After a mixed start at CES 2009, it's been an excellent year for music gadgets. Slowly the world is getting over its lust for hording mp3 downloads in favour of streaming and digital music, possibly a sign that it's maturing. Sound quality has become important once more rather than just access to one's collection on the move, and the natural pace of technology has meant better bit rates to back it up. At the same time, the high end audio has become more affordable under the pressure of a world recession, while the cheap tat at the other end that doesn't deliver is gradually disappearing. So, in light of such promise, just how were we taken from A to B and who best reflected the consumer's desire in audio gadget function and form?

Dock/Radios

It's hard to believe that the dock/radio market has expanded after what already seemed like saturated times in 2008. The usual suspects like Gear4, Altec Lansing, Pure, Roberts and Logitech are still churning them out both large and small at a steady rate but what we've seen is an increasing move of the high end brands in their embrace of the mp3 and that now ubiquitous 30-pin dock connector. Naturally, the audiophile-friendly manufacturers have admitted defeat in their own way and it's generally been a huge boost to the sector in both design and sound engineering.

Arcam's second foray into the field with the irDock cleans up RF interference, Yamaha has joined the fray with the company's first iPod products, even LEGO got involved as part of the range of 2009 tech products. On the design side, Bowers and Wilkens helped up the ante and many have followed producing almost a new branch of the market into style-led devices many of which have a distinctly 70s, 80s, futurist or retro feel. Revo, YBA and Grove Neo are all good examples, not forgetting an appearance from Phillippe Starck and some completely out the box styles from Bang & Olufsen that we probably should have all expected.

While style and audio quality marched on, so has the technology being driven by the theme of connectivity which has been the strongest throughout all gadgets this year. The dock/radio masters have been the ones pushing boundaries of functionality furthest with touchscreen interfaces and some even with their own app stores, widgets and native support for both Twitter and Facebook. Internet radio has been the add-on for most and with over a third of the world listening to it, it's small wonder. Between that, DAB, SD card slots, mp3 support and USB drives, this sector is fast catching up with the mini-systems and separates above them.

Mini-Systems & Hi-Fi

These gadgets have remained very much the preserve of the serious music fan and probably more so with the lower end of the market doing well in 2009. At the same time, the acceptance of the dock has meant most now have attachments, as well as USB ports and support for digital music as well. The likes of Marantz and Denon are still offering up the goods with perhaps more focus on aesthetics than ever before, but none typifies more the situation than the rare appearance of the NaimUniti system - the very first from this high end manufacturer in the new era.

Headphones

Quality has been the theme oozing from the headphones market in 2009. It all started rather frighteningly at CES with it seeming like we'd have to rob a bank in order to satisfy our aural delights. Denon and Sennheiser both came out with classy on-ear phones at around the ?1000 mark but with Sony's launch of the XB, we knew that on-ear style was making a comeback and that we could afford it as well. Sennheiser followed suit, as did many others in the field, but soon we were to find out where the real trend lay - the in-ear design.

Noise cancelling and isolating has been the story for headhones in 2009. Both technologies have, of course, been around for many years now but never before have we seen them come in such a large price range. Sony and Denon were the first to bring noise-cancelling to the small form, while many such as Logitech, with their purchase of Ultimate Ears, Klipsch and Shure chose to find ways to isolate the interference from the outside world. Etymotics went one stage further by offering custom ear-moulds with their range, including the service from ACS. And finally, Radiopaq took the altogether different approach of both specially tuning headphones for digital music and even creating an adaptor to do the same almost at source.

MP3 players/PMPs

One of the most exciting areas of gadgetry in 2009 has been PMPs. With the addition of HD screens, the support of all sorts of video codecs and the commonplace occurrence of touch technology, it's been one of the main focuses of convergence throughout the industry.

