TheBolt

We’re all familiar with the Internet, which connects our computers, smartphones and tablets to others around the world—it’s how you’re reading this blog right now. But lately, you may have been hearing more about the Internet of Things, a concept that’s been steadily gaining buzz over the last few years. What is the Internet of Things? That’s what we’re here to learn today.

If the Internet connects computers to each other and you to those computers, the Internet of Things (IoT) connects, well, things. In the Internet of Things, everyday devices are upgraded with a computer chip that makes them smart and gives them internet connectivity, which lets them communicate with other smart objects and you, the user.  (more…)

Sonos Wireless Music Speakers at Abt

The Sonos Wireless HiFi system at Abt.

We always like to keep our showroom changing, making room for popular products and giving our in-store customers something new to see on return visits. Our newest addition is a corner display devoted solely to sonic streaming superstars Sonos, who have been taking the audio world by storm lately. Abt is proud to host the first Sonos Flagship Display in the US. The Sonos system is a set of devices that let you wirelessly stream music from one place in your home to another, without dealing with a mess of wires or complicated routing devices. Sonos wireless music players are simplistic in style and in operation, but pack quite a punch in the audio department. (more…)

This weekend, SONOS threw together a private party with Chicago’s finest bloggers and media representatives to showcase their newest SONOS products.  The PLAYBAR and PLAY:3 were put to the test and showed off their impressive sound and booming bass.

SONOS rep demos the PLAYBAR & PLAY:3

We were all there at a Wrigley Field loft to watch the Chicago Cubs play the Milwaukee Brewers. While the Cubbies were actually playing out in Milwaukee the incredible sound from SONOS made us feel like we were right there at the game.  The demo played by the SONOS reps was wildly impressive, mimicking the crystal clear audio and powerful sub-woofer you would typically find in a movie theater.

SONOS was also showing off their whole-home connectivity.  The reps had an iPad mini and cell phone that was connected to the Wi-Fi, allowing complete control, wherever they were in the loft.   If you are looking to outfit your home with new audio equipment that gives you complete control wherever you are, check out SONOS wireless audio speakers.

Sonos Play:3 is the versatile, all-in-one player with big sound in a compact size. With three integrated speakers and three digital amps, PLAY:3 streams the music in your library, wirelessly in any room for wall-to-wall sound. Go vertical or horizontal. A new, cool feature with the new Sonos Play model is that you can now control the unit with free apps for your Android smartphone, iPhone or iPad.  Raise or lower the volume, or change the song, all with the touch of a button from your cell phone.

Visit our Sonos manufacturer product page for a full selection of great items from Sonos.

Sonos recently announced an app for the Android operating system and it’s said to be even better than Sonos’ own controller. Why? Because on Android you can use your phone’s hardware buttons (volume rocker, search, etc) to control your Sonos system and even use your phone to voice search.  The application is expected to come out in March.

Check out our full line of Sonos products.

Our final giveaway is three-fold: Sonos S5 Music System, Sonos ZoneBridge & Apple 8GB iPod Touch.  The three of them come together for an amazing sound experience.  Enter to win for our last day of giveaway fun on our Facebook page.

Are you a fan of live music? Does hearing a concert you were at 50 years ago bring back sweet memories? If the answer is yes AND you are a Sonos customer, you can now enjoy concerts at home. As of Tuesday, Sonos has partnered with Wolfgang’s Vault, which is the world’s largest collection of live concert recordings. You can sign up at Sonos.com for a free trial to the new music service. Or you can demo the new service with the Sonos equipment at Abt. Try it out and let us know what you think!

-Jennifer A.

The Sonos S5 Zone player has arrived, until now, it was only available in white…Today, it’s back in black. The S5 Zone player is an innovative wireless speaker system that works with iPhone and iPod Touch technologies.

The S5 gives you complete freedom to listen to music in any room of your home. With one S5 you can listen to music in one room, with multiple players, you can connect them wirelessly and have the same music play in each room—if you would like different music in each room, the Zone player can do that too.

The features on the S5 are endless. Aside from its one touch set up, control it with the technology you already have in your pocket. Use an iPhone or iPod Touch as your remote after downloading a free app. If you don’t have an iPhone or iPod Touch, get the touch-screen Sonos Controller 200. Sonos’ S5 will play your entire iTunes library, internet radio stations, even music from a CD player in your home. After you register the S5 it will automatically alert you to software updates, with the touch of one button, your system updated and better than new.

For more information on Sonos or Zone players, contact an Abt sales specialist today!

-Kelly B.

Today, Abt had some special visitors. The co-founder of Sonos, Tom Cullen, and Sonos’ senor public relations manager, Tom Meyer, came to see the store, meet with Jon (Abt) and discuss their products.

Their first stop was in Abt’s Apple Store, home to the Sonos ZPS 5 Zone player. It’s got two tweeters, two 3″ mid-range drivers, and a 3.5″ woofer. The ZPS 5 can stream music from internet radio stations like Pandora and Last FM, in addition to playing your iTunes library.

One of the coolest features of the ZPS 5 is its iPhone and iTouch compatibility. With a free, downloadable app from Apple, you can control your Zone player with the technology you already have in your pocket. Tom Meyer explains, “iPhone is in your pocket, owning an iPhone or iTouch eliminates the cost of buying a remote.”

For more information on the Sonos ZPS 5 Zone Player or any Sonos product contact an Abt sales specialist on the phone or in the showroom.

Ed Curran, CBS 2’s technology reporter, visited Abt Electronics on Wednesday. He spoke with employee Josh Davis about the hottest holiday gift ideas for 2009.

Beginning with the Yamaha M4 piano, outside our Sony store, Ed sat down to listen to a few Christmas tunes. This Yamaha will play prerecorded songs or you can make your own music.

Chicago, like many other cities are hands-free, when it comes to cell phones. Do you have a Bluetooth headset for safer driving? If not, try the Bumble Bee headset. A great gift or stocking stuffer.

If you haven’t gotten an iPod® or need a new one, Abt has the must have gift this season, the iPod® Touch. Starting at $199 for the 8GB to $399 for the 64GB, this is an mp3 player, web-surfing, emailing, and game playing machine.

iPod® and iPhone™ accessories are topping so many Christmas lists this year. Tech 21 has revolutionized the iPhone™ and iPod® case market. They have created iBand, an indestructible case for the ultimate in protection. The Tech 21 case is made from a pliable material that strengthens to steel-like proportions upon impact.

Powermat chargers are wireless and work with iPod®, iPhone™, Blackberries, handheld electronic games, and more. Simply adhere the adaptor to the back of the device you would like to charge, lay the device on the Powermat, and charging begins automatically. All Powermat accessories are buy one and the second is 30% off.

Sonos has made listening to music in multiple rooms of your home a breeze. The ZonePlayer S5 is an all-in-one, wireless, music system that delivers superior sound, unlimited music, and endless enjoyment — all over the home. Plus, you can control it all with your iPhone™ or iPod® touch using the free Sonos Controller for iPhone™ app.

LCD TVs have really dropped in price this year. Abt is offering a 52” Samsung LCD HDTV with a free Blu-ray player for only $1119. Abt has quite a few bundle deals, visit Abt.com for details.

-Kelly B.