(Images: Liam Mogan)
The Bang and Olufsen BeoPlay A9 plays music wirelessly from iTunes or any music streaming service, and it plays it loudly—a killer bass reflex and typically crisp B&O sound quality will put your current iPod dock to shame. But why do we really love it? Because unlike most speakers, which are designed to be inconspicuous, this one is self-consciously stylish. It looks like an audio version of the iconic Eames DSW chair, and it’s about the same size as one when mounted on its teak (or beech or oak) tripod. That is, the A9 is a significant piece of furniture in its own right—possibly the most exciting piece of furniture in your house. $2,999. Bang and Olufsen, 175 Avenue Rd., 416-935-1919.
For once, Apple is bowing to our demands. The federal government yesterday approved the company’s iBookstore in Canada, but Apple had to make some promises. One is that it will use iBookstore Canada to promote Canadian titles (both English and French) and improve their catalogue of works by Aboriginal authors and publishers. The company also says it will help Canadian publishers create e-books 
Bang and Olufsen’s BeoSound 8 is the one of the few docks/speaker systems compatible with iPads, iPhones and iPods available in Toronto for the holiday gift-buying season. It’s pricey at $1,190, but the sound quality is fantastic and the unit can be wall mounted or rest on a countertop. Available in black or white, fabric speaker covers also come in purple, green, yellow and lavender blue.
