Sony has announced the launch of its new LSPX-S3 Glass Sound speaker, which also doubles up as a lamp. And just from looking at it, we can tell that home decor enthusiasts will be intrigued.
Boasting an organic glass tweeter, Sony claims that "the LSPX-S3 produces clear and powerful high tones from the organic glass tweeter and spreads the sound evenly". The speaker also has a range of features that aid in creating a clear and crisp sound, including the "Bass Boost mode" which helps to add more bass and enhances those lower-end notes.
Another audio feature the speaker has is Advanced Vertical Drive Technology. This ensures that high-frequency sounds are spread evenly so that you get a uniform sound. In terms of battery life, the speaker lasts for up to eight hours and can be charged via USB-C.
As it doubles up as an artificial candle, the device has 32 different brightness levels and has a Candlelight mode which makes the LED flicker, just as a candle would. You can also set the LED to synchronize to the music it's playing - impressive.
The aesthetic is especially pleasing, as it is sleek and portable and can easily blend in with just about any house's decor.
In terms of availability, the speaker will be officially launching in August and will have an RRP of approximately £315. Make sure you keep checking Sony's website so you can get your order in as soon as they become available.
While you wait, why not take a look at some of the best wireless speakers on the market?
The best wireless speakers to buy right now
Apple HomePod
The Apple HomePod is an offering for those already embedded into the Apple IOS ecosystem. Android systems are not support at all. That aside, Apple users, you're in for some fun. The bass response offered by the HomePod is full, and the mids and highs are pleasantly balanced. You'll also be glad to know that it goes loud, too. Apple AirPlay 2 is supported, which will allow you to link to other manufacturers speakers for multi-room playback.
Bose Home Speaker 500
The Bose Home Speaker is aptly named – it can certainly be heard around the house. This is a nice surprise as the speaker isn't a huge size, and the sound isn't just all volume. It pumps out some balanced mids and highs and a thick, punchy bass with great instrument separation. Connectivity is good, as it'll offer playback via AirPlay 2, WiFi, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa and 3.5mm audio-in jack. The Bose Home Speaker 300 is the smaller brother of the 500, offering the same quality audio without the playback display screen.
Libratone Zipp 2
The Libratone Zipp 2, so named because of its funky zipped aesthetic, delivers a powerful and full audio profile reminiscent of the Sonos One. Libratone have bundled a nifty feature here that will match the speaker performance to its location, promising you the best sound possible. What is also unique about the Zipp 2 is that when you're off out to the garden, park or beach, unplug it and bring it with you – it's got a 12-hour battery life. The Libratone can be controlled via in-built Alexa, connects via AirPlay 2, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, will playback all of the major streaming providers and support a multi-room setup.
Amazon Echo Studio
The Echo Studio takes everything that makes the standard Echo a real pleaser and takes it up a few notches to deliver a 5.1 surround sound experience. Whereas the standard Echo runs with one 0.8-inch tweeter and one 3-inch subwoofer, the Studio boasts Dolby Atmos supported by three 2-inch midrange speakers, one 1-inch tweeter and a 5.25-inch woofer. This gives your audio much more room to breathe and shout with incredible bass, mid and high qualities. This speaker is intended to facilitate the impeccable audio offered through Amazon's new Music HD service and it'll also work to offer immersive TV sound when linked with a Fire Stick, Fire Cube or record player. All of the expected Alexa Dot and Echo capabilities are here, too, along with the big names in streaming.
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