Last year, I began to receive review products from a company I had never heard of before — Germany’s Inateck. Since there are a lot of accessory companies that have been around the States for a while, it was surprising to me to find that this company was making some pretty high quality products. A current example is the Inateck BTSP-10 Plus Mini HiFi Bluetooth Speaker (US$49.99), a portable speaker with excellent sound quality. Let’s check it out.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 2.4 x 2 inches (16.5 x 6 x 5 cm)
- Weight: 13.75 ounces (390 grams)
- Battery life (fully charged): 9 to 15 hours, 2100 mAh battery
- Bluetooth Version 4.0
- Includes: USB charging cable, 3.5mm audio cable, carrying bag
Design
The BTSP-10 Plus is definitely made for use anywhere — the body of the speaker and some honeycomb shapes over the front grille are covered with a matte black silicone material that provides a good grip, although it does seem to pick up fingerprints rather easily. The front grille, covering two 3-watt drivers (according to the company, “high performance composite diaphragm 40 mm Rotunded 16-core NdFeB 3W magnetic driver”), is a nice deep red color that is also repeated on the few buttons on the top of the device.
Those hexagonal buttons include a large one for Bluetooth pairing, a “-” for turning down the volume and a “+” for turning it up. The big button also acts as a pause/play button and starts/ends speakerphone calls.
One the front of the speaker is a single LED, used to denote various conditions. When it’s not paired it will blink red, when the main button is pressed to begin pairing it flashes alternating red and blue, and when paired it blinks blue.
On one side of the speaker is a 3.5mm aux port for connecting those devices that may not have Bluetooth, a power switch, and a microUSB port for charging. When plugged in, the power switch glows green until the speaker is fully charged at which time it turns green.
Functionality
It’s hard to believe that this is a $50 Bluetooth speaker, since I’ve reviewed others costing six times as much that didn’t produce sound quality as good. Rather than supplying deep bumping bass and unimpressive highs, the two drivers push out balanced and nuanced sound at a surprising volume. Vocals and instruments aren’t clipped on the high end as they are on many Bluetooth speakers, and I was very impressed with the music reproduction capabilities of the BTSP-10 Plus.
That clarity also extends to the speakerphone capabilities of the speaker. I’ve often found that incoming calls on Bluetooth speakers sound muddied and muffled, and those I’m talking to complain that I sound like I’m talking in a tunnel. Not so with the Inateck BTSP-10 Plus; the call quality was excellent for both caller and recipient.
The BTSP-10 Plus is very portable, and I was able to play music through it (at a low volume so it didn’t bother my cats…) for about 11 hours on a full charge.
Conclusion
It appears that some manufacturers are finally getting the hang of making small Bluetooth speakers, and that’s the case with the Inateck BTSP-10 Plus Mini HiFi Bluetooth Speaker. For $50, the BTSP-10 produces surprisingly loud and clear sound. Anyone looking for a portable speaker for office, home or parties should definitely have this speaker on their list.
Apple World Today Rating (out of five stars): ★★★★★
Here are some of the best free apps, app updates and new apps that have landed in the App Store recently. Today’s notable apps include Octagon, Orderly and a fun Crazy Taxi City Rush update that Hot Wheels fans will love. All app prices are USD and subject to change. Some deals may expire quickly, so grab them while you can.
Apps Now Free
Octagon – A Minimal Arcade Game with Maximum Challenge [iOS Universal; Now free, down from $1.99] You are trapped inside the Octagon, a megaplex of hallways, platforms, and gaps—and the clock is running. Can you survive the mad race through this trippy 8-sided tunnel?
Phone Book Pro – Easy contact management [iOS Universal; Now free, down from $1.99]This app will help bring order to your address book! Whether you use iCloud, Exchange or Google contacts, “Phone book” will allow you efficiently manage your contacts.
Briefcase Pro – File manager, cloud drive, document & pdf reader and file sharing App [iOS Universal; Now free, down from $2.99] Briefcase is an all-in-one document reader and manager for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
EasyCost – Expense Tracker and Money organizer) [iPhone; Now free, down from $0.99] EasyCost – Tracking your cost very easy.
Orderly – Reminders, Tasks & To Do Lists [iOS Universal; Now free, down from $0.99]
Orderly is a nice and incredibly easy to use todo list app designed exclusively for iOS 8.
Printer Pro – print documents, photos, web pages and email attachments [iOS Universal; Now free, down from $6.99] Print attachments, documents, web pages and more right from your iPhone and iPad to any Wi-Fi or USB printer. Apple’s App of the Week!
Apps On Sale
Tiny Defense [iOS Universal; On sale for $0.99, down from $2.99] Use your wit and tactics to overcome the obstacles and save the gorgeous Green Planet! Collect energy crystal to build your army of robot and fight to rescue your friends. Beware! The enemies are everywhere; on the ground, in the sky, over the sea and even under there!
Deluxe Moon HD – Moon Phases Calendar [iPad; On sale for $0.99, down from $2.99] Deluxe Moon Pro HD Pro is a beautifully crafted moon application with innovative lunar design. It combines traditional lunar themes with modern technology to bring you the best: a feature rich interface with style.
Sleep Time+ : Sleep Cycle Smart Alarm Clock, Sleep Tracker with Sleep Cycle Analysis and Soundscapes for Better Sleep [iPhone; On sale for $0.99, down from $1.99]Sleep Time doubles as a comprehensive sleep analysis app and alarm clock. Celebrating the release of version 2.21, Sleep Time is the first sleep app with iOS 8 support and Apple Health integration!
MagicalPad: Notes, Mind Maps, Outlines and Tasks – All in one [iPad; On sale for $0.99, down from $5.99] All in one page in one App. Visually manage your notes, ideas, mind maps, outlines, checklist and tasks for school, personal and business needs.
aTimeLogger 2 – Personal Time Tracker [iOS Universal; On sale for $0.99, down from $2.99] Application for tracking your everyday activities.
New and Notable Apps
Magic Touch: Wizard for Hire [iOS Universal; Free] Wanted, Wizard required for defence duties. Must be proficient in spell casting to pop varying balloon types that may be utilised by intruders.
Cute or Not [iPhone; Free] Swipe right to cute. BuzzFeed presents Cute or Not, the awesome photo app for the animal lover in all of us.
Updates you don’t want to miss
CalPal Calendar [iPhone; Free] CalPal is a free and beautiful calendar that simplifies and organizes your life. Version 3.0 brings the following changes:
- Totally redesigned and integrated day/week/month/year picker that enables you to navigate into the past and future seamlessly with one control
- A block-based calendar layout in addition to our original list view (with stunning transitions between the two)
- A fluid and dynamic color scheme that echoes throughout the app and is designed to reflect the seasons and weather throughout the year
- A totally revamped chat UI
- A laundry list of other new hints, accents, and Easter eggs to bring just a little more joy to your day
Crazy Taxi City Rush [iOS Universal; Free] Speed, drift, whip around corners, weave through traffic, up ramps and into the air. The crazier you drive the higher your rewards. Version 1.6.0 brings the following changes:
- SPECIAL HOT WHEELS® EVENT ON NOW!
- Drive Hot Wheels® legendary hot rod Bone Shaker™ in the game
- Collect Hot Wheels® Tokens to win exclusive customizations, diamonds, and dollars
- Available for a limited time only