It was another mixed start in the field at CES with the Android-sporting GiiNii Movit proving one of the highlights of the show and yet it's failed to appear on our shelves. Sansa came up with a new approach with SlotRadio, which was later improved, and Samsung surprised us all with the challenger to the iPod touch in the shape of the P3. Since then, we've seen an entire new range from the Korean giant in Beat, and Sony has been working hard with the X, B and W series showing off both functionality and innovation of lifestyle design.

Philips, Creative and iRiver have all put in the time and just about everyone has made sure that they include Wi-Fi, DivX support and as much streaming capability as they can muster. Whether your PMP is big or small, just about all of them can play video now and even some can record it as we saw in the refresh of the iPod range with the 5th generation nano and notably not in the iPod touch, which now suffers even stronger competition from the Zune HD amongst others. Last, littlest but certainly not least, do spare a thought for the 3rd generation, lozenge of an iPod shuffle which thankfully has its own voice to help shout about it too.

Fortunately, all the PMPs have more memory stacked in them than ever before else they'd not be much use for storing video and the larger screen devices such as the Archos 5 are now almost indistinguishable from actual computers. Doubtless a flurry of internet tablets in the coming 12 months will permanently blur the divide. As for the likes of INQ's upcoming Spotify phone and the increase in the mobility service, we can save that confusion for next year's awards.

What do you think?

But these are just some of the fantastic choices our ears have had in 2009. What would you like to see held aloft as the winner of Pocket-lint Best Music Gadget 2009? Who have we missed out? Which are your unsung heroes and of those we've already mentioned, which would get your vote? Let us know in the comments below and you can help our panel decide which make the shortlist of nominees to be announced here on Pocket-lint on 16 November. We'll have all out coverage of the Vodafone Pocket-lint awards 2009 right here. Don't miss a minute of it.

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Related links:

• News - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 announced
• News - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards date confirmed and tickets on sale

Tags: Audio Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 Pocket-lint Awards MP3 players PMPs Headphones iPod docks Radios

Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - music gadgets originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:38:56 +0000

Today's tech deal might just hit the right note with any petrol heads out there, or more accurately Porsche fans, as we have word that the Porsche Design Eton radio and iPod dock has been reduced in price from ?480 to ?299.

This new price perhaps gives a more accurate representation of what you're actually getting in terms of function, as despite the product being available for just over a year, the ?180 saving is still considerable and hints at what you were actually paying for - the logo.

The device gets three 1.5-inch drivers and a 3-inch, 15 Watt subwoofer which is housed in a double wall construction for apparently "superior acoustics". It also comes with 10 FM and 20 DAB memory presets, 12/24 hour clock, alarm battery back-up and a remote control complete with torch. If that wasn't enough the Eton P'9123 also gets an OLED display.

Measuring 130 x 141 x 229mm and weighing in at 2.8 kilograms, the P'9123 is available now at the lower price from the Porsche Design website.

Tags: Audio Radios iPod speakers Porsche Porsche Design Daily Tech Deal Eton

Daily Tech Deal: Porsche Design Eton radio and iPod dock originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Roberts has launched a new DAB/FM radio that offers CD playback and gets an iPod dock. The Sound 43 is also notable for being available in three "racy" colours - Ferrari red, Lamborghini yellow and Porsche white.

With a high gloss finish, the all-in-one system offers touch controls, an electric blue display, boasts 20 station presets, alarm clock, and comes complete with a remote control.

Boasting an acoustically tuned wooden cabinet with a 6 position equaliser and separate base and treble, Roberts claims "superb sound" for the new device, which goes on sale for ?230.

Tags: Audio Radios Roberts iPod speakers Alarm clocks DAB Radios CD

Roberts Sound 43 iPod docking radio launches originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:49:45 +0100

Pure has announced that its new Siesta Flow will hit shop shelves in the UK in time for Christmas.

The company's first internet connected bedside radio, it boasts an alarm tone for every day of the year via Pure's online portal, including sleigh bells, a grandfather clock, a fog horn and police sirens.

The DAB and FM radio uses a Wi-Fi connection to access internet radio, podcasts, listen again content and can also stream music direct from a Wi-Fi enabled computers.

