Is the Bose SoundLink Air their first AirPlay speaker?

Scouting FCC filings can often be an early source of information about things to come, such is the case for what could be Bose first AirPlay speaker in the Bose SoundLink Air.

Whilst there is very little information in the findings about what exactly the speaker is, based on the 'Air' extension to the name and it featuring WiFi support built-in, there is a good reason to believe that this could be an AirPlay extension of their recent Bose SoundLink bluetooth speaker.

I will be back with more information about the possible Bose AirPlay speaker as and when it is revealed fully.

[source: Engadget]

Pioneer with three new AirPlay speakers

Pioneer already have a few AirPlay systems in the market, including AV receivers and all-in-one sound systems, and now they are adding a series of compact AirPlay speakers to their portfolio as well.

The three new AirPlay speakers from Pioneer includes the top model XW-SMA4 (£350), the splash proof XW-SMA3 (£300) with rechargeable battery, and the compact XW-SMA1. All of them have dual 3-inch woofers, a 1-inch tweeter and a central bass reflex port. The top model also have an additional tweeter and a 4-inch subwoofer. All are powered by class D amp and supports streaming over both AirPlay and DLNA.

Pioneer has also added Wireless Direct technology so there is no need to be connected to a wireless router to stream your music to the speakers.

All of them will become available around August/September this year.

[source: ipodrepublic via WhatHifi]

ITV Player iOS App adds live streaming and AirPlay

ITV has updated their ITV Player iOS app to support live streaming of ITV1 and ITV2 for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, as well as adding AirPlay mirroring functionality.

Strategically this latest update to their app comes just in time for the EURO 2012 which they share the broadcasting rights to together with the BBC.

I have yet to test out the AirPlay mirroring from the app, which allows you to share the screen to your Apple TV or AirPort Express adapter, but that as far as i'm aware is only available for iPad 2, iPad 3, and iPhone 4S. I will be testing it out with an iPhone 4 later and report back on whether or not it worked.

[source: WhatHifi]

Pure Contour 200i Air goes on sale and AQ Smart goes on pre-order

The wait is finally over when it comes to the Pure Contour 200i Air speaker dock as it goes into wider retail here in the UK, including with John Lewis, Currys and PC World, retailing at just under £200.

Pure's first AirPlay follows in the footsteps of already successful iPod speaker docks in the Contour range, and at this price tag could well turn out to be the budget Airplay speaker of choice for many out there.

AQ Audio is also hoping to carve themselves a niche in the budget AirPlay speaker market as their first Airplay speaker in the AQ Smart finally goes on pre-order through their website. It has taken them a while since it was first announced, but hopefully it will be worth the wait. The price tag is set at £199.95.

playGo AP1 AirPlay receiver seeks funding on Kickstarter

So far in the world of Apple AirPlay we got all-in-one AirPlay speakers, AirPlay enabled AV receivers, and AirPort Express adapters, but we might get a stand alone AirPlay receiver soon as well if the playGo AP1 is successful in securing funding on Kickstarter.

The playGo AP1 is a stand alone AirPlay receiver that can be used to AirPlay enable an amplifier or powered speakers. Inside it features high-end 32-bit Burr-Brown PCM102 digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and support for 24bit/96kHz audio files for high definition sound. All is packed into a small design, reminiscent of the Apple Time Capsule.

playGo AP1 is also said to support DLNA streaming, and Microsofts new Play To wireless solution. At the moment the project still needs to secure more funding, but there is still plenty of time to get this to the market. You can find out more about the playGo AP1 on their Kickstarter page.

Libratone releases firmware upgrade for Live and Lounge speakers

Libratone today announced the release of firmware 2.0 for their AirPlay enabled Live and Lounge speakers.

This new firmware upgrade is said to improve AirPlay connectivity and reduce speaker start up/boot time. You can see a full overview of upgrade features here.

