Gizmodo: 2.1

Four New Logitech Speaker Sets Feature 360-Degree Sound

Dan Nosowitz — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:40:00 EDT

Logitech's really pushing this "omnidirectional acoustics" stuff with their new speaker sets—they've got both front- and rear-facing drivers in each satellite, and the subwoofers (when included) push the sound downwards rather than out.

Omnidirectional acoustics sounds pretty nice for the more portable 2.0 sets, the Z320 and Z520, but we're not sure if they'll be that useful for comparatively more anchored 2.1 sets that, in our experience at least, are usually placed up against a wall, effectively blocking half of that 360 degrees. But Logitech speakers are reliably nice-sounding, and seeing as how we can't very well judge them without hearing them, we'll have to suffice on specs for now. All of these are packing an additional input for MP3 players as well as a headphone jack.

The Z320 is a 10-watt 2.0 system marketed for laptops, and costs $70, while its 2.1 cousin, the Z323, packs 30 watts (18 for the subwoofer) and RCA audio in at the same price. The more expensive Z523 2.1 set (pictured) is pretty much the same as the Z323 with a bump to 40 watts of power, and checks in at $100. At the top of the list is the Z520, a 2.0 set with 26 watts of power that costs $130. We'll have to try them out for ourselves to see if this 360-degree sound is all Logitech says it is. [Logitech]

Kenwood DTS Bookshelf CD Player Promises Surround Sound Over Two Channels

Jack Loftus — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST

This upcoming bookshelf or nightstand CD player from Kenwood looks simple enough, but inside the company is promising surround sound quality output from just two speakers.

The setup sort of reminds me of the overpriced Bose 3-2-1 system, which mimics surround sound using just two speakers and a sub, but unfortunately there's little else to go on. The press release is sparse, as hyped-up marketing materials are wont to be, and not even a release date or pricing escapes its hazy grip. Maybe April. In Japan. Maybe.

What we do know is that this little box will make use of DTS Surround Sensation tech. Nothing more. [Press Release via CrunchGear]

Sony SRS-DF30 Speaker System Won't Let PC Kill the Radio Star

Elaine Chow — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:30:02 EST

Nowadays we've got podcasts, internet radio etc.—but if you absolutely must listen to NPR the old-fashioned way, Sony has helpfully thrown an FM tuner into one of its new computer speaker sets.

The SRS-DF30 is otherwise your run-of-the-mill 2.1 speaker system, with a headphone out, power on/off and volume control. But hey, if your internet is as unreliable as mine was back when I lived in New York, maybe an integrated radio system isn't such a bad idea. It'll be available in March for $200.

QuickPwn 2.1 Out for Windows

Mark Wilson — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EDT

Last weekend OSX users got their first taste of QuickPwn 2.1. Now a version is out for all the PC users in the audience. Happy hacking. [iphone-dev]

Question of the Day: Has the 2.1 Update Fixed Your iPhone?

Sean Fallon — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:40:00 EDT

I'm sure all of the iPhone owners out there were chomping at the bit to download the 2.1 update when it hit today. After all, it does claim to fix major problems like call drops, crashes, slow syncing and bad battery life. I've been busy, so I haven't had a chance to install it myself—so help me out with this. How are the individual bug fixes working out for you?

Download iPod Touch 2.1 Software RIGHT NOW

John Mahoney — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:55:08 EDT

When we plugged in our iPod touch to iTunes 8, we were hit with a software update notifcation that led to a dead link. But now, we've got a line on what looks to be a live download path to the iPod Touch 2.1 software image. Here's the link—we're grabbing and testing as we post, and will update with details. It's option-click-Update time. UPDATE: It works. [Link - Thanks, mrhidea!]

iPhone 2.1 Firmware Hints at New iPod touch

matt buchanan — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:40:00 EDT

Apparently hidden in the code of the 2.1 firmware we're anxiously awaiting to make our iPhones less laggy and crashy (and maybe add copy and paste!) is a reference to a new iPod touch model. The current iPod touch designation is "iPod1,1" but there's a string in the code for an "iPod2,1" which points at a brand new iTouch.

