Ikea’s forays into connected audio continues with its new $65 Vappeby Bluetooth speaker lamp, which resembles a futuristic-looking lantern and is the first speaker with Spotify Tap (which was previously only available on a variety of headphones) for one-touch access to the streaming music service.
The Vappeby actually seems purpose built replacing a camp lantern: it has a rechargeable battery, an integrated LED light and an IP65 rating (enough to withstand the occasional rain shower, but certainly not for a dip in a pool). It even comes with a USB-C cable to charge it, though it doesn’t include a wall brick.
The most new addition is support for Spotify Tap, which is making its Bluetooth speaker debut. After you set up Tap in the Spotify app, tap (get it?) the power button on the Vappeby to automatically pick up Spotify playback from where you left off. Tapping it again takes you to a recommendation from the Spotify algorithm based on your listening habits.
Otherwise, the Vappeby doesn’t offer many smart features. The light is just an ordinary light, with no smart home integration with Ikea’s Trådfri platform or the wider Google/Apple/Amazon smart home systems. Spotify integration aside, the speaker is just a regular Bluetooth speaker, with no option to double as a power bank or fancy pairing or Sonos integrations.
The Ikea Vappeby is available in blue and gray color schemes from Ikea’s website for $64.99