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ECOXPRO Waterproof Speaker Case

Many people like to listen to tunes when they’re at the pool or beach, which are both environments where electronic devices could potentially get wet. While waterproof music players do exist, lots of folks now use their smartphone as their own little personal stereo. That’s the reason for the existence of Grace Digital Audio’s ECOXPRO Waterproof Speaker Case. It houses the user’s smartphone – along with some other odds and ends – while playing its music library through a full-range three-inch front speaker.

The ECOXPRO is essentially a scaled-down version of Grace’s Eco Terra Boombox. Like that device, it is fully waterproof (submersible down to ten feet/three meters), and allows the user’s smartphone to be plugged into its own sound system. Whereas the Boombox is a biggish thing with two speakers, however, the ECOXPRO has a single speaker, and could easily fit inside a purse or backpack.

The universal fit Waterproof Speaker Case accommodates all standard-sized smartphones and MP3 players, and includes some extra room for stuff like keys, credit cards and whatnot. It is said to provide up to 30 hours of playback time on three AA batteries, and includes the obligatory carabiner clip, allowing it to dangle from things.

Should users not want to subject everyone at the pool/beach to their musical tastes, it also has a waterproof headphone jack. Should they drop it in the deep ocean – well, it floats. It is also impact-resistant, surviving drops from up to six feet (1.8 meters).

Another nice feature is its pressure release valve. When it comes time to retrieve one’s smartphone from inside the device, this can be used to release the vacuum that has built up inside, making it easier to open.

The ECOXPRO Waterproof Speaker Case is available now, for US$79.99

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Lenovo IdeaTab S2109 ICS Tablet

 

Lenovo has announced a new addition to its tablet computer portfolio, that's said to have been configured for multimedia entertainment. The IdeaTab S2109 features a 9.7-inch IPS display for wide viewing angle, runs on Android 4 (ICS) and comes equipped with four speakers.

Lenovo has confirmed the screen resolution of the 9.7-inch, 4:3 aspect, 420-nit IPS multi-touch display as 1024 x 768 pixels, although at the time of writing it's claimed to be 1280 x 800 on the product page. In either case, it doesn't come anywhere near that offered by the new iPad (2048 x 1536), but it does have a few other tricks to show off. 

As a mobile music fan, I think that the most interesting of these are the four speakers to the rear of the unit with SRS sound enhancement and dual bass, that hold the promise of quality sonic oomph as well as a surround sound-like listening experience.

At the heart of the IdeaTab S2109 beats a Texas Instruments OMAP 4430 dual-core processor running at 1GHz, supported by 1GB of low power DDR2 system memory. The new tablet comes with either 8, 16 or 32GB of onboard eMMC solid state storage and a battery that's said to offer over 10 hours of use between charges and up to 30 days on stand-by. As well as micro-USB connectivity and microSD card expansion, the unit also sports an HDMI port for full HD output to a big screen TV.

There's 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0 and GPS built in, and a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera that supports up to 720p video recording. At 8.9 mm thin and 1.27 pounds (580 g), it's thinner and lighter than Samsung's new Galaxy Tab 2, although the latter does sport a slightly bigger screen. The ICS operating system has been treated to a user-friendly Lenovo interface, and grants access to the Android Market and Lenovo App Store.

The IdeaTab S2109 is set for release this month, with prices starting at US$349.

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Sony KDL-55HX853 review

The Sony KDL-55HX853 is the latest range-topping Freeview HD 3D TV from the Japanese brand. It combines a laid-back minimalist design with the most advanced picture processing seen from the brand to date. Net connected Smarts come as standard.

It’s no secret that Sony’s TV division has had a torrid time of late, battered by recession, competition and a merciless exchange rate. But the brand is fighting back with a new flatscreen fleet, led by the HX853, focused on picture performance. Its prime competitors are the LG 55LM760T and Samsung 55 D6530, which share similar specs.

