Phorus PS1 speakers and PR1 receiver add some Android-powered WiFi audio to your home (video)
It's HiFi, over WiFi. Got that? Now cross your fingers and repeat that three times, lest you forget exactly what the Phorus PS1 speaker and PR1 receiver allow you to do. So it's a WiFi speaker and receiver combo? Well, almost. There's also an Android app that ties it all together. Load it up on your phone, or whatever Android you choose, and it'll sniff out all the (90dB) Phorus speakers you have. You can use multiple with one device, or separate speakers with separate phones -- and stream your music wirelessly around your pad. Just in case, there is also Bluetooth and USB connectivity, if you want to keep your options open. The receiver essentially lets you convert any old HiFi into a wireless player, meaning you can bypass the conical speakers completely should you wish to do so. You can get 'em now, with the PS1s weighing in at $199 a pop, and $149 for the PR1s. Forgotten that rhyming mantra from the top? Cue the video after the break to remind you.
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PHORUS, A SUBSIDIARY OF DTS INC., ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF PLAY-FI ENABLED SPEAKER, RECEIVER AND ANDROID APP
Phorus Home Audio Systems Stream Hi-Fi Audio Wirelessly over Wi-Fi Via DTS Play-Fi Technology
CALABASAS, Calif. (September 19, 2012) – Phorus, a subsidiary of DTS, Inc. (Nasdaq: DTSI), a leader in high-definition audio solutions, today announced the availability of the first Android-optimized whole home audio solutions connected by DTS Play-Fi wireless technology. Phorus developed the system from the ground up to deliver an outstanding music listening experience to Android users, right from their phones and tablets.
The Phorus system includes a simple, intuitive app, great sounding speakers and a receiver for users who want to connect an existing stereo. All three products utilize DTS ' advanced Play-Fi technology to stream and receive high-definition, lossless audio over Wi-Fi, a big leap in quality over Bluetooth audio options. Play-Fi enables synchronized streaming of music to multiple Play-Fi-enabled speakers at one time, or can stream separate music tracks from different devices to connected speakers in different rooms, delivering a true wireless multi-room listening experience in a simple plug-and-play package, an industry first for Android.
"Our vision for the Phorus Play-Fi connected system is to bring back the 'big audio' experience people used to enjoy at home and in the office, before music files got compressed, devices got smaller, and sound quality got compromised," said Dannie Lau, founder of Phorus and GM of DTS's new Phorus Subsidiary. "The mobile device has become a central control center for consumers, and the new Phorus speaker, receiver and Android app, connected by Play-Fi wireless technology, bring back premium audio quality and make it simple and affordable for consumers to enjoy their favorite music and other audio content throughout the home or office via a simple connection from their mobile phone or tablet."
Placing the mobile devices at the center of the system, as the source and not just a remote control, the Play-Fi app is completely integrated into the Android ecosystem. Taking advantage of the device's built-in Wi-Fi capabilities frees the system from the limitations of traditional docking stations. Once connected, the Play-Fi app allows users to stream music and other audio content to the Phorus speaker and receiver while still having full access to the entire operating system. The app automatically indexes your music library and offers integrated support for select streaming music services with crystal-clear high-definition sound. Consumers can set up and install their Phorus products right from within the app, making setup far easier than any other Wi-Fi enabled speakers on the market today.
Consumers who already have speakers, a home theater system or a soundbar that they use regularly, can take advantage of the DTS Play-Fi experience by simply connecting the Phorus receiver to their existing audio system. The system will then automatically become part of the Phorus audio network in the home.
With a sleek, elegant design, the Phorus speaker and receiver blend effortlessly with any décor and create powerful volume and sound over a 360-degree radius. Developed by a team of audio experts with extensive experience on premium audio brands, the Phorus speaker features Class D digital amplification, in addition to proprietary transducers that faithfully reproduce full range signals and emit a wide sound field over the latest Wi-Fi standard, 802.11n, providing a far greater device connectivity range than Bluetooth. Additionally, unlike Bluetooth, audio detail and sound quality is preserved with DTS Play-Fi, allowing users to experience the full dynamic range of their audio content with zero deterioration of sound quality or compression in the wireless transmission, making this the ideal solution for any music lover.
Although Phorus' Play-Fi-connected system has been optimized for Android users, the Phorus speaker and receiver are also compatible with Bluetooth, so users with other devices can enjoy streaming audio to the products as well.
Pricing and Availability
The Phorus speaker and receiver are both available now from the Phorus store and Amazon.com. The suggested retail prices are $199 for the Phorus speaker (PS1) and $149 for the Phorus receiver (PR1). The Phorus Play-Fi App is free and will be available October 1st on the Google Play store.
