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Wireless speaker

Adapted from Wikipedia ยท Adventurer experience

A portable JBL Flip 3 Bluetooth speaker, perfect for listening to music on the go.

Wireless speakers are special kinds of loudspeakers that can play music and sounds without wires. They use invisible radio waves to send the sound instead of cables. These waves are a type of wireless signal, and two common ways they work are through a variation of WiFi or through Bluetooth.

A JBL Flip 3 battery-powered and waterproof Bluetooth speaker connected to a charging cable. The length is ca. 17 cm, diameter 6.4 cm, weight 450 g.

These speakers come in many different forms depending on where you might use them. Some are made to be taken anywhere, like to the park or beach, and are built to be tough and run on batteries. Others are meant to stay in one place, like in your home, and are designed to give the best possible sound for listening to music, watching TV, or enjoying movies in a surround sound setup. There are even special types, like speakers that can be used in the shower or ones that work with voice assistants to help you control your music and more.

Overview

Wireless speakers have two parts: a main speaker unit and a transmitter unit. The transmitter connects to any audio device like a TV, computer, or MP3 player using an RCA plug. The receiver can be placed wherever you want the sound, letting you move the speakers without cords. It usually has a small amplifier and can be powered by batteries or a plug.

These speakers use radio waves to send sound. They often work on a frequency of 900 MHz, similar to cordless phones, and can send signals up to about 150 to 300 feet. Some use the 2.4 GHz band, and others follow the WiSA standard using 5 GHz. Many have knobs to change channels and avoid interference from other wireless devices.

Sound quality

Basic wireless speakers have low power and may not sound very good. Mid-range models sound better, and high-end models can be even louder. Some speakers have just one speaker, while others have two for better stereo sound. A few add a special part to improve deeper sounds.

A portable speaker which marks the lower end of the size range of Bluetooth speakers constructed primarily for the reproduction of music

Bluetooth

Many newer wireless speakers use Bluetooth, which lets them connect without needing to be in direct sight of each other. Some can also pair easily using the NFC system.

Battery

Wireless speakers usually run on rechargeable batteries that you cannot replace. Some can even charge other devices like mobile phones. They are recharged using different types of plugs or connectors, and a full charge usually takes between 3 to 6 hours.

Hybrid wireless speakers

Since 2015, some wireless speakers have added special features like phone calling and FM radio. Higher-end models might even have an LCD screen to help you choose radio stations.

Most of these speakers also have a built-in microphone. This lets you answer and make calls using your mobile phone without holding it. When a call comes in, the music stops and starts again after the call ends. As voice assistants became popular, some speakers can also connect to them. You can give commands through the built-in microphone.

Shower speaker

A shower speaker attached to the wall of a shower with a suction cup

A shower speaker is a special speaker that uses Bluetooth to work well in places with water, like showers or the bathroom. Some shower speakers can also use Wi-Fi, but this is less common.

Before using a shower speaker, you need to connect it to a device like a smartphone or tablet. Once connected, the speaker can play music from that device. Shower speakers are made to handle water splashes, and they often have a rating called IP to show how well they protect against water. Common ratings are IPX4, which means they can handle splashes, or IPX7, which means they can be fully submerged in water for a short time. Some models have even higher ratings.

Shower speakers come with different ways to attach them. A simple way is using a suction cup, but it might not stick very well. Another option is a mounting bracket, which needs a hole in the wall for a more secure hold. Some speakers also have a carabiner clip to hang them from a shower curtain bar, but this works best for smaller, lighter speakers.

Images

A modern Samsung TV with wireless speakers and a soundbar on a table.

Related articles

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Wireless speaker, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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