Amazon is offering you this TuneIn Radio Pro for Android Smartphones for $0.99 – $0.99 Instant Off + Free Shipping = FREE!

If you’re looking to expand your listening ability on any Android powered Smartphone then check out this Free app! TuneIn gives you instant access to over 50,000 radio stations from AM and FM frequencies anywhere you go! You can easily listen to all of your favorite news, music, weather, sports, talk and even podcast stations without having to worry about proximity and without static issues! It even gives you access to national stations like BBC and NPR so you never run out of content to listen for. It has a very easy to use interface and allows you to search stations by language, one touch brings you live radio and with your RadioTime account you can easily record and save your favorites so you can always come back again. It also has alarm/sleep timer functionality for waking up to your favorite tunes.

April Fools is just beyond us by a few days, so we’re taking the H2O Powered Shower Radio with a grain of salt.  If it is real, the radio promises to run, as in be powered from H20 alone.

How’s it work?  Just install it in line with your shower hose and the power, or shall we say force of water passing though it’s turbine, something called hydrodynamics, will generate enough energy to receive a radio reception and blast it through its small speaker.   An onboard battery stores juice for a limited time, though we’re not sure how long.

Provided this particular gadget isn’t fake, Firebox says you can preorder it now for about $55 (£34.99 UK) with an expected ship date of April 8th.

Read

Having already reviewed the Moshi Voice Controlled Alarm Clock some months back, I knew what I was getting into.  This time around I found myself annoyed by Moshi’s inadequacies even though I like some of the core features more than the first iteration.  The whole clock radio aspect really appealed to me and controlling the clock without the voice control ended up being easier than trying to speak to the clock in a variety of stern tones.

First off, the size and visual aesthetic of the clock has bedside written all over it, and fit it nicely with my lamp and other random strewn abouts.  The LCD illuminated at 3 levels of “off-blue” brightness but I found myself desiring the in between.  The low was either too dim and hardly visible where as the brightest setting scorched the cornea and was hard to set morning eyes against.  The buttons had a mildly sticky matte adhesive feel and reacted promptly during times of snooze and other operation.

The IVR006 let you set two alarms using either the alarm or the radio.  Both require only a few button presses and are generally more pleasant than trying to set them using only the voice commands.  When trying to set up the Alarm Clock using voice commands the whole sequence must be spot for the action to actually set.  For example, saying “Hello Moshi” will prompt the clock to ask you another command inquiry and depending on the action itself it can take up to 3-4 accurate phrases to complete.  This can often be a trying task.  Anytime Moshi doesn’t recognize what you say or if she misunderstands completely you have to start the whole sequence from the beginning.  Boo.

Sometimes she simply refuses to hear you.  Other times, I’ll say my dog’s name and Moshi will think I’m talking to her.  No matter how forceful or bold you make your voice  she will shut you down.  Now believe me, If I was hard of seeing I’d be pretty disappointed in this product because the thing is, is that the clock has this ancillary voice recognition meter that is hardly discerning.  I think the idea behind the meter is to keep you aware of the accuracy of your diction but you’re never going to remember that exact pitch that made Moshi listen that one time.  Maybe future iterations will make this feature a bit more useful?

For a clock of this size, the sound wasn’t all that bad given that the positioning of the speakers isn’t of the standard variety.  There’s an AUX input for any MP3 player and I enjoyed the bedside Podcast as I laid down to rest.  The radio also sounded pretty good and was more than I expected.  You can have three radio presets and set any alarm to any one of them.  What I might not of mentioned before is that anytime to set something manually on Moshi you will get a verbal confirmation letting you know that you did it the right way.  I liked that very much considering I couldn’t depend on the actual voice control.

When rounding up this review, I can honestly say that I’m not as impressed with the Moshi IVR006 this time around.  The overall package has more to offer, but the Voice Control just seemed weak and despondent.  It was fun to show visitors’ what Moshi was capable of (when it worked of course) but I found myself totally abandoning the voice controls during my weekly regimes.  The price point is a bit high right now ($70) for me to recommend this clock because it can’t quite perform to it’s true selling point.  Other than that it does have some cool stuff going for it, but right now it’s not a complete product.

Pros:

• Attractive and small
• Radio sounds decent
• Aux in

Cons:

• Poor voice controls
• Weak LCD brightness settings
• Pricey

Buy the Moshi Voice Controlled IVR006 Digital Clock Radio here for $70!

Itching for some short wave radio?  I know I am, in fact I’ve got a hankering.  The Thanko USB Shortwave radio plugs into your computer via USB and receives not only AM/FM transmissions, but shortwave radio as well.  It’s compatible with Windows only and includes some software for recording over the air broadcasts.  Me?  I just like the design.