Bang & Olufsen announces BeoPlay A8 AirPlay speaker dock

When Bang & Olufsen first announced their BeoSound 8 speaker dock well over a year ago, the only thing i really missed was the ability to stream music. Now it looks like the guys in Denmark has listened as they have announced their B&O BeoPlay A8; an AirPlay version of the BeoSound 8.

The new BeoPlay A8 features the same iconic design and speaker set up as the BeoSound 8, including dual 5-inch woofers and 3/4-inch tweeters, powered by Class D amplifiers (70W woofer and 35W tweeters). There is still the ability to dock your device, but this upgrade is all about the addition of AirPlay streaming, allowing you to enjoy the music from your iOS device without docking with the speakers. Based on the information on their website it also looks like the BeoPlay A8 supports bluetooth streaming, possibly through a line-in adapter.

This is the second AirPlay speaker announced from the Danish audio manufacturer, as earlier this year they announced their portable BeoLit 12 AirPlay speaker. It looks like Denmark will be the source of high-end AirPlay speakers as it is also the home of the Libratone Live and Lounge.

Release date for the BeoPlay A8 is yet to be announced, but expected retail price is likely going to be up towards the £900-1000 mark as US retail price is expected to be at $1149. I will be back with more exact details when available.

[source: BeoPlay via iPodRepublic]

Native AirPlay streaming comes to AirFoil Speakers Touch 3

Rogue Amoeba’s AirFoil has taken the step into the big league by now adding native AirPlay streaming to their AirFoil Speakers Touch 3 app through an in-app purchase, providing you with the ability to stream to pretty much any iOS device.

AirFoil started off being a way to stream non-iTunes audio to Airport Express mini-router before the first app was released allowing you to stream audio from your Mac to your iOS device. Now you can stream audio not only from your Mac but also from your iPad with native AirPlay, allowing you to have one of your iOS devices connected to your non-Airplay enabled sound system and stream audio to it from your other devices.


Always nice to see options for making existing systems AirPlay friendly. The AirFoil Speaker Touch app is available from the iTunes App Store for free, but the in-app purchase for native AirPlay costs £1.99.


[source: CultofMac]

Loewe Air Speaker arrives at John Lewis

At last years IFA event the announcement of the Loewe Air Speaker was amongst my favourites. Since then months have passed with little information, but finally we are starting to see the iconic AirPlay speaker available for sale here in the UK, including from John Lewis.

The Loewe Air Speaker is small and square, but i find the design refreshing and different compared to so many other speaker docks and sound systems out there. Its compact size aside, it is packed with dual woofers, mid-range speakers, and tweeters, delivering a combined power output of 80W.

It does not come cheap though as you would have to shell out £649 to get your hands on one at John Lewis.

CeraAIR Two AirPlay speaker with style and power

I have to admit this is the first I hear about Ceratec, but with the CeraAIR Two AirPlay speaker they have definitely made a good first impression.

The soundbar style design is quite versatile as the system can stand horizontally on a shelf, or you can mount it either vertically or horizontally on a wall. The color options should also help ensure a good fit for most tastes as the CeraAIR Two is available in black, silver, white, gold, or any RAL color upon request.

Although the CeraAIR Two speaker has AirPlay as a leading feature, targeting iOS market, it is packed with other great features as well. You can access Internet radio, YouTube, and other audio files wirelessly or through a RJ45 cable. You can also input tv audio or connect a cd player, in case you want to go old school. The system also supports connection to external subwoofer, as well as the ability to adjust bass output. With a total power output of max 200W (2 x 64 watts bass mid-range, 2 x 32 watts) from a Class D amp the CeraAIR Two should be powerful enough for most home set ups. The speaker set up consists of two bass-midrange speakers and two high end tweeters.



[source: Ceratec]

NOCS NS2 Air Monitor speakers with AirPlay

First of all, Scandinavian countries have brought us some great sound systems over the years, including recent AirPlay contributions from B&O and Libratone (both Danish). The latest AirPlay contribution however comes from neighbour Sweden and new audio system provider NOCS. Meet the NOCS NS2 Air Monitors.

