X-mini unveils 'perfectly pocketable' portable speakers for smartphones and tablets

X-mini has unveiled the ME and WE portable speakers for use with smartphones and tablets, which the Singapore-based manufacturer says will offer "sound beyond size".

The ME measures just 44mm in height and weighs in at 44 grams, while the WE is similarly small at a mere 48mm and weighing in at 48 grams.

Magnetically shielded 3.1cm drivers can be found inside the speakers, which X-mini claims "deliver outstanding performance, well beyond the expectations for a speaker of its stature."

Connectivity to a smartphone, tablet or other mobile device for the X-mini ME is in the form of a supplied cable with 3.5mm jack connector. Other connectivity options include USB and micro-USB.

The X-mini WE meanwhile boasts NFC and Bluetooth connectivity which is coupled with the 'Buddy-Jack.' This allows several WE speakers to be connected in unison for stereo sound. It also turns the WE into a Bluetooth dongle, allowing users to connect it via 3.5 auxillary to a stereo or pair of headphones for wireless streaming.

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The built-in battery claims to offer up to six hours of wired playback from a 1.5 hour charge, with wireless playback lasting up to four hours.

The X-mini ME will retail for £20 and come in four finishes – Gunmetal Grey, Yellow, Blue and Pink. The WE will cost £30 and will initially launch in just Gunmetal Grey, although more colour options are expected to follow.

MORE: See all our wireless speaker reviews

by Max Langridge

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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.