LG rolls out new Smart TV features for next year » Reviews

LG rolls out new Smart TV features for next year

Phones are not the only things that are smart these days, as you also have Smart TVs – and the South Koreans are at the forefront of things in this department, although Japan is nipping on their heels as well. LG intends to usher in 2012 by unveiling new Smart TV features for next year that will focus on rich content as well as ease of use. Just make a beeline for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next month, and you will be able to check out just what LG has in store.

Embedded within the new Cinema 3D Smart TV range for next year, LG intends to offer CINEMA 3D Smart TV owners with the most comprehensive yet easy-to-use home entertainment experience possible, and as the adage goes, “action is louder than words”, which is why there are more than 1,200 apps available (and growing, too). The new Magic Remote would also add more value to the entire Smart TV experience, in addition to a growing number of premium content services.

With LG’s Smart TV ecosystem, there are more than 1,200 Smart TV apps available, letting you access more movies and TV programs than ever, in addition to accessing social networking services (SNS) on your LG Smart TVs, make donations to charities whenever there is a need, and also check out famous art collections without having to leave the comfort of your living room. As for LG’s 3D Zone, it also offers a bunch of expanding 3D movies and TV shows, and those who want to enjoy older 2D movies, can do so thanks to 3D conversion via LG’s enhanced 3D conversion engine. Using Film Patterned Retarder (FPR) technology, LG’s 3D glasses do not require any battery to run at all, are lightweight and easy on your pockets, making them perfect for viewing 3D content in large groups and comfortably for longer periods of time.

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SiriusXM Lynx Portable Radio introduced » Reviews

SiriusXM Lynx Portable Radio introduced

Sirius XM Radio has just announced the Lynx Portable Radio, touting this to be the first SiriusXM 2.0 radio which delivers spanking new features and receives an expanded channel lineup over satellite and Internet connections. Lynx is said to be the most advanced radio to date from SiriusXM, where it is full well capable of receiving the new expanded SiriusXM 2.0 channel range of commercial-free music, sports, and comedy, where among them include SiriusXM Latino – a totally new suite of Spanish-language programming.

Lynx was constructed with a flexible architecture that will pave the way for new features and capabilities that can be added via the path of software updates. SiriusXM 2.0 is said to be a major upgrade and evolution of SiriusXM’s satellite and Internet delivered service, and the ultimate goal would be to see this particular service span across hardware, software, audio, and data services.

Lynx intends to deliver more control to subscribers, especially when it concerns the area of how they tune in to SiriusXM satellite radio. This will enable them to begin a song from the beginning when tuning to a Favorite music channel, but just as how life is better with choices, one can also store broadcast content to listen to at a later time. Subscribers also have the option to restart their favorite content while remaining connected to SiriusXM Internet Radio over Wi-Fi. Thanks to the generous large touch screen display, you are able to enjoy full control of your listening experience. Lynx is also capable of streaming SiriusXM content to Bluetooth stereo speakers, headphones, vehicle stereo systems or optional accessories, where you are able to use it at home, in a vehicle or being generally up and about.

Considering Lynx’s versatility, it is no surprise to hear that it is based on the Android operating system, and can be updated without the need to tether it to a computer via a cable, since you can update it over a Wi-Fi connection. If you are interested, you will be able to pick up SiriusXM Lynx for $249.99 a pop.

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US Army tests 1.8-gigapixel camera helicopter drone » Reviews

All right, the Iranians might have shot down one of those drones from the US, but we are quite sure the US Army is already light years ahead in terms of technology as well as next generation drones. In fact, the US Army recently tested a helicopter drone that would make for the perfect spy machine – especially when it sports a 1.8-gigapixel camera on it. This drone aircraft is capable of hovering around, and will not require a runway in order to take-off or land, now how about that?

