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iHome iA63 motorized spinning iPhone alarm clock hands-on
In addition to its slick new AirPlay speaker systems, iHome's here at CES with its usual array of iPhone alarm clocks -- and the craziest by far is the new iA63, which offers a crazy motorized dock that pivots your phone from portrait to landscape at the touch of a button. Why you'd be watching anything from an iPhone from so far away that you couldn't spin things yourself is an open question, but hey -- for a list price of $99 we'll take all the extra motors we can get. Video after the break. %Gallery-113297%
iHome iW2 and iW3 AirPlay wireless speakers hands-on sneak peek
iHome's big announcement here at CES is the AirPlay-enabled iW1 wireless speakers, but the company also gave us a quick sneak peek at the iW2 and iW3, two new smaller systems that are due to be released... sometime. Both systems are essentially identical internally, with two low-range drivers and two tweeters, but the iW2 is laid out horizontally, while the iW3 is a tower. Since they're designed to be cheaper fixed satellite speakers for around your house, they don't have internal batteries or the iW1's grab-and-go charger, but they do pick up Ethernet ports, and you can still use the new iHome Connect setup application. No word on price, but the iW1 is $300 and these are meant to be cheaper -- we'd guess $200 or so. %Gallery-113272%
iHome iW1 AirPlay wireless speaker hands-on
We've been dying to play with a third-party AirPlay speaker system ever since Apple opened the tech up, and iHome was happy to oblige here at CES with the new iW1. The wireless speaker system features two three-inch woofers and two one-inch tweeters with Bongiovi audio processing, a built-in lithium-ion battery with a grab-and-go charging base, and capacitive touch controls -- and, just as we suspected, AirPlay compatibility courtesy of BridgeCo. iHome's also developed a new iOS configuration app called iHome Connect that'll help you get the iW1 on your WiFi network quickly, although regular WPS setup is also supported. You can also charge your iPhone or iPod by plugging into the USB port in the back -- iHome is packing a cable in the box. Streaming from iOS was just as simple as with the Apple TV or Airport Express, and we only saw minimal lag between control inputs like volume and track changes, just as with an all-Apple setup. Interestingly, iOS only supports point-to-point AirPlay streaming right now, so you can only use a single speaker at a time, but if you're streaming from iTunes you can hit multiple speakers at once, regardless of vendor. iHome is still tuning the audio performance, so we'll reserve judgment on that until we get a review unit -- which should happen when this guy ships for $300 in Summer 2011. Video after the break. %Gallery-113098%
iHome gives further details on AirPlay-ready speakers
iHome's first AirPlay compatible wireless speaker system didn't make it out for the holiday season as expected, but they have just released further information on the system, now known as the iW1. We first got wind of the iW1 last September. Back then we simply knew that it would be a wireless speaker that incorporates Apple's AirPlay technology, and that it runs off of a rechargeable battery. It streams digital lossless audio from your iTunes library and compatible device (using Apple's Remote app or iHome's own custom app). Today, iHome has shared some additional tidbits, including: Multiple iW1 speaker support -- enjoy music streamed all around your house simultaneously with AirPlay and multiple iW1 speakers Built-in rechargeable li-ion bettery with included charging base Studio Series speakers -- high performance audio featuring Bongiovi Acoustics DPS with specially tuned woofers and tweeters with a clean, efficient Class-D amplifier iPhone / iPod / iPad docking, charging and local audio playback via USB cable A capacitive, backlit, touch-sensitive control panel Electricpic reports that the iW1 will retail for £299 (roughly US$465 as of this writing) and should be available around February or March of this year. That's quite a steep price, but just slightly undercutting Sonos ZonePlayer 120 at US$499 (we recently reviewed the $399 Sonos S5). [Via MacRumors]
iHome intros iDM12 micro-soundbar, iDM15 Bluetooth speakers and iDM70 'Sound Sleeve'
