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{{Infobox product
{{Infobox mobile phone
| title = UE Boom
| name = UE Boom
| image = File:UE Boom speakers.jpg
| image = File:UE Boom speakers.jpg|thumb|Photo of UE Boom Speakers
| imagesize = 230px
| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| company = [[Ultimate Ears]]
| manufacturer = [[Logitech]] ([[Ultimate Ears]])
| launch year = 2013
| series =
| released =
| url = {{official website|http://www.ultimateears.com/en-us/boom}}
| discontinued =
| predecessor =
| successor =
| related = UE Mini Boom
| type =
| form =
| size = Height 18 cm (7.1”)<br />Diameter 6.5cm (2.6”)
| weight = 538g (19oz) - speaker only
| sound = Maximum sound level: 88 dBA<ref>[http://www.zdnet.com/the-ue-boom-tops-the-portable-speaker-market-review-7000016306/ The UE Boom tops the portable speaker market (review) | ZDNet]</ref><br />[[Frequency range]]: 90&nbsp;Hz - 20kHz<br /> Two 1.5", 4 Ohm Drivers<br />Two 2" Passive radiators
| connectivity = [[Bluetooth]]<br/> [[Near field communication|NFC]] (passive) supported <br/> 3.5 millimetres [[Phone connector (audio)|TRRS]]<br />
}}
}}
'''UE Boom''' is a portable [[wireless]] [[Loudspeaker|speaker]] manufactured by the [[Ultimate Ears]] subsidiary of [[Logitech]].<ref name="PCMAG">[http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2420573,00.asp Ultimate Ears UE Boom Review & Rating | PCMag.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref name="WIRE">[http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-rugged-bluetooth-speaker/ Best Rugged Bluetooth Speaker | The Wirecutter<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The speaker is designed to play music that is streamed over [[Bluetooth]] and has a 3.5&nbsp;mm audio input. The speaker is being promoted as suitable for social gatherings, and as reproducing sound equally in all directions.<ref>[http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2014/02/gadget-lab-video-logitech-ue-boom/ UE Boom: A Slick Bluetooth Speaker With Exquisite Sound | Gadget Lab | Wired.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref name="CNET">[http://reviews.cnet.com/portable-speakers/logitech-ue-boom-blue/4505-11313_7-35765418-2.html UE Boom review - CNET]</ref>


'''UE Boom''' is a portable [[Loudspeaker|speaker]] manufactured by [[Ultimate Ears]], supporting [[Bluetooth]] and wired connections.<ref name=PCMAG>{{cite web|last=Greenwald|first=Will|title=Ultimate Ears UE Boom|url=http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2420573,00.asp|work=PC Magazine|accessdate=23 May 2014|date=19 June 2013}}</ref> UE Boom has been praised for its [[industrial design]], loudness, battery life, speakerphone capability, and its suitability for outdoor use, but criticized for its comparatively high price.
UE Boom has been praised for its [[industrial design]], loudness, battery life, speakerphone capability, and its suitability for outdoor use, but criticized for its comparatively high price.


== Design and features ==
== Design and features ==
The speaker is an elongated cylinder measuring {{convert|18|×|6.5|cm|abbr=on}}, similar in shape to a canned beverage, and weighing {{convert|538|g|abbr=on}}. It is coated in a water- and stain-resistant material and partly covered with rubber.<ref name="PCMAG"/> The speaker comes in several color schemes, including a limited edition designed by painter [[Kenny Scharf]]. The design and cylindrical shape was described by ''[[iLounge]]'' as "different from most competitors and yet consistent with both prior UE Boombox designs".<ref name="ILOUNGE">{{cite web|last=Horowitz|first=Jeremy|title=Review: Ultimate Ears UE Boom|url=http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/ultimate-ears-ue-boom/|publisher=iLounge|accessdate=23 May 2014|date=21 May 2013}}</ref>


