The JBL Charge 5 is one of JBL’s most popular speakers to date. Whether you’re a backyard BBQ host or confined to a small dorm room, the Charge series will serve you well. Given JBL’s track record for releases, many company fans are expecting the JBL Charge 6 to arrive soon. Here’s everything we know about the pending Bluetooth speaker.
Will there be a JBL Charge 6?
The Charge series is one of JBL’s most popular product lines, so the JBL Charge 6 is bound to make it to market. It’s just a matter of when not if!
What is the JBL Charge 6 release date?
The JBL Charge 4 speaker is slightly larger than the previous version and slightly heavier.
JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi: May 11, 2023 (European market only)
JBL Charge 5: January 7, 2021
JBL Charge 4: August 30, 2018
JBL Charge 3: May 2, 2016
JBL Charge 2 Plus: May 22, 2015
JBL Charge 2: September 4, 2014
JBL Charge: April 2013
JBL hasn’t officially announced or even hinted at the Charge 6 yet. However, the release window has grown longer between each generation. Based on previous Charge series release dates, we anticipate JBL will announce the Charge 6 release date this September at IFA 2023.
JBL has a habit of announcing products annually at IFA Berlin.
JBL isn’t new to announcing products at IFA. Last year, it announced the Tour Pro 2 and JBL Bar 1000 (£999 at JBL), and in 2018, it announced the Charge 4 ($179 at Amazon) at IFA. If we don’t see the Charge 6 at IFA 2023, we may wait until 2024.
What specs and features will the JBL Charge 6 have?
Christian Thomas / SoundGuys
The JBL Charge series has always been splash- or water-resistant.
Based on previous JBL Charge generations, here’s what we’ve deduced about the JBL Charge 6.
Design and features
The JBL Charge 6 will have a cylindrical shape with passive radiators mounted at each end cap. The next-gen speaker is expected to have the same woven fabric wrap as Charge speakers before it and come in various color options. For reference, the JBL Charge 5 is available in White, Pink, Teal, Red, Gray, Blue, Black, and Camouflage.
The JBL Charge 6 will have a power bank function and USB-C charging just like the Charge 5.
We expect a similar button layout on the Charge 6 as the previous Charge speakers. This means you should be able to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and enter Bluetooth pairing mode. The Charge 6 should have an IP67 rating, making it equally as dust- and water-resistant as the Charge 5. Likewise, the Charge 6 should float in water like the Charge 5, making it easy to retrieve the Charge 6 if it slips into the pool.
The JBL Charge 6 likely won’t have an aux input, as JBL removed that feature with the Charge 5. We expect a return of the USB-C charging port and a USB-A (or USB-C) output for charging other devices. If the Charge 5 and 4 are any indication, the Charge 6’s battery life will be at least 20 hours and will take about four hours to charge fully.
Listeners will be able to create a custom equalizer through the JBL Portable app (Android/iOS) and receive firmware updates. You’ll need the app to manage PartyBoost to connect up to 100 compatible speakers. The app also lets you toggle Stereo Mode on when two speakers are connected. The following JBL speakers are compatible with PartyBoost: Boombox 3, Charge 5, Flip 5, Pulse 4, and Xtreme 3.
Sound quality
The JBL Charge 6 will undoubtedly have a loud audio output for a standalone portable speaker, just like its predecessors. We expect to see the same driver layout comprised of dynamic drivers and a tweeters. JBL’s Charge and Flip series extend the bass response using passive bass radiators.
What will the JBL Charge 6 price be?
Like all Charge speakers, the Charge 5 is great for indoor and outdoor listening.
JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi: €249 (European market only)
JBL Charge 5: $179.95
JBL Charge 4: $179.95
JBL Charge 3: $149.95
JBL Charge 2 Plus: $149.95
JBL Charge 2: $149.95
JBL Charge: $149.95
The JBL Charge 6 will likely cost $179.95, like its predecessor. If JBL raises the price, it will be around $199.95. Historically, JBL has been consistent with its pricing, only increasing it with notable changes to the series. For instance, upgrading from the Charge 3 to the Charge 4 gave listeners a USB-C charging port rather than micro-USB.
Should I wait for the JBL Charge 6?
The JBL Charge series is about as large as portable speakers get.
Since there’s a good chance the JBL Charge 6 will debut at IFA 2023, so we recommend waiting until IFA begins on September 1, 2023. If JBL hasn’t announced the Charge 6 by the end of the event, you may want to spring for the Charge 5 then. The Charge 5 is an excellent Bluetooth speaker for under $200. It’s unlikely that the Charge 6 will reinvent the wheel or render the Charge 5 irrelevant when it does come to market. Before making any purchasing decisions, consider a few alternatives before investing in a JBL Charge.
The JBL Flip 6 ($99 at Amazon) offers many of the same features as the Charge 5 but in a smaller package. The Flip series is more affordable and can fit into a backpack’s water bottle pocket. Of course, JBL isn’t the only player in the Bluetooth speaker market. We also recommend the UE Megaboom 3 ($157 at Amazon), which directly competes with the Charge 5. If you want a more budget-friendly option, look at the Anker Soundcore Motion Plus ($99.99 at Amazon). Anker is famous for its high-value products. The Motion Plus stands out for its aptX support integrated microphone.
JBL Charge 5
JBL Charge 5
MSRP: $159.00
Whether your season is full of trips to the beach or backyard parties, you’ll need just the right speaker to DJ these events. The JBL Charge 5 gets the job done if you need something that’s very loud, and quite portable. It’s a little pricey though, so anyone who already has an older JBL Charge speaker shouldn’t feel the need to upgrade.
JBL Charge 6: What we want to see
The JBL Charge 4 doesn’t have microphones, but unlike the Charge 5, it does retain the aux input.
The Charge 5 is one of the best and most popular Bluetooth speakers, but there’s room for improvement in the Charge 6.
Microphones
We’d like to see a return of built-in microphones on the JBL Charge 6. Unfortunately, JBL ditched the microphones on the Charge 4, but adding them back in would make the Charge 6 a much more versatile speaker. With mics, you can use the Charge 6 as a speakerphone and access your phone’s smart assistant right from the speaker. It could also allow the speaker to self-calibrate its audio output based on the environment.
Aux input
This is another feature JBL ditched, and the Charge 5 was the first of the series to debut without an aux input. While it’s unlikely we’ll see a 3.5mm input return on the Charge 6, it would make the speaker stand out from the likes of UE and Bose.
Fast charging
Although the Charge 6 is bound to have a 20-hour battery life or longer, it would be helpful to have fast charging too. As it stands, you need to set aside four hours to charge the Charge 5 fully. It’s easy to recharge the speaker overnight, but we’d appreciate some quick-charge option when we’re in a bind.
Auracast
Updated hardware will mean the latest Bluetooth 5.3 features. This means that the new speaker could incorporate Bluetooth Auracast functionality, meaning it will be able to receive transmission from an Auracast-enabled Bluetooth playback device. This would bring similar functionality to JBL’s PartyBoost feature to the speaker and allow speakers from other brands to join the party.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
