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UE Boom 2: One of the best wireless speakers gets even better
Ultimate Ears is at it again, updating the last straggler in its line of Bluetooth speakers to get them all on the same page in terms of build and software. A few months ago, the company revamped its entry level offering and today Ultimate Ears is announcing the UE Boom 2. This is the mid-level speaker in the UE lineup and although the changes may be hard to notice at first glance, they're significant enough to warrant a second look. It sports a fresh set of colors and a tighter fabric mesh that contributes to its new IPX7 waterproof rating. The internals have been reworked to improve Bluetooth range, sound quality and offer a few special features. The UE Boom 2 is available today on the Ultimate Ears website, with Apple's online store following close behind. You can pick one up for the same $199 price as the original UE Boom (it's £170 in the UK), but you'll be getting a good deal more under the hood.
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.
Does bigger mean better for UE's popular 'Boom' speakers?
It's taken me years to overcome my vinyl-based anachronistic tendencies. I've been particularly reluctant to buy digital music files; to me it's right up there with e-books -- spending good money on "virtual" products. Still, the accessibility of digital music and being able to stream wirelessly are more compelling than being a Luddite. So I began the search for a quality portable speaker. That ended two years ago after I tried the UE Boom. It quickly won me over with its design, sound quality and 360-degree speaker setup. I stowed it in my backpack's side pouch for long bike rides and could easily hear it over the wind. The speaker never sounded "boxy" either, with its omnidirectional output. This year, Ultimate Ears decided to pump up the specs, size and, inevitably, the price for its newest model, the aptly named Megaboom. I was curious to see how this would compare, since it seemed less portable. So I took the Megaboom (a pair of them, actually) for a spin to see how they stacked up.
Engadget giveaway: win a Megaboom speaker courtesy of Ultimate Ears!
We've been fond of the UE Boom since its arrival in 2013 and I've personally logged dozens of hours biking to its respectable 360-degree audio output. There is, however, only so much sound you can pump out of such a small speaker and Ultimate Ears decided to increase the volume (and size) this year with its new UE Megaboom. This larger model has the same feature set as its predecessor, but the Bluetooth range has been bumped up to 100 feet, the battery life is now rated for up to 20 hours and it's waterproof, just in case the party gets messy. As before, you can pair two of the speakers using the Megaboom app for stereo sound. Like what your hearing so far? Ultimate Ears has been kind enough to provide one of these big beat boxes (err, cylinders) for two Engadget readers this week. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning one of these party rocking speakers. Winners: congratulations to Mark S. of Saint Peters, MO. and Edwin L. of Carson, CA.
UE MEGABOOM is the new authority in Bluetooth portable speakers
Last week I wrote on the announcement of UE MEGABOOM (US$299.99) Bluetooth speaker, the new big brother to the UE BOOM ($199.99) and the UE MINIBOOM ($99.99). I reviewed the UE BOOM last year and was thrilled with its performance as a portable, durable and great sounding wireless speaker. It's the portable Bluetooth speaker I've been recommending to everyone that's been asking. This last week I've had the pleasure of putting UE's MEGABOOM through its paces, especially in comparison to the smaller BOOM. Read on to find out how the MEGABOOM fared. Design and Features In terms of design, the MEGABOOM looks like a super-charged version of the BOOM. All the design cues and details are virtually identical to the BOOM. In my BOOM review, I likened the BOOM's shape to that of an old-school cylindrical pencil case. The MEGABOOM is exactly like that, only the bigger version that holds about a dozen more pencils. It's 8.3 inches tall and has a diameter of 3.3 inches. The MEGABOOM weighs 1.93 Ib or 875g, which is just over 300g heavier than the BOOM. It's still extremely solid, and really easy to pick up and carry around with one hand. Although those 300g are noticeable when carrying the MEGABOOM for extended periods of time in comparison to the BOOM, the extra weight is negligible in day to day use. It's the size in form factor which is the dramatic change here. It's the difference between shoving the BOOM into a small satchel or even a coat pocket and the MEGABOOM requiring a backpack or something of that ilk. Still, I would consider the MEGABOOM a truly portable wireless speaker. From its capacious 20-hour battery life (up from 15 hours for the BOOM) and 100-foot Bluetooth range (up from 50 feet on the BOOM), to the smallest details of the design, the MEGABOOM will perform in just about any environment. For example, like the BOOM, the MEGABOOM's cylindrical shape means that there are no edges or potential hooks for it to grate or snag on. The fact that you can feel your way around the speaker without needing to look at it; the on / off button is indented at the top while the Bluetooth pairing button is raised. The volume-up and volume-down buttons are indented along the rubbery back of the speaker in "+" and "-" symbols. Furthermore, the MEGABOOM is IPX 7 certified, which means it's waterproof in up to 1 meter of water. Awesome! The USB charging port and 3.5mm audio input jack have rubber doors to make the MEGABOOM air tight. You've no need to worry about drops into the bathtub, swimming pool or if you leave it out in the rain, which means you don't need to bother with