Sony SRS-XV500 launches as portable speaker touted to power partying for longer

Sony has updated its X-Series wireless speaker line-up with a new "party"-grade variant rated to allow the user to bring the fun anywhere by also bringing dual tweeters and dual X-Balanced Speaker Units for "MEGA BASS" in a 10.59- x 22.20- x 11.57-inch form-factor.

The SRS-XV500 also integrates a handle and physical controls for easy set-up and transport. Moreover, Sony claims that it can initialize a karaoke mode just by plugging 1-2 microphones in, then using its optional rear-facing Echo and Key Controls.

The new portable speaker also supports USB type-A (for charging as well as data) as well as guitar inputs, yet can still stream via Bluetooth and be controlled wirelessly via the Sony Music Center or Fiestable apps. There is no USB-C for any purpose, however, leaving a battery rated for up to 25 hours of play-time to charge back up via AC.

Nevertheless, Sony touts it as a fast-charging device that can derive "up to 2.5 hours of listening time" from just 10 minutes of being plugged in.

The new IPX4-rated SRS-XV500 is also the first of its line to be marketed as made of "recycled plastic originally developed for Sony". It is available from now via channels such as Amazon for $398 at the time of writing.