CES 2024: JBL's fireworks display of audio products is full of surprises
9.1.2024
Translation: machine translated
JBL launches numerous products at CES - and doesn't stop at the annual iteration of speakers and headphones. The highlight is a charging case with a touchscreen - and replaceable batteries for speakers.
It is rare for headphones to become a minor matter when they are presented. This was the case at CES 2024. Although JBL presented three new in-ear headphones - the Live Buds 3, the Live Beam 3 and the Live Flex 3 - the main focus of many visitors was probably on the charging box in which the three pairs of earbuds are charged.
This is equipped with a touch display. The smart case with the 1.45-inch LED display allows you to perform almost all the functions of the headphones without having to reach for your smartphone. In addition to the usual headphone controls such as skip/search, play/pause and volume control, you can also use it to answer calls, read messages and receive push notifications. The case itself can also be charged wirelessly. It is the successor to the JBL Tour Pro 2.
JBL Live series: 48 hours of continuous sound
I consider JBL's live Beam in-ear earbuds to be the premium product in the line. JBL gives its latest models active noise cancellation, IP55 certification for dust and water protection and a full 12 hours of battery life. A further three full charging cycles in the case result in a total of 48 hours of music enjoyment. However, without ANC, but with Multipoint and LDAC codec. JBL does not want to reveal how many hours it is with activated noise cancellation. JBL has installed six microphones (three on each side) for phone calls.
Source: JBL
The Bluetooth 5.3 headphones will be available in purple, blue, black and silver from June 2024. The recommended retail price is 199.90 francs / 199.99 euros.
The JBL Live Buds 3 have the same specs, but are Bud-shaped, i.e. without stems. They also have a quick-charging function. Ten minutes charging time results in four hours of music enjoyment. Here, too, the price is 199.90 francs or 199.99 euros - you can buy them from June.
Source: JBL
Last but not least, JBL is launching the Live Flex 3, which are aimed at listeners who prefer the open design - such as the classic AirPods from Apple - to the silicone plugs in the ear canal. Due to the design, there is no such tight noise cancellation and IP54 certification instead of IP55.
Source: JBL
After all, the Flex 3 also come with the quick-charging function - and with 50 hours of combined battery life. Price and availability are also here: June and 199.90/199.99 euros, in the colours purple, blue, black and silver.
Mobile speaker trio: JBL Go 4, JBL Xtreme 4 and JBL Clip 5
Whoever says "JBL" must also say "portable speakers". The two smallest members of the speaker family have received an upgrade. According to JBL, the JBL Go 4 offers stronger sound and more powerful bass.
Source: JBL
It lasts for seven hours and is IP 67 certified. The robust sound dwarf costs 49.90 francs / 49.99 euros (RRP) and will be available from April 2024 in six colours: camo, red, purple, grey, blue and black.
Source: JBL
You can order the JBL Clip 5 in the same colours and at the same time. As the name suggests, there is a fixed carabiner at the top of the speaker. This allows you to attach the speaker and take it with you. The battery lasts for 12 hours. The recommended retail price is 69.90 francs / 69.99 euros.
The star of the speaker family is the new JBL Xtreme 5. JBL has given its largest portable speaker a function called AI Sound Boost. This is designed to analyse the environment in real time and optimise the acoustic output level based on this data.
Source: JBL
The IP67-certified Xtreme 5 has a battery life of 24 hours, charges third-party devices via its USB port and supports Auracast. This means that a virtually unlimited number of Auracast-compatible JBL speakers can be connected to each other. You can also replace the battery of the JBL Xtreme 5 yourself when it runs out of life.
The Bluetooth 5.3-compatible speaker will be available from April in blue, black and camo and costs 349.90 francs / 349.99 euros (RRP).
Party time: JBL's new party speakers support Auracast and replaceable batteries
In addition to headphones and portable roar cubes, JBL is also introducing new large speakers. The smaller of the two - the PartyBox Club 120 - is said to offer "more powerful sound and deeper bass" than its predecessor. In addition, the US company is once again focussing on a visual effect: a light show with strobe effects to match the sound adorns the front of the PartyBox Club 120. The speaker is also equipped with a guitar and two microphone inputs. The battery lasts for 12 hours and is replaceable.
Source: JBL
Like the Xtreme 4, the PartyBox Club 120 is also compatible with Auracast and supports Sound Boost technology. This analyses the environment and adjusts the output accordingly.
The bigger sister is the PartyBox Stage 320 - like the smaller PartyBox Club 120, it is also IPX4 certified. The Stage 320 is equipped with two woofers and two tweeters and can be paired with an unlimited number of other party speakers. The battery life is 18 hours. This can theoretically be doubled with a replaceable battery. The Stage 320 is also Auracast-compatible.
Source: JBL
The RRP for the box is 599.90 francs / 599.99 euros - you can get your hands on it from April.
Cover picture: JBL
I've been tinkering with digital networks ever since I found out how to activate both telephone channels on the ISDN card for greater bandwidth. As for the analogue variety, I've been doing that since I learned to talk. Though Winterthur is my adoptive home city, my heart still bleeds red and blue.