Portable
speakers have exploded in use over the last few years -- helped
along by streaming audio through mobile devices. The end result has been a wide
array of features that can be chosen and used and which are uniquely suited to
specific environments Here are some examples of where these features will have
the most impact when in use in and around one's house or apartment.
The Kitchen
Contrary to popular belief, the living room is not where people
spend the most time -- or frequent many times in the course of a day. That
would be the kitchen and for the obvious reasons -- the refrigerator is there
and so too are all the dishes and cutlery and utensils needed when preparing
food. But because so much time is spent doing this, having a portable speaker
putting forth music makes excellent sense -- especially since it is
easy to listen while doing things with a knife which would be a lot more
dangerous if a portable TV was there instead. And since a portable speaker can
stream audio from a smartphone or tablet, it's not necessary to have that
smartphone or tablet right there in the kitchen itself but only nearby, thanks
to the 30+ range of Bluetooth. This avoids the slightest of possibilities for
the phone to get damaged from heat from the range or juices from the food or
anything else that is going on in the kitchen
Requirements for a Kitchen Speaker:
- Water-resistant (against splatters)
- Stereo (for compelling audio)
- Loud Volume (for being heard over the sizzling of bacon, etc.)
The Bathroom
The bathroom sees its fair share of time from everyone in a
household. Having a portable speaker can break up the monotony of the time
spent there, not to mention providing some much needed background when one has
been enlisted for cleaning duties. The speaker
needs to have a small "footprint," which is to say its base should be
as small as possible since counter space is more limited than the kitchen is.
Another type of speaker that fits well here merges a makeup mirror with the
speaker so as to accomplish both tasks together in one place, saving space.
Requirement for a Bathroom Speaker
Vertical construction (saving space)
Moisture-resistant (against the aftereffects of a shower)
Docking capabilities (for providing a place for the mobile device
to "live" during use -- otherwise Bluetooth can keep it connected
with the streaming audio device outside the room)
The Basement/Attic/Laundry Room
Spaces like the basement or attic tend to be unfinished and
boring, which is why so much time is spent trying to liven them up. A simple
way to make spending time in them more enjoyable is through a portable
speaker. Because there's usually enough room, the speaker can be
larger and allow for working through the AC electrical outlet, instead of
having to rely solely on battery power — although using battery power is fine
too. Those using these spaces for DIY projects will find playing music in the
background more soothing and perhaps as an aid against exclamations when the
hammer hits the wrong appendage. And for those who have to wait next to their
washer in order to put the bleach in at the proper time, having a portable
speaker to break up the boredom can only be a good things.
Requirements for a Basement/Attic Speaker:
- Large speakers (for room-filling sound)
- Integrated handle (for ease of moving it around)
- Docking capabilities for the mobile device being used to stream audio
Backyards/Porches/Balconies
Playing music outside one's home helps to extend the home past
all its walls. These speakers
can be self-contained, running off of batteries or AC outlets or
even integrated with floodlights for screwing into light sockets to provide
both light and music. There are even speakers which provide their own light --
in some cases just for making an entertaining light show but in other cases to function
as a flashlight equivalent. For those with swimming pools, a speaker that is
waterproof is obviously required, but having it float as well means being able
to use it in the pool while the smartphone/tablet stays high and dry. And
having a long-lasting battery means that you're not restricted to only being
able to use it for short bursts of time.
Requirements for a Backyards/Porches/Balconies Speaker:
- Weather-resistant
- Colorful (so as to stand out)
- Multi-functional (providing additional features useful when outdoors)
Portable speakers have changed how we listen to music, by making
the places where we can listen increase many times over. Add to that the fact
that the speakers have also changed to accommodate all the places they can be
used and it's no wonder that music is such a big part of everyone's life today.
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