Bose is one of the most respected names in the home audio business, so when it rolls out a new product, we take note. The latest of which is the Revolve and Revolve+, which Bose is calling its best Bluetooth speaker ever. A 360-degree design is hardly thinking outside of the box as brands like UE have been doing this for some time. That said, Bose promises its latest release “is the best Bluetooth speaker” that it has ever made.
Both models are made from a single piece of aluminum, which is sure to be a hit with Apple fans. The cylindrical shape offers a number of benefits in comparison to previous Bose speakers like the SoundLink II. Most notably is the ability to place it in anywhere in a room or outside space without fear of losing audio quality.
The Revolve uses a new patented Bose technology that is focused around an acoustic deflector and pressure trapping system that it promises will eliminate audio distortion at high volume levels. Revolve+ differs from the entry-level model in size and battery life, with a larger build and 16 hours of playback versus just 12.
What we’re most intrigued with is the rugged build that Bose is using. Despite being crafted from an aluminum shell, it promises to be water-resistant with an IPX4-rating. That means it can take bumps and drops that might occur while on-the-go. This is something that we previously wouldn’t have associated with Bose. Additionally, each speaker has a threaded universal mount on the bottom, ala Sonos PLAY:1, for easy attachment to tripods and the like.
Both models also feature built-in microphones that allow users to leverage services like Siri and Google Now when connected to applicable devices. This is a move aimed directly at Amazon Echo, which has enjoyed a lot of success over the last year with its Alexa voice assistant. These days, having a built-in AI platform is an expected feature not a throwaway add-on. Also, the Bose Connect app brings multi-device linking for a true stereo setup if you have more than one speaker.
While many of these features are expected on a speaker in 2017, Bose is largely late to the game here. The Revolve does offer a combination of the best features from Amazon Echo, SONOS and UE Boom but many consumers may be already entrenched in other ecosystems at this point. Just as well, paying up to $300 for a Bluetooth speaker is going to be a non-starter for many.
Bose is listing the Revolve at $199.95 and the larger Revolve+ at $299.95. Both models are available in ‘Triple Black’ or ‘Lux Gray’ colorings. An optional wireless charging cradle is also listed at $29.95, if you prefer that over the built-in microUSB port.
Today’s news also brings an updated SoundLink speaker, the second generation model offers water-resistance and new colors. Other notable features include an IPX4-rated design, Siri and Google Now functionality as well as multi-device connectivity. It is slated to be available in May for around $150.
[9to5-press-release]
BOSE INTRODUCES NEW SOUNDLINK REVOLVE BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS
True 360 Sound, Dramatically Deeper, Astonishingly Loud
13 April, 2017 – Bose today announced its best Bluetooth speakers ever — the new SoundLink Revolve™ and SoundLink Revolve+™. With true omni-directional performance, and an entirely new acoustic design, Revolve speakers spread deep, jaw dropping sound in every direction — from a seamless aluminium design.
“When SoundLink first hit the market, it took the industry by storm,” said Glenn Gomes-Casseres, director of products for Bose wireless speakers. “We didn’t want to make small improvements to the audio that made it famous. We wanted the difference to be so dramatic, that it would take just one song to hear the best sound you’ve ever heard from a little speaker — all over again.”
To do that, Bose engineers started from a clean sheet to redefine the relationship between size, sound, and battery-power. An entirely new acoustic package was developed first, then matched with the cylindrical shape it required, and a single piece aluminium enclosure. There’s no “front” or “back,” because Revolve speakers don’t have to be pointed to favour one location over another. They combine dual-opposing passive radiators with a powerful, ultra-efficient transducer — positioned face down — and a new patented acoustic deflector. With an added “pressure trap” to eliminate distortion, the result is dramatic. Sound radiates uniformly in every direction, with deep, rich bass — and without the sweet spots and frequency drop-offs of conventional 360-degree speakers. Set in the middle of the room, a corner, or anywhere in between, Revolve speakers deliver the same experience for everyone. Music is spacious, clear, and when you want — remarkably loud.
Both new Revolve models are just at home outside. They feature an IPX4-rating to withstand spills, rain, and pool splashes; and rugged durability to survive knocks, drops, and bumps. A quarter-twenty thread on the bottom of each makes for easy mounting on a tri-pod for listening in the garden or an outdoor party.
Revolve is 15.2 cm high x 8.2 cm deep, weighs a mere 0.66 kg, and provides up to 12-hours of battery life. Revolve+ is slightly bigger for more performance at 18.4 cm high x 10.5 cm deep, 0.9 kg, and up to 16-hours of playtime. Both can pair through NFC, feature plain-language voice-prompts for fool-proof set-up, and integrate microphones to use as a speakerphone, or with Siri and Google Assistant.
The free Bose Connect app now syncs two SoundLinks — any combination, for any model starting with the SoundLink Color II. New Stereo Mode enables left-right pairing, and new Party Mode lets you play the same music on both simultaneously.
THE SOUNDLINK OBSESSION
Bose SoundLink speakers are globally recognised as the standard for mobile audio. The original SoundLink Mobile speaker redefined the Bluetooth speaker category with revolutionary performance from a portable design. The SoundLink Mini and Mini II took the market by storm with an entirely new level of sound quality from an even smaller design. The SoundLink III pushed the boundaries further with an even more powerful experience. The original Color became a hit with its rugged design and has just been updated with the SoundLink Color II, Revolve and Revolve+ usher is the next generation of SoundLink, made possible by the same obsession that started it all — to make the smallest, best sounding wireless speaker ever.
PRICING, AVAILABILITY AND COLOURS
The SoundLink Revolve and SoundLink Revolve+ Bluetooth speakers will be available to pre-order beginning April 13, 2017 for £199.95 and £279.95, respectively, and come in two colours – Triple Black and Lux Grey. SoundLink Revolve and SoundLink Revolve+ are sold at Bose stores, Bose.co.uk, authorised Bose dealers, and 0333-3000 112. Additional information can be found at Bose.co.uk.
ABOUT BOSE CORPORATION
Bose Corporation was founded in 1964 by Dr. Amar G. Bose, then a professor of electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Today, the company is driven by its founding principles, investing in long-term research with one fundamental goal: to develop new technologies with real customer benefits. Bose innovations have spanned decades and industries, creating and transforming categories in audio and beyond. Bose products for the home, in the car, on the go and in public spaces have become iconic, changing the way people listen to music.
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