This particular technology employed promised “an unprecedented capability to track and monitor activity on the ground”, where another three of these sensor-equipped drones are on track to see action in Afghanistan in either May or June next year. While Boeing was first off the blocks in building these drones, other firms are still able to throw in their bid to manufacture the rest. It will take a year of deployment in order to learn all that they can about the drone, its capabilities and limitations, resulting in a record compilation that will pave the way for a superior model down the road.

Also known as the A160 Hummingbird, this particular drone needs not a runway since it can take off vertically, and the hovering capability might see it in the battlefield far more frequent than existing UAVs. Test flights are set to commence in the Arizona desert at the beginning of 2011, before they make their way to the Middle East before the year is over. Relying on the Autonomous Real-time Ground Ubiquitous Surveillance-Imaging System, also known as Argus-IS for short as a tribute to Argus Panoptes – the one-hundred-eyed-giant of Greek mythology. At present, the 1.8-gigapixel camera which sees action is touted to be the largest video sensor used in tactical missions.

Having said that, it boasts wider fields of view than ever before, which equals to 900 times the resolution of a 2-megapixel camera that you find on older handsets. It does not only do image stills, but videos as well, delivering real-time video streams at the rate of 10 frames a second. It is said that with this kind of technology, the military is capable of tracking people and vehicles from altitudes above 20,000 feet (6.1km) across nearly 65 square miles (168 sq km).

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LG 3D Ultra Definition TV is world’s largest » Reviews

LG 3D Ultra Definition TV is world’s largest

Having a (positive) superlative describing your product is definitely something that most, if not all, hardware manufacturers would love to experience. LG Electronics steps up to the plate, full of confidence, that their 3D Ultra Definition (UD) TV is the largest in the world. Of course, you can tell by the name alone that Ultra Definition is far better than High Definition, so I cannot wait to see just what kind of images my eyes will be greeted with at CES 2012 that is happening in less than a fortnight’s time in Las Vegas.

Basically, this unique display will debut at CES 2012 next year, where it will sport 84″ of viewing goodness, while ensuring it breaks new ground where immersive 3D home entertainment is concerned. To put it in the words of Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company, “LG is pushing the limits of home entertainment innovation with this 3D UD TV. We are bringing together all our Smart TV and 3D knowledge in the 3D UD TV in order to demonstrate to the CES audience that LG is committed to being the world’s leading brand for immersive home entertainment in 2012 and beyond.”

Just what can you expect LG’s 3D UD TV to deliver to your eyes? For starters, superb picture quality is a given, thanks to a cool 8 million pixels that is actually four times the resolution clarity (3840 x 2160 pixels) of current Full HD TV panels. Of course, at such a high resolution, popping in your Blu-ray disc is of no use since it would probably occupy just a small space on the display, and when you blow it up, it will just end up as a jagged copy. Guess this is one of the few times where hardware has outpaced “software” (in this case), so we will have to wait and see just what kind of imagery magic comes our way down the road.

When you merge that with LG’s Slim and Narrow Bezel Design, the 3D UD TV is said to deliver the ultimate in 3D viewing experience that is available anywhere – save for the movie theater, of course. Not only that, with 3D Depth Control, you are able to customize your viewing experience through the control of the 3D effect while 3D Sound Zooming will offer users 3D sound which rivals the output of most of the other home theater systems.

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ZVOX expands Z-Base sound bar range » Reviews

ZVOX expands Z-Base sound bar range

ZVOX has taken a look at their Z-Base sound bar range, and decided that the time is ripe to expand this particular family. After all, sound matters if you were to marry it with explosive action on the big screen, giving you a glimpse of what you can experience at the cinema. I am not saying that it is uncool to watch movies at home – I’m all for it, since you need not deal with any incoming phone calls without silent mode being turned on, and you can always make your way to the loo by pausing the movie so that you do not miss a single bit.

Having said that, you might be interested with what ZVOX has done with their latest Z-Base sound bar family, introducing high performance surround sound systems which are comfortably placed under the TV set without the need for external speakers or a subwoofer.

