Nothing's CMF Speaker M Announced: Dual Drivers, 18-Hour Playback, IP68

Nothing | UK has officially unveiled the CMF Speaker M, a new portable audio device featuring a two-driver system, 18 hours of battery life, and IP68 dust and water protection. Indian pricing and availability are not yet confirmed.

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Nothing's CMF Speaker M Announced: Dual Drivers, 18-Hour Playback, IP68

Nothing | UK has announced the CMF Speaker M, a new portable speaker under its CMF sub-brand. This latest audio device focuses on delivering big sound in a distinctive design, complete with a robust set of features for on-the-go listening.

Two-Driver System and 35W Output

The CMF Speaker M is built with a two-driver system, pairing a 70 mm woofer with a 16 mm tweeter. This setup is designed to deliver a total output of 35 W, covering a frequency range from 60 Hz to 20 kHz. Nothing | UK states this combination aims for deeper bass, textured vocals, and clear instrument separation, suggesting it targets a richer audio experience than many single-driver portable speakers.

Versatile Listening Modes and Custom EQ

The speaker offers several listening modes to adapt to different scenarios. Stereo Mode allows users to pair two Speaker M units for a wider soundstage, splitting audio between left and right channels. For larger gatherings, Party Mode uses Auracast to link multiple compatible speakers, expanding coverage and boosting volume. There's also a Wide Soundstage mode, which is designed for immersive film experiences, adding separation and depth.

Control over the audio experience is handled through the Nothing X app. Users can choose from four preset EQ options, including Balanced, More Bass, More Treble, and Voice, or fine-tune the sound to their personal taste using the Custom EQ feature. For Nothing OS 1.5.6 and above devices, these customisations are integrated into phone settings; for other Android 8.0+ or iOS 13+ devices, the Nothing X app is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Distinctive Design and Physical Controls

Visually, the CMF Speaker M takes inspiration from a milk carton, featuring strong lines and sharp geometry. It includes a built-in handle for portability and removable panels for easier customisation, letting users add a personal touch. Beyond app control, the speaker features a physical knob for adjusting playback, navigating tracks, and managing volume. Dedicated tactile buttons are also present for power, Bluetooth, and Auracast, along with a toggle to swap the knob and front panel functions.

Connectivity and Durability

Connectivity is streamlined with NFC Fast Pair, allowing users to connect or disconnect by simply tapping their phone to the speaker. Google and Microsoft Fast Pair are also supported, enabling one-tap connection with compatible Nothing, Android, and Windows devices. The speaker can also connect to two devices simultaneously, automatically switching between a phone and laptop.

For high-fidelity audio, the CMF Speaker M supports lossless playback via a USB-C connection, promising less than 60 ms latency, making it suitable for desktop use with films and gaming. In terms of durability, the speaker carries an IP68 dust and water protection rating, meaning it can withstand immersion in fresh water up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes under controlled laboratory conditions.

Battery Life and Charging

Nothing | UK states the CMF Speaker M offers up to 18 hours of audio playback. This figure is based on specific test conditions, including the speaker being fully charged, Balanced EQ and Ultra Bass turned on, volume at 50%, and AAC format. It also supports fast charging, with a 10-minute charge capable of providing up to 1 hour of music playback, provided a 5V⎓3A or higher power adapter is used.

What This Means for Indian Buyers

As an Indian tech publication, we know the CMF brand has a presence here. However, Nothing | UK's announcement does not yet include specific pricing or availability details for the Indian market. If and when the CMF Speaker M launches in India, its competitive positioning against established players like JBL, Sony, and Boat will be crucial. On paper, the combination of a dual-driver system, IP68 rating, and a distinct design suggests it will aim for a premium segment within portable Bluetooth speakers.

Potential buyers in India will need to watch for official announcements regarding local pricing and launch dates before deciding if the CMF Speaker M is the right fit. The feature set certainly makes it an interesting proposition for those looking for a versatile and robust portable audio solution.

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