Archive for the ‘Audio’ Category

New smartphone headphones: Sony XBA-1VP and XBA-2VP

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

Sony has introduced today two new Balanced Armature (BA) headphones with remote control for smartphones. The XBA-1VP and XBA-2VP headphones will be available in Asia Pacific from May 2012. Prices will be released later.

Sony XBA-2VP headphones with woofer and magnesium inner housing.

Sony XBA-2VP headphones with woofer and magnesium inner housing.

The two new headphones are the latest additions to the popular XBA series that was launched in September last year.

Sony XBA headphones will be available in May 2012.The two new headphones, XBA-1VP and XBA-2VP, feature micro-sized BA units that produce crystal clear sound reproduction and quality across the range of frequencies, giving audiophiles a more enjoyable listening experience while not compromising on comfort and mobility.

Sony XBA-1VP headphones uses Liquid Crystal Polymer.

Sony XBA-1VP headphones uses Liquid Crystal Polymer.

The XBA-1VP contains one full range driver unit, whereas the XBA-2VP has a woofer added into the mix to deliver high sensitive accurate frequencies with a rich bass, making vocals clearer for the discerning listener.

Both headphones were designed to block off acoustic sound to reduce ambient noise and sound leakage by utilising a doubled layered housing casing.

The XBA-1VP uses Liquid Crystal Polymer and the XBA-2VP possesses a magnesium inner housing to ensure a smooth surround sound with a clear and distinct mid-high range.

The special ABS material used for the outer housing in both headphones prevents any unwanted distortions and vibrations.

New Android smartphones: HTC One X and HTC One V

Friday, March 30th, 2012

HTC has launched its One series of smartphones in Singapore. The HTC One X (S$898 without contract) and HTC One V (S$398) will be available in Singapore and the countries around the world from next Monday, 2 April 2012.

The HTC One X handset is available in Polar White and Glamour Grey, while the HTC One V comes in the colour of Jupiter Rock.

The HTC One X handset is available in Polar White and Glamour Grey, while the HTC One V comes in the colour of Jupiter Rock.

At the media launch in Marina Bay Sands Hall A today, HTC showed off the new Android 4.0 (ICS, with HTC Sense 4) smartphones, which boast a superb camera, Beats Audio and greater connectivity.

The HTC One X has a 4.7-inch, 720p HD screen made of Corning Gorilla Glass, while the One V has a 3.7-inch, 480×800 WVGA screen.

The key tech specs can be found here.

Authentic Sound

Beats By Dr. Dre Audio is integrated into the HTC One smartphones for all sound experiences from listening to music to watching YouTube videos or playing games.

HTC’s included Sync Manager software, available in Windows and Mac versions, makes it a breeze to transfer songs, artists and playlists from your music library, whether it is iTunes or Windows Media Player. The syncing can take place wirelessly as well.

Camera
Side views of the HTC One X and V.

HTC One X and HTC One V

With fast autofocus in 0.2 seconds, the camera can take a snapshot in 0.7 seconds.

Simply hold down the shutter button to take up to 99 consecutive shots at 4 frames per second on the HTC One X (HTC One V takes 2 fps to 99 shots).

An f/2.0 lens allows the HTC One X to take pictures in low-light, while HDR technology enables photos in harsh lighting conditions to turn out well.

While shooting HD video, simply press the shutter button to capture a high-resolution still photo without disrupting the video recording. The same can be done while viewing a previously recorded video.

HTC One X will also be available in select 4G LTE markets with a LTE-enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with up to 1.5GHz dual-core CPU’s.

HTC One X will also be available in select 4G LTE markets with a LTE-enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with a 1.5GHz dual-core CPU.

Dropbox integration

To save recorded photos and videos, or any other documents, Dropbox has been integrated with HTC Sense 4 in the HTC One, whose users get 25 gigabytes of free Dropbox space for two years.

Dropbox cloud storage, together with the cloud synchronisation provided by Google via the Android OS has resulted in the recent retirement of HTCsense.com cloud backup services.

Personal entertainment hub

Apart from using the smartphone to make calls, take and view photos or video, enjoy music, surf the web, and play games; HTC is trying to extend the consumption of HTC’s content and media beyond just the smartphone’s screen.

