Speedlink PLAYAWAVE Review

It is a little bit strange that a videogames magazine reviews a outdoor speaker. But we think that gamers also can use this speaker for lan-parties, to connect it on their laptops or if they drive on holidays. The PLAYAWAVE bluetooth speaker is the great companion to use it as an portable speaker or for many outdoor activities.

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sl-890007-bkgy_rgb_003This speaker is packed in a standard box. Additionally to the speaker you can find in the box a Info Guide, a Quick Install Guide (both in many languages), an USB-cable to charge the speaker, a stereo audio cable to connect it without using Bluetooth (both cables are 0.6 meters long) and a carrying handle you can put on the speaker for a easier transport.

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According to Speedlink, this compact speaker is protected against external influences by the splash-proof surface: It withstands liquids, dust and impacts easily. So we thought it would be a great idea to charge the battery and to take it on the beach. We noticed, that Speedlink keeps what they promise. After we get back after swimming we took the speaker in our wet hands and it’s still running. BUT REMEMBER, it has only a splash water protection. It does not mean that you can submerge it in water. PLEASE DO NOT TRY THIS OUT.

sl-890007-bnbn_rgb_006A little bit of sand has not done anything to the speaker, too. Thanks to the coat the connections of the speaker are also protected. The rubber coat also protects the whole speaker. The surface also gives him a better grip if you hold it in your hands.

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What we also like is that the PLAYAWAVE reminds us a little bit of the good old portable radios with its look. We prefer more the brown one, because it gives the speaker a 70’s-look. But don’t make the mistake of underestimating its modern interior. This speaker is real multi-talent behind the robust casing: In addition to 7 watt (RMS) output power, the speaker offers a built-in microphone for hands-free telephoning. Like we said above, you can find a jack input (3.5 mm), as well as a convenient headphone jack (3.5mm) behind the dust and water-resistant closure. The speaker has a Li-ion battery which allows that you can use this speaker 6 up to 12 hours depending on usage.

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sl-890007-bkgy_rgb_006The PLAYAWAVE is really easy to use. At first you need to charge the speakers by connecting it to a USB power source (min. 500mA) using the micro-USB-charge cable that you can find in the box, too. During charging (approx. six hours), the LED will glow red. After you finished this you can switch the speaker on. A LED starts to flash blue. Now you have to prepare the device you want to use as output. You can use for example your smartphone or tablet or PC and Laptop. It is only important that your device supports a Bluetooth connection. After you’re turned the Bluetooth on, You choose the PLAYAWAVE. If requested you have to enter a code. The LED will now flash blue. The successful connection establishment will be confirmed by an acoustic signal. Great is that the connection to the last connected device will be reestablished automatically after switching the devices off and back on again.

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sl-890007-bnbn_rgb_008We also love that it is also possible to connect the speaker to an audio source using the audio cable (line in – 3.5mm) alternatively. For this you can use the cable in the box that has a stereo audio jack on both ends.

Great is that the speaker is also able to control the main functions of the phone. For this you can use the speaker’s buttons to control playback and telephone functions. Unfortunately that this function is only available when connected via Bluetooth. The functions of the buttons: You can increase the volume, press play/pause, select the track, answer/end a call and also dismiss a call. A great and nice feature to protect your phone if you got dirty or wet hands or if even can not find it.

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Features

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  • Active wireless BLUETOOTH stereo speaker
  • Practical carry handle for convenient transport
  • Closed control panel with protected keys
  • Robust construction | 7W RMS output power
  • Wireless music enjoyment using your smartphone or tablet PC
  • Closure to protect connections
  • Additional jack input (3.5mm) and practical headphone output (3.5mm)
  • Integrated microphone for hands-free phone calls
  • Compact form factor | Easy charging via the USB cable (6hr charging time)
  • Audio and charging cable included (0.6m/0.6m)
  • Dimensions: 163 × 52 × 153mm  (W × D × H)

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Speedlink_KudosZ9_Award_longAll-in-all, we think that this is a great product. The speaker with his chic retro design is available in the colours black-grey and brown for €59.99 (RRP). We think that Speedlink did a great job to release this portable product. The speaker has a great sound and it also can play the sound very loud. But this are two features that you have to test by yourself. We like the sound quality of this speaker. There also other portable speaker of great companies. However, not one of them has such a good quality, withstands liquids, dust and impacts easily for such a great price. They are much more expansive. We noticed that Speedlink used for the PLAYAWAVE qualitatively high materials. And that are the reason why Speedlink get another jadoRendr award. We want to give the PLAYAWAVE the award for great price-performance ration. We can definitely recommend this speaker to you including to gamers. We think that it is better to use a speaker like this as the speakers of your laptop.

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