Logitech's UE Smart Radio, Boombox, and Mobile Boombox give you wireless audio on the go (hands-on)
In addition to producing a slew of new headphones, Logitech's latest collaboration with Ultimate Ears has produced a pair of Bluetooth speakers and a Smart Radio. The UE Smart Radio comes equipped with 802.11b/g WiFi on board to pull audio from directly from the likes of Spotify and Pandora or from local sources like Mac, PC, iOS or Android devices. A 2.4-inch LCD is on the front, along with the usual audio controls, plus there are six preset buttons that can be programmed to easily access playlists from myriad locales. It's also got a rechargeable battery, good for a claimed six hours of playback, and will set you back $180 when it goes on sale next month.
Logitech's UE Mobile Boombox replaces the firm's Mini Boombox, but keeps its $100 price. It comes in five colors (red, yellow, blue, white and black) and can both stream your tunes via Bluetooth and serve as a speakerphone using its omni-directional mic. You can pair up to eight devices with the Mobile Boombox, and its rechargeable battery promises up to ten hours of listening pleasure. In our brief ears-on, we found it offered clear sound, though unsurprisingly, it struggled to pump out much bass. That said, we really liked its solid rubber construction, and can see it holding up well to abuse. Its big brother, the $250 UE Boombox, has much better low-end response and a fuller sound generally thanks to its eight drivers. Like the Mini, it also can pair with eight devices and has a rechargeable battery, though it promises only six hours of audio. We really dig its cast aluminum chassis and clean lines, and the handle on top begs to be used in old-school fashion -- with the Boombox propped up on your shoulder bumping some choice hip-hop. Both of these Bluetooth speakers start shipping this month, and our friends in grand Europa get them in September.
Show full PR text
New Line from Logitech UE Delivers Pure Undiluted Music, Anytime, Anywhere
New Products Offer Wireless Freedom, Easy Discovery and Sharing of Music
LONDON, UK. - August 29, 2012 - Today Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) responded to music fans who want pure, undiluted music wherever they go with the launch of a new line of Logitech UE™ products. The products enable people to enjoy their music when and how they want, delivering seamless wireless audio, facilitating discovery and making sharing simple with a complete line of music products that take you from morning to night. The new offering includes earphones, headphones, wireless speakers, and a smart radio.
"Today's fans have their music with them wherever they go – they carry it with them on their tablet or smartphone," said Rory Dooley, Logitech senior vice president of music. "But no matter how or where you choose to store or access your favourite music, this line up is the best way for you to experience it. Whether you want to be completely immersed in your favourite song, to share music with friends, or to discover new favourites, Logitech UE is the clear choice."
As people shift away from traditional methods of music consumption toward services that are easily accessed through mobile devices, they are increasingly able to surround themselves with their favourite music no matter where they go or who they're with.
Combining Logitech's expertise in seamless connectivity with UE's heritage of providing great sound in the tiniest of packages, the new line-up blends form and function to deliver the right sound for any situation.
Highlights of the new line-up include:
Logitech UE Boombox
The Logitech UE™ Boombox is an on-the-go speaker that lets you use your smartphone or tablet to play and control your music from up to 50 feet (15.2 metres) away. Up to eight Bluetooth®-enabled devices can be paired with the speaker – with up to three connected at the same time – so you and your friends can take turns playing music. With eight custom-tuned drivers, the Logitech UE Boombox delivers sound that is rich, balanced and clear, with enough bass to make every song feel as real and as raw as it should. An integrated, sculptured aluminium handle makes it easy to roam – from the kitchen, to the bedroom, to a party at a friend's house or anywhere in between – with uninterrupted music at your side. With a six-hour rechargeable battery, you won't have a power outlet holding you down. The Logitech UE Boombox will be available for a suggested retail price of £199.00.
Logitech UE Mobile Boombox
The Logitech UE™ Mobile Boombox is an ultraportable speaker that connects to your smartphone or tablet to play and control your music from up to 50 feet (15.2 metres) away. Because two mobile devices can be connected at the same time, you can keep your two most-frequently used devices connected. Designed to give you surprisingly big sound in a portable package, the Logitech UE Mobile Boombox includes a rechargeable battery that delivers up to 10 hours of music, depending on use, settings and conditions, and can even double as a speakerphone for voice or video calls. With metal finishes, vibrant accents and a grip-action rubber casing, it is built to look good, feel great in your hand, and withstand a little rough and tumble. The Logitech UE Mobile Boombox will be available for a suggested retail price of £79.99.
