Mobility Digest » Music

Mobility Digest Review: X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker

Doug Smith — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:32:43 +0000

Press Releases flow out of the CES Show pretty hot and heavy and it is easy to miss, or to forget about some very interesting products. One such product for me was the X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker that packs a lot of features into a tiny little wireless speaker. As a matter of fact, the KAI Speaker is the first Bluetooth enabled speaker from X-mini, who has a large range of these mini speakers in the wired category. And as I wrote up in the press release, the need for a good portable speaker has become a real necessity not only for me, but for a lot of people because of all the streaming apps that are available that take advantage of the ever increasing markets for 3G and 4G coverage. So if you are one of the many who want to improve their audio performance wirelessly, but in a small compact device, then check out the X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker in another edition of Mobility Digest Review!

In the box you get more than just the speaker, with the KAI you get a very nice carrying case as well as USB to Mini USB charge cable that also has a 3.5mm audio cable built in. Also included is a couple of small little booklets, one being the instructions on how to paid the KAI as well as user manual, and the other being an appeal by XMI to help Children International. Felt that it was was worth mentioning because so few companies use their ability to reach consumers and advocate on behalf of charities. Good stuff XMI.

Out of the box, the X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker measures 50mm x 62mm with the resonator closed. Opening the resonator adds about another 31mm to the overall height. The weight of the KAI is 95.2b. The KAI has a rubberized coating over the plastic outer shell that makes it very grip-able as well as an anti fingerprint collector. The rubberized coating also makes it look like it is a very high quality speaker and not just any cheap plastic speaker you can pickup at a convenience store.

With all the build quality the KAI has that I mentioned above, XMI also put a pretty decent battery in it. With it’s 550mAh battery, you can expect to get up to 8 hours of playback time and that is after you get done charging it for 2.5 hours because that is how long it takes to charge up the KAI. I thought the battery life was very good and over several days of testing I know I got 8 or more hours out of the KAI which is pretty decent in my book. With it’s USB charging, the KAI is easy to make sure it stays full of juice plugged into your computer while at work or at play.

With it’s Bluetooth compliant v2.1 + EDR A2DP Stereo capabilities, the KAI will stay connected to your device up to 33 feet. Of course that is 33 feet from from obstruction. The Bluetooth playback time suffers more than the corded time, the BT is cut in half and lasts up to 4 hours . Pairing the KAI is super easy. All you have to do is turn it in and pick up your phone and navigate to the Bluetooth setting and find the KAI listed in the found device list. Tap the KAI on that list and pairing is pretty fast and no password is required. Very painless indeed!

The speaker on the X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker is pretty good for something so small. The speaker is a Magnetically Shielded 40mm driver. This is an increase over the 36mm speaker XMI was using before. The result is better sound overall. The loudspeaker output is 2.5w with a Frequency Response of 100 Hz – 18 kHz. The Signal-to-Noise ratio is ≥89dB and the Distortion is ≤0.3%. Overall the Speaker is rich in sound and has enough punch to hear from across the room. You won’ t be thumpin’’ but it’s the best highs and lows I have heard from a speaker this small. I really enjoyed listening to the KAI while playing wide ranges of different music.

The X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker has another very useful speaker and that is it’s built in microphone. Not only will you be able to hear a conference call or group call in great audio quality, but you will also be able to utilize the built in speaker as well! The microphone has a sensitivity of –34db. Here again too I really thought the KAI did a super job handling the usually poor connection international calls I have to make for work. This is a very handy feature for customers wanting to hook the KAI up to their smartphones. When a call comes in, all you have to do is answer it and you are hands free. It is not necessary to remove a 3.5mm cord connecting your device to a portable speaker for you to make and receive a call.

