Toshiba introduced in Japan its new BookPlace DB50 (model DB50/25E/PDB5025ENAW) color e-book reader, joining the company’s Excite X10, Thrive and AT200 tablets. The 7-inch e-reader offers direct access to Toshiba’s BookPlace e-book store for thousands of books. The DB50 comes with a 7-inch 600×1024 color LCD display with LED-backlight

Toshiba’s BookPlace reader is powered by a 1GHz Freescale i.MX535 processor with 1GB of RAM, and comes with 8GB internal memory for storing your e-book collection. The device supports Bluetooth 2.1 and WiFi 802.11b/g/n connectivity and has microSD/SDHC card slot for expansion and a micro USB 2.0 for PC connection and charging. There is a built-in mono speaker as well and its battery provides up to 7.5 hours of use.

The Toshiba BookPlace DB50 color e-reader runs on modified version of Android 2.3.5 and a special version of Linux. The reader will be available on 10 February.

[Toshiba][TechCrunch]

• Kyobo eReader Mirasol e-book reader runs Android
• Hanvon to release Color E-ink E-book Reader
• Asus DR-570 Color OLED e-book reader
• Pandigital Novel PRD07T20WBL1 7-inch Color e-book reader
• Oppo Enjoy Android e-book reader

WOWee ONE adds to its pocket speaker line the new WOWee ONE Pro, a pocket-size speaker with Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity. Using the unique audio gel technology, the Pro turns any surface into a speaker, ideal for sharing music with friends and doing presentations. With Bluetooth with A2DP and AVRCP profiles, it pairs with mobile phones or audio players wirelessly for music streaming.

The WOWee ONE Pro has built-in microphone for hands-free call and features audible caller ID that lets you know who’s calling. As it can turn any surface into a speaker, you are able to put callers into the room as well. The pocket speaker delivers 40Hz to 20k Hz bass sound range and offers up to 10 hours of play time using internal rechargeable battery.

The WOWee ONE Pro portable Bluetooth wireless speaker will be released in late March for $149.99.

[WOWee ONE 1|2]

• WOWee ONE Portable Speaker
• WOWee ONE VUE Pico Projector
• SoundMatters foxL V2 Pocket Speaker
• IO-Data CPSPK/BT Bluetooth Stereo Speaker
• Motorola T325 Bluetooth Speaker

The Audio Move SD from Satechi is a portable speaker system ideal for use with tablets, smartphones, MP3 player as well as other mobile devices. The speaker is lightweight and compact enough to fit in your pocket. It features integrated stereo speakers that are powerful enough to fill a room with sound.

The Audio Move SD connects to any audio sources via the 3.5mm connector and is able to play music from its microSD/SDHC memory card slot. Powered by internal rechargeable lithium polymer battery, the speaker delivers up to 17 hours of playback from microSD/SDHC and up to 24 hours of playtime from line-in. It can be recharged via computer USB or a 5V USB power adapter using a plug.

The Satechi Audio Move SD is priced at $29.99.

[Satechi]

• Satechi BT Wireless Bluetooth Portable Speaker System
• Satechi BT Wireless Bluetooth Portable Speaker
• Portable Stereo Mobile Phone Speaker
• Audio-Technica AT-SP700TV Wireless Speaker for your TV
• Franklin ROADIE Modular Portable Speaker System

Coming in Spring 2012, Sony’s Walkman Z1000 Android mobile media player will be available in 8GB (NWZ-Z1040), 16GB (NWZ-Z1050) and 32GB (NWZ-Z1060) for $249.99, $279.99 and $329.99, respectively.

[Sony]

• Sony Ericsson W8 is XPERIA X8 with Walkman Logo
• Sony NWZ-B130F Walkman Player
• Sony Walkman NWZ-B142F ZAPPIN Music Player
• Sony Walkman NWZ-B150 series MP3 Player
• Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman Android Phone

Memorex MA2213

Memorex launches two new ultra-portable speakers, the MA2213 and the MA3122. The former is a portable speaker with a smart design, featuring an integrated carrying handle for easy portability, while the latter is a travel speaker with a sleek, folding design, allowing you squeeze it into the tighest corners of your bag.