It just wouldn't be CES without a gaggle of new products from iHome, now would it? Kicking things off in this year's line of audio-related gadgetry from the company is the iDM12 (shown above), a rechargeable portable Bluetooth speaker that's described as something like a mini-soundbar. It'll stream tunes from any Bluetooth-equipped phone or PMP, but naturally, it's being aimed at iPad, iPhone and iPod owners. Moving right along, there's the iDM15 rechargeable portable BT speakers. Here, you'll find two diminutive speakers that can stream in a similar fashion as the iDM12, but with the addition of speakerphone support. Lastly, the iDM70 'Sound Sleeve' is both a protective shell and a speaker setup for your iPad; it relies on rechargeable NXT flat speakers to improve the audio experience, but mum's the word on price. You'll find these guys, as well as the iD9, iD28 and iD85, on sale "later this year." %Gallery-112370%
iHome's iW1 AirPlay dock gets detailed
We're all expecting iOS 4.2 to hit sometime this week and bring AirPlay streaming with it, and it looks like iHome is getting prepared -- the company just updated its AirPlay speaker dock page with more info. The iW1, as it's been named, is much slicker than its minimalist looks would suggest: the portable speaker system features a built-in lithium-ion battery with an inductive charging base so you can just grab and go, Bongiovi Acoustics audio, capacitive touch controls and support for iHome's iOS configuration apps, and a USB port for charging and local audio playback. Oh, and it can stream music from iOS devices and iTunes using AirPlay, of course. Sadly, there's still no price or ship date, but if this thing is priced anywhere close to earth we'd say the Sonos S5 has got itself some serious competition.
iHome's iA100 iPad stereo speaker system now on sale for $199
Took 'em long enough, huh? iHome's iA100 was actually introduced way back in July, and at the time, it was essentially the only iPad-friendly home stereo system on the planet. Now, iHome has a bit of friendly competition out there, but at least it's getting this guy out on store shelves long before the holiday shopping season hits full swing. For those who missed it the first go 'round, this here docking system touts Bongiovi Acoustics' DPS technology, an inbuilt alarm clock, Bluetooth and support for the iPad, iPhone and iPod via a 30-pin Dock Connector. Too bad it'll set you back a full $199.
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.
iHome reveals first AirPlay wireless speaker system
iHome, makers of iPhone and iPod accessories, is the first to announce an AirPlay compatible wireless speaker system. So far, the details are slim, but what we do know is that it will incorporate Apple's new AirPlay technology, have a rechargeable battery, and be available for the holiday season! In related news, Apple's official AirPlay website reveals a lineup of other featured partners who are incorporating the AirPlay technology. JBL, Marantz, B&W, and Denon have also signed up, but as of yet, no further information is available. In case you missed it, our own Richard Gaywood did a great piece on why he's looking forward to Airplay. If streaming music, video, and picture tickles your fancy, check it out here. We'll keep you posted on any further Airplay developments as they happen.
Looking forward to AirPlay
As you may have heard, Apple had some sort of event on Wednesday. In amongst the Big News like iPods and iOSs and iTunes and iTVs Apple TVs, Steve Jobs briefly mentioned AirPlay, a replacement for the AirTunes music streaming system used in the Airport Express multi-purpose device. I've built my home audio solutions around AirTunes, so this was, for me, the most interesting thing Apple announced. Details on how the system will actually work are rather thin so far but TUAW has been sleuthing around to try and figure out what we can. First, the best bit. Jobs showed an iPad (running the forthcoming 4.2 version of iOS) being fired up, pressing a few buttons, and streaming its output to a big screen TV via an Apple TV. This addresses my number one complaint: a friend comes to my house, I show them the Airport Express system, I show them the Remote app so they can use their iPhone to control my iTunes... and they ask me why they can't also stream their own music directly from their device. Sure, this is going to be tough on battery life, but it's not like I'm short of chargers. They want to listen to their own music and if you could see inside my iTunes you'd know why. And now they will be able to! I was briefly concerned that this jazzy new functionality would not work with my existing Airport Express devices. Fortunately, Apple's sneak peak at iOS 4.2 confirms that an Airport Express will be able to receive a stream from any iOS 4.2 device, so more good news there too.