I review a lot of gadgets and I got to tell you that the X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker is one gadget I really liked and continue to not be able to put down. It is so small and compact that I can take it along anywhere with me. Of course the one thing is was missing was a lanyard which I don’t think is very necessary of there than that XMI molded in a lanyard provision in the KAI. So by now you got to be asking yourself, where di XMI get the name KAI from anyway? As it turns out, the KAI is “Fondly named after CEO Ryan Lee’s nephew, Kai, who is the first in the next generation of his family”. The only downside I have seen so far with the X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker is the cost. Now granted this device comes with a lot of whistles and bells and for this reviewer is pretty darn cool, but with a US price tag of about $110.00, I think XMI may want to rethink their pricing structure some prior to launching it here. The last issue is that the KAI is not available yet. XMI is taking pre-orders and when you do, they are providing a free lanyard, something that should have been supplied with the device anyway. Knowing that Amazon will most likely get the pricing straightened out on the KAI and give consumers an avenue to purchase the KAI for a lot less money, I think this is really device you need to consider if you are in the market for a small portable Bluetooth Speaker. The quality, sound, features really put the KAI at the top of the list for my must have list of gadgets.

PROS

Great sound and build quality
Supplied with a very nice carrying case and power USB cable
Easy to pair with your smartphone, tablet, or pc.

CONS

Price has got to be the biggest concern at $110.00 USD
No Lanyard included in package

Head on over to the XMI website for more information and to preorder if the X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker fits the bill for all your portable wireless audio needs.

Cloud Music Available for Windows Phones: Streams Music from your SkyDrive

David K — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:14:40 +0000

If you’re using a Windows Phone then you’re probably already in bed with SkyDrive so may as well stream your music from SkyDrive as well. Cloud Music doesn’t just do it, they’ve clearly spent the time to make it full featured and look like a native app. Here are the complete details:

Cloud Music is a music player that accesses your SkyDrive account and will look for any music collection you have stored on SkyDrive (based on Zune folder structure). Cloud Music if one of the first SkyDrive true music players offering true integration with SkyDrive key features include

• SkyDrive Integration

• Stream or Download Music Playback

• User Selectable Artist and Album Images

• .mp3 and .aac playback formats

• Custom Playlist

• User selectable Playlist album images

• Background Audio Playback

• Offline Mode for Albums and Playlist

• Zune Music Hub Integration

• Shuffle Playback

• Repeat Playback

• Pin Albums and Playlist to Start

• Recently Played and New Music View there are many more features included and more to come!

Give the 14 day free trial a try with full feature set enabled.

You can check it out here for where there’s a free trial and it’s $1.29 to own.

Slacker adds Weather Channel and American Public Media

Doug Smith — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:03:30 +0000

Recently I left Pandora’s free service and gave a Slacker a try and was so impressed with the service that I subscribed to their Plus Plan which is basically $4 bucks a month for ad free and unlimited fast forwarding. No, you don’t get to play your favorite song on demand or make cool playlists like their top plan for $10 bucks a month offers, but I found that it is perfect for me and usually within a few other related songs, I hear the song I wanted to listen to anyway. So now, Slacker is going to add some really cool new partners to the mix, one in particular I am pretty happy about and this is The Weather Channel! The Weather Channel feature within Slacker is going to allow you customizable forecasts and updates.

Also added to Slackers content is American Public Media that has a “Marketplace (that) produces the country’s top business and economic news programs, attracting 9.3 million listeners each week. And The Current is one of America’s top non-commercial Triple A music stations, cited frequently in Billboard and Rolling Stone magazines. We are pleased to offer Slacker users easy access to this award-winning programming.”

This is some great news for Slacker subscribers like me and definitely adds more value to my subscription.

Pricing and Availability

The Weather Channel updates and forecasts will launch in early 2012 as part of the Slacker Radio service. Slacker Radio is currently available at www.Slacker.com or by accessing Slacker Radio from a supported device. Slacker Radio Plus, which is available for $3.99 per month and Slacker Premium Radio (featuring on-demand music play), which is available for $9.99 per month, can be purchased by visiting www.Slacker.com or selecting the “upgrade” button from within a Slacker Radio mobile application.

