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Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Pandora Rewards 24 hours of Zero Ads Music on its 10th Anniversary

Many music listeners like Pandora Radio as it is one of the most popular music streaming services with millions of listeners across Australia, the U.S. and New Zealand. Recently it has announced a big surprise news to all of its music listeners by letting them listen to 24 hours of ad-free streaming.

Pandora Listener Love Day
Image source: g.foolcdn.com
On the eve of its 10th birthday celebration called the “Listener Love Day,” which starts at 12AM EST on Sept. 9: from that time onwards all over the U.S. its listeners can listen to uninterrupted add free music till next 24hrs across all its platforms. Pandora has plans to play its top-performing songs from the past decade on the Listener Love Day.

Pandora at present lets you stream music on several mobile platforms which includes iOS (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad), Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone, and WebOS.

May be many of you are aware about Pandora’s latest Sponsored Listening product which was launched in July 28. It is very much true nobody likes to get to hear lot many commercials while listening to music. Taking this plight of its listeners into consideration Pandora launched new sponsored listening product to let its users skip listening to ads in their streaming radio stations only on one condition.

The condition is that in its place users get to watch video about Pandora brand with a “rich media unit” with thorough product information. Here users are made to engage in watching the video just for minimum of 15 seconds. To its utter surprise consumers very much appreciated this idea via Twitter and Facebook, hence it was a great boost to its brand awareness.

Let’s take a peek into some features of Pandora:
  • Pandora has a unique feature as it lets its listeners enjoy the exact music which they want listening to. Its music discovery experience is upto the class.
  • Its unique feature which makes it different from others is that it lets its listeners create personalized "radio" stations of their choice and Pandora hence shows only those songs which match the listener’s choice.
  • Pandora for iOS has new attractive feature with good user interface and design. Its animations and gesture-based movements fit well with iOS 8.
  • Now enhanced notification features is there letting the users know when they had added that new music station. The app is now compatible with the resolution of iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
Now you may be wondering, how we can you enjoy Pandora’s music. There are various devices which can stream Pandora music, let’s take a look on them one by one as all of these fully support Pandora.

Let’s look at them one by one:
  • Audio / Video Receivers: It fully supports the streaming of Pandora music. Example of its famous brand is Denon.
  • Blu- Ray Players: Streaming of Pandora music is possible with it. Example of its famous brand is Vizio .
  • Streaming Players: One of the popular streaming player compatible for streaming Pandora music is Roku.
  • Home Audio: The famous home audio brand which supports Pandora is HEOS By Denon
  • Home Theater: One of the many famous home theater brand that supports Pandora is RCA
  • Satellite Provider: One such an example is Dish.
If you are a greatest fan of Pandora, it’s time for you to enjoy its add- free listening option on its Listener love day. Just dance into your favorite music tunes and enjoy the uninterrupted music service from Pandora. Hope to hear some more such listener friendly announcements from Pandora in future. Till then rock.

Monday, August 10, 2015

The Best Way to Enjoy Movies in Your Living Room

I am an avid movie buff. Action movies, horror films, martial arts classics and off-the-cuff romantic comedies- there’s just something about being immersed into someone else’s story. I think that’s what makes me such a Marvel fan. That reality is so brilliantly far-fetched; I just love being sucked into such a drastically different and exciting world.

Back in the day, my love of action heroes would compel me to get dressed, transport myself to a movie theater, buy tickets, pay ridiculous prices for overly greasy popcorn and share a room filled with strangers- some inconspicuous, some obnoxious. Thankfully, I no longer have to deal with any of that inconvenience because I recently became the proud owner of a HEOS HomeCinema, and it’s amazing!

