Archives for April 2015

Headphone Shipments Increase 8.5% Worldwide in 2014

04/29/2015 By Hakan Can

Just released today comes this bit of industry news regarding 2014 worldwide headphone shipments. Full disclosure: I’m partly responsible for this increase, and you probably are too. Who knew that Sony and JVC took top spots? Philips Sound I can understand. You should have seen their lineup at CES2015. It was massive and remarkable. I expected more from Beats by Dre, and there was no mention of Bose.

Distributed this morning by Futuresource Consulting:

Leading Headphone Brands ‘Rock It Up’ as Market Celebrates Growth

According to a new report by Futuresource Consulting, worldwide shipments of headphones grew by 8.5% in 2014 to 309.5 million units.

The report also found that, despite average retail price only growing by 4% in 2014, less than the growth in 2013, the trade value of shipments grew by 12%, generating revenues worth $9.4 billion. This is partly due to the falling cost to include certain features.

Despite increasing fragmentation in the headphones market, Sony, Philips, and JVC continue to secure the top three market positions, accounting for 31% of worldwide shipments. There is growing competition, notably from Apple Earpods, with a 5% worldwide volume share, and Beats by Dre, which has grown in volume by leveraging Apple’s strong distribution networks.

Futuresource Consulting has also analysed the different features and types of headphones emerging on the market within this new report. It notes that microphones have become a common feature across all types of headphones, especially as the ownership of mobile devices continues to grow. In 2014, headphones with microphones grew by 58%, to account for 36% of worldwide shipments.

In-ear headphones accounted for the lion share, 60% of worldwide shipments, with the inclusion of new features helping to drive growth in this segment.

During 2014, many brands introduced Bluetooth headphones to meet the growing demand of music on the go. This segment is forecast to increase over the coming years, with wireless headphones likely to account for 21% of worldwide shipments by 2018.

Sport headphones was another big area, with many headphone vendors introducing different designs for comfortable grip around the ears. We are seeing strong competition from specialist headphone manufacturers in this area, including Yurbuds, Jaybird, Jabra, and Parrot.

“The demand for headphones is increasing, especially as consumers are using their mobile devices for a plethora of content on the go, whether that’s whilst commuting to work, running, cycling, or simply walking into town,” Simon Bryant , Associate Director Consumer Electronics , Futuresource Consulting. “We are also seeing an increase in demand for more sophisticated features, which is increasing value and driving more sales for the vendors. In the coming months, we will likely see an increased presence from specialist vendors, which can add unique features.”

All photos are property of Beantown Review.

Can your smart watch start a BMW? Introducing the BMW i3 Apple Watch App.

04/28/2015 By Hakan Can

If you own the BMW i3 or i8 premium electric car, then the answer is Yes. Introducing the BMW i3 Apple Watch App.

Move over Tesla, you’ve just been upped. Launched on the same day as the Apple Watch comes the BMW i3 Apple Watch app, also available for use with the BMW i8. This free downloadable app is able to make the driver’s user experience all the better. Learning and navigating through the app is a synch. And of course, it is available at the iTunes Store.

An upward swipe across the Apple Watch takes you to the BMW iRemote app start screen. Here you can access the following features:

The vehicle’s current battery charge status
The vehicle’s available range
Doors are locked/unlocked
Sunroof is open/closed
Timing of updates, i.e. brake fluid change, service alerts
Time of day (of course, it is a watch after all)

A swipe to the right takes you to Remote Services. From here you can adjust climate control as well as remote control for the horn. The latter is for locating one’s car in the event you cannot find it in a crowded parking lot.

A swipe to the left takes you to intermodal route planning. Now this just might be the coolest feature of the iRemote app. This helps you navigate through slow traffic and congestion to get you to where you’re going, all the quicker and more efficiently.

[soliloquy id="2768"]

Per the BMW Press Release dated April 24, 2015:

BMW ConnectedDrive and BMW i Remote app. World premiere: Apple Watch controls functions of BMW i models.

