10 trends in tech to watch in 2018

Introduction

What will happen in the world of technology in 2018? Trends in technology are not easy to spot, but there are two things you should never do; talk to anyone who actually makes hardware or software, or pay much attention to the CES Show in Las Vegas each January. 

The former use the word 'disruptive' about themselves like it's going out of fashion (it is, finally), and the latter is crammed with thousands of new products that promise a glimpse into the future, then fail to get any traction (we're looking at you, 3DTV and netbooks). 

So here are some more general trends in tech based on number crunches and analysts' hunches that are set to become more pronounced in 2018 and beyond.

The best Bluetooth speakers available in India 2017

Looking for the best Bluetooth speaker? We can help. We've listened to hundreds of these wireless speakers over the years and have put our heads together to form a definitive list of the best ones you can buy. 

Curious what Bluetooth speakers are all about? If you want a quick and easy way to play music around your home or on the go, then nothing beats the convenience of a Bluetooth speaker. Simply charge it up, pair it to your phone, and you'll be able to play your entire music collection wherever you choose. 

While the latest set of audio cans can do amazing things, they previously offered a weak and tinny sound. Improvements is Bluetooth technology have meant that they're able to offer a very capable audio experience in their own right. And, better yet, battery capacities have improved such that you can use a Bluetooth speaker for several days on the trot without needing to recharge it. 

But not all wireless speakers are made equal, and with that in mind welcome to our list of our top picks for the best Bluetooth speakers around. Some are rugged. Some are stylish. Some are weatherproof. Some aren't fit for the outdoors. But all of them are well worth a place in your tech arsenal. 

There are hundreds of Bluetooth speakers floating around, and sorting out which ones are worth your money and which ones are best left on the shelf can be a time-consuming process. But leave it to us. We've got you covered.

Here's a quick look at the Top 10 Bluetooth speakers in 2017

1. UE Boom 2
2. JBL Charge 3
3. Bose SoundLink Mini II
4. UE Wonderboom
5. Bose SoundLink Color II
6. Fugoo Style
7. Creative Muvo 2
8. Marshall Kilburn
9. JBL Flip 4
10. Bose SoundLink Revolve

1. UE Boom 2

1. Minor, but worthwhile upgrades for a modern classic
   Weight: 544g | Battery life: 15 hours | Wireless range: 30+ feet | Frequency response: 90Hz-20kHz | Drivers: Two 1.75" drivers and two 1.75" x 3" passive radiators | NFC: Yes | Aux-in: Yes USB charging: Yes
   This sequel to the UE Boom nails everything a Bluetooth speaker should be. It's loud, yet detailed. Portable, but still incredibly durable. Plus, even better, the addition of waterproofing turns what used to be the best Bluetooth speaker around for most occasions into the best one for every occasion. 
   If you're deep in the search for your next –, or first – Bluetooth speaker, you can stop looking now. (But if you're looking for a little more power, the Megaboom – also from UE – is a great choice, too.)

2. JBL Charge 3

1. A near-perfect balance between sound, features and price
   Weight: 798g | Battery life: 20 hours | Wireless range: 30+ feet | Frequency response: 65Hz – 20kHz | Drivers: Two 1.7" drivers and two passive radiators | NFC: No | Bluetooth version: 3.0 | Aux-in: Yes | USB charging: Yes

As a package, the JBL Charge 3 offers a compelling set of features and excellent sound quality to boot. It punches well above its weight, playing loudly and distortion-free. The Charge line of speakers have been on our shortlist of recommendations for a long time and the latest iteration maintains JBL's dominance in the portable Bluetooth speaker market.

3. Bose SoundLink Mini II

Slightly dated, but still one of the best sounding wireless speakers

Weight: 667g | Dimensions: 2 x 7.1 x 2.3 inches (H x W x D) | Battery life: Up to 10 hours | Wireless range: 30 ft (10 m) | Frequency response: N/A | Drivers: N/A | NFC: No | Bluetooth version: N/A | Aux-in: Yes | USB charging: No
The Bose SoundLink Mini II is relatively ancient, having been released in June 2015. However, writing off the SoundLink Mini II because of its age would be a mistake, as it remains one of the best sounding wireless speakers. That said, it punches way above what its size would suggest, producing deep bass, sparkling highs and a lush midrange. While most wireless speakers sound OK, the Mini II proves that small speakers don’t need to compromise on sound.

4. UE Wonderboom

One of the best-sounding waterproof speakers you can buy

Weight: 425g | Dimensions: 102 x 93.5mm (H x D) | Battery life: Up to 10 hours | Wireless range: 100 ft (33 m) | Frequency response: 80 Hz – 20 kHz | Drivers: two 40 mm active drivers and two 46.1mm x 65.2mm passive radiators | NFC: No | Bluetooth version: N/A | Aux-in: No | USB charging: No

When someone asks us for a recommendation for a waterproof speaker, the UE Roll 2 was always on the top of our list. We loved the Roll 2’s unique form factor, 50-foot wireless range and, obviously, it sounded good, too. Where it was lacking was in the bass department. Logitech, UE’s parent company, has fixed the Roll 2’s lack of bass by creating the appropriately named UE Wonderboom. 

In our eyes, the UE Wonderboom bests the Roll 2 in just about every way –except for the Roll 2’s handy bungee cord. Still, ignoring that, if you’re looking for one of the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers on the market today, it’s hard to do better than the UE Wonderboom. 

The UE Wonderboom is still not available in India but we have confirmed its arrival to the country. Our global team has tested the device, hence we are sure to put it in the best Bluetooth speakers list.