HEOS HomeCinema

First, let’s talk specs. Here are some of the audio features that make my HEOS HomeCinema boom with rich sound:

  • Exclusive Virtual Surround Processing that creates immersive sound without external speakers.
  • A Bi-Amplified Soundbar that has 4 channels of Class D digital amplification.
  • Bass Boost that delivers deep sound and reduces sound distortion.
  • Innovative Dialog Enhancer that delivers crisp, clear sound so you never miss any of the conversation.
  • Super useful ‘Night Mode’ that allows night owls to enjoy movies with full range audio experience- all without disturbing anyone else in the house.

The sound elements are paramount in importance of course, but another great factor you just can’t ignore is the simplistic setup and beautiful design of the HomeCinema. The HEOS set comes with only two elements; a sleek and elegant soundbar, along with one wireless subwoofer that can be placed just about anywhere you have room. The soundbar can be placed on your entertainment shelf or mounted on the wall; I placed mine right beneath my flat screen on the shelf, so there was no additional installation needed and the whole setup was so easy!

My HomeCinema is one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. Now I can hold movie-viewing parties in my living room and can do so without loud strangers, stale popcorn and sticky, uncomfortable seats. The one thing that hasn’t been replaced? That spectacular movie theater audio experience- only now I enjoy it from the comfort of my living room. Movie theaters are out and HomeCinemas are definitely in!

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

HEOS 1 - An Affordable Wireless Multi-Room Speaker

Last year Denon introduced its new wireless speaker and accessories line, HEOS by Denon. The veteran audio brand chose the slogan ‘Anywhere sounds amazing’ as a reference to the syncing capabilities of their three initial speakers, the HEOS 3, 5 and 7. The idea is that any of those speakers can be placed anywhere throughout your home and played simultaneously- with either the same streaming music or multiple songs at once.

Now, the brand has expanded upon the meaning of its slogan, as they recently introduced the new HEOS 1, a portable wireless speaker that has been specifically designed for indoor and outdoor use. It’s an ambitious offering in an industry that so far, surprisingly, hasn’t produced many portable speaker options.

HEOS 1 - Portable Wireless Speaker

The HEOS 1 has stayed true to its clean, minimalistic design and color schemes of black and white. In addition to being attractive, it’s also surprisingly lightweight, weighing less than six pounds. Make no mistake however; this portable wireless speaker was designed with durability in mind, as it’s said to be humidity resistant.

In terms of sound, the HEOS 1 is an excellent addition to the legacy that is Denon audio. It features audiophile grade synchronization, a custom woofer and a high dispersion tweeter, powered by a 2-channel Class D amplifier. Translation- this miniature HEOS produces sound that is anything but.

To accompany the speaker, HEOS has also developed and introduced a corresponding battery pack, known as their Go-Pack. It contains a rechargeable battery that will give you up to 6-hours of playtime, plus a Bluetooth USB adaptor, in case you’re not within range of a Wi-Fi signal. This unique addition has been brilliantly designed to be completely cohesive with the HEOS speaker. To use the HEOS 1 Go Pack, all you need to do is twist it on to the base of the speaker. Imagine twisting the cap on or off of your water bottle. It’s that easy.

HEOS 1 Go Pack

The HEOS 1 Go Pack is smartly splash proof, as it should be, plus it’s able to charge your smartphone. These are both great and thoughtful features that reinforce the portability and outdoor use capability of the HEOS 1.

One of the very best things about the new HEOS 1 and the Go Pack however, has to be it’s affordable price. Denon and HEOS are by no means a cheap brand- their products are known for quality and both brands are typically considered to be luxury audio retailers. Even so, the HEOS 1 has been priced at only $199 and the optional (but really fantastic) Go Pack is just $99!

This is truly exciting news. With prices like that, everyone should be clamoring to get their hands on a HEOS 1 and Go Pack. It’s the perfect companion to bring along this summer when you decide to go hiking, camping, swimming- wherever it is life takes you. The HEOS 1 will be there to make sure that ‘anywhere sounds amazing’.

