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Bluetooth Speakers: Portable and Affordable Conference Phones

by Larry Browne

Bluetooth speakers coupled with softphones are a cheap alternative to standard conference phones.

Published: August 8, 2013

I recently purchased a Logitech Bluetooth speaker for listening to music from my iPhone and other bluetooth devices. When I got the unit, the UE Mobile Boombox, I noticed that it also had a microphone. So I thought that the combination might make for a portable conference phone with Bria, or another IoS SIP phone app. I was right.

We used the combination here at the OnSIP customer success bunker for a company conference call, and there was no noticeable difference in audio quality from our larger, tabletop conference phone. A great-sounding, very small speaker paired with a mobile VoIP enabled iPhone or Android device using Bria is a great alternative for those looking to make cheaper conference calls. It also works great as a conference phone that can be used anywhere with a Wi-Fi signal.

Unfortunately, the setup does not support HD Voice, and we do not recommend this as a worthy replacement of an optimized conference phone microphone. It's simply a neat setup that can be used in lieu of other options.

There are a number of portable Bluetooth speakers out there. Not all of them have microphones, so do your research first before buying. Here are the specs for the UE Mobile Boombox.

  • Price: $99.99
  • Wireless Capabilities: Pair up to 8 Bluetooth enabled devices Connect up to two devices at the same time. Mobile range of play is up to 50 ft.
  • Maximum Sound Level: 78dBA
  • Frequency Range: 150 Hz - 18 kHz
  • Drivers: Two 1" Full-range drivers
  • Battery Life: Micro USB rechargeable battery has up to 10 hours of battery life between charges.

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