BMW is pressing its claim to automotive brand leadership in the world of mobile vehicle connectivity through its BMW ConnectedDrive technology. As the BMW i Remote app confirms, nowhere else is the link-up of driver, car and outside world raised to such an advanced level. The app can already be used to remotely check and control functions of BMW i models. It is an application that customers will also be able to use from day one on the new Apple Watch, due for imminent release. Apple Watch uses the BMW i Remote app – which can be downloaded free from the Apple iTunes Store – to keep users updated on the car’s current battery status, for example, and alert them when the high-voltage unit is fully charged. In addition, Apple Watch can continue the navigation instructions from the BMW i3 to the user’s final destination after the car has been parked as well as guiding them back to the car if required. And it also allows the interior temperature to be pre-conditioned. The new smart watch features an innovative glance screen for applications which groups together the most important information provided by the app so that it can be viewed at a single glance. As well as the car’s battery charge, the available range and the timing of updates, the glance screen also shows BMW i Remote app users whether the car doors are locked.

The faster, more direct way to enjoy electric mobility.

Apple Watch wraps around the user’s wrist like a traditional wristwatch and acts as a clever extension of a linked Apple iPhone. It can connect the driver with their BMW i3 or BMW i8 at any time – remotely, if required – and allows users to check or control important functions directly via BMW i Remote app, without having to take their smartphone out of their pocket, unlock a screen or enter a code. Many of us already view digital services as an integral part of our everyday lives, and smart watches are set to give this trend even greater momentum. They also make using electric mobility a faster and more direct experience.
Apple Watch is controlled by pressing or swiping its touch-sensitive surface, as has become second nature with smartphones and tablets. An upward swipe of the glance screen reveals the BMW i Remote app start screen – the central navigation point of the app´s Apple Watch version.
Here, users can access the app’s other menus. The start screen presents the car linked up to the smart watch in the classy style that is the hallmark of BMW i. Also displayed here are the car’s charge status and available range, as well as the time of day. Scrolling further up the start screen reveals a new menu through which users can check a host of other vehicle information, such as whether the doors are locked, the sunroof is still open or the boot is closed. Service alerts are also flashed up – e.g. if a brake fluid change or service is due. This list can be hidden by swiping the screen or turning the Digital Crown, Apple Watch’s central control tool.

Cooling or heating during a charge.

A right swipe of the start screen takes users to the BMW i Remote app’s Remote Services, allowing them to adjust the car’s climate control system, for example. Here, users can cool or heat the interior of their BMW i car while it is being charged from the power supply. That way no energy needs to be drawn from the high-voltage battery to pre-condition the climate control system, thus helping to maximize the car’s electric range. Another swipe to the right leads to the remote control feature for the horn, which can be activated to help owners find their BMW i3 or BMW i8 easily, even in large car parks – and if someone else has parked the car. A touch of the display is all that is required to activate the relevant functions.

Continue intermodal route planning with Apple Watch.

One of the numerous innovations on board the BMW i3, the first premium electric car to be launched, is intermodal route planning. In slow traffic and congestion, for example, this ingenious function incorporates other modes of transport into the route planning process alongside the user’s own car if this will help them reach their destination more efficiently. This type of route guidance function is unique among carmakers and also benefits from location services when using Apple Watch. These extend the navigation system’s instructions from the parked car to the user’s final destination and also guide them back to the parking space if required. Apple Watch owners can access these location services with a left swipe on the start screen. Together, these functions significantly enhance mobility, especially in urban areas.

BMW ConnectedDrive boasts impressive speed of innovation.

With their embedded SIM cards, BMW i3 and BMW i8 are optimized for connectivity, while the BMW i Remote app creates a close link between the car, driver and outside world. The BMW i Remote app for Apple Watch slots in alongside solutions for mobile devices running Android operating systems, further corroborating how quickly BMW is able to respond to the rapid pace of “connected car” innovations with intelligent solutions such as services and apps from BMW ConnectedDrive.