Monday, February 23, 2015

Bang & Olufsen Lunchbox Shaped Wireless Speakers

Off late I came across this news about the first of its kind of wireless speakers launched by Bang & Olufsen's Beolit. The great news and biggest attraction for these speakers is their great shape as they look like a lunchbox. Its colors are also sober they come in three different attractive colors hence appealing the buyers.

Bang & Olufsen portable Bluetooth speaker can be used with smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Its speaker is made up of a portable basket-design, which can be handled and carried very easily. Earlier it had released the 12 one and later the 15, which is considered much lighter than it. It has a better battery life with a 24 hours of play time. The company has selected AirPlay against the Bluetooth, which lets you play music nicely over the devices.

Bang & Olufsen Lunchbox Shaped Wireless Speakers


It consists of an aluminum and plastic body, with a rubber texture that too on the phone top. Its handle is made up of the full-grain leather just to avoid speaker from being carried around.
The speaker consists of a dual amplifier system, which powers the five and a half inch long strong full-range driver on the front. Read the rest of the news here.

Already in my previous post I had discussed about Top wireless speaker brands that keep you rocking, now the wireless speakers from Bang & Olufsen are also in the list.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Which Wireless Speaker System to Opt for You?

In recent times wireless speakers have played a major role in easy listening to music. These can actually help you to stream music to every corner of the house. They have almost completely replaced the traditional sound systems.

The speakers can be easily played via a tablet, smartphone or a hi-fi receiver. What all is required simply plug the speaker into an electrical outlet, then with the help of a smartphone app press few buttons to pair it with Wi-Fi network at home.

The Bluetooth speakers are also of great use but the sound quality delivered by them is not up to the mark and even a minute disturbance can create trouble. Whereas the sound quality of wireless speakers is fine as it lets you get the CD like audio. For the stereo effect two speakers can serve fine, whereas use of multiple speakers is recommended to create a surround sound effect. The wireless speakers offer you the ease of installation with higher flexibility as these do come in variant shapes, sizes and features. For living room you can go for a bigger one, whereas medium one for the bed room and smaller one in either kitchen or bathroom.

However going for the right choice for you isn’t quite easy. Make up a mind beforehand which one to actually go for. Brands like Sonos AirPlay, have been there for over a decade with variety of products. Let me take you through such wireless speaker ranges which can help you to shortlist your best choice.

Sonos:

Mesh type wireless network is used by Sonos instead of a Wi-Fi router to make a connection to other speaker in the house. Each of the speaker can then boost the signal along the way. The overall product reviews and ratings of Sonos speakers is quite good. Surely one should go for one.

AirPlay: 

This goes well with most of the Apple products and yes speakers that too with AirPlay technology. Compatible with your iPhones, iPads and Mac computers. If you like Apple products and donot know which one to go for then this is going to be your best choice. AirPlay is a technology which has a huge list of compatible manufacturers of wireless speakers including HEOS by Denon, Sony , LG, Harman Kardon. It however does not allow you to create a stereo system pair.

GoogleCast: 

Google Cast, announced few months back that it can allow you to stream music through your streaming apps online like Pandora. Read this post about Google Cast for Music Streaming Chosen for Sony, LG , HEOS Wireless Speakers which can give you a clear idea about it. This however had similarities with Chrome Cast which was launched for video and this one is for audio. Off course Google Cast seems quite a promising one for many and its compatible speakers are expected to launch by this spring. Its launch is yet awaited by many music lovers who want to listen uninterrupted music.

Qualcomm AllPlay:

This is a smart media platform for listening to music on the phone by using a streaming music service. AllPlay allows its users to let you stream the music directly to the speakers without the phone. The smartphone acts like a remote for speakers where you can play music of your choice. It lets you increase the battery life of the smartphone user and there is no need to stream music as quality of audio seems fine.

To conclude I hope the above information may help you somehow to make your hunt for the best wireless speaker quite easy and hence serving your purpose 100%.