carry cases or protective covers. It's design that serves both form and functional that means there's no fuss. You just focus on the music. Performance Pairing to the MEGABOOM on my iPhone, iPad and also my Mac over Bluetooth was really easy and straightforward. When you first connect to the speaker, you're prompted to download the easy-to-use MEGABOOM app, which is there for the extras, like EQ settings, software updates and other features. In terms of audio performance, the MEGABOOM builds on everything the BOOM delivers. The 360-degree room filling audio that comes from the cylindrical shape is enlarged and well-rounded. High-end is open, clear and spacious, while the low end is much warmer and fuller than what the littler BOOM offers. The fantastic My Brightest Diamond's track Pressure puts the MEGABOOM to the test. Tight snare with a big kick and fat toms are punchy and detailed, but it's the bass riff that drives while the vocal is clear and smooth, front and center. Wind instruments are the icing, while synths and BVs enhance and fill everything out. It's a brilliant song and the MEGABOOM handles it well. If I was to be picky, It'd be in those booming low frequencies that things can get slightly muddied. Of course, positioning of the MEGABOOM will make a big difference to the sound it produces. The accompanying MEGABOOM app allows for custom EQ settings to adjust to your preferences. Speaking of which, the MEGABOOM app also allows for over-the-air software updates to the MEGABOOM as well as the ability to pair the MEGABOOM with up to 10 other MEGABOOMS. What a party that would be! There's also the alarm clock and and a new feature that lets you turn on or off the MEGABOOM from the app, for those late nights or early mornings where you can't be bothered to get out of bed. Conclusion The MEGABOOM is a real level-up in comparison to the BOOM. For a truly portable speaker, design, portability and overall audio performance are top-notch. Sure, it may be bigger than the BOOM, but the enhanced audio, Bluetooth range and battery life far outweigh the extra bulk. The only downside of significant note is the price. The $299.99 price feels a little on the expensive side. But if your budget can reach for it, the MEGABOOM is the Bluetooth speaker to get. However, If you do need something a little smaller or you can't justify the price tag, the smaller BOOM is still a worthy contender.
CES 2015: Ultimate Ears announces the MegaBoom
Ultimate Ears has added the MegaBoom (US$299.99) to its line-up of truly portable Bluetooth speakers, alongside the Boom and Mini Boom. Last year I reviewed the UE Boom and found it to be the best all-round portable Bluetooth speaker I had the pleasure of listening to in 2014. It sounds fantastic, has great battery life, and it is remarkably portable and durable. UE says the MegaBoom builds on everything the Boom delivers. Key features include a large, 360 degree sound with heart-pounding bass, 20 hours of battery life with ultra-fast micro-USB charging, a 100-foot Bluetooth range, and less than two pounds of weight. Furthermore, the MegaBoom is IPX7 certified against water -- it's waterproof! Like the Boom, the MegaBoom uses the accompanying iOS app for sound customization and additional features, including pairing with other MegaBoom or Boom speakers for stereo sound. UE says the MegaBoom will be available in the U.S. and in select countries in Europe and Asia in January. We'll hopefully get our hands on the MegaBoom in the coming weeks for a full review.
UE Boom for iOS, Mac is a superb and portable Bluetooth speaker
The UE Boom (US$199) by Ultimate Ears is a portable, Bluetooth-enabled wireless speaker compatible with Mac and iOS devices. If you've ever grown tired of the limited quality of your MacBook, iPhone or iPad's speaker (and let's face it, who hasn't?), the UE Boom is designed to bring high-quality, long-lasting audio to your device in a robust, easy-to-use, portable form factor. Features The Boom is small, about the size and shape of an old-school cylindrical pencil case (diameter: 6.5cm, height: 18 cm). It's easy to pick up, and even hold for extended periods of time in your hand. It's compact enough to shove in a bag and durable enough for you not to worry about it getting damaged while it's in there. It's solid too; nothing rattles and there are no moving parts. It's weighty (538g), but not heavy. It's even water resistant with a Level 4 Ingress Protection Rating. The Boom is designed to be used anywhere: the kitchen, the bathroom, the car, a camping trip or even on a bicycle ride. There are four buttons on the Boom. On the top are the power button and a Bluetooth pairing button. On its side are two large, indented volume-up and volume-down buttons in the shape of "+" and "-" symbols, which are easy to find, but sometimes difficult to push. Pressing the power button turns the device on. The button lights up and the Boom plays a little drum roll, telling you it's alive and well. Pressing and holding the Bluetooth pairing button allows the Boom to be paired with up to 8 devices. When pairing happens, a shorter drum-roll sounds. The effect is endearing, and it's useful too. The Boom's underside has a micro-USB input for charging, a 3.5mm audio input and a hook to affix the Boom to things. The Boom is colorful. It comes in a multitude of dual-color pairings or more extravagant custom editions. The color really adds to the Boom's appeal, saying so much more about the excitement of listening to music than other wireless speakers that remain dull and neutral. In terms of design and quality, the Boom is one of the best accessories I've had the pleasure of reviewing. It really is a pleasing and exciting piece of kit to behold and use. Finally, the Boom has a companion iOS app to update the Boom's software as well as adjust