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UE's Roll speaker is a resilient flying saucer of sound
Ultimate Ears just tied up the last loose end in its product line today, replacing its aging Mini Boom speaker with the UE Roll. Instead of a rounded rectangle with mono-directional sound, this new model takes the form of a flying saucer, with a similar design as the higher-end Boom and Megaboom. Outside of its colorful exterior, there are plenty of other updates packed into this new entry-level offering. One thing that hasn't changed is the price: the UE Roll costs $100 (£100 in the UK). Starting today, you can pick one up from the Ultimate Ears website, while Best Buy will have select colors (Reef exclusively) on June 21st, followed by the Apple store on July 7th. I had a chance to test one out for a few days, and while it's a cute bit of eye candy, it still seems to hold its own among everything else in UE's lineup.
Apple recalls Beats Pill XL speaker due to overheating battery
While most of the internet was busy oogling the Fallout 4 trailer, Apple delivered some bad news to owners of Dr. Dre's super-sized speaker. The company is recalling the Beats Pill XL, citing the wireless speaker's battery tendency to overheat in rare cases and creating the risk of a fire. In the announcement, Apple points out that the audio gadget was announced in late 2013, long before it acquired the company last year. If you splurged for one, this website will guide your through the process of getting a refund in the form of Apple Store credit or an electronic payment of $325 -- $25 more than the original price tag. The Pill XL is said to be the only product that exhibits that overheats, and there's no word on a new version that remedies the issue going on sale at a later date.
Braven's BRV-PRO rugged speaker packs solar charging and more
Think the load of Bluetooth speakers announced at CES is rather ho-hum? Well, Braven has something to say about that. The company's new BRV-PRO Bluetooth speaker sports the rugged look we've come to expect from them, and claims 20 hours of battery life on a charge. Those are easily the two least interesting things on the spec sheet for the outdoor audio device. Up top, the BRV-PRO swaps out accessories as needed, including an extra 2,800mAh battery pack, LED glow deck (think of it as a lantern of sorts), stacking plate and a folding solar panel (pictured above) for all-natural recharging. Touting an IPX7 waterproof rating, the aircraft-aluminum-clad gadget will also juice up your phone or tablet when you're out on the trail. Looking to pack one for that next outdoor trek? The BRV-PRO is scheduled to arrive in Q2 for $150; the accessories cost extra, ranging from $30 to $50 each.
Ultimate Ears' UE Megaboom is a larger version of its 360-degree speaker
The UE Boom has been a popular choice among Bluetooth speakers since its debut back in 2013, thanks in large part to its stellar design and ability to blast tunes in 360 degrees. In fact, we've been quite smitten with it here at Engadget HQ. After nearly a year and a half, and a number of new colors and artist collaborations, Ultimate Ears has a new version: the Megaboom. If you're thinking this looks a lot like the regular Boom, you're correct -- except it's bigger. The larger option is still waterproof and wrapped in a stain-resistant skin, and it's said to last 20 hours on a charge with a Bluetooth range of 100 feet. Free apps for both iOS and Android are in play as well, which means remote control, alarm and sound tweaks from your mobile device return. And if one isn't enough, the UE Megaboom can "double up" with a second or a regular Boom for a sound boost. The $300 speaker will arrive in the US and a few countries in both Europe and Asia later this month.
Jambanz is a $30 wearable Bluetooth speaker right out of the '90s
Geez, where was Jambanz when we were young and did all sorts of silly things to look cool? Because this silicone slap band, which is actually a wearable Bluetooth speaker(!), looks like it would fit right into those years of our lives. Not considering the fact that it streams music from iPhones, iPads, iPods and Android devices via Bluetooth, of course -- back then, this would have come with a wire that connects to a Walkman's 3.5 mm jack. If the current colors (green, orange and grey) aren't crazy enough to make Jambanz feel like a true throwback to 1994, you can mix and match the bands and speakers yourself. You can buy Jambanz from its website or via Amazon for $30 each, but don't forget to watch the old-Nickelodeon-like video ad below the fold before you do.