The Z-Base sound bars were specially designed that they would look right at home under your flat screen TV – too bad if you are still rocking to those old school, chunky CRTs though. These new devices will comprise of three models – where they are priced at $199.99, $249.99 and $299.99, respectively, and in essence, turning them into the most affordable Z-Base systems to date. Of course, being cheap does not mean that ZVOX has decided to lower their strict and stringent standards for sound quality, as each system regardless of price will use high quality speakers and amplifiers, wood (MDF) cabinets and ZVOX’s proprietary PhaseCue II virtual surround sound system.

The Z-Base 220 is roughly the size of a DVD player, where it can fill a room with 3D sound while delivering excellent bass without the need for external speakers, subwoofers or speaker wires. As for the Z-Base 320, this puppy measures a mere 24″ wide and 11.5″ deep, letting it slink in nicely at just about anywhere. As for the $299.99 Z-Base 420, it is large enough to support TVs up to 55″ in size, where it will work great as the optimal audio solution to any self-respecting home theater system. Any takers?

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Review » Sennheiser to rock CES 2012 with IE 60 and IE 80 earphones

Audio specialist Sennheiser is preparing themselves to roll out the IE 60 and IE 80 professional earphones at CES in January next year, so those of us who will be making a beeline for the largest consumer electronics show on earth might want to drop by and take a closer look at what Sennheiser will deliver then. These models were specially developed while taking advantage of Sennheiser’s vast experience in the professional music sector, where it is said that they will deliver an audio quality precision which is more or less unrivalled in the portable segment.

To put it in a nutshell, both the IE 60 and IE 80 ear-canal phones will target music enthusiasts who want nothing but the best possible audio quality. They will feature an even more innovative design after taking into consideration the positive feedback from Sennheiser’s customers, and to prove a point, the ear-canal phones will rely on dynamic transducers which will cover the whole frequency range with but a single system. This ensures that distortion of any sort will remain at a minimum, even at high sound pressure levels.

Also, the design and accompanying ear adaptor accessories allow for the best possible attenuation. The high end IE 80 model is capable of achieving a noise attenuation of up to 26 dB, where both earphones will see action for monitoring purposes, making it the ideal companion for MP3 players, portable media players and smartphones. As for the IE 60, this particular model will deliver high-resolution sound with excellent bass reproduction, being positively skewed towards modern pop and rock music by boasting impressive precision and high-resolution bass reproduction. Capable of passive noise attenuation of up to 20 dB, coupled with a frequency response of 10 to 18,000 Hz, the IE 60 will boast of luxurious brass accents which contrast the matte-black finish of the earphones. Thanks to a rugged housing and cabling, it is suitable for even the most demanding situations.

Back to the IE 80 – this earphones will include a unique sound tuning function, where the miniature rotating control lets you increase or reduce the bass response as required. This translates to a lifelike, detailed sound and features a frequency response of 10 to 20,000 Hz with a passive noise attenuation of up to 26dB. Any takers?

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Review » Quneo Music Software/Hardware Pad Controller

What do an aspiring DJ, VJ, DIY hacker and electronic musicians have in common? Well, assuming this Kickstarter project actually takes off in a big way, then there you have the answer – the Quneo Music Software/Hardware Pad Controller. Keith McMillen Instruments (KMI) recently announced that the QuNeo 3D Multi-Touch Controller will soon be the leading light for next generation music software and hardware controllers.

What makes the Quneo so special? Well, “3D Multi-Touch” technology translates to it being able to cater for pressure, velocity and location, swipes and pinching support. Pronounced kyoo-ne-oh, this controller will cover all the functionality of the rest, while introducing additional power of extra dimensions. The Quneo will bring to the table a cool 27 pads, sliders and rotary sensors with 3D Multi-Touch recognition for pressure, velocity, and location sensitivity, letting musicians play electronic sounds and alter their timbre (quality, brightness and volume) through the application of pressure. I suppose this would take some practice and getting used to before you know just the right amount of pressure to apply.

