Sound competition

HERE is some serious competition for Dr Bose. Bowers & Wilkins,the highly regarded British maker of loudspeakers and purveyor of sonic innovation,recently introduced its new headphones and computer desktop speakers. The P5 Mobile Hi-Fi Headphones are Bower’s first for the consumer market,but it’s not surprising that they’ve arrived,since the company has been after the iPod/iPhone customer for a couple of years now with its Zeppelin and Mini Zeppelin iPod speaker docks. The Mobiles are designed as noise-isolating,not noise-cancelling,and have sealed cups that wrap around the ears. The high-end MM-1 desktop speaker system has two drivers,including an aluminium dome tweeter,a remote controller and a robust industrial look.

When music Xplods
Sony seems to be reinventing its Xplod car entertainment line-up. Its latest CDX-GT595 UI and CDX-GT696 UI in-car CD receivers are loaded with new features to let users enjoy the perfect sounds on the move. The CDX -GT595 UI comes with ‘One Wire Technology’ which connects directly to your iPod and allows you to control all its functions and even charge it. The unique ZAPPIN function allows users to play a series of short clips to find that favourite song. For those who like to experiment,the ‘flip down’ CDX-GT 696 UI comes with an inside-out design that sports a large display and a cover to protect your CD slot from dust. The new units are priced between Rs 6,490 and Rs 11,990.

A phone among the stars
Nokia launched Vertu with the aim of “bringing artistry and personal significance to an everyday object” making it the signature style of many ultra-wealthy celebrities. The Constellation Ayxta,Vertu’s first flip phone,is hand-made and sports a stainless steel body,aluminium detailing and leather elements. A Nokia ceramic keypad and a sapphire crystal screen only add to the exclusivity of the unit. The Vertu internals runs on quad-band 3G,and sports an EU-friendly micro-USB port. The Ayxta is also the first Vertu to offer its City Brief,where using the on-board GPS,the phone can detect your arrival in a new city and tell you everything you need to know. With all these features,the prices start at a very affordable Rs 3.3 lakh.

Pod fashion
BELKIN Inc thinks those who flash their iPhones should also splurge on some stylish couture for the gadgets. Its new series of iPod cases come loaded with superb features and top-end protection for the precious devices. While the suit collection with luxury leather cases for iPhone 3Gs are available from Rs 1,190 onwards,the other models which offer extra protection are priced slightly higher.