Sony Dash update brings Shoutcast, app shortcuts and the true meaning of life

Got yourself a Sony Dash, did you? If so, right about now would be a beautiful time to unplug it and plug it back in, as that'll trigger a minty fresh update to download and apply. This newfangled software build will not only add Shoutcast as an available internet radio station, but it also brings app shortcuts and a hastened add / delete app process. It ain't much, but it ain't costly, either. Let us know in comments how it all works out for you, cool?

[Thanks, Dave]

[gerrrg Posted Aug 13th 2010 3:44AM]

Kinda like having my Android phone next to my bed, really.

[Billy Posted Aug 13th 2010 3:47AM]

True meaning of life? 42?

[dagetz Posted Aug 13th 2010 3:59AM]

In the update does it tell you why you want such a device?

[Techtrino Posted Aug 13th 2010 5:08AM]

@dagetz

because its, magical?

[colemagoo Posted Aug 13th 2010 5:25AM]

@Techtrino No, Apple's got a patent on that.

[kitsVA Posted Aug 13th 2010 4:01AM]

Are there any other bed side devices better than this? i am sure we will see soon many with Android. For now, any?

[j0shy81 Posted Aug 13th 2010 5:04AM]

@kitsVA
I bought the Insignia Infocast, which is Best Buy's version of the Dash. So far I like it... It's a great Internet radio and it's nice to be able to glance at weather, headlines, sports scores, etc while I'm getting ready in the morning. It runs the same Chumby OS that the Dash does, but without Sony's customization. My only complaint is that the speakers could be louder for music... The alarm is amazingly loud when turned all the way up (which I like) but music is quieter for some reason. It also beats the Dash's price by about 30 bucks.

[jakeh0 Posted Aug 13th 2010 10:33AM]

@j0shy81 can you tell me a little more about this device? sounds interesting but i've never heard of it before

[FauxNews Posted Aug 13th 2010 4:02AM]

Shortcuts? This doesn't suffer from the .lnk vulnerability does it?

[Hellomojo Posted Aug 13th 2010 4:30AM]

The dash impressed me so much I decided to put off buying a Chumby (which I was set on buying).

Unfortunately, I have been waiting what seems like an eternity for a Dash that has space for a rechargeable battery that was promised many moons ago.

Should I just give up waiting and go for the smaller, uglier (in comparison) Chumby?

[kfury77 Posted Aug 13th 2010 4:59AM]

@Hellomojo I'm waiting for the rechargeable one too. Hopefully will be announced/available soon.

[pspitts Posted Aug 13th 2010 5:18AM]

don't buy the Dash! I saw it in the sony style at my local mall. It is a low resolution POS!
Sony has jumped the shark

[davezatz Posted Aug 13th 2010 6:24AM]

The Sony Dash also travels to the future - 8/20?

[iRonin Posted Aug 13th 2010 6:48AM]

**** the Dash.

I've noticed a bunch of B.S. posts from the Dash showing up in my facebook feed, though I've never done anything to warrant it. So, Sony, **** you and your shit advertising, which is a shame because I'd have considered a Dash at one point in time.

You've not made me less likely to buy it with your intrusive advertising policy. Welcome to Capitalism.

[docpark Posted Aug 13th 2010 7:40AM]

The bedside dock let's my iPad take on this function.

[Mchdso Posted Aug 13th 2010 8:17AM]

OMG - I had to register just so I could comment on the bloody fingerprint. Bloody funny. Engadget rocks Friday the 13th...

[SpeedyJDK Posted Aug 13th 2010 10:04AM]

Some day it'll be mine :) Maybe in 2098 a device will appear in europe

[chrisjscott Posted Aug 13th 2010 10:09AM]

The Dash isn't a bad device, at it's core, but it was clearly rushed to market, as the UI is not very well thought-out. To add insult to injury, Sony has been ridiculously unresponsive with updates. This update is so minor it's not really worth touting.

It COULD be a great device, if they'd just get off their butt and implement some needed fixes.

[TPAYNE87 Posted Aug 13th 2010 2:21PM]

Jason had to update his status after killing someone.

[Rosco911 Posted Aug 13th 2010 5:34PM]

YEAH JASON!!!

[JBDragon Posted Aug 13th 2010 6:32PM]

I have the DASH and really like it. I watch Netflix on it all the time. I like all of the Alarm features, but I do have a couple complaints on it. For one thing, why doesn't it have a battery backup? If the power goes out and your alarm is just OFF, then what good is it? My old Alarm Clock Radio, It normally goes off with the Radio, but if the Power goes out, and is still out when the Alarm would go off, the Clock would at least still work enough to keep time and sound the Buzzer instead of the Radio.

The other thing is that Snooze/Menu button on the top. It's a soft button, and many times I have to push on the thing 2-3 times to get anything to happen. Usually I have to use a couple fingers pushing on it to get it to respond, Spread out the load you could say. Push on one part and nothing happens. These are the 2 biggest problems I hope get corrected in a new Dash2. Your not going to get Battery on the current DASH. Can't have something added that's not there.

[ChamPro Posted Aug 17th 2010 3:14PM]

I'm happy with my Chumby... it already does a number of radio stations.