Sony Bows Three Bluetooth Speakers With Speakerphone Functionality

Sony announced availability of a trio of Bluetooth speakers Thursday that incorporate the company’s LDAC hi-res audio technology. LDAC is said to provide three times the data transmission capability of standard Bluetooth to boost improve wireless audio. The SRS-X55 ($179) and SRS-X33 ($129) speakers offer one-touch connectivity via near field communications for compatible devices and Sony’s DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) that’s said to boost the sound of compressed audio files by restoring high-range sound removed during compression. Built-in speakerphones allow users to answer phone calls at the push of a button, said the company. The 30-watt SRS-X55, available in black only, adds a USB charging output for a smartphone and offers 10 hours’ battery life, said Sony. The 20-watt SRS-X33 provides USB charging, has rated battery life of 12 hours and is available in black, blue, red and white. The 10-watt SRS-X11 ($69) delivers 12 hours on a charge and comes in black, blue, pink, red and white.