|
|
|
|
HOME DIGITAL MEDIA ARTICLES
|
Manifest Technology Blog
-- Site:
| Articles
| Galleries
| Resources
| DVI Tech
| About
| Site Map
|
Articles:
| PC Video
| Web Media
| DVD & CD
| Portable Media
| Digital Imaging
| Wireless Media
| Home Media
| Tech & Society
|
Home Media:
| Home Media Articles
| Home Networked Media Gallery
|
Holiday Gadgets and Wireless Accessories 2014
Audio, Storage, Power, Accessories
by Douglas Dixon
Contents
Full article:
See also:
Jawbone - MINI JAMBOX
Mini Bluetooth speaker and speakerphone
- MINI JAMBOX - 6.06 x 0.96 x 2.28 in., 9 oz. - 10 hours - $129
- [JAMBOX - 6 x 2.3 x 2.3 in., 12.8 oz - 10 hours - $149 - discontinued]
- BIG JAMBOX - 10 x 3.1 x 3.6 in., 43 oz - 15 hours - $299
|
JAMBOX Family
|
- Crafted from single piece of extruded aluminum for face and body
- Sculpted aluminum exterior designs, bright colors
- Front stereo acoustic drivers, Passive bass radiator
- DSP algorithms optimize sound dynamically for volume level
- Wireless speakerphone, type 1-compliant microphone
- 360-degree omnidirectional mic with echo cancellation
- Bluetooth 4.0, Pair up to 8 devices at once
- Simultaneous multipoint: connect to 2 devices simultaneously
- Multi Play - Connect two speakers for twice the sound
- 3.5mm stereo input
- 10 hours continuous playback, 75 hours standby
- https://jawbone.com/speakers/minijambox
- $129 - 9 colors, 5 design options
 Find the Jawbone MINI JAMBOX
on Amazon.com
|
Ultimate Ears UE BOOM Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
|
|
- 360 degree wireless speaker / speakerphone - All around sound
- Dual 1.5", 4 Ohm performance drivers for mids and highs
- Dual 2" passive radiators for bass low frequencies
- Colorful acoustic skin with plasma coating - water and stain resistant
- Rubber spine with large +/- volume controls
- Indoor / outdoor - wipe with damp cloth, Range up to 50 feet
- Use anywhere - Stand vertically, lay horizontally, in cup holder, clip to backpack
- UE Boom App - iOS & Android
- Pair two speakers for stereo, or double the sound
- Alarm, 5-band equalizer, personalize, guide
- Up to 8 paired Bluetooth source devices
- Connect to 2 Bluetooth devices at same time
- Tap to connect to NFC-enabled devices
- Plays 15 hours on rechargeable battery, charge in 3 - 4 hours
- 7.1" tall, 2.6" diameter, 19 oz.
- $199 - wide variety of colors, two-tone
- www.ultimateears.com/en-us/boom
Find the Ultimate Ears UE BOOM Speaker
on Amazon.com |
- Micro-USB charging port, 3.5mm audio jack for wired input
- Removable rubber cover protects USB / Aux ports
- D-ring clip on bottom, unscrew for 1/4 - 20 tripod mount
- Top: Power, Bluetooth pairing buttons; Tap + and – to hear power remaining
Sonos PLAY:1 Compact Wireless Speaker
- Sonos Wireless HiFi System - Fill your home with music
- Stream your entire music library (up to 16 Macs, PCs, NAS network storage) - iTunes Library, Amazon Music
- Play direct from popular music services, Internet radio - Pandora, Spotify, Google Play, SirusXM
- Works over home Wi-Fi network
- Supports multiple devices -- Start with one, add more over time
- Stereo pair, play different music in each room or synchronize
- Control from anywhere - with smartphone, tablet, or PC/Mac
- Sonos Desktop Controller software - for Mac or PC
- Sonos Controller App - for Android or iOS
- Simple wireless set-up
- http://www.sonos.com/
|
|
PLAY:1 Compact Wireless Speaker
- 3.5" mid-woofer, tweeter, 2 drivers with dedicated amplifiers
- Volume and Play/Pause (double-tap to skip) buttons