Instead of providing the now standard all-in-one solution the NOCS NS2 Air Monitors consist of two speaker monitors with AirPlay technology. NOCS have also gone different with materials, as the cabinets are hand-built rubber coated, the woofers are Kevlar reinforced, and they are using silk dome tweeters.

The active speakers are powered by a Class D amp with 70W peak power output, which is decent for the price range of this AirPlay speaker. The woofers are 3-inch with dual magnets, and tweeters are 3/4-inch silk dome.

NOCS NS2 Air Monitors are available in a variety of colors, including red, orange, black, white, yellow, and industrial grey. In the UK they are available from Amazon listed at just over £300.

[source: NOCS]

Audyssey Audio Dock Air set for April European launch

It has been a while since Audyssey first announced their first AirPlay speaker dock in the Lower East Side Audio Dock Air, and finally it is ready for the market.

US consumers can get their hands on the new AirPlay speaker pretty much straight away, while us here in the UK and Europe will have to wait another month, with European models reported to be shipping towards end of April.

Read more from the press release here or check out earlier coverage of the Audyssey Audio Dock Air.

Apple releases iOS 5.1 with AirPlay improvements

Although yesterday was mostly about the new iPad with Retina display, Apple also released iOS 5.1 with bug fixes and improvements, including for AirPlay streaming.

There has been several reports following the launch of the iPhone 4S about AirPlay streaming issues, including reports from AirPlay speaker providers such as Libratone and B&W.

Following the iOS 5.1 announcement Libratone has posted on their facebook page that especially iPhone 4S users should update to iOS 5.1 for improved AirPlay performance.

Have you updated to iOS 5.1? If so we are interested to hear from you about AirPlay performance following the upgrade. Please leave comments below to share your experience with the rest of the AirPlay community.

GUNN Audio ready to bring some Aussie AirPlay action

I have never heard of GUNN Audio before, but today i came across the brand as this Aussie entrepreneur is getting ready to tackle the wireless speaker market, including AirPlay speakers towards the second half of the year.

Brady Gunn is the master mind behind these new speakers, as this Sydney entrepreneur is focusing on the  future of audio products, which he (and i agree with him) is all about getting rid of wires and delivering high quality wireless audio. That means that we might not be talking about small size speaker docks, but rather high-spec tower speakers that provide plenty of audio gusto.

To start with the brand is set to deliver a few solutions that include docking station and bluetooth, but AirPlay home theater systems are on the cards for later this year. And it looks like this Aussie has got his eyes set on the UK market as well.

[source: NewsMaker]

Systemline Airway in-ceiling speakers are AirPlay enabled with Airport Express

Sonos has had a pretty decent hold on the multi-room speaker market for a while now, so it is always nice to see some tough competition, as it tends to improve the overall market. With their Airway in-ceiling speakers, Systemline is making a valid effort, if only they had gone fully Airplay integration.

The Systemline Airway solution looks simple enough for DIY implementation, and it does not take up much space since you can integrate it in ceiling etc. But since the system does not have an integrated AirPlay chip at this stage, you have to rely on using it combined with an Airport Express adapter.

The set up includes two speakers (stereo set up) that can be integrated into wall or ceiling, connected by Cat5 cables running to a wall plate, which again connects with the Airport Express using a optical digital cable, and the power supply.

Wouldn't it be great if a system that can be integrated into wall/ceiling came with the necessary set up to avoid having to have too many additional adapters to open up for wireless audio streaming? Perhaps Systemline, or someone else, will bring fully integrated Airplay next.

If you are interested in the Systemline Airway in-ceiling solution you can find out more on their website. Price and availability to be confirmed.

[source: Slashgear]

Wooden limited edition Philips Fidelio Soundsphere - for a stylish home

I have to admit that i'm a bit of a fan of the Philips Fidelio Soundsphere design, so when i saw the new limited edition wooden Philips DS9860W, made using seventy pieces of natural wood, it definitely made me add them to my home decor and must have gadget wall on Pinterest.

