JBL’s Grip Bluetooth speaker doubles as a snazzy reading light

JBL just announced a new portable Bluetooth speaker, called the Grip. This model includes a rope hook, which should make it easy to attach to backpacks, ski gear, or just about anything else.

It also features customizable ambient lighting that actually looks pretty useful. The company says this lighting scheme makes the speaker a “perfect bedside companion for late-night reading.” A speaker that doubles as a night light? I can see the use for that.

As for the audio, JBL promises “pro sound” at a “fuller volume” when compared to some rival Bluetooth speakers. It boasts multispeaker connectivity via Auracast, which makes it much easier to switch between sources. The battery life is also on point here, offering up to 14 hours of use per charge.

The speaker looks pretty durable, with an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating. The company also notes that the unit is drop-proof, so “it can survive a hard fall onto concrete.” The JBL Grip costs $100 and is available in numerous colorways. Pre-orders are open right now, with shipments going out on September 28.