Bose intros SoundTouch WiFi music systems, makes home audio more like a car stereo
Bose is out to take on the likes of Sonos with its new SoundTouch WiFi music systems. The speakers rely on a free SoundTouch app that acts as a simple controller for all of your favorite music. It pulls media from your network-connected computers and Pandora, and we're told other popular streaming services will be added soon. The app uses a very simple interface that's almost like a mix of the Sonos Controller app with the intuitiveness of a car stereo. The universal feature across the speakers and software are six customizable presets (individual artists, playlists or internet radio stations) that can be changed on the app, with an included remote or using physical buttons on SoundTouch-optimized systems. If you hear or search for something you enjoy, it's as simple as holding one of the preset buttons for a few seconds to store it -- just like you would in your car.
The SoundTouch app provides the most full-featured experience for the speakers, letting you control multiple units individually (volume, presets and power) or as one synced experience. If you're not on an Android, iDevice or computer, however, you can access the presets straight from the speakers or with a remote. The app is extremely simple to operate without any instruction and runs very smoothly in portrait or landscapes modes. On the rockier side, the system's major hurdle is that it relies on streaming music from the internet or your network-connected computer -- unlike Sonos, you'll have to use AirPlay or DLNA outside of the SoundTouch experience to play on-device media.
While Bose is set to make most of its systems SoundTouch-compatible in 2014, three totally new HiFi boxes are available starting today: the SoundTouch 10 ($399), 20 ($699) and Portable ($399). The boxes are clad in an inconspicuous grey and black design, with a front-facing OLED display for artist info, six preset buttons and the obligatory power and volume controls. They also pack USB and auxiliary ports, along with 802.11 b/g WiFi. The 10 is sized for bedrooms, while the 20 will do best in the likes of larger living rooms. Despite the name of the "book-sized" Portable and its 2.5-hour battery, this one really is meant for toting around the house -- it only features WiFi (like the other systems) with no ad-hoc connection abilities. You'll also be glad to know that Ethernet jacks are baked into the larger units if connectivity is a concern.
This December a refreshed SoundWave ($599) will be available with a base that enables SoundTouch and a revised remote (unfortunately, older systems are incompatible). Even more is set to hit shelves in 2014, including a $99 OLED-equipped -- and B&0-esque -- circular controller, featuring capacitive and physical controls as well as a proximity sensor (check it out in the video below). Beyond that, the SA-4 amp ($499) will also be on offer for outdoor systems, along with its stereo Jewel Cubes ($1,199). Lastly, a SoundTouch wireless adapter will bring the experience to Bose's VideoWave and Lifestyle home theater systems. For now, you can head to Bose for more info and to order a system today. Before you do, be sure to check out the demo videos below.
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Bose Introduces SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi® Music Systems
Streaming Music at the Touch of a Button
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Bose has introduced the SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi® music systems, offering an entirely new way to listen to music at home. SoundTouch™ systems let you stream music wirelessly in any room with renowned Bose audio quality and ease-of-use. Now, music from the web or your stored collection can be played with lifelike clarity -- by simply pressing a button.
"SoundTouch Wi-Fi systems are unlike any home sound system available today," said Phil Hess, vice president of Bose Home Entertainment. "They let you stream your favorite stations, playlists or artists in the easiest way imaginable, and they sound amazing. We believe SoundTouch systems will change music at home the way Bluetooth® speakers changed music on-the-go."
SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi Systems: Performance for Any Room
There's a SoundTouch™ system for any room, and they all communicate wirelessly. Each connects directly to the Internet using your existing home Wi-Fi network; if you have Wi-Fi at home and a computer, you have all you need to stream your stored music, Internet radio or music services. Every SoundTouch™ system is designed to automatically receive software updates to add functionality and content. SoundTouch™ systems will first offer Pandora®, and add the world's most popular music services regularly, like Deezer, iHeartRadio and others.
Three one-piece systems debut today, each engineered to deliver the best audio performance available from speakers of their size:
The SoundTouch™ 30 Wi-Fi® system measures approximately 10"H x 17"W x 7 "D. It features exclusive waveguide technology and a new proprietary woofer to deliver deep, rich sound and the power to serve as a home's main music system.