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Wireless Extender or Wireless Adapter - Which One Do U Prefer

We keep on discussing much about wireless speakers, wireless multi room audio but we should never forget to let all know the usage of wireless music adapters. These actually are used to help in audio signal transmission from one device to another. Here simply you can connect USB port to one adapter and another to the stereo system which is there in some other room. Hence you can easily play into your famous music tunes with ease by the use of multiple adapters to set up a wireless multi room system. The main stereo system is installed in one room and other speakers can be connected using multiple adapters.

These wireless adapters however being a small item are used extensively in a home audio system. It’s not easy that you may think of replacing it every year like the way we do with smartphones or laptop. So be it a wireless adapter or a wireless home speaker system you need to take their proper care so that these can last for decades.



What all is required is the Bluetooth adapter. Many affordable options are there for it.  Simply pick any one of the wireless adapters and then fix them up with your phone hence letting you stream your music everywhere without any problem. Many wireless speakers have come up in recent times which can help you stream music easily by the use of smartphones, laptops, and tablets hence letting you use the wireless communications technology.

Apart from the use of wireless adapters the wireless extenders are also used extensively. These also constitute an important part of the wireless hi-fi network communication. These best utility wireless extenders work on the technology called powerline communication and help us to extend both wireless and internet connectivity. These are often known as Wi-Fi boosters. These act as a bridge hence helping you to make a connection between wired device to a Wi-Fi network easy and also there is no need for any additional cabling or repeaters etc.

Brands which are into wireless music system manufacturing have also come up with wireless extenders which can make possible easy way of communication and hence networking within the entire house. They have been listed here as HEOS by Denon Extender , Jabra  , Dicksmith range extender

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Bluetooth Wireless Speakers - Emerging Faster

Ever wondered that speakers, headphones can help you play excellent audio in your home and it is quite easy now than it was earlier. The growing demand for wireless devices is being met with Bluetooth, airplay and wifi enabled speakers. I have tried to put some of the key factors that helped to emerge the Bluetooth wireless market at such a faster pace.

1.  Launch of latest iPhone and Andriod phones

Major percent of people are these days using Apple devices, and other Andriod phones which has majorly impacted each and every market segment. Hence audio manufacturers launching Bluetooth speakers replacing the earlier launched docking speakers. The launch of Bluetooth enabled smartphones led to the emergence of Bluetooth enabled wireless speakers for music streaming. But these need to be launched keeping in view the compatibility issues with various smart smartphone brands.

2. Popularity Boost by Endorsements

The celebrities in the field of music and art who endorsing the music items such as Bluetooth enabled headsets have led to their popularity. We all know whatever a celebrity wears and endorses that automatically becomes famous. Such wireless versions thus came in trend with audio brands launching new set of wireless Bluetooth enabled speakers which provided an opportunity to listen to music anytime anywhere.

3. Emergence of Soundbars

The latest trend is both audio and video has led to the emergence of sound bars. The TV’s have been set up with such a high technology so the speakers also have to keep in pace with them. As both video and audio have to be in sync. Hence Bluetooth enabled wireless sound bars evolved meeting such demands. It hence increases the quotient of audio value hence reaching it to high definition TV, tablets, smartphones and iPads etc.

4. Multi-room audio

There is a boom in the multi room audio market. With audio giants launching their own set of pieces which are in the best interest of the people hence meeting their growing demands. Out of these the one that is rapidly in the best interest of people is the wireless audio. The wireless audio has made many incredible changes meeting our lifestyle changes. It helps to play different music in different rooms for different people. The Bluetooth enabled multi room audio is much in demand for making the wireless audio streaming possible. Brands like Jabra, Philips, HEOS by Denon have already launched such wireless multi room audio systems to keep in pace with latest hi tech user demands. These have launched their audio systems with variant price and size which can be played as per the room size. If you have a small room for your children why to install a big wireless speaker go for the one which meets your requirements.