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Speakerphone. Possibility of using portable sound system as a public address system for a mobile phone. In this mode, the sound system are connected to the device using Bluetooth, and the voice of the subscriber at the other end of the line is output not to the phone’s speaker, but through the speakers of the speaker system. This is often more convenient than holding the phone to your ear; In addition, speakerphone is useful if several people need to participate in a conversation.
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NFC chip. NFC is a short-range wireless communication technology (about 10 cm). It allows for many uses, but in portable speakers it is usually used as an addition to Bluetooth, making it easier to set up the communication. For example, a smartphone with an NFC module can simply be brought close to a speaker with the same function - and both devices will automatically recognize each other, and the user will only have to confirm the communication.
- Multipoint. A technology used in Bluetooth models that allows the speaker to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. Thanks to this, you can, for example, listen to music from a laptop, and when you receive a call on your mobile phone, switch the speakers to conversation. Different manufacturers have their own characteristics of this technology, and therefore, if the multipoint function is critical for you, it is worthwhile to separately clarify the details of
...its operation in the selected model.
- Mobile app. The ability to operate the functions and settings of portable sound system through a mobile application for a smartphone or tablet. Communication between the device and gadgets is usually carried out via the Bluetooth wireless protocol. The proprietary software may provide tools for flexible sound settings (equalizer, bass boost, etc.), managing wireless connections, selecting a sound source, etc. Also, through a mobile application, it is often possible to update the firmware of portable sound system.
— Vibrating column. A type of portable sound system that uses external objects - tables, window glass, etc. - as a sound emitter. In simple words: for such a speaker to sound, it needs to be mounted on another object. True, not all of them require fastening to an external object - some are practically no different from ordinary portable sound system, and the “vibration” function is provided as an additional option.
— Lighting effects. Such effects can be different - from a simple set of light bulbs blinking at a constant frequency, to advanced color and music systems that produce multi-colored patterns in time with the music being played. In any case, this function has more of an entertainment meaning and does not in any way affect the sound of the device.
— Mini-Jack output (3.5 mm). A connector designed to output an audio signal from a speaker system to another device - for example, a stationary audio system with a linear mini-Jack (3.5 mm) input. Note that the signal level at this output is low, and passive sound system cannot be connected directly to it - you need to use an amplifier.
— For headphones (miniJack 3.5 mm). A specialized output for connecting headphones, made in the 3.5 mm mini-Jack format - this is the standard used by the vast majority of modern “ears”. Headphones can come in handy in situations where loud sounds are undesirable (for example, in a living room at a late time) - or, conversely, in a noisy environment when the sound from the speakers is simply not audible.
- Watch. A traditional watch is a device for displaying time. They are not a “vital” function for portable sound system, but in some cases it is faster to look at the time on the dial of the speaker than to look for another clock.
- Alarm. A classic alarm clock is a sound signal at a time specified by the user, which can be used both for getting up and for other purposes. Must be combined with a watch (see above). The specificity of alarm clocks in portable sound system is that they allow you to use a certain song or even a radio station as a signal.-
LCD display. Such a screen makes device management more intuitive: it can display the operating mode, equalizer settings, battery level, etc.
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Remote control. Portable sound system can be equipped with wireless remotes operating in the IR range. The advantages of such equipment are obvious: the system can be controlled from a distance, without the need to approach it every time.
- Handle / strap.
The presence of a handle or strap makes wearing the speaker more comfortable. So the handle is used mainly in large stereo speakers and makes them look like boomboxes (
radio tape recorders) of yesteryear. The strap can be used both for large speakers and for miniature ones, which allows you to hang them on your hand, on elements of a backpack, etc.
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Flashlight. Such a function most likely will not replace a high-end specialized flashlight. The power of the built-in flashlight is usually enough to illuminate at least a distance of 2 - 3 meters, and models with a bike mount (see above) can even play the role of a headlight (although, again, they are inferior to specialized bicycle lights).
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Carabiner A latch-like device that allows you to attach the speaker to items of clothing, backpack straps, etc.
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Sucker. Such a device makes it possible to securely fix the column on a flat surface and easily remove it from there. Suction cups are often equipped with waterproof models that can even be used in bathtubs and showers.
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Bike mount. A special device designed to fix the column on a bicycle - usually on the handlebars, at the user's fingertips. Such models are often complemented by a speakerphone function that allows you to talk on the phone without taking your hands off the steering wheel.
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Battery powered. Powered by replaceable elements (in the form of batteries or accumulators), usually AA or AAA. This option makes the speakers more autonomous - and, unlike the built-in battery, sockets are not required for such models, the main thing is to have a supply of fresh batteries on hand. At the same time, the batteries themselves are usually not included in the kit, they must be purchased separately; at the same time, the capacity of disposable batteries may turn out to be different (usually it depends on the price category), and elements in the form of batteries are expensive.
The presence of a standard connector for charging.
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microUSB. One of the miniature versions of the USB connector, still popular in portable gadgets, despite the emergence of a more advanced USB-C. It has relatively modest capabilities (in particular, it is inferior to USB-C in terms of the maximum possible charging power), but this moment is rarely critical. At the same time, there are a great many cables and chargers for microUSB.
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USB-C. A relatively new type of USB connector, actively gaining momentum. Like microUSB, it is small in size, but has a more convenient reversible design and advanced features, such as the ability to transmit higher power, which has a positive effect on charging time.
