Ultimate Ears Launches Alexa-Enabled Smart Speakers

Ultimate Ears (UE) has expanded its line of portable wireless speakers with two voice-enabled models that incorporate Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant.

Due out by the end of the month, the Blast ($230) and Megablast ($300) support wireless streaming from Bluetooth devices and music over Wi-Fi from a variety of services. Voice control will be available initially for Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn with Pandora and Deezer to follow. Additional services supported by the UE’s free Android/iOS app include Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Red, and Google Music.

UE is offering a free three-month subscription to Amazon Music Unlimited to those who purchase the Blast or Megablast by January 23, 2018. This promotion is available only to new subscribers of the Amazon music service.

Both models are dustproof and waterproof — with an IP67 rating that says they can be immersed in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes — and support a Wi-Fi range of 330 feet and Bluetooth range of 150 feet. Battery life is rated at up to 12 hours for the Blast and up to 16 hours for the Megablast.

Hailed as UE’s loudest and best sounding speaker to date, the Megablast is said to able to hit a maximum sound-pressure level of 93 dBC, according to the company.

The Power Up charging dock (shown in the photo) is available separately for $40. Color options include black, white, blue, red, green, and yellow,

UE is accepting pre-orders for both models. For more information, visit ultimateears.com.

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