STACK #194 Dec 2020

LIFE TECH FEATURE

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Buying tips

The Entertainer Shopping for the audiophile in your life has never been easier. Smart and Bluetooth speakers come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from big party pumpers to headline the summer with, right through to something you can throw in a bag for a road trip.

1 Are you looking for a smart speaker that connects to the internet so you can call out song choices, make phone calls, get a check on the weather or order takeaway? Or do you need a speaker that simply connects to your smart device via Bluetooth to access your playlists? 2 Think size. Are you buying for an entertainer or someone who just needs a portable device to move around the house or sling in a bag to take it mobile? 3 Price doesn‘t always denote the best quality – you don‘t have to spend a fortune to get a good speaker.

What is it? Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 What‘s the crack?

There are two things that will survive a nuclear war: cockroaches and the Megaboom 3. About the size of a tennis ball container, this speaker with a 20-hour battery life throws out big 360-degree sound whatever your poison may be. Drop proof, dust resistant and waterproof (yep, it floats so you can even lob it in the pool), this is the quintessential Aussie all-rounder. Who would it suit? Anyone who likes to take their music on the move whatever the elements may be.

What is it? Bose Soundlink Revolve

What‘s the crack? A classy looking Bluetooth speaker that fits in with any décor, the Soundlink Revolve, as the name suggests, delivers a big bassy sound in a 360-degree pattern, so no matter where you stand, you‘ll hear it. Calls can be taken through the speaker with the press of a button, with Siri and Google Now at your fingertips too. Who would it suit? Its smaller size makes the Bose Soundlink Revolve that perfect travel partner.

Christmas Cracker: Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in just six weeks. It has been adapted for the screen over 200 times.

What is it? Sonos Move What‘s the crack? The Sonos Move combines the dual

What is it? Ultimate Ears Hyperboom

What‘s the crack? The atomic bomb of Bluetooth speakers, the Hyperboom is the ultimate entertainer. At knee high, it‘s large enough to lead any summer celebration and with 24 hours of battery life, it will stay the distance too. The sound right out of the box is huge and heavy on the bottom

advantages of a Bluetooth speaker with the connectivity of a smart speaker. Robust and with a big, deep full sound, versatility is the selling point here. When linked to an internet connection the Move has built-in Google Assistant and Alexa for full voice control, while its Bluetooth functionality gives it total portability. Who would it suit? If you can‘t decide whether a Bluetooth or smart speaker is the way to go, the Move covers both bases for you.

end. However, an adjustable EQ means you‘ll be able to tailor your sound for any style of music or occasion. Who would it suit? Folk looking to take the party wherever they go. The neighbours will hate it!

Stocking Filler You never realised the special person in your life needed a remote control turd that makes fart noises as it trundles along until now.

46 DECEMBER 2020

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