These portable speakers are indicative of the creativity that can be applied using Bluetooth technology. They can function as a wireless conference call dock and portable music streamer, and come with an extensive set of controls to boot. They include a Bluetooth dongle that supports
A2DP and Bluesoleil software that trounces Windows’ built in Bluetooth device management.
It even comes with magnets on the back, so you can stick it on the fridge. You’ll have to recharge it every 10 to 48 hours, depending on use, through the included AC adapter. Unfortunately this uses a custom power connector, not Mini-USB -- although you will be able to pick up a replacement at your local electronics shop if you lose it.
It also has audio inputs and outputs on the back to connect analogue devices the old fashioned way, although the mic input is 2.5mm. An external mic will replace the internal mic when connected, and the 3.5mm input will route incoming audio to the speakers and disable Bluetooth.
Once devices are paired, connections are established to A2DP devices by pressing the ‘play’ button and to Headset devices by pressing the ‘call’ button. The button functionality is extensive, and thankfully intuitive. It supports the headset profile and the inbuilt microphone will make it useful for conference calls.
The audio quality is a real letdown. The tinny speakers produce worse sound than many laptops, and simply can’t do the signal any justice. They’re the kinds of speakers that you’d find in a $10 Casio keyboard circa 1980, and are anything but high fidelity. This puts the Bluesonic portable speakers into the realm of a technology demonstration product, more than a product you’d actually use.
The Bluesonic portable speakers’ best point is that they have an inbuilt rechargeable battery, but whether you are willing to sacrifice fidelity for the convenience of going wireless is not a decision we’d make lightly, especially at this price point. The inclusion of an A2DP enabled Bluetooth (version 1.2) dongle redeems them somewhat, but we still can’t recommend them. We expect to see better implementations of the good ideas the Bluesonic portable speakers have brought to the market soon.