Read

Lexon’s line of aesthetically pleasing bamboo and bio-plastic gadgets is easy on the environment and cool on the eyes.  These solar powered and renewable energy mini-appliances will look positively earth awesome in your place.  No word on pricing or availability.  The LED solar flashlight is pictured above.

Crank-Powered Radio

Solar Powered Calculator

Solar-Powered Clock

I don’t see the draw of this product beyond their obvious “tiny cuteness”, this little baby wooden FM radio will inevitably appeal to someone out there.  Housed in a small wooden box measuring in at just 1.45″ (w) x 1″(h) x 0.75 (d), it also has a 3.5mm input so you can pair it with another one to create a very meager 2.0 system (see below pic).

Each one contains a rechargeable battery that can be charged via the included USB cord.  Priced at around $35 a piece, Korea is the only place they are available at the moment and there’s no word on whether or not the 2.0 adapter cord is included. 

[via Technabob]

Read

Eton has made a name for themselves by producing robust and utilitarian emergency radios.  New to the scene is the Eton Scorpion.  Incorporating features found in previous models, the Scorpion improves upon portability through a more rugged and slim design while still packing a assembly of cool features such as solar and handcrank charging and a bright LED flashlight

Between the NOAA weather band radio and the bottle opener, the Scorpion is a must but for the traveler looking to pack light but have all their emergency precautions intact.  No word on exact release date but the price is set at $50.

More pics “After The Leap”

While I’m not so sure on the design aesthetic, the Chinon Avi is a techy eye catcher nonetheless.  It features a 7-inch LCD monitor with a built in TV tuner, a clock, a radio, iPod dock, remote and the typical iPod controls.  All this can be yours this holiday season for $200.

Although I’ve never heard of this brand before, it’s nice to see a product that combines all this cool stuff into one boombox sized package.

Chinon Introduces Portable Entertainment System with iPod™ Docking, LCD Monitor and Digital TV Tuner

Must-have, affordable, premium docking station only available online

DALLAS, TX – Just in time for the holidays, Chinon Corporation, a premier digital technology innovator, announced the launch of the AVi, the industry’s first portable iPod™ docking station with a built-in LCD monitor and digital TV tuner. Consumers can view content and listen to music, as well as watch TV, all in one docking station.

The user-friendly device combines an alarm clock, digital picture frame, iPod player, radio, and TV into an affordable, all-in-one, compact entertainment system. The AVi couples the iconic frame of a retro boom box with a modern rubberized black finish and silver trim, to capture the nostalgic style of the past, with the technology of today. The unit’s functionality along with its light, portable design make this sleek gadget the perfect holiday gift for the tech guru, music lover or child in your life.

“Chinon is committed to bringing the latest technology in consumer electronics to the U.S.,” said Masazumi Chino, president of Chinon Corporation. “This entertainment system is the most functional and portable docking station and TV combination on the market.”

Designed for use at home or on the road, the AVi features a 7-inch LCD monitor, AUX input, ATSC digital TV tuner with AV out, built-in telescopic radio antenna, external telescopic TV antenna, digital FM radio and alarm clock, and a full-function remote. This all-inclusive system plays both local TV channels and the contents of an iPod, including music videos, pre-recorded movies, TV shows and videos, images, as well as just music. The AVi can also last up to 3 hours on battery power making it easy to take it on the go.

The AVi simultaneously plays and charges your iPod so you don’t have to worry about running down your battery. It can also be used as a digital converter box for any analog TV.

The AVi is officially licensed by Apple in the “Made for iPod” range, and can be purchased for $199.99 only at www.ChinonUSA.com

About Chinon Corporation

Japan-based Chinon Corporation, established in 1962, is a premier manufacturer of digital electronics and appliances. Chinon’s portfolio of products in the United States includes a digital photo frame, USB micro-SD card reader, digital compass, and heat stroke alert wristwatch. For additional information, please visit www.ChinonUSA.com

[via TheGadgeteer]

Read

I knew it was coming – well, actually I hoped it was coming, but here it is: HD radio for the iPod Touch and iPhone.  (Last week I wrote about the official release of the XM Skydock for the iPhone and although I think it’s a solid product for anyone willing to pay a monthly subscription fee I couldn’t help but note that I’d prefer an HD Radio version.)

In order to gain access to the 2,000+ HD stations currently being broadcast into your skull, you’ll need to pick up iBiquity’s Gigaware Navigation Control HD Radio Receiver accessory for the iPod Touch and iPhone.  The inline radio receiver, which plugs into the 30pin serial connector, works in conjunction with their free app and allows you to ‘favorite’ stations as well as connect with friends over Facebook, Twitter and email.

