Trevor Daugherty

The portable Bluetooth speaker market is very crowded, with nearly every audio company offering some iteration vying for your ears. Today, Bowers & Wilkins is introducing the latest offering to its line of high-quality music products, but this time its added a feature previously not utilized by the Worthing, England based company.

The new T7 model includes Bluetooth audio for the first time in a portable build that will most likely have many flocking to purchase B&W’s latest product. Check out the video below to see Bowers & Wilkins’ look at on-the-go audio.

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Small States features small companies that design and manufacture within the United States. 

Small States has allowed 9to5Toys to feature a number of quality companies that have made a conscious effort to keep their manufacturing in the United States. Each week we tell the story of a company, sometimes they are larger in size, sometimes not.

This week is a first though, it’s our smallest company yet.

We are excited to tell you about Tinsel and Timber. The husband and wife team creating gorgeous homes for your Apple TV and all the things that you carry around in your pocket each day.

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The headphone market is extremely crowded and finding new ways to innovate in a meaningful way is becoming more and more difficult to do. There are nearly as many options as you can fathom, from old school and ultra modern to those that will get you fined by the NFL. But today, Alpine is trying to put a new set of headphones on your ears, but this time you’ll notice they feel a little bit different….

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Best Buy offers the Epson Expression XP-410 Small-in-One printer with AirPrint capabilities for $59.99 shipped. Additionally, those with access to a .edu email account can save $25 off bringing the final price down to $34.99 shipped. This is a savings of $65 off the original price, and the lowest that we have ever seen for this printer. Over 1,700 Amazon customers rate this printer 4/5 stars, it is also Amazon’s best selling inkjet printer.

To qualify for the .edu savings you must head to this special promo page and submit your email address. Best Buy will then email you a special promo code to access the savings.

The Epson XP-410 features WiFi Direct printing (no network required), as well as AirPrint for iOS devices and has a 2.5-inch LCD touch screen.

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Sonos, the makers of the popular whole home audio solution, has announced a new addition to its line of products that will help take your music listening experience further than ever before. The new BOOST accessory for Sonos can replace the previously required BRIDGE and is capable of broadcasting a signal nearly 50% further than before.

Focusing on improving their much discussed “rock solid wireless”, the BOOST delivers a 360 degree wireless signal that Sonos claims matches performance of enterprise grade routers on the market.

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Small States features small companies that design and manufacture within the United States. 

Need a bag? There are so many different styles and brands out there, you’ll find something. But it isn’t until you find that perfect match that you truly understand what you’ve been missing.

For me, this happened with Waterfield Designs’ Staad Laptop Backpack. I’ve long been searching for a bag that could meet all of my on-the-go needs. I’ve tried the Ogio Renegade, which can carry everything you need (and feels like it too). I’ve tried the traditional leather messenger bag, but that struggled to handle everything I threw at it. It wasn’t until I came across the Staad that I realized what I’ve been missing.

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Update (10/11 7:40am): Amazon has the Anker 40W 5-Port Family-Sized Desktop USB Charger with PowerIQ (4.7 stars from nearly 5,000 reviewers) for $25.99. Coupon code 20DF7105 drops it down to $19.99 w/ free shipping for Prime members and any orders of $35+. Available in black or white. It’s our favorite charger.

Update (10/10 8:45am): Amazon has the Sabrent 50W five port USB desktop rapid charger for $25.99. Coupon code AXU5PB15 takes the final price to $15.99 Prime shipped. This is a savings of $14 off the regular price.

Amazon offers the Photive 25W five port USB desktop rapid charger for $19.95. Coupon code 8OFF25WA brings the final price down to $11.95 Prime shipped. That’s a savings of $9 off the regular price and the lowest price that we have ever seen this charger go for. Nearly 600 Amazon customers rate this accessory 4.8/5 stars. If you are not a Prime member, you can sign up for a free trial here.

The Photive desktop charger can charge up to five devices at the same time and features the following power ports:

• 2.1A (x2) for iPad and iPhone 6
• 1.3A for the Samsung Tab
• 1A (x2) for all iPhones, Android devices

Additionally, a 4.9 foot power cord is included while the charger itself is capable of accepting different voltages when traveling through the world.

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Troy-Bilt has announced a new addition to its popular line of outdoor equipment that takes on every season of the year. Unlike before, when homeowners had to maintain both a lawn mower, leaf and snow blower, Troy-Bilt is out to simplify your equipment needs. Like STIHL, which has championed the multi-task tool marketplace for years, Troy-Bilt is bringing the same idea on a larger scale that is fully customizable for your needs. Just wait until you see what it can do.

