14 DAY TRIAL // Many smartphone and tablet owners use headphones of some kind when traveling. They hold the phone in a pocket, or the tablet in a bag, and still listen to music or answer calls. Harman's latest three devices are not this sort of audio products. Instead of headphones, they are portable speakers.
The JBL Flip is one of them. Capable of communicating with any Bluetooth-enabled device (Blackberry, tablet, iPhone, Android phone), it lasts for 5 hours.
Its shape is that of a cylinder, and it is possible to place it on a desk or table either horizontally or vertically. It features a built-in bass port and digital signal processing software.
The second speaker is JBL Micro Wireless and, like the other one, connects via Bluetooth. It has a built-in audio cable as well (3.5mm), plus the ability to daisy-chain to other JBL Micro speakers. The battery life is, again, 5 hours.
Third, and last, is the JBL Micro II, with no Bluetooth support but a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, a 40mm driver and the ability to daisy-chain like the Micro Wireless, all in a package as large as a hockey puck.
“These ultra-portable JBL speakers were designed specifically for the on-the-go music lover who wants a quality audio performance with portability – a desirable feature set that JBL, thanks to its pioneering role in audio development, is uniquely positioned to deliver,” said Sachin Lawande, executive vice president of HARMAN and co-president of HARMAN Lifestyle and Infotainment.
“We are providing technically sophisticated speakers with high-performance drivers and built-in bass ports in small packages so music fans will hear the truth. The sound is very impressive.”
Harman International Industries is selling the JBL ultra-portable speakers though the JBL website, for $39 to $99 (31 to 78 Euro). The products should work with Windows phones just as well as they do with the products already listed.