Filip Novotny V previous article we took a look at the most interesting Apple accessories that this year's CES brought. However, we've kept the speakers and docking stations separate, and here's a roundup of the biggest news again.
JBL introduced the third speaker with Lightning - OnBeat Rumble
The JBL company, a member of the American concern Harman, did not delay long after the introduction of the iPhone 5 and was among the first to present two new speakers with a dock for the Lightning connector. They are OnBeat Micro a OnBeat Venue LT. The first one is available directly in the Czech Apple Online Store, while the second one is only available at some authorized resellers.
The third addition to the lightning speaker family is the OnBeat Rumble. It is the largest of all stations from JBL and, with its 50 W, also the most powerful. It also differs in its design, which is unusually robust and massive for this brand. Under the front orange grill we find two 2,5″ wideband drivers and a 4,5″ subwoofer. The dock itself is very ingeniously constructed, the Lightning connector is located on the top of the device under a special door. After they are opened, they serve as a support for the connected device, so the connector should not break out in any case.
In addition to the classic connection, Bluetooth wireless technology is also available, unfortunately the manufacturer does not state its version. JBL OnBeat Rumble is not yet available in Czech stores, in American stores site the manufacturer is available for $399,95 (CZK 7). However, it is currently sold out there as well, so we will probably have to wait a while for it.
JBL Charge: portable wireless speakers with USB
At JBL, they didn't forget about portable speakers either. The newly introduced JBL Charge is a small player with two 40 mm drivers and a 10 W amplifier. It is powered by a built-in Li-ion battery with a capacity of 6 mAh, which should provide up to 000 hours of listening time. It does not include any docking connection, it relies entirely on Bluetooth wireless technology. If you need to charge the device on the go, there is a USB port into which you can connect a cable from any phone or tablet.
The speaker is available in three colors: black, blue and green. On e-shop the manufacturer is already available for $149,95 (CZK 2). In the near future, it could also appear in the Czech Apple Online Store.
The new Harman/Kardon Play + Go will be wireless, in two colors
The American manufacturer Harman/Kardon has been selling docking speakers of the Play + Go series for a long time. Their novel design may not appeal to everyone (their stainless steel handle is somewhat reminiscent of Prague's public transport), nevertheless they are quite popular and the second updated version is currently on sale. At this year's CES, Harman presented another upcoming update that will completely remove the docking connector. Instead, it bets, according to the current trend, on wireless Bluetooth. It will be available not only in black, but also in white.
The manufacturer has not yet provided more information, on the official JBL website there is no mention of the new Play + Go at all. Due to the wireless technology, we can expect a slight price increase compared to the current 7 CZK (at authorized resellers).
Panasonic SC-NP10: old nomenclature, new device
Under the traditionally head-scratching name SC-NP10, a new and as yet unexplored type of device is hidden for Panasonic. This is a speaker tailored to tablets and the playback of content stored in them. Although it does not contain any of the connectors used today (30pin, Lightning or Micro-USB), its main feature is the ability to fit any tablet into a special slot on the top. It should fit the iPad and, of course, most competing devices. Playback is then possible thanks to the built-in Bluetooth technology.
We can label this speaker as a 2.1 system, but we don't know the exact specifications yet. Sales will begin in April this year, website Panasonic.com lists the price as $199,99 (CZK 3).
Philips expands the Fidelio range with a portable speaker
Product line Fidelio consists of headphones, speakers and docks designed for Apple devices. It also includes speakers with support for AirPlay technology, but it does not yet contain any portable solutions (if we do not count headphones). Last week, however, Philips introduced two battery-powered speakers with the designations P8 and P9.
According to reports so far, these two speakers are not too different in appearance, both are constructed from a combination of wood and metal. In certain color versions, the speakers have a slightly retro feel, and we can say that the design aspect was successful. The biggest difference between the P8 model and the higher P9 seems to be that only the latter contains a so-called crossover filter that redistributes the audio signals between the corresponding drivers. The P9 therefore sends low and medium tones to the main woofers, and high frequencies to the tweeters. This should prevent annoying distortion at higher volumes.
Both speakers contain a Bluetooth receiver as well as a 3,5 mm jack input. Phones and tablets can be powered via the USB port on the side of the device. Power is provided by the built-in Li-ion battery, which should ensure up to eight hours of continuous listening. Philips has not yet announced details regarding availability or price, but it is at least available on the website for eager future owners user manual.
ZAGG Origin: speaker Inception
Yo dawg, say you like iPhone speakers. So here you have a speaker in a speaker. ZAGG came up with some really interesting concepts at this year's CES. First she introduced cover with gamepad for iPhone 5, then this Inception speaker called Origin.
What is it actually about? A large stationary speaker, from the back of which it is possible to separate a smaller portable speaker with a built-in battery. Playback switches automatically when connected or disconnected, and charging is also ingeniously solved. There is no need to use cables, just connect the two speakers and the smaller component will immediately start charging from the mains. Both devices are wireless and use Bluetooth technology. We can also find a 3,5 mm audio input on the back of the smaller speaker.
This dual system is very interesting and ingenious, the question is how the ZAGG Origin will fare in terms of sound. Even foreign servers have not yet reviewed the device in depth, so we can only guess and hope. According to site the manufacturer will make Origin available "soon", at a price of €249,99 (CZK 6).
Braven BRV-1: highly durable outdoor loudspeaker
American company Braven is entirely dedicated to the production of portable wireless speakers. Its products combine a pleasant minimalist design with surprisingly good sound. The new BRV-1 model is a certain compromise in terms of appearance, but in favor of resistance to natural influences. According to the manufacturer, even a smaller "pinch" should withstand the rain without any problems.
How is this achieved? The drivers are hidden behind the front metal grille and specially treated against water damage. The sides and back are protected by a thick layer of rubber, the connectors on the back are protected by a special cap. Behind them is a 3,5 mm audio input, a Micro-USB port (with USB adapter) and a battery status indicator. But the speaker is built primarily for connection via Bluetooth.
An interesting option is to connect two Braven devices with a cable and use them as a stereo set. Surprisingly, this solution would not be too expensive either - na Site the manufacturer also listed a price of $169,99 (CZK 3) for one BRV-300 in addition to availability in February of this year. This is compared to the competition in the form Jawbone Jambox acceptable price, this worse playing alternative will cost around 4 CZK in Czech stores.
This year's CES spoke clearly: Bluetooth technology is on the way. More and more manufacturers are abandoning the use of any connectors and relying on wireless technologies instead of, for example, the new Lightning. Some companies (led by JBL) continue to manufacture docking stations, but it seems that they will be in the minority for the future. The question remains how these wireless speakers will deal with charging a connected device if they lack a connector. Some manufacturers simply add a USB connection, but this solution is not entirely elegant.
It is possible that we will completely change the view of accessories and use two devices separately in the home: a charging dock and wireless speakers. However, in the absence of an original dock from Apple, we will have to wait for solutions from other manufacturers.