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Kano, the company that raised over 1.5 million dollars via Kickstarter last year, has announced that its DIY computer kit for kids is available for sale today. What was once done by Steve Jobs in a California garage can be accomplished by your child in your living room. The thing that really makes it great for kids (and parents too) is the price.

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Amazon has the Samsung 51-inch 1080P Plasma 3D Smart HDTV for $1,397.99 shipped. That’s a savings of nearly 50% off the original list price and the lowest that we could find for this highly-rated HDTV. The Samsung PN51F8500 features built-in WiFi, 600Hz refresh rate, and an ultra-slim profile with just 1.9 inches of depth.

Additionally, Amazon is offering Prime members an exclusive discount on a variety of VIZIO HDTVs and speaker systems. If you are not a Prime member, you can sign up for a free trial here. The VIZIO S5451w-C2 54-Inch 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer and Surrounds is available for $299.99 shipped. That’s a savings of $200 off the regular list price for this highly-rated speaker system.

If you are looking for something more economical, Sears has the refurbished 32-inch Vizio 720P HTDV for $202 shipped. This is the lowest price that we could currently find for this HDTV, which includes a one year manufacturer’s warranty.

With your savings, pick up some highly-rated HDMI cables to outfit your new TV.

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Small States features small companies that design and manufacture within the United States. 

Update (10/11): We have chosen all of the giveaway winners and they have been contacted. Good luck next week!

The phone case market is an ultra competitive area, with companies from all over the world vying to protect your device. When you go to the mall, your opportunities are nearly endless when it comes to wrapping up your iPhone. From leather cases at the Apple Store to knock off plastic cases from China, you’ll find something.

Indiana based case maker Carved is working hard to find its place in that area of the market. With a unique take on design and a simple mission at its core, Carved is creating high quality cases that focus on protection at a fair price.

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Staples offers the Jabra Revo headphones in white or gray for $59.99 shipped. Coupon code 86128 brings the price down to $49.99 shipped. That’s a savings of $150 off the original list price and the lowest we could find these highly-rated headphones. This price also beats Amazon by $40.

The Jabra Revo headphones feature “high definition” Dolby Digital Plus enhanced sound, a built-in microphone and volume control, as well as a detachable cable for easy storage. A headphone bag is included with the purchase and the accompanying iOS app is free.

Additionally, BuyDig offers the MEElectronics Air-Fi Venture Stereo Bluetooth wireless headphones for $69.99. Coupon code VENTURE takes the price to $48 shipped. This is within $8 of the lowest price we’ve seen, and is $10 better than Amazon where nearly 200 customers rate this headphones 4.5/5 stars. These headphones can be used both wirelessly or wired and feature a battery life rated for 18 hours. 

BuyDig also has the Audio-Technica ATH-PRO500 Mark II professional DJ monitor headphones for $99. Coupon code AUDIOPLATINUM saves $20 bringing the price to $79 shipped. Originally listed at $180, this price represents a savings of 56% and currently is $23 better than Amazon. The ATH-PRO500 headphones include two detachable cords (one coiled and one straight), swiveling earpieces and an elastomer frame.

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The wearable market is becoming more and more crowded each day, especially with Apple entering into the fray. The good news for consumers is that they are reaping the benefits of a competitive marketplace.

Today, Garming introduced their latest addition to the highly-rated Forerunner GPS line of products with the 920XT. While Garmin has long been known for their GPS capable devices, they have been slow to add new functionality to their line-up of wearables. Primarily focusing on location based data and heart rate monitoring, Forerunner watches have left out one key piece of the puzzle, until now.

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SteelSeries, long known for its gaming accessories, has completely refreshed its line of Siberia headsets. With a focus on providing a variety of styles and designs at different price points, SteelSeries is making sure every gamer has an option. There are four models in the Siberia line of headsets, beginning at $59.99 and rising up to $199.99.

Each model is specifically designed for a different gamer, from casual to hardcore. The entry-level model RAW Prism brings the price down in an attempt to get users to enter the market. At $59.99 this model fits in nicely with other headphones we have seen designed for entry-level gaming. The included software allows for full customization of audio profiles, as well as the ability to change the color of the illuminated ring on the set.

Head below the fold for video and to learn about the other models and pricing.

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Samsung has announced a new addition to its line of monitors with the new 27-inch SD590C curved LED. Long recognized for its television manufacturing know-how and high quality displays, Samsung is making a push to create an immersive viewing experience for gamers and editors alike.

This new monitor is designed to be used in a multi-display setup and for gaming, with a specialized mode that optimizes the display with a single click. While we have already seen ultra-wide monitors, the Samsung SD590C takes a whole new approach to displays.

