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What’s so common about Bluetooth speakers and the humble single-celled organism Amoeba? Well, both can come in any shape and form. Jokes apart, the gadgets market is now flooded with Bluetooth speakers of every size and shape that one can imagine. And almost all device-makers have a presence there. Here are two recent additions to the crowd, which stand out for their unique approach to an otherwise plebeian product.
Sunny side up
Zoook ZB-Solar Muse
French consumer technology company Zoook has come up with what it calls India’s first ever solar-powered, waterproof speaker. The rectangular device has an integrated (and neatly placed) solar panel on the front, which when exposed to sunlight, charges the lithium battery. About 10 minutes of sunlight can get you around 30 minutes of audio playback. This faculty makes it a convenient audio device for outdoor use, especially given that speaker batteries are notoriously fast-burning.
The Zoook ZB-Solar Muse has an impressively robust body that is shockproof, dustproof and suitably waterproof. (Of course, you’ll regret it if you’re going to dip it in a bucket). The ZB-Solar Muse offers 3D surround sound and is also charged via a USB cable.
Zoook claims ZB-Solar Muse offers a 30-hour battery backup, depending on the environment and streaming specs. In our experience, the device recorded a playback time of up to 15-50 hours. The Muse uses aptX high definition technology to power its audio, which comes out crisp and noise-less. The device comes with two detachable, strong velcro straps that cyclists use to strap the speakers on to their bikes. It even has a built-in flashlight, which can come handy during excursions.
Classy and crisp
SYSKA Sound Cup
The SYSKA Sound Cup sports a classy look, with a rubber-and-fabric body and an appealing design. It offers a sound output of 24 W and a music playback time of up to eight hours on a single charge.
The device has a 4,000 mAh battery and has a built-in microphone, which helps you attend calls even while listening to music. The Sound Cup also has a splash-proof design and has near-field communication (NFC) capability, which is a plus given the price tag. Syska offers a warranty period of one year.
The 560-gram device gives really good bass and can be a good addition to your living room. It supports USB charging, has a 3.5 mm audio jack and hands-free audio calling. The device gets fully charged in just about five hours, which is quite impressive. The Sound Cup has the IPX4 waterproofing, which protects it from water splashes from all directions.
The device offers a wireless range of about 10 meters, which is also quite impressive in this price range. The volume dialler on the neck of the device is a cool innovation and can impress the young and the old alike.
Price: ₹6,999
Pros: Good looks, high bass, strong audio output
Cons: No FM radio or SD card slot
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