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JBL makes ’70s nostalgia hit hard with their new Authentics speakers

Plus a turntable that will def’ly turn tables with its modern feats

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Photos and Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

From VHS Instagram effects, film-like camera filters, and even wireless speakers that resemble a turntable, retro stuff from the ’70s ’til ’90s are the “in” and “it” thing this 2023 — and it’s very apparent in Gen Z’s social media feed, interests, and even inspo in terms of #OOTDs, visuals, strings, and beats!

The Authentic Classics

Honestly, I’ve been dreaming of owning a speaker that has that ol’ classic retro-spired design while combining today’s modern features in terms of functionality and connectivity.

Well, JBL has finally answered my long time wish with not one, not two, but three classic-looking speakers in this lineup.

JBL Authentics 500

These speakers are the Authentics 200, 300, and 500. As obvious as it sounds, the Authentics 200 is the base model while the Authentics 500 is the best in class with pumped-up audio features. The Authentics 300 is then again, the one with features in-between.

JBL Authentics 200 and 300

JBL has tried to relive the past by resurrecting their L100 Classic Speaker from the 1970s and incorporating its classic design to its new line of smart wireless speakers.

All of these models have modern-day speaker features such as Bluetooth 5.3 or Wi-Fi 6 connectivity with dual 2.4GHz + 5GHz support plus streaming support via Spotify, Apple AirPlay, and even Chromecast. If you’re too lazy to find a song you’d play, don’t worry as Google Assistant and Alexa both save the day.

But if you’re that “traditional” type of listener who prefers controlling stuff manually like the ol’ classic times, a set of knobs and intuitive controls are found at the top of every speaker. That’s within the perimeter of the leather-like enclosure to make the feel as classic as possible.

To make the experience even more classic, these speakers feature a standout Quadrex Grille design which is also made from 100% recycled fabric.

For that added sustainability, most parts are made from 85% recycled plastics and 50% aluminum.

Same styles, different vibes

What makes the Authentics 500 stand out from its smaller siblings other than its size is the fact that it’s the only one to bring an integrated 6.5-inch subwoofer at its bottom part. Together with JBL’s patented SlipStream technology, it’s able to reduce wind distortion and noise with a breeze. It’s also the only speaker in the line to support Dolby Atmos Music.

And if it’s still not evident in the image above showcasing all the speaker parts and components, idk how I’ll entice you that it’s one of the most well thought-out speakers in overall design, sound quality, and functionality.

Meanwhile, the Authentics 300 has a pair of 1-inch tweeters, 5.25-inch woofer, and a 6.5-inch passive radiator. It’s also the only speaker in the line that has a built-in battery that lasts up to 8 hours and can be charged via USB-C. There’s even a convenient metal handle so you can bring it in any part of your home — or maybe in a friend’s house (or Lover?).

Lastly, the Authentics 200 offers enough JBL audio quality in such a compact smart home speaker setup thanks to its dual 25mm tweeters, 5-inch woofer, and 6-inch passive radiator.

Authentic sound experience

JBL has also let us hear and witness how great-sounding these speakers were through the experience booth. They all filled large rooms with a sound quality you wouldn’t expect from speakers of these sizes.

It’s hard to make you all believe just through words but in all honesty, the overall clarity and sound quality is greater than good with the right amount of balance in each of the speakers’ bass, mids, and treble. Whether you’re an audiophile or casual listener, you wouldn’t feel disappointed with how JBL packed a lot of their great audio tech and features.

If JBL’s self-tuning capabilities aren’t your cup ot tea, the JBL One app has got you covered where you can manually configure equalizers, audio features, and many more.

While each Authentics speaker cater to various audio preferences and needs of different types of listeners, I can guarantee that all of them offer great overall sound. JBL has fine-tuned their products for every user to experience and enjoy fully.

Turntable in the Modern Times

JBL Philippines/Harman APAC have acknowledged that there’s a continuous demand for these types of turntables despite the dominance of modern-day audio products. Thus, the JBL Spinner BT was born.

From Taylor Swift to K-Pop acts such as BLACKPINK, SNSD’s Taeyeon, and BTS, vinyls are still being produced both as a marketing advantage for the artist’s overall sales as well as an added perk to any merchandise-collector type of fan.

But having a turntable with a twist of modern-day audio features is a killer product itself. The ability to stream songs via Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD encoding plus having the additional voice assistance of both the Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa make audio playing as seamless as possible while still keeping that classic retro turntable look and vinyl player functionality as well.

High-quality (HQ) components are considered in this modern yet classic-looking turntable.