Bowers & Wilkins' first Bluetooth speaker oozes Brit style
Bowers & Wilkins wants you to keep up appearances with the T7, its first portable Bluetooth speaker. The bespoke UK audio company has certainly nailed the design, with an elegant honeycomb "micro matrix" cabinet designed to reduce vibration and distortion. It's also got twin bass radiators, high-quality Bluetooth aptX and audiophile electronics and drive units. Bowers & Wilkins has promised intuitive light cues and minimal buttons, plus a whopping 18-hour battery life. The only thing that might give you pause is the $350 price tag, a premium over the beloved, but still-not-exactly-cheap $300 Big Jambox, for example. Still, considering its objet d'art looks, if the sound quality measures up to all of Bowers & Wilkins fancy adjectives, it might be worth the extra 50 bucks.
Wu-Tang Clan's new album comes preloaded on limited-edition speaker
Wu-Tang Clan's new album (no, not that one) is set to arrive on Black Friday and there's a rather unique way to grab a copy. The hip-hop group's A Better Tomorrow will come preloaded on a limited-edition Bluetooth speaker from Boombotix. The Boombot Rex is tagged with the iconic 'W" branding and hauls eight tracks -- including three exclusive songs. Limited to 3,000 total units, the compact speaker can be clipped on your handlebars or belt and packs a 3.5mm jack, speakerphone option, 10 hours of battery life and both track and volume controls. If all of that sounds too good to pass up, you can slap down your $80 preorder right here.
Samsung's Level 'premium' portable audio line makes its US debut
We were privy to Samsung's premium portable audio plans a few days before the rumblings of an Apple/Beats affair surfaced. The Level series of portable audio gadgets goes on sale tomorrow (July 17th) with appropriately-named options for over-ear, on-ear, in-ear and Bluetooth speaker listening -- covering the same bases as Dr. Dre's outfit. Level Over, the set of over-ear cans, is the priciest of the lot, asking $350 for its active noise cancellation, on-board controls, wireless connectivity and stitched leather-esque accents. There's also a Level App that's designed to tune the set to the environment or content you're consuming. As evidenced by their monikers, the Level On and Level In are the on-ear and in-ear entries, priced at $180 and $150 respectively. For those who prefer a wireless speaker, the $170 Level Box packs one-touch NFC or regular ol' Bluetooth pairing for its 15 hours of service. Unfortunately, we're waiting to judge the group with our own ears, but you can rest assured we'll offer up detailed observations when we do. The entire line goes on sale at Gilt.com tomorrow, with Amazon, Samsung.com and Best Buy's Samsung Experience Shops stocking them all before the end of next week.
Scosche boomBOTTLE H2O waterproof Bluetooth speaker perfect for summer fun
Summer is almost here, which means days at the beaches or by the lake listening to all of your favorite tunes. And you want to share that music with friends, right? Schosche has introduced the boomBOTTLE H2O waterproof Bluetooth speaker (US$99.99), and one lucky TUAW reader will win this speaker just in time for summer fun. Specifications Dimensions: 2.87 inches in diameter x 4.5 inches tall (72.9 mm diam. x 114.3 mm) Weight: 10.6 ounces (300 grams) Waterproof up to 30 minutes in one meter of water Ports: micro-USB for charging, AUX-in Colors: Gray, Yellow, Blue Design Highlights The cylindrical shape of the boomBOTTLE H2O is designed to fit perfectly in most bike bottle holders, although as TUAW writer Erica Sadun found out with an earlier model, you might incur the wrath of other bikers if you cruise the local paths while pounding out tunes. The boomBOTTLE H2O is so named because of its waterproof abilities. You can dunk it underwater for up to 30 minutes, and the device even floats. There are three switches on it: a power/pairing switch and a pair of volume switches. On the back of the speaker is a tiny waterproof door hiding a micro-USB port as well as a jack for connecting non-Bluetooth devices. The entire speaker is wrapped in a tough rubberized material, and it has some ridging to make it easier to grab onto when wet. All-in-all, the boomBOTTLE H2O is well-designed in terms of being able to take abuse. Functionality Highlights While I was impressed with the toughness of the boomBOTTLE H2O, I didn't find its sound quality to be all that great -- at least indoors. Oddly enough, when I took the speaker outside, it sounded better to me than when it was sitting on my desk. It's about half the price of some competing speakers like the Jawbone Mini Jambox and Beats Pill. While the boomBOTTLE H2O makes a great rough and tumble outdoor speaker, the sound just reminded me of an AM -- lacking depth and bass. It's fine on the high end, which is somewhat expected given the size (50 mm) of the one speaker. One other caveat. If you need a speaker that can also act as a speakerphone, this isn't going to do the job for you. It will last for about 8 hours on a single charge, which is pretty darned good. Conclusion On the plus side of the equation, the Scosche boomBOTTLE H2O is a very tough waterproof speaker that can take a lot of abuse and play all day. On the negative side, the sound -- albeit quite loud -- is somewhat tinny and lacks bass punch, and the device can't be used as a speakerphone. Rating: 2-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway Get ready for tunes by the pool, TUAW readers! We're giving away a Scosche boomBOTTLE H2O, and all you have to do is fill out the form below to enter. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before May 20, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Scosche boomBOTTLE H2O valued at $99.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Jawbone now lets you link Mini Jamboxes -- if you happen to have two
As far as portable Bluetooth speakers go, Jawbone's Mini Jambox falls short of being our favorite; it's more expensive than the competition, without being significantly better. Given that, then, you might want to take this post with a grain of salt: The company just announced a new feature called Multiplay that allows you to turn the tiny Jambox into a stereo speaker. The catch? You need not one, but two of these $150 units to make it work (N.B.: They're priced at $130 right now, but only as a limited-time offer). Assuming you can pony up, or have a friend with the same speaker, you can send music from one to the other by holding down three buttons on the device. Or, you can play the same song through both at once, with the option to designate a right and left speaker, allowing for a wider soundstage. (The Mini already has a "LiveAudio" feature that does basically the same thing, except the effect is subtler.) Given the prohibitive cost, this is a fairly improbable setup for most folks. That said, if you happen to own the Mini, and have access to a second unit, you can enjoy the feature now through a free firmware update.
This Bluetooth speaker projects sound in 360 degrees
There are few topics that can set a gadget conversation alight than the humble Bluetooth speaker. Why? Partly thanks to cheap Asian products that have given the category a bad name. And, partly because Bluetooth was never really designed with high fidelity audio in mind -- yet there seems to be a never ending deluge of products trying to convince us otherwise. Some brands, however, have managed to buck the trend, and win over buyers. But they are a select, usually monied/established group. Enter Spaced360: neither a known name, nor an off the shelf OEM. Those rarest of breeds: an independent British company with audio heritage, putting a new spin on the little old Bluetooth speaker. Or, given the "360" name, maybe it's a revolution? Maybe...
Nokia shows off 'MD-12' Bluetooth speaker to match its new smartphones
It's not all fun phones and games at Nokia's Build shindig here in San Francisco. In addition to giving us a closer look at the new Lumia 930, 630 and 635, the company is showing off a Bluetooth speaker to accompany them. The MD-12 (even Stephen Elop couldn't explain the name) is available in the same cheerful color palette as the new handsets, including a bright orange hue. On the audio front, this is really just a companion device, but Nokia is claiming the bass is still better than you'd expect on a device like this. As for size, it's especially compact -- this thing is about the size of a hockey puck, making it even smaller than, say, the Mini Jambox. That said, there appears to still be a robust battery inside: Nokia is claiming 15 hours of audio playback, compared with 10 hours for the Mini Jambox. No word on when, exactly, it will go on sale, but Elop himself said it will cost $55.
Beats Pill XL review: Dr. Dre's newest speaker is supersized and super loud
Back in 2012, Beats unveiled its diminutive Pill wireless speaker in a bid to steal the Jambox's thunder. Since then, its main rival hasn't exactly been standing still: Jawbone has released two more Bluetooth speakers, including the well-received Big Jambox. Not to be outdone, Dr. Dre & co. recently began selling a super-sized version of their own: the $300 Beats Pill XL. As the name suggests, it is indeed a larger version of the original and it packs a much larger punch in the sound department as well. The list of features is nearly identical too, with NFC, dual 3.5mm jacks, a heavy dose of bass and more than a day's worth of battery life. Heck, you can even use the speakers to charge your phone, should the need arise. But let's be honest: Bluetooth speakers come a dime a dozen these days. It's not uncommon for press releases on six, seven, eight models to hit our inboxes in the course of a week. Given that the market's so saturated, has Beats done enough to stand apart? And what of this new form factor? Does the increased bulk make the Pill XL too big for its britches? Let's find out.