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Small States features small companies that design and manufacture within the United States. 

Update (10/4): Thanks for all of the entries into our Small States giveaway, @kenjancef is our winner and he has been contacted.

Introduction

Right away, when the package arrives, you know that you are getting something special. Even the packaging tape has a notable design to it, boldly declaring that your goods from Owen & Fred have arrived. Not just any old box, but the one you were waiting for from Owen & Fred.

When you open it there is an attention to detail in the packaging: the smaller boxes are neatly packed, greeting you right away. Everything feels just right – like it was meant for you.

It is clear from the beginning that with Owen & Fred, you get a unique and special experience. When you speak with proprietor Mike Arnot, you understand that this experience was not accidental.

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Over the years, the lock industry has not seen too many big moments of growth over the traditional deadbolt. While some locks are easier to change now and some even feature Bluetooth, nothing has really knocked the doors down from a design perspective. Haven is pulling out all the stops along the way, integrating in the future with Apple’s HomeKit, changing from old-school design, all while building a very tough lock. You won’t believe how strong this thing really is…
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9to5Toys Specials offers a digital download of Dragon Dictate for Mac 4 for $100, which is a 50% discount off the regular list price. This is the lowest price that we could currently find, and beats Amazon’s price by at least $20. It is important to note that the digital version of this software does include a USB headset.

Dragon Dictate for Mac 4 can be used in a variety of different applications, allowing for easy dictation from user to computer. It can accurately transcribe an audio file from a single speaker’s voice via podcast or recording, and features a variety of improvements over the previous version. With Dragon Dictate for Mac 4 you now have full text control when writing e-mails via Gmail, control over your Gmail inbox within Safari and Firefox, as well as better dictation accuracy in Apple Pages. Dragon Dictate for Mac 4 requires Mac OS X Lion (10.8), an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz processor, 3GB of hard drive space and 4GB of memory.

We positively reviewed this software, dubbing it the “best speech recognition app”.

Head below the fold to learn more about Dragon Dictate for Mac 4 or visit their official website.

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VIZIO’s new P-Series 4K Ultra HDTVs are now available for pre-order, starting at $999.99 for the 50-inch model. This latest addition to VIZIO’s already popular line to HDTVs is available in 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70-inch models.

It is clear that VIZIO has paid extra attention to the details of this smart TV, making every effort to future-proof their newest iteration.

http://youtu.be/7THKxOrzu2c

The P-Series features 802.11ac wireless which allows for fast streaming of on demand sources, in addition to the quad-core GPU and dual-core CPU that are on board. All of the regular streaming services are available, such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora and iHeartRadio. This 4K Ultra HDTV can upscale existing video content to 3840 x 2160 and has an effective refresh rate of 240Hz. The display features over 8 million pixels and 4x the resolution of 1080p. With a depth just over 2″ and a 8mm bezel, the new P-Series has a clean modern look.

Amazon currently has most of the P-Series available for pre-order now, with some sizes in-stock while others have a 2-3 week wait. The pricing is as follows:

• 50-inch $1,000
• 55-inch $1,398
• 60-inch $1,700
• 70-inch $2,500

Full press below:

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D-Link announced the newest member of its home automation family with the DSP-W110 mydlink WiFi Smart Plug. Like the previous generation, the DSP-W110 focuses on controlling the power to your household appliances, lights and more via smartphone. This latest version enters an already crowded marketplace, until now, has been dominated by Belkin and their popular WeMo series. Home automation continues to be an area of focus for a number of companies that are either in the appliance business or develop other electronics.

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Update (9/20): Thanks for all of the entries into our Small States giveaway, @morganrhc is our winner and they have been contacted.

Small States features small companies that design and manufacture within the United States. 

Introduction
It always seems like small companies based in America have great stories. We’ve seen them time and time again as part of our Small States series, from generational pride to simply solving a problem in your life. But sometimes it all just starts by throwing the football from your workshop across the street to another. For Joe Mansfield and Ken Tomita, that’s how things got started. That’s how Grovemade in Portland, Oregon came to be.

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Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are not exactly a new thing in the automotive world. They have long been a part of modern cars, constantly monitoring whether or not you have enough air in the tires. James Lim of FOBO Tire and his group of developers are combining the latest in wireless technology with a simple piece of equipment that will fit on nearly any car in the world.