5. Bose SoundLink Color II

A vibrant Bluetooth speaker that packs impressive sound

Weight: 544g | Dimensions: 5.25 x 5 x 2.25 inches (H x W x D) | Battery life: 8 hours | Wireless range: 30 feet | Frequency response: N/A | Drivers: N/A | NFC: No | Aux-in: Yes | Bluetooth version: N/A | Weatherpro
ofing: Yes | Charges devices over USB: No

It seems just about every speaker company has a wireless speaker that can take the abuse of being outdoors and Bose, a company most well-known for its brand of excellent noise-canceling headphones, is no different. If you’re looking for something from Bose to take with you on your next hike, the Rs. 11,500 SoundLink Color II is the company’s only splash-proof speaker that can stand up to the elements with an IPX4 rating.

6. Fugoo Style

A small Bluetooth speaker that raises the bar

Weight: 440g | Battery life: Up to 40 hours | Wireless range: 30+ feet | Frequency response: 60Hz -20kHz | Drivers: Two 28mm neodymium tweeters, two 39mm neodymium aluminum domed mid/woofers, two 43mm x 54mm passive radiators | NFC: No | Aux-in: Yes | USB charging: Yes
Meet one of the Bluetooth speaker market's best-kept secrets. The Fugoo comes in your choice of jacket style (Style, Tough, or Sport), but no matter which one you choose, this speaker is just as suited for the elements as it is your coffee table. Despite its small size, this option offers surprisingly good sound performance and, get this, up to 40 hours of battery life when listening at medium volume. We were able to get nearly 20 hours out of it at a high volume.

7. Creative Muvo 2

Impressive sound at a pocket-friendly price tag

Weight: 340 g | Battery life: Up to 10 hours | Wireless range: N/A | Frequency response: N/A | NFC: No | Aux-in: No | USB charging: No

Good build quality

Impressive battery life

No NFC

Body coloured buttons affects visibility

Muvo 2 has a very simplistic, no non-sense cuboid design with the speaker grille covering the front of the speakers with Creative logo in the centre. Inside the grille, it hides a big passive radiator and two speaker drivers. The speakers don’t look like a rugged speaker but actually it is pretty solid. It is also IP66 certified that makes it resistant against accidental encounter with water and dust. It also has a lanyard loop that can be used to hang it when you are on a move.

It does a great job looking at the size of the speakers. Pairing it with your phone or computer is a cakewalk. Just turn on the speaker and search for the available Bluetooth devices around to connect. It beeps when gets connected to a sound source.

It is one of the most impressive portable speakers we have experienced in this price range. If compared to the highly praised JBL Flip 3, it is no less in any department. In fact, its size and shape makes it better to carry in a bag or in a big pocket. The only downside is the missing NFC, and the function buttons on the top are tough to access in dim light.

8. Marshall Kilburn

Vintage looks with excellent sound

Weight: 3kg | Battery life: Up to 20 hours | Wireless range: N/A | Frequency response: 62 - 20,000Hz | Drivers: two 3/4-inch dome tweeters, one 4-inch woofer | NFC: No | Aux-in: Yes | USB charging: Yes

The Marshall Kilburn might not appear to be the best choice in Bluetooth speakers. It’s large, heavy, doesn’t have USB charging and isn’t waterproof. Plus, Rs. 24,799 is a lot to pay for a Bluetooth speaker. But none of this matters because the Kilburn sounds so darn good. 

If design and audio performance are your two most important criteria for a Bluetooth speaker – and they should be – the Kilburn is near perfect. 

9. JBL Flip 4

A life-friendly speaker that doesn't skimp on sound

Weight: 515g | Battery life: Up to 12 hours | Wireless range: 40 feet | Frequency response: 70Hz – 20kHz | Drivers: 2 x 40mm | NFC: Yes | Aux-in: Yes | Bluetooth version: 4.2 | Weatherproofing: Yes | Charges devices over USB: No

The Marshall Kilburn might not appear to be the best choice in Bluetooth speakers. It’s large, heavy, doesn’t have USB charging and isn’t waterproof. Plus, Rs. 24,799 is a lot to pay for a Bluetooth speaker. But none of this matters because the Kilburn sounds so darn good. 

If design and audio performance are your two most important criteria for a Bluetooth speaker – and they should be – the Kilburn is near perfect. 

9. JBL Flip 4

A life-friendly speaker that doesn't skimp on sound

Weight: 515g | Battery life: Up to 12 hours | Wireless range: 40 feet | Frequency response: 70Hz – 20kHz | Drivers: 2 x 40mm | NFC: Yes | Aux-in: Yes | Bluetooth version: 4.2 | Weatherproofing: Yes | Charges devices over USB: No

Bringing bluntness over refinement, the JBL Flip 4 is a good Bluetooth speaker for the rugged outdoorsman in your friend circle. It’s rough, tough design makes it perfect as a portable speaker to accompany all aspects of your life while its sound is solid without worrying your home audio system.

It’s all weather friendly design is a win, but a lack of definition and distinction in the mid-range ultimately means its sound quality is not quite up to scratch when compared with some, more high-end portable speakers.

10. Bose SoundLink Revolve

An excellent 360-degree speaker for the home

Weight: 680g | Battery life: 12 hours | Wireless range: 30ft (10m) | Frequency response: N/A | Drivers: N/A | NFC: Yes | Aux-in: Yes | Bluetooth version: N/A | Weatherproofing: No | Charges devices over USB: No

The Bose SoundLink Revolve is an excellent sound speaker for users looking for true 360-degree sound. It’s great for sharing music during a party or for moving around the room without losing audio fidelity. It continues the company’s history of excellent build quality and sound and crams it all into a cylindrical speaker you can take with you on the go. 

On the debit side, though, it’s also not fully dust or waterproof so you’ll want to think twice before bringing the Revolve to the beach.