Compared to first generation devices, controlling music software and hardware were limited. You had very few choices, including hitting a pad, twisting a knob, or pushing a button in order to manipulate sounds and effects. KMI has put to bed all of these restrictions, thanks to an innovative next generation range of Multi-Touch controllers, where they are the SoftStep, 12 Step, and now Quneo. Quneo basically transforms musical intent into audio through physical control of 3D Multi-touch sensor technology.

Specially constructed with portability in mind, it will fit in iPad accessories and cases, ranging from clips, stands and more, thanks to the form factor which it comes in. This more or less saves you money in the long run as well for iPad owners, since your accessories and protective cases would do their job well to make sure they cling onto the Quneo just as good. There is a remarkable LED Light Feedback lumination scheme which will merge variably diffusive elastomers with 251 multi-color LEDs for visual feedback.

When can you get your hands on the Quneo? It will be available this coming March 2012, and has been slapped with a $200 pre-sale price tag.

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Review » LG to unveil IPS monitor range at CES 2012

LG Electronics, or LG for short, has stepped forward to announce that they will be introducing their 2012 IPS monitor line-up at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next January. LG’s booth has always been very impressive, with plenty of super slim TVs lining up the walls, visually enticing anyone who walks by in the previous years when I attended CES. Well, I do expect to see even more impressive scenes in a couple of weeks’ time, where LG’s new IPS monitors are said to deliver consumers with the most optimal 3D viewing solution.

If you are in the market for an immersive 3D viewing experience at higher resolutions from wider viewing angles, then I am quite sure that LG executives and salespeople would swarm all over you, as you mull over whether to bring home the DM92, DM82 or DM52 series. Oh yeah, not to forget, there is also the issue of the D43 3D monitor for you to consider.

Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG Home Entertainment Company says, “The quality and technological superiority of LG’s 3D display products are second to none, according to the findings of internationally renowned research organizations and respected media outlets. The 2011 IPS monitor line-up shows LG’s commitment to further build upon on this reputation and technological prowess in order to provide consumers with the most immersive home entertainment experience possible.”

The DM92 series will boast of a premium design that uses the slim bezel found in LG’s other technology, where this particular range sports a design-driven CINEMA SCREEN whose aesthetic superiority will be accompanied by the lustrous chrome stand. With 27″ of viewing goodness, you will be able to check out files on your computer, play games, or watch your TV shows and Korean dramas on this without missing a beat. Not only that, the DM92 series has also been specially optimized for you to enjoy exciting 3D content. The use of an IPS panel will see the DM92 series deliver greater depth, consistent color and brightness at wider viewing angles compared with conventional 3D displays.

Expect the new 2012 IPS monitor range to hit global markets from February next year onwards – hmmm, do you think that this could very well be a Valentine’s Day gift for geeks?

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Review » Samsung CES 2012 trailer teases possible Android-controlled TVs

Samsung loves to tease us with videos of what’s coming. Some of you might remember that video of the transparent tablet, but the video after the jump has technology that Samsung actually will produce. (Not that they aren’t ever going to produce a transparent tablet, but I don’t see that invisible marvel coming anytime in 2012.)

As you can see, the video is pretty vague as far as what is actually coming to CES from the electronics giant, but it would appear that it is “what’s next”. From what it looks like, it could be an Android controlled TV that uses a smartphone or a tablet.

On a related note, Sony has recently announced what is coming from their company for CES 2012. They are sending e-vites for the marriage of television and the Internet, and it looks like they are eloping, Vegas style. Perhaps this is an Internet connected TV like no other.

So, are Internet and mobile connected televisions going to be the “big thing” of CES 2012, like Android tablets were at CES 2011? Well, I’m going to Vegas in January, so I’ll check it out for myself. I think that both Sony and Samsung have invited me to their conferences, and perhaps now would be a good time to RSVP.