- Humidity resistant (bathroom with running shower)
- Pair two for stereo, or as part of 5.1 system
- 6.36 x 4.69 x 4.69 in. (161.45 x 119.7 x 119.7 mm), 4.08 lb (1.85 kg)
- $199, white or black
Find the Sonos PLAY:1 Wireless Speaker on Amazon.com |
Sonos PLAY:3 Room-Filling Wireless Speaker
- Three driver speaker system - $299 - 1 tweeter, 2 mid-range drivers, 1 bass radiator,
- 5.2 x 10.6 x 6.3 in. (132 x 268 x 160 mm), 5.71 lb (2.6 kg)
Sonos PLAY:5 Bigger Sound Wireless Speaker
- Five driver speaker system - $399 - 2 tweeters, 2 3” mid-range drivers, 1 3.5” woofer
- 8.50 x 14.40 x 4.80 in. (217 x 365 x 123 mm), 9.15 lb (4.15 kg)
Sonos Whole House / Home Theatre
- CONNECT - $349 - Turn your stereo or home theater into a music streaming system
- CONNECT:AMP - $499 - Turn your speakers into a music streaming system with our high-powered amplifier
- Bridge $49, Boost $99 - Improve wireless reliability or create a Home Theatre set up
- Connect to a router to create a dedicated wireless network for your Sonos system
- Home Theatre - PLAYBAR $699, SUB $699
Phiaton Chord MS 530 - Bluetooth 4.0 Noise Cancelling Headphones
- "Perfect combination of cutting edge technology, unique design, and exceptional sound quality to bring harmony to your ears"
- On-ear headphones (large earpads) with Bluetooth wireless and microphone
- Active noise cancelling - Up to 98% of ambient background noise
- Metal construction, metallic and black with red highlights; Compact foldable design
- Buttons: L - Noise cancelling Mic on/off, R - Call (pairing), Multi-function (full volume/scan/skip/mute), Power
- Voice guidance prompts
|
|
- 40mm Titanium coated drivers
- Enhanced sound quality, with deep rich bass and added sonic presence
- Dual microphone - for CVC (Clear Voice Capture)
- Echo cancellation and noise suppression
- Helps separate user's voice from surrounding background noise
- Also wired / passive - EverPlay-X
- Continue calling or listening to music even if battery runs out
- Cable includes inline remote control and mic
- Bluetooth 4.0 - Improved sound quality, greater range, extended battery life
- aptX - increases digital streaming efficiency and improves overall dynamic range
- Multipoint connection - Connects with two devices simultaneously
- USB charging - Up to 30 hours talk/music time, 18 hours with noise cancelling
- 0.64 lb / 290 g (without cord)
- $349 / $299, black, red, aluminum
- http://phiaton.com/chord-ms-530
Find the Phiaton Chord MS 530 Headphones
on Amazon.com |
Audio-Technica QuietPoint ATH-ANC70 - Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Active noise-cancelling headphones, wired
- Up to 90% reduction of distracting background environmental noise
- "Deliver clear, high-resolution sound, with intense bass, detailed midrange, extended treble
and accurate imaging in an immersive soundfield"
- Large-aperture 40 mm drivers with rare-earth magnet systems
|
|
- Lightweight and compact, foldable, adjustable headband, swiveling earcups
- Comfort earcups with memory-foam padding, shape fits easily over any ear
- Headband engineered to distribute mass evenly across the head
- Operate in passive mode without batteries, work when noise-cancelling off,
- Integrated mic/volume & controls for compatible smartphones
- Press illuminated logo-button on the earcup
to
take phone call or to return to music or silence
- Power/low battery indicator, detachable cable with 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plugs
- $199
- www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones...