I can see that HTC is positioning the One X as the hub of the modern consumer’s digital lifestyle.

HTC Media Link

If you’re in the living room, you can “throw” the display on your smartphone onto your HDTV with an upward swipe on the smartphone’s screen using three fingers – as long as there is a Wi-Fi network in the vicinity and your TV has an HDMI input which is connected to the HTC Media Link.

The HTC One X is a highly desirable smartphone in a chic package.

The HTC One X is a highly desirable smartphone in a chic package.

The Media Link is a black box the size of a name card box that has a USB power socket and an HDMI socket.The mirrored display is transmitted over the Wi-Fi network to the Media Link. The TV doesn’t have to be DNLA enabled – all it needs is an HDMI input.

For watching movies, the video can be viewed while the smartphone itself is used for other purposes.

HTC Car Stereo Clip

And if you’re in the car, the music or call audio can be channeled into the car’s speakers. Simply plug the HTC Car Stereo Clip into the car stereo’s auxiliary socket. The Car Stereo Clip receives the sound signals from smartphone and pumps it into the car’s sound system.

With a phone holder that can be attached to the windscreen (via a suction attachment), the smartphone can be put into “car” mode.

Only the essential functionalities typically needed in the car are displayed on the smartphone screen, such as Calls, Music, and navigation – with big icons to make it easier to control while driving.

The Media Link, Car Stereo Clip and the car kit are sold separately.

New voice recorders: Olympus VN-711PC and VN-712PC

Sunday, March 18th, 2012

The VN-711PC (S$98) and VN-712PC (S$128) from Olympus are now available. These new entry-level recorders come with a built-in stand and 2GB of internal memory.

The new Olympus VN-711PC (S$98) and VN-712PC (S$128) voice recorders are available now.

The new Olympus VN-711PC (S$98) and VN-712PC (S$128) voice recorders are available now.

Olympus VN-711PC

Olympus VN-711PC

The Olympus VN-711PC and VN-712PC are simple to operate and allows beginners and students to record messages, notes and conversations.

Large buttons make the recorders easy to operate, and the adjustable font size on the LCD means that all information is clearly seen on the screen.

Up to 99 index marks can be set to flag important places in individual recordings.

An integrated low noise microphone promises a high signal-to-noise ratio.

Files can be saved in WMA format.

The internal memory of 2GB enables up to 34 days of recording time. Up to 1,000 files can be stored across five folders.

Additional features of theVN-712PC

Olympus VN-712PC

Olympus VN-712PC

The VN-712PC has a microSD Card slot to extend storage capacity.

A new Calendar Search function has been added to help find files quickly and easily.

A dedicated file search button allows users to locate files by recording date.

In addition to WMA, recordings can be saved in MP3 format.

During playback, a Voice Filter improves the sound quality of human voice and variable playback speed control means users can make adjustments to suit their personal listening preferences.

The Scene Select function ensures optimal recordings through preset environmental settings that can be selected based upon surrounding conditions, and a low-cut filter can be invoked to further enhance recording quality.

Main features of the VN-711PC and VN-712PC are listed below.

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IT Show 2012 promotions: Sony

Friday, March 9th, 2012

Sony will be at the IT Show 2012 in Suntec Singapore almost every which way you look and on nearly every level of Suntec.

Check out Sony's promotions and deals at the IT Show 2011.

Check out Sony's promotions and deals at the IT Show 2011.

Lookout for deals and promotions for their Bravia TVs, digital photo frames, Home Entertainment Systems, personal music products like the Walkman, video and still cameras, tablets and Vaio notebooks and accessories such as power supplies, batteries and memory cards.

Digital photo frames and compact cameras

Digital photo frames and compact cameras

Videocams, DSLRs and MIL cameras

Videocams, DSLRs and MIL cameras

Tablets and Vaio notebooks

Tablets and Vaio notebooks

Personal music products

Personal music products

Bravia TVs and Home Theatre Systems

Bravia TVs and Home Theatre Systems

Power supply and memory cards

Power supply and memory cards

Click on the thumbnails above to view or download Sony’s promotion flyers for their different categories of products.