All photos are the property of BMW Group.

Northeast Comic Con 2015, Collectibles, Pop Culture & More

04/21/2015 By Hakan Can

What will you be doing the first weekend of Summer?

How about visiting Northeast Comic Con 2015 in Wilmington, MA?

Update: By now you’ve heard that actor Kevin Sorbo (Hercules, Andromeda) has bailed on the NECC. The reason for his departure is that he’s in the middle of filming. According to IMDB, which is dependent on user input, the films currently in production are Jesse James: Lawman and Poison Sky. I’m sure these films will be critical and financial successes. (Insert laughter here.) Sadly we won’t get to meet him. I wish Mr. Sorbo well.

I get it. It’s the last day of Spring and the first day of Summer. And you like to spend the weekend up in New Hampshire or down in Cape Cod or the Islands. I don’t blame you, I enjoy those places too. It’s the annual weekend pilgrimage to put the shorts and sandals on, take the boat out, and get some sand between your toes. But, you can do this any weekend in the Summer. Now for a moment take yourself back 10-20 years. Recall watching Hercules or Andromeda on the weekend? How about watching reruns of the original Batman series? If you’re a guy you know you did both. And if you’re a gal, I’m sure you had a thought or two about Kevin Sorbo. I have no problem stating this. He’s a handsome dude. So how would you like to meet one or better yet, both of them? Well you can at one of VIP meet and greet events at the Northeast Comic Con 2015.

On Friday, June 19, you can meet and have photos taken with Kevin Sorbo himself. Per the press release: “Tickets are now on sale to fans of Kevin Sorbo, the handsome and talented star of Andromeda as well as Hercules: The Legendary Journeys celebrating its 20th anniversary of the first episode. Also held at the Shriners Auditorium Fez Room the evening before the Comic Con begins, tickets to the Kevin Sorbo VIP experience are $90, and limited to 100 fans. These VIP tickets include weekend admission to both weekend days of the Northeast Comic Con (June 20 & 21) as well as a photo opportunity with Sorbo, and a chance to watch the first episode of Hercules TV program, as introduced by Sorbo himself.”

On Saturday, June 20, you can meet and have photos taken with Mayor Adam West himself. Per the press release: “Fans of the legendary Adam West, the original Batman (and now on Family Guy), can celebrate the 50th anniversary of the star’s first episode with a VIP event at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 20th at the Shriner’s Auditorium Fez room. The $100 VIP ticket provides fans with a chance to get their photo with West and then screen the first episode of the 1966 “Batman” TV program, introduced by West himself.”

VIP packages as well as show ticketing are available here. Want to see past articles on Northeast Comic Con? Then feel free to click here, here, and here.

Per the Press Release: “This year’s event features a 40,000 sq. ft. entertainment experience for all nerds and the people who love them. Highlights include cosplay for all ages with “Create-A-Hero/Villain/Character” contests and a Cosplay Death Match and Cosplay Dating Game, free-play video game arcade and tournaments, workshops for K!DZ, and celebrity autograph signings and panel sessions. Guests can shop at 150 vendors of vintage and modern toys, comic books, collectibles, art, jewelry, fashion and pop cultural artifacts. In between Father’s Day shopping, guests of all ages will enjoy music, contests and entertainment to marvel at between sessions and booths.

With free parking, regular Northeast Comic Con admission ticket prices are among the lowest in the industry. Advanced tickets are now available for purchase online; ticket prices will be higher at the door. Children under 7 are free when accompanied by an adult.”

That’s not all. What Batman fan wouldn’t want the opportunity to sit in the original Batmobile? Well you can. It’ll be there. And so will the Batcycle along with Back to the Future’s DeLorean Time Machine.

