Archive for the ‘Audio’ Category

Listening to the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker

Sunday, December 11th, 2011

Curious as to the performance of the newly launched Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker, I paid a visit to the Somerset showroom of Atlas Sound & Vision to try it out.

Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker @ 111 Somerset

Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker @ 111 Somerset

The Atlas showroom at 111 Somerset occupies two levels, with three sound rooms on the upper level. The shiny white sound rooms reminded me of the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. – minimalist with round corners and viewports that looked out onto the Somerset Road outside.

Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speakerThe first impression of the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker was how compact it was – less than two inches thick and about the size of a hard cover text book.

At 1.3 kg, it’s not exactly feather weight, but it’s definitely light enough to tote around to a party, a hotel room or even throw in the back of a car. The design is sleek and classy as well.

Setting up is straightforward. Open the cover and fold it backwards to become a stand – like the cover for the iPad 2. Closing the cover back automatically turns off the speaker.
Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speakerTo connect, simply turn on Bluetooth on the mobile device – be it a smartphone, tablet or laptop – and press a button on the speaker. The two devices hook up automatically and gives you a beep.

Sleek and classy design

Sleek and classy design

Simply play the song on the mobile device. You can control the volume from the mobile device itself.

Sound wise, the quality was surprisingly impressive, considering I had reservations about the degradation that the Bluetooth connection would impose.

Mid-range and treble was excellent, although the bass could be stronger. But considering how small the speaker was, the bass performance was already pretty impressive.

Placing the speaker against the wall improves the bass somewhat – 3 dB according to the sales staff.

And if you don’t need the wireless connectivity, you can bypass the Bluetooth degradation by connecting an audio cable from the source to the speaker.

Bring the SoundLink to the beach as a boom box!

Bring the SoundLink to the beach as a boom box!

As with other Bose audio products, the SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker does not come cheap, but its price tag reflects the confidence that Bose has in its audio products.

Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker at S$549 and S$639 for the standard and premium versions.

The standard speaker is priced at S$549 while the LX model, with premium trim level and leather cover, sets you back by S$639.

Accessory covers in nylon (bright red or royal purple) and leather (burgundy or tan) are available separately for S$59 and S$99, respectively.

New smartphones: Nokia Lumia 800 and 710

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

The first Nokia smartphones based on Windows Phone debut in Singapore. Lumia 800 (S$775 excl GST) will be available in Singapore this Saturday on 10 Decmeber 2011. Lumia 710 (S$505 excl GST) will arrive shortly.

Nokia Lumia 800, Windows Phone 7, S$775 before GST

Nokia Lumia 800, Windows Phone 7, S$775 before GST

Nokia Lumia 710, Windows Phone 7, S$505 before GST

Nokia Lumia 710, Windows Phone 7, S$505 before GST

Nokia kicks off Christmas vigil with a new beginning – the Nokia Lumia 800 promises consumers the best integrated social experience and fast Internet browsing, bringing content to life for the consumer.
Nokia Lumia 800 comes in vivid colours

Nokia Lumia 800 comes in vivid colours

Judging from my hands-on with the sleek looking gadget so far, it has every chance of fulfilling that promise.

From the few Windows Phone 7 smartphones available thus far, the Lumia 800 seems to deliver the best Windows Phone experience on the market.

The Lumia 800 comes with in vivid colours and is housed in a sleek, polycarbonate body with a 3.7 inch AMOLED ClearBlack curved display.

Containing Carl Zeiss optics, it offers users  an instant-share camera experience and HD video playback, and the best social and Internet performance, with one-touch access to social networks.

Here are the main tech specs for the Nokia Lumia 800.

Nokia Lumia 710 comes with interchangeable covers

Nokia Lumia 710 comes with interchangeable covers

For those looking for a more fun and personal device, the Lumia 710 comes with colorful changeable covers and is more affordable.

Here are the main tech specs for the Nokia Lumia 710.

Both models include signature Nokia experiences optimised for Windows Phone, including Nokia Drive, Nokia Maps and Nokia Music.

Nokia has also introduced the on-ear Nokia Purity HD Stereo Headset and the in-ear Nokia Purity Stereo Headset by Monster, intended to shoe-in a range of premium audio accessories to complement the Nokia Lumia range of smartphones.