IT Show 2012 promotions: Olympus

Friday, March 9th, 2012

Have a photo taken with Felicia Chin at the IT Show 2012 in Suntec Singapore. And check out the hefty promotions and free gifts at Olympus’ booth at Level 4, Hall 404, Booth 8205.

Felicia Chin headlines Olympus booth at IT Show 2012.

Felicia Chin headlines Olympus booth at IT Show 2012.

Local actress and celebrity, Felicity Chin, will make an appearance at Olympus’ booth at the IT Show 2012 on Saturday 10 March from 3-5 pm.

She will have her photo taken together with the first 88 customers who had purchased an Olympus XZ-1 between 1 February and 10 March 2012.

These 88 customers will also redeem an exclusive Feli-XZ-1 mystery gift set.

The Olympus flyer for IT Show 2012 can be viewed or downloaded below.

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Gift ideas for a melodious Valentine’s Day

Sunday, February 5th, 2012

Planning to enjoy some romantic music during Valentine’s Day? Here are some gift ideas from a selection of stuff that I’ve covered in my blog previously.

Valentine's Day doodles by Suelyn Howe

Valentine's Day doodles by Suelyn Howe

First off, some doodles from Suelyn Howe that you can print out for use as your Valentine’s Day gift tag or card.

Bose OE2 (S$219) and OE2i (S$269) available in Singapore.

Bose OE2 (S$219) and OE2i (S$269) available in Singapore.

Now the audio gizmos. For improved depth and clarity, check out Bose’s new on-ear headphones, the OE2 (S$219) or OE2i (S$269), which deliver better audio performance than their predecessors and feature an updated look and stylish design.

Powered by BlackBerry 7, 10.5mm, NFCTo listen to music from a smartphone, check out the Pure White BlackBerry Bold 9900 (prices vary with Telcos), which is incredibly sexy and sleek.

With the unique white colour, she is sure to stand out in a crowd and always be looking for reasons to pull her phone out of her handbag.

Long evenings chatting on the phone to the boyfriend (that’s you) and BBM flirting (with you) will now be done in style!

For both listening to music and talking to you on the smartphone, check out the Bose Series 2 Bluetooth headset (S$249).

The headset assures conversations remain clear and natural – even in challenging environments, or when surrounding noise levels change suddenly.

Bose Bluetooth Headset Series 2 (S$249)

Bose Bluetooth Headset Series 2 (S$249)

For streaming music and movies, check out the Seagate GoFlex Satellite.

Seagate GoFlex Satellite 500 GB wireless mobile storageIt is the first battery-powered external hard drive to wirelessly extend the storage capacity of any Wi-Fi enabled device such as your Bold 9900, iPad or any other tablet and mobile device.

Couples can stream their favorite videos, music and pictures from their GoFlex Satellite (S$299) straight to their mobile device.

With 500GB (or 300 HD movies), the GoFlex Satellite allows you to connect up to three devices simultaneously.

What’s even better – if you are on a road trip or in a café and you have no internet connection, the Satellite will still work as it creates its own Wi–Fi network.

New Audio Headphones: Bose OE2 and OE2i

Monday, January 30th, 2012

Atlas Sound & Vision introduced Bose’s new OE2 (S$219) and OE2i (S$269) audio headphones in Singapore today.

Bose OE2 (S$219) and OE2i (S$269) available in Singapore.

Bose OE2 (S$219) and OE2i (S$269) available in Singapore.

The OE2 and OE2i headphones deliver better audio performance than their predecessors, and feature an updated look and design.

Bose OE2 (S$219) and OE2i (S$269) audio headphones available in Singapore todayMusic is reproduced with improved depth and clarity, and the new contoured styling creates a closer, more comfortable fit.

The Bose OE2 and OE2i audio headphones (which are not noise canceling) can be used with nearly any audio source.

They replace the current Bose on-ear headphones, and are now available in a choice of black or white.

Bose on-ear audio headphones OE2 and OE2i.The OE2i headphones come with an inline remote and microphone that lets owners interact with select Apple products, including the latest iPhone, iPod, iPad, MacBook, and MacBook Pro models.

Users can easily control volume, tracks, and voice applications – and switch between music and calls on an iPhone.

