With the appearance of any of its other perfectly designed and crafted hardware, the new Bluetooth Bose Soundlink Flex speaker doesn’t, at first glance, appear to be the go-anywhere survive anything device they claim it to be.
But this is Bose, and they don’t mess around when it comes to audio!
In this article:
Bose Soundlink Speaker
Working my way through the press release and accompanying images, Bose wants the Soundlink Flex to be portrayed as an outdoor device.
The good news for travellers, specifically the outdoorsy and adventure types, is that this category is starting to get crowded, and not just from start-ups. Bang & Olufsen, Sonos and Bose have brilliant go-anywhere Bluetooth speakers already.
Flex joins the current Soundlink line of Bose speakers, which includes Micro, Revolve 2 and Color Speaker 2. The new speaker also continues Bose’s commitment to audio on the go, like the QC45 headphones designed for travellers.
Bose Soundlink Flex Speaker// Features
For a speaker that boasts of a robust stature, the Soundlink Flex is constructed of a soft-touch silicone shell and steel mesh at the front and finished with a fabric loop on the right side.
Combined, these components create an almost impenetrable seal giving the Sondlink Flex an IP67 rating. This is one of the highest ratings a device can be graded at.
IP67 ensures complete protection from dirt and dust particles and means the Soundlink Flex can be fully submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. It’s even resistant to corrosion.
So, although I think the exterior might show signs of wear and tear after the more gruelling outdoor adventures, it should continue to work no matter what you put it through. Using it at the beach or by the pool would seem like just as much of a holiday for the speaker!
Bose Audio
Bose says it has used every available millimetre of space inside the Soundlink Flex to deliver that signature Bose sound with the promise of being “loud enough for any outdoor adventure.”
A custom transducer, dual-opposing passive radiators and digital processing technology combined to produce clear vocals, deep distortion-free bass and the ability to transform vibrations into a louder audio output.
And if all that isn’t enough from one, you can pair two Soundlink Flex speakers for Stereo Mode.
Build & Design
On the top edge, Soundlink Flex has five concaved buttons, giving users an option to control the speaker physically. There’s support from the Bose Connect App (Android | Apple), which can do the same as the physical buttons, along with personalising the speaker settings and updating the software.
A single microphone opens up Soundlink Flex to access your voice assistant and make/receive hands-free calls when it’s paired with your smartphone device.
Power is delivered from a lithium-ion battery that will provide up to 12 hours of playback from a single full charge. This is achieved by the single USB-C charging port on the left side edge opposite the Utility loop for hanging or attaching the Soundlink Flex wherever you want to hang it.
Bose has made Bluetooth a simple task with the pairing button on top, and when at home, the Soundlink Flex speaker can fit into your Bose Soundsystem with support for SimpleSync technology.
The Soundlink Flex comes in three colour choices: Black, Stone Blue and White Smoke.
Bose Soundlink Flex Speaker// Specifications
| Dimensions | 91 x 201 x 53mm |
| Weight | 589g |
| Colour Options | Black Stone Blue White Smoke |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.2 USB-C |
| Battery Performance | 12 hours Playback 4 hours charge time |
| Microphone | 1 |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 |
| In the Box | SoundLink Flex Speaker USB-C to USB-A Cable Manuals |
| Website | bose.com |
Bose Soundlink Flex Speaker// Pricing
The Bose SoundLlnk Flex Bluetooth Speaker is $149/£149 at bose.com.
