[section_title title=”Introduction and Specifications”]
Introduction
Brand: Fugoo
Model: Sport
Price (UK): £164.53 @Amazon.co.uk (at time of review)
Price (US): $167.99 @Amazon.com (at time of review)
Model: Style (Jacket)
Price (UK): £24.99 @Amazon.co.uk (at time of review)
Price (US): $29.99 @Amazon.com (at time of review)
When it comes to choosing your audio companion it’s more and more common to find Bluetooth as an option for connectivity, not just with hands-free mobile phone headsets but even full home theatre setups. So it’s no surprise then that we often have a ready supply of speakers here at Play3r to test and review. Frequently those are the entry level units, around £40 or so, and while they vary in quality you’re not going to get the full audiophile experience. The next level up in cost would seem to promise a more precise and enjoyable listening experience and today I have the opportunity to review the Fugoo; but will the rather large step up in price prove a worthwhile investment or is it going to be too much cost for too little improvement? Indeed, will it be any improvement at all from some of the better entry level speakers that I’ve listened to?
The Fugoo comes in a variety of jackets – literally jackets that you slide on to suite your style or performance needs with the core being the same. I have the sport variation with offers a more rugged appearance and a bit of protection from drops and bumps as well as being waterproof if you choose to take it in the shower or for a swim and can be combined with attachments to fit the speaker to a mount for biking, canoeing and other exertions. I also have a style jacket for a different look and more casual use which is also waterproof and you can get the full tough jacket which offers maximum protection from accidental damage.
Before I get ahead of myself, let’s take a look at the specifications and then move on to a better look at what you’re getting.
Specifications
AUDIO QUALITY
Six proprietary, custom-designed acoustic drivers:
- Two 28mm neodymium tweeters
- Two 39mm neodymium aluminum domed mid/woofers
- Two 43mm x 54mm passive radiators
Drivers face all directions, with an 8-degree upward tilt for better dispersion.
Full Range Frequency Response: 60Hz – 20KHz.
Supports aptX® codec for high-quality Bluetooth stereo sound.
CONNECTIVITY
Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connectivity up to 10 meters/33 feet indoors and 36 meters/120 feet outdoors.
Bluetooth Low Energy for remote control.
Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP 1.4) enables control from your audio device and the optional Remote Control.
Other Profiles: Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) 1.3, Hands-Free Profile (HFP) 1.6, Headset Profile (HSP) 1.2.
3.5mm stereo input for wired connection.
Micro-USB for charging and updates.
MICROPHONE
Google Now™ / SIRI® Compatible.
Omnidirectional microphone with echo cancellation.
Full-duplex capable in speakerphone mode.
Digital Signal Processor for wind and background noise reduction.
UPDATE SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY
Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, XP.
Mac OS 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6.
POWER
International AC adapters (chargers) are compatible with standard household / mains current around the world. They operate from 110-240 volts AC, at either 50Hz or 60Hz.
Up to 40 hours continuous play at 50% loudness.
Built-in Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery.
Charged via USB or international AC Adapter included (3.5 hours for full charge).
Battery life displayed on supported devices.
Next we’ll take a look at what you get for your cash.
