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]