Squeezebox
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Logitech promises continued support for Squeezebox, says it won't force a switch to UE Smart Radio
With Logitech's Squeezebox platform having quietly and unexpectedly reached its EOL status, the company found it necessary to let its customers know where they stand going forward. In a very detailed letter from UE product director Ariel Fischer, the Harmony maker reassured current Squeezebox owners it will continue to offer support for these products, adding that the current "mysqueezebox" website and certain apps will still work with existing devices. What's more, those who managed to snag one of those Squeezebox Radios will have the option to upgrade to the outfit's new UE Smart Radio service -- which, according to Logitech, can play nicely alongside existing Squeezebox products, though this "will operate and be controlled separately." All in all, it could be worse -- and, in age where customer service can sometimes be rather unpleasant, we're sure most of us can appreciate the transparency being shown in the open letter. Speaking of which, you'll find that at the source link below.
Logitech Squeezebox gets MOG personalized music streaming
This one's for you, Squeezebox listeners: you can now add the MOG music streaming service to your list of apps and stream 13 million mood-categorized tracks to your system at up to 320Kbps. It's ad-free for $5 per month, you can try it for 14 days before you commit, and installing the app should be easy via the mysqueezebox link below. In our household, the favorite mood seems to be swing.
Logitech's Squeezebox Controller app makes the transition from Android to iOS
After launching the Squeezebox Controller app on Android last month, what could Logitech do next other than release a version for your iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad. The features and interface appear to be identical, letting users control any or all Squeezeboxes on the WiFi network complete with metadata and album art. iOS equipped owners of the 'boxes can get their AirPlay-free distributed audio lifestyle going by clicking the link below to download the free app (and see how it compares to the existing $9.99 third party iPeng remote app) from iTunes.
Logitech launches Squeezebox Controller app for Android phones and tablets
We're not certain this is the "ground-breaking new product" Logitech was hiring Android engineers for, but Squeezebox fans packing an Android tablet or phone have something new to download now that an official remote app is available. It gives full control over WiFi to all the Squeezeboxes you can fit in your home and brings the usual controls, metadata and album artwork from player to your mobile's screen. While we're still keeping our fingers crossed for a Vizio-style Android music box in the future if you have a 2.1 or later device in hand and a Squeezebox Touch, Boom, Duet or similar on the end table, you'll want to head directly to that Market link below or check out the full description on Logitech's site.
Spotify comes to Logitech Squeezebox, makes non-Europeans mildly jealous
Spotify still won't say when its streaming music service will come to the US, but its 10 million songs will play on two more devices from here on out: starting today, the Logitech Squeezebox Touch and Squeezebox Radio can get their 320kbps groove on. (Sonos, eat your heart out.) A free beta version of the music app should appear on the MySqueezebox website at any moment -- though it doesn't seem to be there right now -- followed by "a full rollout expected in the very near future," a promise which we can't quite translate, but might mean support for even more devices down the road. Of course, Spotify's something of a given for Logitech's next Squeezebox, if it happens to run Android. PR after the break.
Is BridgeCo the foundation for 'Made for AirPlay' Apple accessories?