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Review » Archos 35 Home Connect unveiled

Archos intends to further push the envelope when it comes to technological boundaries as well as innovation with the introduction of their latest device, the Archos 35 Home Connect. This is an Android-powered web radio that was specially designed for the home user. Touted to be the most advanced Android-based web radio in the market (which makes perfect sense after all, since how many web radios that run on the Android OS do you see hanging around store shelves, virtual or otherwise?), the Archos 35 Home Connect is perfectly sized to deliver streaming radio and music anywhere at home, ranging from the bedroom to the kitchen, bathroom or kids room.

Being diminutive in size certainly makes it a whole lot easier to tote around, and the Archos 35 Home Connect will boast Wi-Fi connectivity as well as amazing audio quality, once again lending wisdom to the adage that one ought not to judge a book by its cover – and in this case, the audio quality by its size. Let us take a close look at what the Archos 35 Home Connect is able to deliver after the jump.

If you are one who hates being woken up by the traditional din of an alarm clock’s bells, or do not want to subject yourself to the random rants of the resident DJ at a local radio station, the Archos 35 Home Connect does feature progressive nature sounds to help you get out of the right side of the bed. Of course, the other alternative would be to be in complete control, using your MP3 playlist instead, but for those who prefer to take their chances, tuning in to your favorite web radio station might also be an option.

All it takes is a single click on the touchscreen display and you’re able to stream more than 50,000 web radio stations thanks to the pre-loaded TuneIn Radio Pro application. Apart from that, it doesn’t matter how different each day of the week is – as the alarm clock is highly customizable, you are able to set just about as many alarms as you could possibly want or need. Not only that, there are apps and widgets for you to play around with, let alone download, ranging from real time weather updates, traffic reports, sports news, social networking, movies, music, games and more.

A couple of embedded high definition stereo speakers ought to get the job done on behalf of your ears, and if you do not want to disturb anyone else in the vicinity, you can always don a pair of headphones. Expect to fork out $149 for the Archos 35 Home Connect if you’re interested.

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Review » GEAR4 takes to the skies with Angry Birds Tweeters

Is there no end to the Angry Birds franchise? Rovio’s executives must be laughing all the way to the bank, what with the super popular bird flinging game making its way across numerous platforms, while merchandise that feature these upset avians continue to sell like hot cakes, without a care and concern of which country you are living in. GEAR4 knows a good thing when they see one, and want to ride on the Angry Birds wave with the Angry Birds Tweeters.

These are not tweeters that you find in speaker systems, but rather, will be lightweight headphones that feature a flurry of Rovio’s popular game characters including the Red Bird, Black Bird, Blue Bird, Yellow Bird, and their eternally evil (yet cute looking) nemesis, the notorious Green Pig. Depending on which side of the pond you live on, the Angry Bird Tweeters will retail for $24.99 a pop, although those living across the Atlantic will have to fork out £19.99 for it instead.

It might look cute and all from the outside, but does it have what it takes on the inside to deliver the audio quality that you want? Perhaps, considering the Angry Bird Tweeters will feature a 9mm driver, allowing you to clearly hear the full range from cymbals to bass regardless of the track you’re listening to. I suppose it will not matter all that much simply because those who want a pair of this would most probably use it most of the time listening to the in-game soundtrack and sound effects, and surely you do not need high end models to enjoy that experience.

GEAR4 brings in their expertise of audio products with the Angry Birds Tweeters by designing the headphones with a soft tip in order to completely seal the ear canal so that you will be able to enjoy a better music listening experience. You can choose from three sizes of earbuds – small, medium and large, so it ought to fit most folks’ ears without missing a beat.