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Sonos has announced today that it is bringing previously European-only streaming service Deezer to the United States, wrapped in a new service dubbed Deezer Elite. Deezer is known for its high resolution streaming of over 35 million songs, utilizing a format of music known as FLAC. The deal between Sonos and Deezer is beneficial to both companies, as it fills the high quality streaming void left left by Mog when it was purchased by Beats earlier this year. It also gives Deezer a solid name to tag onto in America. But ultimately, why is this a big deal?
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With the rapid advancements in home automation, you knew that it was only a matter of time before you could cook your steak from your iPad. We’ve already covered how to place your homemade espresso order from your couch, now Palate is coming onto the scene with the new Smart Grill. While there are a number of countertop grills already on the market place, it’s the unique feature cooking style of the Palate Smart Grill that sets it apart.

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Today, TiVo has announced the latest addition to its popular line of home DVRs, you might just have a hard time finding a place to put it. With over 24TB of storage, the TiVo Mega is the largest consumer DVR ever made with enough room to store 26,000 hours of SD recordings or roughly three years of your life. If HD is your format of choice, you’re looking at about 4,000 hours of programming. Oh yeah, it’s also designed to be rack mounted.

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Update (9/13): Thanks for all of the entries into our Small States giveaway, @strikeux is our winner and he has been contacted.

Small States is a new series on 9to5Toys that features small companies that design and manufacture within the United States. 

Introduction

The world of Mac and iOS accessories is packed full of choices, from the gas station 30-pin cables to the top of the line wireless speaker systems. Whatever you are looking for, you are bound to find it in some capacity. But what Danny Mavromatis is setting out to accomplish goes beyond a high quality product, it’s building something with attention to detail in every area. It is creating a high quality audio experience that marries top-of-the-line digital-to-analog conversion with the convenience of AirPlay wrapped in a feel good Made in America package.

It’s Myro:Air.

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Looking to expand on their already popular line of headphones, today Bose has introduced the QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones. Building on a legendary foundation of quality sound and technology, the QuietComfort 25 brings a new look and structural design. But it is the attention to all the details in your music that has Bose singing the praises of its latest release.

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Today, Sonos announced a key software update that many users have been waiting for: no longer is the Bridge accessory required for a wireless Sonos system. With software update 5.1, Sonos can now run on an existing wireless network taking the previously required Bridge or hardwired connection out of the equation. After unpacking a Sonos speaker, joining to your wireless network is handled via the iOS or Android app. While this certainly simplifies the setup of a Sonos system, the company still warns that a hardwired connection is the best bet for a reliable signal amongst your speakers. The wireless Bridge is still available for those that are interested in that option.

Rakuten via Altatac offers the Sonos PLAY:1 in black or white for $169.99 shipped. That’s $30 off the regular price. This price beats Amazon by $30, where over 1,800 users rate this product 4.5/5 stars and it is the best seller amongst bookshelf speakers.

The Sonos PLAY:1 features two class D tuned amplifiers, one 3.5″ mid-woofer and a tweeter. The humidity-resistant design allows for the speaker to be placed in a bathroom or outside on humid days. With access to a variety of music sources, such as Spotify, Pandora and Beats Music, the Play:1 is a solid option for building a whole home wireless music system. The PLAY:1 is currently their smallest speaker offering, and works well as rear speakers in addition to the Playbar also available from Sonos.

We favorably reviewed the Sonos PLAY:1 when it was released last year.

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Update (9/6): Thanks for all of the entries into our first Small States giveaway, @chrismachian is our winner and he has been contacted.

Small States is a new series on 9to5Toys that features small companies that design and manufacture within the United States. 

Introduction

Often times a problem forces a solution. Then there are times when a passion for something leads to a solution. Sometimes you are working in a successful corporate gig and then one Cord Taco changes your life…

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With wearable technology all the rage, companies are looking for new ways to bridge the gap between electronics and vital monitoring. Jabra has entered into this space with the Sport Pulse Wireless Earbuds. While other companies like Nike and Fitbit have already released similar products, Jabra is combining headphones and a heart rate monitor, with hopes of providing a wireless solution for those who want their tunes and vital signs at the same time…

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Moleskine, the company behind the popular notebooks and planners, has announced that they have designed a notebook specifically for the Livescribe smartpen. While there have been many devices that have attempted to effectively carry over handwritten notes to digital devices, the new Moleskine Livescribe notebook packs a few tricks that enable a more accurate transfer.

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Today, LG announced their latest iteration in making home cleaning a more enjoyable experience with the CordZero series of vacuum cleaners. As its name suggests, LG’s newest model removes the hardwired power cord from the vacuum, making mobility the top priority. While Dyson has long offered rechargeable lithium powered vacuums, the LG CordZero beats them in one key area…
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Today, TiVo announced a new addition to it’s already robust line of DVRs with the Roamio OTA at a price of $49.99, making it the most affordable TiVo option yet. Designed specifically for cord-cutters, this rendition of the Roamio utilizes your own antenna. Unlike other models from the current generation of TiVo DVRs, the OTA is not capable of recording cable television, making it strictly for antenna use only.

