V-Moda Updates Crossfades; Sennheiser Launches 1st Xbox Model

By Lisa Johnston On Dec 5 2011 - 6:01am

NEW YORK — The headphones category showed no signs of slowing in the fourth quarter, with new models and upgrades being announced in the final weeks of 2011 as manufacturers hoped to get a piece of the holiday selling season pie. What follows is a roundup of products announced in just the last few weeks, and see the Nov. 21 issue of TWICE for even more fourthquarter introductions.

 

 

CompuExpert Bows Air Keyboard Conqueror

By TWICE Staff On Dec 5 2011 - 6:01am

LAKE FOREST, CALIF. — CompuExpert unveiled the Cideko Air Keyboard Conqueror, a wireless keyboard integrated with a gyro mouse and wireless customizable gamepad.

It’s designed as an all-in-one solution for home-theater PCs and gaming on a PlayStation 3. It has a customizable gamepad with two analog joysticks and an eight-way D-pad and four-axis 10 fire buttons. Other features include 20 hours of battery life, an ergonomic design and LED indicators.

Audiofly Readies U.S. Launch; Thinksound Debuts Monitor Series

By Lisa Johnston On Dec 19 2011 - 6:01am

DIAMOND BAR, CALIF. — Audiofly, an Australian headphones manufacturer, is launching in the United States this month and will be coming to International CES to show off its four in-ear models.

Meanwhile, Thinksound introduced the first in-ear headphones in its Monitor series.

Speck Bows Holiday iPhone 4S Cases

By Lisa Johnston On Dec 19 2011 - 6:01am

PALO ALTO, CALIF. — Speck recently unveiled its much-anticipated line of iPhone 4S cases, just in time for not only the holiday selling season, but also for all those iPhones that will be gifted later this month.

Its FabShell cases feature fabric backs and sides, onepiece construction, reinforced sides and a rubbery raised bezel for additional screen protection.

There will also be a holiday edition of the cases that “conjure memories of holidays past and those special sweaters from Grandma,” Speck said.

Iogear Introduces USB 3.0 Accessories

By Lisa Johnston On Dec 19 2011 - 6:01am

FOOTHILL RANCH, CALIF. — Iogear recently took the wraps off three USB 3.0 devices: a multi-card reader/writer, an SD/MicroSD card reader/writer and a four-port hub.

All of the products are backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices and connections.

The SuperSpeed USB 3.0 fourport hub (GUH374) allows data transfer between a computer and up to four devices. It is plug-andplay and hot swappable. Suggested retail is $49.95.

iHome, Disney Team For Audio Accessories Line

By John Laposky On Dec 19 2011 - 6:01am

RAHWAY, N.J. — iHome unveiled a line of Disney-licensed audio accessories products featuring Kermit the Frog, Minnie Mouse, Phineas and Ferb, and Jack Skellington from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

The new iHome lineup includes noiseisolating earphones, over-the-ear headphones, portable speaker systems and iPod docking alarm clock speaker systems. Additional products are planned for 2012, the company said.

Concord Debuts Battery Pack

By TWICE Staff On Dec 19 2011 - 6:01am

SUNRISE, FLA. – Concord Keystone Trading has introduced the Keystone Eco Booster portable battery pack for MicroUSB smartphones in the U.S.

The portable Keystone Eco Booster charges and extends the battery power for smartphones and is the newest addition to the line of proven power performers from Concord Keystone, including AmigoCase, Solar/USB Power Pak and other charging units and accessories, the company said.

Mizco Launches iEssentials RoboBuds

By Lisa Johnston On Dec 19 2011 - 6:01am

AVENEL, N.J. — Mizco International’s iEssentials division joined the growing list of headphones manufacturers in the kid-friendly business.

The RoboBuds line, offered in five “characters” for $9.99, are designed to protect sensitive ears from damage by having a max volume output of 85dB.

The five characters are Phantom, Streke, Electrika, PowerBot and Crimson- Robo, each with a robot character on the cord that slides up and down and serves as the set’s cord-management system.

Q4 Flush With Headphone Launches

By Lisa Johnston On Nov 21 2011 - 6:01am

NEW YORK — Headphones manufacturers were busy in the final months of 2011, with what seemed like daily announcements of new models. Products and their features went across the board, with Bluetooth, in-line controls and celebrity names making frequent appearances.

TWICE has rounded up some of the most recent additions to the category, and expects even more news to come out of the upcoming 2012 International CES in January.

Andrea Ships Boom-Free Headsets

By John Laposky On Oct 3 2011 - 4:01am

BOHEMIA, N.Y. – Andrea Electronics recently announced the availability of its USB SuperBeam headsets with twin boom-free microphones and external USB sound card.

Dubbed “more headphone than headset” by Andrea, the SuperBeam headsets feature an in-line dedicated USB sound card that bypasses a computer’s built-in sound system. The ported transducer design produces rich deep bass, clear midrange and sparkling highs that far exceed those produced by the builtin amplifier and digital audio converters found in most laptops, the company said.