Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
We designed and developed our Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools collection to make it easy for you to watch cooking videos, search for recipes, listen to music and even video chat while you cook and entertain. Sized to fit securely under our Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Kitchen Stand (sold separately), this speaker features Bluetooth(R) technology that wirelessly delivers exceptional sound quality from any Bluetooth(R)-enabled device, a line-in port for connecting iPods and other portable music players, and two USB ports for charging devices. It can also be used as a speakerphone for your Bluetooth(R)-enabled phone. Designed and developed by Williams-Sonoma. Crystal-clear sound quality in the kitchen - or anywhere in your home. Wirelessly connects using Bluetooth(R) technology. Built-in rechargeable battery makes the speaker portable and provides up to seven hours of play time. Two USB ports recharge your devices - never run out of power during your favorite cooking video or in the middle of a conversation. Speakerphone capability. Nonslip silicone base for stability. Premium brushed-metal finish is easy to wipe clean. Uses a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery (included). 4 3/4" diam., 2" high; 12.5 oz. Designed in USA; made in China. We recommend that all current iOS users upgrade to the 6.1 release to experience the best performance from their Williams-Sonoma Bluetooth Speakers.
Average Customer Rating:
(22 Reviews) 22
8 of 22(36%)reviewers would recommend this product to a friend.
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Customer Reviews for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
Review 1 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
SallyT
,NC
January 26, 2013
Would You Recommend? No
+4points
4of 4found this review helpful.
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Loses connection frequently
January 26, 2013
I received this as a gift and was hesitant to even try it out after reading the reviews here. WS assured me that I can return it with no problem, so I gave it a whirl.
Unfortunately, the reviews are correct. The speaker will lose connection frequently for absolutely no reason, even when the device is right next to it. I have an iPhone 4S and an iPad3, and don't plan to upgrade either any time soon. I see no point whatsoever in having a bluetooth speaker that has to either be connected to my device or re-paired often.
So the speaker and complementary iPad holder, to the tune of $200, are going back to the store. It's a pity as the design is cool and the sound is decent. Why the devil don't they test this stuff?
Pros: Design
Cons: Difficult to Use, Quality
Response from Williams-Sonomaby Michelle, Smart Tools Buyer, February 13, 2013
The Bluetooth connection concerns that some users have reported experiencing with devices running iOS 6.0 or iOS 6.0.1 appear to be limited to those two operating system releases. We’ve conducted thorough testing with devices running iOS 6.1 and have found that the Bluetooth interruption problem has been corrected. We recommend that all current iOS users upgrade to the 6.1 release to experience the best performance from their Williams-Sonoma Bluetooth Speakers.
Read Comments (2)
Read Comments (2)
SallyT
Posted May 16, 2013
Change review!
I have tried several times to update this review, but I guess I can only comment. Although an update to iOS wasn't available when W-S commented, it did show up as an option on my iPad a little later. After I updated iOS, the speaker worked very well. I am now really pleased with it--it sounds good and looks good. Glad I kept it.
0points
TonyAn
San Francisco, CA
Posted February 11, 2013
iPhone 4S with IOS 6.1?
I had the same issue before the IOS 6.1 update came out a few weeks ago. I tried iPhone 4S with IOS6.01, and the bluetooth was unstable especially when streaming music. iPhone 5 worked a lot better with the speaker, but the connection still broke up sometimes.
The IOS 6.1 update seems to fix the problem.... At least, the bluetooth connection on my old iPhone 4S is good now.
0points
Review 2 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
jhulford
,Oak Forest
,Il
April 14, 2013
Ability level:Novice
Has owned product for:Less than 1 week
Uses product:Every day
Would You Recommend? No
0points
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So-So Sound Quality
April 14, 2013
I really wanted to like this speaker system. It looks great and was super simple to set up and use from my laptop, ipad and phone. I had no connection issues and was actually surprised with the bluetooth range I got from it (around 10-15 ft), but I just couldn't get past the incredibly average sound quality.
I could get almost no real bass range and everything just sounded really tin-y through the speakers and, as a couple others noted, the max volume level was not that great.
I ended up getting another brand's similarly sized and priced speakers that have all the same features and did a side by side comparison...the other device won on sound quality hands down.
My advice, if you're really looking for great sounding speakers, pass on these, but if you want a solid functioning device that looks pretty, go for it.
Pros: Easy to Use, Design
Cons: tinny sound
Review 3 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
BonMangeur
,Gurnee
,IL
Illinois
April 9, 2013
Has owned product for:3 - 6 months
Would You Recommend? Yes
+2points
2of 2found this review helpful.
