones (pictured here, $60–$200) are perfect for immersing yourself in your music, while the earbuds are great for everyday listening, commutes, and hitting the gym. Zipbuds has a number of earbuds available to purchase now, while the L.A.B. line will be out this Spring.

Ludacris Shows His Soul at CES

Kelly Schwarze — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:01:22 PST

What's the Consumer Electronics Show without a sprinkle of celebrity-endorsed gadgets? This year, hip-hop mogul Ludacris was on hand to introduce the latest additions to his Soul by Ludacris headphone line.

In 2012, the new finishes are all about shine. The SL300 noise-canceling headphones come in chrome gold, and the SL150 hi-def headphones are chrome silver. The SL100 model now has a white finish with gold accents. Soul's line of earbuds, the SL49 and SL99, also has new color options including a green and black combo, red and black, pink and white, and platinum.

We spoke to the musician-restaurateur-actor-entrepreneur for more on his life in the tech industry:

Style meets Soul - Ludacris said his life is "all about setting trends and pop culture," which is infused into the design of the Soul product line. He draws inspiration from a little bit of everything including fashion and cars.

Listening must-haves - Though it's like naming a favorite child, Ludacris keeps a pair of the SL99 earbuds in his pocket for whenever, wherever, and the SL300 when traveling for the noise-canceling experience.

Apple fan - He names the iPhone 4S and iPad as the nonheadphone gadgets he can't live without.

Pricing and availability for the new Soul headphone and earbud designs hasn't been announced, but the current line on sale ranges from $70 to $300. Check out photos of the Soul line in the gallery.

Fashion Starts at the Ear on Monster Headphones

Kelly Schwarze — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:00:21 PST

In a gadget-accessories market filled with the latest, greatest, slimmest, and lightest gear, how do you get a headphone to stand out from the crowd? Put a bird on it. The Inspiration headphones, one of several headphone lines announced by Monster this week at CES, push fashion to the forefront with a style sure to be noticed.

Available in Spring 2012, the Inspiration headphones feature a removable headband, which is where your creative fashion powerhouse can rule. Eight additional headband styles of brightly colored leathers and textured material will be an additional $30 beyond the Inspiration's $280 base price. For those in need of a bigger ear statement, Monster showcased limited-edition headbands with peacock feathers, electric blue mystery bird feathers, and large studs that will guarantee some respect on the morning commute.

Pricing and availability of the limited-edition headbands is not available. Would you rock the feathered headphone look on a daily basis?

Source: Monster

Knit Yourself an iPod Cozy

Kelly Schwarze — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:12:55 PST

In the midst of Winter we're gravitating toward cozy knits aplenty, and that includes our go-to gadgets. Despite the iPod or smartphone's industrial aluminum coating, the devices also deserve a seasonal home which can be crafted in the earbuds cozy knitting kit ($25) from Uncommon Goods.

Perfect for knitters trained in the basics, the kit provides circular bamboo knitting needles, 160 yards of wool, pattern, and all the necessary tools to craft a 3-inch by 5-inch pouch and headphone sweater. Yep, even earbuds get the knitted treatment, with stitches that claim to reduce the dreaded cord tangle.

Have you knitted gear for your electronics? Kits like this make the geeky DIY easy!

Wooden Gadget Love: Bamboo Earbuds and Matching Case

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:41:49 PDT

We talk a lot about wooden and bamboo gadget accessories, but I have to know - are you still into them? We are, and this Horchow Bamboo Earbuds and Case ($45 together) isn't just good looking, but it also comes with an easy-to-handle price tag, too. And since it's made from all-natural and sustainable materials, you won't have to worry so much about how much harm your gadget addiction is causing the planet, since this case is totally green.

Fitting all iPhone and iPod models, you can rock out to your favorite tunes while enjoying the fact that you helped to do your part (however small) for nature this Summer.

Guess the Price Tag!

GeekSugar — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:48:31 PDT

These earbuds look more like a work of art than a tool to get music from your MP3 player to your skull, but these copper-, chrome-, and ion-plated earphones do just that. Can you guess how much they cost?

Take the Quiz

Funniest Earbuds Ever? They're Pretty Close

Kristen Hawley — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 04:12:09 PDT

Maybe it's because I'm coming down from a serious In-N-Out Burger withdrawal, or maybe it's because these earbuds are pretty hilarious, but I do love 'em. The aptly-named Bring Your Own Shake earbuds ($15) feature a burger on one side and set of fries on the other.

Both standard-size and small silicone covers mean they work well even for tiny ears. These aren't the first food-themed pair I've seen, but they're the first to command a serious laugh. Click through the slideshow to check out more photos of these whimsical earbuds.

Update Your Headphones For Spring

Kristy Korcz — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 04:06:10 PDT

Spring is a time of renewal, and it doesn't stop at your closet or kitchen pantry. Refreshing your gadgets helps you start your year anew and in style. Check out a few of my favorite headphones that are worthy of a purchase.

Reader Redux: On Banning Headphones

Geek Community — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 05:00:30 PST

After a very scary experience involving a set of plugged-in headphones and a car that ran a red light, I may support NYC's proposed ban on headphones while crossing the street. Not everyone agrees with it though; here's what some of you had to say:

"I always look both ways before crossing the street - it's NYC, I just assume a cab or a delivery person on a bike is about to hit me regardless of right of way. Heh. My headphones are also my only line of defense from constant sexual harassment on the street. I'd be an unhappy camper if I have to actually listen to what creepies are saying to me." - aniline
"I've had people walk right in front of my car without ever realizing that they were putting themselves in danger of being hit because they were wearing headphones and couldn't hear me. While a law seems a little silly, I can see why it's being proposed." - kindo1313
"I totally understand why they would want to do this . . . But I don't necessarily support it. I know personally (though I don't live in NYC) love walking with my headphones in, and I'm always really careful about looking both ways even when I have a walk signal! People just need to be less stupid. Can we make THAT a law?" - bethinabox
"People need to be more responsible for their own lives. I'm from New York City and when im walking down the street I make sure that my music isn't so loud that I cant hear the traffic or even someone around me. I've never been so distracted by my music that I'm oblivious to everything going on around me. And yes I have experienced reckless drivers before." - Yesi Jukebox

Do you have an opinion? Share it below or on Facebook.

Why the Proposed NYC Ban on Headphones Might Not Be So Bad

Kristen Hawley — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:45:12 PST

A new proposal from New York City lawmakers would ban crossing a street while listening to headphones or talking on your cell phone. Walking, running, exercising - no matter what you're doing, no crossing traffic wearing headphones. Similar legislation is pending in Oregon and California, where some are hoping to ban cyclists from listening to headphones while riding. While the move may seem a bit extreme for New York, there's some merit in such a law. Supporters link the behavior to distracted driving, arguing that being distracted while walking or biking is just as dangerous as distracted driving. But is it fair to pass a law that essentially requires people to pay attention? That seems a little ridiculous . . . or does it?

Thing is, I might actually support such regulation. And before you call me crazy, hear me out after the break.