

From the home screen, you can control the Flare 2’s volume and power it off. The app has three tabs: equalizer, light effect and a home screen.

But don’t worry, if you’ve already connected before the call began, then you’re in the clear. VoIP appears to interfere with this connection process, though, so make sure you hang up FaceTime first. Once in, you’ll have to connect to the speaker and might even have to download a software update for it. It’s available for iOS and Android as a free app, but you will need to have an active Soundcore account to use it. The Soundcore app allows you to control the Flare 2, mix up the sound experience and adjust the lights to your liking. Just above this is the Bluetooth button, which comes into play when you pair your phone or any Bluetooth-capable device with the Flare 2 or with other Flare 2s. Bass Boost is on by default and has the effect that the name implies (it boosts the bass). Above that is the Bass Boost button, which looks like a chevron. This port is protected by a thick rubber flap to keep it watertight. More controls and the USB-C charging port are embedded in the fabric on the lower front side. These buttons - which are thin outlines that don’t protrude much from the surface and don’t differ in color from the surface’s color - are very difficult to see in low light. On the top surface of the Flare 2 are the on-device controls. These lights change color and flash based on the beat. These produce rainbow light by default, but a number of options are available in the app (for Android and iOS). The top and bottom of the device are embedded with hard rubber rings that light up when you turn on the speaker. It’s wrapped in a dark fabric that’s both visually and physically pleasing. The speaker’s body is wider at the bottom and tapers toward the middle. In the case of the Soundcore Flare 2, Anker went with a cylindrical design, featuring vibrant LED rings on the top and bottom. In terms of the competition, the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is mid-pack.Your CNN account Log in to your CNN accountīluetooth speakers come in many shapes and sizes. The original Flare is still available at a slight discount, which is still a great choice if you want to save $15. The Flare 2 is Anker's flagship portable Bluetooth speaker, coming in at $80 (£64.99, AU$140). Price and availability The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is the latest addition to Anker's line of portable Bluetooth speakers and is available now. All three are great, and while the UE Wonderboom 2 may be more rugged and can float in a pool, the Anker Soundcore Flare 2's understated design allows it to fit in better in the home without screaming "outdoor speaker." Ultimately the Soundcore Flare 2 is simply a minor refresh of the already-great Flare, but for anyone in need of a Bluetooth speaker we highly recommend it for its balance of sound, build quality, understated design, and excellent mobile app. Retailing for $80 (£64.99, AU$140), the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is a good value compared to our other favorites like the UE Wonderboom 2 and JBL Flip 5. For its second generation, Anker took the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach, retaining everything we loved about the first generation speaker and adding a few extra niceties. The first generation Anker Soundcore Flare impressed us with its great sound, build quality, and surprisingly excellent app. While it lacks a built-in voice assistant, its sound, build quality and excellent app make it a great value. The design fits well in the home and its rugged construction allows it to join you at the beach or poolside. The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is an excellent go anywhere, do anything Bluetooth speaker.