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Great portable bluetooth speaker
April 9, 2013
I must start by saying that we received this speaker as a gift. Had I read the reviews of the product here, I would not have purchased this speaker. While some have seen less than stellar performance, we couldn't be happier with the speaker. Not once have we had any connectivity problems (or any other issues for that matter). The sound quality is crisp and clear for such a compact speaker. Perfect for the kitchen or office.
Pros: Easy to Use, Easy to Store, Size, Design
Cons: price
Review 4 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
KT9342
,Chevy Chase
,MD
March 21, 2013
Ability level:Advanced
Has owned product for:1 - 4 weeks
Uses product:Once a week
Would You Recommend? Yes
0points
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Favorite FM station loud and clear
March 21, 2013
Before ordering the Smart Tool Set, I read the reviews. I was very disappointed with the negative comments that the Bluetooth Speaker got, so I ordered the Kitchen Stand and IPad covers, deciding to wait awhile to order speaker. I waited 2 weeks. The comments got much better. I ordered the speaker, and when it arrived both my husband and I were extremely pleased with the wonderful sound.
Pros: Easy to Use, Quality, Easy to Store, Size, Design, Weight
Review 5 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
NurseJan
,Overland Park
,KS
March 9, 2013
Ability level:Advanced
Has owned product for:Less than 1 week
Uses product:Every day
Would You Recommend? No
0points
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Bluetooth cuts out and goes to sleep
March 9, 2013
Love the concept but it cuts in and out. I have iOS 6.1.2. Goes to sleep after awhile. Williams Sonoma, please fix these problems. Mine will be returned until a better more reliable product comes out.
Disappointing!
Pros: Easy to Use, Size, Design
Cons: Temperamental
Review 6 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
TazMan7
,Melbourne
,FL
March 5, 2013
Ability level:Advanced
Has owned product for:1 - 3 months
Uses product:Every day
Would You Recommend? No
0points
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Goes to sleep
March 5, 2013
First off, this is a great concept and a nice physical design! Unfortunately, the operational side is far from what is advertised. I purchased this for my wife as a gift and attempted to attach it via blue tooth to her tablet. It will connect, but the connectivity consistently drops. Additionally, regardless if the unit is plugged into an outlet or fully charged, it will go to sleep after a bit. I am totally dissapointed with this product and would not recommend it to anyone.
Pros: Size, Design
Cons: Temperamental, operations
Review 7 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
calcheme
,San Jose
,CA
February 25, 2013
Ability level:Intermediate
Has owned product for:1 - 3 months
Uses product:A few times a month
Would You Recommend? Yes
+2points
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Form, Fit and Function
February 25, 2013
I have to admit I bought this speaker with some trepidation because of the reviews I saw here. But its such an attractive speaker I thought I'd give it a shot.
I found it very easy to install (I watched the install video to save some time).
I paired the ipad with the speaker quite easily. Bottom line: From opening package to having the system running was about 5 minutes.
I paired the ipad with the speaker quite easily. Bottom line: From opening package to having the system running was about 5 minutes.
The maximum volume is a little on the low side but its perfectly fine for kitchen and dinner table activities and I also have used for games(as a speaker enhancer) and playing music.
The combination of the speaker and kitchen stand is quite attractive and the ability to operate wirelessly reduce clutter. Battery life is great. As far as the speaker itself the quality is decent but the Smart Tools speaker is not a Bose or Denon speaker. Thats why its probably good to understand what you're using this speaker and not ask it to do things it wasn't intended for.
Pros: Easy to Use, Time-saver, Easy to Store, Size, Versatile, Design, Weight
Review 8 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
Catherine25
,San Diego
,CA
February 3, 2013
Ability level:Intermediate
Has owned product for:Less than 1 week
Uses product:Never
Would You Recommend? No
0points
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Sounds awful
February 3, 2013
Connected my i-pad and got a crackly sound, so I connected my i-pod and had the same problem. I am returning it.
Cons: Quality, Temperamental
Review 9 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
Glparoda
,Medina
,Oh
January 23, 2013
Ability level:Advanced
Has owned product for:1 - 4 weeks
Uses product:Never
Would You Recommend? No
+2points
2of 2found this review helpful.
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Disappointing gift
January 23, 2013
I received this as an anniversary gift and didn't have any problem pairing with my iPad. The problem started with sound issues. I decided to pair it with my iPhone to see if it would work. The sound was great. Two days later I tried to pair again with my iPad and it would not pair. I then couldn't get it to pair with my iPhone. It will be going back.
Pros: Design
Cons: Difficult to Use, Quality, Temperamental
Review 10 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
HungryHubby
,Wilmington
,NC
January 7, 2013
Ability level:Advanced
Has owned product for:1 - 4 weeks
Uses product:Every day
Would You Recommend? No
+2points
2of 2found this review helpful.