Siesta Flow gets the Pure "PowerPort" which provides power to any USB accessory as well as an auto-dimming display, touch sensitive controls, four quick-set alarms, sleep and snooze timers, 30 DAB/FM presets and an input for an iPod/MP3 player.

Pure's most affordable internet-connected radio to date, the Siesta Flow will cost ?99.99.

Tags: Audio Radios Pure Pure Siesta Flow Alarm clocks Internet radios Networking Wi-Fi

Pure Siesta Flow will hit shops in time for Christmas originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:26:59 +0100

If you can live without a CD player in your motor then TomTom has an in-car satnav and "infotainment" offering that might be right up your street.

The TomTom GO I-90 is a way of giving even older cars in-car integrated satnav using the double DIN space in the car's dashboard.

As well as a full-fat TomTom device pre-loaded with European maps, the Go I-90 provides full radio integration with the car speakers for audio for spoken instructions, or making hands-free phone calls.

There's also USB connectivty to hook up an iPod or other MP3 player for playback via the car's speakers.

For those who don't want to leave such a bit of kit sitting in their motor, or who want to take it out and use it in another vehicle, although integrated, the device is still portable so can be removed.

The Go I-90 will be available to buy through specialist retailers throughout Europe from December 2009 priced at 599 euros (?550) - which does not include the recommended installation costs.

Tags: Car And GPS TomTom GPS Car gadgets Radios Hands-free

TomTom GO i-90 in-car infotainment solution announced originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:38:05 +0100

Eton has announced the availability of the G8 Traveller II world band radio, aimed at the globe-trotter, or those with a preference for a classic bit of kit.

Offering coverage on long wave, medium wave, VHF FM and short wave, features include a flip down world chart along with world time zones settings.

With an LCD display, the new G8 boasts alarm clock functionality and snooze control and gets a digital tuner for auto or manual tuning, with a 500-plus memory capacity for stations across the wave bands.

Complete with a pouch and AC adapter/charger, the Eton G8 Traveller II is available from www.etoncorp.co.uk for ?45.

Tags: Audio Radios Eton

Eton G8 Traveller II radio launches originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:08:14 +0100

Teufel has announced the launch of the iTeufel Radio, a retro-styled radio, alarm clock and iPod docking station. ?

Angled, rather optimistically as the "ideal solution to grumpy mornings", the iTeufel offers an AM/FM radio and can charge the docked iPod.

The new docking clock comes complete with an "all-command" remote control and is priced at around ?138.

Tags: Audio iPod speakers Teufel Alarm clocks Radios

iTeufel Radio iPod alarm clock launches originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:37:31 +0100

The GrooveNeo iPod alarm clock's big USP is that big display, which is designed to save the user from squinting bleary-eyed across the bed trying to work out if it's ten past 5, or 8.

The "jumbo" display means such squints will be a thing of the past, while the 2.75-inch full-range stereo speakers mean you'll know when it's time to get up.

The GrooveNeo offers the options or waking to AM/FAm radio, music from an iPod or iPhone or a buzzer alarm.

With touch-sensitive buttons, plus a remote control, the device charges iPods while docked, offers snooze and sleep functions and is mains-powered with a battery back-up.

Firebox is offering the GrooveNeo iPod alarm clock now for ?49.99.

Related links:

• Shop - Firebox

Tags: Audio iPod speakers Alarm clocks Firebox Radios

GrooveNeo iPod alarm clock launches originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:02:21 +0100

HANNspree is tacking the Christmas shopping market from a new angle - an all–in-one Photo Alarm Clock.

Described as "the perfect bedside gadget", as you'd expect it features alarm clock functionality with three alarms and snooze and sleep options, a photo viewer as well as an FM radio and digital music player.

The 4.3-inch colour LCD screen can be set to display seven different clock face styles, a calendar or photos with a slideshow option while USB connectivity means file transfer for photos, as well as MP3 or WAV music files is said to be easy.