And just announced last week, the addition of Gigi Edgley who played Chiana on the SyFy TV show Farscape. Something tells me with two months remaining until the show, there will be more guest and artist announcements.

All photos are the property of and used with the permission of Northeast Comic Con.

Now how about this great shot from yes, 50 years ago. Enjoy the expo. We at Beantown sure will.

Everything You Need To Know About Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer

04/20/2015 By Hakan Can

So where does one begin with a 2-minute trailer?

Tonight across North America, 76 select IMAX theaters screened a sneak peak of Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice. So what’s the big deal you say? After all, late last week a Portuguese language trailer was illegally posted on the internet. This was followed by the release of the official trailer one day later. So what makes this IMAX trailer unique? Short answer: 8 seconds. And no, I’m not referring to the Luke Perry bull riding flop. A few hours ago at the AMC Boston Common 19 theater, 300+ fans, many dawning Superman baseball hats and Batman t-shirts, watched an extended teaser trailer for Dawn of Justice. People expected 20-30 minutes of clips and behind-the-scene footage. Well, suffice to say, “You don’t always get what you want.” After all, you were told you’d be seeing the teaser trailer, so there is truth in advertising. Yet no one walked out disappointed. Movie posters were given away along with a special gift, one pass to see the film next year.

The teaser trailer began with an introduction from the film’s director Zack Snyder:

“Hey guys, I’m Zack Snyder. And I’d love to take a second to say thank you so much for coming out tonight to see this first ever teaser trailer for Batman v Superman film. You’re seeing it tonight as you know in glorious IMAX, so that’s awesome. But I would ask you please not to record it. Alright let’s check it out.”

The teaser trailer concluded with an epilogue, once again from the film’s director Zack Snyder:

“Okay, so before we play it again I want you to watch next time for the native IMAX shots that we did, the last few shots before the ah, title and then when they charge at each other at the end were shot all in native IMAX so you’ll see a lot of that in the actual film when it comes out next year. The other thing though I do want you to keep in mind is that that one sequence when they run at each other at the very end of the piece, that is only going to be seen tonight in this theater when you see ah the trailer online or at the front of a movie, that part is going to be lopped off because I wanted to have something special for you guys so let’s roll.”

The teaser trailer for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice can be viewed here. And my hunch is that we’ll see a lot more come this Summer, possibly a complete scene at San Diego Comic Con. All pictures are the property and courtesy of Warner Bros.

Patriot Announces Ignite Series M2 SATA Solid State Drive

04/20/2015 By Hakan Can

Ignite the performance of your Notebook or Ultra Compact PC with the new Patriot M2 Ignite SSD

Per Patriot’s Press Release:

FREMONT, CA, USA – April 20, 2015 – Patriot, a leading manufacturer of computer memory, USB/flash, SSDs and mobile accessories, today announced the launch of its new M.2 Ignite solid-state drive (SSD). Its compact form factor is optimal for use in portable devices such as ultrabooks, notebooks and ultra-compact PC’s providing impeccable start up times, instant access to data and installed programs.

The Patriot Ignite M2’s Next-Generation-Form-Factor (NGFF) case free design and small structure of 22mm wide by 80mm long (2280) packs a punch, testing in with sequential read and write speeds of up to 560/320MB/s and 4KB random read and write speeds of up to 90/70K IOP’s. It provides the ultimate upgrade solution for those with mobile computing devices looking to increase storage capacities.

“We are happy to announce the Ignite M2 addition to our family of SSD products,” said Les Henry, VP of Engineering at Patriot. “With the Ignite M2, Patriot now offers a full range of SSDs, from 2.5“ SATA 3, to mSATA and now M.2. The Ignite M2 drives are the perfect storage solution for those looking to build/upgrade their small form factor PCs.”