Show Full Press Release
APM Content Including “Marketplace” and “The Current” Soon Available to Slacker’s Millions of Listeners LAS VEGAS – January 10, 2012 – Slacker Inc. today announced a partnership with American Public Media to bring award-winning public radio programming to the Slacker lineup. Slacker users will be able to listen to APM’s Marketplace and The Current for free anywhere that Slacker is available, from mobile devices to Sonos wireless systems. Emphasizing Slacker’s dedication to being the ultimate radio resource, this partnership is yet another step in allowing Slacker listeners to enjoy an incredibly diverse collection of radio content right at their fingertips. “We’re proud to work with Slacker and offer some of our most popular programming via Slacker Personal Radio,” said APM President and CEO, Jon McTaggart. “Marketplace produces the country’s top business and economic news programs, attracting 9.3 million listeners each week. And The Current is one of America’s top non-commercial Triple A music stations, cited frequently in Billboard and Rolling Stone magazines. We are pleased to offer Slacker users easy access to this award-winning programming.” The Current on Slacker Radio will be curated and updated weekly with a mix of local and national musical content chosen by station programming staff. Marketplace on Slacker Radio will offer its popular and unique take on business news developments via the Marketplace flagship program, Marketplace Morning Report, Marketplace Tech Report, Marketplace Money and the Marketplace Index. “Including American Public Media programming in our lineup of curated music and non-music content reinforces that Slacker is radio done right,” said Jonathan Sasse, senior vice president of marketing at Slacker. “From customizable sports content to national and world news, DJ-curated Slacker stations and now public radio, Slacker offers a unique and compelling range of content for our listeners.” To get the free Slacker mobile application, simply direct your mobile web browser to www.Slacker.com. RELEASE #2 - Slacker to Offer Listeners Customizable Forecasts and Updates from The Weather Channel Slacker Radio Service to Offer Listeners Weather, Live Sports, ABC News, Music and More LAS VEGAS – January 10, 2012 – Slacker, Inc. today announced a partnership with The Weather Channel to bring customizable national, regional and local weather updates and forecasts to Slacker listeners. The Weather Channel integration will be available in early 2012 on the web as well as mobile devices. All Slacker listeners, regardless of their service tier, will have access to features from The Weather Channel, including a dedicated station from The Weather Channel featuring national, regional and local forecasts and updates from major market cities throughout the United States. Weather updates and forecasts will also be available as optional items to be added to stations of the listener’s choice to get the latest weather updates on any of their favorite Slacker radio stations. “This partnership will enable The Weather Channel to expand our reach and deliver weather content to Slacker Radio listeners when and where they want it,” said Mike Pons, vice president and general manager at The Weather Channel Local Group. “Slacker is taking an approach to Personal Radio that is unlike any other service and we are happy to be a part of it.” Earlier this week, Slacker launched live ESPN shows and sporting events and announced the addition of programming from American Public Media. Adding real-time updates from The Weather Channel to Slacker’s millions of songs and non-music content further highlights Slacker’s commitment to creating the best Personal Radio experience. “Every person is affected by weather; it’s an important part of our lives,” said Jonathan Sasse, senior vice president of marketing at Slacker. “Including weather on our stations is one more way that Slacker is offering the most relevant content to listeners, providing the best possible personal radio experience.” Slacker Radio is dedicated to offering a fully customizable online radio experience that includes the most varied and compelling range of personalized content offered by any Internet radio service. The Slacker Radio experience includes over 150 expert-programmed music stations, ABC news, personalized ESPN Sports content and live streaming programs, American Public Radio programming, comedy, custom artist-hosted showcase stations, leading music festival stations with the new lifestyle stations and The Weather Channel updates coming soon. With a music catalog that is over ten times larger than Pandora, the leading radio competitor, Slacker Radio gives listeners the ultimate music and content discovery resource. Pricing and Availability The Weather Channel updates and forecasts will launch in early 2012 as part of the Slacker Radio service. Slacker Radio is currently available at www.Slacker.com or by accessing Slacker Radio from a supported device. Slacker Radio Plus, which is available for $3.99 per month and Slacker Premium Radio (featuring on-demand music play), which is available for $9.99 per month, can be purchased by visiting www.Slacker.com or selecting the “upgrade” button from within a Slacker Radio mobile application.

