Ultimate Ears announced new versions of the BOOM and MEGABOOM called the BLAST and MEGABLAST, which add the Amazon Alexa voice service along with Wi-Fi connectivity. The rugged, waterproof go-anywhere 360-degree wireless speakers keep the same look as the previous generation, but can play up to 40% louder. In addition, an optional $40 POWER UP charging dock doubles as a stand for convenience.
Pricing remains the same for MEGABLAST at $300. However, the BLAST gets a $30 price bump to $230. You might think of these speakers as premium, better sounding versions of Amazon’s Echo Tap. Otherwise, Alexa functionality should be the same except the Tap requires you to hold a button before “asking Alexa”. Having heard all previous models, I’d suspect MEGABLAST is the one to get if you can stomach the price tag.
When connected to Wi-Fi, users can use the power of their voice to ask Alexa to control music from Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and TuneIn, and along with Pandora and Deezer support in the future. With Bluetooth, users can enjoy music from any connected device.
As Ultimate Ears’ loudest, most powerful and best sounding speaker to date, MEGABLAST’s new custom drivers claim to produce full and crisp sound with more powerful mid-range, deeper bass, vocals and instruments that are clearer. With a maximum sound pressure level of 93 dBC, MEGABLAST is the loudest speaker from Ultimate Ears and is 40 percent louder than Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM.
Other features from BLAST and MEGABLAST include:
- Music never stops: When connected to Wi-Fi, you can take calls on your phone while the music continues to play uninterrupted on the speakers. And with hands-free voice control, anyone can play DJ — just ask Alexa to play a song, turn up the volume or cue your favorite playlist. BLAST and MEGABLAST also give you the ability to stream music from the cloud, and a bigger range to roam and dance with a range of 330 feet on Wi-Fi. Both speakers have a Bluetooth range of 150 feet.
- Waterproof and long-lasting battery life: Both BLAST and MEGABLAST are IP67 rated, so they are dustproof, waterproof and can be immersed in up to three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. Keep the party going with a battery life of up to 12 hours for BLAST and up to 16 hours for MEGABLAST.
- Smarter over time: Featuring a new Ultimate Ears app, BLAST and MEGABLAST get smarter and better over time. Using the app, you can update the speakers for new experiences and features as they become available.
Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders start today. Ultimate Ears BLAST, Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST and Ultimate Ears POWER UP are expected to be available in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Austria beginning late October 2017 in six colors: Graphite (Black), Blizzard (White), Blue Steel, Merlot (Red), Mojito (Green) and Lemonade (Yellow).
- $229.99 for BLAST
- $299.99 for MEGABLAST
- $39.99 for POWER UP
Pricing varies by country. All speakers and charging dock sold separately. The free Ultimate Ears app is available for iPhone on App Store and for Android on Google Play.
Amazon Music Unlimited
Any purchase of BLAST and/or MEGABLAST through January 23, 2018 will come with a three-month subscription to Amazon Music Unlimited. Amazon Music Unlimited, the full catalog on-demand streaming service, offers access to tens of millions of songs and thousands of hand-curated playlists and personalized stations, as well as natural language voice controls powered by Alexa. This promotion is only available to new subscribers of Amazon Music Unlimited.
