Creative unveils Sound Blaster FRee portable Bluetooth speaker

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The FRee (no, that’s not a typo), is the latest addition to Creative’s Sound Blaster range of audio products.

Creative has fitted the FRee with two custom-tuned neodymium drivers, along with twin passive radiators for low frequencies. The FRee claims to deliver 360-degree sound, and has dual-orientation playback, meaning it can be placed either horizontally or vertically.

The compact cylindrical shape means it can be carried around easily, and a splash-proof casing allows it to be used near water.

Connection is primarily via Bluetooth, but there’s also a USB input for PCs and Macs, and a 3.5mm auxiliary input for analogue sources. Alternatively, users can insert a microSD card up to 32GB and the speaker will play any audio files stored on it. The FRee also features a built-in speakerphone for hands-free calls over Bluetooth.

Finally, there's a built-in rechargeable battery, which Creative claims lasts up to 10 hours.

The Creative Sound Blaster FRee Bluetooth speaker will be available in July for £80.

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Max Langridge

Max is a staff writer for What Hi-Fi?'s sister site, TechRadar, in Australia. But being the wonderful English guy he is, he helps out with content across a number of Future sites, including What Hi-Fi?. It wouldn't be his first exposure to the world of all things hi-fi and home cinema, as his first role in technology journalism was with What Hi-Fi? in the UK. Clearly he pined to return after making the move to Australia and the team have welcomed him back with arms wide open.