Logitech UE Smart Radio
The Logitech UE™ Smart Radio is a dedicated music device that can play Internet radio, online music services and the music on your PC or Mac® – all through one simple, unified interface. The colour screen displays album art, track and station information. And you can save your favourite stations and playlists for one-touch access to the music you listen to most. What's more, the Logitech UE Smart Radio Controller app for iPhone®, iPad® and Android devices transforms your smartphone or tablet into a master music controller, giving you seamless navigation of your music services, radio stations and personal music collection. The rechargeable battery lets you take your music with you around the home, with up to six hours of continuous playback depending on use, settings and conditions. The Logitech UE Smart Radio will be available for a suggested retail price of £149.00.
Logitech UE 900 Noise-Isolating Earphones
Logitech UE™ 900 Noise-Isolating Earphones deliver sound that is surpassed only by Logitech UE's professional custom in-ear monitors. Thanks to four-armature speakers and a three-way crossover in a universal fit, you'll hear a wide soundstage with soul-satisfying bass, heavenly highs and a crisp, piano-like timbre. The unique UE sound signature faithfully recreates the original recording – and adds a low-end kick. Five silicon and three Comply® Foam tips, each designed with a large-bore opening, ensure audio is delivered cleanly. Two detachable, braided cables – one with a mic and controls, and one without – let you swap out the standard cable for a cable with mic and controls. And ear loops offer a secure, comfortable fit no matter what you're doing. The Logitech UE 900 Noise-Isolating Earphones will be available for a suggested retail price of £329.00.
Logitech UE 9000 Headphones
With the Logitech UE™ 9000 Headphones, there are no wires and no distractions. They connect wirelessly to your favourite Bluetooth® devices, but also include an optional cable should you want to go wired or run out of power – plus, they fold flat when you're on the go. The high-resolution drivers of the Logitech UE 9000 Headphones deliver pure, undiluted audio that's distinctly UE – rich, clear and perfectly tuned – for a spacious soundstage and a remarkable level of power, punch and clarity. Powered by a long-life battery, our proprietary Bluetooth implementation provides freedom from cords without sound-quality compromises. Listen wired or wirelessly – so the music never has to stop. Active noise cancelling technology filters out ambient noise for a more immersive experience. With asymmetrical memory foam cushions, articulating joints and an around-the-ear design the Logitech UE 9000 Headphones conform to the contours of your head, so you'll be comfortable for those extended listening sessions. Logitech UE 9000 Headphones also feature intuitively, and discreetly placed controls that respond to the touch of your fingertips, so you can select songs, turn up the volume, or answer a call – naturally and easily. The Logitech UE 9000 Headphones will be available for a suggested retail price of £299.00.
Logitech UE 6000 Headphones
Tune in to the music and tune out everything else with your Logitech UE™ 6000 Headphones. They connect to your favourite devices, fold up like sunglasses when you're on the go and come with a splitter to make sharing simple. The distinct UE sound signature provides pure, undiluted audio with a wide-open soundstage and a remarkable level of detail in all your music. Active noise cancelling technology filters out ambient noise for an immersive listening experience. The Logitech UE 6000 Headphones feature plush memory foam cushions; breathable, soft-as-leather surfaces; and an around-the-ear design. The Logitech UE 6000 Headphones will be available for a suggested retail price of £169.00.
Logitech UE 4000 Headphones
The powerful, high-sensitivity drivers in the Logitech UE™ 4000 Headphones make your music come alive with depth, authenticity and emotion. You can immerse yourself in your music with these compact on-ear headphones that come with a zippered, microfiber-lined travel pouch. On-cord mic and controls let you answer calls, change tracks and adjust volume – all without taking your phone or device out of your pocket. The Logitech UE 4000 Headphones also feature plush memory foam cushions; breathable, soft-as-leather surfaces; and an on--the-ear design. The Logitech UE 4000 Headphones will be available for a suggested retail price of £79.99.
Availability
All of these new music products, compatible with your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, are expected to be available in Europe beginning in September 2012. The headphones (Logitech UE 4000, 6000, 9000 and 900) will be available exclusively at Apple Store locations, whilst the Logitech UE Mobile Boombox, Boombox and Smart Radio will also be available in Apple, Currys, PC World, John Lewis and Amazon from mid-September onwards. For more information, please visit www.LogitechUE.com or our blog.