The original Philips Fidelio DS9800W Soundsphere was amongst the first AirPlay speakers to be announced, and since then Philips have extended the Soundsphere AirPlay range with a smaller, and more affordable model, in the Soundsphere DS6800W, and now of course the top model DS9860W limited edition.

Back to the DS9860W Soundsphere. From what i have been able to find, this one has got pretty much the same specifications as the DS9800W, including Philips SoundCurve and FullSound Technology, providing 100W of total power output through some beautifully designed speakers with free floating tweeters.

Getting your hands on a pair of the Philips DS9860W Soundsphere Airplay speakers might prove tricky however, as there are only 500 of them worldwide, and they will cost you about $1,100 (likely around £900).

I place these in the same category as some of the other beautiful AirPlay speakers, like the Libratone Live and Lounge, and they would go very well with my dream living room.

[source: Slashgear]

Russound DMS3.1 brings multiple AirPlay streams for advanced multiroomaudio

With their latest streamer Russound has worked closely with Apple on the implementation of not just one, but three independent airplay streams in the same player.

The Russound DMS3.1 streamer is the first of its kind, delivering up to three separate AirPlay streams at the same time to AirPlay enabled devices, including their own outdoor Russound AirGo AirPlay speaker.

With the three independent AirPlay streams you can mix and match sources and where to send them. The streamer is also DLNA compatible and can play back supported content from any connected home network device. You can also plug in an external hard drive through USB connection, and use the built in AM/FM tuner.

[source: CEPro]

Numark iDJ Pro gets AirPlay support

For those not familiar with Numark (most DJ's will be familiar with the brand), they are amongst the premier manufacturers of DJ equipment, and now they have announced the Numark iDJ Pro with AirPlay support as well as fully integrated iPad docking.

DJ technogeeks are likely to love the new iDJ Pro, as it is the first of the devices that comes with fully integrated iPad docking with the device, as you can see from the above photo. There is also support for wireless streaming to a wide range of compatible speakers through the built in AirPlay streaming technology, allowing you full control over which speakers to stream to direct from the control unit.

No official price or release date has been announced yet for the Numark iDJ Pro, but you can check out the Numark product page for more details.

[source: Numark via Airplayspeakers.com]

Teac NS-X1 AirPlay speaker dock arrives on UK market

Quite a few months have passed since i first heard word about the Teac NS-X1 slimline Airplay speaker dock, but it has taken until now for the system to make a proper entry into the UK market, getting presence with well known electronics retail chain Dixons.

The Teac NS-X1 features 2 x 10W speakers, has a slimline shape, with a physical docking station sitting at the top of the unit as an alternative for those that does not have an Apple device with AirPlay capabilities. The system can also be mounted on the wall as it has support for that at the back of the unit.

Overall the Teac NS-X1 is targeting the lower end of the Airplay speaker market, with a price point at £199.99, making it amongst the more affordable AirPlay solutions on the UK market at the moment. Based on reports through other review sites and tech blogs the strength of the system is AirPlay at that price point, but at the same time they report that audio and build quality does not quite live up to the price point. As soon as i have had a chance to review one myself i will let you know what my verdict is.

[source: TrustedReviews]

iTeufel Air - a bookshelf AirPlay speaker from Teufel

Teufel is a leading audio solution manufacturer out of Germany selling direct to market, including their latest solution; the iTeufel Air AirPlay speaker.

iTeufel Air is a bookshelf style wireless speaker that allows streaming over Apple AirPlay technology. It does not feature a physical docking station, but for those wanting to connect other devices, there is the Aux-in connection.

Design wise the iTeufel Air looks quite stylish with the black finished housing sitting on a metal stand. Inside Teufel has packed two independent 20w two-way speakers and a 30cm 40w subwoofer, creating what should be a fairly powerful bookshelf AirPlay speaker with Panorama DSP for a more room-filling audio experience.

