Boost by iFrogz has been referred to as “the magic box” by a few of the people I have shown it to and I can agree with that assessment. Boost uses near field audio technology (not some microphone amplified technology) and it is a great little device for upping the ante from your multimedia phone (and much more). The neat part for even the technology impaired is the fact that it does not require any configuration settings you just set your device on the Boost and you are ready to go. The fact that you can also pull the device away and the sound diminishes is a neat little trick to show your friends at a party, plus an easy way to show it is working.
I was able to test the device with multiple phones and mp3 players and learned a bit of how to get the best sound of the device.
Your case can make a difference, my wife has an android phone that has a case that opens in the back to allow the speaker to play without any case in between and that worked out very well. My iPhone 4 was also able to really put out some great sound with the device. I am even using it as I write this review. I did try it with an older iTouch with a case that surrounds the device. Since the older iTouch isn’t known for having good speaker quality, it does not produce as great of a sound with the iFrogz as some of the other devices. I think if your sound quality is decent, but just not “loud” enough the Boost will make you a believer. Not a big deal as the iFrogz does allow you to attach a device via a cable in the Audio in slot. If you are out of batteries you can also use the DC 5V in USB connector to power the device as well.
I think many will be impressed by the quality of the sound, but remember while it has a great price point, it is not a professional studio. We were all MORE than happy with the sounds quality of the Boost.
You can throw it in a purse, and even in your jeans pocket if you needed to so that you can create a party wherever you and your phone (or mp3 player) go. It was a crowd pleaser wherever I brought the device and everyone was amazed at how well it worked not to mention the fact it was not Bluetooth. The nice thing about that is your parent can figure out how it works, and it keeps the cost down to an area where you don’t mind picking one up for each family member. It is also a great gift for the teenager (or older) that seems to have everything and loves listening to music on the go, by their desk while they work, or needs something for that impromptu party that may break out at any time.
As a family we have even brought it out when the kids wanted to dance. My younger son is 6 and has all of his music on his Nintendo DS. Guess what? The Boost works for that as well and he was so happy. The playroom has now been turned into a dance floor and Kidz Bop reigns supreme thanks to the Boost by iFrogz.
The iFrogz Boost speaker allows users to maximize their sound by simply placing their smartphone, or other device equipped with an external speaker, on top of the Boost. The Boost features patent-pending audio technology to sync the external audio signal and then amplify the sound through two high-quality 2W x 2RMS speakers. No wires, cords, Bluetooth or pairing configuration is needed.
“iFrogz is dedicated to providing innovative consumer electronic accessories that complement a variety of devices on the market,“ says Ben Godfrey, VP of Product Development at iFrogz. “The Boost is a convenient and unique accessory that we know our customers will love.”
The Boost gives up to 15 hours of play time when powered by three AA batteries, or can be powered by a Micro USB cord (sold separately). When on battery power, it can remain in standby mode for up to 6 months.