LG has announced two new additions to the company’s audio line up – the LG TONE Free FP series earbuds (models FP9A, FP8A & FP5A) and XBOOM 360 (model RP4B) Bluetooth speaker will soon be available in Australia.
Of the 2 announcements the earbuds are most interesting because of their differentiating features: wireless AUX connection, whispering mode and UVnano in case sterilisation.
Samantha Mikhael, Category Marketing Manager for Home Entertainment at LG Electronics Australia commented on the arrival of the LG TONE Free FP series Earbuds and XBOOM 360 portable speaker in Australia:
“As we head into the summer period and the easing of lifestyle restrictions, Australians will be reconnecting with friends and family. At LG Australia, we are passionate about offering entertainment products that fuel these moments of joy and are sure our customers will find that with our new portable audio line-up”
LG TONE FP series wireless earbuds
The LG TONE Free FP9A model has an interesting feature which allows the earbuds to wirelessly connect to other devices with an AUX connection because the charging cradle doubles as a Bluetooth dongle.
This is handy for using older home speakers that have AUX output, users can plug the cradle into a treadmill or other compatible device via USB-C to AUX cable, to experience their favourite audio.
LG has continued the company’s long-standing relationship with Meridian for the FP series, bringing audio technologies such as Headphone Spatial Processing (HSP) and 3D Sound Stage to a consumer product.
HSP envelopes the listener with multi-dimensional sound while 3D Sound Stage expands spatial up-mixing – great for movies and smartphone gaming. Additionally, the large, upgraded drivers and diaphragms featuring silicone edging, deliver powerful bass and when paired with the TONE Free app, users can access an equaliser, Ambient Sound mode, touch control customisation and a Find My Earbuds function.
Active noise cancelling is featured across the new earbuds, minimising low-frequency sounds. The microphones on the earbuds listen for ambient noises and neutralise these by producing identical sound waves that are inaudible to the listener.
The new “Whispering Mode” offers call privacy, allowing users to hold the right earbud close to their mouths as a dedicated microphone, an ideal solution for making and taking calls while working from home.
Returning to the latest earbud models is the company’s UVnano feature. Integrating a UVC-LED light into the charging case, 99.9 percent of E. coli and S. aureus bacteria is killed after just five minutes of UVC exposure in the cradle for the FP9A & FP8A models. For additional hygiene, the new models also feature medical-grade ear gels.
Finally, the FP9A delivers up to 10 hours of playback time between charges, for a total of 24 hours of usage when used with the charging cradle. Estimated Playtime is based on tests using fully charged earbuds at 50% volume and Active Noise Cancellation function turned off.
With quick charge, five minutes in the case enables up to one hour of listening, making the earbuds ideal for those times when users forget to charge the night before.
The LG TONE Free FP9A, FP8A & FP5A wireless earbuds will be available in Charcoal Black at major retailers and online at LG from later in October 2021.
LG XBOOM 360 portable speaker
As the company’s premium portable speaker offering, the LG XBOOM 360 portable speaker is designed for audio entertaining at home. The speaker has a unique form factor for a portable speaker with omnidirectional audio.
With an easy grip handle and Bluetooth connectivity (or cabled via AUX/USB ports), users can move the RP4B easily around the home, the unit’s shape and fabric exterior look more like a B&O design than a party speaker.
With a rumoured price of about $500 it’s a bit disappointing this speaker only manages its max power output when plugged into mains power, there’s no smart voice control and it’s IPX4 rated which means the most it can handle is the occasional splash of water. Using it poolside, anywhere muddy or at the beach is probably not a great idea.
Featuring a Titanium tweeter, the XBOOM 360 claims to provide accurate and detailed treble dispersed in 360-degrees, while the glass fibre woofer and structure of the bass duct are said to ensure rich dynamic bass with detailed sound.
Delivering up to 10 hours of listening (50% volume with LED mood lighting turned off) users can select one of three different mood lighting presets including ‘ambient’, ‘nature’ and ‘party’. In addition, using the LG XBOOM companion app, users can access features to create a range of customisable sound effects, including ‘DJ Effect’, which allows for the mixing of multiple samples, scratching and other sound effects.
The LG XBOOM 360 RP4B speaker will be available in Charcoal Black at major retailers and online at LG from November 2021.