For historical comparison, the original iPhone is "iPhone1,1" while the iPhone 3G is "iPhone1,2" as we found out during the 2.0 update madness, so there's definitely a case to be made. And late summer is new iPod season. What new whiz-bang features do you think would be in a whole new iPod touch? [iPhone Atlas via Mac Rumors]

Wii-styled 2.1 Speakers Are the Ultimate Nintendo Fanboy Accessory

Adrian Covert — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 16:00:32 EST

Spotted on the floor of CES by Kotaku, Fenda's "On Play" 2.1 speaker system has speakers that resemble a Wii Nunchuk and a subwoofer that looks like the Wii itself. In addition to having a dock for the Wii to sit on, Kotaku's Michael McWhertor says the speakers sound pretty good and will only cost around $50 when they come out later this year. [Kotaku]

PlayStation Firmware 2.1 Brings Blu-ray 1.1, DivX and World Peace

Mark Wilson — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:06:52 EST

According to the UK PlayStation page, new firmware 2.1 could be hitting tomorrow (technically their lead is "An update to the PS3 system software was released on December 18, 2007") and it's brought treats for everyone in the class. First and foremost, we finally get Blu-ray Profile 1.1, otherwise known as the "final standard profile." Among other things, it means that picture-in-picture will now work on PS3 Blu-ray.

Also, as we told you not so long ago, DivX will be supported as well...with three caveats. Files cannot be over 2GB, files with copyright-protection and files made from DivX 3.11 or earlier cannot be played. Oh, and the biggie: no XviD support yet...unlike the Xbox 360.

In addition, WMVs will be supported, enhanced audio bitmapping will be an option, and most importantly, a Voice Changer has been added. You know, so 10-year-olds sound a bit more intimidating when they call you a "gay damn" or "fucker pussy" or some other bastardization (no pun intended) of cursing. [playstationuk]

New Zune Software and Firmware Available

Mark Wilson — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:16:12 EST

To all of the Giz readers who own first gen Zunes, your Zune 2.0 is available for download now. For a less cryptic version of exactly what we mean, hit up our hands-on with Microsoft's free upgraded Zuneware. For everyone else who doesn't care, we are so, so sorry for distracting you from what looks to be an otherwise productive workday. Did you make those little post-it airplanes? Nice. [zune.net via gadgetlab]

The Bluetooth SIG group just approved Bluetooth...

Jason Chen — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:54:33 EDT

The Bluetooth SIG group just approved Bluetooth Core Spec Version 2.1+EDR, which brings easier pairing and enhanced power optimization. [Bluetooth]

Sdesignunit 2+1 Furniture: Lego Inspired Loving

Mark Wilson — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 11:23:08 EDT

"This dinner is so romantic."
"Anything for you baby."
"It makes me want to..."
"Hold that thought!"
"Ow! You pulled the chair out from under me!"
"No...I pulled the bed out from under you!"
"Oh, ok. Then it's romantic again."

Operate at your own risk. Design can be dangerous. – Mark Wilson

Design Page [via trendsnow]

Logitech X-240 Low-End Speakers With iPod/Zune Dock

Jason Chen — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 16:40:16 EST

The Logitech X-240 may look similar to their pricier cousins, the Z10s, but the fact that they are 2.1 speakers and are made by Logitech are practically the only things they have in common. The X-240s ditch the fancy LCD and onboard playback controls for ease of use and a music player dock.

The main draw of this system will be the iPod and Zune docks, which can connect to the speaker's auxiliary input or just hold it for syncing. Availability's somewhere in April, and it's goign to go for about $50. Looks like a great deal for a cheap set up 2.1s to us. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Logitech via iLounge]