Show Full Press Release

APM Content Including “Marketplace” and “The Current” Soon Available to Slacker’s Millions of Listeners

LAS VEGAS – January 10, 2012 – Slacker Inc. today announced a partnership with American Public Media to bring award-winning public radio programming to the Slacker lineup. Slacker users will be able to listen to APM’s Marketplace and The Current for free anywhere that Slacker is available, from mobile devices to Sonos wireless systems. Emphasizing Slacker’s dedication to being the ultimate radio resource, this partnership is yet another step in allowing Slacker listeners to enjoy an incredibly diverse collection of radio content right at their fingertips.

“We’re proud to work with Slacker and offer some of our most popular programming via Slacker Personal Radio,” said APM President and CEO, Jon McTaggart. “Marketplace produces the country’s top business and economic news programs, attracting 9.3 million listeners each week. And The Current is one of America’s top non-commercial Triple A music stations, cited frequently in Billboard and Rolling Stone magazines. We are pleased to offer Slacker users easy access to this award-winning programming.”

The Current on Slacker Radio will be curated and updated weekly with a mix of local and national musical content chosen by station programming staff. Marketplace on Slacker Radio will offer its popular and unique take on business news developments via the Marketplace flagship program, Marketplace Morning Report, Marketplace Tech Report, Marketplace Money and the Marketplace Index.

“Including American Public Media programming in our lineup of curated music and non-music content reinforces that Slacker is radio done right,” said Jonathan Sasse, senior vice president of marketing at Slacker. “From customizable sports content to national and world news, DJ-curated Slacker stations and now public radio, Slacker offers a unique and compelling range of content for our listeners.”

To get the free Slacker mobile application, simply direct your mobile web browser to www.Slacker.com.

RELEASE #2 -

Slacker to Offer Listeners Customizable Forecasts and Updates from The Weather Channel

Slacker Radio Service to Offer Listeners Weather, Live Sports, ABC News, Music and More

LAS VEGAS – January 10, 2012 – Slacker, Inc. today announced a partnership with The Weather Channel to bring customizable national, regional and local weather updates and forecasts to Slacker listeners. The Weather Channel integration will be available in early 2012 on the web as well as mobile devices.

All Slacker listeners, regardless of their service tier, will have access to features from The Weather Channel, including a dedicated station from The Weather Channel featuring national, regional and local forecasts and updates from major market cities throughout the United States. Weather updates and forecasts will also be available as optional items to be added to stations of the listener’s choice to get the latest weather updates on any of their favorite Slacker radio stations.

“This partnership will enable The Weather Channel to expand our reach and deliver weather content to Slacker Radio listeners when and where they want it,” said Mike Pons, vice president and general manager at The Weather Channel Local Group. “Slacker is taking an approach to Personal Radio that is unlike any other service and we are happy to be a part of it.”

Earlier this week, Slacker launched live ESPN shows and sporting events and announced the addition of programming from American Public Media. Adding real-time updates from The Weather Channel to Slacker’s millions of songs and non-music content further highlights Slacker’s commitment to creating the best Personal Radio experience.
“Every person is affected by weather; it’s an important part of our lives,” said Jonathan Sasse, senior vice president of marketing at Slacker. “Including weather on our stations is one more way that Slacker is offering the most relevant content to listeners, providing the best possible personal radio experience.”

Slacker Radio is dedicated to offering a fully customizable online radio experience that includes the most varied and compelling range of personalized content offered by any Internet radio service. The Slacker Radio experience includes over 150 expert-programmed music stations, ABC news, personalized ESPN Sports content and live streaming programs, American Public Radio programming, comedy, custom artist-hosted showcase stations, leading music festival stations with the new lifestyle stations and The Weather Channel updates coming soon. With a music catalog that is over ten times larger than Pandora, the leading radio competitor, Slacker Radio gives listeners the ultimate music and content discovery resource.

Pricing and Availability

The Weather Channel updates and forecasts will launch in early 2012 as part of the Slacker Radio service. Slacker Radio is currently available at www.Slacker.com or by accessing Slacker Radio from a supported device. Slacker Radio Plus, which is available for $3.99 per month and Slacker Premium Radio (featuring on-demand music play), which is available for $9.99 per month, can be purchased by visiting www.Slacker.com or selecting the “upgrade” button from within a Slacker Radio mobile application.

