Recommendations for Android Phone Speaker Dock

bigpallooka on 17/08/2017 - 23:29
Last edited 18/08/2017 - 00:21

I would like to buy a speaker dock for my son. Ideally it would charge and play through the micro-USB connection (is this possible?) Ease of use and easily identifiable buttons would be an advantage. It would be used bedside so lighting is limited. He is adult but immobile so once he is in bed he is there until someone hoists him out. Audio books and music help pass the time or aid in getting to sleep. Any suggestions?

EDIT: As suggested below by kahn I can accept the need for Bluetooth or aux connection as long as it is charging as well.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • kahn on 17/08/2017 - 23:47

    As far as I'm aware, no such product exists. You can play audio out of micro-usb, but you need to use an app like USB Audio Player and use an external digital to analog converter. Speakers with bluetooth connectivity would be your best choice, and possibly speakers with an aux-in connection if a cable connection is acceptable.

    • bigpallooka on 18/08/2017 - 00:19

      I thought I might need to pair with bluetooth or use aux-in which is ok. The main thing is charging with a speaker so it isn't flat overnight.

      • kahn on 18/08/2017 - 00:40

        I did a quick search and there do appear to be some speakers that can charge an android phone, but I don't know if any of them are mains-powered. Here's one option:
        https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/collections/speakers/products…

        You might want to ask them directly if they can offer you something closer to your requirements.

  • scrimshaw on 18/08/2017 - 03:28
    +1

    Unfortunately this market has never really taken off as there is no 'standard' for Android phones that would allow a consistent docking ability.

    The location of the micro USB / (or more recently, USB Type C connection) varies wildly across all Android phones, so unlike Apple, there simply aren't any speaker docks available. Some phones have the connectors on the side, and some even on the top.

    Your better off looking for either a Bluetooth speaker or something you can connect your phone with over a cable.

    I would recommend the Bose Soundlink 2 (bluetooth) and then buy a Qi Wireless charging pad if the phone can do wireless charging. You can then place the charging pad in a convenient location (such as a nightstand by the bedside).

  • mskeggs on 18/08/2017 - 08:11

    There are some docks that might work, but as scrimshaw says, it will depend on the micro-USB placement:
    http://www.dockingstationhq.com/top-5-android-alarm-clock-do…

  • Sunny84 on 18/08/2017 - 08:46

    If the phone has Qi Wireless changing this would be ideal

    https://www.amazon.com/iLuv-MobiRock-Wireless-Charging-Bluet…

  • altomic on 18/08/2017 - 08:53

    Does it need to be a phone? How about a tablet? Set up with a case so it's semi upright? And there for a bit more permanency. Plug in power and some external speakers….

    • bigpallooka on 18/08/2017 - 11:38

      He has a Samsung tablet and S5 so that actually is an option.

  • Helmuth on 18/08/2017 - 13:42

    I use this - https://www.bigw.com.au/product/philips-digital-clock-radio-…

    It's not fancy and it won't give you HiFi performance, but perfectly adequate for audiobooks. Can get it for about $55 on fleabay.

    • bigpallooka on 18/08/2017 - 18:24

      Thanks. Personal experience is always valued.

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