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Review » iLuv iSM524 ArtStation Pro is first Galaxy Tab dock in the market

Yes, we all know what a lucrative market it can get for companies who cater for iDevice accessories, what with the phenomenal success of the iPod touch, iPhone and iPad, not to mention that there is no sight of the iDevice accessory market slowing down anytime soon. Well, what about folks who hail from the other side of the divide? The world does not comprise of just Apple devices, you know, and there are also other tablets out there such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab. iLuv must have decided to look at the “underdogs” and taken pity, hence the iSM524 ArtStation Pro, which is touted to be the first audio docking station for Samsung’s range of Galaxy Tab tablets.

Touting a combination of superior aesthetic design with cinematic sound quality, the iSM524 ArtStation Pro is said to be able to heighten your Samsung Galaxy Tab experience, where it intends to transform your tablet into a home entertainment center which lets you easily and comfortably enjoy music, movies, and TV shows among others.

According to Pia Chon, marketing director at iLuv, “At iLuv, we continually strive to anticipate and deliver the most comprehensive range of feature-rich solutions for every facet of the mobile lifestyle. We are proud of our partnership with Samsung, and of the fact that we are the first and only company to offer an audio dock for the GALAXY Tab series. The ArtStation Pro for GALAXY Tab is truly a testament to iLuv’s design and engineering prowess and enhances the Samsung GALAXY Tab beautifully.”

The ArtStation Pro will hopefully be able to fit into just about any living room without looking out of place, all you need to do is place your Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet in the ArtStation Pro, and let the rich, bold jAura acoustics wash over your ears. There is the articulating arm which can rotate for portrait or landscape viewing options, not to mention the fact that it can tilt itself accordingly for maximum viewing comfort with your Galaxy Tab 10.1/8.9.

Nice to know that a remote control has also been bundled into the entire shebang, letting you skip through audio and video tracks and ensure that volume control is always at the tip of your fingertips without missing a beat. To make sure you never run into situations where you lose your remote control ever again, this compact remote can be stored magnetically against the back of the system. Expect to fork out $149.99 for the iLuv ArtStation Pro.

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Review » NYRIUS NAEB500 noise isolating earphones

When it comes to listening to your favorite musical tracks, it can be quite a personal affair. Some folks feel that their prefer those gaudy looking, over the ear headphones, while others prefer diminutive earbuds that are more in line with their character and personality. It really depends at the end of the day, on your budget as well as listening habits, but one thing’s for sure – if you want to retreat into an aural oasis without having anything else disturbing you from the outside, you might want to check out the NYRIUS NAEB500 noise isolating earphones instead.

After all, isolating outside noise is always the first step to making sure that you hear the musical track or song the way the artist originally wanted you to – sans distractions from the outside world. Not only that, it might even help you sleep better especially when you’re tuning in to a relaxing track while you’re on a plane or a bus, as the rumbling of the engine from the outside will be unable to jar you awake suddenly. Let us take a look at what the NYRIUS NAEB500 noise isolating earphones will be able to offer right after the jump.

More often than not, earphones do offer convenience and portability, but too often the tradeoff is diminished sound quality – not so with the NYRIUS NAEB500 noise isolating earphones though, where it was specially designed by NYRIUS to eliminate sound degradation, resulting in an enhanced audio experience thanks to an outstanding speaker design. According to Deepak Jain, Managing Director of CWD, “With these earphones you will hear every nuance of every instrument. The enriched deep bass accompanies crystal clear highs and a warm midrange resulting in optimal full-range sound.”

Only premium components will make their way to the Nyrius NAEB500 Earphones so that your ears can experience a wider frequency response and the highest-quality audio reproduction. With a solid metal housing that will do their bit in amplifying the sound of the earphone speaker which will further prevent vibrations and distortion, this means you get to enjoy a greater listening experience. The NYRIUS NAEB500 earpiece was specially designed to come with a 45-degree angle in order to focus on delivering pure sound to the eardrum.

Interestingly enough, the NYRIUS NAEB500 Earphones isn’t going to bust a hole in your pockets either, considering how it retails for just $29.99 per pair.

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Review » Still looking for that perfect Christmas gift? Think HDMI cable.

