![[BT 4.0] Anker Bluetooth 4.0 Portable Mini Speaker with 3.5mm Aux Port, 10 Hours Playtime](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vBBQa9KFrx9XRtE1-84LCYCH8CdjZg9DblxAsErar3bWbktMqNBGF7QBkt7Sfveoj4x4-77GSqNzj-ux1DAG1HddK-baLEVRwBUVWPnGracqUVyYaQpPlRJo0hIvQSew=s0-d)
- The latest Bluetooth 4.0 (fully backward compatible) for longer standby time; equipped with a 3.5mm audio jack for non-Bluetooth devices.
- Rechargeable built-in lithium battery offers 8-10 hours of playtime; iOS devices display the remaining capacity in the top status bar.
- Stylish and compact round-drum body slips easily into your bag for use on the go.
- Features clear, full sound and a built-in microphone with CVC background noise reduction for receiving voice calls.
- Package contents: Anker® Portable Bluetooth Speaker, 4ft 3.5mm audio cable, USB charging cable and user manual.
Inside of the box you will find;
* A beautifully designed and stylish speaker
* A charging cable that is 33 inches long
* An Audio Auxiliary cable that is 51 inches long
* An instruction manual
The speaker has:
* An on/off switch
* Auxiliary audio line input jack
* A DC charging port which is a Micro USB jack to allow you to charge the speaker's battery with 5 VDC
* A microphone input port/hole to allow you to use the speaker as a hands free phone accessory
* A set of forward and reverse switches to allow you to skip or forward or back on your songs you are playing.
* A play pause button which is also used to pair the speaker to your Bluetooth device. This process is shown in my video.
* And a volume up and down button to allow you to adjust the speaker's output volume.
* Bluetooth 4.0 which allows for faster and lower energy connections.
* A rechargeable lithium ion battery that provides 8 to 10 hours of music playing time. It also provides 12 hours of talk time and 1500 hours of standby time.
* You can charge the battery with your computer's USB port or any AC USB wall charger that you own.
The speaker is so intelligent that it actually speaks to you and tells you what is going on with it and it tells you when it is on or off and when it is connected. This is really a powerful feature. When you plug in the charging cable the LED ring around the speaker flashes red and when the speaker is fully charged the LED ring turns blue. In my attached video I show all of this and also how to pair the speaker to your smart device via Bluetooth. Pairing the speaker was fast and easy, especially with the speaker talking to you and telling what is going on. This is a cool feature and it makes set up very easy. This is a very unique concept.
In my video I play some music to show you the speaker's volume. Please be aware that the volume output of the speaker depends on the volume setting of the speaker and of the volume setting of your smart device.
When I pressed the + volume button of the speaker for a few seconds the voice control function of my iPhone activated and I could use voice commands to call people in a hands free mode. This function worked perfectly and I can hear the caller's voice over the speaker and they could clearly hear me via the speaker's built in microphone.
While this speaker is spectacular in its features and its unique concepts I rated it at 4 stars. The reason for this is that the volume output of the speaker is not as loud as many of the other speakers that I have tested and reviewed. The volume is good but noticeably lower. I even compared its volume to other speakers to verify my impression of the sound volume. The sound quality is excellent but in an outdoor environment with a lot of surrounding noise it may not be loud enough for your listening preferences.
I was supplied a sample for test and evaluation and I promised a fair and honest review.
Buy [BT 4.0] Anker Bluetooth 4.0 Portable Mini Speaker with 3.5mm Aux Port, 10 Hours Playtime Now
Anker supplied me a sample mini portable Bluetooth 4.0 speaker for test and evaluation. My review is fair and honest.This mini speaker is well designed for the most part. The sound is a clear upgrade over the built-in speakers on most tablets and smartphones that have Bluetooth connectivity.
The unit paired easily with my daughter's Nexus 7 tablet and she was watching her favorite music videos on YouTube in no time flat. She was obviously impressed by how much better this speaker sounds than the in-device speaker on the Nexus 7. Although it isn't an audiophile grade product, it conveys much more range than the in-device speaker and makes movies easy to watch without headphones. Speech is clear and sound effects are much more convincing.
The speaker operates with simple push button controls on its base. The battery life does appear to be about seven or eight hours on a charge. The device charges with a standard micro USB input, which is compatible with most of the portable devices on the market, so you already are likely to have chargers (or a computer) that will feed the lithium battery in this speaker.
The main downsides I notice--and these are based more on personal preference than anything--are that there are LEDs that illuminate a ring around the speaker, and the speaker "speaks" about its operating state when you turn the power on. If you're watching a movie or listening to music or ambient sounds in the dark, the LED ring may prove to be distracting. And when you switch the speaker on, it announces, quite loudly, "POWER ON." There doesn't seem to be any way to disable that speech or to reduce its volume. These aren't significant design flaws that affect the performance of the speaker by any means; however, I'd like the speaker better if it didn't incorporate these elements.
