How pretty are these???
Bang & Olufsen has added new speaker colors for its BeoSound 8 speaker dock, which works with the iPod, iPhone and iPad.
The dock features two interchangeable speaker fronts. The new colors available include red, silver, yellow and orange — but I want the red!!!
BeoSound 8 has an MSRP of $999.00
Spring is here, which means summer is coming, which means excuse to be merry and dance to the music!
Keep the tunes cranked whether indoors or out with can’t-miss-em pink Audio Unlimited Wireless Indoor/Outdoor Speakers ($115).
These wireless speakers can be moved to wherever your guests mingle and a remote means you can quickly skip those guilty pleasure (a.k.a. the Biebs) songs before anyone realized they’re on your iPod.
UPDATED: Music lovers, kick it old school (but not too old school) with this giveaway – a Cardboard Classic iPod Boom Box and Mixtape USB Drive from seltzerstudios.com, a $60 value.
You don’t have to be a Luddite or Lloyd Dobler fan to miss the time when playing music meant cassette tapes and a stockpile of D batteries. But if you don’t like the idea of giving up your iPod for a bunch of crappy-sounding analog audiotapes, enter to win:
Cardboard Boombox Speakers by Suck UK Crafty, DIY cardboard boombox complete with amplified speaker for your mp3 player. And yes, it really works. Some assembly required. 4AA batteries included.
USB Mixtape 128MB Memory Stick Store files or your own carefully crafted playlist on this PC/Mac-compatible USB stick that’s packaged to look like an old analog audio cassette tape — it even includes room to scrawl out your tracklist!
A picture may say a thousand words but there’s no better snapshot in time than the Mixtape. Even the techiest of geeks still miss those days of analog audiotapes – an art that served as both a reflection of your true feelings for someone you cared about, and you as a person during that brief moment in time. To enter, leave a comment with the three songs you’d put on a mixtape for the teenage you. Ah, memories. Ends Monday, September 13 at 11:59PM PST. Good luck!
UPDATE: Now you have a second chance to win this awesome ’80s-inspired prize pack! After receiving word that a few people weren’t able to leave comments, we are extending this giveaway until next Monday, September 27, 11:59PM EST. “Cool beans” right?
Check out more of Seltzer Studio’s stylish, sophisticated gifts and housewares at seltzerstudios.com.
Original Post Date: September 8, 2010
Just like a cold drink and food grilling on the BBQ, good music is a vital part to any successful (and fun!) outdoor soiree. Instead of cranking your living room sound system up and opening every window in the house, save yourself the trouble (and your neighbors the headache) with Acoustic Research’s Accessory Speakers – super stylish wireless outdoor speakers that let you take the party outside without breaking any local noise ordinances.
My friends and I have been big fans of these speakers since we saw them in action last weekend at a July 4th BBQ. Accessory Speakers are made for outdoor entertaining. These powerful wireless speaker systems are lightweight, portable, weather-resistent, and with an ‘omni-directional’ 900MHz signal, clean and clear reception is transmitted at a 150 – 250 foot range, even through walls, floors and ceilings without running wires. And because the controls are all on the speaker, you won’t have to run back and forth just to adjust the volume.
But what truly makes the Accessory Speakers unique are their designs (pictured below): mission-style lanterns that really light up or a terracotta-style planter that can actually be filled with soil and watered. These aren’t those fake rock eyesores of yesteryear – Accessory Speakers blend in seamlessly with just about any outdoor decor, whether they’re sitting on the table or hanging from a lamp post.
Hooking up these up to your sound systems couldn’t be easier. Simply attach the compact transmitter to any audio device that has a stereo output: your iPod, smartphone, home theater, cable box or computer, and turn the speaker on – there’s no tuning either! Three audio channels prevent interference with other cordless devices and a dual power mode means that even if your backyard bash runs into the wee hours and drains the batteries, you can always plug it in without losing a second of tunes (an AC adapter is included).
You’ll be impressed by the wireless design and brilliant sound quality, clarity and bass these speakers produced. Even at 90-100 feet away from the transmitter in a second story bedroom, our Fourth of July Bob Marley soundtrack never wavered. The only interference I’ve ever experienced was when the power cord got too close but so long as you use batteries (6 AA, not included) or keep the cord at least a foot away, your sound should be crystal clear. At full blast, the sound kept its integrity and was loud enough to reach everyone in the general socializing area (about 50′x50′).
Drinks? Check. Food? Check. Awesome party tunes for your outdoor party? Check. Now all you need to worry about is if there’s rain in the forecast.
The AW825 Speaker is $78 (originally $100) at Amazon.com.
To see the entire Accessory Speaker collection, visit araccessories.com.
Yes, these are real, working speaker systems!
Harnessing the immense power of cuteness and combining it with the latest in sound technology, Speakal has created a trio of universal iPod dock stations so precious, so darling, so absurdly cute that you just might squeal in delight. Named the iPanda, iPig and iBoo, you won’t be able to resist – they are simply too freakin’ adorable.