Find the Audio-Technica QuietPoint ANC70 Headphones
on Amazon.com |
Jabra MOVE Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Headphones
|
|
- Ultra-light adjustable headband
- Easy to connect, leave your phone in your pocket
- Control music and phone calls from the headphones
- Clean, simple, Scandinavian design
- Designed for comfortable fit and durability
- Premium materials including stainless steel arms and dirt resistant fabric
- Drop tested (from 1m) and flexibility tested (10,000 times)
- Bluetooth 4.0, optional cord to use on flights
- Controls: R Off/on/pairing; L Volume, multi-function
- Talk time: Up to 8 hours, standby up to 288 hours, charge 1 - 2 hours
- 6.77 x 5.75 x 2.87 in., 5.59 oz
- $99 - black, blue, red
- www.jabra.com/MoveWireless
Find the Jabra MOVE Wireless Headphones
on Amazon.com |
SOL REPUBLIC Relays
|
|
- Sweat- and water-resistant
- Lightweight and low profile (0.47 oz / 13.4 g)
- Comfortable to wear all day
- Universal adaptable fit - Easy to put in, won't fall out
- FreeFlex wheel nests in outer ear with flexible outer ring
- Sound engine extends to bottom of inside of outer ear
- I5 Sound Engines deliver full sound from compact design with balance and details
- Includes 4 ear tip sizes - Free replacement ear tips for life
- Long 4+ ft cord, Slim-fit carrying case, removable clip
- Apple: 3-button operation - mic, music and phone control, volume, Siri
- or 1-button operation - mic, music and phone control
- $79 / $59, black, white, blue, yellow, red
- solrepublic.com/shop/relays-in-ear-headphone-3-button-various-colors.html
Find the SOL REPUBLIC Relays
on Amazon.com |
Jabra Stealth Headset - Smartphone Voice Control
|
|
- Small (1/4 oz.), less conspicuous design from microPOWER technology
- Lighter, better comfort, better battery efficiency, longer talk time
- Dedicated smartphone Voice Control button
- Remotely activate Siri or Google Now
- Inside - Power, post Answer/End, dedicated Voice Control
- Advanced sound enhancement technologies
- Noise Blackout dual microphone reduces background noise
- HD voice for high definition sound quality
- Jabra Assist app - Find My Jabra last seen GPS
- Bluetooth 4.0, NFC pairing - Multiuse pairing to 2 devices at same time
- Talk time up to 6 hours, standby to 240 hours
- 2.57 x 0.61 x 0.95 in., 7.9 g (0.28 oz)
- $99 / $83
- www.jabra.com/products/bluetooth/jabra_stealth/jabra_stealth
Find the Jabra Stealth Headset
on Amazon.com |
Doppler Labs - DUBS Acoustic Filters
|
|
- Advanced tech earplugs that reduce volume and protect ears
- Without sacrificing sound fidelity, style or comfort
- Protect ears without muffling sound - Safe and pleasant auditory experience
- 12dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) to protect ears
- Do not block all noise - Tuned to target specific frequencies
- Use dynamic attenuation with high and low pass filters
- Reduce overall volume while preserving sound fidelity
- Minimalist form factor - Sleek design, fits comfortably, flush to ear
- 17 individual parts, durable materials - stainless steel, ABS, polymer foams, silicone
- One size - Designed to fit most adults ages 16 and up
- Small, protective case
- $25, Teal, blue, pink, white
- www.getdubs.com
Find the DUBS Acoustic Filters
on Amazon.com |
Top
Sample Storage Prices
- Cards
- SD / SDHC card (PNY) - from 64 GB / $34, 128 GB / $63, 256 GB / $109
- microSD card (Kingston) - 64 GB / $32, 128 GB / $69
- Flash Drives
- USB 2.0 Flash (Kingston) - 64 GB / $28, 128 GB / $58
- USB 3.0 Flash (Kingston) - 512 GB / $444, 1 TB / $915
- Hard Drives
- USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive (Western Digital) - 1 TB / $69, 2 TB / $99
Kingston Mobility Kit - 32 GB microSDHC
|
 |
- All-in-one kit moves between mobile devices and computer
- microSDHC/SDXC card - plus SD card adapter and USB adapter
- Class 4: 4 MB/s min. data transfer rate, capacity up to 32 GB
- Class 10: 10 MB/s min. data transfer rate, capacity up to 64 GB
- www.kingston.com/us/flash/microsd_cards#MBLY
- 32 GB $19, 64 GB $45
Find the Kingston Mobility Kit
on Amazon.com |
- SD - Capacities from 128 MB to 2 GB
- SDHC - Capacities from 4 GB to 32 GB
- SDXC - Capacities from 64 GB to 2 TB
- Speed Class - 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 - MB/sec. minimum guaranteed data transfer rate
Kingston MobileLite Wireless G2 - Wireless Multi Reader