Hands up if you've ever heard of BridgeCo. No? Us neither, but that's about to change following a CNBC report detailing the company's relationship with Apple. BridgeCo is in the business of embedding its network media processor and software stack into its partners' audio equipment to enable wireless streaming. Now, according to a CNBC interview with BridgeCo CEO Gene Sheridan, Apple decided sometime last year to make BridgeCo an AirPlay launch partner. As such, any vendor that embeds BridgeCo's newest tech will be able to accept streaming audio (and its metadata) from an iTunes library or handheld iOS 4.2 device -- there's no mention of video or picture streaming although AirPlay supports both. According to CNBC, audio gear should start arriving with the BridgeCo software in time for the holidays allowing iTunes users to "mix and match their favorite equipment with a common software." What that means isn't exactly clear, though BridgeCo does offer the ability to link systems into a distributed home audio network that includes a "party mode" where all speakers are synced to play from a common source. Importantly, according to Sheridan, this is the first time that Apple has opened up its iTunes software to a third party, giving it a glimpse at the source code. Exclusively? That's the big question. When Apple announced AirPlay, it listed Denon, Marantz, B&W, JBL, and iHome as "featured" partners. Coincidentally, in a blog post published two days after Apple's fall music event, BridgeCo listed all of these brands, with the exception of Marantz, as partners of its own. If you'll recall, the "Made for iPod" licensing program has provided a steady stream of revenue for Apple since 2005. And in the last few years, Apple has relied upon a proprietary authentication chip to authorize device compatibility and to unlock features such as video streaming. Apple undoubtedly seeks similar control over the expected rush of AirPlay-enabled devices in order to ensure a consistent user experience while making a few bucks on every third party accessory sold. So is BridgeCo the new chip and software behind a "Made for AirPlay" accessory certification program? We can't say for sure. Sheriden does let on that the Apple deal's impact is "immense" and should provide more than half of the company's revenues. Needless to say, the idea of combining systems from multiple brands into a unified whole-home audio network is certainly attractive. Sonos and Squeezebox, your approach to distributed wireless audio is officially on notice. Update: Computerworld published a second interview with Sheridan this morning that digs a bit deeper into BridgeCo's capabilities. For example, BridgeCo solutions support Pandora and Rhapsody streaming in addition to 12,000 streaming radio stations. BridgeCo also makes an SDK available to OEMs and developers. Now for the money quote: "The two companies spent the last year working together to develop AirPlay technology." In other words, BridgeCo is not just an AirPlay licensee, it helped develop the tech. Computerworld also confirms that AirPlay will be licensed similar to "Made for iPod" systems. And with all the speculation and rumor about Apple getting ready to offer its own subscription streaming service once its data center is complete (and contracts signed), it's easy to see how AirPlay could monetize Apple's bid to dominate the connected home audio market.
Squeezebox Touch ships at long last
Pulling back from the verge of a bottomless pit of vaporware despair comes the Squeezebox Touch, the latest in Logitech's line of connected music players that had originally been slated to launch way back in December of last year. The device is the spiritual successor to the Squeezebox 3, eschewing the older model's VFD display for a 4.3-inch color touchscreen LCD and adding in support for SD cards and USB mass storage devices directly from the unit itself. At $299, it's not the kind of knee-jerk purchase you can make without thinking twice -- but compared to Sonos, it's still the value brand. Anyone else see the potential for a Chumby app on this thing? [Thanks, remd]
Logitech Squeezebox Touch delayed, again
Logitech's Squeezebox Touch has had a somewhat troubled launch since being announced back in September alongside the Squeezebox Radio, and it looks like the road to availability just got a bit bumpier. While Logitech isn't saying anything officially itself just yet, a Slim Devices developer has now posted on the official Squeezebox forums that we're still looking at "a couple of months until release" -- which is well off Logitech's most recent promise of a February release date, and might even bump up against its future Android-based device.
Logitech working on "ground-breaking" Android device according to job posting
While we're all sitting around waiting on the Squeezebox Touch to break into the world of the officially released, it's nice to take a little time to ponder what the next round of media products from Logitech might look like. A clue (and a pretty big one) has been found in a job posting for an "Android Applications Developer" on a contract basis, looking for a "a super-star engineer" who has written "world-class Android applications" to work on "a ground-breaking new product that will give users access a to broader range of media than ever before." It could be anything, but given the extremely limited selection of apps we've seen implemented for the Radio we wouldn't be surprised if Logitech weren't going open source for its next offering in the segment -- but we certainly wouldn't turn down an Android-packing Harmony, either. [Thanks, Elmar]
Squeezebox Touch delayed until February: Bah, Humbug!