iHome teases first AirPlay-compatible portable speaker dock
No surprise that iHome is first out of the gate with a speaker dock that's compatible with Apple's newly-open AirPlay music streaming system, but unfortunately the teaser page is maddeningly light on details -- all we know is that it'll have a rechargeable battery and be available for the holidays. We're actually pretty stoked for AirPlay gear -- the idea of setting up a quick mix-and-match whole-home audio system that can stream lossless audio straight from iTunes seems awfully hard to resist -- so we're eager to hear more about this thing, as well as the other third-party AirPlay devices like receivers and stereos that have been promised. We'll keep digging for more, so stay tuned. [Thanks, Fred]
Apple's AirPlay music streaming coming to third party speaker docks, receivers, and stereos
Steve didn't mention it during his keynote just now, but in addition to bringing AirPlay music streaming to iOS 4.2 and iTunes 10, Apple's also opening the tech up to third parties, with a few big names already on board. That means you'll be able to stream music from iTunes, your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad to speaker docks, receivers and stereos from companies like Denon, Marantz, Bowers & Wilkins, JBL and iHome, complete with song, album, and artist info and album art. That certainly makes the system much more flexible, especially since you can stream to multiple speakers at once -- and damn, building a mix-and-match whole-house audio system just got incredibly easy. We're definitely digging for more info on this and some release dates for compatible gear, we'll let you know. [Thanks, Iain]
iHome announces iPad clock radio dock
iHome has announced the first clock radio with a fully functioning iPad dock. In addition to traditional clock radio features, you get a Bluetooth connection to use with your iPad. You will be able to sync the proper time from an iPhone, and in turn, the alarm settings from the radio get synced to your iPad. You can also pair the physical device with the free iHome+Sleep app, which will eventually gain iPad optimization. You will be able to use both iPhones and iPods with the dock. It's a neat idea, but this begs the question -- what took so long? This sort of dock makes sense, especially for those who get a lot of use of the iPad in the bedroom, or even in other rooms such as the kitchen. I'm surprised that iHome did not announce this months ago. No price or release date was revealed, but the company's price range for similar models for the iPhone start around $80 and average around $100. Given the Bluetooth connection, I wouldn't be surprised to see this clock priced around $150. [Via iPodNN]
iHome iA100ZE iPad alarm dock raises questions, supplies few answers
So, the iA100ZE iPad dock isn't anywhere in the same league as the iTar. To be fair, you can't fault iHome for trying to stir up some interest in an over-saturated market by strapping an iPad onto a fairly typical FM radio / alarm clock / dock. And if that's your bag, it certainly seems to be more than up to the task: iHome+Sleep app integration, Bluetooth, and that patented Bongiovi punch. Only a few questions have yet to be answered: when does it ship? For how much? And, most crucially, will you be able to sleep with an iPad shining in your face all night? Get another look after the break.
iHome's iHome+Sleep app ready to lull you into (and out of) a slumber
iHome has taken a momentary break from its endless onslaught of iPod dock-equipped alarm clocks to whip up a little app that plays nice with said clocks. Of course, alarm clocks and sleep go hand-in-hand, so it makes sense that the so-called iHome+Sleep app for iPhone and iPod touch would basically amount to a fancy alarm management system when paired with any of the company's "app-enhanced" models, complete with social network integration for letting all your friends and enemies what kind of tunes you're waking and falling asleep to. You can set multiple recurring alarms with different playlists, get a variety of vital stats on your slumber, keep tabs on the weather situation, and generally keep your nightstand looking cooler than average. Best part is, it's free and available now.
CES Watch: More clocks and docks
(image by Cult of Mac) As expected, there are a number of iPhone and iPod-related accessories coming out of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week. Here's a couple we've seen already: iHome's got both audio systems and alarm clocks on display -- the clocks even have a sync button that will pull the time in straight from your iPhone or iPod, so no more having to set it yourself. They've also got another unit for the kitchen, but is it just us or do these all look pretty much the same? Sharper Image has a clock that uses an app on the iPhone screen as the clock hands, while sitting in a dock that holds numbers around the handset. They also have a speaker dock that can pull sports, news, and weather information from a custom app and display it on a separate LED screen. Pretty cool, actually, even if an iPhone already gives you all of that information anyway. FLO TV and Mophie are trying to bring mobile television to the iPhone this year. And Tunebug is showing off "surface sound" speakers -- you attach a little piece to a bike helmet or other surface, and it turns the whole thing into a giant speaker, sending the music into your head. Freaky. So far, as you can see, it's mostly clocks and speakers. Which sounds about right for CES, actually -- not everybody gets to release an augmented reality helicopter. We'll keep an eye on the show all this week, and let you know about any other iPod-related releases there.