There’s the HQ aluminum tonearm to ensure excellent tracking of the record groove without actually making it wear and tear over time. An HQ moving magnetic cartridge also comes pre-installed as well and the hardshell is removable so the cartridge can be replaced without frills when needed.

An aluminum platter is also present and is driven by a belt drive and motor with an optical sensor beneath. This ensures that there’s a precise playback whether you’re playing a full album, EP, or single. A wooden plinth is also considered over plastic for better sound quality and sustainability as well.

The JBL Spinner BT modern turntable is being offered in either Black/Orange or Black/Gold colorways.

Classics Reimagined

JBL Philippines’ ‘Classics Reimagined’ launch event was held at Cove Manila in Okada.

Classics indeed! It looked like we went back in time with all the ’70s-inspired retro outfits, elements, and sets of entertainment around.

And with all these in mind, they’ve announced their latest audio product line that also relive the classics.

Product reveal went through several dance numbers that also showcase each notable music genre that’s now prevalent in 2023’s local music scene such as OPM, hip-hop, and even K-Pop.

From an individual’s curiosity on why bring back the classics to the modern era, Grace Koh, Harman APAC’s Vice President and General Manager confidently answered that Gen Zs are the next big thing when it comes to these products.

While all of these classic-looking products bring back a great amount of nostalgia towards millennials, keeping the younger Gen Zs intact along with their current obsession to everything retro definitely proves that reimagining and reliving the classics is one way forward towards achieving the success of JBL in such a vast market of audio and tech.

To make both the local music and Gen Zs dominance even more present, the night was highlighted by a live band performance courtesy of Lola Amour — one of the hottest and freshest local music acts in the country right now. Together with JBL’s refined sound system, we were able to hear enjoy their Raining in Manila, Pwede Ba?, and Fallen setlist crisp and clear.

ICYMI: they also performed during Power Mac Center’s iPhone 15 midnight launch a week before this happened 🤩

Pricing and Availability

Local pricing for all of these devices weren’t revealed both in the event and even when the press materials were distributed to us. But after some digging, I was able to find out that they’re already being sold at Abenson along with these price tags:

Authentics Speakers

Spinner Turntable

The Authentics speakers line are up for pre-orders online. Meanwhile, the Spinner BT turntables are currently sold out as of this writing.

Accessories

Sony ships its LinkBuds Fit Hatsune Miku edition to the United States

It will come with the special acrylic stand.

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Hatsune Miku is finding her way everywhere. Last year, the pop icon built partnerships where you might have least expected one. Now, a recent collaboration has made it to new shores. Sony is shipping its recent partnership with Hatsune Miku in the United States.

In the middle of last year, Sony released a limited edition of the LinkBuds Fit featuring Hatsune Miku. Inside, the special variant is indistinguishable from the original series. However, it will have special colorway options, including the icon’s signature green.

Now, the limited edition is now available in the United States. It will be available for US$ 249.99.

Like the first launch, buying the special edition of the earbuds will give fans a limited-edition acrylic earbud stand featuring newly illustrated artwork by Ogipote. It also features two original HoloModels of the character.

Further, those who purchased the device will get access to a special campaign song called “BELIEVE DAY” and an animated performance of the same song. Fans need only to register their product and install the HoloModels app.

SEE ALSO: Sony PH offers limited-time LinkBuds Fit x Hatsune Miku bundle

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Razer teams up with BLACKPINK for limited-edition gear

In your area soon

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Razer has teamed up with iconic Korean girl group BLACKPINK for a collaboration as bold as their performances.

The BLACKPINK x Razer collection features exclusive, limited-edition co-branded gear that merges cutting-edge performance with bold, pink-forward aesthetics.

Designed to celebrate individuality and creativity, the product lineup gives both gamers and BLINKs new ways to express themselves.

There haven’t been a lot of details yet regarding the collaboration, except a short teaser video on the Razer official website.

Plus, there’s a playful line referencing BLACKPINK’s 2018 album as the product lineup will be “in your area” soon.

The full collection will be revealed soon. Given Razer’s history of collaborations, fans can expect a BLACKPINK-themed headphones, keyboard, mouse, and even mousepad.

For now, fans can look forward to exclusive pop-up fan activations during the group’s upcoming World Tour <DEADLINE> Pop-Up Store in Hong Kong early next year.

BLACKPINK will be performing in Hong Kong on January 24, 25, and 26 at the Kai Tak Stadium.