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Disapointed
January 7, 2013
Like others, I wanted this to work. Bought as a gift for my wife and now I will be making my own dinners. Device keeps dropping the connectivity while paired with a second generation IPad . Nice idea, nice size, great look......Poor execution!
Pros: Size, Design
Cons: Quality, Temperamental, poor connectivity
Review 11 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
Lacemum
,Augusta
,Ga
January 6, 2013
Ability level:Advanced
Has owned product for:1 - 4 weeks
Uses product:Every day
Would You Recommend? Yes
+1point
1of 1found this review helpful.
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I like it a lot, but...
January 6, 2013
Very nice design and very convenient. I have an iPad with 6.0.1 and am also experiencing sound drop out, but can bring it back up simply by touching the volume button on the stand.
For iPad users, I also recommend turning on the bass boost in settings. It helps the sound quality.
Michelle, yes i can use the cord, but the convenience of bluetooth was a big factor in buying the stand. Please let me know when you get a fix, and how to implement it.
For iPad users, I also recommend turning on the bass boost in settings. It helps the sound quality.
Michelle, yes i can use the cord, but the convenience of bluetooth was a big factor in buying the stand. Please let me know when you get a fix, and how to implement it.
Pros: Easy to Use, Size, Versatile, Design, very convenient
Cons: Temperamental
Review 12 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
CavalierSpaniel
,Montclair
,Va
January 6, 2013
Ability level:Advanced
Has owned product for:1 - 4 weeks
Would You Recommend? No
0points
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Faulty Bluetooth
January 6, 2013
We have IPads 3 and 4 using OS 6.0.1 and I bought this for my wife for Christmas. Immediately out of the box, the Bluetooth would keep cutting off. From the comments posted here and on the Apple web store, Williams Sonoma and Apple know of this problem and yet continues to sell this product and either can't or won't offer a solution. We are returning the product and will purchase a Bluetooth device that actually works with Bluetooth.
Cons: Difficult to Use, Quality, Temperamental
Review 13 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
wisdomdakini
Cleveland, OH
January 5, 2013
Would You Recommend? No
0points
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Loses Connection
January 5, 2013
Just tried out the speaker with my iPad 3 after charging it overnight. It lost the connection after listening to music for a short time. I will be returning it shortly. I have successfully paired my iPad with other bluetooth devices (e.g. Zagg keyboard, Phiaton earbuds, Apple keyboard) so the problem must be with the WS bluetooth device.
Review 14 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
BubbleHill
,Annapolis
,MD
December 25, 2012
Ability level:Intermediate
Has owned product for:1 - 4 weeks
Uses product:Every day
Would You Recommend? Yes
+2points
2of 2found this review helpful.
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Gr8 sound and reliable so far
December 25, 2012
I hesitated about buying secondary to the above reviews. However, when I heard that the product was on backorder I thought I may be in luck because WS may be fixing the initial problems that were mentioned. Well, whether they did or not. No problem with the bluetooth (iPhone 4S) and the sound is awesome!!!!!!. Its a beautiful addition to my kitchen. Thanks WS. You nailed this one.
Pros: Durable, Easy to Use, Accuracy, Quality, Easy to Clean, Easy to Store, Design, Weight
Review 15 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
missue
,Moorhead
,MN
December 24, 2012
Ability level:Intermediate
Has owned product for:Less than 1 week
Would You Recommend? No
0points
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Loses Bluetooth Connection
December 24, 2012
I was given the product as a Christmas present. I connected it to my Ipad and played a song. I had to reconnect twice before the song was even halfway over. Not a good product. I am calling now to figure out how to do a refund. Do not spend this much money on a product that fails within the first 30 seconds
Pros: Easy to Use, Design
Cons: Temperamental, Inaccurate
Review 16 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
LouWho
,Chelsea
,AL
December 18, 2012
Ability level:Intermediate
Has owned product for:Less than 1 week
Uses product:Never
Would You Recommend? No
-2points
0of 2found this review helpful.
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Bluetooth Speaker
December 18, 2012
The volume is awful! My IPad is louder than this thing! Very disappointed!
Pros: Easy to Use
Cons: Quality
Review 17 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
TonyAn
,San Francisco
,CA
December 15, 2012
Ability level:Intermediate
Has owned product for:1 - 4 weeks
Uses product:Every day
Would You Recommend? Yes
+7points
7of 7found this review helpful.
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The Bluetooth works amazing
December 15, 2012
I was concerned about the bluetooth issue from the reviews. But I decided to give it a try. I connected it with my iPhone 5 (with iOS6), and used Pandora to stream music from the internet. The Bluetooth never cut out during the use (about 3 hours non-stop playing). The sound quality is surprisingly good! Noticeably better than Jambox.
I also connected it with my laptop, and the Bluetooth worked fine.
