The speaker supports Bluetooth, but it must be plugged in, so it's not a portable device. It also features a 3.5mm input for connecting to a source component like a turntable. In terms of sound quality, the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is compared to the Sonos Era 100 SL and the standard Era 100, with CNET noting that the Ultra sounds 'a little better' than the Era 100 due to its tighter, punchier bass.
While the speaker's sound quality is improved over earlier Bose Wi-Fi speakers, it still lacks some features, such as native support for high-res audio. However, according to CNET, the speaker delivers 'nicely detailed, well-balanced audio' that's pleasant to listen to across various music genres.
The Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is priced at $299 and can be purchased as a single unit or as part of a stereo pair with another Ultra Speaker, which is recommended for optimal sound quality. The speaker also supports multiroom audio setup through Google Cast or Apple AirPlay, making it a viable option for those looking to integrate their speakers into a smart home ecosystem.
The new Lifestyle Ultra Speaker's design and features make it an attractive option for consumers looking for a compact, high-quality wireless bookshelf speaker. However, its high price may deter some buyers, particularly when compared to other options in the market.
In the context of Edge AI, the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker's use of Google Cast and Apple AirPlay highlights the growing importance of open ecosystems in smart home devices. The speaker's ability to integrate with other compatible devices also underscores the need for seamless communication between devices on the edge of the network.