The iTeufel Air is available direct from Teufel online at £429.99.

Philips Fidelio SoundAvia and Primo AirPlay speakers announced

Philips is extending their already strong Fidelio range of speakers with two new AirPlay speakers in the Philips Fidelio AD7050W SoundAvia and Philips Fidelio DS9100W Primo at CES.

There is not a lot of details around the two new systems yet, but it is believe that the AD7050w will feature a similar design and features as the already launched Philips AD7000W.

As far as the DS9100W Primo goes, it comes with a wooden finish and backfiring passive radiators, not unlike the Fidelio DS9/10 and Fidelio DS9000W speaker docks. It also features the Philips Soundcurve technology for clearer sound.

Both systems are expected out around April time this year. I will be back with more details and price for each system when available.

[source: Techradar]

Griffin Twenty - a new and amplified AirPlay solution

Griffin is present at CES in Las Vegas armed with amongst other an AirPlay amplifier that can turn any speaker into an airplay speaker, the Griffin Twenty.

So what exactly is the Griffin Twenty you ask? In short it is an AirPlay enabled amplifier that allows you to connect any non-powered speaker for wireless sound. It uses a docked Airport Express to support the AirPlay streaming, but unlike using only an Airport Express, which requires powered speakers set up, the Griffin Twenty does the 'powering' for you.

The Griffin Twenty comes with a Toslink for connecting to the Airports optical port, and a power pass through to ensure the Airport Express has the necessary power input as well.

Griffin is yet to confirm price of the Twenty and a release date, but I will update with information as soon as available. It is also worth noting that you have to buy the Airport Express adapter separately, unless Griffin decides to bundle it with the Twenty.

Acoustic Research ARAP50 AirPlay speaker announced

The Acoustic Research ARAP50 AirPlay speaker is a new entrant in the AirPlay market from Voxx International (former Audiovoxx), announced at CES this week.

Not much is known about the ARAP50 other than its ability to stream over Apple AirPlay technology, and that it will retail at around $200 (likely around £150 or so for the UK) when it is released, likely sometime this spring. Design wise it is reminiscent of the iHome iW1 and the more classic box-style iPod speaker docks of past.

We welcome Acoustic Research and their ARAP50 AirPlay speaker to the AirPlay family.

SOUL Party in a Box AirPlay speaker dock

SOUL Electronics is at CES to promote their Soul by Ludacris range of headphones, but this year they have also thrown a speaker dock into the midst, and not just any speaker dock. Meet the SOUL Party in a Box AirPlay speaker.

In fact, the SOUL Party in a Box does not only support streaming over AirPlay. There is also built in Bluetooth as well as a 5.8GHz two-way transceiver that offers CD quality lossless streaming and multi-speaker set up.

Inside the SOUL AirPlay speaker there is a party going on for sure, as this omni-directional hybrid system features dual 6.5-inch subwoofers, 3-inch midrange drivers, and four 1-inch tweeters. The central docking station is reported to support all iOS devices, including the iPad.

There is no word on pricing and availability of the SOUL Party in a Box speaker dock as of yet, but I will keep you posted.

[source: slashgear]

More details revealed in B&O Beolit 12 AirPlay speaker

Bang & Olufsen have revealed a bit more information about their upcoming AirPlay speaker, the B&O Beolit 12 compact speaker that forms part of the company's new PLAY line of products.

The design of the Beolit 12 resembles older transistor radios, it is portable thanks to a carry handle and the built in rechargeable battery, wireless streaming is done over Airplay, and the amp is a rather powerful 120W Class D amplifier, which is pretty good for what is ment to be a portable speaker. The speaker set up consist of two 2-inch tweeters and a 4-inch woofer.

Release date for the Beolit 12 is expected to be out in Europe at end of January 2012, but don't expect a product from Bang & Olufsen to come without a premium price tag, as the Beolit 12 will set you back around £699 when released. Time will tell whether or not it will be worth it.



