What is it?
We are fan of simple things, and iLuv have already made a name for themselves when it comes to creating accessories for Apple devices. The AUD3 is no different. It is a simple plug and play dock for your iPhone 5/5s/5c (and future lightning connector compatible products), which charges your device, plays music, and allows you to control volume. Featuring 9W speakers, it also has an AUX port to allow you to play music from other devices such as MP3 players, other smartphones, and such like.
Look and feel
This is where this product really shines. A sleek finish makes this look great, and it is something you can proudly pop your iPhone in. Featuring the speaker as well as docking area on front, the Play/Pause, Volume Control and Power buttons on top, and a fine touch makes this something you can happily pop on your bedside or in the living room. The back provides ports for both power as well as AUX in.
Setup
None required. Pop your iPhone in, and the speakers will take over.
Ease of use
Much like the ease of setup, these are fairly easy to use. Simple controls allow you to play/pause your music, adjust the volume, or turn the speaker on or off. And of course, all this while charging your iPhone. Same goes for any other plugged in device, though of course the play/pause button does not work over a simple AUX port.
Compatibility
Sadly, the dock /charger only works with devices which have lightning connectors. So that cuts out all non-Apple products, and anything pre iPhone5 from Apple too! Of course, you can still listen to music using the AUX port, but they do not supply the lead, so you will have to make sure you have one. They go for pennies though, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is fairly impressive from a speaker this side. While you don’t have a load of speaker arrays and extra woofers, iLuv’s ‘Passive Radiator Technology’ ensures that you get a well balanced sound, with a great output of both bass and treble. This makes it great for casual listening of music by your bedside, or in your living room. The volume is fairly high, but we won’t rate it for something you will use to rock a party. Then again, it doesn’t advertise itself as such, and to be fair, does exactly what it says on the tin.
Charging
Does what it is supposed to do, which is as much as you can get out of a dock on the charging front!
Buying information
RRP £59.99 – available from www.iluv.co.uk and ASDA. Also available at a discount from Amazon (currently at £40.00):
iLuv AUD3 Apple Lightning Speaker Dock – Black
Verdict
iLuv have produced quite a few interesting products over the year, keeping them simple, neat, and somehow sleek at the same time. The AUD3 is no exception, and at the value added price it goes for, it is definitely a must have for all your iPhone donning people!