How to choose a connected speaker

Portable speakers are everywhere: at home, in the garden, at the beach, at campsites, at parties and even in bike baskets!

They are also called Bluetooth or connected speakers. These multimedia devices have developed considerably over recent years and are now accessible to everyone. Today's speakers are completely different to the ones marketed 15 years ago: portable speakers are now lighter, more compact and, above all, more powerful. Sound quality is a must, with clear, powerful sound being provided, wherever you are, be that outdoors or indoors.

These days, various connected speaker models are available which differ in size, aesthetics and price. At Kodak, we even offer light-up speakers that can be taken to all your parties, and we are clearly banking on sound power by designing speakers able to expertly liven up your evenings outdoors.

Before you start looking at the range of Kodak connected speakers, let's review the different characteristics of these small, power-packed multimedia devices. What can I expect from a portable speaker in terms of performance? What criteria should I take into consideration when choosing one of your models? Let us help you out!

The main features of a connected speaker

Connected speakers (or portable speakers) are multimedia devices which allow you to listen to music, podcasts or even the radio, wherever you are. In practical terms, the portable speaker is a somewhat audio extension of your smartphone or tablet. Simply connect it via Bluetooth to your music app and listen to your favourite tunes with your loved ones.

The portable speaker differs from the Hi-Fi system-type speakers, because it does not require connections to operate. At first, this type of speaker was mainly used at home: it could be carried from room to room as desired. Nowadays, the portable speaker is more efficient than ever, it can even broadcast quality sound outdoors, with its range of up to 10 metres. Depending on the model, these durable speakers can also be splash and rain proof, etc.

These days, a connected speaker must combine the three main characteristics:

·         It must be easy to transport and light.

·         It must be compact yet produce high-quality sound, especially outdoors.

·         It should have enough battery life so you can listen to music without worrying about the battery.

Portable: a speaker that follows you on all your musical adventures

The very principle of the connected speaker is its portable aspect. Unlike traditional speakers, the portable speaker does not have any connections: it only needs to be paired via Bluetooth to stream music from your smartphone.

Bluetooth allows all speakers to benefit from quick, secure and uninterrupted wireless connectivity. Bluetooth was developed during the 1990s as a means of wirelessly transmitting data. Radio waves are used for portable speakers: once your smartphone and the speaker are paired, the audio data is transmitted to the speaker, which in turn, is converted into electrical signals. These signals are then amplified to produce the sound of your playlist.

With no connections or cables to worry about, the connected speaker can easily be slipped into a bag to play your music wherever you please. You can choose to move it from room to room of your house, i.e. from the kitchen to the bedroom or office. But you can also take it into the garden, to the park, to the beach, on holiday or camping; in short, anywhere you’d like to listen to your favourite playlist or current podcast series!

One great advantage of the speaker's portability is the option to completely dematerialise your music. More and more of us are using dedicated apps to build our music playlists, so we tend to only use our smartphones to stream music. With a connected speaker, you can easily stream playlists and podcasts via Bluetooth and the various mobile phone apps. This allows you to take full advantage of the speaker's optimal audio quality, which is much better than that of a standard smartphone!

Compact, yet powerful: immersive music wherever you are

While smartphones are becoming more and more powerful, the sound quality of their speakers remains below par. This is where the connected speaker comes in, thanks to its compact yet powerful design.

Today, connected speakers provide a static and interference-free clear sound which is completely secure, thanks to Bluetooth. The speakers have also been designed to produce high-quality sound, which relies in particular on passive bass, capable of providing a rich, detailed sound.

Please note that Bluetooth 5.0 allows you to send high-resolution files without losing any quality. Therefore, the quality of your music does not deteriorate when played on a portable speaker! Furthermore, it is worth noting that some models boast a USB port which can be used to play MP3 files.

Please note that the power of a Bluetooth speaker is measured in Watts. To find out which wattage to choose, take your listening habits into consideration: the larger the room to be filled with sound, the higher the number of watts you’ll need. If you’d like to listen to your music outdoors in a fully immersive manner, we recommend opting for the Kodak PWS-2248 portable speaker which offers a total output of 60 W.

Battery-powered for hours of uninterrupted playback

The connected speaker has been designed to accompany you on all your musical adventures, especially when you are unable to find a power socket. Most portable speakers now offer a good battery life and rapid charging. For example, the Kodak PWS-2261 portable Bluetooth speaker boasts a battery life of 12 to 14 hours (at 50% volume), and takes 4 hours to fully charge.

The connected speaker is therefore ideal for weekends with friends: you can take it with you when camping under the stars or to liven up a beach party! Even at home, the connected speaker will follow you from room to room countless times, to the point where you may even forget to charge it!

