Bose takes on Beats Pill XL and Big Jambox with SoundLink Bluetooth speaker III

By Caleb Denison Published February 10, 2014

Check out our full review of the Beats Pill XL speaker.

Bose added to its Bluetooth speaker family today with the SoundLink Bluetooth speaker III. As the new flagship of Bose’s Bluetooth speaker line, the SoundLink III is a bit larger, and designed for higher quality sound with a longer battery life than its predecessors.

Recommended Videos

Like the Bose SoundLink Mini we recently reviewed, the SoundLink III features radiused edges and an integrated speaker screen. A healthy dose of well-placed silicone not only keeps the speaker durable, but prevents the infiltration of dust and dirt. Bose will also offer accessory “covers” – or skins – in five different colors: grey, blue, green, orange, and pink. Of course, we think the speaker looks smart just the way it is.

Under the hood, Bose applies its proprietary digital signal processing (DSP) and amplification to four forward-facing, active neodymium drivers and dual opposing passive radiators, which are designed for added bass response. Bose does not discuss the size of the drivers that it puts in its speakers, but if the SounLink Mini’s prodigious bass response is anything to go by, we think we can expect some very well supported sound from this larger model. Battery life is estimated at 14 hours.

Bose has the new speaker listed at $300, which puts it squarely in competition with speakers like the new Beats Pill XL and Jawbone’s Big Jambox. We’ve got all three coming in for review and foresee a shootout in the near future. Check back with us often for the latest in Bluetooth speaker reviews.

Former Editor at Large

Caleb Denison is a sought-after writer, speaker, and television correspondent with unmatched expertise in AV and…

Topics

QuickCharge: This Week in EV

Audio / Video

Google shuts down massive botnet running on 1.3 million Android TV boxes

Google says the Chinese manufacturer Videostrong Technology deliberately infected its devices and sold access to cybercriminals.

Videostrong GoogleTV box

Malware infecting Android devices isn't new, but Google's recent report is grim and concerning. The search giant has taken down a massive botnet that turned over 1.3 million Android TV set-top boxes into tools for cybercriminals. Unlike the usual attacks, where users end up downloading some shady apps from the internet, the malware here was planted inside the devices by the manufacturer itself.

According to the Google Threat Intelligence Group, the company behind it is China-based Videostrong Technology. Google has now cut ties with the manufacturer and banned it from building or supplying software for certified Android devices.

Audio / Video

Audio-Technica’s new wireless StreamSet headset promises studio sound without the cables

Finally, a wireless headset that takes your voice seriously.

Audio technica new headset.

I've lost count of wireless headsets that sound great until the microphone switches on. That is exactly why a cord-free streaming headset from a studio-audio brand earns my attention (with a pinch of skepticism). Audio-Technica wants to change my mind, and I am all up for it.

The company has announced the "ATH-M50xSTS-WL," its first wireless headset in the StreamSet line. What's unique, however, is how the brand has combined the studio sound of its ATH-M50x monitor headphones with microphone tech from its 20 Series studio mics (via Audio-Technica).

Audio / Video

Samsung’s new clip-on earbuds are coming to the US, and they’re not cheap

You can listen to music without blocking out the world around you, but Samsung is charging a premium for the convenience.

Samsung Galaxy Buds On earbuds

Earlier this month, Samsung unveiled its first clip-on earbuds called the Galaxy Buds On. Initially, it announced pricing and availability details only for Korea, but now the brand has revealed them for the US market as well. As per Samsung, the Galaxy Buds On will cost $229 and will be available to buy in early November. Only one color option, Black, will be available initially.

That is quite a steep price, considering the flagship Galaxy Buds 4 Pro go for $250. The Buds On also has no active noise cancellation, weaker bass response, and lower dust and water resistance. All that said, the use case is fundamentally different. While you might choose the Buds 4 Pro as the best daily drivers for your Galaxy smartphone, the Buds On keep your ear canals open, letting you listen to music while staying aware of traffic, conversations, and everything else happening around you. I can see the appeal for people who find traditional earbuds uncomfortable, or those who regularly listen to music while running or commuting.