Now that the holiday season is in full swing, you might be wondering what could be the perfect gift for the holiday. May I be the one to suggest practicality, and give something that every smartphone user should have?

Yes, I am talking about the gifts of the HDMI (that is a play-on of Gifts of the Magi, in case you didn’t get it). After all, practically every phone has one of those micro-HDMI ports, but I wonder how many people really use it.

If you are looking for a micro-HDMI to HDMI cable, I would like to suggest what Griffin has to offer. If you head over to their website, you can pick up a Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable for about $29.99.

I got a chance to try it out, and I will have to say that I like having the ability to put pictures and video from my phone on my HDTV. The biggest problem is that it seems that the photos and videos don’t seem to be formatted correctly. Something always cuts it off. Can someone make it so it is a smooth transition?

Feel free to leave a comment if you know the answer to my aforementioned dilemma. In the meantime, I hope I have given someone an idea for the holidays.

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Review » Griffin’s Beacon comes to Android

For those who are looking for a Universal Remote, and have an Android smartphone, your prayers have been answered.

Okay, you probably should pray for bigger things than a universal remote for your Android smartphone, but Griffin still has the answer with the Beacon. The Beacon was very popular for iOS, and the Android shift is welcome.

The Beacon is designed to be completely wireless. It doesn’t even need to be plugged in at all, and requires 4 AA batteries for operation. The user syncs their phone via Bluetooth, and then downloads Dijit’s universal remote app to pair with their TV, DVD, Blu-ray, DVR, cable box, and stereo. The Dijit app also comes with an integrated program guide for a touchscreen device for changing channels, volumes, input, as well as setting a DVR.

It really does make it easier, as the other day I was looking for my remote control. I lose my remotes all the time, but I hardly lose my phone. If I lose it at home, I just go to a site like icantfindmyphone.com. Oh, and it is good to have one remote for everything as well.

You should be able to get the Beacon for Android on the Griffin website for about $69.99. It is compatible with Android phones, tablets, or MP3 players running version 2.3.3 or higher.

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Review » SteelSeries Siberia V2 Gaming Headset

We have reviewed a lot of quality gaming headsets here at coolest-gadgets, and Steel Series puts out quite a lot of quality gaming accessories. I got a chance to try out the Siberia, version 2, or Siberia V2.

The sound of the headphones are excellent, with 50mm drivers for some terrific tones and deep bass beats. This is because of the passive noise reduction with its leather padded cushions made for sound dampening. One of the best features of the Siberia V2 is the pull-out microphone, and it doesn’t just pull out like a radio antenna. No, this can pull out, and bend at angles. This might be worth buying just for that.

Another feature that I really liked was the adjustable headband for a very comfortable fit. A lot of these padded headphones tend to be burdensome on the head and ears after a few hours, but these feel very natural. I also liked the in-line volume control located on the headset cord, and this control has a large switch for turning the microphone on and off.

You should be able to purchase the Siberia V2 at the Steel Series site for about $89.99. They come in many colors including black, orange, green, red, white, and blue. There is also a special black and gold edition for about $99.99.

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Review » Logitech Mini Boombox: Big noise, small size

I just finished reviewing Logitech’s Wireless Boombox for the iPad, and I am grateful that the company was also willing to send me the Mini Boombox that was recently unveiled.

The company says that the Mini Boombox can “unchain your music”, and I will have to agree. It is quite easy to pair with a smartphone, and I was listening to my music without headphones in seconds.

The sound from the thing is pretty amazing for something disproportionate to its size, and my first listen provoked me to turn down the volume right away. The buttons on the top are backlit touch panel which allow them to be used in the dark as well as the light.

My only complaint is that the official site says that you can take it with you, and it shows it being put in the side pocket of a purse. It actually is a few inches thick on either side, so you will need a thick pocket.

As for the battery life, it is good for about 10 hours worth of music. Of course, you might not want to just listen to music, and this particular device is good for taking phone calls or the audio portion of video chats.