X-mini KAI Capsule Speakers now with BT

Doug Smith — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:56:43 +0000

I never would have thought it, but since my Mobility Digest Review: SCOSCHE boomCAN I have really come to realize how useful these little speakers come in handy in variety of ways. Most of you may be thinking yeah, set it on your desk, or use it while working out, walking on the dreaded treadmill, or even outside doing yard work. But for me, I use mine while Barbequing and would you believe while hunting? I know, a lot of you may not hunt, but I like to deer hunt. And down here deep in the South, the Rut (mating season) comes very late. A lot of guys use calls to mimic another Buck in the area to try to lure in another Big Buck is also thinking of getting his groove on with a Doe and challenging the origin of that sound. I knew there was bit of science behind making grunt calls, so I looked on line and would you believe that there is an iPhone (actually several) that actually make a variety of calls to get a Buck’s attention! the problem is that the iPhone speaker, or any cell phone for that matter, is not loud enough. So I have been taking my SCOSCHE boomCAN plugged into my iPhone and trying to call them in! So far not too much success, but it actually works! So what’s my point? I really like these mini speakers and find them very useful.

So that’s why I predicated this press release with my own personal revelation about mini speakers is to get you primed for the announcement that X-mini is about to launch their newest capsule speaker called the KAI. No more plugged in mini speakers, this version is Bluetooth and will allow you hands free mini speaker sounds! The press release is below and has all the details. I am going to keep tabs on the X-mini as this looks to be the perfect successor to my plugged boomCAN!

X-mini™ Capsule Speakers™ – The Surprise of Sound Beyond Size!

Compatible with iPads, laptops, music players, mobile phones and more, the X-mini™ Capsule Speaker™ range is a portable sound solution that fits snugly in your pocket. The mono and stereo X-mini™ Capsule Speakers™ offer a simple plug-and-play solution if you are looking for an enhanced sound experience. The mono X-mini™ II Capsule Speaker™ is the most popular model with its no-fuss functionality and pocket-sized portability while the X-mini™ MAX II Capsule Speaker offers a simple yet amazing stereo sound experience. The X-mini™ HAPPY Capsule Speaker™, the first in the multi-functional series, features a built-in SD card reader and music playerwhich allows you to save and play all your favourite tunes. The latest addition to this series is the X-mini™ RAVE Capsule Speaker™ which has an antennae-free FM radio function to allow you to keep up with the latest news and music on air.

Look Ma, no wires! The newest kid on the block, the X-mini™ KAI Capsule Speaker™ is a Bluetooth speaker, dongle and conference call device all rolled into one. Fondly named after CEO Ryan Lee’s nephew, Kai, who is the first in the next generation of his family, the X-mini™ KAI Capsule Speaker™similarly heralds the new wireless generation in portable sound.

Between the impressive longevity of the built-in rechargeable battery, the funky Bass Xpansion System™, the modular Buddy-Jack™ design, the convenient portability and the other add-on functions of the X-mini™ Capsule Speakers™, what stands out is its ability to offer quality Sound Beyond Size. With several options to choose from, the X-mini™ Capsule Speakers™ answer your sound needs with a simple pocket-sized solution.

To discover more Sound Beyond Size surprises, please visit www.X-mini.com for the complete range of X-mini™ Capsule Speakers™.

Last Day for Google Music Sale

Kristofer Brozio — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:11:00 +0000

This just popped into my inbox and I thought I’d be helpful and post it up here in case you didn’t know about it or maybe forgot. It’s the last day for you to get albums for $4.99 or single tracks for 49 cents from the Google Music store. I never shopped in the Google music store myself, I get my stuff from the Zune marketplace usually but I may have to pop on over later today and see what’s there, maybe I can find some older stuff I’ve been looking for.

MILLIONS OF MP3S ON SALE

We’re proud to offer you over half a million albums for $4.99 and over ten million tracks for 49¢. Search around the site for your favorites—we promise you’ll find something you like at a great price! Few things in life are more important than music, and, since we launched the music store in the Android Market a few weeks ago, we’ve sought to connect you with the tunes you love.

