Is this the ultimate party speaker? MailOnline puts Sony's XB40 to the test
- Features 24 hours of battery life and built-in multi-coloured lights
- SongPal app lets you adjust the lighting and as add more speakers to a chain
Portable speakers promise to give you an instant party almost anywhere.
But for too long, ‘instant’ has never truly been the case.
You either have to struggle to pair your phone, or are forced to contend with weak, tinny sound and poor battery life.
Sony wants to change that with its SRS-XB40 portable speakers that claim to let you ‘create your own club night’.
But does it really live up to its promise?
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At first glance, the XB40’s big attraction is a built-in multi-coloured line light, speaker lights and a flashing strobe. The lights create a range of patterns and synchronise with the rhythm of the music, allowing you to both hear and see the beat
The SRS-XB40 comes under Sony’s Extra range brand, which also includes the SRS-XB10, SRS-XB-30 and SRS-XB20.
At first glance, the XB40’s big attraction is a built-in multi-coloured line light, speaker lights and a flashing strobe.
The lights create a range of patterns and synchronise with the rhythm of the music, allowing you to both hear and see the beat.
Unlike some rival speakers, pairing with your phone isn't too much of a headache.
The speakers feature LDAC audio technology which transmits three times more data than conventional Bluetooth.
For budding DJs, a Fiestable app lets you control lighting and colours. You also have the option – at the press of a button – to more base.
Sony's SongPal app also lets you adjust the speaker lighting as well as add more speakers to a chain, by linking up to 10 speakers.
One issue is with syncing the music when linking up a large number of speakers.
With fast-paced music with a heavy beat, linking up several speakers can be a challenge.
Sony's SongPal app also lets you adjust the speaker lighting as well as add more speakers to a chain, by linking up to 10 speakers
If you want to dial down the rave, you can connect two wireless speakers for wider stereo sound, and syncing becomes less of problem.
Despite this, however, it truly is a ‘portable disco.’
The device features 24 hours of battery life. You can check the status of the battery using a voice feedback function that tells you how much battery is left at the press of a button.
And if your smartphone is running low on power, connect it via USB to the speakers to charge.
Matt Coupe, Head of Sony, Sony UK and Ireland said: 'We see continued high demand for powerful bassy sound with matching colourful flashy lights as one of the new ways of enjoying music.
'Another rising trend we have seen is voice controlled products in the home.
'By pairing a Sony wireless speaker with Google Home you can control it simply with your voice.'
At £200 ($299), it’s at the premium end of the small Bluetooth speaker range.
But if you’re willing to pay the price, SRS-XB40 offers a solid range of features if you want a mini-disco on the move.
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