Powered by the new Phison S10 controller the M2 Ignite connects via M.2 SATA 6Gb/s interface to deliver rock solid performance and supports Windows® 7, 8, 8.1, Vista, and Linux. The Ignite M2 is backed by Patriot’s award winning customer service and a three year warranty. To ensure the consistency and performance of the drive over its life time, it comes with advanced features such as end-to-end data protection (ETEP), advanced wear-leveling, advanced Garbage collection, smartECC and Smart Refresh. The Ignite M2 is compatible with most notebooks.

Specifications

• 240GB & 480GB capacities
• Phison S10 Controller
• M.2 2280 Form Factor
• SATA III 6Gb/s Interface
• MLC NAND
• Up to 560MB/s Sequential Read Speed
• Up to 320MB/s Sequential Write Speed

Availability

The Ignite M2 SSD will be available at the beginning of May at select online and in-store retailers such as Fry’s Electronics, Amazon and Newegg for a starting MSRP of $109.99 240GB and $209.99 480GB.

The Man with the Iron Fists 2: The Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital HD Review

04/16/2015 By Hakan Can

Available Now on Blu-ray™/DVD/Digital HD

Universal Studios Press Release

Synopsis of The Man with the Iron Fists 2: Thaddeus (RZA) is back in this explosive action adventure inspired by kung fu classics. A reluctant villager joins forces with a mysterious outsider to fight off powerful evil forces, both earthly and otherworldly, in a 19th century Chinese mining town. When a stranger, Thaddeus, is found badly wounded near the village, miner Li Kung (Dustin Nguyen) and his wife Ah Ni (Eugenia Kang) offer him refuge. As he heals, he becomes entrenched in a conflict that pits the townsfolk against the evil Master Ho (Carl Ng), his nefarious Beetle Clan and the terrifying Lord Pi (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa). With Thaddeus at his side, the mild-mannered Kung transforms into a deadly warrior in this martial arts epic.

The No Holds Barred Review

Let me first say that I’ve seen the original The Man with the Iron Fists a few times and enjoyed it very much. You can read my comments here. Now…this sequel is different from what I expected. The film begins with a flashback fight scene between Lord Pi, a renegade monk, versus Abbott, the head monk, and the Gemini Killers at the monks side. Lord Pi is after the mysterious chi which flows in the water supply of the monastery in order to gain immortality. Suffice to say Lord Pi is defeated, but not killed. This plot line comes full circle and plays into the final 15 minutes of the film. Watch and you’ll see. The fist we see of Thaddeus (RZA) is about 2 minutes into the film when he’s attacked by a half dozen or so thugs. It’s a decent fight scene where everyone ends up dead or severely injured. And then we don’t see Thaddeus until the half hour mark. See, this film isn’t about Thaddeus and his journey. It’s about Li Kung (Dustin Nguyen) and the other town folk of Tsai Fu village who work at the nearby silver mine. The village and mine are run by the thug Master Ho (Carl Ng) of the Beetle Clan. Villagers are being killed off by the Beetle Clan for disobeying orders, plus women are mysteriously being murdered. It isn’t until Li Guang (Charlie Ruedpokanon), brother of Li Kung is found dead and Thaddeus washes ashore at the village do the town folk lead by Li Kung rebel against the Beetle Clan.

The final 40 minutes of the film is full of action with plenty of fight scenes. The villagers finally revolt and characters are struck down, blown up and have their heads squashed. Evil is vanquished. I’m holding back on the specifics of what happens to who as I don’t want to spoil anything for you readers/viewers. You definitely want to see the unrated version for all of these action sequences. They’re quite graphic and not for the faint of heart. The film ends with Thaddeus on his way and the possibility of another sequel. I rate this film a B- and it’s worth watching. Enjoy.

The Man with the Iron Fists 2 is available for purchase at Amazon.com for $19.99 and rental via Redbox.