But behind each of those unassuming smiles and cuddly(ish) plastic exteriors is a powerful speaker system boasting 15-25 Watts of clear sound and deep bass tones the company says you can actually feel. The speakers (five in iPanda and iPig, two in iBoo) are positioned for maximum sound distribution and clarity. Speakal’s patented Touch technology lets you adjust the volume with just a pat on the right and left “ears” or a rub on iBoo’s head – very cool.
Plays and charges most iPod models – just use the included dock inserts – and for added versatility, the auxiliary input connects most MP3/MP4 players, televisions, CD/DVD players, PCs (desktops and laptops), gaming consoles, and mobile phones.
Other fun features:
*powerful 25 Watts of sound, 15 Watt subwoofer in iPanda and iPig; 15 Watts/9 Watts in iBoo
*infra-red remote control (included) to browse through playlists and control the speaker’s settings from afar
*”Smiley Lit Mouth” that lights up to indicate the dock station has received your remote’s command
*RoHS compliant – made using environment-friendly, non-hazardous materials
*multi cradle feature designed to fit numerous iPod models with the correct dock insert (included)
*each design available in an assortment of candy colors
*one year warranty
*mega ultra-adorability
Perfect for the tween (or 27-year old) in your life with “a fatal attraction to cuteness” – I’ll try not to crank the Justin Bieber up too loudly.
The iPanda, iPig and iBoo Dock Stations are $80 – $120 (originally $90 – $130) on speakal.com.
It’s Fourth of July weekend: break out the fireworks and light up the grill. But this year, celebrate Independence Day with more than pyrotechnic displays, picnics, bbqs and foods decorated to look like flags – celebrate with some really cool gadgets.
Here are a few to help your make your holiday weekend a success:
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Accessory Speakers by Acoustic Research
No party is complete without music so this weekend, skip the wires or those awful artificial “rock” speakers (you’re not foolin’ anyone) in favor of Acoustic Research’s Accessory Speakers. Compatible with most electronic devices (stereo, MP3 player, computer, etc.), each speaker delivers crisp audio with a range of up to 150 feet. Designed as a working mission-style lantern light, a functional terra cotta-style planter and more, the Accessory Speakers blend seamlessly into any backyard setting and are made to resist a variety of weather elements. Rust, electrical shorts or other damage – not a problem. Accessory Speakers are $99-$129 on araccessories.com or on sale $70-$89 on amazon.com. |
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Redi-Check Remote Cooking Thermometer
It’s hot – no one wants to be stuck hovering over the fiery grill all afternoon. The Redi-Check Remote Cooking Thermometer lets you spend more time with your guests and less time with the hamburgers. Just stick the thermometer into the cooking food and program your desired doneness into the digital setting. An alarm will let you know once your food is ready — the remote works up to 100’ away. The Redi-Check Thermometer is $35.99 at target.com. |
MORE on GLOSS: Summer Safety Tips for Cooking Chicken
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Light my Fire Spork
It’s a spoon, it’s a fork, it’s a knife – all in one. The durable Light My Fire Spork won’t melt in hot/boiling water or scratch the bottom of any non-stick pans. The design is also compatible with Leave No Trace ethics, a program that encourages outdoor enthusiasts to reduce their impact when they camp, hike and picnic.
Light My Fire Spork (4-count) is $7.99 on thinkgeek.com.
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Instant Marinator
Marinate fish, meat, poultry and vegetables in just 5 minutes! A pump removes air and opens the pores of the food, allowing marinade to penetrate the food in a fraction of the time. No more leaving Ziploc bags in the fridge overnight! The Instant Marinator is $40 at brookstone.com.
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MORE on GLOSS: Gloss Recipe – 4th of July Bacon Potato Salad
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EZ Grill
Portable, recyclable and ready-to-use, the EZ Grill is a convenient, disposable and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)-approved grill that cooks for up to 1 ½ hours. Instant all-natural charcoal is included so no lighter fluid is required and clean-up in a snap. Available in Small and Large sizes.
The EZ Grill is $5.99-$10.99 at drugstore.com. |
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SkeeterVac Mosquito Eliminator
Nothing like an infestation of pesky mosquitoes to ruin your outdoor party but the constant “zap!” sound of a bug frying in a zapper isn’t much better. Protect your backyard (up to an acre) with the SkeeterVac Mosquito Eliminator, a quiet, odorless trap that transforms clean-burning propane (sold separately) into CO2 to attract mosquitoes before a powerful vacuum securely captures them. The electronic ignition ensures a, easy, safe start and a cord-free design means nothing to trip over or get in the way of a lawn mower. Perfect for when those puny citronella candles just won’t do. The SkeeterVac Mosquito Eliminator is $330 at Amazon.com. |
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Hanging Solar Lanterns
Create instant atmosphere with a solar powered Asian-style nylon lantern – no cords, batteries or extra energy costs. It charges in just 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, then turns itself on at dusk automatically, for up to 6 hours of light. Available in Green, Blue, Pink and White. 10″ diameter. Solar Lanterns are $19.95 each at brookstone.com. |
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