[source: Electricpig]

Panasonic brings AirPlay speaker docks to CES 2012

There is no doubt that the wireless audio category is busy at CES this year, including Panasonic that is delivering a range of Apple friendly systems, including two AirPlay enabled systems in the Panasonic SC-AP01 soundbar and the Panasonic SC-HC57 Compact Stereo System.

First out is their style oriented SC-AP01 soundbar, a slimline metal-clad speaker with built-in Airplay support for wireless streaming of audio. Inside it features an Aero Stream port for enhanced bass reproduction and Direct-Vocal Surround, said to help create a more "music hall-like listening experience".  There is no physical docking station, but a USB port ensures that you can connect and charge your iOS device with the AirPlay speaker.

The second AirPlay enabled speaker dock is the SC-HC57, a more classic looking compact sound system, not unlike the recently announced Sharp DK-KP95P Airplay speaker actually when it comes to looks. In addition to AirPlay streaming, it features a docking station for iPod/iPhone, CD player, FM radio, and Internet radio using the vTuner app on their iOS device.

Panasonic SC-HC57 is finished in high quality metal net with a solid sliding door, which when opened brings out the docking station automatically. Inside the system you will find lightweight, nanosized bamboo coned speakers for a more reponsive sound stage.

Both Panasonic AirPlay enabled sound systems are expected out in April 2012. I will come back with more detail and prices when available.

[source: Engadget & PRNewswire]

Sony with two Homeshare AirPlay speakers and two new AirPlay speaker docks

Sony presented their Homeshare streaming solution (uses DLNA) last year, but in competition with AirPlay and bluetooth streaming it failed to take off. This year Sony has returned with added Airplay support for their Homeshare speakers + two new iOS speaker docks with Airplay support.

The two new Homeshare speakers that now also have AirPlay streaming support are the Sony SA-NS310 and Sony SA-NS410. These new Homeshare speakers follow in the footsteps of the Sony SA-NS500 which was released last year with support for both streaming options. The main difference between the two new speakers is the size, with the larger SA-NS410 also featuring a built-in subwoofer for improved bass performance. Built in wifi ensures that you can stream to the speakers via Airplay or Homeshare, and there is also the option to pairing more than one system together for improved sound.

Sony Homeshare Airplay speakers will be available sometime in the summer, and i will return with more information as soon as available, including pricing.

In addition to bringing Airplay to their Homeshare speakers, Sony also reveals some new iOS speaker docks, including two models that support Airplay streaming; Sony RDP-XA900iP and Sony RDP-XA700iP.

Both system features Sony's S-Master digital amplifier and DMC technology for a "room filling sound", and have docking stations that support iOS devices, including the iPad. Both systems are so called single-box 2.1 systems, a two-way speaker system without integrated subwoofer, relying on dual passive radiators for that powerful bass sound.

The RDP-XA900iP is the top model and comes with 200W (RMS) output power, so quite a powerful speaker dock. The RDP-XA700iP is less powerful with its 60W power output. Both systems are expected out in May 2012, and i will be back with more details and prices as available.

[sources: CNET & Pocket-lint]

Sharp joins the Airplay family with Sharp DK-KP95P speaker dock

Sharp is bringing a range of new speaker docks to CES this year, including their first AirPlay enabled speaker dock in the Sharp DK-KP95P.

The Sharp DK-KP95P with Airplay technology also features a physical docking station located at the top of the speaker dock that supports docking of all iOS devices, including the iPad, and for those old schoolers out there, a cd player that supports MP3 and WMA playback. This is a true multipurpose speaker dock / home audio that combines a classic design with the latest technology.

In addition to AirPlay streaming this system also supports audio streaming over DLNA. In terms of audio, it features 2 midrange speaker drivers delivering 25W of power output. The system is listed as available in the U.S with a retail price at $329.99. I'm trying to find a UK release date / price, and will update as soon as i find it.

