Features
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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.
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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.
— 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.More features
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LCD display. Such a screen makes device management more intuitive: it can display the operating mode, equalizer settings, battery level, etc.
- 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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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.
Battery capacity
Theoretically, a
higher capacity allows to achieve greater battery life, but in fact, the operating time also depends on the power consumption of acoustics — and it can be very different, depending on the characteristics and design features. So this parameter is secondary, and when choosing it is worth paying attention not so much to the battery capacity, but to the directly claimed operating time (see below).
Material
The main material used in the construction of the hull.
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Plastic. Inexpensive and at the same time very convenient material for portable acoustics. Plastic easily accepts a variety of colours and complex shapes; the latter not only gives space to designers, creating
speakers of unusual design, but also allows you to apply various tricks to improve sound quality. In addition, this material is not afraid of moisture. It is believed that the strength of plastic is not very high, but this disadvantage is easily compensated by the large thickness of the material or the use of special impact-resistant grades. Therefore, plastic is found in all categories of speakers, from low-cost to high-end and from "home" to extreme, designed for an active lifestyle and frequent outdoor use.
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Metal. The metal gives the speakers a solid and expensive appearance, and on the practical side, this material is remarkable primarily for its high strength. At the same time, it is much more expensive than plastic — also due to the fact that manufacturers have to use shock-absorbing inserts and other tricks to avoid an unpleasant "metallic" coloration of the sound; and the mentioned strength is most often not critical. Therefore, metal cases are much less common than plastic cases, mainly in rather expensive portable acoustics.
— Silicone. Relatively soft and elastic mate
...rial, not afraid of moisture. Suitable for creating dust, moisture and shock-proof speakers; in addition, it is convenient for models with suction cups (see above) — the part of the body that has the appropriate shape can play the role of a suction cup directly. At the same time, silicone has no other noticeable advantages over plastic, so its use is limited to specific models of portable acoustics.
— Rubber. For a number of reasons, rubber is considered well suited for models with dust and water protection, almost all speakers made of this material are protected. In addition, due to the softness of the rubber provides good shockproof properties.
— Wood. Wood is considered the optimal material for speaker cabinets in terms of acoustics. However, the specificity of portable speakers is such that this moment is not decisive in this case, and the main advantage of wooden cases over others (primarily plastic ones) is their aesthetic appearance, with characteristic colours and patterns. In addition, many consider wood a more pleasant to the touch and “natural” material. But this option does not have any special practical advantages, despite the fact that it is quite expensive. As a result, portable speakers with wooden cases are rare — they are mostly designer models created based on the original design.