- Versatile wireless reader for USB drives or flash cards
- Access and share photos, videos, documents, etc. - Free up space for phone or tablet
- MobileLite app - iOS, Google Play, Kindle Apps
- Move / copy files from / to device / USB / SD, camera roll
- Create folder, delete / rename, search
- Send photos and videos from flash cards and USB drives directly to social media sites
- Creates own Wi-Fi signal to access storage
- Share data with 8 users simultaneously, Stream 5 HD movies simultaneously
- Bridge to local Wi-Fi Internet connection
- Built-in Ethernet port - portable router bridged to LAN
- Portable power pack - charge smartphone up to 2X
|
 |
- Up to 13 hours of continuous use
- USB 2.0 port - Connect USB drives, charge device
- SD slot - Connect SD/SDHC/SDXC, microSD/SDHC/SDXC cards
- microUSB port to charge MobileLite, direct connect to computer
- Power button: Short press (1 sec) for Power bank mode
Long press (3 sec) for Wi-Fi mode
- LEDs: Power, Wi-Fi broadcast, Bridged
- 129.14 x 79.09 x 19.28 mm, 171 g
- www.kingston.com/us/wireless/wireless_readers#mlwg2
- $69 / $50
Find the Kingston MobileLite Wireless G2
on Amazon.com |
Western Digital - My Passport Wireless
- Wirelessly access files from all your devices - computer, tablets, smartphones
- Back up or transfer photos and videos shot on SD cards
- Stream media to Smart TV, smartphone, tablet
- Built-in SD card slot + USB 3.0 port for direct connection to computer
- Serves as Wi-Fi hotspot - Connect devices directly to access storage
- Connect up to 8 devices at the same time, Stream up to 4 HD videos at once to multiple devices
- Use as Wi-Fi hub - Share home/public Internet connection with multiple devices
- Bridge to Internet for connected devices
- On Home network - shares storage as NAS shared drive and DLNA media server
- Stream videos, photos and music to connected TVs, media players, gaming consoles, DLNA/UPnP devices
- FTP transfer to/from Public folder - backup from wireless cameras
- My Cloud mobile app, iOS or Android
- Access files with mobile device - Photos, music, videos and documents
- Upload photos and videos directly from mobile device’s camera roll
- Download files for offline access, Share files using email link
- File management - copy, move, rename and delete files
- Transfer files between public cloud accounts - Dropbox, Google Drive
- Dashboard web page interface - Configure, manage, diagnose
- Protect drive from USB access using Drive Lock
Top
Velvetwire Powerslayer Smart USB Charger
|
|
- Intelligent and stylish charger
- Reduces energy waste and promotes battery health
- Delivers power only when needed, no overcharge or waste
- LED indicator glows when charging, then turns off when fully powered
- 2 Amps, for phones and tablets
- Textured polycarbonate housing, fold-out plug
- USB connector slightly off-angle
- Wall charger - $39 - coral red, fathom black, hull off-white, marine blue
- Premium USB Cable - tangle-free, braided cloth
- Lightning or micro-USB connector, $19 / 1 meter, $29 / 2 m
- Powerslayer Kit - $79 - Charger, cord, natural leather travel case
- velvetwire.com
Find the Velvetwire Powerslayer
on Amazon.com |
Ventev Powercell 3015 Battery Charger - Light and Slim
Ventev Powercell 6000+ Combination Charger - Dual USB, AC
Ventev Dashport r2240 Dual USB Car Charger
Ventev Chargesync - Flat and Tangle-Resistant Cables
NewerTech Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet
|
|
- Dual-socket wall outlet - AC & USB
- Two integrated USB ports to power and charge USB devices
- Power and charge up to four devices simultaneously
- Blend seamlessly into wall as standard power outlet
- Smart Power only outputs charging power required by attached device
- Spring-loaded Safety Shutters power off USB when cable removed
- UL-Listed, NEC compliant tamper-resistant AC receptacles
- Requires 16 cubic inch electrical/wall box
- Available in white, black, ivory, light almond
- Available for 15A (typical residential)
or 20A circuits (office, kitchen/garage)
- 15A Outlet $20, 20A Outlet $27
- www.newertech.com/products/power2u.php
Find the NewerTech Power2U Outlets
on Amazon.com |
MPOWERD - Luci Solar Lanterns
|
|
- Affordable and clean solar lighting for remote places and people
- Bright task light, illuminating up to 10 square feet,
or can provide playful or mood lighting.