Memorex MA3122

Both MA2213 and MA3122 can dock iPhone and iPod for playback and charging and provides line-in jack for connecting other audio sources. They offer high-quality stereo audio and the MA2213 comes with built-in FM radio, and headphone storage compartment as well. The MA3122 can be used with alarm clock app for iPhone and iPod touch. They are powered by AC power of battery.

The Memorex MA2213 is available in black while the Memorex MA3122 comes in black, pink, blue and silver, Both of them are priced at $59.99.

• Memorex Essentials TravelDrive Portable HDD
• Memorex MA7221 App-Enhanced Portable iPhone/iPod Speaker Dock
• Memorex TouchMP Touchscreen Media Player
• Memorex MyVideo and MyVideo HD Pocket Camcorders
• Memorex Mirror for Photos External Hard Drive

Satechi’s BT is a wireless Bluetooth portable speaker system designed to use with your mobile devices such as smartphones, iPad, tablets, as well as notebook, netbooks. With an ultra portable, compact vacuum bass design, the Satechi BT connects to your mobile devices wirelessly. It features Bass Expansion System to amplify dynamic audio range without compromising on acoustic integrity.

The Satechi BT also serves as a hands-free calling system with built-in DSP microphone. By pairing the speaker with your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, you can do handsfree communication easily. The BT also has built-in 3.5mm audio cable so you can connect to most audio sources. There is a mini USB port for charging and a Buddy Jack for you to connect a row of Satechi BT speakers.

The Satechi BT wireless speaker is priced at $44.99.

[Satechi]

• Satechi BT Wireless Bluetooth Portable Speaker System
• Satechi Audio Move SD Portable Speaker
• Logitech Wireless Speaker for iPad
• Jawbone JAMBOX Portable Bluetooth Speaker
• CY-FI Wireless Sport Speaker

Motorola SF700

Motorola is launching two new sports headphones with built-in heart rate monitor – the wireless SF700 and the wired SF500. Both of them are equipped with in-ear sensor to detect your heart rate, meaning there’s no need for a chest strap. They provide one-touch heart rate read outs to ensure you can monitor your workout closer than ever before.

Motorola SF500

Designed to use with the MOTOACTV, the SF500 and SF700 can transmit the heart rate information for your workout to the fitness tracker. The SF700 comes with built-in microphone and controls for making phone calls, while the SF500 has in-line remote control for music playback and calls. Other than MOTOACTV, these sports headphones also work on other devices such as mobile phone, tablets, computers, MP3 players/PMPs.

[Motorola 1|2]

• FINIS AquaPulse Heart Rate Monitor
• Oregon Scientific SH201 Heart Rate Monitor with Hydration Alert
• Asus Vito W1 Wireless Laser Mouse Tracks Heart Rate
• USB Blood Pressure Monitor
• Garmin Forerunner 110 GPS Sports Watch

eMatic eSportsClip

eMatic launches three new MP3 players, the eSportsClip, Prism-e8 and JR-e6, all come in dynamic life-style colors. All three models come with 5 Megapixel digital camera with LED flash for users to take photos and capture video. They all support playback of MP3, WAV, WMA audio formats as wel as MP4, AVI, FLC video and JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF images. You can also find FM radio.

eMatic Prism-e8

The eSportsClip is designed for use at work, play or at the gym, featuring built-in clip for hands-free operation. It has a 1.8-inch QVGA color display with 128×160 resolution, and 4GB internal storage. The Prism-e8 and JR-e6 both have a 3-inch QVGA 320×240 display with touchscreen and add FM recording function and webcam capability. The e8 is available in 4GB and 8GB capacities. It comes with integrated USB connector, eliminating the need for cable. The e6, on the other hand, has a durable aluminum body. It has 8GB storage. All three players support microSD card up to 8GB and have built-in speaker and microphone.

eMatic’s MP3 players are available at Walmart starting at $28.

eMatic JR-e6

[ematic][Businesswire]

• Nokia 7500 Prism in China
• Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism Stylish Phone
• Nokia 7070 Prism Clamshell Phone
• HTC Diamond WM6 PDA Phone
• Denon DBP-2010CI and DBP-1610CI Blu-ray Players

JBL releases the On Tour Micro, an ultraportable speaker that slips easily into a pocket or carrying bag. The speaker features Odyssey full-range transducer to deliver dynamic, big-system sound with 2.2W amplifier power. The ultraportable speaker comes with internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery providing up to 6 hours of playback.