[source: theverge]

iHome makes AirPlay range 5 with iW5

Last week i wrote about the latest addition to the iHome AirPlay family, the iHome iW4 bedside alarm clock dock. Today however iHome has announced a fifth member to their iHome iW AirPlay range in smaller iHome iW5.

Last year at CES iHome present 3 AirPlay models of which one has made it to the market as per today, whilst the iW2 and iW3 has been hovering around in the twilight zone, until now. The two models have resurfaced with some improvements at CES 2012. The iHome iW2 is a smaller version of the iHome iW1, and comes without the rechargeable battery. The iHome iW3 has been re-engineered to house a rechargeable battery as well.

The iHome iW1 is also getting an upgrade in terms of availability in a white and silver chrome version. The iW2, iW3 and iW4 are also available on the two different finishes.

iHome iW5 as mentioned is the latest addition, and is a smaller and simpler Airplay speaker with interchangeable front speaker covers, giving you the ability to add some color to it. I will be back with more information on the iHome iW5 when available.

Hopefully we will see all these new iHome Airplay speakers in the market real soon.

[source: iLounge]

Klipsch brings 3 new AirPlay speakers to CES

The Klipsch Gallery G-17 AirPlay speaker has barely made it onto the UK market as the company is set to reveal their future airplay plans at CES, including 3 new AirPlay models that will come out during 2012.

The three new Klipsch AirPlay speakers are the Klipsch Console, Klipsch Stadium, and Klipsch RoomGroove Air. All of them can stream through AirPlay, but also feature direct USB connection for charging your iOS device or play using different audio sources.

Klipsch RoomGroove Air comes with dual 1-inch tweeters and 2.5-inch woofers, and is the smallest of the new Klipsch Airplay speakers.

For those looking for high-end performance, the Klipsch Stadium provides dual 1-inch horn-loaded tweeters and 3-inch midrange woofers. Add in the 5.25-inch subwoofer and you have a powerful system on your hands.

The Klipsch Console acts as a multifunctional 2.1 audio system, featuring plug n' play for television, music and movies. In addition to AirPlay streaming it comes with HDMI optical and USB. This bad boy is for the home theatre enthusiast as it features dual 90" x 60" Tractrix Horns with 1.75-inch titanium dome, high compression drivers, 10-inch woofers, and a 12-inch non-resonant woven fibreglass subwoofer.

The Klipsch RoomGroove Air and Stadium are expected out in fall 2012, with the premium Console sometime during the winter.

[source: theverge]

Ferrari by logic3 with two AirPlay speakers - does super cars equalsuper speakers?

One of the big Apple related stories yesterday at CES was the partnership between premier supercar brand Ferrari and speaker dock / headphone manufacturer Logic3, resulting in a line of Ferrari by Logic3 products.

Whilst the two Cavallino and Scuderia collections feature 9 headphone models and 4 speaker docks, it is the two premiere AirPlay speaker docks that caught my attention.

The top model Cavallino GT1 Air draws inspiration from the classic GT cars, where quality and style reigns supreme. The speaker dock looks great with its black and silver finish, and of course the prancing horse logo. Inside there is plenty to get excited about as well with a class HD amp with 250W RMS power fueling the speaker set up that includes a 6.5-inch subwoofer. In addition to AirPlay streaming this Ferrari comes with a retractable docking station for iOS devices and Bluetooth streaming for those non-Apple gadgets. Expected release date is around April with a retail price for the Cavallino GT1 Air AT&T £599 (£100 less for the version without AirPlay).

The second of the Ferrari by Logic3 AirPlay speakers is the Scuderia FS1 Air, taking a more F1 inspired approach featuring the famous yellow Ferrari badge and a red line running through it. It remains stylish, but in my opinion has more of an edge to it.

Inside the 2.1 speaker set up you will find passive bass radiators and a 120W class HD amp. It is not quite as powerful as the other model, but otherwise it has more or less the same features, including docking station for iOS devices and Bluetooth streaming to go along with AirPlay.

The Scuderia FS1 Air is also expected out in April time with a retail price around £499.

