JBL Announces Two New Speakers for the Upcoming Nokia Lumia 920 and 820

Hmm, looks like we’ve already got accessories being announced for the recently introduced Nokia Lumia 820 and 920. The two new JBL speakers features NFC to communicate with the phones or you can use traditional Bluetooth. The speakers are the JBL PowerUp which is a speaker and a wireless charger with an MSRP of $249, the other is the PlayUp which is a just a wireless speaker without the charging option and that has an MSRP of $150.

-HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, announces two JBL^® speakers featuring NFC (near-field communication) chips, high-quality Bluetooth^® streaming and full-range drivers so owners of new Nokia^® Lumia smartphones powered by Windows^® Phone 8 can enjoy vibrant audio playback from Internet music channels or a personal music collection through these powerful, compact speakers. The JBL PowerUp wireless charging speaker for Nokia wirelessly charges any Qi-compatible device – including the new Nokia Lumia Windows Phone 8 smartphones – while streaming audio via Bluetooth technology. Simply place the Lumia 920 or the Lumia 820 with wireless charging shell atop the speaker, and rock out while you power up.

“The JBL PowerUp uses the latest in wireless technologies such as near-field communications to create an ultra-convenient yet high-performance speaker – just drop your phone on the speaker to charge and play. Music fans will hear the truth and appreciate the quality audio experience they expect from JBL.”

The PowerUp and PlayUp include integrated NFC chips so users with NFC-compatible smartphones, tablets or music players can stream audio content simply by tapping the gadget on the speakers. No complicated setup or menus are needed. Both speakers are optimized with aptX^® audio so Bluetooth streaming is robust and clear, and stereo mini-jacks are included so any device with a 3.5mm connector – including laptops, desktop PCs and MP3 players – can enjoy the crisp sound from either speaker.

“These JBL speakers were designed for Nokia’s on-the-go music lover who wants a quality wireless audio performance without sacrificing convenience,” said Sachin Lawande, executive vice president of HARMAN and co-president of HARMAN Lifestyle and Infotainment. “The JBL PowerUp uses the latest in wireless technologies such as near-field communications to create an ultra-convenient yet high-performance speaker – just drop your phone on the speaker to charge and play. Music fans will hear the truth and appreciate the quality audio experience they expect from JBL.”

Details of each speaker:

The JBL PowerUp wireless charging speaker for Nokia features a proximity sensor that illuminates the controls when it detects an NFC-compatible device nearby, and an LED light outlines the Qi-compatible wireless charging surface for proper phone placement; the light pulsates to indicate when the phone is charging. The PowerUp features two full-range drivers that provide deep, accurate bass and 65Hz – 20kHz frequency response. A Bluetooth pairing button and LED indicator allow for easy control and connection status. The PowerUp will be offered in cyan, black and white.

The JBL PlayUp portable wireless speaker for Nokia is an ultra-portable, acoustically sophisticated speaker that delivers a 360-degree soundstage featuring three drivers. The PlayUp delivers deep, accurate bass with an impressive frequency range of 85Hz – 22kHz. The PlayUp has a rechargeable battery life of 10 hours, allowing users to take the speaker with them anywhere – the beach, a party or the office – without the need to charge. The speaker features Bluetooth wireless connectivity and includes an NFC chip, so it starts to play when a new Lumia phone or other NFC-enabled device is nearby. The JBL PlayUp is available in cyan, white, black and yellow. It features a replaceable battery, and its accessories include a carrying pouch, a micro USB charger and a 3.5mm audio cable.

Pricing and availability

The JBL PlayUp has a suggested retail price of $149, and the JBL PowerUp has a suggested retail price of $299. Both models will be available through select retailers later this year. For additional information, visit www.JBL.com.