Despite being proudly introduced to the world in early September, it seems as if Logitech's Squeezebox Touch is still fighting the good fight on its way to mass production. Originally, the device was slated to go on sale this month in order to get wrapped and tucked beneath a-many Christmas tree, but now we've heard directly from the company that it won't be shipping out until February 2010. We took a brief tour around the web, and sure enough, most respected e-tailers aren't showing any stock (or any sign of stock); what's odd is that we know at least a few of these things leaked out onto the market, though the whole "Logitech denying its existence" scenario that we saw play out back in August certainly makes a lot more sense now. Either way, it looks as if you'll be waiting if you're believing the official word, which just so happens to be quoted in full after the break.
RFiDJ: the coaster-controlled HTPC switches playlists while you switch drinks (video)
You know, RFID hasn't done much for itself in the consumer market. To most average Joes and Janes, the tech is really only around for use in complex supply chains and warehouses that they'd rather block from their minds. Thanks to Roteno Labs, we now have at least one glorious example of just how awesome RFID tags truly are, as the RFiDJ project demonstrates how tagged coasters can be used to instantly switch playlists stored on an HTPC. You simply set a designated coaster on top of the machine, and within seconds a new playlist is activated. We hear that videos actually do speak louder than words, so we'll just stop here and beg you to hop on past the break for a memorable encounter with splendiferousness. [Via Hack a Day]
Logitech Squeezebox Radio review
Everybody knows internet radio is a hit when you're at your computer. Away from your computer? Not so much. Getting your streams into your living rooms, bedrooms, and semi-detached servants quarters is rarely easy, and rarely fun. Logitech's Squeezebox series has been one of the most seamless ways to make it happen, and with the Squeezebox Radio it gets even better. It's cheaper and prettier than the Boom we enjoyed this time last year, and, a little more fun too. How much fun? Join in and see. %Gallery-74514%
Logitech Squeezebox Radio unboxing
A wee bit of the fanfare was taken out of the Squeezebox Radio announcement when the FCC went ahead and told us all about the party before Logitech had a chance to jump out from behind the sofa and yell "Surprise!" Expected or not, we've now got ourselves a streaming radio for testing in the house. It has a trendy, piano-black, fingerprint-magnet coating on the outside that looks classy as long as you can keep it clean, separate volume and scroll knobs on the front, and a little handle on the back that could make it a nice portable. However, without the optional battery pack, this thing isn't going far. We haven't had a chance to pump any tunes through either its Ethernet or 802.11b/g connections just yet, having barely turned it on and told it our language (Hola!), but we'll report back in the very near future with a full set of acoustic and functional impressions.%Gallery-74514%
Logitech makes Squeezebox Radio and Touch official
Logitech has finally released info on its upcoming additions to the Squeezebox lineup, and we're happy to share it all with you, dear readers. First up is the FCC-approved Squeezebox Radio, sporting integrated speakers and a 2.4-inch LCD upon which you can view playlists, peruse Facebook recommendations, and even squint at Flickr slideshows. On the higher end is the Squeezebox Touch, with its 4.3-inch touchscreen and outputs to connect directly to your home entertainment system. Both feature 802.11g wireless enabling them to suck tunes of all sorts (including Pandora, iTunes, Sirius, and various internet streams) straight from a Mac, Windows, or Linux machine, but only the Touch will be able to play tracks directly from USB drives and SD cards. The Radio will be shipping by the end of the month for an MSRP of $199, while the Touch (which would look perfect next to your Harmony 1100) is destined for a December release and a higher price of $299 -- despite it having already started shipping in some places. Full press releases after the break.
FCC reveals Logitech Squeezebox Radio, could make all those streamy dreams come true
It's hard not to like new-school tech named after old-school instruments, and so Logitech's (Slim-developed) Squeezebox lineup has at least that going for it. Decently solid reviews, too, for the models we've seen thus-far, and thanks to our old friends at the FCC we know that a new model is coming soon. Dubbed the Squeezebox Radio X-R0001, it's described as "a compact tabletop network music player and internet radio that lets you listen to virtually any internet radio station." How it'll handle the variety of streaming formats and functions remains to be seen, but it'll also go fetch your local music collection over an internal network and play it all through its combination of 3/4-inch tweeters and 3-inch woofer. A 2.4-inch LCD is on the front, 802.11b/g WiFi and wired Ethernet are standard features, and it's all enclosed in a "compact design." That's all we know at this point (assuming you don't care that it has a 11.11dBm rating at 2.412MHz when in 802.11g mode), but hopefully Logi will set this one free from the Faraday cage soon.