New audio speaker: Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

A compact Bluetooth speaker that combines audio performance, mobility and durability. Prices from S$549.

Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker audio

Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker audio

Atlas Sound & Vision launched in Singapore today the SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker – a portable speaker that connects wirelessly to any Bluetooth-enabled device – such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

Bose audio products

Weighing only 1.3kg, this is Bose’s first wireless mobile speaker and allows users that already own Bluetooth-enabled devices like the iPhone, iPad and Android phones to listen to the thousands of songs stored on those devices.

 S$639 for the LX model, with a premium trim level and a dark brown leather cover.

S$639 for the LX model, with a premium trim level and a dark brown leather cover.

Proprietary speaker technology from Bose promises to deliver exceptional sound quality that reproduces full-range audio from a single-hand-held enclosure.

At less than two inches thick, and similar in size to a hard-cover text book, the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker can easily fit in a bag, backpack or briefcase.

Similar to the iPad cover, the cover of the Bose SoundLink Wireless speaker unfolds into a stand – and the speaker is ready to groove. Close the cover and the speaker automatically shuts off.

The SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker looks at home, whether in the living room, in the office or at the beach.

The SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker looks at home, whether in the living room, in the office or at the beach.

The rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts three hours at maximum volume, and more than eight hours at typical listening levels.

As a mobile speaker for road warriors, the speaker is built to withstand the rigours of daily use. Bose environmental labs has tested the speaker to resist salt-fog, sand, wind and moisture. So you can bring it to the beach as a boom box.

With end-caps made from automotive-grade chrome, the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker can survive being dropped repeatedly.

Accessory covers in nylon (bright red or royal purple) and leather (burgundy or tan) are available separately for S$59 and S$99, respectively.

Accessory covers in nylon (bright red or royal purple) and leather (burgundy or tan) are available separately for S$59 and S$99, respectively.

The SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker comes with a standard trim level and a dark gray Cordura nylon cover for S$549.

For a more classy touch, check out the LX model, with a premium trim level and a dark brown leather cover for S$639.

The SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker can be purchased from selected partners and the Atlas Experience Audio Visual Boutique @ TripleOne Somerset, and Bose @ Millenia Walk.

Update: I visited the Altlas showroom at 111 Somerset to try out the SoundLink. Read about the experience here.

SITEX 2011 price lists: Nubox Apple products & accessories

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

For SITEX 2011 (24-27 November) tomorrow, check out the offers from Nubox at Booth 6D30 and 6E30 in Hall 6 of the Singapore EXPO.

Up to 70% discount on an extensive range of accessories

Up to 70% discount on an extensive range of accessories

Receive deals worth up to $495 for purchases of any iMac, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro or iPod.

Special deals worth up to $495 when purchasing any iMac, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro or iPod

Deals up to $495 for Apple products

Nubox is offering up to 70% discount on an extensive range of accessories, from powerful speakers and docks for Apple gadgets, to the latest iPhone and iPad cases.

There are also spin consoles that allow you to mix, scratch and play music at your fingertips like a DJ.

Consumers can also participate in Nubox’s early Christmas dip to win an iPod touch and other awesome prizes.

SITEX 2011 promotions: Bose audio products

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

Atlas Sound & Vision will be offering promotional discounts for many Bose audio products during SITEX 2011 from 24-27 November, 2011.

Head for the Bose@Orangecomm booth (5J42) in Hall 5 at the Singapore EXPO.

Discounted products include speakers, headphones and sound systems for docking portable music players.

