ZOEETEK BLUETOOTH V3 AUDIO ADAPTOR

Sound where you want it

SHARING YOUR AUDIO is just one of the party tricks of which this device is capable. Several convenient features make it well worth looking at, from battery-powered operation to support for a variety of audio protocols. And let's not forget miniscule size: it's 52 mm square by 13 mm thick and weighs just 26 g. Potential uses range from outdoor parties to car audio streaming and more.

As part of a listening session for a local Hi-fi Club, for instance, it provided listeners with a convenient means of streaming music from the Tidal online service via its 3,5 mm socket to a set of audio equipment under evaluation, controlling everything by smartphone. It wasn't only the convenience that impressed the audience: it also changed some people's perceptions about acceptable sound quality. Although Bluetooth connectivity limits its ability to stream truly highdefinition sound, this device is able to reproduce audio at a resolution that is pleasing enough to the ear. Until the SACD player is fired up, that is…

Because it's battery-powered, mobility comes into the picture and it's equally capable linked to a home or car audio system that supports aux-in connection. But wait… there's more.

This adaptor isn't just for listening. A built-in microphone allows two- way communication, so it can do duty as a handsfree. Press the on-off button twice and you're able to call on your personal assistant, Siri, assuming you have the requisite iphone.

The Zoeetek ships with a USB charging cable and a 3,5 mm to 3,5 mm extension cable. The actual ouput is on the end of a short lead that clips into a groove on the underside when not in use, presumably saving some internal space by not requiring a socket on the actual device housing (remember, there's a battery inside). At the same time it allows the device to be used in a variety of orientations and gives it a cleaner exterior look.

A mini-usb port is located on one edge and two buttons on the edge at right angles to this. A small but bright LED on the top, in one corner, performs a variety of indicator functions; when blinking or solid blue, it's busy with Bluetooth functions whereas blinking or solid red refer to charging. Neat.

In the opposite corner is the microphone inlet, barely a pinprick, though in fairness it does the job as well as any similar-sized cellphone microphone.

Another party trick (and this one is invisible) is that this device is NFC- capable. For regular switching and pairing, the big circular motif on the upper side is actually a control button. Press it in specific ways to Play or Pause; answer, end or reject calls; and resume pairing.

When all's said and done, this alternative to Bluetooth audio docks does exactly what it says on the box and competently, too.