The OE2 headphones come with a standard audio cable.

Apart from the above differences, the OE2i and OE2 headphones are identical.

The OE2 and OE2i headphones feature an enhanced proprietary TriPort acoustic headphone structure.

With redesigned and newly tuned earcup ports, audio reproduction is more balanced and natural.

There is no manufactured “boost” across the frequency range; low notes are full and rich, and mid-high frequencies are smooth and clear.

Bose OE2 and OE2i audio headphones.The OE2 and OE2i headphones also feature a new design that’s smaller and lighter, with a slimmer profile.

The headphone’s ear cushions, made from memory foam, conform to the user and combine with a redesigned headband for a better, more comfortable fit.

Owners can listen for hours — commuting, working or playing — without the irritating pressure points caused by some conventional headphones.

The OE2 and OE2i headphones fold flat for easy storage and protection.  With a simple swivel of the earcups, they collapse neatly for carrying in their included case.

New online music service: rara.com

Saturday, January 21st, 2012

rara.com has just been launched for Singapore, Australia and Canada. It is an ad-free streaming music service that provides access to more than 10 million tracks at an introductory pricing of S$0.99 per month.

rara.com has been launched for Singapore, Australia and Canada.

rara.com has been launched for Singapore, Australia and Canada.

rara.com is currently live in 20 countries across Asia, Europe and the Americas.

The service was launched a month ago across the USA, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Denmark,Finland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and New Zealand.

rara.comrara.com’s global footprint is expected to double by the end of 2012.

Grammy award winning Imogen Heap has been named the first Associate Editor of rara.com, which has secured licensing from Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, EMI Music, Warner Music Group.

“Even if fans want to pay for the artists’ work legally it is often actually very difficult for various reasons. rara.com is a super easy service for everyone to use and I love the information on tracks and artists that rara.com gives you,” said Imogen Heap, Associate Editor on rara.com’s Music Advisory Board.Publishers and collection societies have also licensed the service internationally with Omnifone, whose MusicStation Platform powers rara.com.

HP will pre-load rara.com on HP PCs in Singapore, Australia and Canada.

The service is also available via an app on most Android mobile devices.

The new service was developed following an ICM Research (involving 1,000 adults) commissioned by rara.com which showed that at least 70% of consumers have not bought a digital music track in the past six months; and that 60% had never experienced any form of digital music.

rara.com hopes to attract this group of music consumers who have yet to convert to digital music, rather than wrestle away tech savvy music consumers already using existing online music stores such as Apple’s iTunes and Amazon’s Cloud Player.

rara.com is also available on Android devices via an App.

rara.com is also available on Android devices via an App.

A simple and beautiful user interface on a standard web browser removes the need to navigate or manage lists of digital media files.

rara.com also features a wide selection of curated music channels to suit the listerner’s mood.

Available at the touch of a button, the service makes playing music online as easy as switching on the radio or CDplayer.

rara.com users can also share music through Facebook and other social networks.

Pricing for rara.com

There are two tiers for the monthly pricing – one for basic online access and the other with added mobile access for Android smartphones.

For Singapore, Australia and Canada, there is an introductory pricing for the first three months of subscription.

Users are free to unsubscribe from the service at any time.

Refer to the table below for the details.

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New Bluetooth Headset: Bose Series 2

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

Bose has introduced the Bluetooth Headset Series 2. It is available in Singapore for S$249.

Bose Bluetooth Headset Series 2 (S$249)

Bose Bluetooth Headset Series 2 (S$249)

The Bose Bluetooth headset Series 2 assures conversations remain clear and natural – even in challenging environments, or when surrounding noise levels change suddenly.

The headset integrates Bose full-­range audio and A2DP, and comes in either right or left-ear versions.

The Bose Bluetooth headset Series 2 includes a proprietary dual microphone system to improve speech intelligibility beyond that of conventional Bluetooth headsets, rejecting background noise and tremendously reducing the audible effects of wind.

Bose proprietary signal processing further counteracts the unwanted sounds of a wide variety of places – gusty walkways, commuter rail platforms or airports.

