Review: Black Diamond III Bluetooth speaker

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In the box : Black Diamond III Bluetooth loudspeaker/light, Combination USB charging and 3.5 mm audio cable, AC-to-USB power adapter, User guide

A bass resonant tube runs from the speakers at the bottom and up through the back of the unit

Beneath the smoked transparent face is a glittering light diffuser dome covering seven sets of front-mounted LED lights and one more set at the back

Though the manufacturer advises against touching the exposed speakers, it is rather difficult not to at least brush them as you pick up the unit and your fingers naturally head for the bowling-ball-like holes in the housing

It's advisable to safely store the IR remote in the slot provided when not in use

There's a mini-USB charging port to the rear

The unit features Bluetooth 3.0 + EDR with an effective range of around 33 ft and benefits from auto-pairing

The diffused LED light is simply dazzling

Using the remote, you can cycle through eight primary colors, choose the dazzling rainbow, aurora or pupil effects, or select one of three tempo modes that pulse the lights to the beat of the music

Everyone who has encountered the speaker during the review period has warmed to the lighting aspect ... including me

The BD3 is of a similar overall size to the Q2 Internet Radio

Light also streams out of the bass port and remote cradle at the back

Article Summary

I think it's fair to say that if you want a Bluetooth loudspeaker to stream music from your phone or player, the marketplace is somewhat generous with its choices. To stand out and be noticed, manufacturers need to add something extra to the pot – such as being able to change shape like the novel Transformative Bluetooth Hi-Fi System or really feeling the beat with the ONBEAT-X1 portable speaker. Taiwan's Yantouch has taken a decidedly more visually-stimulating route with its third-generation Black Diamond speaker, and Gizmag spent the last few weeks being mesmerized by its stunning light show.

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