Logitech prepping Squeezebox updates
Cashing in on the all-things-touchscreen craze, word comes to us from ZatzNotFunny that Logitech will be bringing updates to its Squeezebox lineup which include refreshed Boom and Duet specs and the all-new pictured "Squeezebox Touch." A bit redundant on the name, isn't that, Logitech? We'll also overlook the fact that "Squeezebox Touch" makes us think of something decidedly Chumby-ish, as details on the line updates are thin and the name could change. Either way, the device is definitely lacking in hard buttons, which is more to go on than the FCC line art of whatever Sonos is conjuring up with its CR200 controller.
mCubed's RipNAS Statement now available in Europe
mCubed's RipNAS Statement may be unique, but it isn't apt to be widely adopted -- at least not with price points like this. Hailed as the first SSD-based CD ripping NAS device, the product is also available in a traditional HDD form, though both handle automatic ripping, NAS duties and media streaming. Within, you'll find a dual-core Atom CPU, gigabit Ethernet, a TEAC DVD drive, four USB 2.0 sockets and a fanless design. The pain? €1,795 ($2,500) for the 3TB HDD version, or €3,295 ($4,590) for the 500GB SSD model. If you're unfazed by sticker shock, you can pick yours up right now over in Europe.
RipNAS Statement: world's first SSD-based CD ripping NAS device
We'll be perfectly honest with you -- the Atom-powered RipNAS definitely caught our interest when it launched with practically no major competitors back in February. Now, the RipNAS family has grown by two with the introduction of the Statement SSD and Statement HDD. We're told that the former is the world's first SSD-based CD ripping NAS device, and we've absolutely no reason to believe otherwise. The totally silent, all-silver box is based on the Windows Home Server OS and handles a cornucopia of tasks: CD ripping, media streaming and networked file storage. Internal specifications include a dual-core Atom CPU, 2GB of RAM and four USB 2.0 ports. The Statement SSD arrives in a 500GB configuration (2 x 250GB SSDs), while the Statement HDD holds 3TB by way of two 1.5TB drives; mum's the word on pricing, but don't bank on 'em being cheap.
mCubed's Atom-powered RipNAS combines CD ripper with NAS drive
Not that we haven't seen Atom-based NAS devices before, but we've yet to see one with an integrated optical drive. Looking to serve a unique niche that still hasn't transferred that CD collection to HDD, the RipNAS combines an audio CD ripper with oodles of network-accessible storage space, and as if that wasn't enough, there's also media streaming abilities baked in. The whole unit is fanless in nature and requires no external keyboard / PC in order to rip files to your favorite lossless format, retrieve all associated metadata and automatically re-rip tracks if errors are detected. Initially, the box is being served with 640GB of internal storage space along with a number of USB ports for external expansion. Sadly, such a specialized box won't run you cheap, with the sticker hovering around €1,095 ($1,415) right now in Europe.
Squeezebox Boom review
Remember Kerbango? In the early months of the decade, 3Com's foray (via acquisition) into the then-nonexistent world of tabletop internet radios crashed and burned before it was ever even launched, a classic example of an arguably visionary product launching well, well ahead of its time. Over seven years have passed since the Kerbango Radio's untimely death, but for whatever reason, the concept really hasn't re-emerged on a grand scale. On the surface, it seems like a no-brainer: everyone has an alarm clock, many have bedside or kitchen radios, WiFi has since emerged as a ubiquitous cloud of high-speed data, and more people are listening to streamed audio than ever before -- yet the market for these devices is still treated like a niche. What gives?%Gallery-32346%
