Native UnionMONOCLE - Speaker With Microphone - Color Grey - In Audio Jack 3,5

LOVE IT THANKS

The Monocle by Native Union is a genuinely innovative product - it has three functions - it's a portable speaker, handset and speakerphone and is compatible with devices that have a 3.5mm audio jack. It comes in four standard colours - Coral Red, Marine Blue, Mint and Slate plus two premium finishes - Copper and Black Diamond.In common with all Native Union products the Monocle comes immaculately presented. In the box you get the Monocle unit, a charging adaptor (USB to Micro USB), a loop for straps/belts/handlebars plus a quick start guide. I could see the Monocle being used and enjoyed by many people in a range of situations including walking, cycling, fishing, around the home etc. The immediate impression is of a nicely made device with an attractive leatherette surround to the speaker unit and a "retro" braided nylon cord which includes a condenser mic and cable manager which secures the cable when coiled round the speaker for storage. The body of the device is rubberised and the rear panel is a glass type finish with the Native Union logo - it feels like it's built to last.The volume control is radial - it circles the whole device plus there is a bright white LED to show when it is on or charging. There's also a convenient button for controlling tracks from the Monocle - you can play, pause, go to the next track and go back a track etc. When in speakerphone mode the same button enables you to accept and end calls. There's a micro USB socket for charging (an hour's charge will give you around 5 hours use) plus a 3.5mm audio socket for daisy chaining a series of Monocles together - I really like this because it introduces a social element to the device.The sound quality from the Monocle's 40mm driver is very good and satisfying to listen to. I was hiking in the Sussex countryside and wanted to hear a radio programme - it was great tethered to my rucksack strap and my friends were able to listen in too as the volume is good despite the compact size. The unit also accepted voice commands to my Nokia Lumia with no difficulty. When we got to the lunchtime picnic stop I had a Neil Young album which we listened to - a couple friends said they'd be buying Monocles so we could daisy chain them together on future walks - very sociable! Phone calls are also easy to make and receive using the Monocle, plus, the sound is really clear both ways. Another habit I've now acquired is that in areas where quiet is needed I simply hold my Monocle up to my ear and listen - the leatherette surround makes it into a comfortable earpiece with quality sound.The Monocle is a unique, well made device that delivers good quality sound, is extremely portable and delivers speaker phone functionality with the added social benefit of being able to daisy chain several Monocles together. I found myself asking why has nobody thought of the Monocle (in this context) before? Recommended.