Geekscape Tech Review: iHome FIT Wireless (iB73), Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (iBT9), and Vanity Speaker (iCVBT5)

If you are not familiar with iHome, I believe they probably started with making docks for the iPods, back when that was a thing. They now make accessories for all kinds of tablets and smartphones, and I had a chance to review three of their products with the iHome FIT Wireless (iB73), the Vanity Speaker (iCVBT5), and the Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (iBT9).

I’ll start with the iHome Fit Wireless. This product, also known as the iB73, is one of those Bluetooth 4.0 earbuds that goes around the neck. It is probably not the first Bluetooth product of its type for iHome, and these type of models are being phased out by the wireless earbuds that have already started to hit the market.

Let’s talk about the iPX5-rated water resistant and sweat-proof design. Yes, it is definitely designed for those with active lifestyles, and the custom fit ear cushions should keep the iHome iB73 in your ears.

As far as the amount of time you will have to listen to your tunes, I am told that you got about 8-10 hours on a full charge. Of course, it includes the micro USB cable and a handy travel pouch.

The iHome iB73 also has that built-in microphone for a switch so you can take phone calls. The controls are located very close to the ears, by the way. It’s odd design, but at least your fingers will find it quickly.

You should be able to purchase the iHome Fit Wireless on the iHome site for $79.99 in blue, red, or green.

Then there is the wireless, waterproof, and shockproof Bluetooth speaker. That’s about the best name I can give this product, besides its name of iBT9. If you want to know what this Bluetooth speaker is good for, just imagine taking this to the beach. That seems to be the thing that I always say when I see speakers like this.

I’ll just get this out of the way and say that I have seen this product before from Fugoo and others, but this does not make the iBT9 inferior. The iHome Waterproof speaker is understandably waterproof and dustproof, and it is also made to be shockproof.

You can stream your tunes to it via Bluetooth, so make certain that your tablet or smartphone has a good playlist. I’m told that you have nine hours with a full charge.

The iBT9 has the usual stuff like an aux-in jack, and a USB port for charging other devices. So it is part speaker and part mobile battery.

You should be able to pick the iBT9 up at the iHome site for about $99.99.

I’m going to end with the most unusual: the iHome Vanity Speaker or iCVBT5. The iCVBT5 is essentially made to be that one vanity mirror that we all have. It has the 1x and 5x magnification settings, and it also has some bright LED action going on around it.

The issue is that this vanity mirror is a speaker. You can pair it with a mobile device via Bluetooth or just a wired connection. The iHome Vanity Speaker is something that should be wireless, but it does require plugging it into the wall. I’m not certain if you should use it by your bathroom sink if you are worried that the cord could get wet. What is interesting is how the iHome iCVBT5 has a USB port, so you can charge something while you’re looking at yourself.

The one drawback for the iCVBT5 is that the box says full spectrum color, and I thought that meant you could make the LED light on it any color. That might be a great feature for the next version of this product, but sadly, the only color of the light is white.

Still, the iHome Vanity Speaker is a very, very useful item for any home in any room. It is available on the iHome website for $99.99.

Also, do you want to hear more about the latest in technology? In early January, there is a big event in Las Vegas known as CES (Consumer Electronics Show). I want to go and report on it, but I need some help. I have a new GoFundMe site that will “Send Mark (me) to CES 2017”. Please click here and make a donation.