Eton's rukus Xtreme and rukus II solar-powered speakers see the light of day
That pair of new solar-powered speakers from Eton that we told you about today just had their public unveiling at CES Unveiled, here at Vegas. So, you're no doubt asking, what makes the Xtreme so Xtreme? Ruggedness, of course. The speaker is water-resistant and can be dropped from a height of 3.3 feet. The wedged-shaped speaker is a pretty nice-looking thing and feels solid in-hand, even with those rubberized edges. As for sound, well, quality seems halfway decent, though the speaker doesn't get particularly loud. In this crowded room, we had to get pretty close to hear things clearly. If the sun's not doing it for you, you can charge it up via USB. There's speakerphone functionality built-in, as well as NFC pairing for phones that support it -- no auxiliary out here, however. The smaller rukus II, meanwhile, also has NFC pairing and a new speakerphone feature, along with Bluetooth 4.0. That one will run you $130, with the Xtreme coming in at $100 more. Nicole Lee contributed to this report.
Road Warrior Bluetooth speaker plans to amp up your tailgating with 200 watts
If the average portable Bluetooth speaker doesn't pack enough audio punch for your liking, Ion's just revealed a titan that just might meet your needs. Dubbed the Road Warrior, the firm's 200-watt wireless stereo system packs a duo of ten-inch woofers paired with two one-inch tweeters. In addition to Bluetooth streaming capabilities, the box also boasts an AM/FM radio and an 1/8-inch jack. When it comes to power, the package can rely on its built-in battery, a wall plug or the 12 volt outlet in your auto. The kit was designed for occasions like tailgating events and cookouts, so it's fitting that the speakers are contained in a cloth-covered box reminiscent of car audio gear. A price tag and release date are MIA, but expect more information as CES -- and 2014 -- continues.
Skullcandy intros Air Raid, a $150 Bluetooth speaker you can use to party pretty much anywhere
Skullcandy is well-known for making gear including headphones and earbuds, but the audio-focused company now also has a little Bluetooth speaker folks might be interested in. The Air Raid, as it's officially named, is a ruggedized box that's fitted with two 50mm drivers and a battery capable of holding a charge for up to 14 hours -- better yet, "it is built like a tank and loud as hell." Not surprisingly, Skullcandy says its new Air Raid is much louder than the competition, claiming that it's 200 and 33 percent noisier than the Jambox and Beats Pill, respectively. If you do believe the self-induced hype and like what you see, the Air Raid can be yours now for $150.
Singing Machine wants to elevate your late-night karaoke party
Money can't buy you class, but it can buy you this classy looking karaoke machine. Starting later this month, the Singing Machine Home will be available for $299 via Best Buy, online and in stores. The orb-like Bluetooth speaker doubles as a karaoke machine when connected to your TV. It also comes with a wireless remote/mic that lets you browse a subscription-based library of some 8,000 songs, and croon to your guests without the threat of tripping over pesky wires while serving Sinatra. Of course, you could just use your gaming console of choice to embarrass yourself in front of your friends. For more details, check out the full press release after the break.
Jawbone's Mini Jambox now available for purchase with regular-sized dollars
If you like your Bluetooth speakers nearly pocketable and can live without wall-shaking volume, the Jambox's diminutive offspring is now available for $180 at Jawbone.com. The aptly named Mini is available in nine colors and five textures and debuts alongside iOS and Android streaming apps that are compatible with iTunes, Spotify and Rdio. The speakers will be available at US retailers "shortly," according to the company. Hit the source below to get your Mini jams on.
