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]

Sony SA-NS500 Portable Homeshare with Airplay support

It has been a busy day in the world of Apple AirPlay, with some new announcements from IFA 2011 in Berlin in regards to Philips Fidelio Airplay speakers, and a new arrival in the Loewe Air Speaker. Another established brand that is now joining the AirPlay speaker market is Sony with their Sony SA-NS500 Portable Homeshare speaker.

Sony has for long been delivering some of the best iPod speaker docks in the market, and it is nice to see them embracing Airplay streaming as well with SA-NS500 speaker. The design is different and they have been able to fit in 4 drivers and a subwoofer inside the relative small frame, as well as rechargeable battery that provides up to 5-6 hours of playback time. As well as AirPlay it is also reported to support DLNA streaming for those without Apple AirPlay devices.

Like so many other AirPlay systems it also supports multi-room set up and is designed to deliver a 360-degree sound experience.  According to Thisismynext.com which has had a chance to play around with the prototype, the sound experience it delivers is surprisingly 'full and loud'.

The Sony SA-NS500 Portable Homeshare Airplay speaker is expected out in October with a US price of $399, so likely around the £300-350 mark here in the UK.