To keep incoming voices clear, Bose TriPort acoustic structure and Bose Adaptive Audio Adjustment technology react automatically as noise levels change so that there’s no need to adjust volume settings or strain to hear a conversation.

The new internal antenna substantially reduces acoustic artifacts – the “pops,” “clicks” and “buzzes” familiar to Bluetooth headset owners – and minimises reception difficulty between the headset and a phone being carried in a pocket.

Compatibility

The Bose Bluetooth headset Series 2 is compatible with devices using the Bluetooth 2.1 (or earlier) specifications that support the Bluetooth hands-­free or A2DP profiles.

For consumers who want to maintain an active connection between their headset and two Bluetooth enabled devices, it includes multi-point functionality.

CES 2012 roundup: Sony gadgets for 2012

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

Here is a round-up of Sony’s electronic gadgets for 2012, as released during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2012 in Nevada, Las Vegas, USA.

Sony's line-up for 2012 as announced during CES 2012.

Sony's line-up for 2012 as announced during CES 2012.

The CES is a chance for consumers to get a glimpse of the gadgets lining up to hit the market in the near to mid-term future.

Sony’s line-up for 2012 includes the new Handycam range; the Cyber-shot W-Series and S-Series; the NWZ-Z1000 series (Sony’s first ever Walkman powered by Android); and a new line-up of BRAVIA  televisions.

Here’s a list of these new products.

Handycam

Sony HDR-PJ760VE Full HD Flash Memory camcorder

Sony HDR-PJ760VE Full HD Flash Memory camcorder
  1. HDR-TD20VE Double Full HD 3D Flash Memory camcorder
  2. HDR-PJ760VE Full HD Flash Memory camcorder

New camcorder accessories

  • RDP-CA1 Portable Speaker
  • HVL-LE1 Battery Video Light
  • VCT-MP1 ‘Multipod’
  • 22MB/s SDHC Class 10 media cards
  • World’s first Balanced Optical SteadyShot for even more stable images while walking/zooming (HDR-PJ760VE)
  • Increased built-in projector models led by the HDR-PJ760VE capable of displaying 100-inch screen size (diagonal)
  • The world’s smallest and lightest 3D Handycam® (HDR-TD20VE)
  • Clearer dialogue with Auto Wind Noise Reduction and Closer Voice (both models)
  • By Pixel Super Resolution processing for high-resolution still images and Extended Zoom (both models

Cyber-shot

Cyber-shot compact digital cameras

Cyber-shot compact digital cameras
1. W-Series

  • W670
  • W650
  • W630
  • W620
  • W610

2. S-Series

  • S5000
  • All-round images with new 360 Sweep Panorama
  • SteadyShot image stabilisation for clearer handheld shots
  • Intelligent Auto mode recognises up to 33 scene settings for great results automatically
  • Picture Effect modes for easy in-camera effects

Walkman

Sony Walkman NWZ-Z1000 series

Sony Walkman NWZ-Z1000 series
NWZ-Z1000 series
  • First ever Walkman® powered by Android™
  • Unique ergonomic body design
  • Features the new S-Master MX digital amplifier which greatly reduces noise and distortion level in your music
  • A new distinctive W.BUTTON allows one to launch the unique W.Control app; allowing one to explore their music collection in an intuitive manner
  • Available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities

BRAVIA

Sony BRAVIA TV

SonyBRAVIA EX650-series LED LCD HDTV
  1. HX855-series LED LCD HDTV with 3D
  2. HX750-series LED LCD HDTV with 3D
  3. EX650-series LED LCD HDTV
  • Two distinct series –the flagship HX and the mid-level EX
  • Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
  • Picture qualities further enhanced with Sony’s X-Reality PRO and X-Reality digital video processors
  • They are Skype™ embedded, where users can enjoy free widescreen Skype-to-Skype video calls. Users can also make voice calls while simultaneously watching TV.
  • Sony’s HX855 carries forward Sony’s distinctive Monolithic design incorporating Gorilla® Glass by Corning®, allowing for thinner, lighter and stronger screen material.
  • Complete with X-Reality PRO and Motionflow XR 960, the HX850 is a fully Internet-connected television with built-in 3D, delivering a premium viewing experience when on, and a stunning addition to home décor even when off.