brv-pro
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With this rugged speaker, sound takes a backseat to accessories
It takes a lot to get me excited about a Bluetooth speaker these days. Although subpar sound quality plagued early devices, newer models offer both good looks and solid audio. Even so, most of the current offerings are same-y; unremarkable. Now, a company called Braven has found a way to evolve the Bluetooth speaker even further, with a large selection of rugged wireless speakers. The BRV-PRO was unveiled earlier this year at CES, and while it certainly looks the part of a weatherproof speaker, it's the optional accessories that make it most compelling -- everything from a solar charging panel to a mount for your action camera. As you can imagine, though, those extras add up quickly. I spent some time with the $150 speaker and the various extras to find out if Braven's latest is worth it.
Braven's BRV-PRO modular speaker is a camper's delight
A Swiss Army knife and a Leatherman. Both of those items are capable of performing a number of tasks while remaining compact and easily packable. But what if the portable speaker that provides your campsite with tunes could do multiple things? Well, Braven's BRV-PRO can not only recharge your phone or tablet, but also its smattering of add-ons provide light, extend battery life, juice up the gadget with the sun's rays and more. The speaker is still fairly small despite its modular aspirations, so it won't take up much space in your backpack. If you splurge for the full collection of accessories though, the entire setup demands a slightly larger pocket, but they're all flat and should stow easily.
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.