The On Tour Micro has built-in 3.5mm audio cable for connecting any portable device easily, and has an additional 3.5mm jack. A mini USB port and included cable let you charge your JBL On Tour Micro from a laptop or other USB host while you’re listening to your favorite music.

The JBL On Tour Micro is available in black and white, and there are Roxy special edition and Quiksilver special edition.

JBL On Tour Micro Roxy Edition

JBL On Tour Micro QuikSilver edition

[JBL]

• JBL On Tour iBT Bluetooth Speaker
• GEAR4 BlackBox micro Speaker
• Verizon BlackBerry Tour 9630 Spotted
• Monster Beats – Dr. Dre Tour In-Ear Headphones for iPhone
• RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 EVDO/HSPA Smartphone

Philips’ Fidelio L1 is an high-end headphones designed to “let you hear every detail and not of original composition”. The headphones features 40mm high definition optimally vented neodymium drivers which are pre-tilted to match the ear cup’s natural angle for directing the sound straight into the ear canal. The driver’s design includes a vent in the center which emphasises the middle and low frequencies, producing the acoustic energy that brings extended yet controlled bass and a transparent mid-range.


The L1 has a semi-open back design that combines the balanced, transparent sound of an open back with the deep bass and noise isolation expected from a fully closed back. It has engineered aluminum earshellss that are mounted on a layer of engineering plastics reducing unwanted vibration and resonance for stable performance. The L1 also has memory foam earpads for ergonomic fit and longer listening comfort.

The Philips Fidelio L1 comes with in-line remote and microphone for use with iPhone and iPod. It uses 3.5mm connector and comesw ith a 6.3mm adapter. A carrying pouch is also included.

[Philips 1|2]

• Philips Fidelio DS8550 iPad Speaker Dock
• Philips Fidelio SoundSphere Docking Speaker with AirPlay Support
• Philips FloatingCushion Headphones
• Philips O’Neill The Stretch Over-ear Headphones
• Philips O’Neill Launch Durable Headphones

Tascam introduces the iM2 stereo microphone designed to turn iOS devices into high-quality audio recorder. The iM2 features stereo condenser microphones that is adjustable 180-degree front to back, and is the same as the company’s DR-series recorders. It is compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch gen4, iPad and iPad 2 and does 44.1kHz/16-bit linear PCM CD-quality digital recording.

The Tascam iM2 features built-in analog to digital converter and microphone preamp for low noise recording and switchable limiter that attenuates high-level signals to prevent recording overload. The microphone adapter has 125dB SPL maximum level for recording loud shows without distortion and adjustable input level control. The iM2 is powered by iOS devices and includes USB input allowing iOS device to be charged from a USB connection.

The ultra-compact Tascam iM2 is available for $79.

[Tascam 1|2]

• Tascam GT-R1 Recorder is also a Guitar Trainer
• TASCAM DR-03 Portable Audio Recorder
• TASCAM DR-40 Handheld 4-Track Recorder
• Tascam TC-1S Solar-Powered Instrument Tuner
• Tascam DR-1 Voice Recorder / Music Player

Spar Zephyr 300

A new company called SPAR introduces its Zephyr line of Bluetooth wireless speakers. The multi-functional Zephyr speakers serve as speaker, speakerphone and mobile charger. Three models will be released, the Zephyr 300, Zephyr 500 and the Zephyr 550. They support Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP profile for wireless music streaming, and can be used as speakerphone for hand-free calling.