Features and Credits

FILMMAKERS:
Cast: RZA, Dustin Nguyen, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Eugenia Yuan, Pim Bubear, Simon Yin, Carl Ng
Directed By: Roel Reiné
Written By: Screenplay by John Jarrell and The RZA
Story By: The RZA
Produced By: Marc Abraham, Eric Newman, Ogden Gavanski
Production Companies: A Strike Entertainment, Arcade Pictures
Executive Producers: RZA, Eli Roth
Director of Photography: Roel Reiné
Production Designer: Chaiyan Chunsuttiwat
Edited By: Radu Ion, Chuck Norris
Music By: The RZA, Howard Drossin
Costume Designer: Waraporn Kaewnanjai

Bonus Features on Blu-ray™ and DVD
Deleted Scenes
Chi Warriors: The Making of Man With the Iron Fists 2 – a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Man with the Iron Fists 2 featuring the cast and crew including director Roel Reiné and star RZA
Feature Commentary with director Roel Reiné and executive producer and star RZA

TECHNICAL INFORMATION – Blu-ray™
Street Date: April 14, 2015
Copyright: 2015 Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Selection Numbers: 63142653 / 63142589 (CDN)
Running Time: 1 hour 30 minutes / 1 hours 31 minutes (Unrated)
Layers: BD-50
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Rating: R for strong bloody violence throughout / Unrated
Technical Info: English, Spanish and French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles

TECHNICAL INFORMATION – DVD
Street Date: April 14, 2015
Copyright: 2015 Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Selection Numbers: 63142654 / 63142587 (CDN)
Running Time: 1 hour 30 minutes / 1 hours 31 minutes (Unrated)
Layers: Dual Layers
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Rating: R for strong bloody violence throughout / Unrated
Technical Info: English, Spanish and French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French.

All photos and videos are courtesy and property of Universal Studios.

Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital HD cover for The Man with the Iron Fists 2

FTC Disclosure: A press copy of the Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital HD release was provided to Beantown LLC for the purpose of this review.

7 Great Reasons Why You Need To Use The Panamax Power 360 Line Of Protection

04/01/2015 By Hakan Can

As someone who has THX Home Theater Level 1 Certification, I know a little something about electronic protection. I know a fair amount about the top six brands. Out of these six brands, I’ve put three to use, two of which I’ve had mixed success with. This leaves one brand and by no coincidence, it just so happens to be Panamax. Whether you’re a custom A/V installer or an enthusiast, you’ve surely heard of Panamax. They have the highest of reputations and the awards to prove it. Last week they introduced the Power 360 series, an affordable line of three electronic equipment protection devices. (See the press release below.)

The Power360-Dock has the following 7 features:

6 Protected AC Outlets
2 USB Charging Stations
Protect-or-Disconnect
SmartGuard
Circle of Protection
Charging Cradle
Lifetime Warranty

The Power360-6 has the following 7 features:

6 Protected AC Outlets
1 Dual-Port USB Module
Protect-or-Disconnect
SmartGuard
Circle of Protection
Signal Line Protection
Lifetime Warranty

The Power360-8 has the following 7 features:

8 Protected AC Outlets
2 Dual-Port USB Modules
Protect-or-Disconnect
SmartGuard
Circle of Protection
Signal Line Protection
Lifetime Warranty

All photos are the courtesy and the property of Panamax.

NEW PANAMAX POWER 360 SERIES PROTECTS AND POWERS HOUSEHOLD ELECTRONICS, AND DELIVERS EASY USB CHARGING

PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA, March 27, 2015 — Consumers outfit homes with more electronic devices than ever before, including expensive TVs, cable boxes, home theater systems, WiFi routers, computers, tablets and smartphones. And while we may not always think of it, every time we plug a device into an outlet there is the danger of a spike, surge, brownout or other power anomaly that could shorten the life of the equipment, or worse yet, damage it immediately.

