Review: Jawbone Jambox

By Branko Miletic

So what did you do this weekend? Me? I played with a Jawbone Jambox. What exactly is a Jambox? Well, that’s a good question, one that has been bugging me ever since I took it out of its packaging.

According to the blurb, the Jambox is the “first intelligent wireless speaker and speakerphone available in  Australia”. Now don’t get me wrong, it works really well and it does everything that it says it will on the packaging – set up is easy and the sound that comes out it is both surprisingly loud (85 decibels) and clear at the same time.

Thing is, what I want to now ask is why? Why was this thing invented in the first place?

Ok, maybe I should ask the manufacturer, Jawbone. 

“In addition to delivering full-spectrum audio, Jambox quickly and easily connects with mobile phones, computers, tablets, iPods or any other Bluetooth device, allowing consumers to seamlessly stream and share music, movies, games, phone and conference calls anywhere — all wirelessly, all in the palm of your hand”.

Jambox can be updated with apps, software and new features at Jawbone’s online platform, MyTALK and its audio alerts will let you know about the battery life, caller ID, call functions and it can also be personalised with voice and language options.

With its stainless steel construction and moulded rubber casing, Jambox comes in four designs: Blue Wave, Black Diamond, Grey Hex and Red Dot.

But you can do this with PCs, laptops and other mobile gear and many other handheld devices also.  So I’ll ask again, what’s it used for?

I mean it’s too big to carry in your pocket, probably not practical in your car so in many ways it’s more at home in an office on a desk or in a retail situation or even a gym perhaps.

In some funny, melancholy way I like the Jambox, with all its quirkiness and confusing position in the tech market food chain.

I mean, what’s not to like – it allows me to play music and talk hands-free with all those wonderful PR people that call me to try and get me to test their client’s products. And yes, I can play my iPhone albums through the Jambox and the sound it pumps out that isn’t too bad for the size of the unit. And yes, it comes in those totally funky colours I mentioned earlier- in fact the colours are so funky that it will be fashionable long after the colours have been classified as being ‘retro’. But can someone please tell me what is the Jambox used for and why was it really designed in the first place because it is the most confusing product I have seen for quite some time.

Pros: great styling, easy set up, good sound quality
Cons: not sure what it’s really used for and why.

3 out of 5 Shacks

RRP
$249