Sony KDL-55HX853: Features

While 3D gets an upgrade on the 55HX853, it’s the screen’s internet-connectivity which dominates this screen’s feature roster. Sony has revamped the user-interface of the SEN (Sony Entertainment Network) portal, better integrating apps, Video on Demand and music subscription services. 

A Johnny-come-lately to the apps revolution, Sony has also partnered with the Opera browser team to offer the Opera TV Store, a source of casual games and social media downloads.  

One thing that hasn’t changed this year is the set’s multimedia file playback, which still lags behind rivals, offering no support for MKV.  

There have been cool developments with DLNA though. We easily partnered the TV with the Sony Tablet S which enabled us to ‘catch and throw’ content between screens.

Sony KDL-55HX853: Design

The KDL-55HX853 is fashionably thin, just 3.5cm, and sports edge-to-edge Corning Gorilla glass. While the under-glass bezel is approx 3cm, the set’s metallic edge-trim gives it the illusion of it being far less. The screen itself rests at a gravity-defying angle on a slim flat stand, which also incorporates the sound system.

Sony KDL-55HX853: Specs

Connectivity is a la mode. The TV offers four HDMI inputs, Scart, component, phono stereo, PC, two USB inputs, Ethernet and a CAM slot. Wi-Fi is built-in and there’s a Wi-Fi direct mode for direct connection with local devices.

Sony KDL-55HX853: Performance

This screen is all about image. Sony’s new X-Reality Pro picture processing engine does a remarkable job with everything from heavily compressed ‘net streams to Blu-ray. Black levels are high and fine detail is extreme. Perhaps this set’s finest achievement though is maintaining motion clarity.

The latest iteration of Sony’s Motionflow technology multiples the effective refresh rate of this 200Hz panel using frame insertion, backlight blinking and Image Blur reduction techniques. Watch sports on the Clear Motionflow setting and images are fast, crisp and smudge free. If there’s better picture processing available at the moment, we haven’t seen it.

Sony has also improved the 3D performance of this TV compared to last year’s model, increasing the detail in the image. However, the brand hasn’t solved the problem of crosstalk double imaging.  Active Shutter 3D glasses are an optional extra.

Sony KDL-55HX853: Verdict

The KDL-55HX853 isn’t big on gimmicks, but if you’re looking for a flatscreen with excellent image quality, a content-rich net portal and luscious design, then it’s a must-see.
  Sony KDL-55HX853 availability: Available now

Sony KDL-55HX853 price: £1,800

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The Lifedge Case for iPad

Ruggedizing your portable electronics makes sense and Lifedge has a new option for the 40 million-odd iPad owners in the world. Lifedge's case has an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of IP67 for keeping water and dust out. It will protect an iPad for 30 minutes in one meter (3 feet) of water, or if it is dropped onto a concrete floor from a height of one meter.

Lifedge is a new brand launched by Scanstrut, an international manufacturer of products designed to protect equipment used in demanding marine environments.

Though Scanstrut has been in the marine market for 25 years, Lifedge is Scanstrut's initial foray outside its core market and it intends to build its name in new areas with an entirely new range of products aimed at enabling digital activities under any conditions.

The iPad, with its built-in GPS and big screen, is a natural for use in outdoor environments, except it's a little too delicate for all that salt-water, sun, heat, cold, spray ad infinitum.

As well as being waterproof and offering drop protection, Lifedge's's first iPad Case also features an OptiGuard™ coating which the company claims offers exceptional screen clarity in sunlight, whilst ensuring the case is abrasion and chemical resistant to prevent damage from regular use and exposure to oils, sunscreen and household chemicals.

The Waterproof iPad Case uses a semi rigid two piece case that is easy to take on and off, and compact enough to leave on permanently if required.

There are versions for iPad 1 and iPad2, but no word on a version for the new iPad at this stage. It retails at £99 inc VAT in the U.K. and US$129 in the U.S through online outlets such as CWR.

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