Panasonic pumps out a trio of Micro System speakers: Airplay, Bluetooth and dockable flavors

Haven't had a big enough fix of wireless audio and iPod-dockable speaker rigs at this year's CES? You're in luck -- Panasonic's just announced a trio Micro Systems, ensuring there's one for every taste. First up, is the style-oriented SC-AP01 soundbar. The metal-clad system's equipped with AirPlay, making it perfect users of iDevices and iTunes who prefer to wirelessly stream their music. The system packs an Aero Stream port for enhanced bass reproduction and Direct-Vocal Surround for more "music-hall-like" listening experience. You'll also find a USB port so that you can charge your iDevices, and it comes with a remote that your couch will itching to swallow up. If you prefer the vintage route of "plugging in" and have a thing for the look of sunbursr-finished guitars, the SC-GT07 might be for you. It features the same bass enhancements of the AP01, as well as bamboo speakers and a rotatable dock to support portrait and landscape views.

Lastly, the ultra-tiny, "cookie-sized" SC-MC07 Bluetooth speaker should please folks who are constantly out and about -- the mini-rig can accepts AAA batteries for when you can't find a wall outlet. There's no word on price just yet, but come April, eager ears will be able to scoop 'em up off of store shelves. Check the press release after the break for all the details, and we'll be sure to update this post with press shots as soon as they're available.

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PANASONIC DEBUTS NEW LINE OF SPEAKER SYSTEMS WHICH PRODUCE HIGH-QUALITY SOUND IN COMPACT DESIGNS

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 9, 2012) – Panasonic today unveiled its new Micro System concept for home audio with three unique products for 2012. Combining state-of-the-art technology to produce superior sound quality, the new speaker systems have been developed for a variety of uses and design concepts throughout the home environment.

"We have developed the user-focused speaker systems to further expand upon Panasonic's line of home audio system products," said Troy Livingston, Product manager, Panasonic, Entertainment Group. "It was our goal to create unique products for consumers that featured compact designs that still performed as well as larger stereo systems to be able to meet a wider range of user needs."

For the design-oriented consumer, Panasonic offers the SC-AP01, a wireless metal bar system crafted with high-quality metal net that offers clear and dynamic sound in a slim and stylish design. Featuring nano-sized bamboo cone speakers to create audio with clearer vocals and crisper dialog, the SC-AP01 also utilizes Aero Stream Port to create rich and robust bass by controlling distortion and Direct-Vocal Surround to expand sound throughout a listening environment to mimic a concert hall. AirPlay® allows users to wirelessly stream music from an iPad, iPhone, iPod* touch or MAC/PC directly into the device through a home's wireless LAN network, resulting in lossless transmission for the finest sound quality playback of a personal music library. A user's iPhone, iPad or iPod touch also works as the SC-AP01's remote control, for seamless music change from across the room**. In addition, the system includes a USB port to give Apple devices a quick charge.

For users who want to enjoy a stereo system with a distinctive look, the SC-GT07 offers a modern classic guitar box design with wood-like front panel, setting stand and rotary volume knob to simulate the look of a classic guitar. The iPod/iPhone docking station feature provides for digital transmission of music with high sound quality and less data deterioration and allows users to rotate the docking station to set a device within the stereo system either horizontally or vertically. The true value of the system lies in the system's sound quality. Featuring much of the same high-quality audio found in the SC-AP01, the SC-GT07 features nano-sized cone bamboo speakers for superior sound quality, Aero Stream Port for robust bass and Pure Direct Sound System for clear sound reproduction.

The smallest of the new Micro System products, the SC-MC07 Compact Wireless Stereo Speaker combines the best sound quality with a small, compact size to create a device that can be placed discreetly throughout a home environment. Bluetooth® compatible, the SC-MC07 streams music wirelessly from iPhone/iPad/iPod, Blackberry and other smartphone devices (with Bluetooth capability), offering full digital, clear stereo sound in the compact size of a cookie. With no external electrical plug-in needed, the SC-MC07 is powered either by AA batteries or via an included USB cable and can truly be placed anywhere in the home and can even be used as an on-the-go sound system, like when a user is on the beach.

The Panasonic Micro System home audio products will be available in April 2012. They will be on display at Panasonic booth #9405 at 2012 International CES at the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 10, 2012 through January 13, 2012.

"Made for iPod" and "Made for iPhone" mean that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod, or iPhone, respectively, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Please note that the use of this accessory with iPod, or iPhone may affect wireless performance.
AirPlay, the AirPlay logo, iPad, iPhone, iPod, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Panasonic Corporation is under license.
Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

**Users must download the free Remote Control App from Apple iTunes store.