The portable aspect, power output and battery life are the key criteria for choosing a speaker. In fact, these three characteristics will help you choose the speaker best suited to your needs. If you want to buy a speaker primarily for outdoor use, opt for an ultra-compact size that produces a rich and powerful sound. If you’re used to outdoor excursions, then choose a connected speaker with a long battery life. Last but not least, check how the speaker is charged. At Kodak, for example, we offer models that can easily be charged via a standard USB cable.

The Kodak range of connected speakers: find the ideal speaker for every musical adventure

Kodak has developed a complete range of connected speakers, suitable for all applications: for those who like to cook with music playing in the background, for those who desire a clear, enveloping sound wherever they are, and even those who want to listen to their playlist at the seaside or while hiking.

The Kodak PWS-2240 portable wireless speaker: immersive sound in a mini size

This Kodak speaker is undoubtedly the perfect miniature speaker for listening to your favourite music, podcasts and audiobooks, whether you happen to be at the beach, out for the evening or by the pool. This IP66-rated model is splash and dust resistant. Thanks to Bluetooth 5.0, this connected speaker will uninterruptedly play all your music within a wireless range of 10 metres. Compatible with iOS and Android, this model can easily be connected to your smartphone, tablet or computer.

More than just a portable speaker: the Kodak PWS-2240 also boasts a hands-free function and a microphone so you can continue to receive calls in a stress-free manner.

Immersive audio playback is guaranteed with the Kodak PWS-2233 portable speaker

The PWS-2233 portable speaker adapts to all uses, thanks to its True Wireless connectivity, IPX6 waterproof rating, 8.5-hour battery life and robust metal speaker grille. You can take it everywhere with you whilst also expanding the playlist options, thanks to a 3.5 mm AUX input and USB port which will allow you to connect non-Bluetooth compatible devices, in addition to MP3 files stored on a USB stick.

In terms of sound, this model stands out thanks to its speakers and a passive bass radiator which allows you to broadcast rich and powerful music that is clear and precise.

What is the main advantage of this Kodak speaker? The coloured RGB lights and 9 LED lighting effects which synchronise with the music for fully immersive evenings!

The power and style of the Kodak PWS-2237 speaker

The Kodak PWS-2237 speaker is packed with power and style: take it everywhere with you, thanks to its compactness, lightness and ambient lighting. This IPX6-certified portable speaker is splash-proof yet delivers a rich and powerful sound with deep bass. This model is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Enjoy evenings filled with uninterrupted music, thanks to the battery life of up to 5 hours and easy-to-charge USB port. This speaker is optimal for outdoor use, thanks to its 8 W RMS output power. Its “bubble” design which wonderfully combines aesthetics and robustness makes it even more appealing: the bubble effect is not just an aesthetic choice, it provides the perfect protection should the PWS-2237 speaker be accidentally immersed in water! The perfect speaker choice for a pool day!

The Kodak PWS-2237 speaker is also much more than a music speaker, it is an interactive and connected object: it allows you to answer your phone calls hands-free, control your music by voice or even directly access your voice assistant.

The PWS-2237 speaker is available in electric blue, white and red versions to suit all tastes!

The Kodak PWS-2261 portable speaker: perfect for outdoor use

The splash and rain-resistant PWS-2261 speaker is the ideal size for your outdoor musical adventures. With a 20 W power output and 70 mm speaker, it generates a clear, powerful sound, all within its wireless range of 10 metres. Ideal for taking to the pool, on a hike or even to the beach; this speaker offers the perfect battery life of up to 14 hours. It fully charges in just 4 hours with a Type-C cable.

What’s the best thing about the Kodak PWS-2261 speaker? It can be paired with another speaker, thanks to the TWS function. You can therefore enjoy an even more powerful and immersive sound by connecting two PWS-2261 speakers to create a stereo pair.

Just like the other speakers in the Kodak range, this model boasts a hands-free function and can also be connected to other audio devices, such as a computer or MP3 player.

The Kodak PWS-2248 speaker: the perfect model for evenings and outdoor cinema sessions

Get ready to harness the power of this speaker which delivers a total output of 60 W for clear, space-filling sound! You can also customise your sound with this model, thanks to the three equalisation modes and an integrated DSP with bass enhancement. For an even more immersive sound, the Kodak PWS-2248 can also be paired with a speaker of the same model to create a breathtaking stereo sound experience! It's the perfect speaker for evenings spent in the garden or hosting an outdoor cinema screening!

What do we love the most about this speaker? The modern and sleek design which will seamlessly go with your interior décor!

Each speaker boasts a particular use, design and power for days and evenings that will always meet your needs! We at Kodak invite you to browse our entire product range: you’ll discover all the new speaker models, in addition to our selection of wired earphones.