settings, enable 2x pairing of two Booms, for a stereo sounndfield or just double the volume, and a handy alarm clock feature, where your Boom plays the last played track as a wake-up call. Performance The Boom continues to impress in the audio department. Sound is clear and dynamic. Whatever you seem to put through the Boom, it produces an exciting and engaging listen -- all this coming from a portable, wireless speaker. The 360-degree sound is room filling and can get very loud. I found I never really took the Boom much past half-way volume when indoors, but would happily crank it up for an impromptu social gathering or using it outdoors. At high volumes the Boom held its composure and didn't distort. If anything, I found putting the volume up exposed the nasty flaws of lesser-quality audio files. Using Spotify's high-quality playback, the Boom provided a compelling listen, even distracting in a good way. As engaging as the sound is, I did find the Boom missed out on the finer details that might be found on higher-end equipment. Pairing the Boom to my iPhone and iPad was effortless. Once paired, you choose the Boom from the AirPlay menu wherever you see it in iOS. Volume is adjusted and mirrored whether you change it on the Boom or your iOS device. It's important to note that the Boom doesn't take advantage of Apple's AirPlay technology, so you don't need a WiFi router to use it. However, using Bluetooth means that signal range is limited. UE says the Boom has 15 meters or 50 ft of range. However, I found that indoors, with walls and doors to contend with, the Boom started to drop signal after about 8 meters. A great little bonus feature is that the Boom has a built-in mic, which means you can take and receive phone calls through the Boom. However, all control needs to be done on your iOS device. It was a little disappointing to find that the Boom couldn't take advantage of Siri to make or take calls, let alone change tracks. Pairing on the Mac was just as straightforward as on iOS, but I found the Boom didn't have the same ease and responsiveness in terms of controlling volume, switching apps, etc as it does on iOS. Playing music was fine, but I couldn't always get system sounds to come through the Boom. In another instance, I couldn't hear a Skype call ringing, but could have the conversation through the Boom. Things seemed temperamental. It'd be great to see these little kinks worked out in a software update. Bluetooth pairing also means that multiple devices don't always work as coherently as multiple devices do with AirPlay. If I was playing a track on my iPhone and then "interrupted" that track by playing a track from my Mac, the track from my iPhone wouldn't stop, but just become disjointed and distorted. I found I had to stop playback on one device before I could play something from another. A couple times I had to power down the Boom and re-pair it to get rid of little distortions and corrupted playback. UE says the Boom has a battery life of 15 hours. While I didn't do an extensive battery test, I found the battery lasted extremely well when the volume wasn't pushed excessively for long periods of time. I easily got through a day of playback with the Boom sitting at my desk. The Boom can also be powered by the included USB cable plugged into a wall socket or USB power supply, so if the Boom's battery does run out, the party doesn't have to end there! Conclusion In short, the Boom is the best portable music speaker I've used. It looks fantastic, is seriously portable, is a pleasure to use, and the sound it produces is exciting and entertaining. At this price point, there's not a better wireless speaker out there that I know of. There are a few niggles; no Siri integration for iOS devices, operation as an audio output on the Mac is a little buggy when working with certain applications, and Bluetooth range is somewhat limited in comparison to AirPlay when indoors. However, the pros far outweigh the relatively minor cons here. The UE Boom is the portable wireless speaker to get. Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars possible
Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Audio
Welcome to Engadget's holiday gift guide! Head back to our hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Like cameras, audio gadgets are the kind of gifts you want to start using fresh out of the box at this year's holiday parties. Okay, it's probably not a good idea to ditch the festivities to test out that new pair of over-ears, but the speakers and services listed below should guarantee that your party playlists are taken care of.
UE Boom: a splash-resistant, Bluetooth-enabled speaker for overzealous rioters
You know what'll go perfectly with that waterproof Bluetooth speaker ball that a Billy Corgan doppelganger recommended a few years back? That odd tube you're undoubtedly fixated on above. That's the Ultimate Ears UE Boom, and those people underneath are presumably blitzed from a day of raving at [insert EDM festival here]. Parent company Logitech is calling this thing the "world's first social music player," but last we checked, it's not capable of tweeting whatever you're listening to. Instead, it's seemingly engineered "to help you rage, riot, party and play the music you love, out loud." Seriously -- that's in the description. In order to do so, there's a Bluetooth radio within, NFC support, a 15-hour rechargeable battery and an exterior that'll turn away light splashes. Of note, you can wirelessly link two UE Booms together using an associated Android or iOS app to play them in either stereo-to-stereo mode or traditional left / right stereo mode. It's expected to hit US and European shores later this month for $199.99, which means you too can take weird shots of yourself holding it at frat parties in the very, very near future.
