Bose has updated its wireless speaker lineup with a new Bluetooth-enabled portable unit. Featuring an integrated cover which doubles as a stand, the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile Speaker is tailored for outdoor use with a built-in lithium-ion battery delivering up to eight hours of playback (make that three hours if you crank it to 11) and a shock-resistant shell/stand that's designed to withstand salt-fog, sand, or moisture.
Equipped with A2DP profile support, the unit pairs with Bluetooth-enabled devices within a maximum range of 30 feet (9.14 m) and stores the six most recently used in its memory. Streaming music does not prevent the user from texting, or browsing, while the audio is paused in case of a phone call.
The SoundLink uses four low-profile neodymium drivers for high- and mid-frequencies, with dual opposing passive radiators delivering low notes. Bose says that having the radiators placed in an opposition eliminates speaker vibration.
There's a 3.5 mm audio jack, micro-USB and power adapter/charger inputs located on the back, with power, volume control, mute, Bluetooth pairing, and AUX buttons placed on the top.
Billed as "no bigger than an average book," the SoundLink is 1.9-inches (4.8 cm) wide and weighs 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg).
The dark brown leather, or dark grey nylon cover doubles as a stand and there are also four additional covers available - nylon in red or purple, and leather in burgundy or tan, priced at US$29.95 and US$49.95 respectively.
The SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker costs US$299.95 for the nylon version, or US$349.95 for the leather one.