* Promotion excludes single albums with original retail price above $15, double-albums, and tracks with original retail price above $1.29. Google Music artist hub and Sony albums and tracks are also not included.

https://market.android.com

Quick Tip: Using SkyDrive App to Stream Music

Murani Lewis — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:03:13 +0000

Ever since the launch of Windows Phone users had been complaining about the lack of music streaming from SkyDrive. It took on more importance when the 2nd Generation devices came with 16GB tops. Well recently Microsoft released apps for both Windows Phone and iOS that not only makes sharing files easier between friends or colleagues but streaming music as well. It does require the user to actually upload the music beforehand but hey, beggars can’t be choosers.

Have you tried this yet? Hit me up in the comments and let me know about your experience and how far you feel Microsoft has to go to have this be a compelling service.

Woot has the Altec Lansing inMotion Classic Portable Dock for iPhone & iPod for $99

Doug Smith — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:00:56 +0000

There are not very many email subscriptions I get that I genuinely am excited to open everyday but Woot is one of them. I love a good deal and sometimes Woot can drop a deal too good to pass up. I’m not really sure that this is a deal too good to pass up, but it is $50.00 less than I found it on Amazon, and since it is a pretty cool accessory for the iPhone and iPod I thought I would lay it on you.

The Altec Lansing inMotion Classic Portable Dock for iPhone & iPod part number iMT630 is on sale at Woot for $99.00 plus $5 for shipping. The iMT630 is a new unit, not refurbed which is generally what we see on Woot for killer prices and features the following:

Ultra-portable speaker for iPod and iPhone with Altec Lansing’s legendary sound quality
Use at home, work or on-the-go
Precision audio clarity: crisp top end, deep bass
Dual 2-inch neodymium drivers for full stereo experience
Fluid aesthetics with rounded corners enhances any room’s décor
Rechargeable Lithium ion battery powers up to seven hours of play time
Wireless remote offers full iPod navigation from across the room, stores in its own magnetic space
Onboard controls provide direct access to your music
A 3.5mm auxiliary input jack allows others to connect their device and share their music
Unit Dimensions: 12" (W) X 5" (H) X 1 1/2" (D)

Head on over to Woot and check it out for last minute Christmas present for you or a very lucky iPhone iPod friend you might have. Click below on the link for the Woot page:

Altec Lansing inMotion Classic Portable Dock for iPhone & iPod $99.99

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Pandora now does Christmas Holiday music

Doug Smith — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:51:37 +0000

Okay, I admit it, I like Christmas Holiday Music. I personally love the Holidays too. If you are like me then you might want to head on over to Pandora and check out their new Christmas Holiday lineup. They have some pretty good channels to pick from.

Christmas

Classical Christmas

R & B Pop Holidays

Rockin’ Holidays

Country Christmas

Hanukkah

So kick your Christmas Holiday party off right by playing some tunes through Pandora.

ZeeZee Offers Unlimited Music for $10 Per Month

Kristofer Brozio — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:08:19 +0000

I’m not sure how legal this is, but apparently they’re doing something right as they haven’t been sued out of existence yet by the RIAA. ZeeZee let’s you get unlimited music to keep for $10 per month by ‘recording’ it and not actually downloading it?! I guess they found some loophole to be able to do this without getting in legal trouble.

ZEEZEE is another legal way to “record” music. In any case: The music can be kept. No local software needed – no add on’s. ZEEZEE is considered a new “Purple Cow” and they are changing the industry while “RECORDING MUSIC” instead of downloading. The Company is the number 1 player in Europe with over 1.5 Million registered users.

Launching in the US market will expand their audience and offer the whole spectrum to another hundreds of million internet users as well as Companies looking to use such services for their products as well.

ZEEZEE is a different and unique way for how you might have experienced music so far. Get behind the scene. Search artists, background information about the producers, singers, groups and much more. No other Company ever offered such a variety for such a small monthly fee.

