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…
How to cancel Sling TV
Sling TV.

Sling TV delivers a top-notch streaming service filled with sports, movies, and plenty of shows to fall in love with. However, if you're not feeling the love after the season is over, it might be time to cancel your Sling TV subscription.

Sling TV is already one of the most affordable streaming options out there, thanks to its two-track system with Sling Orange and Sling Blue. While its well worth the price tag, especially compared with pricier live-streaming options like Hulu + Live TV, if you're not using the service, then it's time to cancel.

Read more
This smart 4K projector is nearly half-price in Walmart’s sale
The Wimius smart 4K projector on a desk.

If you've been thinking about installing a projector in your living room to create a cinematic experience, you won't want to miss this offer from Walmart. The Wimius smart 4K projector, which is originally priced at $360, is down by nearly half to only $190, for huge savings of $170. We're not sure how much time is remaining before this bargain ends though, so if you're interested, we highly recommend completing your purchase as soon as possible.

Why you should buy the Wimius smart 4K projector
Setting up a home theater projector is an excellent way to create a movie theater vibe at home, and you won't have to spend hundreds of dollars if you go for the Wimius smart 4K projector. Its projection size ranges from 50 inches to as large as 300 inches, so if you've got a big enough wall or projection screen, it will really be like you're watching movies at the cinema. The projector is capable of 4K Ultra HD resolution, and it has an extremely long lamp life of 200,000 hours so it will be a long time before you need to replace its bulb. It also offers auto focus and keystone correction technology for even better visuals.

Read more
These Sony OTC hearing aids offer optimized audio and all-day comfort
Man wearing Sony CRE-C10 OTC hearing aids.

There's a lot to be said about OTC or over-the-counter hearing aids. They're more accessible, usually because they're more affordable, and you don't need a prescription to get some. That's precisely why they're called "over-the-counter." Of course, they're really meant for mild to medium hearing loss, however. If you experience severe hearing loss you'll need to go to your local physician, as you might expect. But also one of the great things about this relatively new, untapped category of sound devices is that there are a lot of great options from brands you wouldn't expect. Take Sony, for instance, which has several OTC hearing aid options, and they're available at Best Buy of all places.

You can walk in, off the street, and walk out with them same-day, or buy them online and have them shipped to your house. How's that for excellent service and accessibility? But if you need a quick introduction to some of Sony's best OTC hearing aid options, we've got you covered.

Read more