Audio plays a starring role a IFA 2023, tons of manufacturers offer headphones and speakers, from industry giants to small startups. But there is only one bluetooth speaker that uses solar energy for uninterrupted music playing outdoors: the bluetooth speaker Urbanista Malibu, that we were able to experience at the Swedish brand’s stand. And which has already received many awards at the fair.
Malibu urban planner, the solar-powered speaker plays in Berlin
The team of the Swedish brand explains that Urbanista Malibu is the first Bluetooth speaker in the world to integrate PowerfoyleTM solar cell technology, allowing for solar charging. A technology that we have already tested in the Phoenix, Urbanista earphones with a case that charges with the sun.
But Malibu has the advantage of being able to share your favorite music with friends, which makes it perfect for outdoor activities. In the summer you can hear the hits of the moment by the pool, on the beach or in the mountains. In autumn or spring you can organize barbecues or picnics with friends.
Solar charging and advanced features
Compared to headphones, the PowerfoyleTM charging area is much larger, capable of collecting both sunlight and ambient light. But the Urbanista team explained to us that the speakers, arranged 360 degrees around the speaker, they also consume more energy.
Malibu has a long lasting battery, which can provide a full day of continuous playback. So even on cloudy days you can keep listening. But with solar energy, the bluetooth speaker discharges more slowly, using the sun to recharge and allowing the music to never stop.
The cashier has intuitive control buttons and the Stereo Link function, to easily connect it to a second Bluetooth speaker for even more immersive sound. Plus, you can customize your listening experience from within the Urbanista app. Which also allows you to track solar charging, so you can understand how much battery you’ve gained by keeping the case in the sun.
Attention to the environment, in every sense
One of the things we like best about Urbanista Malibu is its eco-friendly design. In fact, the team of the Swedish brand explains that it has created this one bluetooth speaker with recycled plastic and materialsdemonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability (which we also noticed in the packaging of the other products tested, such as the Atlantas).
But in addition to paying attention to the Environment with a capital A, this speaker is designed to immerse yourself in nature without risk. Malibu, indeed, is IP67 certified, so it can resist sand, dust and dirt. This makes it perfect for outdoor adventures.
Urban planner Malibu: a really attractive price
Urbanista Malibu comes in colors Midnight Black and the elegant new Desert Gray. It will cost 169 euroa price that seems really competitive to us – even if we should wait to test the speaker longer to fully evaluate.
Malibu will arrive at end of September 2023 on the Urbanista website.
An increasingly complete lineup
So they were at the Urbanista stand at IFA 2023 solar-charged earphones, headphones and bluetooth speakers: a complete lineup for those who love the atmosphere and good music. But not only. For example there were the headphones that came from the collaboration with Hugo Boss and with Swarovski.
In short: it has several interesting products even for those who are not interested in solar charging. But especially in Malibu, they seem to us to be an added value with great potential. What do you think about it? Are you interested in this new bluetooth speaker? Let us know in the comments.