# Ikea supersized its cheap Bluetooth speaker and added an optical input

> **Open Intelligence Dossier** · First detected: 2026-09-11 18:07 UTC · Category: Technology

## Executive Summary
IKEA introduces a supersized Bluetooth speaker named BADKRUKA featuring Spotify integration and an optical input.

## Intelligence Brief
Recent technology reporting from five sources indicates that IKEA has introduced a new Bluetooth speaker called the Badkruka. Coverage details that this new model is a supersized, larger, and more serious sibling to an earlier tiny Bluetooth speaker from the company. According to SoundGuys, the device visually resembles a Steam Machine. TechRadar notes that the new speaker offers Spotify integration along with stereo pairing capabilities. The Gadgeteer points out that the Badkruka includes a feature that most cheap Bluetooth speakers typically skip, which The Verge specifies as an optical input.


Outlets tracking this hardware release include SoundGuys, The Gadgeteer, TechRadar, Gizmodo, and The Verge. The coverage collectively emphasizes the device's physical scaling from a previous miniature format to a larger form factor. Additionally, the reporting highlights specific functional additions such as the optical audio connection and Spotify integration that differentiate this release from budget audio competitors. Background context within the coverage frames the Badkruka as an expansion of IKEA's existing audio product line. The previous iteration was recognized as a tiny, inexpensive Bluetooth speaker.


By introducing a larger model equipped with stereo pairing and an optical port, the product bridges the gap between ultra-budget portable audio and home entertainment setups. However, current coverage does not yet specify pricing details, exact dimensions, or regional release dates for the new hardware. Future updates from the reporting outlets will likely address availability, retail pricing, and hands-on performance evaluations. Readers and potential consumers should monitor tech publications for further announcements regarding when the Badkruka will hit store shelves and how the optical input performs in real-world testing. At present, available information remains strictly limited to the initial feature set and design reveals published by the five tracking sources.

## Multi-Source Evidence Table
| Source Outlet | Headline | Verification URL |
|---|---|---|
| SoundGuys | IKEA’s newest Bluetooth speaker looks like a Steam Machine | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMic0FVX3lxTE1KMDlvc1A5UVMtdDFoU2szSXl6SGI0RFFQQ2VjUk1YSnZhOHRYWTV3ZThaUUwtRE9nR0xGT1NsbmtmVTg4QkNiN3d5SHJzb0g2azRCejlDQl8tM2pBTV91STEzMlNFcEo3VS1XdUNhRlVQZlU?oc=5) |
| The Gadgeteer | IKEA’s BADKRUKA Has a Feature Most Cheap Bluetooth Speakers Skip | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMilAFBVV95cUxNNmpualgwVlRtdW1VSGF4dThTb0dzRF9lSDBGSlN5clJvdHZlTXBPRE14bk4zVVRCN0RROS1Mb0VoRWo2UWR3MUZQdTFLcWdWNjA5c0RWQVZJWUpxdF82MDJhMU5XWGs5MElaeUdlNlR5b0R4Wjl3eE1UcnBtY2F2LV9wd2Nidms3clp3ZXdzZGVkVjdy?oc=5) |
| TechRadar | The new IKEA Badkruka Bluetooth speaker offers Spotify integration and stereo pairing — and doesn't cost much at all | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi8gFBVV95cUxOTTZHOGZzTkNWWHRud2ptVUtrM0xZaDM2S2xvNllOU0tzY1NXWjJhZWRxdllLYWZiOFhiQ2dPamt0T1dyNWhsRTZDNkRMR3hVYUg1XzNGYm1JZzZrN05kUkZOazlxZjc3X0JoRGYxZndsd3o2T1FqRE1lbVo4YldYajdFTE9RSEhEbjJFaFhoRC1Nck16UlF5RGRSWllfSVlNdl9zMS01SWpLS1JVNXVmcURBZ3FhZ3A2Tnc5N0xQbnRWWjhDUlBtMkRmVjlRTlJJS2t4STFaeTAxUkRNSm5rUVAyRHlBaHlDNV90bGVoakhiQQ?oc=5) |
| Gizmodo | Ikea’s Tiny Bluetooth Speaker Now Has a Bigger, More Serious Sibling | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMingFBVV95cUxPb2RLRHJMQWFpdFNWMkNUSDEwX1JRdTZWek9xTHlNaGh4b3JKZEdqV3hGeEt1elZQQ0FiT0FuQ1BuekpsYlFJWHhHMUVCaFkwUHo5QmJleUEzOGZRUDQybU9aQXlWS3JLOGI3UXlOU1RMWG1mV2FZdzFSTDlhTl9vcm1adWpfVzYwNzVGNVBXS1RQc2YzZGVHLXZZV2FrUQ?oc=5) |
| theverge.com | Ikea supersized its cheap Bluetooth speaker and added an optical input | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMilgFBVV95cUxNRjN5UGcwc1hQelQ3U2Z0aW50b09vb0ZDaVgxZUlMUUpOc0g4blpmVm9TRXRXZWd5ZmRQRlNpYmVjbnNSc1dNNm1LNlNZMzAxUEEtQk9jRmlwODd6N0Fzb3BYeEx5SVE0d0xmNlJXVUdxcUlFdEpfamt5bUJ2Z2NhRFNkVGR5NWdzMElfSi1HeWtIeVpEU0E?oc=5) |

---
*Canonical Source: https://pulse.byoviral.com/trend/2026-09-11/ikea-supersized-its-cheap-bluetooth-speaker-and-added-an-optical-input*