The SoundTouch™ 20 Wi-Fi® system is more compact at about 7"H X 12"W and 4"D. It offers natural, room-filling sound and can be placed almost anywhere.
The SoundTouch™ Portable Wi-Fi® system combines full-range audio and a rechargeable, lithium-ion battery in a speaker no bigger than the average book -- about 6"H x 10"W and less than 3"D. Take it with you in and around the home, and the music keeps playing.
The SoundTouch™ line will expand to offer a vast selection of products. Later this year, the legendary Wave® music system will be offered in a SoundTouch™ version for the bedroom or kitchen. Early next year, other products join the family: the SoundTouch™ Stereo JC Wi-Fi® music system will transform a living room with two tiny Jewel Cube® speakers and an Acoustimass® module for deep low notes and clear vocals, weather-resistant Bose® outdoor speakers will bring streaming music to the patio or deck, and Lifestyle® home theater systems and the VideoWave® entertainment system will be SoundTouch™ enabled for media rooms.
Users can start with any SoundTouch™ system and add others for a multi-room experience: play the same music in every room, or different music in different rooms, indoors or out.
SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi® Systems: Effortless and Powerful
SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi systems offer streaming music at the touch of a button, or an app for advanced functionality. They feature six presets on the system itself or the system's included remote, and each can be personalized to an Internet radio station, music service channel, or stored playlist. Set a preset, and it only takes one press -- one second -- to your favorite songs. It's as easy and effortless as flicking a light switch.
The Bose® SoundTouch™ app then lets you use your smartphone, tablet or computer for powerful capability and control: browse and discover content, operate any system in any room wirelessly, and combine all music services and stations with one look and feel. The new SoundTouch™ app is compatible with most Android, iOS, Mac OS and Windows systems.
Bose will also offer the SoundTouch™ controller, an accessory premium controller that works with any SoundTouch™ system. It features a circular design, volume dial and proximity sensor. All essential functions and information are integrated, including an OLED preset preview. The SoundTouch™ controller can be placed on a table, or on the wall using an included bracket.
For added flexibility, SoundTouch™ music systems are also AirPlay enabled, so owners can stream content from their iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch.
"With SoundTouch systems, Bose has made Wi-Fi music easier and better -- for any need, any room and anyone," said Hess. "They offer performance only available from Bose, and continue our nearly 50-year history of innovation."
Pricing and Availability
The SoundTouch™ 30 system will be sold for $699 (U.S.); the SoundTouch™ 20 system will be sold for $399 (U.S.); and the SoundTouch™ Portable system will be sold for $399 (U.S.). Each will be available beginning October 10, 2013, in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific through Bose retail stores, Bose.com, authorized Bose dealers and toll-free at 800-444-BOSE (2673). The Wave® SoundTouch™ music system will be available beginning in December, 2013 for $599 (U.S.). The SoundTouch™ Stereo JC system ($1,199 U.S.), SoundTouch™ controller ($99 U.S.), SoundTouch™ SA-4 amplifier ($499 U.S.) for select Bose products including outdoor speakers, and SoundTouch™ wireless adapter for Lifestyle® systems and VideoWave® entertainment systems will be available in early 2014. Pandora® is integrated in countries where Pandora® is offered. Additional information can be found at Bose.com.
Streaming Music at the Touch of a Button
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Bose has introduced the SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi® music systems, offering an entirely new way to listen to music at home. SoundTouch™ systems let you stream music wirelessly in any room with renowned Bose audio quality and ease-of-use. Now, music from the web or your stored collection can be played with lifelike clarity -- by simply pressing a button.
"SoundTouch Wi-Fi systems are unlike any home sound system available today," said Phil Hess, vice president of Bose Home Entertainment. "They let you stream your favorite stations, playlists or artists in the easiest way imaginable, and they sound amazing. We believe SoundTouch systems will change music at home the way Bluetooth® speakers changed music on-the-go."
SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi Systems: Performance for Any Room
There's a SoundTouch™ system for any room, and they all communicate wirelessly. Each connects directly to the Internet using your existing home Wi-Fi network; if you have Wi-Fi at home and a computer, you have all you need to stream your stored music, Internet radio or music services. Every SoundTouch™ system is designed to automatically receive software updates to add functionality and content. SoundTouch™ systems will first offer Pandora®, and add the world's most popular music services regularly, like Deezer, iHeartRadio and others.
Three one-piece systems debut today, each engineered to deliver the best audio performance available from speakers of their size:
The SoundTouch™ 30 Wi-Fi® system measures approximately 10"H x 17"W x 7 "D. It features exclusive waveguide technology and a new proprietary woofer to deliver deep, rich sound and the power to serve as a home's main music system.
The SoundTouch™ 20 Wi-Fi® system is more compact at about 7"H X 12"W and 4"D. It offers natural, room-filling sound and can be placed almost anywhere.
The SoundTouch™ Portable Wi-Fi® system combines full-range audio and a rechargeable, lithium-ion battery in a speaker no bigger than the average book -- about 6"H x 10"W and less than 3"D. Take it with you in and around the home, and the music keeps playing.
The SoundTouch™ line will expand to offer a vast selection of products. Later this year, the legendary Wave® music system will be offered in a SoundTouch™ version for the bedroom or kitchen. Early next year, other products join the family: the SoundTouch™ Stereo JC Wi-Fi® music system will transform a living room with two tiny Jewel Cube® speakers and an Acoustimass® module for deep low notes and clear vocals, weather-resistant Bose® outdoor speakers will bring streaming music to the patio or deck, and Lifestyle® home theater systems and the VideoWave® entertainment system will be SoundTouch™ enabled for media rooms.
Users can start with any SoundTouch™ system and add others for a multi-room experience: play the same music in every room, or different music in different rooms, indoors or out.
SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi® Systems: Effortless and Powerful
SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi systems offer streaming music at the touch of a button, or an app for advanced functionality. They feature six presets on the system itself or the system's included remote, and each can be personalized to an Internet radio station, music service channel, or stored playlist. Set a preset, and it only takes one press -- one second -- to your favorite songs. It's as easy and effortless as flicking a light switch.
The Bose® SoundTouch™ app then lets you use your smartphone, tablet or computer for powerful capability and control: browse and discover content, operate any system in any room wirelessly, and combine all music services and stations with one look and feel. The new SoundTouch™ app is compatible with most Android, iOS, Mac OS and Windows systems.
Bose will also offer the SoundTouch™ controller, an accessory premium controller that works with any SoundTouch™ system. It features a circular design, volume dial and proximity sensor. All essential functions and information are integrated, including an OLED preset preview. The SoundTouch™ controller can be placed on a table, or on the wall using an included bracket.
For added flexibility, SoundTouch™ music systems are also AirPlay enabled, so owners can stream content from their iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch.
"With SoundTouch systems, Bose has made Wi-Fi music easier and better -- for any need, any room and anyone," said Hess. "They offer performance only available from Bose, and continue our nearly 50-year history of innovation."
Pricing and Availability
The SoundTouch™ 30 system will be sold for $699 (U.S.); the SoundTouch™ 20 system will be sold for $399 (U.S.); and the SoundTouch™ Portable system will be sold for $399 (U.S.). Each will be available beginning October 10, 2013, in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific through Bose retail stores, Bose.com, authorized Bose dealers and toll-free at 800-444-BOSE (2673). The Wave® SoundTouch™ music system will be available beginning in December, 2013 for $599 (U.S.). The SoundTouch™ Stereo JC system ($1,199 U.S.), SoundTouch™ controller ($99 U.S.), SoundTouch™ SA-4 amplifier ($499 U.S.) for select Bose products including outdoor speakers, and SoundTouch™ wireless adapter for Lifestyle® systems and VideoWave® entertainment systems will be available in early 2014. Pandora® is integrated in countries where Pandora® is offered. Additional information can be found at Bose.com.