Radioshack, who has an exclusive on the product, is selling it for $79.99.  Sure, the price is a bit steep, but compare that against XM’s offering and you’ve got a steal of a deal.

iBiquity has made its first foray into the mobile market and it’s third in the portable market (Best Buy’s Insignia NS-HD01 and Microsoft’s Zune HD). Introducing the Gigaware Navigation Control HD Radio Receiver accessory and the HD Radio application. The accessory/app combination enables iPhone and iPod touch devices to tune into HD Radio broadcasts for the first time!

Adding HD Radio Technology to the iPhone and iPod touch (compatible with models updated with 3.0 software) is an easy two-step process:

▪ Step 1: Buy the Gigaware HD Radio accessory, designed for and sold exclusively at RadioShack for an MSRP of $79.99.

▪ Step 2: Download the FREE application by clicking on the Apple App Store icon on the actual device or though the iTunes’ App Store link (under the Music category) in the top left column.

The application software, features an intuitive, user-friendly interface; a manual tune wheel or auto-seek option; and the ability to connect with friends through e-mail, Twitter and Facebook. Users can also preview content currently airing and directly select a main station or multicast channel stream, in addition bookmarking their favorite stations and multicast channels. An iTunes Tagging button on the Gigaware navigation accessory also allows users to “tag” songs for future review and purchase via iTunes.

Now, iPhone and iPod touch users can now enjoy the CD-like digital quality, crystal-clear sound from more than 2,000 HD Radio stations on the air, and 1,000+ new FM multicast channels (HD2/HD3).

While I’m confident that satellite radio is sure to fail that doesn’t mean that new and cool products for the service aren’t worth noting.  Starting today XM’s Skydock is available for purchase from a barrage of retailers including Amazon, who has it for about $95.  If you recall, the Skydock is essentially a glorified cigarette charger and turns any iPhone (or iPod Touch) running the XM iPhone app into a satellite radio, that is assuming that you’ve attached the magnetic antenna to your car’s roof.

Personally, I’d prefer an HD radio dock, which doesn’t require a hefty monthly subscription.

Read

Perfect for your alpine lodge getaway, the Magno Wooden Radio will keep you and your bearskin rug company on those cold nights alone.  Handcrafted using untreated Indonesian ebony, mahogany, and pine, this little guy is quite the stunning beauty.

Besides boasting superior FM/AM quality, this wooden radio also has an input for your MP3 player and runs off of 4 AA batteries or an AC adapter.  Weighing only 2lbs, this retro modern marvel will cost you $200.

[via TechFresh]

Read

Oh yes.  I’m going to a haunted corn maze on Friday or a maize maze for those of you who like multi-lingual wordplay, and if this remote controlled bat was part of the show I’d be impressed.

Exactly what you think it is, this 13 gram and 10 inches of wingspan Flying Vampire Bat uses a tiny lithium polymer battery that lasts for 10 minutes for every half hour of charging.   This has Halloween prank written all over it.

The controller runs off of 6 whole AA batteries and the whole product costs around $33.  To add to the scare tactics the bat also has green LED’s embedded in the eyes for all those unsuspecting Trick-or-Treaters.

This reminds me of something I saw in Peter Jackson’s Dead Alive and I’m sure it will do its best to “kick ass for the lord!”

[via CoolestGadgets]

Read

If you’ve ever been listening to your radio and wished that you could rewind a song, either all the way back so you could start from the beginning or just a couple lines so you could catch some garbled phrase again, the Pure Elan II might be just what you want.

The Pure Elan II is a DAB radio with ReVu technology which does about what it sounds like it does–it allows you to rewind live radio.  Further, it’s got its own internal battery that, when charged, will allow it to play for 35 hours, nearly a full uninterrupted day and a half.

The downside to this, of course, is that it only seems to be available in Great Britain right now, but for our British readership, this will be an awesome buy.  Of course, there’ll also be some limits in interest due to the fact that this radio costs approximately two hundred bucks.

I don’t know who’d be so interested in pausing live radio that they’d shell out two hundred bucks for it, but the folks behind the Elan II must know something I don’t….

Read

If you, like me, have expressed some lament (usually involving kicking, screaming, and throwing things) at the general lack of quality and variety in radio broadcasting in your area, (who do I have to bribe to get some jazz around here?) then you may have already discovered an interest in streaming Internet radio.

But you know that that usually requires having your computer on and connected to the web and such, which can be a bandwidth hog like nobody’s business.

Enter the new line of squeezeboxes from Logitech, the Squeezebox Radio and the Squeezebox Touch.

The Squeezebox Radio is the cheaper of the two, as it’s a stand-alone that functions as a radio and has its own speakers, while the Squeezebox Touch is designed to be hooked into your existing stereo.  Starting at two hundred dollars, these devices connect to the various music sites out there like Napster, Pandora and Last.fm to bring streaming radio to what amounts to a set-top box.

It’s a great idea, no mistake, even if two hundred bucks is a little salty for what amounts to the best radio ever.

Read