BOOM Urchin speaker for your listening pleasure
When I received the Boom Urchin speaker I have to admit that my first thoughts were that it was ugly and heavy. After using it for a month, I don't notice its weight or form factor, because I am delighted with its sound. BOOM Movement is one of three audio brands, along with Polk Audio and Definitve Technology, owned by DEI Holdings headquartered in Vista California. This is relevant, because these are the folks behind the Anti-sonic diffraction geometry that is responsible for the speaker's great sound. The ovoid-shaped Urchin offers Bluetooth connectivity and can be used as a speakerphone or connected to a device through the auxiliary port. I tested it with my iMac, iPhone, iPad, and a legacy iPod video, using the auxiliary cable. I also tested the Urchin with a wide variety of music and it performed flawlessly. I watched podcasts and used it as a speakerphone too and the sound was just pleasing. It doesn't have bass enhancement as with many sound products, but it doesn't need it either. It reproduced every sound file I played with a full sound and no distortion, no matter the volume. The upper volume will not blow you away, but it can play fairly loud, and is also affected by how loud you've set your device to which it is connected. You know you've reached its loudest setting when it beeps at you, rather loudly. You control the volume with a simple plus and minus button on the device. The controls include the two volume buttons, which also double as skip forward or back and pause, a Bluetooth button, and a power switch. A small green light indicates when the unit is on, and flashes blue when the Bluetooth is enabled. The case makes the buttons a little hard to press, but holding them down for a second or three works fine. The Urchin boasts a removable silicone skin that supposedly comes in ten different colors, but only the red and black covers appear on the site, while the Apple Store also offers it in blue. I saw other skin colors available on Amazon for US19.99. The unit I received has a red skin, which is a bit more muted than shown in the photo below. You can swing it around with its built-in carry ring, but is not pocketable, as early reports claim. It barely fits into my size seven hand, but it's not as big as a watermelon, as one review on Amazon claimed. The thick skin includes a flip-down tab that covers the mini-USB charging port and the auxiliary port. This tab is probably the biggest failing of the whole device, as it has already ripped a little along the edges after minimal use. I edited BOOM's photo and circled the area where it ripped in the shot below. It looks small, because it is a small tear, but I suspect it will rip more with continued use. The press release claims that it is "waterproof for up to five minutes of saturation, dustproof and drop-proof as high as 10 feet (50 times in a row!)." The tab isn't sealed though, so I am not convinced of its water immersion protection. It hasn't rained here during daylight hours in months, so I wasn't able to put it to a water test. (Sorry, I'm not putting a working sound system in the shower!) The Urchin has an IPX4 Ingress Protection Rating (IP Code) also known as the International Protection Rating, according to Wikipedia. The Rugged Technologies site which explains the NEMA and IP Ratings and Equivalency states that the "4" means that "Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect." I dropped it on grass a couple of times and the pavement once with no effect. I dropped it not to test it, but because it is a bit heavy and even with the rubber-like cover, it slipped out of my hand. The Urchin includes a variety of holding accessories, including a carabiner, a self-adhesive mount that includes a screw that fits in the back of the device, a suction mount with stub on which to hang it, and a hand strap. Now, I think the Urchin is too heavy (.75 lbs) to carry via the hand strap, so I used the built-in ring most often. You need to be careful where you mount the self-adhesive screw mount because the Urchin could be difficult to screw into the mount. The aluminum carabiner could come in handy though. After a number of mishaps with suction mounts from a variety of companies, I elected not to test it. The Urchin retails for $149.95 and can be found with a red, blue, or black skin at your local Apple Store. The bottom line is that the Urchin has really nice sound and doesn't distort your music at any volume. The skin seems to rip around the tab too easily. The Bluetooth works well, but it started to degrade at around 15 to 20 feet, which is less than other Bluetooth speakers I've tested. I recommend the Urchin, if you can find it at a discounted price. The Urchin Package Speaker with a silicone skin USB Power Supply Micro USB Cable AUX Input Cable Adhesive Screw (which you need to unscrew to remove it from the packaging) Suction Cup Carabiner Instructions Technical Specs (from the Apple Store) Frequency Response: 100 Hz to 18 kHz Input Type: 3.5mm Stereo Jack, USB Other Features: Bluetooth Speaker Configurations: Stereo Drivers: Two 43 mm drivers Power Source: Battery Power Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Height: 2.25 in./5.71 cm Width: 3.875 in./9.84 cm Weight: 0.75 lb./0.34 kg Length: 6.25 in./15.87 cm
Jawbone Mini Jambox review
Jawbone's original Jambox made Bluetooth portable speakers a mass-market hit. Since then, though, Jawbone has started to lag behind as other companies have come out with better units that cost either the same price or less. Now, the $180 Mini Jambox is here with an even more portable design to help Jawbone keep its edge. Now that we've gotten the chance to live with it for a few weeks, it's time to answer the big questions you might have before placing a pre-order. Does the Mini Jambox offer marked improvements over the original? Is it enough to compete with all the other options in this space? And, most importantly, is the price right? Read on for the Engadget take.