Spar Zephyr 500

The Zephyr 300 is a ultra-portable device that is small enough to fit in your pocket. It has 800mA lithium polymer rechargeable battery for up to 12 hours of continous play, and comes in black as well as limited editions of red and blue. Both Zephyr 500 and the Zephyr 550 feature two custom drivers to deliver 1.5wx2 stereo output. The former comes with rubberized soft-touch exterior and 1500mAh battery for 18 hours of use, while the latter is encased in aircraft grade aluminum and delivers 30 hours of continuous play with 3000mAh battery. These Bluetooth speakers have USB port for charging other mobile device and a 3.5mm line-in port for connecting other audio sources.

The Zephyr 300, Zephyr 500 and the Zephyr 550 are priced at $99.99, $129.99 and $159.99 respectively.

Spar Zephyr 550

[Spar1|2]

• Patriot Zephyr Series 2.5-inch Solid State Drive
• Brightonnet BI-SPMINI Series Speakers for iPod
• Klipsch Synergy Series Speakers
• Klipsch Reference II Series Speakers
• Nextar Wireless Floating Speakers

The Mini Boombox is equipped with a “specially designed acoustic chamber to deliver great sound with enhanced bass. It supports Bluetooth A2DP for wireless music streaming and Hands-Free Profile for hands-free phone calls. The speaker combo has an internal battery that charges over USB and a backlit, touch panel for easy control.

The Logitech Mini Boombox is priced at $99.99.

[Logitech 1|2]

• Logitech Pure-Fi Mobile Bluetooth Speaker
• Logitech Wireless Boombox for Smartphone and Tablet
• TDK Three-Speaker Boombox and Two-Speaker Boombox
• Logitech Wireless Combo MK520 Mouse/Keyboard Combo
• Logitech Z-500 Wireless Notebook Speaker

TASCAM introduces its new DR-40 handheld 4-track recorder with condenser microphones, adjustable to XY or AB position. The new recorder also provides XLR mic inputs. It captures up to four tracks from its built-in condenser microphone, XLR microphone or line inputs. With adjustable condenser microphone, the DR-40 helps you to tailor your recording to the sound of the room.

With two TASCAM microphone preamps, the DR-40 records at up to 96kHz/24-bit resolution in WAV or MP3 format. It features 2-second pre-recording buffer, Stereo Reverb effect, adjustable limiter and low cut filter (40 / 80 / 120 Hz), peak reduction that sets ideal recording level, dual recording mode that captures a safety track at a lower level to avoid distortion and overdub mode that allows recording along with a previous take. It sports built-in speaker and chromatic tuner.

The TASCAM DR-40 offers variable speed playback from 50-150% speed without changing the pitch and playback EQ and level align. The portable recorder has locking Neutrik Combi jacks, XLR / 1/4″ mic/line input with phantom power, 1/8″ headphone/line output as well as tripod mounting hole. It supports up to 32GB SD/SDHC memory cards. With three AA batteries, the DR-40 runs for up to 15 hours. It is available for $199.

[TASCAM 1|2]

• Tascam GT-R1 Recorder is also a Guitar Trainer
• Tascam iM2 Stereo Microphone for iOS Devices
• Tascam DR-1 Voice Recorder / Music Player
• TASCAM DR-03 Portable Audio Recorder
• Korg Sound On Sound Unlimited Track Recorder

Creative introduces a new MP3 player, the ZEN X-Fi3, follow-up to the X-Fi2, with Bluetooth connectivity. The new compact players features a 2-inch LCD display with touch-buttons. It supports, in addition to MP3, WAV, WMA, Audible 4, the FLAC lossless audio format as well as iTunes Plus – also known as unprotected AAC (.m4a). With Bluetooth support, the player can connect with Bluetooth-enabled headphones and speakers for wireless music playback.

As a X-Fi player, the new ZEN features X-Fi Crystalizer for restoring lost details and the X-Fi Expand for most natural sound staging. The X-Fi3 also has built-in apt-X codec that enables superior wireless Bluetooth transmission when ZEN X-Fi3 is used with Bluetooth headphones and speakers with apt-X codec support. The unit comes with 8GB or 16GB internal storage and supports microSD/SDHC cards.