You should be able to get the Logitech Mini Boombox for about $99.99 on the official website.

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Review » Behringer iNuke Boom might be loudest iDevice dock yet

I know that I have mentioned this before, that iPod/iPhone/iPad docks are dime a dozen – but just how loud can such devices get? If you are renting an apartment and want to irritate the rest of your owner’s neighbors, or just want to make a plain nuisance of yourself, then you would do well to consider the iNuke Boom from Behringer. The name of this particular iDevice dock is rather obvious, it will deliver audio levels and quality that, in street parlance, “is the bomb.” The big question is this, just how much more explosive can it get?

The name Behringer might give you a clue, being an award-winning innovator of affordable professional audio and music equipment. In order to celebrate the launch of 50 new consumer audio products, Behringer’s iNuke Boom is proud to be the loudest iPad, iPod and iPhone dock that anyone and everyone would have ever come across at CES next year in Las Vegas – which incidentally, is only a month away.

As with anything and everything in life, there is a price to pay, and this particular one will actually make your banker cry to the tune of $29,999.99. I guess it also makes perfect sense, considering you would need to pay such a behemoth of a price tag for monster sound, not to mention the fact that this puppy is really, really huge, as it measures 8 feet wide and 4 feet in height, tipping the scales at more than 700 pounds (try tipping that over!), pumping out more than 10,000 Watts of power.

There will be a quartet of distinct product lines that will be marketed under the EUROSOUND name, where the Home line delivers a professional, live concert sound from the stage into the comfort of your home, EUROSOUND Live products will have their work cut out for them to amplify your sound, EUROSOUND Portable products deliver a mobile audio experience that is anytime, anywhere, and last but not least, the Creation line lets you show the world that you need not be a professional musician in order to churn out great music. Value for money would be the commitment here, although I am not sure who would drop such an amount of serious coin for the iNuke Boom.

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Review » Electronic Rock Guitar Bag

You might not be Joe Satriani or Santana, but that does not mean you cannot express yourself using a guitar, can you? Since technology has clearly advanced by leaps and bounds these days, it makes perfect sense for the guitar to be transported onto a totally unexpected item – that of a tote bag. Hence, ThinkGeek presents the $49.99 Electronic Rock Guitar Bag.

The name of the bag gives the game away – you can basically crank out your favorite rock tunes and guitar riffs with this without needing much skill. After all, all the major chords are recorded from an actual electric guitar, where all you need to do is strum your thumb across the fingerboard and you’re good to go. There is also a mini amp that brings the volume level up by several notches, while the tone knob lets you adjust the sound just like the real thing.

Every button on the neck is a major chord, so without much skill, you will definitely be able to play some classic tunes while impressing those around you. Powered by four AAA batteries, this is one bag that we would not put into the washer or dryer unless you want it to remain silent – forever.

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Review » iHome NB639 Fitness evolved headphones

For some reason, I seem to be encountering a theme when I am reporting headphones, as I seem to be reviewing ones designed for an active crowd. Yesterday, it was the Jabra SPORT, today it is the iHome NB (New Balance) 639.

As you can see in the picture, the headphones have something else attached to them besides the iPod nano. The unit that you see there is able to detect your heart rate in your thumb at a touch of a button. It will then speak that information in your ear through the headphones, and save it.

The unit also has a button to start a workout, and this clip-on unit functions as a pedometer and data recorder. The user can then attach the unit to the USB dongle to charge it and the information off the unit can be graphed.

During exercise, the user can get real-time voice-over feedback on a heart rate, caloric burn, steps taken, as well as distance. It can do this while you are listening to your tunes on a mobile device.

In short, the iHome NB639 is essentially an audio exercise kit. I got a chance to try it out for myself, and I will recommend it if you like tunes and exercise at the same time. You should be able to get it on the iHome web site for a price of $99.99.

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