Bluetooth wireless speakers come in all shapes and sizes these days. Sony’s latest offerings illustrate that fact. Today, Sony officially unveiled two new speakers in its Bluetooth speaker line: the compact SRS-XB100 ($59) and the powerhouse SRS-XV800 ($649.99). At a press event in Manhattan we got to check out both speakers in action. The little guy can be paired with a twin for stereo listening, but it packs a wallop on its own.
The SRS-XB100 is cylindrically shaped, measuring 3 inches in diameter and about 3 3/4 inches high, and weighing about 10 ounces. The XB100 is Sony’s only Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t use Sony’s Music Center mobile app for synchronization or sound adjustments. Honestly, it doesn’t need the app to do what it does: play audio from a Bluetooth source like a phone or tablet.
Pairing the speaker with a second one for stereo listening is done via a few button presses on the speaker itself. The XB100 also includes a built-in microphone so it can be used as a speakerphone for voice calls or video conferences. It even includes a “multi-way strap” so you can carry it around safely with the strap around your wrist or tie it to your parachute while skydiving. May I suggest Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin'” for that particular playlist?
At $59/each or $118 for a pair, it’s hard to go wrong with the SRS-XB100. When I turned it on and hit the Bluetooth button a pairing message popped up on my Android phone almost immediately and the pairing process completed within seconds. If you crank it up, it can definitely get loud, with an up-firing driver that radiates sound 360 degrees. Vocals come through cleanly and bass response is surprisingly solid considering its compact size. Battery life is rated at 5 to 16 hours, depending on volume and a full recharge takes about 4.5 hours using the included USB-A to USB-C cable.
The matte finish has a nice textured feel to it that makes it easy to grip and less likely to be dropped. But if it does escape your grasp, don’t fret. Its IP67 rating means it will survive the occasional dip in the ocean (or bathtub). The speaker is available in black, light gray, light blue and orange finishes.
The SRS-XB100 is available to pre-order from authorized Sony retailers starting today and is expected to begin shipping later this month (May, 2023).
> Find Out More or Order the Sony SRS-XB100 on Amazon.com
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