ZEEZEE offers an incredible Special for it’s Grand Opening:

Get a free 7 day trial

How does the “Free Trial Account” from ZEEZEE work?
With this free trial special, there are no limitations. Everybody can just check out their service and become a power user. They can switch to other packages during the trial period. The MP3′s recorded during the free trial period can be kept, even if the user decides not to use any further services of the Company. The homepage has more information about the plans and packages as well as their features.

Select music
The user can find his favorite music in the Top 100 charts, genres and themes or through the search engine. With ZEEZEE’s search engine they can search for artists, album or even single tracks.

How to fill up the Search list
By clicking the ‘REC’ button beside a track/album, the selected tracks are immediately placed in the users search list

Record music
When a track from the users personal search list was found anywhere in the world (i.e. on a Internet radio station), the recorder will record/dub the song as an MP3!

Store music
The recorded tracks are stored on the users own personal server space in MP3 format. The server space is included in each package and plan. The songs are always in excellent quality. Users now can listen to their favorite music whenever they want. Even on the go. Wherever they are. And the greatest tool is, they can copy these MP3′s to any of their favorite device (i.e. hard disc, MP3 player).

Mobility Digest Review: iFrogz Earpollution Ozone with MIC

Doug Smith — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:57:06 +0000

So I just got my iPhone 4S today from my local Best Buy and they were offering a free gift to all their customers of a iFrogz Earpollution Ozone with MIC. I have tested some other iFrogz Earpollution Headphones in the past and really liked them. Decent sound for a decent price. Apple provides a pretty decent ear bud with their devices, which I use in the car when I travel because of my dislike of BT Ear buds. Everywhere else it is my Bose Stereo Headsets. Love em’ and there is no chance in my budget of replacing them. So I was thinking I was going to give these to a family member or friend when I got to thinking that they might actually be better than the Apple provided ear buds, so hey why not, let’s fire up another Mobility Digest Review! Oh, and thanks Best Buy!

The packaging is small and very well clam packed. You aren’t getting into this package with out destroying it first. Which pretty much eliminated my chances of giving these away should I not like them. But the upside is that you know you are getting factory first products and not a return that someone may have had before. Included in the package are three different sized ear bud tip sizes so that you can get a custom fit into your ear canal.

The iFrogz Earpollution Ozone with MIC fit great with the medium size tips that actually came on the ear buds. I found that these are a lot more confortable than the Apple supplied ear buds. The only problem I see is that the construction of the tips are very thing and one of mine were actually ripped slightly out of the package.,

The Ozone’s come with a very narrow 3.5mm plug which will fit almost any device on the market today, and also fit into any protective case slot you might have protecting your device. I had found with some earphones in the past that they were not compatible because of the standard or full size 3.5mm plug, so this is a good thing with the Ozone.

Here are the specs on the iFrogz Earpollution Ozone with MIC so you can do some comparisons to your current ear buds:

Specifications

Driver Unit:9 mm
Impedance:16 ohms
Sensitivity:98 dB +/- 3 dB at 1 kHz
Frequency Response:30 Hz – 20 kHz
Cord Length:1.2 m
Plug:3.5 mm

The Apple supplied ear buds are almost identical except that they have a bit more impedance at 32 ohms where the Ozone’s have 16 ohms. Frequency range is almost the same as the Apple ear buds drop to 20 Hz rather than the 30 Hz by the Ozone ear bud.

After testing both I gotta say that the Ozone ear bud is slightly clearer and has better base. The problem that I had with mine is that they sounded a little hallow in the mid range and lacked some of the depth that the Apple ear bud had. However, for low end performance ear buds on a budget, the Ozone ear bud is much more confortable to me.

The MIC on the Ozone performed well and callers that I spoke to could not notice that I was using them. I would not give either the Apple or the Ozone the edge here and call it a draw.

The iFrogz Earpollution Ozone with MIC is priced at $24.99 from iFrogz but is easy to find cheaper. Best Buy advertises them at $19.99 for example. The bottom line is that the Ozone ear buds perform pretty well for the money and a very comfortable. I would not however recommend anyone buy these that had already received the Apple standard ear buds supplied in their devices. The quality difference is not that noticeable to me and not worth the money. But, if you are someone on a budget and use your ear buds a lot, then the Ozone ear buds would provide you a much more comfortable experience.