Philips BR-1X is a tough, portable Bluetooth speaker

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The BR-1X is a portable Bluetooth wireless speaker with a tough rubber casing that allows it to be used both indoors and outdoors

New from Philips is the BR-1X portable Bluetooth speaker, designed for indoor and outdoor use thanks to a no-nonsense design.

The BR-1X features two different sound modes: indoor, and outdoor. Indoor claims to offer deeper bass and "crystal clear details", while outdoor mode outputs "loud, heavy audio".

Users can connect smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices to the BR-1X using Bluetooth. For those that don't support it, there's a 3.5mm auxiliary input. A built-in microphone also allows you to use the speaker for hands-free voice calls.

Philips has implemented its wOOx loudspeaker technology which aims to deliver low, precise and dynamic bass with minimum distortion from two 2-inch drivers.

Design

The BR-1X is encased in a rugged, rubber shell and features an over-sized strap, making it suitable for outdoor use.

A built-in rechargeable battery claims to offer up to 6 hours of playback, and, intriguingly, several BR-1X speakers can be connected together using the included audio cable.

The Philips BR-1X Bluetooth speaker is available now in khaki and grey finishes for £100.

MORE: Best Bluetooth speakers to buy in 2014

Andy Clough
Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.