AQ Audio announces AQ Smart AirPlay speaker November release

UK based AQ Audio has through their website announced their first ever Apple AirPlay speaker in the sub £200 AQ Smart AirPlay speaker, a truly wireless speaker.

With the AQ Smart AirPlay speaker they have delivered one of the most affordable AirPlay speakers announced in the market to date, and it is a portable speaker as well, running off a rechargeable battery supporting up to 10-hours of playback when connected through Apple AirPlay, and 30-hours when in 'holiday' mode (connected using AUX input).

AQ Smart AirPlay speakers feature two built in drivers that are supported by patented ultra efficient digital amplifier, providing a total output power of up to 25W (2 x 13W) RMS. When you have two of the speakers in the same room you also automatically get the option of left/right mode for a better stereo sound experience. There is also multi room support, and ALL ROOM technology that enables sound wave dispersion for a true full room sound.

The AQ Smart AirPlay speaker from AQ Audio will be available in November priced at £199.

[source: AQ Audio]

iHome iW1 arrives at Amazon UK + end of august release date

Just days after the last update on the progress of the iHome iW1 AirPlay speaker, information has come out that iHome plans to release the much awaited (nearly a year) AirPlay speaker on the 31st August.

A quick scan of Amazon UK website shows that the iHome iW1 has arrived, but currently listed as 'out of stock'. I expect that to change in the coming days.




With a price point at around £300 it is amongst the cheaper AirPlay speakers announced to date, but time will tell if it also provides value for money as there are some strong alternatives around the same price class (read Sonos).

Altec Lansing wireless AirPlay speaker announced

Altec Lansing is the latest audio manufacturer to join the AirPlay team as they have announced through their website that an Altec AirPlay speaker is in the pipeline.

According to iPodRepublic.com they have confirmed through their Facebook page as well that the Altec AirPlay speaker will be launched in time for the all important holiday season/Christmas. This means that we could definitely be looking forward to some heavy AirPlay speaker promotions soon as there are already several new AirPlay speakers announced to be released in the coming months. Hopefully we will never see delays like with the iHome iW1 again!

As for the Altec Lansing wireless AirPlay speaker, little information is available on it yet, but their site confirms that it will feature a tri-amp system with two tweeters, two mid-range speakers and a subwoofer, so no run of the mill system.

iHome iW1 video and possible September release date

Nearly a year has passed since iHome first announced their coming iHome iW1 AirPlay speaker as one of the first audio manufacturers to embrace the Apple streaming technology. Finally there are signs that the iW1 might be launched soon, although a release date has not been confirmed yet.

iHome seems to have updated their product page for the iW1 AirPlay speaker and on their Facebook page they are reporting that the email opt-in is coming to an end and an announcement is imminent.

While we wait for the announcement, check out this video of the iHome iW1.

Denon rolls out black Ceol Noir AirPlay mini hifi

One of the first AirPlay enabled audio systems on the market was the Denon CEOL RCD-N7, an all white mini hifi system. Now they are giving the system a facelift through a second color option in the all black Denon Ceol Noir.

With the exception of the color change, which in my personal opinion makes the system look more upscale, it is largely the same system. The Denon Ceol Noir features a CD receiver with 2x65W (RMS) total power output, AirPlay streaming through the built in wifi or ethernet connection, network streaming (DLNA, FLAC, Napster and Last.fm), AM/FM radio, internet radio, and a USB connection for connecting other external audio sources. For those that still like to have the option to dock your iPod or iPhone for charging while listening there is a good old fashioned docking station at the top of the unit as well. A truly versatile system.

You can also choose to match the system with the all black Denon SC-N7 speakers or just use your own favourite speakers.

The Denon Ceol Noir will be available in the UK/Europe in September with an expected retail price of £500. I will be back with more information as soon as it becomes available.

Sounds like September will be a busy month for AirPlay speakers as it is also the time that Libratone Live and Lounge will be released, as well as more of the Philips AirPlay speakers.

[source: iPodRepublic]