We haven't used the built in microphone yet to try to make calls with the speaker as a speakerphone. Once we try that out, I'll supplement this review.
In all, this is a reasonably priced portable wireless speaker for a Bluetooth equipped device.Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0 is a new standard that allows this device to last for--up to--more than twenty-four hours in the on position. The days of worrying about toggling power are over. These conditions can occur during normal use when thereafter the speaker is left on and the connected device is clicked off or leaves range. Upon return there still may be plenty of life depending on use (speaker left on at top volume).
Striking, high-quality looks are from a combination of the light-twisting, shiny grille and glossy black sides. It's slightly more than one-third of the size of a venti-sized Starbuck's coffee. Weighing in at 5.86 ounces, it's just a bit heavier than the 3.95 ounce iPhone 5 and the 4.86 ounce Galaxy S4. Easy grip and handling for walking around a home is facilitated by the glass-like shape. Tablet's are hard to handle when holding a larger and awkwardly-shaped speaker in the other hand.
The speaker sounds excellent for it's size and is loud enough to fill a decent-sized room. It is too loud in a small room at top volume. No distortion occurs when using in my preferred "treble" mode and it retains enough warmth via bass. It's about ninety-percent distortion-free in the "normal" mode. There is some distortion when listening to bass-heavy songs in the "bass" mode. All tests were completed at top volume on both the speaker and the connected device.
Pros:
-Worry-free price tag for travel.
-Best battery life imaginable in 2013
-Cleverly-designed, diminutive glass-like shape is well-suited for grab-and-go.
-Completely rubberized bottom provides solid stance on any surface (no tiny glued-on rubber legs to come loose).
-Includes a four-foot 3.5 mm high-quality cord with gold-plated ends, of which, can cost more than $10 at Staples.
Cons:
-Some distortion in bass mode.
-Requires iOS 6 or higher for battery-indicator in iOS status bar. It activates in a normal, backward compatible-manner with all other devices.
-Individual steps (presses) for each volume level on speaker (use connected device's volume in a fluid up and down manner).
Feature Ratings:
-Speaker Phone Clarity (three test calls with both parties using iPhone 5's): 9
-Top Volume Level: 8.5 (impressive for size)
-Bluetooth Connections (dropping, clicking and range): 10 (has not dropped with original iPad).
-Size and Portability: 10
-Bass (on "treble" mode): 4 (deep-enough to carry speaker, however, not table-rocking)
-Treble (on "treble" mode): 9 (not tinny)
-Mid-Range (on "treble" mode): 8
-Battery-Life: 10
-Design-Quality: 9
Overall Rating (Average of above): 8.6/10
Verdict:
The Anker has become my go-to, on-all-day iPad speaker with superior range. Uniquely-grippable portability results from it's small, round shape and footprint. I enjoy using "treble" mode on top volume--at all times---while toggling volume on my connected device. Using it exclusively with an iPad has allowed me to regularly leave the buttons alone (touching it only for movement). This may contribute to the outstanding battery life that I experience.
My iPad is the original version and doesn't support iOS6 or Bluetooth 4.0. I don't miss the battery status bar that I can see on my iPhone 5 (with iOS 6). The lack of Bluetooth 4.0 on the iPad doesn't stop this attractive little speaker that just won't die.
This unit was provided to me for a fair review.Words cannot describe the engineering nor quality of this speaker. You MUST hear it to believe the glowing reviews. I have had other portable speakers, The "Boomtube Ex", the Logitech S-L0001, the Saitek A-200. The diminutive size, the li-lon power source, the ease of bluetooth connection, the integrated speakerphone when connected to a phone, the next track selection and equalizer make this a full feature device. The SOUND, however is what makes this a superior device. Gonna have to try other Anker products now after experiencing this.
Save 54% Off
This Bluetooth speaker is perfect for anyone with a device such as a cell phone or mp3 player... anything. You don't necessarily need to have Bluetooth on your device though. It comes with a 3.5mm cable you can use as well! I prefer Bluetooth, less wires to carry around. When I got it I took to the beach to use with my friend. LOVED it! exactly what I have been looking for and wanting. Something small, portable and easy to use. Of course with great sound for the size! The speaker is really cute as well on top of it. Actually got a compliment on it at the beach asking what it was and where to buy it, useful item for those who would use it. ;)Another cool thing I learned after the fact is that you can speak to it, hands free! LOVE it. Very convenient, I wish I picked up on that earlier I wouldn't have to worry about my sunscreen sandy oily hands touching the speakers. =P
By the way, I used the speakers for approximately 6 hours at the beach. Worked perfect the whole time! I also used it with my Samsung Galaxy S4.