Bose SoundDock Portable S$579Bose SoundDock PortableUsual: S$749
SITEX: S$579
Re-engineered for portability. Delivers all the performance of the acclaimed SoundDock digital music system – with the added convenience of portability.Slim design. Powerful performance. Proprietary waveguide speaker technology and powerful neodymium speakers – engineered specifically for the SoundDock Portable digital music system – enable a smaller, slimmer profilewhile delivering the kind of performance you’d expect from Bose.Rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides more power and longer playtime than other types of rechargeable batteries, for hours of listening enjoyment.
Bose SoundDock 10 S$999Bose SoundDock 10Usual: S$1,249
SITEX: S$999
Advanced engineering and new technologies. New version of Bose proprietary waveguide technology and a newly designed Bose woofer to deliver four times the efficiency of a conventional woofer.Dock-and-play simplicity. Yet plays from the iPod or iPhone with exceptional clarity across the full musical range, and delivers the low-note performance and volume levels of much larger sound systems.New functionality. The SoundDock 10 system is “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” certified, compatible with any click-wheel iPod or iPod Touch, and the iPhone 3GS, 3G and original iPhone model.
Bose SoundDock 11 S$499Bose SoundDock 11Usual: S$579
SITEX: S$499
Compatibilewith all iPhoneTM and most iPod modelsVersatility. The iPod charges as it plays, and the improved remote
controls system power and volume, and lets users navigate among iPod playlists.
There’s also an auxiliary jack for bringing Bose sound to DVD/CD players, MP3
players or other portable devices. Slimmer profile. The SoundDock II system’s look has been softened with

smoother lines and a sleeker profile to easily fit anywhere in the home.

Bose Around Ear 2 headphones S$189Bose Around Ear 2 headphonesUsual: S$219
SITEX: S$189
Bose TriPort acoustic headphone structure for music that sounds smooth and natural.Large, compliant ear cushions made of memory foam better accommodate different head shapes and distribute pressure more evenly over a larger area to reduce pressure pointsFold-flat earcups for easy storage, single detachable cable, slim overall design
Bose Around Ear 2i headphonest S$229Bose Around Ear 2i headphonesUsual: S$269
SITEX: S$229
The Bose AE2i headphones combine immersive sound and a comfortable fit with an inline remote and microphone that work exclusively with select Apple devices – including the latest iPhone, iPod, iPad, and MacBook Pro models.Engineered with an advanced acoustic design that includes the proprietary Bose TriPort acoustic headphone structure for music that sounds smooth and natural.Inline microphone makes it easy for users to access voice applications and the simple remote enables users to make track
Bose On Ear headphones S$189Bose On Ear headphonesUsual: S$225
SITEX: S$189
Fold-flat earcups and a collapsible headband for increased portability and easy storage.Earcups rotate front to back and top to bottom, resulting in uniform pressure on the ears that enhances audio performance and comfortable fit of the headphones.Bose TriPort acoustic headphone structure enables a wide range of sound, especially lower notes from small earcups.
Bose Quiet Comfort 3 S$629Bose Quiet Comfort 3Usual: S$699

SITEX: S$629

Designed for in-flight use and for personal listening at home, in the office and while commuting.Offers the performance of around-ear headphones with the portability and convenience of an on-ear design.Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphone technology fades background distractions for a clean audio sound signal at the ear.

Bose TriPort headphone structure allows for small earcups, a combination of noise reduction and an extended bass response.

Fold-flat earcups allows for easy, convenient storage.

Bose Quiet Comfort 15i S$539Bose Quiet Comfort 15iUsual: S$599
SITEX: S$539
• Designed for in-flight use and for personal listening at home, in the office and while commuting.Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphone technology fades background distractions for a clean audio sound signal at the ear.Proprietary QuietComfort earcup cushion design maximizes audio performance, noise reduction and user comfort.

Includes fold-flat design, AAA battery and carrying case for easy storage while travelling.

Additional cable with inline remote and microphone is now included for convenient control of select Apple products.

Bose In Ear 2 earphones S$135Bose In Ear 2 earphonesUsual: S$149
SITEX: S$135
Enhanced acoustic design makes music sound smoother and more natural.Proprietary StayHear tips deliver comfort and greater stability on the go.Convenient case for storing and protecting headphones included.
Bose MIE2 mobile headset S$169Bose MIE2 mobile headsetUsual: S$199
SITEX: S$169
Works with most smartphones and mobile phones to let you take calls with one-touch ease.Enjoy music on your phone with high-quality audio.Proprietary StayHear tips deliver comfort and greater stability on the go.

Also available in Bose® MIE2i mobile headset exclusively designed for greater control
of select Apple products.

