JBL Unveils Authentics Series Of High-End Wireless Speaker Systems

In an unexpected surprise, JBL has unveiled two high profile wireless speakers at CES 2014, which are part of the company's new Authentics series. The JBL Authentics L16 (above) and JBL Authentics L8 wireless speaker systems both feature wireless Qi charging surfaces that will keep your smartphone charged as well as AirPlay, DLNA and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling audio to be streamed from any wireless device, as well as a seamless precision cut foam grill inspired by the legendary JBL Century L100 loudspeaker.

They feature authentic materials, system optimized low-frequency and high-frequency JBL transducers, and the meticulous acoustic design that is expected from JBL. With JBL Authentics speakers' 24-bit / 96 kHz digital signal path, you'll hear studio-quality sound. Audio CDs reproduce sound at a 44.1 kHz sample rate, at 16 bits per sample. But recording studios work at a 96 kHz sample rate, with 24 bits per sample. The JBL Authentics L16 and L8 wireless speaker systems support this higher, studio-quality sample rate and bit depth, all the way through.  The result is jaw-dropping audio quality and a wide stereo image from a single enclosure, ideal for any audiophile.

The JBL Authentics L16 Sound System features a walnut-veneered enclosure and supercharged three-way sound, with six 50W amplifiers driving six speakers to fill any room with exceptional volume and unbeatable audio at studio-quality 96 kHz/24 bit.  The JBL Authentics L16 also boasts all-around connectivity via AirPlay, DNLA and Bluetooth, as well as analog, optical, and on board moving coil and moving magnet phono preamps. The free JBL Music™ app gives control over the speaker through both iOS and Android mobile devices. JBL's L16 can be pre-ordered today for $1,000, and is expected to ship next month.

The JBL Authentics L8 Sound System is housed in a wooden enclosure with a gloss black piano-quality finish. JBL Authentics L8 Sound System supports studio-quality audio, at 96 kHz/24 bit.  Its exceptional audio quality comes with the latest wireless technology for connectivity with a wide range of devices via AirPlay, DNLA and Bluetooth as well as optical.  The free JBL Music™ app turns any iOS or Android mobile device into a remote control.  Enjoy studio-quality stereo JBL sound and wireless versatility from a single, stylish enclosure. JBL's L8 can be pre-ordered today for $600, and is expected to ship next month.

Going Deep: A Look At Nokia's Wireless Charging

Wireless charging has been around for years, but it never really got adopted quite as well as what Nokia has done with its new line of Lumia smartphones and accompanied wireless charging accessories. Nokia's brilliant new convenient wireless charging accessories have an ultra-modern, innovative design to fit the style sense of the Lumia series. We really love what we're seeing out of Nokia. Bright, vibrant colors and sleek, shiny plastic seems to be "in" right now. Nokia made wireless charging so fascinating with good design. Take the Lumia 820, Lumia 920 or the wireless charging enabled Luna headset, and use one of Nokia's four different charging pads in various shapes and sizes to rid of your daily cable plugging routine.

 

The Nokia Wireless Charging Plate DT-900 comes in five, Lumia matching colors and sports a sleek, 11mm thick low-profile design with a white LED charging indicator. All it does is charge and look pretty.

Nokia's second wireless charger is more of a giant mat in comparison. The Fatboy Recharge Pillow DT-901 is a nylon fabric pillow of a wireless charging pad that does exactly what the Charging Plate does, except it offers a bit more roof for when you get home all tired, and carelessly throw your Lumia on it to charge. You really can't miss it. Nokia's Recharge Pillow DT-901 is designed by Fatboy pillows and will also be available in multiple colors of course.

There's more Nokia wireless charging accessory goodness after the cut!

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Nokia Luna Bluetooth Headsets Upgraded With Wireless Charging

Nokia has revealed a new version of its NFC-enabled Luna Bluetooth headset which will now support wireless charging like the Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 handsets. It's as simple as placing the Luna while its docked in the portable charging cradle on top of one of Nokia's new Qi-compatible wireless charging pads in order to instantly begin charging both the headset and the cradle. The wireless charging Luna headset will be available in five, Lumia matching colors presumably at around $80. Nokia is yet to official announce the price and availability. Check out Nokia's up beat demo video of how it all comes together after the jump.

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Mobee Debuts Magic Feet & Power Bar, Magical Wireless Charging Orgy


CES 2012 is fast approaching and companies are eager to show us what they've got in store. Mobee has announced its latest Mac peripheral accessories today including the Magic Feet and Power Bar. Both of which are means of conveniently keeping your Apple Wireless Keyboard, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad all charged up without wasting batteries and time. The Magic Feet is Mobee's Magic Bar and Magic Charger all fit into one big inductive charging station made out of white plastic and aluminum that can wirelessly recharge your Apple Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse at once, or both the Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse using inductive rechargeable cylinder battery and a rechargeable battery pack.

The Magic Feet can charge up to three devices simultaneously, but you're out of luck if you want to charge both Wireless Keyboard and Magic Trackpad at the same time. It takes 6 hours to fully charge a device which will then last for 10 days on a single charge. The Magic Feet will start shipping early March for $149.90.

Mobee's second charging accessory is a lot more affordable and called the Power Bar. Instead of going with wireless induction charging, the Power Bar replaces the Magic Trackpad's double AA batteries with its own screw-in, rechargeable battery cylinder that can be recharged using a micro-USB cable taking up virtually no space unlike its siblings. The Power Bar is also expected to be available in early March for $29.90. Both are now available to pre-order.

Getpowerpad Qi Wireless Charger Charges Qi Devices, Supports iPhone 5

The wait is almost over and we're already starting to see companies claiming to release iPhone 5 compatible accessories. Wireless charging is still a bit of a gimmick with Powermat being the first to get everyone excited about its wireless inductive charging products for mobile gadgets. Getpowerpad's own inductive chargers put a much more modern spin on wireless charging with its latest Qi wireless charger. The Qi is a single, portable gadget charging platform at an affordable price that with Getpowerpad receiver cases, is compatible with any future mobile phone Getpowerpad decides on supporting including the iPhone 5.

Currently the Qi will be able to start wirelessly charging any mobile phone that supports the international Qi battery technology standard. Samsung, LG, HTC, Nokia and Blackberry are those who currently support the Qi standard that is built right into the battery itself and will not require the addition of case receivers like the ones for the iPhone. The Getpowerpad Qi wireless charger will light up a blue LED strip letting you know your phone is charging coupled with a sound indicator. The Getpowerpad Qi will also be compatible with both the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3G/S and is expected to be released at the end of the year. 

Nir Schneider

Editor-in-Chief

Artwizz Induction Charger Charges Magic Mouse Wirelessly

Looks like Artwizz loved Mobee's inductive Magic Charger so much that it decided to create their own version. Well, it almost looks identical actually. Nevertheless, Artwizz's Induction Charger is an inductive charging platform for the Apple wireless Magic Mouse offering the same features as the Magic Charger with one exception, the Induction Charger is actually made out of aluminum with a white plastic surface. The Induction Charger works by inserting an induction rechargeable battery set into the Magic Mouse that allows you to charge your Magic Mouse wirelessly by placing it on top of the Induction Charger. The Artwizz Induction Charger for the Magic Mouse is available now in Europe for €39.99 ($56).

Nir Schneider

Editor-in-Chief