Creative’s new MP3 player also comes with built-in microphone for voice recording,  built-in speakers, and FM radio. It also supports JPEG images files and WMV9, MPEG4-SP, AVI (DivX4/5, XviD) video playback. There is video output connector.

The Creative ZEN X-Fi3 will be available in Europe in October for GBP89.99 for 8GB and GBP109.99 for 16GB.

[Creative Europe][Creative]

• Creative ZEN Style M300 Bluetooth Music Player
• Creative Zen MX Series Media Player
• Creative Zen Moo MP3 Player
• Creative ZEN Krystal Music Player
• Creative Zen Stone MP3 Player (Video)

SanDisk announced a new stylish Sansa Clip Zip MP3 music player with rich features and an affordable price. The new player has a 1.1-inch LCD color display and an updated user interface that makes it easier for users to navigate songs. The Zip supports MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC as well as AAC (DRM-free iTunes compatible) and Audiobooks.

The Sansa Clip Zip comes with 4GB or 8GB internal capacities and has microSD/SDHC card slot for expansion. It features a new stopwatch for timing laps and built-in FM radio tuner. You can also expect voice recording capability with built-in microphone. The new player offers up to 15 hours of battery life.

SanDisk Sansa Clip Zip is priced at $49.99 for 4GB and $69.99 for 8GB. It is available in Stealth Black, Gunmetal Grey, Primetime Purple, Momentum Blue, Jumpstart Red, Encore Orange†, and White Flash colors.

[SanDisk 1|2]

• SanDisk Sansa Clip 8GB Version
• SanDisk Sansa Clip Music player
• SanDisk Sansa Clip+ MP3 player
• SanDisk Sansa slotRadio Music Player
• SanDisk Sansa Shaker MP3 Player

Zoom launches the new H2n Handy Recorder, which is the only portable voice recorder with five mic capsules onboard. With five mics, the H2N offers four unique recording modes: Mid-Side (MS) stereo, 90° X/Y stereo, 2-channel and 4-channel surround sound. It is the first handheld recorder to feature Mid-Side stereo recording, a technique used for many years in film and broadcast, where ambiance and surrounding noise are crucial. Mid-Side recording combines a uni-directional Mid mic that captures sound directly in front of you and a bi-directional Side mic that captures sound from your left and right.

The Zoom H2n can create 360-degree surround sound recordings using its Mid-side and X/Y mics together. It features a 1.8-inch 128×64 backlit LCD display for easy navigation of function and monitoring, a Mic Gain wheel, built-in reference speaker, 1/8-inch stereo output, Line-in jack and USB connector. The recorder uses SD/SDHC cards for storage and supports up to 32GB SDHC that is enough for over 50 hours of recording using the 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV format or 555 hours of stereo MP3 recording.

Zoom H2n offers over 20 hours of continuous operation on just two standard AA alkaline batteries. It is priced at $199.

FEATURES

• Five built-in mic capsules provide Mid-Side (MS) stereo, 90° X/Y stereo, 2-channel and 4-channel recording modes
• Records in WAV up to 24-bit/96kHz and MP3 up to 320kbps
• Newly designed user interface
• Additional functions include Lo-cut Filter, Compressor/Limiter, Auto Gain, Pre-Rec, Auto-Rec, Tuner,
• Metronome, Variable Speed Playback, Key Control, A-B Repeat, File Dividing, Normalize, MP3 Post-Encode,
• Marker and Surround Mixer
• Data recovery function protects against unexpected recording errors
• Over 20 hours of operation using two standard AA batteries
• Operates on battery, AC or USB bus power
• 1.8-inch backlit LCD display with 128 x 64 resolution
• Analog-type Mic Gain wheel
• Built-in reference speaker
• High-speed USB 2.0 card reader function
• 1/8-inch Mic/Line Input and Phones/Line Output stereo phone jacks
• Accommodates up to 32GB SDHC memory cards
• Includes Steinberg WaveLab LE 7 editing software, 2GB SD memory card and two AA batteries
• Optional accessory package (APH-2n) includes remote control with extension cable, windscreen, AC adapter (USB type), USB cable, adjustable tripod stand, padded-shell case and a mic clip adapter

