CES 2018: JBL Is Putting Audio Everywhere

Our first major stop at CES 2018 was to Harman Audio, parent company of a collection of audio brands, including JBL, whose extensive product line offers audio solutions for your home, your vehicle, and beyond. JBL speakers, like the Flip and Pulse waterproof Bluetooth speakers, are consistently highly-rated options for getting your audio anywhere you want, without wires or worries, whether it’s just the living room or all the way to the beach. At CES, we checked out some of JBL’s newest products, which further extend your ability to listen just about everywhere.

First up, we saw the JBL Go 2, which is a great example of how—contrary to popular belief—CES is not just an exhibit of exotic, expensive electronics. The Go 2 is a compact Bluetooth speaker that offers an IPX7 waterproof waiting, audio quality that belies its size, and comes in an assortment of fun finishes. A great choice for when you just want a simple way to listen anywhere, it will hit the market at just under forty bucks. The JBL Clip 3 updates the popular Clip lineup with some new design features and colors, while still sporting the IPX7 waterproof rating. Rounding out the trio of portable speakers was the JBL Xtreme 2, which admittedly is on the larger end of the spectrum for a portable speaker. But that larger size, of course, means larger sound. The original Xtreme has proven itself capable of cranking out some excellent audio , and the Xtreme 2 brings audio refinements that promise even bigger sound. A 15-hour battery means all-day play, and like the others, the JBL Xtreme 2 is also IPX7-rated.

Users who are interested in Bluetooth speaker options, but who don’t need the extreme environmental protection of JBL’s waterproof lineup (and who might want their speakers in more refined finishes) will probably be more interested in the JBL Link lineup. These speakers, specifically the new JBL Link 500, are meant to compete with industry favorites like the SONOS PLAY:5 or Google Home Max. Not just for listening, the JBL Link 500 also has full Google Assistant and Chromecast capabilities baked in, making it a great choice for smart home integration. Learn more in the video below: