Consumer Electronics Wins

Apple’s rumored 5.5” iPhone may not hit the market until 2015 due to battery issues, according to Taiwan’s Commercial Times. The phone — referred to in the report as “iPhone Air” — supposedly needs a battery that’s 2mm or less in thickness. Suppliers need more time to meet Apple’s requirements, […] Read the original post…

Apple is now offering free recycling for all of its used products in its retail stores, the Associated Press reports. Previously, only some devices could be recycled in-store. The company will still give out gift cards for devices with monetary value. Apple’s recycling policy change coincides with Earth Day and […] Read the original post…

To oversimplify these two speakers, Voyager looks like a circle and Esquire like a rounded-off square, close in width while varying considerably in all other regards. Voyager is around 8” in front diameter and 4.5” deep, tapering to a 4.5” rear circle, while Esquire is roughly 5.8” square with a […] Read the original post…

To oversimplify these two speakers, Voyager looks like a circle and Esquire like a rounded-off square, close in width while varying considerably in all other regards. Voyager is around 8” in front diameter and 4.5” deep, tapering to a 4.5” rear circle, while Esquire is roughly 5.8” square with a […] Read the original post…

Apple has been interviewing senior payments industry executives as the company looks to move forward with its own mobile payments service, Re/Code reports. The company is looking to hire for two new positions — head of product and head of business development — concentrating “exclusively on building a business around […] Read the original post…

Apple has launched a new environmental responsibility campaign with a revamped environmental webpage on its site. The new site includes a short film, “Better,” narrated by CEO Tim Cook. “But now, more than ever, we will work to leave the world better than we found it,” Cook says. The page […] Read the original post…

Apple’s decision to hide the USB ports on the back of its iMac computers makes connectivity a little challenging for detachable accessories such as flash drives—reaching around to the back every time you want to attach or detach something can be inconvenient. Bluelounge’s Jimi ($15) solves this by using a […] Read the original post…

An alternative to the same-priced Synchros S400BT previously released by brother company JBL, the recent K845BT ($300) Bluetooth over-ear headphones feature the Austrian styling AKG is known for, while making less of an attempt to be packable — no carrying case is included with this model. Loaded with 50mm drivers, […] Read the original post…

Adding to the ever-growing pool of nearly identical Bluetooth in-ear headphones we’ve seen since JayBird released BlueBuds X, JBL has released J46BT ($80) as yet another option. Just like MuseMini’s UberBuds down to the included proprietary USB charging cable, the bullet-like earpieces connect to one another with flat rubber cabling, […] Read the original post…

Apple has added three new channels to Apple TV: A&E, The History Channel, and Lifetime. All three channels from A+E Networks require a cable subscription for full access — currently, only DirecTV, Cablevision Optimum and Verizon FiOS subscribers can gain access to all included content. The networks are home to […] Read the original post…

Although we’ve seen other companies attempt the same basic concept as JBL’s new Voyager ($250), the fact that the vaunted speaker maker has taken on the challenge of developing an attractive detachable two-piece speaker system is noteworthy. Voyager’s base is a partially transparent circular housing with a 3″ rear-firing subwoofer […] Read the original post…

Harman Kardon still knows how to wow with a design. Esquire ($250) is billed as an “executive portable wireless speaker,” entering an increasingly crowded market for Bluetooth speakers with an unusually handsome industrial design and some interesting frills. The rounded square combines a distinctive pill-perforated plastic face with an iPhone […] Read the original post…

Both Apple and Google are approaching game developers to get top titles to debut first on their respective operating systems, the Wall Street Journal reports. The companies are both offering premium placement within their app stores in exchange for exclusivity.  It’s reported that Apple doesn’t offer money for exclusive game […] Read the original post…

Offered in at least four color combinations, JBL’s Synchros S300i ($150) is a mid-range pair of on-ear headphones with 40mm drivers inside. Apart from the modern industrial design, they include several nice touches: quality foam and leather padding, a stainless steel headband, and a three-button Apple remote control and mic […] Read the original post…

Nike is stopping production of wearable hardware, including its FuelBand fitness tracker, CNET reports. Most of the team responsible for the development of FuelBand has reportedly been fired, as Nike is shifting its focus from hardware to fitness and athletic software. A new, slimmer version of the FuelBand was canceled, […] Read the original post…