My guess is that if you are using iPhone 4/4s running IOS6. Your cell phone is not powerful enough for the latest iOS system doing multi-tasking. The cell phone memory can't really handle the online streaming music for long period of time. I'm sure Apple will fix the problem and optimize the iOS for older devices. However, theoretically, if your music is stored on your iPhone, there shouldn't be any bluetooth issues, since it's not online streaming.
At least, my experience with the speaker Bluetooth connectivity is very satisfying.
Pros: Easy to Use, Quality, Size, Versatile, Design
Review 18 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
Gavitron
,Lehi
,UT
December 5, 2012
Has owned product for:1 - 4 weeks
Uses product:Every day
Would You Recommend? No
0points
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Bluetooth cuts out
December 5, 2012
So I bought it and the bluetooth cuts out very frequently. I talked to a williams sonoma customer support person and they told me to take it back. I did. I got a new one and it still cuts out. I tried connecting it to several different devices and I kept the devices right next to the speaker. It is definitely a faulty product. Williams Sonoma should do a recall.
I wish it worked because it is so beautiful.
Pros: Easy to Use, Design
Cons: Quality, Temperamental
Review 19 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
Crescentgirl
,Cincinnati
,Oh
November 28, 2012
Ability level:Advanced
Has owned product for:Less than 1 week
Uses product:Every day
Would You Recommend? No
+3points
4of 5found this review helpful.
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SAME PROBLEM :(
November 28, 2012
I've had the same problem! Bluetooth frequently cuts out! I figured mine was defective, so I exchanged for a new one and it is worst than the first one! I'm so disappointed, because I was so excited to get this :(
Pros: Easy to Use, Easy to Store, Size, Versatile, Design, Weight
Cons: Quality, Inaccurate, doesn't work as it is supposed to!!!
Response from Williams-Sonomaby Michelle, Smart Tools Buyer, December 3, 2012
Hi Crescentgirl,
I’m so sorry to hear that you didn’t have a great experience with our Bluetooth Speaker. We’ve recently been made aware of a Bluetooth connectivity issue affecting iPhone and iPad users who are running iOS 6.0 or iOS 6.0.1 and are attempting to connect to Bluetooth-enabled devices (like our speaker). Do you happen to be using either of those operating systems? If so, it makes sense that the second speaker that you got didn’t resolve the issue. We have heard from some users that the problem corrects itself automatically, but until the operating system issue is fully corrected, we recommend using the auxiliary audio cord that is included with the speaker to connect.
Thanks so much for your feedback.
-Michelle
I’m so sorry to hear that you didn’t have a great experience with our Bluetooth Speaker. We’ve recently been made aware of a Bluetooth connectivity issue affecting iPhone and iPad users who are running iOS 6.0 or iOS 6.0.1 and are attempting to connect to Bluetooth-enabled devices (like our speaker). Do you happen to be using either of those operating systems? If so, it makes sense that the second speaker that you got didn’t resolve the issue. We have heard from some users that the problem corrects itself automatically, but until the operating system issue is fully corrected, we recommend using the auxiliary audio cord that is included with the speaker to connect.
Thanks so much for your feedback.
-Michelle
Read Comments (2)
Read Comments (2)
wisdomdakini
Cleveland, OH
Posted January 4, 2013
iOS Devices
This comment is in response to the WS response about the bluetooth problem. I have an iPhone 4S and iPad 3 running iOS 6.1. I have used many different bluetooth devices with them without any problem (car audio, Zagg keyboard, Apple keyboard, Phiaton earbuds) so I don't understand why the WS bluetooth speaker wouldn't work perfectly well unless the sound in a particular Apple device stops working properly after an iOS upgrade (there are reports of this occurring with iPhones but not iPads as far as I know) in which case that problem would manifest with all bluetooth devices used with that person's iOS device. Are all the unsatisfied customers first time bluetooth users or people who have just upgraded their iOS? Hard to imagine. I just bought the WS bluetooth speaker but can't try it out yet as it isn't fully charged. I will report on it's status tomorrow.
0points
echines
Posted December 9, 2012
Is Bluetooth for IOS6 resolved?
I'd like to put this on my wish list but if the operating system for this is not resolved yet I will need to pass.
0points
Review 20 for Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools Bluetooth(R) Speaker
ekbp
,Waunakee
,WI
November 28, 2012
Ability level:Advanced
Has owned product for:1 - 4 weeks
Uses product:Every day
Would You Recommend? Yes
+3points
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The sound is amazing for such a small tool
November 28, 2012
I've been searching for a tool like this for over a year. Others I've tried are too large, have a "tin" sound to them or overall just don't work well. I think the sound that this speaker puts out is great, the size and design are really nice and aren't obtrusive...can be tucked away in a corner.
Pros: Easy to Use, Quality, Design