- Packs down to disc 5 in. in diameter, 1 in. thick, 4 oz.
- Inflatable - expands to 5 in. high
- Solar panels fully charges in 8 hours of strong sunlight
- Provides light for 6 to 12 hours (depending on brightness level).
- PVC enclosure - waterproof, can immerse to 1 meter
- Luci Light - $14.99 - 3 lighting modes: mood, bright, flashing
- Luci Aura - Frosted body and colored lights, white, 6 colors, cycling
- www.mpowerd.com
Find the Luci Light Solar Lantern system
on Amazon.com |
Top
Touchfire - Case and Keyboard for iPad / iPad mini
- Versatile iPad case combined with thin / light keyboard overlay
- Clear silicone 3-D keyboard goes over iPad's on-screen keyboard
- Provides touch and resistance for confortable touch typing
- Transparent layer - see keys below; Snaps into place magnetically
- Tactile - Feel key positions; Responsive - type with resistance and spring
- Rest fingers on home row without accidentally triggering touchscreen
- Retract keyboard by folding down for full-screen use
- Stays attached to cover when not in use
- Snap-in case with magnetic cover, works with Apple Smart Cover
- Magnetic latch, adjustable for multiple typing and viweing positions
- Made of durable, high performance silicone rubber
- Grippy material does not slip or slide
|
 |
- Keyboard weighs 3/8 oz., thin as two credit cards
- Does not lose shape even when accidentally crunched up or stretched out
- Waterproof - clean by rinsing and towel dry
- Does not work with most screen protectors
- Case & Keyboard - $69 - blue, black, red, light gray
- iPad 2,3,4 / iPad Air / iPad Air 2 / iPad Mini,
- Original Keyboard for iPad 2,3,4 $39
- http://touchfire.com
Find the Touchfire Case and Keyboard
on Amazon.com |
Speck - iGuy Kid-Friendly Protective Case
|
 |
- Kid-ready for young children
- Lightweight, flexible, tough EVA foam construction
- Free-standing - Stands up on two feet
- Convenient viewing angle for small people
- Squeezeable - Little arms and soft foam are easy to hold
- Deeply recessed ports; Screen protector separate
- iPad air; iPad - Fits iPad 4, 3, 2, and iPad original
- iPad mini - Fits mini 3, 2, and mini original
- iPad $39.95 / $31, iPad mini $29.95 / $21
- www.speckproducts.com/iguy-for-ipad.html
Find the Speck iGuy Case
on Amazon.com |
Logitech - Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard
|
|
- Full-size desktop replacement keyboard
- Familiar layout and shortcut keys
- Universal wireless keyboard for tablet and smartphone
- Connects to 3 different Bluetooth wireless devices at once
- Easy-Switch dial - turn to switch typing between devices
- Integrated cradle slot to hold a smartphone or tablet
- Angle to read while typing
- 11.8 x 7.7 x 0.8 in., 1.8 lb.
- Runs 2 years on 2 AAA batteries
- $49, white or black
- www.logitech.com/en-us/product/multi-device-keyboard-k480
Find the Logitech Multi-Device Keyboard
on Amazon.com |
Razer - Kabuto Mobile Mouse Mat
|
|
- Ultralight mat - Thin and portable, 11 x 7 2/3 in.