The HANNspree Photo Alarm Clock is available now from www.misco.co.uk for ?44.99.

Tags: Gadgets HANNspree Alarm clocks Cameras Digital photo frames Misco Radios

HANNspree Photo Alarm Clock launches originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:16:21 +0100

Roberts has announced the launch of the ZoomBox with the seemingly unique feature of a zoom display, "so you can zoom right into the text on the screen for easier navigation".

Presumably aimed at the older generation that might appreciate such eye-friendly functionality, it's a portable DAB and FM radio, as well as CD player.

However, with what Roberts calls a "futuristic and lightweight" design, the ZoomBox also offers an SD card slot for playback of MP3 and WMA music files stored to such a format.

Specs include 40 station presets, a headphone socket and mains or battery operation. It goes on sale for ?100.

Tags: Audio Radios DAB Radios Roberts CD

Roberts ZoomBox announced originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:55:33 +0100

Pure has let us know that its Chronos iDock Series 2, which it launched at IFA, is now available in the UK. The unit combines a number of functions into its shell, as well as support for both iPod and iPhone docking. While your device is docked, you can play music from it and control it via remote control.

Also in the iDock is a DAB, DAB+ and FM clock radio and a powered USB port so that you can connect up a phone charger, reading light, mini fan, cup warmer, or even a chainsaw. There's also a set of front-panel connectors so that you can connect up a pair of headphones or an MP3 player.

There are four on-board alarms that can be set to wake you up with the radio, a docked iPod or iPhone, or just a beep. There's also adjustable sleep and snooze timers and a dimmable display so that your bleary eyes don't get overwhelmed by photons first thing in the morning.

The Chronos iDock Series II is in shops now, and it'll cost you ?100.

Tags: Audio Radios Pure Pure Chronos iDock Series II DAB Radios Siesta Flow Speakers Alarm clocks iPod docks

Pure's Chronos iDock Series II now on sale originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:35:35 +0100

We spotted it at IFA, but it's now official - Pure has announced the Elan II for the UK with a launch due in time for Christmas.

The Elan II is a portable stereo DAB, DAB+, FM radio with "ReVu" tech that lets users pause and rewind live DAB radio.

Pure is angling the successor to the Elan as a stylish option, with a black satin-touch finish, anodised aluminium fascia, turned aluminium controls and chromed handle with rubberised grip.

Features-wise, there's intellitext and textSCAN, an input for an iPod/MP3 player, an alarm and kitchen timer and 30 DAB and FM presets.

With "EcoPlus" credentials, the Elan II will go on sale for ?99.99.

Tags: Audio Radios DAB Radios Pure Pure Elan II

Pure Elan II announced in time for Christmas originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:48:29 +0100

Apple is expected to launch a radio app for its iPhone and iPod touch, allowing users to tune into their favourite radio stations on the Internet.

The rumour, which this time comes from sources talking to 9to5mac.com, will be a radio app that "will be allowed to operate in the background like iPod.app and will offer the same functionality as the FM radio in the new Apple iPod nano (5th Gen)".

The article goes on to suggest that the application would also allow you to by music from the mobile iTunes store once you hear it, no doubt massively increasing sales in iTunes.

Apple has so far shied away from offering a radio on its iPod line, however with Microsoft's Zune HD offering the feature, some believe that Apple is making the move as to not play second fiddle to the OLED packing MP3 player.

It is also expected that the radio app would offer the same Live Pause functionality that the Nanos currently enjoy.

We will keep you posted.

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Read

Tags: Audio MP3 players Apple iPod Radios Internet radios iPod nano iPod Touch iPhone Phones Mobile phones

Apple rumoured to be working on radio app originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:56:47 +0100

Memorex has announced the launch of its new Sound System for iPhone and iPod.

Offering 30 Watts of power output, the system also boasts an FM tuner as well as the ability to play audio CDs and CD-R/-RW discs.

Boasting compatibility with all iPhones including the new 3GS, the system charges an iPhone or iPod whilst the user is listening to music.