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Trade doomscrolling for these 12 intentional New Year’s resolutions and side quests

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New Year’s resolutions don’t always have to be extreme to be meaningful. Sometimes the most impactful changes come from scrolling less and just being more present. What if you leaned into healthier routines, making your environment better, and small side quests? This guide focuses on building habits and routines that feel good even after January.

1. Build strength and cardio

Getting more active at the start of the year doesn’t have to mean drastic routines or intimidating gym memberships. The most sustainable fitness habits are the ones that fit naturally into your day.

The NovaRow R50 Air Resistance Rower from Merach offers a low-impact workout that blends strength and cardio in one efficient motion. Exercises like rowing makes it easier to show up, even on your busiest days. It’s accessible at any fitness level because it’s easy to pick up and is gentler on the body while still offering a full-body workout.

The best part is you’re getting a professional-grade rowing machine so you can do your workouts at the comfort of your own home; you get to engage 86% of your major muscle groups even when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Speaking of comfort, the NovaRow R50 is thoughtfully designed with adjustable footplates and an extra cushioned ergonomic seat. When paired with the Merach app, workouts feel more engaging thanks to interactive games and scenic rowing routes.

Once you’ve built the habit, you can increase your workout intensity. It’s got a 10-level air resistance system that offers up to 110 lbs of peak resistance to support long-term progress.

It’s available on Amazon as well as merachfit.com, with an extra 10% discount using the code GADGET.

2. Track your progress

Moving your body more is one of the most universal New Year’s resolutions and one of the easiest to abandon when life gets busy halfway through the year. The key to sticking to a fitness resolution isn’t intensity, but awareness and consistency.

A smartwatch like the Amazfit Balance 2 helps track steps, workouts, sleep, and recovery.  Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced HYROX athlete, it’s got over 170 workout modes to support you.

Want to try golf next year? It has 40,000 downloadable maps of golf courses. Got scuba certification on your bucket list?  The Balance 2 has pro-grade waterproofing and certification for that too.

With up to 21 days of battery life, it can keep you accountable without being intrusive. It also tracks your rest and recovery to help you understand your body better without overdoing your workouts. Being aware of fitness metrics makes progress visible and more tangible, so you get more motivated to keep going.

As a bonus, it’s casual enough that you can wear it even when you’re not working out. It’s currently 10% off on Amazon.

3. Train anywhere

Showing up is often the hardest part of any fitness goal, especially when travel interrupts your momentum. Centr’s Home Workout Kit is an all-in-one resistance training system that adapts to your lifestyle and environment.

Whether you’re at home, at the gym, on a work trip, or on vacation, progress continues, no excuses. Each kit includes 3 fabric bands, 5 tube bands, 2 ankle straps, 2 D-handles, a dual-hook bar, and a door anchor, and a travel-friendly carry bag. It retails for $66.99 on shop.centr.com.

4. Hydrate

Staying hydrated sounds simple, yet it’s one of the most commonly overlooked wellness habits. Studies show 75% of Americans are actually dehydrated. Maybe it’s because tap water doesn’t always taste great or because we worry about what’s actually in it.

The LARQ PureVis 2 helps turn hydration into a habit by tracking your intake and reminding you to drink throughout the day. The built-in UVC light eliminates most contaminants by automatically activating every two hours and the Nano Zero Filter removes common pollutants.

Apart from making sure you’re water’s clean it also keeps it cold, making it more enjoyable to stay hydrated. Using a reusable bottle like the PureVis 2 also means fewer plastic bottles headed to landfills — an impact you can also track on the LARQ app. Get one on bylarq.com/gadgetmatch

5. Sleep better

Everyone wants better sleep, yet it can feel frustratingly out of reach. While you can’t control everything, improving your bedroom environment is one simple change that can make a real difference. Clean air and gentler mornings can dramatically change how you feel throughout the day.

The BlueAir Mini Restful Sunrise Clock Air Purifier creates a healthier sleep setup that supports deeper rest and calmer wake-ups. By combining air purification with a gentler wake-up helps you feel more rested and less rushed in the morning. It’s a resolution that starts at night and pays off all day.

It’s $200 and is available in two colors that easily blend in with your home decor: Coastal Beige and Midnight.

6. Read more

Doomscrolling is one habit we should all leave behind coming into the new year. Reading, on the other hand, slows the mind, builds focus, creates space for deeper thinking, and oftentimes, sparks imagination.

If getting physical books feels intimidating, an e-reader like the Kindle Paperwhite and apps like Libby make it easy to browse and borrow titles from public libraries. One lightweight device and zero notifications make it easy to pick up a book whenever you have a quiet moment.

The Kindle Paperwhite starts at $135, while both the Libby app and a public library card are free.

