Sounfreaq’s Sound Stack Bluetooth speaker sports dual subwoofers, $400 pricetag

Sounfreaq doesn’t release speaker systems often, but it’s safe to expect something spectacularly sexy when it does. Such is exactly the case with its latest audiophile-aimed creation, the Sound Stack wireless speaker. The company is toting this $400 Bluetooth-enabled HiFi rig as a “2.2″ speaker system, thanks to its DubSub design — a duo of active subwoofers pump out lowend in an effort to complement its two other “full-range” drivers. Soundfreaq’s also packed this puppy with its UQ3 processing to keep the soundstage wide despite the unit’s size. Better yet, downloading a free Remote App (available on Android and iOS) unlocks the system’s FM radio — perfect for when you’re feeling nostalgic. If that wasn’t enough, the Sound Stack’s also loaded with an iThing dock and a USB input, both of which can be used to re-juice your devices while streaming. If your Gadget Acquisition Syndrome is already kicking in, fret not, the Sound Stack is available for purchase now. You’ll find more details past the break.

Soundfreaq

Marshall updates Major headphone with in-line mic for more talkin' between rockin'

Marshall struck solid gold when it lent spare amp parts to Zound Industries (Urbanears) for the Major and Minor headphones, and is now releasing a remixed version of the original smash hit. The updated headset is by all means a Major headphone, but it now features an in-line remote with a mic that’s sure to please on-the-move fans of the supra-aural fit. At $119, the new cans will set you back about 20 bones more than the original, although you can’t put a price on the amount of rockstar-cred you’ll gain. The Major is available now from Marshall Headphones’ web store and at your local brick and mortar if you’re GASing for some new JCM-esque headgear.

Marshall Headphones

 

Shell plans biggest floating object ever

Royal Dutch Shell will construct the biggest floating man-made object ever, a natural gas processing plant longer than four football fields and more massive than any aircraft carrier.

The “Prelude FLNG” facility, to be anchored off the Australian coast, will be made of 260,000 tons of steel — five times more than Sydney’s famed Harbour Bridge, Shell said Friday.

It is designed to take in the equivalent of 110,000 barrels per day in gas from undersea fields 200 kilometers off Australia’s Northwest coast and cool it into liquefied natural gas, known as LNG.

Australia is awash in natural gas, and is eager to sell it to the booming economies of Asia.

In order for natural gas to be shipped overseas, it must be cooled to -260 degrees Fahrenheit. At that temperature the gas becomes a liquid that takes up just 0.2 per cent of the volume of the gas, allowing more gas to be packed onto a ship.

The Australian oil and gas company Woodside is set to begin production at a giant onshore liquid natural gas facility in Western Australia this year and is considering doubling its size.

Shell claimed the plant will be able to withstand Category Five cyclones, the worst type of storms, and is planned to remain moored above the Prelude gas field for 25 years after completion.

Mutewatch now in production, set to silently manage your day by July (video)

We first caught wind of Mutewatch AB’s eponymous sort of anti-watch — a personal vibrating time management wristband, equipped with a hidden touch-activated LED display — when it became available for pre-order back in August. It seemed unique, but back then we had no idea of how it looked in action or when we might finally get one strapped onto our wrists. It’s a mystery no more, as the Swedish suite has just released a heavily stylized (and totally rendered) video showcasing the Mutewatch’s various touch-enabled functions. Also in tow, a press release announcing retail availability in July. Although our cellphones can do pretty much the same thing as this spendy $259 timepiece, we can’t hide our geeky (and guilty) lust for one. You can check out the video for yourself past the break, but be warned: a moderate case of GAS — Gadget Acquisition Syndrome — may occur after viewing.

Smart Fortwo ED gets official EPA ratings: 94 MPG city, 79 MPG on the highway

Looks like “Team 250″ is primed to add a few new members now that the EPA has revealed its official MPGe ratings for Smart’s Fortwo EDs. Rated at 94 miles-per-gallon in the city and 79 on the highway, the car takes motorists 63 miles per charge — making it slightly less able than Nissan’s Leaf with its 73 mile range, 106 MPG in town, and 92 MPG on the open road. Now that the Fortwo ED has its governmental blessing, interested parties can lease one from selected dealers — sorry folks, buying’s not an option — for a hefty $599 per-month, which seems staggeringly high compared to the $349 monthly lease rate for the larger, more capable Leaf. Perhaps the Smart squad won’t be getting many new teammates after all.