iLuv Debuts SyrenPro Bluetooth Speaker With Weather-Resistant Body

Joining iLuv's Syren line of Bluetooth speakers is the SyrenPro, a weather and splash-resistant Bluetooth speaker featuring TrueWireless Stereo - which allows users to wirelessly pair two units to create a powerful stereo sound system similar to Ultimate Ears' highly regarded dual-pairing UE Boom and Mini Boom portable speakers. The SyrenPro speaker is ready to face the elements with its new weather and UV-resistant body, making it the ideal speaker for outdoor entertainment. iLuv's new TrueWireless Stereo feature allows two SyrenPro units to be paired wirelessly via Bluetooth, creating a full stereo sound system.

The speaker also features iLuv’s jAura sound technology which delivers a perfect balance of high, middle and low range frequencies, while its unique design creates a sound chamber for deep, rich bass. Its 3" co-axial speaker driver delivers powerful, high fidelity 360 degree sound capable of filling rooms and outdoor areas much similar to the UE Boom and Sound Blaster AXX 200 portable wireless speakers. For convenience, SyrenPro includes voice prompts for easy pairing and an aux-in port to connect to devices without Bluetooth. It is powered by a rechargeable battery for up to 4 hours of playtime. iLuv's SyrenPro Bluetooth speaker is available in black and white, and will be available later this month for $150. 

Nir Schneider

Editor-in-Chief

Jawbone Mini Jambox Speaker, So Portable It Can Fit In Your Pocket

Today Jawbone has finally introduced a new speaker that will join its iconic lineup of portable wireless Bluetooth speakers, the Mini Jambox. The slimmer, lighter, more portable Mini Jambox features an all-new aluminum enclosure which is available in multiple patterns and colors designed by renowned designer, Yves Behar. Internally, the Mini Jambox features the same hardware found on the original Jambox - a microphone for speakerphone functionality as well as two proprietary audio drivers and one passive bass radiator actively tweaked using Jawbone's digital signaling processing to deliver the best performing rich sound quality at any volume level.

Jawbone's Mini Jambox also features on-board music playback and speakerphone controls, Bluetooth 4.0, and a built-in rechargeable battery capable of providing 10 hours of continuous wireless music streaming, and an exclusive iOS and Android app that lets users adjust the audio settings on the Mini Jambox while also take control of their iTunes, Rdio, and Spotify music libraries using the single app.

The Mini Jambox isn't going to replace Jawbone's original Jambox speaker just yet, but it's still priced equally at $180. The new stylish wireless Bluetooth portable speaker is now available for pre-order in nine different colors and grille pattern designs, and is expected to be released later this month.

High Quality All Around With The T-Sound X Bluetooth Speaker

We have come upon another gem on Kickstarter in an “Apple-esque” bluetooth speaker. It all starts with the build quality when it comes to the T-Sound X and the body is made of high quality aluminum with an Apple outlook finishing. On the surface are six capacitive touch buttons, similar to the technology found on the iPhone, and appear and disappear when you use it or leave it alone. On the inside, the T-Sound X comes built with Bluetooth 4.0 for any device you are using and uses proprietary drivers along with a passive radiator inside the body for high quality sound that doesn’t slack off on bass. With the specially designed antenna that can cover up to 60 feet and the 10 hour lithium battery life, the T-Sound X could last longer and reach further than even your phone could. No bluetooth available? No worries because they have a 3.5mm stereo input to connect directly to your device and weighing in at roughly 0.7 lbs, you can take this anywhere as a compact and powerful speaker. Currently raising funds on Kickstarter, you can pledge $75 and secure yourself one or spend $99 and get the limited edition that includes a free laser engraving and a protective case. 

Nixon Blaster Portable Speaker Announced

Nixon bro! The totally rad brand of sporting goods has a new portable speaker up its sleeve that like a bunch of others, wants to win your wallet over Jawbone's Big Jambox. Nixon's new Blaster is a durable, and powerful portable Bluetooth speaker built to withstand the elements of weather and shock-inducing mishaps with its shock-resistant silicone clad construction of which Nixon claims is "nearly indestructible". Hardware wise, the Blaster encases custom-tuned drivers of unknown specification, and an impressive 18-hour rechargeable battery for all-day tune cranking at the skate park. We don't know any specific details other than a slated May release.

Nir Schneider

Editor-in-Chief

Soundmatters' foxL Dash 7 Pocketable Speaker Lays Low

The foxL Dash 7 by Soundmatters is a rather peculiar portable speaker designed as a flat soundbar so it can keep a low profile in order to seamlessly be put in front of your tablet or laptop without hindering your viewing pleasure, whilst maximizing the audio experience with powerful omnidirectional sound. The foxL Dash 7 may be much slimmer than Soundmatter's foxL V2 series of portable speakers, yet it should perform just as well. It features an angled stand for adjusting the direction of the audio output, extended-range wireless Bluetooth audio streaming, a dual passive radiator system, a noise-canceling microphone for use with the Dash 7's speakerphone functionality and a rechargeable battery for up to 12 hours of usage.

Soundmatter's foxL Dash 7 pocketable wireless speaker will become available later this month in four trim colors for $249. Expect many more portable speakers to spring about at this year's CES event.

Satechi Audio Cube Is Back With A New Look

Portable speakers are starting to become reliable and quality audio devices than what it use to be. Just look at Jawbone and Logitech, they're doing a pretty good job. Satechi wants a piece of the cake too as they out their newly redesigned Audio Cube that's just as the name suggests. It's a cube. It plays music. Dressed in a rubberized casing with a shiny gloss panel on top, the Audio Cube is as simple as portable Bluetooth speakers get. 

While these are in no way meant to be your daily audio speakers for high quality sound, they are definitely nice to have in your bag or backpack as a portable speaker. It's Bluetooth capability is a plus too. You can pick one of these up on Amazon at a nice and smooth $49.99.

Beats By Dre Pill Portable Bluetooth Speaker Released

Dr. Dre has a new Pill for you to try, and it's banging. Beats By Dre has released its newest portable Bluetooth speaker called the Pill. The Pill is a $200 tabular shaped wireless speaker with a set of four 1" drivers that produce powerful sound with clear highs and booming bass. The Pill is already said to have surpassed the equally priced Jawbone Jambox in terms of sound quality, which isn't very surprising given the fact the Jawbone hasn't improved and released a new version of its famous and well designed portable speaker.

The Beats Pill is compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device that supports the Bluetooth A2DP profile and has an internal mic for speakerphone functionality and also features tap-to-pair NFC and apt-X Bluetooth tech for high quality, easy and instant Bluetooth streaming connection. Some of the features include:

  • All call functions - including speakerphone when paired with your smartphone
  • Four speaker system with Beats unique sound profile
  • Rechargeable lithium ion battery provides 7 hours of continuous play
  • AC Power adapter with USB receptacle for charging
  • Auto shut-off after 30 minutes of no signal detection in order to conserve battery life
  • 3.5mm line out for connection to an external speaker system
  • Built-in mic for hands free conferencing
  • Echo cancellation for call clarity and feedback control
  • 8 Bluetooth profiles 

The Beats By Dre Pill portable Bluetooth speaker is available now in white, black and red colors and includes a carabiner clip for secure attachment.

Nir Schneider

Editor-in-Chief