The Mini Transparent Speaker ($550) from Stockholm-based Transparent Sound designed a splendid minimal speaker. The single-piece aluminum frame has side panels of tempered glass, so as to put the dual full-range drivers on display. A built-in amp provides power, built-in Bluetooth provides a wireless option, and "True Wireless" support lets you pair two units together for a broader soundstage. There are a volume control and an input on the front, and a compartment in the bottom that provides both USB power and an input for an Echo, Sonos Hub, Chromecast, or similar additional wireless device, giving you the ability to upgrade the system as needed.
Sony's WH-1000XM3 ($230) are considered the best noise-canceling headphones on the market. Now they're bringing the same tech to the wireless earbud space. The WF-1000XM3 are powered by a QN1e processor, a sibling to the WH's QN1. Dual microphones. One feed-forward and one feed-back to help get rid of unwanted noises, while the 0.24" driver creates amazing full sound. You'll get about six hours of battery life per charge, with a total of 24 available with the charging case, and they come in silver or black.
Google has just combined its Nest and Home divisions, creating Google Nest that encompasses all the company's smart home efforts. It does makes sense that their first new product would be a combination of both Google and Nest. The Google Nest Home Max Smart Display ($229) combines elements of the Google Home Max speaker, Google Home Hub display, and Nest Camera into a single package. It has a 10" HD display, a 6.5-megapixel camera, stereo speakers with a dedicated sub-woofer, and Google Assistant built in. Thus it can act as a controller for other smart devices in the house, a video chat station, a speaker, and if you want, a mini TV. Shipping later this summer 2019. Check out more info on Google.
Seems that turntables are making a come back in 2019 and this one adds a needed feature. The brand new Alva TT ($1,700) is the first turntable in the world to offer aptX HD Bluetooth so you can stream your vinyl to any compatible device within range. The Alva TT is built with a medium-torque Direct Drive system for consistent speeds and pitch-perfect audio reproduction. It also has a built-in phono stage, a single-piece tone-arm, and a high output MC cartridge that comes pre-installed. The table is made from solid aluminum with a dense platter that is included to reduce vibration and provide a more accurate playback speed. Check out more information on Cambridge Audio.
I'm a sucker for radio's and nostalgic looks as well as updated type versions. The Tivoli Model One Bluetooth Radio ($179) keeps the understated retro looks of Henry Kloss's design and its world-class FM and AM analog tuning but adds the ability to stream music wirelessly from your phone. The compact cabinet and single speaker setup continue to provide surprisingly rich sound, and there's still an auxiliary input on the back for some of the old school aux users. It also comes in 6 different variant colors to choose from.
The Kozmophone Holographic Turntable ($249) was inspired by the original phonograph. The Kozmophone brings back the old horn-style speaker design along with some modern upgrades. The turntable features an integrated design for easy setup and allows you to either connect existing speakers or to use it as a standalone Hi-Fi setup. The horn-style speaker rotates 360 degrees to provide consistent sound coverage wherever it's placed and is also detachable and portable and can connect to any device via Bluetooth. It is also available in six different color options, the main cylinder can also be used as a smartphone charger but also features a hologram animation inside the housing that can be swapped with multiple options using the Kozmo app. Check out more information on there Kickstarter page.