No one knows this better than Panamax, the country’s pre-eminent designer and manufacturer of electronic and electrical protection, filtration and control products. For 40 years Panamax has earned a reputation for creating unique solutions for the worldwide problem of power disturbances, has earned numerous industry awards for the quality of their products and is consistently rated #1 among custom installers.

Now the legendary Panamax protection is available to all in the new Power360 series. This affordably priced product line is designed to protect and charge all electronic devices.

Included in every product in the Power360 line, the Circle of Protection indicator provides consumers with three vital pieces of information in real-time, right on the front of the unit. The Protection indicator ensures that connected devices are protected from power surges. The Voltage indicator confirms that the incoming voltage is in a safe range, and the Wiring indicator shows that the home’s wiring is performing safely.

In the event of a catastrophic power or spike, Power360’s Protect-or-Disconnect circuitry will disconnect all power to connected equipment before any damage can occur. Additionally, Power360’s SmartGuard technology monitors incoming voltage and will automatically disconnect power to connected equipment in prolonged unsafe voltage event (such as a brownout or lost neutral condition) and then automatically reset power when conditions are safe.

Leading the way in the new Power 360 Series is the P360-DOCK. This wall-mounted charging station delivers the Panamax “Circle of Protection” to connected devices while serving as a convenient USB charging station for smartphones and tablets. For just $39.95, the P360-DOCK turns a standard power outlet into a serious power station with six surge-protected 120V outlets plus a 2.1 amp charger with two USB ports. The ingenious design also features a cradle on top of the unit that allows consumers to rest a two smartphones or a tablet while charging, reducing clutter and eliminating anxiety about charging cables being too short.

The $59.95 P360-6 power strip is designed for general use and home office power management, providing six side-by-side surge protected outlets, an integrated 2.1 amp USB charger with two ports, plus a coaxial in/out connection that protects the signal for the cable or satellite box. What makes this power strip stand out is the USB charger is modular and can be extended to the tabletop with a micro USB cable, delivering ultimate flexibility that allows consumers to easily charge desktop devices without having to get on their hands and knees to plug them in. The P360-6 also features mounting holes so it can be fastened to a wall for convenience.

For larger workstations, or areas with a lot of devices, the $79.95 P360-8 combines eight surge-protected outlets with two detachable 2.1A USB chargers, each with two ports for a total of four USB charging connections, plus the coaxial in/out for signal protection. It is shorter and wider than the P360-6, and can similarly be mounted to a wall for convenience.

“With the introduction of the Panamax Power 360 Series we really are bringing ‘power to the people,’” John Benz, Core Brands Director of Power emphasized today. “Designed to look as good as they perform, and affordably priced, the Panamax Power 360 Series will change the way consumers view protection and USB charging in their homes. The era of poor performing, commodity power protection is over.”

For more information about the new Panamax Power360 Series, visit www.panamax.com/power360. The Panamax Power 360 Series is available at Crutchfield and BestBuy.com.

About Panamax

Panamax is the industry leader for power protection, filtration and control products Award-winning and recognized for its innovative Lifetime Warranty on almost every unit, Panamax creates solutions for installations of all sizes leveraging its many patented technologies. The brand is consistently ranked #1 in the custom install industry by the CE Pro 100. Many Panamax products leverage the BlueBOLT® remote power, energy and network management platform for real-time, cloud-based control and monitoring of the energy used by electronic devices.

About Core Brands

Headquartered in Petaluma, California, Core Brands combines the product and marketing strengths of iconic and award-winning audio, power management and control brands including SpeakerCraft®, ELAN®, Niles®, Panamax®, Proficient®, Sunfire®, Furman®, Xantech®, BlueBOLT® and Korus® to deliver a portfolio of connected home solutions to its channel partners and end users. For further information, visit www.corebrands.com.

About Nortek, Inc.

Core Brands is a Nortek company. Nortek Inc. is a global diversified company with leading brands and innovative, technology-driven products and solutions for lifestyle improvement at home and at work. For further information, please visit: www.nortekinc.com.