Sony's new portable speakers are waterproof and better with calls

Every year at this time, Sony introduces new additions to its wireless speaker lineup. Three new models were unveiled today, all of which are portable and designed to be used outside. Sony's X-Series has non-circular "X-Balanced" speakers for more sound pressure and less distortion.

The biggest choice in the group is the SRS-XG300. The speaker has a retractable handle that makes it a boombox-like design in a smaller package. The XG300 has a Mega Bass feature that increases the low-end response, ClearAudio+ for "the most balanced sound", and Live Sound Mode that will make you feel like you're at a venue. You can connect multiple speakers for Party Connect or Stereo Pair modes with the Sony Music Center app.

The company's trademark light rings shine on either end as the audio is handled by two X-Balanced speakers. You can get up to 70 minutes of use after 10 minutes if you plug in the XG300. If you need the speaker for more natural sounding calls, the company has included echo noise canceling. Two people are talking at the same time. The XG300 will be available in two colors for $350 on July 15th.

The SRS-XE300 is the next one. The ergonomics of the mid-size model are described by Sony as "grab and go". The X-Balanced drivers of the XE300 will be able to hear sound more evenly thanks to the line-shape diffuser. Sony's Party connect and stereo pair features allow you to sync multiple speakers for more sound and the on-board controls have a microphone button for calls. There is also echo noise cancellation on board. The speaker is shockproof and has a dust and waterproof rating as well. If you plug the speaker in for 10 minutes, it will give you 70 minutes of listening time. The XG300 will be available in three colors for $200.

The SRS-XE200 is the smallest of the three options. The design is the same as the XE300 but is smaller. The carrying strap on the XE200 is the same as the one on the XE200. This model has the same design as the XE300, but with a line-shape diffuser for a bigger listening area. The party connect and stereo pair setup can be used to link up speakers. You can expect up to 16 hours of listening with a 10-minute charge. One of the on-board controls that can be used for calls is the echo noise canceling one. The XG300 will be available in five different colors on July 15th.

Pre-order the speakers from Sony.