JBL’s Xtreme line of loudspeakers have confirmed to be a number of the finest Bluetooth audio system in the marketplace. This has remained the case for the reason that emergence of the unique JBL Xtreme in 2015. Not solely are they splashproof, however the addition of an AUX enter and charging ports makes these audio system wonderful pool social gathering companions for lengthy out of doors periods.
Nonetheless, it has been over three years since JBL launched its most up-to-date loudspeaker, the JBL Xtreme 3. Whereas this speaker hosts as much as 19 hours of battery life, JBL’s “signature sound,” an AUX enter, USB-C and USB-A charging ports, and loud sound replica, there’s at all times room for enchancment. Listed below are all of the upgrades I would like from the JBL Xtreme 4.
A lighter and extra compact design
The JBL Xtreme 3 trades out the small ft discovered on the Xtreme 2 for a flat, textured space, which is barely much less steady.
The time period “transportable” should be utilized loosely when discussing the JBL Xtreme 3. The dimensions, form, and weight make transporting it nearly manageable. Nonetheless, it’s the least transportable of the JBL household and uncomfortable at one of the best of instances. The included shoulder strap helps considerably, however carrying it for lengthy intervals will probably trigger irritation and discomfort. That is very true, given there’s little in the best way of padding on the strap. We hope the JBL Xtreme 4 will weigh lower than its predecessor. It might even be useful if it took on a smaller type issue. This may make it attainable to retailer the speaker in a big backpack. It might additionally make it simpler to put on the shoulder strap when strolling.
Stabilizing ft
Among the finest options of the JBL Xtreme 2 is the stabilizing ft alongside its undercarriage. These useful little plastic stands assist to relaxation the speaker on uneven surfaces. Sadly, the Xtreme 3 changed these with a rough-textured under-surface. Whereas this helps to retain the pleasing cylindrical aesthetic, it makes the speaker impractical to position on something apart from flat terrain. JBL might carry one of the best of each worlds with the JBL Xtreme 4 by together with retractable ft. That manner, customers can select whether or not to relaxation the speaker on the bottom or prop it up with the stand.
Help for the aptX and AAC Bluetooth codecs
With extra folks embracing wi-fi connectivity than ever earlier than, it appears unusual that JBL is but to help some other Bluetooth codec moreover SBC in its Xtreme merchandise. Whereas this works advantageous as a backstop, it gives little in the best way of high-quality wi-fi audio. We wish to see JBL help AAC and Qualcomm’s aptX Bluetooth codec with the Xtreme 4. With this, customers might obtain as much as 320kbps, 44.1kHz/ 16-bit and 352kbps, 48kHz/16-bit audio streaming respectively. It additionally means iPhone and Android customers have a broader record of wi-fi connectivity choices. That is useful, particularly when utilizing the speaker in crowded radio environments.
An IP68 water and dust-resistant score
The JBL Xtreme 3 is a “transportable” Bluetooth speaker in that it features a carrying strap, but it surely’s heavy and hulking.
Don’t get me improper, merchandise that put on an IP67 water and dust-resistance score are extremely welcome. Not solely do they defend our hard-earned merchandise from complete mud ingress and water immersion between 15cm — 1m, however additionally they give us peace of thoughts. You’ll be able to take music with you poolside and never fear about splashes ruining your treasured audio system. We anticipate the JBL Xtreme 4 will likely be no completely different, providing at the very least an IP67 score. Nonetheless, the corporate might go even additional and introduce an IP68 score. With this, the next-gen speaker could possibly be shielded from complete mud ingress and long-term immersion below excessive strain. Which means customers might take the JBL Xtreme 4 within the pool or ocean for a day sing-along.
Backward-compatible “Stereo Mode” performance
JBL’s “Stereo Mode” function is a strong thought in precept. Nonetheless, in observe, it’s a missed alternative. Because it stands, the function solely works when two JBL audio system of the identical technology are paired. So, for instance, for those who upgraded from the JBL Xtreme 2 to the Xtreme 3, you will be unable to pair the 2 in “Stereo Mode.” That’s unlucky, particularly given you need to use these two audio system, and as much as 100 different technology JBL audio system, in “PartyBoost” mode. We wish to see JBL flip the tide with the Xtreme 4. Not solely would it not set the speaker aside from its predecessors, however it will future-proof older JBL Bluetooth audio system. That’s good for events and the atmosphere.
What would you wish to see JBL carry to the Xtreme 4?
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Will there be a JBL Xtreme 4?
The JBL Xtreme 3 has no ft, so setting it on slim ledges or sloped surfaces can get difficult.
We absolutely anticipate JBL to replace its Xtreme line of loudspeakers shortly. We had hoped the corporate would share some particulars of the JBL Xtreme 4 alongside unveiling its JBL Authentics Good Audio system on the IFA conference in Berlin on the first – fifth of September this 12 months. Nonetheless, the corporate has remained tight-lipped over its eagerly anticipated Xtreme speaker. We could have to attend till the CES occasion in January 2024 to listen to something particular. This makes it probably that the product will launch within the early months of subsequent 12 months.
Though it has been a number of years for the reason that JBL Xtreme 3 got here to market, the corporate has been busy. Over the past 12 months, we now have seen the Reside 770NC and Reside 670NC headphones, Tour Professional 2, Tune 125TWS buds, and Soundgear Sense all come to fruition. It’s cheap to imagine that JBL won’t let its foot off the pedal when refreshing its Xtreme line, although the discharge date is up within the air.
