Eton debuts Rukus Xtreme and Rukus 2 solar-charging wireless speakers

Eton is previewing its next-generation rugged Bluetooth speakers at CES. Both have built-in solar panels like their predecessors.

David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews

Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.

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David Carnoy

Jan. 5, 2014 4:00 p.m. PT

The $199.99 Rukus Xtreme is due to ship this spring (click image to enlarge). Eton Corporation

LAS VEGAS -- Eton, known for its wireless Bluetooth speakers that have built-in solar panels, is showing off a couple of new Rukus speakers at this year's show: the Rukus Extreme and Rukus 2.

The higher-end Xtreme ($199.99) is the better performing model, featuring a bass-extending radiator to go along with its two drivers, and a high-capacity 6,600 mAh lithium battery that can also be used to charge your smartphone or tablet.

Both speakers feature an integrated USB charging port, IPX4 splash-proof design, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC tap-to-pair technology, and speakerphone capabilities. And like their Rukus predecessors, they have integrated solar panels that trickle charge the speaker in direct sunlight (it's a slow process).

The more affordable Rukus 2 ($99.99) has a much smaller 1,600 mAh rechargeable lithium battery and leaves off the bass radiator, which means it'll be a slightly thinner-sounding speaker. Eton says you can charge the Rukus 2 in 5 hours via the solar panel or 2.5 hours with an AC adapter.

Both models ship in the spring (Q2). I'll be updating this post with further impressions and pictures as we get some hands-on time with the new products at the show.