iHome expands its portable offerings with trio of road-warrior iPhone and iPod accessories
What, this morning's iPhone-friendly offerings from iHome don't jive with your nomadic, cord-hating lifestyle? Check out the company's next triumvirate of Apple-inclined accessories: iP48 Portable Rechargeable Stereo Alarm Clock: Yes, it's another alarm clock (pictured above), but this one zips shut to easily slip into your roller. It packs an internal, rechargeable battery and also will sync with your iPhone's time, so no more late-night attempts at clock setting, you jet-setter you. iP49 Portable Rechargeable Studio Series Audio System: We unfortunately don't know what this one looks like, but we're told it packs all the features of the home alarm clocks but with even better audio and, again, a rechargeable battery. A remote control is a nice bonus for when you're too tired to wander across that 2,500 square foot penthouse suite your platinum reward status earned you. iHM79 Rechargeable Mini Speakers: Perhaps the most useful of the three, the iHM79 (pictured after the break) is simply a set of tiny, portable speakers that will work with Apple devices or, indeed, anything with a 3.5mm output. They too are rechargeable and pack an internal amp. Like before, no prices or specific availability dates for any of these, so you'll just have to wait a bit on that. Yeah, we know, patience isn't our strongest asset either.
iHome's new clock radios will ensure neither you nor your iPhone ever sleep too late
If you tend to think of iHome as a company that makes things iPhones and iPods can be seen sticking out of, we're here to reinforce that impression with the unveiling of three new clock radio dock devices for Appley goods. iP90 Clock Radio/Audio System: This is the latest clock radio from the company, displaying a sleek design (pictured above) that's much more visually appealing than the last one we saw and, interestingly, sports a sync button that will suck the time right out of your iPhone and use it to set the device. No more swearing at yourself for scrolling too quickly past 9:54pm. iP42 Dual Alarm Clock Radio: This version (pictured after the break) slims things down a bit and, honestly, uglies them up a bit compared to the iP90, but adds the ability to manage two alarms at once. Sync button makes an appearance here, too. iP39 Kitchen Timer and FM Alarm Clock Radio: Wrapping things up is a cooking companion, featuring stainless steel accents that are said to provide "the look and feel of a premium kitchen appliance." Sadly we have no images of this Bertazzoni wanna-be, but we do know that it's designed to be easy to clean, also sports an alarm clock, and adds a dual bake timer into the mix as well. No release date or prices for any of these at this time. Can your sleep cycle handle this kind of variety? We don't think so. Update: Justin commented to point out what we missed: that the iP90 will be $99.
iHome introduces iP2 iPod / iPhone sound system and iP39 kitchen gizmo
iHome always does it big at CES, and while we've yet to see everything from the company, the first two products showcased are already looking mighty tempting. The first is the iP2 (the obvious followup to the iP1), which touts Bongiovi technology, a 50-watt amplifier and support for dock-connecting iPods and iPhones. You'll also get individual bass and treble adjustments, an AC output, line-in jack and a bundled remote. The iP39 is an interesting beast, as it's designed mainly for use in the kitchen. Yeah, the kitchen. Designed to fit the decor found in the modern cooking palace, this timer / iPod alarm clock sports a slide out drawer for docking your iDevice, an FM radio tuner, a device-time sync function and a typical alarm clock -- too bad it's lacking a coffeemaker, huh? The iP2 is expected to make landfall this summer for $199, while the iP39 should start sashaying into domicile in the Spring for $99. %Gallery-81544%
iHome's iP88 dual iPhone / iPod alarm clock gets all rectangular on us
Hey guys, guess what? iHome just popped out yet another iPod alarm clock. Hold the applause, please. The iP88 doesn't differ too much from the units that have come before, but we do appreciate the dual docking capability for those who have two iPhones or iPods and must wake at different times of the day. It'll also play back tunes through your 'Pod, blast out FM talk show hosts and charge your devices all the while. It's shipping now for a penny under $150, though we're still struggling to decide whether we adore or loathe the decidedly boxy design scheme...[Via Slashgear]