The speaker is circular and shaped like a large beer can or an energy drink. It has a water and stain resistant coating.
UE Boom consists of two {{convert|1.5|in|adj=on|disp=flip}} drivers at 4 [[Ohm|Ω]], and has two passive radiators measuring {{convert|2|in|disp=flip}}. In terms of sound output, it supports a maximum of 88 dBA in a [[Frequency range|range]] of 90 Hz–20 kHz.<ref>{{cite web|last=Miller|first=Matthew|title=The UE Boom tops the portable speaker market (review)|url=http://www.zdnet.com/the-ue-boom-tops-the-portable-speaker-market-review-7000016306/|work=The Mobile Gadgeteer|publisher=ZDNet|accessdate=23 May 2014|date=4 June 2013}}</ref> On one end, it has a [[D-ring]], which one reviewer suggested might be used to hang the device like a lantern.<ref name=PCMAG /> In addition to supporting Bluetooth, the speaker can receive audio over a 3.5 mm [[Phone connector (audio)|phone connector]]. It also supports passive [[Near field communication|NFC]], can be used as a Bluetooth speakerphone and has an alarm feature. Additionally, two speakers can be paired to one source, with each speaker playing back a separate channel, or both speakers playing both channels.<ref name="ILOUNGE" />

UE Boom is partly covered with rubber.<ref name="PCMAG"/> The speaker comes in multiple color combinations, including a limited edition designed by artist [[Kenny Scharf]].<ref>[http://ir.logitech.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=830329& Limited Edition UE BOOM Rocks Vibrant New Skin by Legendary Street Artist Kenny Scharf - Logitech Press Release]</ref><ref>http://www.supercompressor.com/tech/ue-boom-x-kenny-scharf-collaboration</ref> According to ''[[Engadget]]'': "The UE Boom's cylindrical shape is a different take on portable speakers, one that ''[[iLounge]]'' appreciated, saying it "has one of the nicest overall designs in its class."<ref>[http://www.engadget.com/products/logitech/ue/boom/ UE Boom review - Engadget<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

The speaker has a D-ring on its end, and can be hung like a lantern from an S-hook. It can serve as a speakerphone as well as a speaker, and offers an alarm function. Additionally, two speakers can be paired with one source and configured to operate in stereo mode (each speaker providing one channel) or what Logitech describes as "double" mode, wherein both speakers stream the same material.<ref name="ILOUNGE">[http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/ultimate-ears-ue-boom/ Review: Ultimate Ears UE Boom | iLounge<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> UE Boom is able to report remaining battery life in any of several languages.


== Critical reception ==
== Critical reception ==
[[CNET]] rated the UE Boom four stars out of five, favoring it as versatile, durable, portable and loud. CNET also commented that, like most small speakers, the UE Boom "just doesn't deliver a ton of bass", and that at higher volumes, the UE Boom may distort "bass-heavy material".<ref name=CNET>{{cite web|last=Carnoy|first=David|title=UE Boom review|url=http://www.cnet.com/products/logitech-ue-boom/2/|publisher=CNET|accessdate=23 May 2014|page=2|date=18 June 2013}}</ref>


UE Boom was released to generally favorable reviews. Most of the reviewers have welcomed its functionality, durability, loudness, and at the same time it has been commented that the bass and sub-bass could be better handled.<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10899329 Review: UE Boom Bluetooth Speaker - The New Zeland Herald]</ref>
Will Greenwald reviewed the UE Boom for ''[[PC Magazine]]'', remarking favorably on its design, volume and stereo pairing function. He noted that there was emphasis on the low-midrange tones. Greenwald also noted that the UE Boom "doesn't exactly impress" in terms of low frequency sound. In testing the claim that the UE Boom produced "360-degree sound", he noted that the speaker's imaging did not suffer with different placement or listening position.<ref name="PCMAG"/>


''[[CNET]]'' gave it 4 stars out of 5 stating, "The UE Boom is a versatile and durable wireless Bluetooth speaker that plays loud and is great for on-the-go use", and that "[i]f it has a deficiency, it just doesn't deliver a ton of bass, though few if any of these small speakers put out great low end. You'll also get some distortion with bass-heavy material, particularly at louder volumes."<ref name="CNET"/>
A reviewer for the ''New Zealand Herald'' praised it for ease-of-use and quality of sound.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pilcher|first=Pat|title=Review: UE Boom Bluetooth Speaker|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10899329|work=New Zealand Herald|accessdate=23 May 2014|date=17 July 2013}}</ref>