Bose Companion 5 S$639Bose Companion 5Usual: S$749
SITEX: S$639
Surround sound experience. Gives your computer much of the surround sound performance you might expect from a conventional five-speaker system. When you’re sitting at the keyboard, music, games and movies come to life with rich detailed 5.1- channel sound that seems to surround you.USB simplicity. Connects to your computer through a single USB port. No sound card upgrade required. No adaptors needed. No complicated wiring. Just one simple USB connection and you’re enjoying a surround sound experience.Simple, elegant design. Delivers a surround sound experience from just two visible speakers that sit neatly on your desktop. Hideaway Acoustimass® module provides deep, accurate lows.
Bose Companion 20 S$539Bose Companion 20Usual: S$539
SITEX: S$539

*Purchase Bose AE/AE2i headphones at 20% off

Each speaker fits neatly to the right and left of a laptop or monitor, with the acoustic image being expanded by Bose TrueSpace stereo digital signal processing.Additional proprietary digital signal processing and active electronic equalisation ensures accurate sound reproduction. At the highest listening levels, there is no distortion – and when played quietly, music still can be enjoyed with detail and realism.A small, circular control pod lets users adjust volume and access one-touch muting. It also offers a headphone jack and input for an additional audio source; for example an iPhone, iPod or other portable devices.
Bose Companion 2 S$159Bose Companion 2Usual: S$199
SITEX: S$159
Bose® TrueSpace stereo signal processing technology for a spacious, dramatic soundstage that seems to extend beyond the desktop speakersSleek and compact speakers fit easily in their surroundings to save desk spaceDual inputs make it simple to connect the computer and portable audio sources at the same time with both volume and the headphone jack situated on the front of one of the speakers to provide easy control over the listening experience.

New headphones: Bose AE2i

Saturday, November 19th, 2011

Atlas Sound & Vision has launched the Bose AE2i audio headphones (S$269) in Singapore. The New design features inline remote and microphone for Apple products.

Bose AE2i audio headphones at S$269 from Atlas Sound & Vision in Singapore.

Bose AE2i audio headphones at S$269 from Atlas Sound & Vision.

The AE2i features an around-ear design and includes an application of proprietary Bose TriPort acoustic headphone structure.

Accessing voice applications is easy using the new inline microphone – from taking calls on an iPhone, to using FaceTime on a MacBook Pro.

The simple, three-button remote allows users to adjust volume, select tracks, and seamlessly switch between calls and music.

Proprietary ear cushions and an ergonomic design distributes weight evenly, reducing irritating pressure points to allow hours of comfortable listening.

The Bose AE2i works exclusively with Apple iPhone, iPod, iPad, and MacBook Pro.

The Bose AE2i works with Apple iPhone, iPod, iPad, and MacBook Pro.

For lasting quality and durability the AE2i is  designed with features such as fold-flat ear cups and a single, detachable cable.

A carrying bag is included for added convenience.

BoseÒ Corporation was founded in 1964 by Dr. Amar G. Bose, professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Today, the company is primarily known for its research in acoustics, which has produced inventions that have improved the performance of sound systems.

Viber app for free international phone calls

Saturday, September 10th, 2011

An overseas friend uses the Viber app on her iPhone for free VOIP international voice calls and text messages on her smartphone. I installed the free app on my Android phone and tested it. Setup was swift and quality was superb.
Viber for iPhone and Android phones

I was at the petrol station and the attendant was filling up an almost empty tank with petrol. While waiting, I whipped out my Android phone, searched the Android Market for Viber and installed it. Before the attendant had finished filling up the tank, I was already chatting with my friend in Kuala Lumpur on her iPhone – for free.

Set up was really simple on the Android phone. Once it was downloaded and installed, it gets your permission to access your contacts and sends you a 4-digit access code to activate your account. After that, you’re set to go!

Viber is free and works on the iPhone and Android phones.

Viber is free and works on the iPhone and Android phones.

The interface looks similar to the usual numeric dialpad with tabs to access recent calls, contacts, messages and more activities such as inviting friends, sharing on Facebook, tweeting etc.

Basically, Viber emulates the usual phone calling and sms usage – everything is based on your regualr phone number.

Viber dialpad on Android phone

Viber dialpad on Android phone

Your account id is your phone number. If the party you’re calling has Viber installed on her Android or iPhone, you just dial her usual number, complete with international dialing code, to get connected. Viber is currently only available on the iPhone and Android phones. A BlackBerry version is in the pipeline.

