Sony wireless speaker a durable contender

The easy functionality and robust design of Sony's SRS-BTS50 wireless portable speaker means it will appeal to any consumer.

The Sony SRS-BTS50 wireless portable speaker. Courtesy Sony

The rise of the smartphone has opened the door to a host of related spinoff gadgetry.
One such product is the wireless portable speaker as manufacturers respond to consumers' demand to play music stored on their phone and other hand-held devices.
I tried out one recent entry to the market, the Sony SRS-BTS50, by taking it along to a picnic at a polo match. Despite its relatively small size of 17.5cm by 7cm, the "360-degree omnidirectional sound" ensured songs were heard over the din of galloping horses' hooves. But it was not so loud as to drown out talk among friends.
One of the advantages of the latest generation of portable speakers is their wireless technology, allowing users to play their music through Bluetooth with minimum fuss and without requiring cables. The SRS-BTS50 comes fitted with other gadgetry allowing music lovers to simply place their phone against the speaker to connect to Bluetooth.
As competition has heated up in the portable speaker space, manufacturers have focused on cornering different ends of the market. The US audio company Jawbone sought to appeal to hipsters with the minimalist lines and arty design of its Jambox. In contrast, Sony is clearly going after the healthy, active outdoorsy types, with the rugged looks of the SRS-BTS50.
In fact, Sony says the SRS-BTS50 is tough, compact, portable and splash-proof. It claims it is designed for outdoor use, whether it's hiking in the hills or lazing by the pool. The device certainly held up well to the not-too-testing rigours of watching polo.
Ten hours of battery life is also a bonus. It comes with two modes for listening to the music. Placing the speaker upwards so it is resting on its narrowest edge ensures surround sound mode. But turning the speaker over on to its side means the sound is directed to one area.
Overall, it may lack the coolness of the Jambox, but its easy functionality and robust design mean the SRS-BTS50 will appeal to many consumers.
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