There are a lot of waterproof Bluetooth speakers out in the
market. They may look different enough on the outside, but it's what is inside
that really matters when it comes to
waterproofed speakers.
So without further ado, here are a couple of things to check
before you pick up a snazzy new shower speaker for your home:
IP Rating
A water resistant speaker is not the
same device as a completely waterproofed speaker – even if they are marketed
the same way.
This is why it is vital that you
determine the two-digit Ingress Protection (IP) rating of a waterproof
Bluetooth speaker. The first digit represents its ability to withstand
penetration from solid objects like dust and dirt. The second digit represents
the ability to withstand penetration from water. A Bluetooth shower speaker
with an IP rating of 66 will be able to withstand a spray of water, while a
rating of 67 and above should allow the device to survive total immersion in
water up to a certain depth.
Operating
Range
This will tell you how far your Waterproof
Bluetooth speakers before it will no longer be able to connect
with your phone or tablet.
Do note, however, that this operating
range is often the maximum range when the speaker has a direct line of sight to
the phone. Other objects like shower curtains, wood panels, wooden doors, and
concrete walls will interrupt the radio signals – reducing the actual operating
range. You will have to take this into consideration, especially if you plan to
use your speakers over wider distances.
Attachment
Mechanism
Some waterproof Bluetooth speakers
come with attachment mechanisms that let you more securely stick them to
surfaces.
Two examples of these mechanisms include
carabiners and suction cups. Carabiners are exceptionally useful for attaching
the speakers to your bags or clothing – ideal for hiking and outdoor activity.
Suction cups work well with a Bluetooth speaker for shower or bathroom setups.
They provide a sturdy grip on flat, slid surfaces like glass or tile. These
cups can even work on a desktop or window pane – increasing their grip and
reducing the chances that they accidentally get knocked over.
Call
Answering
It can be very useful to take and make
calls even when you're in the shower or near the pool.
This is why some Bluetooth shower
speakers come with microphones and buttons that let you take calls. The music
that you're playing cuts out, and is replaced by the ringtone of your phone.
Once a call is inbound, all you need to do is 'take' it using your speaker. You
won't need to dry off and rush to your phone. You can just coolly take the call
without worrying about running around naked while dripping water all over the
place.
Power
Supply
And last but not the least; you'll
want to look at how you charge your waterproof
Bluetooth speaker as well as how much energy it can store up.
First off, check where the speaker
draws its power from – a rechargeable internal battery, rechargeable removable
batteries, or disposable batteries. This will tell you whether you can just
plug the device into a power source, extract the batteries from within and
charge them using a separate charger, or prepare a pack of disposable
batteries. If the batter is internal and rechargeable, check how much power it
can hold. This is measured in milliampere hours (mAh), with higher numbers
meaning the speaker can hold more power.
Source: Chinavasion is a Hong Kong-based gadget wholesaler sourcing its products straight from Shenzhen, the manufacturing heart of China. Retailers and consumers alike will be able to avail of a wide array of high-tech gizmos, from smart TV boxes to waterproof Bluetooth speakers.