Now let's just hope that the sound from these speakers can live up to the humming of a Ferrari engine.

[source: pocket-lint]

Pure goes AirPlay with Contour 200i Air

Fans of Pure Contour speaker docks will be happy to hear that the company is ready with their first ever AirPlay speaker dock; the Pure Contour 200i Air.

The Contour 200i Air is however not all about AirPlay streaming as it also comes with docking station that supports docking and charging of all iOS devices, including the iPad.

With DSP audio amplifiers, dual 3.5-inch full range drivers, 35w power output (RMS), dedicated app, and a suggested retail price around £199 this could become a popular option in a growing AirPlay speaker market.

Hoping to be back with more information on the Pure Contour 200i Air, including UK release date soon.

[source: Pocket-lint]

iHome iW4 is the first Airplay enabled alarm dock

CES 2012 is just a few days away, but already we are starting to see companies releasing information about the new products they are displaying, including iHome with their latest AirPlay speaker dock; the iHome iW4 alarm dock with AirPlay technology.

Last year it was all about the iHome iW1 AirPlay speaker, with a couple of extra side distractions in form of iHome iW2 and iW3, which are yet to hit the market and there are doubts they ever will. This year the company is bringing their latest Airplay device in the iW4, which forms part of 3 new alarm speaker docks that will be shown off at CES.

Besides being AirPlay enabled, the iHome iW4 is a bedside unit that supports docking of all iOS devices, has dual alarm settings, FM radio, SRS TruBass sound enhancement, and packs about 20W of power, which should be plenty enough for the bedroom (or at least a normal size bedroom).

U.S retail price for the iHome iW4 is expected at around $270 and i'm waiting to hear back about UK price, but would expect it to be around £200, so on the pricey side for a bedroom alarm dock. I will be back with more details as soon as available, including expected retail release dates.

[source: iLounge]

Pioneer brings out two new AirPlay enabled network audio players

Pioneer has long been in the forefront when it comes to adopting Apple Airplay technology in their suite of audio visuel products, and the two latest models are the network enabled audio players Pioneer Elite N-30 and N-50.

Both the N-50 and N-30 Pioneer network audio players feature support for lossless audio streaming through Airplay as well as DLNA 1.5. The systems use ethernet connection to your home network, or you can alternatively buy a compatible wireless adapter (AS-WL300). A bluetooth adapter can also be purchased separately to enable streaming over bluetooth.

While the main features of both systems are its wireless streaming capabilities over Airplay and DLNA, both systems also have built in support for vTuner internet radio, giving you access to over 16,000 radio stations. The top model Pioneer N-50 comes with an armoured chassis for improved noise resistance, gold RCA jacks, Advanced Sound Retriever and Sound Retriever AIR for better quality compressed audio. You will also find that it has twin EL transformers and a 32-bit conversion processor that further improves  audio performance.

I will be back with more information on UK prices and availability, which on the other side of the atlantic is set at $499 (N-30) and $699 (N-50) respectively.

[source: iLounge]

Samsung delivering two AirPlay Audio Docks at CES 2012

Samsung will be revealing two new Audio Docks at CES 2012, both featuring docking support for both iOS and Galaxy devices, as well as streaming through Airplay, AllShare, and bluetooth.

The top model is the Samsung DA-E750 that comes with Samsung's own hybrid vacuum tube amplifier technology, combining the sharpness of a digital amplifier with the vacuum tubes audiophile rich and warm sound. This 2.1 speaker with a built-in subwoofer comes with some great expectations and 100w power output, all packed in a great looking polished wood finish.

Less features and power, but still the same good looking design, is the little brother in the Samsung DA-E670 Audio Dock. You still get the same streaming support across Airplay, AllShare and bluetooth, as well as docking support for a multitude of devices. Power output for the DA-E670 is 40W.

Pricing and availability is yet to be revealed for both systems, but i will be back with more information as soon as available.

[source: Marketwatch via Airplayspeakers]