Specs include an adjustable equalizer with bass, mid, and treble controls, a backit LCD and clock and sleep functions.

The line-in jack also means that it can be used with non-docking iPods and other MP3 players.

Complete with remote control, the Memorex Sound System (Mi9490P) is on sale now for ?149.95, or 169.95 euros.

Tags: Audio Speakers Memorex iPod speakers iPhone accessories CD Radios Alarm clocks

Memorex Sound System for iPhone and iPod launches originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:31:13 +0100

Pure is aiming for the October release of the Sensia to reinvent radio once again as the hub of home life. The wireless internet connection, music streaming and now the addition of applications take the company's devices one step closer.

Pure told Pocket-lint that although there has been no contact with the likes of Spotify, Pandora and last.fm on third party apps for when the SDK launches, they would certainly welcome them.

At the same time, the company feels quite happy to be without such providers as well, confident that Pure could produce its own content stream with a paid-for service in the same way.

The Sensia will RRP at ?250 and is available complete with RF remote control in black, yellow, white and red.

Related links:

• News - Pure Sensia brings app stores to radio

Tags: Audio Radios Pure Pure Sensia internet radio DAB Radios Internet radios Alarm clocks Media streaming Photos

PHOTOS: Pure Sensia internet, DAB and application radio originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:36:42 +0100

Pure has launched a product today that it hopes will "do for radio what the iPhone did for mobile". That's the dream of the CEO of Pure's parent company, Hossain Yassiae of Imagination Technologies.

The Pure Sensia is a fully connected internet, FM and DAB device, much like their products before, only this time they're adding an app store. "It's the radio for the Facebook generation," according to Pure and the company hopes that it will help make the radio become central to younger generation rather than the PC or the mobile phone.

The device will launch at the end of October with two applications - Twitter and Weather - and the plan is to add Facebook, Picasa and a news link within the next few weeks before offering up an SDK for third party apps next year.

The unit itself works with DAB, DAB+, DMB, FM and internet radio through Pure's Lounge portal. It has a glass capacitive touchscreen, much like the iPhone, it's 5.7 inches in size with VGA resolution and it also has an ambient light sensor to save battery power when not plugged into the wall.

You can upload software updates via Wi-Fi and the USB port, both of which you can also play music through. So, you can stream music to the Sensia from your PC or direct from a memory stick.

There's no on board storage for MP3s but there is an alarm, an external connection for an iPod dock, stereo out, a headphones jack, support for album art and a tilt stand as well. Kitchen sink not included.

The only thing missing for the grand iPhone claims is video playback but, the reason, according to Pure:

"Because it's not a crap TV. It's a really, really good radio. It's to make radio relevant again and to bring it up to date".

The Sensia will be available in red, black, white and yellow and has an RRP of ?250.

Related links:

• News - Pure Elan II shows up at IFA

Tags: Audio Radios Pure Pure Sensia internet radio DAB Radios Internet radios Alarm clocks Media streaming

Pure Sensia brings app stores to radio originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:50:08 +0100

Apple has released a promotional video for the new iPod nano, which sports a video recorder and an FM radio on board.

As you can see from the video above, Apple will allow you to add a number of effects to the footage however, the company disappointingly confirmed to Pocket-lint that the new device won't let you take still pictures out and about. Instead users will be force to record video and then manually grab still shots from the footage once connected to their PC or Mac.

The camera records in 640 x 480 resolution, so any snaps you take out won't be suitable for photo printing. They should, however, be fine for using on the web or on social media sites.

It can record video in portrait or landscape, and has a built-in mic and speaker that lets you capture and play back audio. Recording time isn't limited, either - it'll take as much video as you've got space for on the device.

Related links:

• News - PHOTOS: iPod nano colour options
• Reviewed - ipod nano 5th Gen with video

Tags: Audio iPod Apple iPod nano Video Cameras Camcorders Radios MP3 players

VIDEO: New Apple nano won't take stills, says video good enough originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:26:07 +0100