JBL unleashes headphones, speakers for holidays
updated 03:14 am EST, Tue November 6, 2012
Bluetooth speakers for iPad, mobile a focus
Audio accessory maker JBL has announced four new products for the holiday season. Among the latest offerings are a new line of headphones in four different styles, a wireless tabletop speaker specifically designed for iOS devices, a portable speaker that can stream audio content from smartphones and tablets (and is available for either Apple's AirPlay or Bluetooth connections), and a dedicated Bluetooth loudspeaker. All are available now from retailers and the company's web site.
The JBL J Series headphone lineup ranges from $39-149, and includes two models each of on-ear, over-ear and a total of four models intended as in-ear. All of the headphones can be purchased with a built-in remote for Apple's iPhone. The on-ear and over-ear offer the company's Pure Bass and DJ flip-up ear cups; the in-ear models now have new and improved strain release.
The JBL Soundfly, a portable plug-in loudspeaker that can stream audio using either AirPlay or Bluetooth will sell for either $179 (BT) or $199 (AirPlay), The AirPlay version is sold as the SoundFly Air, while the other is simply called SoundFly BT.
The bedside companion-oriented OnBeat aWake offers either wired or wireless sound. It will sell for $139 and is specifically designed for the iPad and other iOS devices. The unit also handles custom alarm settings, weather alerts and overnight charging.
The OnBeat Venue is another wireless loudspeaker, but one that includes Harman's exclusive TrueStream technology for optimizing the sound quality over Bluetooth. The Venue also has an existing app for iOS devices that lets users create playlists, and also offers support for the iPod video-out mode so that older iPods can also send games and media to HDTVs. It sells for $199.