Quality was good. Voice quality was loud and clear, although there was just a split-second lag, which didn’t affect the flow of the conversation in the slightest bit.

If the other party does not have Viber installed yet, the app gives you the option to place a regular call through your carrier.

Conclusion: Fast and easy to set-up and use, call quality is fantastic. The free app is compatible with iPhone 3GS (and later) and Android phones.

COMEX 2011 promotions: Bose audio products

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

Bose audio products will be available at the EpiCentre Booth during COMEX 2011 at promotional prices. Look for these items: the SoundDock Portable (S$579), MIE2 mobile headset (S$159) and the Companion 5 (S$649).

The promotional prices are exclusive to the EpiCentre Booth at Level 2, Rm 201 and 202 at Suntec City Convetion Hall during COMEX 2011.

Bose SoundDock Portable S$579 

Bose SoundDock Portable
Usual: S$749
COMEX: S$579

Re-engineered for portability. Delivers all the performance of the acclaimed SoundDock digital music system – with the added convenience of portability. 

Slim design. Powerful performance. Proprietary waveguide speaker technology and powerful neodymium speakers – engineered specifically for the SoundDock Portable digital music system – enable a smaller, slimmer profile while delivering the kind of performance you’d expect from Bose.

Rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides more power and longer playtime than other types of rechargeable batteries, for hours of listening enjoyment.

Bose MIE2 mobile headset S$159 

Bose MIE2 mobile headset
Usual: S$199
COMEX: S$159

Ease. Works with most smartphones and mobile phones to let you take calls with one-touch ease. 

Hi-quality. Enjoy music on your phone with high-quality audio.

Ergonomics. Proprietary StayHear tips deliver comfort and greater stability on the go.

Also available in Bose® MIE2i mobile headset exclusively designed for greater control of select Apple products.

Bose Companion 5 S$649 

Bose Companion 5
Usual: S$749
COMEX: S$649

Surround sound experience. Gives your computer much of the surround sound performance you might expect from a conventional five-speaker system. When you’re sitting at the keyboard, music, games and movies come to life with rich detailed 5.1- channel sound that seems to surround you. 

USB simplicity. Connects to your computer through a single USB port. No sound card upgrade required. No adaptors needed. No complicated wiring. Just one simple USB connection and you’re enjoying a surround sound experience.

Simple, elegant design. Delivers a surround sound experience from just two visible speakers that sit neatly on your desktop. Hideaway Acoustimass® module provides deep, accurate lows.

Company byte: Samsung Electronics

Friday, August 26th, 2011

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. is a global company in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. It employs some 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries.

Samsung Electronics Co LtdSamsung consists of nine independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Memory, System LSI and LCD.

Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, semiconductor chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs.

Follow stories related to Samsung on tech4tea.com.

COMEX 2011 promotions: Creative Technology

Sunday, August 7th, 2011

Creative Technology will be at Booth 6121 in Hall 602 during COMEX 2011.

Check out the promotions below. By the way, from now until 30 September 2011, when shopping online at Creative store, use the promo code “LESS10P” at the cart page during checkout to enjoy a 10% discount.

Promo price Usual price Remarks
ZiiSound D5x Wireless Speaker System S$349 S$399 Limited to 50 sets
Second unit S$249 Purchase with purchase of D5x
ZiiSound DSx Wireless Subwoofer S$149 S$199
D80 Wireless Speaker S$49 Free EP-570 Earphones Bulk Pack worth S$39 whilst stocks last
Zen Style M300 Portable Media Player S$69 S$79 4GB, limited to 50 sets
S$79 S$89 8GB, limited to 50 sets
WP-300 Wireless Headphones S$59 S$99 free USB charger worth S$29
WP-350 Wireless Headphones S$99 S$139 Limited to 50 sets per day
Aurvana In-Ear3 Earphones S$169 S$199 Limited to 50 sets
Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Omega Wireless Gaming Headset S$199 S$269 Limited to 20 sets
Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Sigma Gaming Headset S$99 S$149 Limited to 50 sets
Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Alpha Gaming Headset S$69 S$99 Limited to 50 sets
Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Sound Card S$99 S$149 Limited to 20 sets per day
Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD Sound Card S$199 S$299 Limited to 20 sets per day