- Soft microfiber tracking surface for precise manipulation
- Backed with high grip rubber base, holds its securely
- Mouse moves smoothly but with control, comfortable surface
- Doubles as laptop screen protector, roll up for travel
- $18, basic black
- www.razerzone.com/gaming-mouse-mats/razer-kabuto
Find the Razer Kabuto Mobile Mouse Mat
on Amazon.com |
Newer Tech - Portable Toolkit
|
|
- Tools to open both laptop computers and small electronics
- Conveniently packaged in zippered nylon case
- Padded interior with cutouts to keep tools in place
- Tweezers,Scissor clamp
- 9 screwdrivers with hardened, magnetic blades:
- straight 1.8 & 3.0mm; Phillips #00 & #2;
- Apple Pentalobe 1.2mm; Torx T5, T6, T8, T10.
- 2 nylon pry tools ("spudgers"), nylon probe / stick ( point & blade)
- Designed not to scratch devices,
disposable since the edges wear down with use
- $17
- www.newertech.com/products/14pctoolset.php
Find the Newer Tech Portable Toolkit
on Amazon.com |
Newer Tech - iSesamo Pry Tool
|
|
- Designed to pop open devices by slipping between their panes
- Batteries, LCD displays, touch screens, internal components.
- Stainless steel blade - Thin, flexible, rugged professional grade
- Rubber handle for secure grip
- $9
- www.newertech.com/products/isesamo.php
Find the iSesamo Pry Tool
on Amazon.com |
Parrot - MiniDrone Rolling Spider
- Agile, ultra-compact drone controlled by smartphone
- Quadricopter (4 blades) - Stable, indoors and outdoors
- Fly up to 11 mph (18 km/h)
- Up to 8 min of flying time (6 min with wheels)
- Removable wheels to roll across floor, wall, ceiling
- Vertical mini-camera for aerial view photos (300,000 px)
- Automatically holds stable in air
- Propeller cutout on collision - protects indoor furnishings
- MiniDrones FreeFlight 3 app - iOS, Android, Windows Phone 8.1
- Bluetooth control - Up to 20 meters
- Tap to take off
- Thumb controls flight direction, height
- One swipe for half- and u-turns
- Acrobatic tricks - full forward and backward flips
- Parrot Cloud to share sessions, acrobatics, photos
- See also the Verizon Holiday Gift Guide
|
|
- Sensors for autopilot
- 3-axis gyroscope, 3-axis accelerometer
- Pressure sensor for altitude
- Ultrasonic sensor for precision flying near ground
- Vertical camera at 60 fps measures speed vs. previous image
- Battery, rechargeable and removable, recharge in 90 min
body 2 1/2 by 1 1/4 in.,
rotors 6 x 6 in - 7 in diameter
- 1.94 oz. / 2.29 with wheels (55g / 65g)
- $99,white, blue, red
- www.parrot.com/usa/products/rolling-spider
Find the Parrot MiniDrone Rolling Spider
on Amazon.com |
Top
- 2018 - Better, Faster, Cheaper
2017 - Smart Home
2016 - Digital Assistants, Digital Health, Smart Home, VR & Drones
2015 - Holiday Giving with Internet Crowdfunding
- 2014 - Wearables and Body Tech
- 2013 - Wireless Accessories
/ Digital Health
- 2012
- Cloud Services
- Holiday Gadgets 2012 - Cloud Services - Store, Share, Sync in the Cloud
- Holiday Gadgets 2012 - Handheld Devices - Portable Players, Smartphones, and Tablets
- Holiday Gadgets 2012 - Portable Accessories - Portable Audio, Imaging, Storage, Power, Cases
- Article: Holiday High Tech Gift Guide 2012 - Full issue (PDF) (U.S. 1 Newspaper, Nov. 21, 2012)
- 2012 - Portable Accessories
- 2011 - Smartphones, Tablets & E-Readers
- 2011 - New Year
- 2010 - Portable and Wireless
- 3-D - Apps
- 2010 - New Year
- 2009 - Accessories
- 2008 - Home Media
- 2007 - High-Def
- 2006 - High-Def, Mobile Media and Navigation
- 2005 - Portable Storage and Media Players
- 2004 - Accessories
- 2003 - Gadgets to Go
- 2002 - Gadgets as Gifts
Top
|
