Ikea Launches $65 Vappeby Speaker Lamp With Spotify Tap
Ikea's Vappeby portable Bluetooth outdoor speaker lamp hit shelves this week with Spotify Tap playback and a built-in LED light.
Spotted last year in a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filing, the mushroom-shaped Vappeby features a carrying handle and four buttons for controlling audio and light.
Most notable, is its integration of Spotify Tap, which launched in September for headphone users to seamlessly stream music with just one tap. Ikea's lamp is the first speaker to join the ranks of Spotify Tap devices, which comprise mostly Sony, Jabra, Microsoft, Bose, Skullcandy, and Samsung earbuds.
"Just press a button on the speaker and your music will start streaming from wherever you left off," Ikea's product page said. "Not feeling that song? Another press plays a different recommendation just for you. The Spotify Tap playback function generates music based on your taste." Considering earbuds users need to download a companion app to configure the shortcut, it's likely Ikea will release an auxiliary app for speaker owners.
Dust- and rainproof, the 10-inch-tall-by-7-inch-wide device provides 360-degree sound, so you'll never miss a beat—whether you're having a garden party with friends or a romantic lamp-lit meal on the balcony. The rechargeable battery offers up to 12 hours of streaming and a "pleasant glow" from the lamp.
Sweden's greatest export is no stranger to Bluetooth speakers: The retailer already sells a range of amps, including the Sonos-backed Symfonisk Wi-Fi picture frame, lamp, and bookshelf models and Eneby Bluetooth speaker. The new Vappeby, meanwhile, is available now in gray for $64.99 (USB power adapter sold separately).
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