November 15, 2013

JBL Pulse Wireless LED Speaker Review

November 15, 2013/ Nir Schneider

Although it never really left, JBL is back in the game with yet another speaker offering. And you guessed it, it's completely wireless, portable and shaped like a 30oz energy drink can. But there's a wicked twist. The new Pulse by JBL comes with its own built-in LED light show that grooves to your tunes as it turns any boring environment into a lit-up party. Or if you're all by yourself, the Pulse does make a great mood lighting gadget you can turn on in your home or anywhere other than your humble abode. More importantly, the Pulse does not disappoint with its audio performance. But should you pick one up when there are some stellar alternatives at similar price points? Be sure to catch our in-depth review where we will put the Pulse and all of its glowing frontage head to head with some of the best wireless portable speakers out there.

October 16, 2013

Jawbone Mini Jambox Review

October 16, 2013/ Nir Schneider

Bluetooth headset connoisseur, Jawbone, is the company behind one of the most influential portable speakers ever made. It's also the company that's behind some of the best looking wireless speakers to ever hit the mainstream audio market. We must not forget that Jawbone single handedly sparked what is today a deeply saturated and overcrowded market filled with portable wireless speakers of every shape and size. It is of course responsible for creating the now iconic Jambox speaker which since its inception back in 2010, has garnered the world's attention along with countless recognition.

Jawbone's new Mini Jambox is the company's latest offering that is slimmer, lighter and more portable than the original Jambox. Needless to say it's as good-looking and as stylish as any Jawbone product. The Mini Jambox is the first Jawbone product to feature a striking all-new aluminum enclosure which is available in multiple patterns and colors designed by renowned designer, Yves Behar. Jawbone made some claims about it being better than the original model, so we decided to give the Mini Jambox a true real world review while also comparing it up against a few other notable portable speakers. Catch our in-depth review down below!

October 01, 2013

Ultimate Ears UE MINI BOOM Review

October 01, 2013/ Nir Schneider

Ultimate Ears is expanding its portable wireless speaker lineup which up until today was only made up from a single offering, the incredible UE Boom speaker. A year ago Logitech introduced the UE Mobile Boombox under a joined Logitech UE brand which still exists today, however, Ultimate Ears is now coming out with its own near-identical version dubbed the UE Mini Boom. The $100 mini wireless Bluetooth speaker boasts a number of enhancements over its UE Mobile Boombox predecessor - namely wireless dual-speaker mode funtionality we've seen first introduced with the UE Boom, but carries with it the same familiar svelte rubberized design. What makes the UE Mini Boom a better speaker than its predecessor, or more importantly, should you invest in two for the price of a single UE Boom speaker in order to create a more affordable wireless dual speaker setup? Let's find out!

August 16, 2013

Eton Rukus XL Review

August 16, 2013/ Nir Schneider

We haven't reviewed many solar powered speakers on Gadgetmac, and that has partially to do with the fact that they're not a popular bunch to say the least. Though Eton has quite a few impressive new solar powered speaker offerings which are all wirelessly portable and can live off of the sun's powerful rays. Eton's reasonably priced new $200 Rukus XL is one of the more promising wireless solar powered speakers we know of. With a large adjustable solar panel and a built-in rechargeable battery, the Rukus XL can charge itself up while also sharing some its solar juice with any iPhone-shaped device that charges off of USB power through its charging dock-like compartment. On top of that, its got 8 speakers drivers under the hood so getting its point across during an eventful outdoors party won't be much of an issue. Going somewhere Amish? Then check out our full review on the Rukus XL's solar powered prowess after the break!

June 27, 2013

JBL Charge Portable Wireless Speaker Review

June 27, 2013/ Nir Schneider

JBL's Charge sells itself as a portable wireless stereo speaker with impressive gadget-charging capabilities all rolled into one attractive and compact device. If there ever was a portable speaker that combined all-day long battery life, an ultra-fast backup battery charger with big sound in a small package - it would definitely have to be the Charge, and the Charge alone. As you might know, JBL gave us the $100 Flip late last year which at the time blew us away with its elite audio performance we called jaw droppingly powerful.

But like any good product, the Flip had its inconveniences and treble-heavy sound signature we pleaded JBL to fix and improve upon. Now that we've got our hands all over the Charge, we're going to find out if JBL did things a little differently this time around. And it also means putting the Charge up against today's leading portable speakers. Want to see who comes out on top? So do we! Our full review is just around the corner.