Skip to main content

Any source, any room: Philips introduces Izzy multiroom Bluetooth speaker

philips unveils izzy multi room bluetooth speaker wireless multiroom bm5b image2 ki
Image used with permission by copyright holder
While Sonos is credited with having pioneered the modern multi-room sound system years ago, there are now as many different flavors in the category as there are speaker brands. However, the newest offering from Philips, the Izzy, blazes its own path. Leaving behind the trappings of both Wi-Fi and the proprietary control apps that are the foundations of most systems, Izzy uses only Bluetooth — and some brains inside the speakers — to spread sound around.

Announced today at IFA 2015 in Berlin, Izzy is a simplified kind of multi-room solution. The system is based around a single speaker design, which pairs to your phone just like any other Bluetooth speaker. However, unlike most speakers, Izzy speakers know how to work together: Using a “group” button on the top of the speaker, users can link as many as four additional Izzy speakers to the main speaker to spread sound throughout your home from any app on your phone.

Recommended Videos

The first speaker in the Izzy lineup is the BM5. The speaker boasts dual 2.5-inch drivers along with a small bass port to offer a bit of resonance in the lower register. An LED on top measures the signal strength between partner speakers, and Philips claims the speakers can share sound at “up to 100 meters open range,” though, considering traditional Bluetooth systems offer only 33-50 feet between source and speaker, that distance seems optimistic and will no doubt be highly restricted indoors with obstructions like walls and furniture in the mix.

The idea of a multiroom system that isn’t bound by Wi-Fi and works with virtually any app or streaming service is certainly intriguing. That said, we’ve got some concerns about the limitations of a Bluetooth-based system for such a setup, including the aforementioned limited range for Bluetooth transmitters in comparison to Wi-Fi, lower-quality audio resolution, and the kinds of interruptions — like phone calls and text alerts — that don’t disrupt Wi-Fi based systems.

Still, for those looking for a minimalist system to transmit music without any software to learn, the Izzy might present an enticing solution. And there’s one more feature users will no doubt find alluring about Philips’ new Izzy speaker: the price. The Izzy BM5B speaker will retail for just $130, making it an extremely affordable way to get into wireless audio.

The Izzy BM5B will launch at select Best Buy stores in October.

Ryan Waniata
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Waniata is a multi-year veteran of the digital media industry, a lover of all things tech, audio, and TV, and a…
Best Sony TV deals: Save on best-in-class 4K TVs and 8K TVs
The Sony Bravia XR X93L 4K Google TV hanging over a media center in a living room.

With Sony being a regular among the best TV brands it may seem like it’s difficult to land some Sony TV deals. But Sony TVs are also regulars among the best TV deals, and today there are quite a few Sony TV deals worth taking a look at. Below we’ve organized all of the best Sony TV deals available right now. You’ll find discounts on all sorts of sizes among them, including 65-inch TV deals, 70-inch TV deals, 75-inch TV deals, and even 85-inch TV deals. Dive in if you’re feeling good about a Sony TV, and if you’d like to see what TV deals await among other brands be sure to check out today’s Samsung TV deals, LG TV deals, TCL TV deals, and Vizio TV deals.
Sony 75-inch X77L 4K TV — $900 $1,000 10% off

While this TV may look understated on this list, due to its price, it is actually hard to overstate how beloved this TV is for its affordability and budget beauty. Even at this price point, Sony delivers premium 4K upscaling powered by its 4K X-Reality PRO 4K reference database. If you own a PS5, you'll appreciate the Sony exclusive automatic HDR tone mapping that changes up the TV's setting automatically when you play PS5 games, giving you the best possible settings. Furthermore, this is a Google TV, so you'll have the opportunity to use over 10k apps on your new Sony TV.

Read more
Walmart Black Friday sale drops this 75-inch TCL under $400
The TCL S4 television as seen in a handout photo.

There are some great early Black Friday deals already with Walmart running its Black Friday event already. In typical Black Friday fashion, there are some great Black Friday TV deals happening including being able to buy a TCL 75-inch S4 4K TV for just $378. Usually costing $498, you’re saving $120 by buying this TV today. It’s a big rival to the many Best Buy Black Friday TV deals going on elsewhere. If it sounds tempting, keep reading while we take you through all it has to offer.

Why you should buy the TCL 75-inch S4 4K TV
TCL is one of the best TV brands for value, and that’s certainly the case with the TCL 75-inch S4 4K TV. While it won’t compete with the best TVs, it still shares some key elements. With the TCL 75-inch S4 4K TV, you get more than just a basic 4K resolution. It also has HDR support for enhanced contrast, accurate colors, and fine details. The TV also boasts improved motion clarity with its Motion Rate 120 feature ensuring a higher refresh rate even when you’re watching a fast-moving action scene or playing a game.

Read more
30 early Black Friday deals for 2024: TVs, laptops, headphones
Digital Trends Best Black Friday Amazon Deals

Update 11/11/24: We’re officially on our way to Black Friday, and our coverage spans everything currently available at a discount. Check back regularly, as we’ll be adding to all of the best early Black Friday deals below as more and more deals pop up.

Black Friday may not officially be here yet, but early Black Friday deals have arrived, and they’re all worth shopping. We’re seeing plenty of great early Black Friday TV deals, early Black Friday laptop deals, early Black Friday smartwatch deals, and much, much more. Below we’re giving it all a home, and rounding up all of the best early Black Friday deals available right now. Scroll down through the aisle and don’t hesitate to make a purchase, as we’ve already seen pricing change several times and have even seen some deals disappear entirely.
SAMSUNG Galaxy SmartTag2 -- $21 $30 29% off

Read more