Speakers wondrous and wireless

MANILA, Philippines - Since its invention in 1994, Bluetooth technology has caught on as a preferred method for devices to connect wirelessly  dispensing with ungainly cables, and the hassle of having to line gadgets up as in the case of infrared (which works well in the case of remotes, truth be told).

While Apple’s AirPlay promises greater range and higher-quality audio capability, the technology is limited to Apple devices or third-party developers who pony up the dough for its use. An Internet article reckons that AirPlay licensing adds $100 to a speaker’s price.

Bluetooth, thus, is the cheaper alternative and the only feasible option, in fact, for Android device users. Here, we look at three Bluetooth speaker products that are just raring to give voice to your devices — Apple or otherwise.

The Divoom Bluetune Solo (P2,500) is a barrel-type, attractively designed portable speaker expected to appeal to a younger demographic from the moment it’s switched on — triggering blue LED bulbs at its base.

The power comes courtesy of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. A two-in-one cable lets the user simultaneously or separately charge (via USB port) or get audio signals (through a device’s headphone jack). Divoom claims an effective Bluetooth range of 10 meters. The battery supposedly charges in a minimum of 2.5 hours, and should last for up to eight hours of goodness.

The Bluetune Solo’s touted “X-Bass” feature allows the device to defy its 60 x 73-mm frame and meager four-watt rating to serve up low-end signals by the, well, barrel. Highs and mids are pretty decent, too. Pushed to its limits (and you don’t easily get there, by the way) through excessive volume, the 50-mm driver seems ready to burst through the grille with distortion, while still trying to shrug off the abuse. All said, you will be surprised how loud it can get while maintaining sound integrity.

Another thing that separates the Bluetune Solo from many in its niche is an ability to accommodate hands-free calls on enabled phones — courtesy of its built-in microphone. Divoom also adds a daisy-chain capability — letting users link speakers together through the Bluetune Solo’s auxiliary output jack. Again, all this performance is packed in such a small package that even comes with its own carrying pouch. The Bluetune Solo comes in matte colors of white, orange, slate, red, blue, and purple.

The Divoom Onbeat-200 (P3,950) is a few notches higher up the totem pole from its Bluetune Solo brethren. Equipped with the same wireless capabilities and built-in microphone to accommodate hands-free calls or video chats, the Onbeat-200 packs double the wattage with a pair of two-inch speakers. Divoom pumps up the low range with its proprietary passive bass radiator.

Indeed, it delivers performance and appeal that is orders of magnitude above the Solo. The speakers did not distort at high volume, and the eye-candy design is both funky and classy. The built-in 1200mAh rechargeable battery should be good for eight wireless hours of play.

Of course, the bigger profile of 165 x 52 x 70 mm means the brick-shaped Onbeat-200 will take up more space in your backpack. But you would not — and should not — mind. Coming in gray, black, blue, and red, each model of this Bluetooth speaker looks as pretty as it sounds. It certainly is a steal for the tag.

If you are the type to want music on tap wherever you go, then the curiously shaped Boom Swimmer (P3,500) should do just the trick. And it’s no one-trick-pony, either.

Shrugging off water, dust, and shock, the Swimmer just begs you to take it with you. Rated IPX7, the Swimmer can be submerged in a meter of water for 30 minutes with the “tail” on. The tail is in no way a whimsical appendage that makes the Swimmer look like a tadpole or, gasp, sperm cell, but is actually a flexible way to attach, loop or secure the speaker to most anything indoors or outdoors.

The tail unscrews for easy access to the micro USB slot (to charge the lithium-ion battery), and line-in jack for direct wiring. Operation is very straightforward and easy. A voice even informs you when the unit has been switched on, off, and paired. You can pause, skip tracks, and adjust the volume on the Swimmer’s sturdy rubber face.

The tail can be replaced by a provided suction cup that provides more bass performance for the single-speaker system when you stick it to any flat surface. A two-hour charge delivers up to eight hours of playback at full volume; 16 hours at half volume.

Hook it to your bike’s handlebars, loop it around your backpack strap, or fasten it to the swimming pool handrail. The Boom Swimmer — which comes in blue, red, gray, mint, and white — makes a very simple proposition. If you just cannot leave home without music, then this should be your best bud.