Bluetooth accessory firm Jawbone announced a firmware update for its Big Jambox speaker Wednesday, adding a number of significant features including higher quality audio and longer battery life. Big Jambox 2.0, available free for existing Big Jambox owners via Jawbone’s MyTALK service, brings support for AAC audio streaming when paired with Apple devices running iOS 6.1 or later. The feature allows for higher quality audio, fewer dropouts, and up to two hours of additional battery life.
Also included is support for AVRCP 1.4 (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile), which keeps volume levels in sync between the speaker and connected devices. A new “Silent Mode” also disables all audio prompts from the Jambox while still allowing incoming calls when paired with a smartphone. Improved support for Sony’s PS Vita portable game console is included as well.
New units will soon ship with the updated firmware but existing users can update their devices now by attaching their Jambox to a computer via USB, heading over to the MyTALK website, and following the update instructions.
The Big Jambox was first released in May 2012. It currently retails for $250.
