Sony launches world’s smallest portable speaker

Sony launched three new additions to its h.ear audio accessory lineup, including the world’s smallest portable speaker h.ear go, in Seoul on Tuesday.

The h.ear go, consisting of two 35-millimeter full-range speakers, weighs only 790 grams. Loaded with dual tweeters as well as dual passive radiators at the front and the back, the speaker offers high quality full sound despite its compact size. And the battery life is a whopping 12 hours. 

Singer IU, a Korean ambassador for Sony, poses with the h.ear go and other wireless audio devices at a launch event held in Seoul on Tuesday. (Sony Korea)

Two other gadgets unveiled on the day included the h.ear on Wireless NC, a noise-canceling ear phone, and the h.ear in Wireless, a wireless headset.

All three models feature LDAC, Sony’s own audio coding technology for transmitting high-resolution audio wirelessly, about three times the data rate than conventional Bluetooth.

The h.ear lineup, which debuted last year, has been designed with a single shape concept and a single color finish. The gadgets also come in vibrant colors such as viridian blue, Bordeaux pink, cinnabar red, lime yellow and charcoal black.

“With the expansion of the Bluetooth audio device market, consumer demands are also getting diversified not just on portability but also on sound quality and design,” said Sony Korea managing director Osamu Morimoto. “With our h.ear brand, we will strengthen our leadership in the market.”

Korea is one of the fast-growing markets for wireless headsets and speakers. This year the size is estimated to reach almost 150 billion won ($130 million).

According to Sony, compared to other Asian markets where the sales make up about 25 percent of its audio device sales, the Korean figure has exceeded 40 percent.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)