''[[PC Magazine]]'' gave it 4 points out of 5 with editor's rating "Excellent" and said "The UE Boom is a surprisingly powerful Bluetooth speaker the size of a beer can."<ref name="PCMAG"/> The review also stated, "it doesn't exactly impress on the low end and doesn't beat the more expensive [[Bose SoundLink]] II, despite coming close." And: "While bass is handled well along with the midrange, the UE Boom can't take much sub-bass."<ref name="PCMAG"/>
In 2014, UE Boom received an [[iF product design award]] in the audio category.<ref>{{cite press release|last=Todd|first=Krista|title=Logitech Wins Seven 2014 iF Product Design Awards|url=http://news.logitech.com/press-release/consumer-products/logitech-wins-seven-2014-if-product-design-awards|publisher=Logitech|accessdate=23 May 2014|location=Newark, California}}</ref>{{third-party-inline|date=May 2014}}

UE Boom won gold for excellence in audio category in 2014 [[iF product design award]] that is organized by [[International Forum Design]].<ref>[http://news.logitech.com/press-release/consumer-products/logitech-wins-seven-2014-if-product-design-awards Logitech Wins Seven 2014 iF Product Design Awards - Logitech Press Release]</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Bare URLs|date=May 2014}}
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{official website|http://www.ultimateears.com/en-us/boom}}


[[Category:Bluetooth speakers]]
[[Category:Bluetooth speakers]]

Revision as of 15:39, 24 May 2014

UE Boom
ManufacturerLogitech (Ultimate Ears)
RelatedUE Mini Boom
DimensionsHeight 18 cm (7.1”)
Diameter 6.5cm (2.6”)
Weight538g (19oz) - speaker only
SoundMaximum sound level: 88 dBA[1]
Frequency range: 90 Hz - 20kHz
Two 1.5", 4 Ohm Drivers
Two 2" Passive radiators
ConnectivityBluetooth
NFC (passive) supported
3.5 millimetres TRRS

UE Boom is a portable wireless speaker manufactured by the Ultimate Ears subsidiary of Logitech.[2][3] The speaker is designed to play music that is streamed over Bluetooth and has a 3.5 mm audio input. The speaker is being promoted as suitable for social gatherings, and as reproducing sound equally in all directions.[4][5]

UE Boom has been praised for its industrial design, loudness, battery life, speakerphone capability, and its suitability for outdoor use, but criticized for its comparatively high price.

Design and features

The speaker is circular and shaped like a large beer can or an energy drink. It has a water and stain resistant coating.

UE Boom is partly covered with rubber.[2] The speaker comes in multiple color combinations, including a limited edition designed by artist Kenny Scharf.[6][7] According to Engadget: "The UE Boom's cylindrical shape is a different take on portable speakers, one that iLounge appreciated, saying it "has one of the nicest overall designs in its class."[8]

The speaker has a D-ring on its end, and can be hung like a lantern from an S-hook. It can serve as a speakerphone as well as a speaker, and offers an alarm function. Additionally, two speakers can be paired with one source and configured to operate in stereo mode (each speaker providing one channel) or what Logitech describes as "double" mode, wherein both speakers stream the same material.[9] UE Boom is able to report remaining battery life in any of several languages.

Critical reception

UE Boom was released to generally favorable reviews. Most of the reviewers have welcomed its functionality, durability, loudness, and at the same time it has been commented that the bass and sub-bass could be better handled.[10]

CNET gave it 4 stars out of 5 stating, "The UE Boom is a versatile and durable wireless Bluetooth speaker that plays loud and is great for on-the-go use", and that "[i]f it has a deficiency, it just doesn't deliver a ton of bass, though few if any of these small speakers put out great low end. You'll also get some distortion with bass-heavy material, particularly at louder volumes."[5]

PC Magazine gave it 4 points out of 5 with editor's rating "Excellent" and said "The UE Boom is a surprisingly powerful Bluetooth speaker the size of a beer can."[2] The review also stated, "it doesn't exactly impress on the low end and doesn't beat the more expensive Bose SoundLink II, despite coming close." And: "While bass is handled well along with the midrange, the UE Boom can't take much sub-bass."[2]

UE Boom won gold for excellence in audio category in 2014 iF product design award that is organized by International Forum Design.[11]

References