[Zoom]

• Zoom H1 Handy Stereo Recorder
• Zoom Q3 Handy Video Recorder
• Zoom Q3 Handy Video Recorder Launched in the US
• Vestax handy trax USB Turntable Recorder
• Korg Sound On Sound Unlimited Track Recorder

Bowers & Wilkins announced its new C5 in-ear noise-isolating headphones, which is to “bring the option of amazing clarity of sound, innovative design, and high quality materials for the discerning customer who demands premium peformance from in-ear headphones. The C5 features the adjustable Secure Loop design that keeps it comfortably in place, and aids fit and performance.

The headphones’ Micro Porous Filter acts as a diffuser, enabling C5 to deliver pristine, natural audio, while also providing a more spacious performance than previously possible from in-ear headphones. The Filter also limits noise bleed and together with the noise-isolating properties of the sealed fit, allowing users to enjoy flawless audio. The C5 has Tungsten Balanced design, where high-mass material is located closer to the user’s ear, for an improved seal for better sound and noise isolation. It is crafted from high-grade aluminium for a premium-quality finish.

The Bowers & Wilkins C5 has in-line Made for iPod, iPhone, iPad remote and microphone, making it iOS device friendly. The headphones will be released in August for GBP 149.95.

[Bowers & Wilkins 1|2]

• Bowers & Wilkins P5 Mobile Hi-Fi Headphones for iPod
• Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond Loudspeakers
• Bowers & Wilkins PM1 Compact Loudspeaker
• Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini iPod Speaker System
• Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 Desktop Speakers

iRiver is launching its Story HD e-book reader in the US market exclusively via Target. The Korean company’s new reader is the first device to be fully integrated with Google eBooks platform offering more than three million ebooks at no cost and thousands of additional titles for sale.

The Story HD features a 6-inch 768×1024 e-ink display offering 63.8 percent more pixels than other e-readers, a QWERTY keyboard, SD card slot, and USB 2.0 connector. It is powered by a Cortex A8 chipset. The e-reader has a sleek, signature style and a curve with two-tone colors at the front and back for easy grip and slim design.

The iRiver Story HD weighs just 7.3oz, making it one of the lightese reader of its class. Its internal battery enables users to select 14,000 of its non-glare pages, or simply keep the device on standby for up to six weeks, all on a single charge. The Story HD is priced at $139.99.

[Businesswire]

• iRiver Story e-book reader released in Korea
• iRiver Story e-book reader get pictured
• iRiver Story Touch Edition e-book reader
• Sony Reader Daily Edition e-book Reader
• iRiver Libre e-ink e-book reader

Barnes & Noble (B&N) introduces its all-new NOOK e-book reader with a touchscreen. The new NOOK is called by B&N as The Simple Touch Reader.It features a 6-inch e-ink Pearl display with Zeforce infrared touchscreen, like the new Kobo eReader Touch, that allows users to turn pages, look up words, highlight passages, adjust the font size and style easily. The newly-designed lightweight, slim reader is 35 percent lighter and 15 percent thinner than NOOK Wi-Fi 1st Edition.

The All-new NOOK has 2GB internal memory that holds up to 1,000 books and offers a microSD/SDHC card slot for expansion. It supports WiFi 802.11b/g/n and uses micro USB connector for charging and PC connection. The e-book reader supports ePUB and PDF files as well as JPG, GIF, PNG, BMP images. It offers a battery life of up to 2 months on a single charge with Wi-Fi off, the longest battery life of any eReader.

The new ultraportable NOOK Simple Touch Reader weighs under 8 ounces. It is available for pre-order for $139 and will e shipped on 10 June.

Click to enlarge

[B&N]

• Barnes & Noble NOOK WiFi e-book reader
• B&N NOOK Color Now $199, NOOK Simple Touch $99
• Plastic Logic QUE proReader business e-book reader
• Barnes & Noble NOOKcolor e-book reader with color touchscreen
• Samsung E6 eReader coming to Barnes & Noble