Bose has released a new Bluetooth speaker built for large spaces, thanks to a rugged design and an IP67 dust and water resistance rating. The Bose SoundLink Flex comes with a powder-coated silicone and steel rear grill, designed to protect it from drops, such as the ability to float on water if you drop it in a river by mistake (or in the bathroom if you're less adventurous). To further strengthen its outdoor credentials, Bose claims that the speaker is UV and corrosion resistant, so the materials won't degrade if left out in the sun. Available in black, white, and blue, the SoundLink Flex weighs just over a pound, making it a bit heavier than the Sonos Roam, which is our pick for the best Bluetooth speaker you can buy today. It's still superlight, and a handy utility buckle lets you easily attach it to a pack with a carabiner clip. And, with twelve hours of playback on a single charge, the SoundLink Flex has enough battery life to get you through a long hike or a night of music around the campfire. As far as sound is concerned? Bose claims the SoundLink Flex will deliver "stunning audio performance," with a driver designer tuned for plenty of clarity and "chest-pumping bass." Dual-opposed passive radiators working in conjunction with Bose's signal processing technology should help minimize any distortion from those powerful low-end frequencies.
(Image credit: Bose) The new waterproof speaker doesn't need to be worn in any particular way to get the best sound. According to Bose, it can tell if it's been laid horizontally or vertically, or if it's hanging from its useful loop, and will optimize your sound using the company's PositionIQ technology. You can boost the sound even more by pairing it with a second Bose Bluetooth speaker for stereo or mono sound. It can even be connected to other Bose wireless speakers and soundbars as part of a family audio system. Switching between sources should be easy as the Flex can remember up to 8 Bluetooth connections, though it uses the older Bluetooth 23 which is a bit confusing as most newer portable speakers are compatible. with Bluetooth five and above today. So possibly the new Bose speaker has a shorter wireless range than models like the JBL Charge 149 and Sony SRS-XBXNUMX. The built-in microphones let you answer calls using the speakerphone when paired with your phone, and while it doesn't have a built-in voice assistant like the Sonos Move, these microphones let you interact with your smartphone's assistant hands-free. Despite all these impressive specs, the Bose SoundLink Flex isn't terribly expensive compared to other Bluetooth speakers on the market. Free to buy now through the Bose site, it will cost you €XNUMX; Although the total cost has yet to be confirmed, it comes down to around €XNUMX / AU€XNUMX. It's a bit more affordable than the Sonos Roam, though the Bose SoundLink Flex doesn't come with Wi-Fi connectivity and can't work as a smart speaker.
Analysis: when is the best moment to buy a Bluetooth speaker?
Bose launched its new portable speaker in time for the Christmas season, but we'd advise you wait a little longer to pick up a new Bluetooth speaker. This is because Black Friday XNUMX is right around the corner, and retailers typically run deep discounts on Bluetooth speakers throughout the sales event. Last year's sales saw great deals on everything from the JBL Flip XNUMX to the Sonos Move, with many models reaching their lowest prices on record. This year, Black Friday falls on November XNUMX, but deals tend to start earlier in the month, so it pays to keep an eye on your favorite retailers early. The Bose SoundLink Flex isn't likely to get huge discounts this year, due to the fact that it's brand new, but older Bose Bluetooth speakers like the SoundLink Revolve and Home Speaker XNUMX could be more affordable than ever. If you've got a Bose speaker at heart (or love the look of the brand's wireless headphones and earphones), be sure to bookmark our guide to the best Bose Black Friday deals, where we'll round up the best Bose Black Friday deals. 'Here and there and the huge day. Via Engadget