Today, Bose made available to the public a new Wave Music System that features updated speaker technology.

The Bose Wave music system incorporates new waveguide speaker technology to reproduce one-half octave lower musical notes without increasing the system's size. The Bose Wave music system also uses proprietary signal processing to improve instrument clarity and definition at all listening levels.

Creating the new Bose Wave music system involved the expertise of over 250 engineers, incorporating acoustic, mechanical, electrical, software, signal processing, manufacturing, and quality engineering. Sophisticated computer models were used to integrate the electronics, amplifiers, and speakers into an elegant and small package while enhancing performance.

The Bose Wave music system has no buttons and is simple to operate and enjoy. All of the functions of the system are controlled using a credit card-style remote. The system is designed to interface seamlessly with other Bose products through the proprietary Bose link technology.

The Bose Wave music system incorporates a number of features, including a slot-load CD player that also plays newer MP3 CDs, a talk radio mode to compensate for the artificial low frequency boost of some talk radio programs, and circuitry that preserves the system settings and time for up to two days during a power outage without the use of batteries.

The system is assembled using custom-designed manufacturing equipment installed in Bose's South Carolina assembly plant. The new Bose Wave music system comes in platinum white or graphite gray.

Cost: $499.

The New Wave Radio/CD II is available today through Bose retail stores, Bose.com and toll-free at 1-800-444-BOSE (2673).

Popular Science called the original radio "a sonic marvel." The Chicago Tribune said its sound was superb. And Forbes ASAP magazine placed it on their "All-Time A-List" of technology breakthroughs that have changed the world.

We call it "remotely" every time we're in the mood for Jamie Cullum, Joss Stone or Diana Krall.

We have a New Wave I in every bedroom of our house, as well as our kitchen. Somehow, the home entertainment system has landed in our office.

We also take our QuietComfort headphones with us every time we travel.

Our biggest challenge? There are five of us in our family.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful and satisfying sound living!

~ Jennifer King

P.S. After October 15th, look for The Bose SoundDock, a charging station with an IR (infrared) port for the Apple iPod. The dock works with 3G/4G iPods and mini iPods. Expected cost: $299.