Logitech intros $30 Wireless Speaker Adapter for WiDi-enabled laptops
A WiDi adapter, but only for music? It's true. Up until now, Intel's Wireless Display technology has been marketed as a means for transmitting video wirelessly from a PC to an HDTV, but apparently it's good for audio, too. Logitech has chosen CES 2011 to launch the box you see above, the Wireless Speaker Adapter for Intel WiDi-enabled laptops. The idea is fairly simple: place the box near your sound system, and connect it up via a 3.5mm auxiliary jack or using standard analog RCA jacks. From there, you can launch the WiDi software on your laptop, nail the 'Connect' button and watch as your PC pairs up with your speakers. If you aren't equipped to handle WiDi, there's a similar box, but for Bluetooth. Both are expected to ship in the US and Europe this May for $29.99 apiece.
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Logitech to Deliver Adapter to Wirelessly Connect Your Laptop Audio to Your Speakers
Logitech Expands Audio Family with Logitech Wireless Speaker Adapter for Intel WiDi Enabled Laptops
2011 International CES
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--To turn your favorite speakers into a wireless sound system, today Logitech (SIX:LOGN) (NASDAQ:LOGI) introduced the Logitech® Wireless Speaker Adapter for Intel® WiDi-enabled laptops. Now built into a wide range of current laptops from all the major manufacturers and expected soon on select netbooks, Intel® Wireless Display (or Intel WiDi) lets you quickly connect your laptop audio to your existing stereo speakers via Wi-Fi.
"Now thanks to Intel WiDi and the Logitech Wireless Adapter for Intel WiDi-enabled laptops, it's easy to turn up the volume while you're listening to Pandora® or watching a YouTube® video. And you can do it with the speaker system you already own."
"Intel's WiDi technology is quickly proliferating in the marketplace," said Mark Schneider, vice president and general manager Logitech's audio business unit. "Now thanks to Intel WiDi and the Logitech Wireless Adapter for Intel WiDi-enabled laptops, it's easy to turn up the volume while you're listening to Pandora® or watching a YouTube® video. And you can do it with the speaker system you already own."
The Logitech Wireless Speaker Adapter uses WiDi wireless connectivity to stream audio from your Intel WiDi-enabled laptop to your favorite speakers. You'll enjoy better sound quality than you can get from built-in laptop speakers. And your laptop stays portable, so you have the freedom to move around with it.
"With Logitech as a worldwide leader in PC speakers, we're excited they are bringing an audio adapter for Intel WiDi-enabled devices to market," said Kerry Forell, Intel Product Line Manager for Intel WiDi. "Intel WiDi is built into more than 50 laptop models from more than 12 leading PC OEMs today, and we expect additional momentum with our 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ processor-based laptops, as well as the expansion into the Intel® Atom™ processor-based netbook market in 2011. The Logitech Wireless Speaker Adapter for Intel WiDi-enabled laptops presents a tremendous opportunity for Intel to help customers extend the PC audio experience to a higher-fidelity home speaker system."
Intel Wireless Display software is easy to set up and use. Simply plug the Logitech adapter into your speakers using the included standard analog RCA or 3.5 mm jacks, launch the Intel® WiDi software on your laptop, push "Connect" on your laptop and adapter, and your Intel WiDi-enabled laptop will automatically pair with your speakers.
Wireless Speaker Adapter for Bluetooth Audio Devices
Logitech also unveiled a wireless sound system for your smartphone or tablet with the introduction of the Logitech® Wireless Speaker Adapter for Bluetooth® audio devices. To stream music or other audio from your smartphone or tablet to your favorite speakers, the new Wireless Speaker Adapter for Bluetooth audio devices uses Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Bluetooth software makes it easy to set up and use. And you can attach your speakers using the included standard analog RCA or 3.5 mm jacks.
Both new Logitech wireless speaker adapters are small enough to be discreetly hidden away in your living room, bedroom or kitchen.
Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Wireless Speaker Adapter for Intel WiDi-enabled laptops and the Logitech Wireless Speaker Adapter for Bluetooth audio devices are expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe in May for a suggested retail price of $29.99 (U.S.) respectively.
