It connects via Wi-Fi and is Windows 8 friendly for use on PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones. It shows up as speaker device on your network

For sound junkies, six internal speakers — four powered drivers and two passive radiators — generate the sound with 100 W RMS total power. There are three sound modes: natural, bass boost and enhanced stereo.

What this means to you is amazing sound. Aesthetically, it is designed within a single-piece brushed aluminum enclosure and has an adjustable/removable steel base, measuring a rounded rectangular 6.5-by-14.75 inches.

To operate it with a Windows phone, use the Play To or the DLNA app to select the speaker and blast your music.

Android phones can choose from several apps in the Google Play market or the DLNA app from the Android Marketplace.

The company notes on its website, “If you mostly use iTunes in your home, ARIS for Airplay is coming in 2013, which will work natively with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac or PC for music playback.”

Details: www.aperionaudio.com, $499

Plug-in the sun

As for powering up a dying portable USB device, it can be a challenge when a plug is not easily accessible.

Gomadic’s SunVolt and SunVolt Max portable solar devices have charging speeds identical to a traditional wall charger and folds into briefcase design when not in use.

The SunVolt and SunVolt Max are engineered with monocrystalline photovoltaic technology, allowing it to capture power from the sun and convert it to usable energy.

Any power-hungry device at 5.5 volts or less (pretty much any smartphone, MP3 player or portable consumer electronic device) can be energized.

When not in use, it folds into a water-resistant carrying case with a built-in arm-strap, a zipper pouch and inside pockets to store other devices.

Devices needing up to 10 watts of power can be recharged with the SunVolt. The SunVolt MAX has a larger panel for 50 percent more charging power.

A single USB tip, compatible with most popular devices, is included; other sized tips can be purchased.

Both the SunVolt and SunVoltMAX ship with standard USB charging ports, which will work with any USB charging cable (not included).

Details: www.gomadic.com, $99.95 and $129.95.