7. Grow your food

Who says growing your own food has to be complicated? Spending time around plants has a calming effect, yet many people don’t even try because they assume gardening requires space, sunlight, or experience.

The Auk Mini is a smart indoor garden that removes the guesswork with automated lighting and watering. This makes it easy to grow your own food even when you live in a small apartment.

While the bundle comes with basil and parsley seeds, it supports anything that sprouts and grows, with other herbs and leafy greens thriving especially well, along with tomatoes and chilies. You can use their Auk-certified seeds or your own so you’re not locked into the system.

Most herbs and salads are ready to harvest in 4–6 weeks, while tomatoes and chilies typically take 8–12 weeks. Like a lot of indoor plants, pruning and harvesting from the top encourages new growth, keeping your plants productive.

Maintenance is also intentionally minimal. You only need to refill water and nutrients and harvest regularly. If you want to start a new crop, you can simply remove the old plants, clean the unit, and replant.

The Auk Mini Bundle is $219 with free shipping.

8. Make more sustainable choices

Living more sustainably doesn’t require perfection. Small swaps, especially for everyday essentials, can make a meaningful impact over time.

Switching to cotton-lined diapers like Kudos is a big step in itself. While still disposable, it offers a more eco-conscious option by using 100% cotton lining instead of plastic. They’re also made without lotions, fragrances, latex, parabens, phthalates, or chlorine.

Kudos’ award-winning DoubleDry technology also ensures 12 hours of leak protection, making them reliable. Designed by an MIT engineer and responsibly made in the US, these diapers prove that choosing better-for-the-planet options doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or peace of mind.

A monthly subscription is $84, with 120-210 diapers in each box depending on the size.

9. Invite more light into your home

Your environment plays a huge role in your mood more than you realize. Small upgrades that improve light and cleanliness can make your space feel calmer and more intentional.

The Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Mini takes care of one of the most neglected chores. By keeping your windows clean, you’ll let in more natural light into your space. Designed for effortless, one-pass cleaning, it features an upgraded three-nozzle wide-angle spray system that easily dissolves dirt and grime quickly. Its WIN-SLAM 4.0 intelligent path planning also adapts to different window types.

It’s got a 10-level protection system, including multiple layers of fall prevention, intelligent safeguards, and accidental damage insurance. The upgraded steady-climbing system ensures stable, slip-free movement even on wet surfaces, while ultra-fast edge detection adjusts cleaning paths in real time for seamless coverage in any lighting condition.

The result is brighter, cleaner windows, and more natural light. It’s a simple way to elevate your home and uplift your mood, with very minimal effort on your part.

The Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Mini is currently under $300.

10. Ask for help (without hesitation)

Many New Year’s goals fail not because of lack of effort, but because they’re too vague. Clarity and accountability make progress feel achievable.

A strawberry.me life coaching subscription pairs you with a coach who helps turn manifestations into more concrete steps. Even when you think you don’t need help, getting an outsider’s perspective can help you see what you can’t see for yourself. After all, even the most successful people get help.

Try it and get half off your first session using https://strawberry.me/GadgetMatch

11. Be more introspective

Taking time to reflect after each day can help turn experiences into lessons, and goals into actionable plans. Journaling doesn’t need to be time-consuming or intimidating.

While it still adds to your screen time, Apple’s free Journal app for iPhone makes reflection more approachable with simple prompts and quick entries. Whether you jot down a quick thought, something you’re grateful for, or something that annoyed you, it helps you slow down and process your day. Building this habit add up to greater clarity and emotional balance over time.

13. Try a new side quest

Not every resolution needs a measurable outcome. Trying a new side quest is about curiosity, creativity, exploration, and doing something simply because it’s fun.

That can mean getting crafty with pottery, punch needle or embroidery. Or you can choose something with a tangible end like baking or candle making.

If you’re craving a creative outlet, trying watercolor or photography can open up new ways of seeing the world and testing your patience. Looking to learn new skills? Consider signing up for a language class or trying a new sport.

If you feel like you don’t have extra time or budget for side quests, you can also build it into your daily work commute. If you drive to work, try leaving earlier on a Wednesday, parking somewhere different, and walking the rest of the way. Not only will you discover new neighborhoods, walking different routes also keeps your brain sharp and alert.

If you take public transportation, you can bring knitting materials, write poetry about the people you see, or play the New York Times Crossword.

Starting something new helps break routines and even build confidence over time. The great thing about side quests is there’s no pressure to be good at it or to keep doing it. You can do it by yourself, with a friend, or a big group. The only requirement is that you try.

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