Similar to the other models of the Roamio that have come before, the OTA features a 500GB hard drive capable of recording 75 hours of HD programming or 500 hours of SD. This model also allows for up to four shows to be recorded at once, and includes the same popular streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. But there is a catch….
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Update (8/30): Thanks for all of the entries into our first Small States giveaway, @omar_cruz is our winner and he has been contacted.

Small States is a new series on 9to5Toys that features small companies that design and manufacture within the United States. 

The first time you pick up a pair of Grado headphones, you know that something is different. The first time you speak to John Grado, you know why. Hearing this man tell the story of the headphones, the handshake agreements with men he’s worked with for 50 years and the passion for what they do, it is easy to fall in love with their product. The simple packaging, the smooth wood of mahogany and the clean look all bring you in before you ever plug in a pair of Grado headphones.

History

It all starts with John. He bought the company from his uncle in the 80’s, and designs each headphone on the top floor of the factory in the listening room. Carrying on the Grado tradition of “good ears”, he sits listening to three carefully selected songs, his self-described reference points: Red Garter by Duke Ellington, Night in Tunisia by Ella Fitzgerald and Before You Accuse Me by Eric Clapton. By utilizing the same equipment since he began his craft 25 years ago, John Grado knows what he’s listening for and sometimes it just takes him a while to find it.
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Today, Sony announced the Smart Tennis Sensor that attaches to select rackets and provides instant feedback on your game. By simply placing the sensor to the bottom of your racket, you are able to track a variety of data and report it to the accompanying smartphone app. Sony has entered into partnerships for this project with a number of the most popular tennis manufacturers, such as Prince, Wilson and Yonex.

 Details below:

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As we previously reported, TCL and Roku have partnered to create the first Roku-enabled television which is available for pre-order today via Amazon and are expected to ship in 2 to 3 months. The TVs will initially be available in three sizes:

• 40-inch $329.99 shipped
• 48-inch $499.99 shipped
• 55-inch $679.99 shipped

The Roku TVs will feature a simple 20-button remote control with the popular Roku software integrated directly into the TV. Roku players have the most streaming content available with over 31,000 movies and 1,200 channels.

Hisense is also set to offer Roku-enabled televisions, they have yet to announce pricing and are likely to begin shipping in September.

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If you have ever wanted to bring your favorite tunes to the shower with you, there is a new option coming to the marketplace. The Shower Speaker combines a built-in rechargeable Bluetooth speaker with a rainfall shower head design. This IndieGoGo project aims to combine these two previously separate items into a complete body cleansing, bass pumping experience.

The Shower Speaker features an LED backlit system which changes colors as the temperature of your shower rises, allowing you to visually see when the water is at your desired temperature. The speaker portion of the shower head is detachable, so it can also be used as a listening option away from the bathroom as well. Installation is similar to other shower heads already on the market, The Shower Speaker fits any standard 1/2-inch shower setup.

There are many other Bluetooth-enabled waterproof options, but this is the first we’ve seen that physically combines the shower head with a speaker.  For $90 shipped, you’ll be able to be one of the first to own The Shower Speaker, which currently has an estimated delivery of January 2015. If you are in need of a solid waterproof, we recommend the highly-rated ECOXGEAR ECOXBT Rugged and Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, which is available from Amazon for $87 shipped.

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After being announced in late June, Jabra’s next generation Stealth Bluetooth headset has become available for purchase starting today. One of the key features of this new product is the inclusion of Siri and Google Now control, allowing you to pull up your virtual assistant at the touch of a button. This addition allows you to keep your iPhone or Android device in your pocket while still accessing key information on the go.

Continue on for more details and availability information.

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Microsoft announced today that they will be offering a new Xbox One bundle at the end of August centered around the popular Madden NFL gaming series.

The bundle will include an Xbox One without Kinect, a controller, headset and download code for Madden NFL 15. Thats the same price the Kinectless console currently sells for by itself. Even though this bundle represents a good value, there is reason to believe it could follow in the footsteps of the Titanfall bundle and drop down even more after its release.

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In the world of wearable technology, it seems like everyday a new product enters the market space bent on changing the way you interact with with your smart devices. Casio is taking a different approach with a focus on getting key features right versus delivering a marginal product packed with needless bells and whistles.

Today, Casio introduced the G-SHOCK GBA-400, its newest Bluetooth-enabled watch that brings with it some smart functionality that is sure to be a hit with music lovers…
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