STACK #225 July 2023

FEATURE TECH

TOP TIP

If a portable speaker has a USB port, you can conveniently top up the charge in your phone from its powerful battery. Portable speaker batteries are designed to be long-life for continuous use, so siphoning off a bit of power for the phone shouldn’t significantly reduce its capacity.

dedicated spot indoors, or take it out and about? Knowing where you want the music to be narrows the options, as does the type of content you favour. Are you a bass lover? Look for a speaker or ear gear that pumps it up. Need an all-purpose speaker that sounds good across all music genres? Choose a portable Bluetooth model. And if podcasts and audiobooks are your thing, basic cans or Wireless connectivity, voice assistant support, hands-free calling, active noise cancelling, and smart home control are among the many features you’ll commonly find in today’s audio devices. Features run the gamut from basic to advanced, so determine the essential ones you need to avoid spending extra for bells and whistles you won’t use. Although chances are you’ll end up with more bang for your buck. buds will fit the bill. Feature set

To determine how water resistant your gear is, simply check its IPX rating – a handy international standard that measures resistance on a scale from 1–8. Look for IPX4 as a minimum to protect from splashes; anything higher is extra defence. If a device is resistant to both water and dust it will be designated IP followed by two digits – the first indicates dust resistance and the second, water. Many portable speakers are rated IP67 for high durability.

Earbuds come in a pocket carry case that doubles as a power source, keeping them conveniently charged and also holding up to three or four handy top ups, which is indicated by the total battery life of the charging case. Remember that battery life can be reduced by factors like extended use of noise cancelling and EQ in headphones and earbuds, and portable speakers with heavy bass can also consume more power. Water resistance Water and moisture is the enemy of electronics, so it’s important to protect and prolong the life of your device. Fortunately, most earbuds and portable speakers are designed to withstand splashes that inevitably occur when you’re working up a sweat at the gym, chilling by the pool, or caught in a sudden rain shower. More durable portable speakers can even float beside you in the pool!

Power that lasts Running out of charge can instantly kill a great song or get together, so substantial battery life is a must for headphones, earbuds, and portable speakers. The battery life of a product is

indicated as a full charge, which is variable across makes and models. Some devices support fast/quick charging for when you’re caught short. Generally, fully charged earbuds will give you around six hours of playing time; wireless headphones up to ten hours; and 10-12 hours of continuous play from portable Bluetooth speakers.

App advantages

Most audio gear has a proprietary companion app for guided set-up, as well as a range of customisable settings and shortcut presets, from noise cancellation levels and Bluetooth management, to saving playlists/streaming apps and controlling a party speaker’s lightshow. More advanced ear gear apps can control the volume of ambient

sound for voice isolation, and even measure and tailor volume levels for safe listening. Speaker and soundbar apps can feature auto-tuning and EQ optimisation to suit a room’s unique acoustics during the set-up stage, and compatible speakers can be easily added, paired or grouped in a chain throughout

the home using the app. Apps also commonly include an EQ to adjust bass, mid range, and treble levels, so the device sounds just right to your ears.

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