- JBL Xtreme — September 1, 2015
- JBL Xtreme 2 — January 18, 2018
- JBL Xtreme 3 — September 2, 2020
As you possibly can see from JBL’s earlier launch sample, the corporate favors bringing its Xtreme audio system to market within the fall. The exception to this rule is the JBL Xtreme 2, which got here to cabinets on January 18, 2018. On condition that we now have already surpassed the corporate’s most well-liked September window, we might see the JBL Xtreme 4 launch early in 2024.
Beforehand, JBL has up to date its Xtreme speaker line roughly each two years. For instance, the JBL Xtreme 2 got here to market two years and 4 months after the unique JBL Xtreme debuted. Additional, the JBL Xtreme 3 adopted roughly two years and 7 months after the JBL Xtreme 2. The corporate has saved its followers ready unusually lengthy for the up to date JBL Xtreme 4. There was no point out of JBL’s anticipated flagship loudspeaker on the IFA conference in September this 12 months. Which means customers could have to attend till the CES occasion in January 2024 to listen to any detailed data. This means the corporate could launch the Xtreme 4 in late January because it did with the JBL Xtreme 2. Nonetheless, it might be even later.
Must you look forward to the JBL Xtreme 4?
The JBL Xtreme 3 survives a plunge into water, making it a superb companion for journeys to the park.
Contemplating the JBL Xtreme 3 continues to be obtainable for ($229.99 at Amazon), it’s honest to query whether or not the next-gen improve is value it. The Xtreme 3 will even in all probability function amongst extra retail gross sales when the corporate’s flagship speaker involves market.
For the value, the JBL Xtreme 3 gives customers a loud and dependable audio expertise. With an IP67 score, Bluetooth Multipoint, AUX enter, and fundamental EQ within the JBL Transportable app, the Xtreme 3 stays a flexible product. The audio system’ 19 hours of battery life is sufficient to get pleasure from a day on the seaside and nonetheless have juice left for the night BBQ. The flexibility to cost gadgets from the 2 built-in USB ports is an undoubtedly useful function. Pairing the Xtreme 3 by way of JBL’s proprietary “PartyBoost” function additionally means customers can host even bigger events with out anybody lacking out on their favourite anthem. If a semi-portable Bluetooth speaker that packs a punch is what you’re after, then the JBL Xtreme 3 is for you.
JBL Xtreme 3
IP67 water resistance • 4 drivers with dual-passive radiators • Can cost different gadgets
Take your events to the seaside with JBL’s water-resistant speaker
The third version of JBL’s water-resistant speaker packs an IP67 score, 4 drivers for loud however correct sound replica, and an aux port for many who choose wired management of their music. The JBL Xtreme 3 doubles as an influence financial institution, making it an amazing off-grid gadget in your subsequent tenting journey or yard social gathering.
Nonetheless, JBL has loads of competitors, not least with itself. These searching for one thing a bit extra transportable ought to contemplate the JBL Cost 5 ($149 at Amazon). As with the Xtreme 3, this speaker boasts an IP67 score and the power to cost your cellular system on the fly. Nonetheless, the 960g design of the Cost 5 is greater than half the burden of the Xtreme 3. It additionally is available in at 22.3 x 9.65 x 9.4 cm, versus the 29.8 x 13.9 x 13.4 cm dimension of the Xtreme 3. This makes it a lot simpler to move with out feeling overburdened. Moreover, the Cost 5 boasts an official battery lifetime of 20 hours, which outperforms that of the JBL Xtreme 3. Sadly, with out an AUX enter or high-quality Bluetooth codecs, customers are compelled to make use of SBC connectivity.
If the Cost 5 nonetheless will not be sufficiently small, then the JBL Flip 6 prices solely ($99 at Amazon) and should meet your wants as a substitute. Whereas this speaker struggles to differentiate between devices fairly in addition to the Cost 5 and Xtreme 3, it solely weighs 544g. It additionally advantages from a loud sound profile, IP67 score, compact 17.8 x 6.8 x 7.2 cm type issue, and Bluetooth Multipoint. Bluetooth 5.1 additionally theoretically gives the speaker with a variety of 40 meters, though that is below ultimate situations. Just like the Cost 5, the Flip 6 doesn’t profit from an AUX enter. Which means customers default to streaming over the SBC Bluetooth codec. It additionally solely gives sufficient battery life for simply over 9 hours of audio playback.
For one thing a bit outdoors of the JBL realm, the UE HYPERBOOM ($129 at Amazon) is a equally loud and hulking loudspeaker. This behemoth weighs a whopping 5.9kg and contains an optical enter to attach this semi-portable speaker to your TV. It additionally options Final Ears’ proprietary “One-Contact Music Management,” which robotically streams your favourite playlist while you long-press the play/pause button. The UE HYPERBOOM additionally hosts two Bluetooth inputs for seamless audio switching. This runs alongside an AUX enter and USB-A port for charging further gadgets. The IPX4 score ought to maintain the speaker secure from splashes, and with 24 hours of battery at 50% quantity, this speaker makes for a superb social gathering companion. Nonetheless, there isn’t any help for different Bluetooth codecs moreover SBC, which is a missed alternative.
