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SanDisk Sansa Connect review roundup
Ever since MusicGremlin and Microsoft released their respective innovative-but-flawed wireless DAPs, we've been jonesing for someone to get direct-to-device downloading right, and while SanDisk seems to have taken a step in the right direction with its tempting 4GB Connect, early reviews prove that we still have a ways to go before these offerings fully cater to consumer demands. On the plus side, everyone seems to be lovin' the Connect's design, controls, and GUI -- unlike the Sansa e200 series, the scroll wheel and buttons seem to be solidly-built and well-placed -- along with the ability to listen to Internet radio (just Yahoo LAUNCHcast, though) and browse one's entire Flickr collection; also getting pretty high marks were the sound quality, microSD slot, and tinny-but-handy mono speaker. However, not all is well in Sansaland, with the Connect's downloading abilities severely hampered by the limited choices available from Yahoo Music Unlimited to Go (the only service that this will work with sans PC), not to mention the fact that Mac users are once again left out in the cold. SanDisk claims that it may provide firmware updates that allow such things as a critical search function and connections to paid hotspots, but certain downsides -- like the measly 6 hour / 12 hour WiFi on / off battery life and inability to share tracks with friends (only track names, which you could just as easily tell someone) -- will probably only be addressed with new hardware or not at all. Bottom line: if you can deal with a limited selection of tracks, anemic battery life, and no FM radio, the Connect certainly sounds like a winner -- and if you wait a while longer, version two will probably be even better.Read - New York Times ("Half-baked") [Via Wi-Fi Net News]Read - CNET (8 out of 10, Excellent)Read - Laptop (3.5 out of 5 stars)
Sagem My Dual Radio 700 does internet / FM radio, MP3s
Don't look now, but it appears that Sagem is taking a brief break from kicking out Bluetooth accessories and smartphones to delve into the oft ignored world of internet radio boomboxes. The Sagem My Dual Radio 700 touts a lopsided design, a very noticeable antenna, and a built-in LCD screen to keep you in the know. Feature wise, it plays nice with internet radio signals (via WiFi or Ethernet) and FM radio, while also supporting RDS and MP3s via the integrated USB port. Additionally, you'll find a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack, wireless remote, RCA stereo outputs, two-watt amplifier, and an obligatory alarm clock function to get you all cranked up in the AM. Sure, we have our doubts about the sound quality here too, but if you're looking to cover most of your audio bases in a single device, and are hoping to keep it all under €150 ($200), you can look Sagem's way when this thing reportedly lands next month.[Via TRFJ]
Slacker: music device and service via web, WiFi, and satellite
Remember the mysterious San Diego startup called Broadband Instruments, which pulled executives from Diamond / Rio, MusicMatch, and iRiver, and promised "a new type of integration with online radio stations"? Well, that company now has a product and a plan: Slacker will provide a internet radio network that won't just reach you via browser, but will also stream to a Slacker portable by way of WiFi and -- get this -- satellite service. (On the Ku-band, if you're really interested.) It's all a little complicated, but it'll go something like this: at launch (i.e. now) users will be able to get Pandora-like streaming internet radio for free (the caveat is you only get to skip six songs per channel per hour), with a $7.50 per month plan around the corner that kills the ads and skipping limitations. The Slacker player, which will feature a massive 4-inch screen with scrolling touch strip and debut this summer in varying capacities between 2, 4, and 8GB up to 120GB for between $150 and $350, will have track metadata via AMG, and gobbles up and plays back audio content via WiFi and USB (with tracks purchasable for $1). The satellite part comes into play with a docking station at home or in the car, so you can get Slacker content while on the move or if you're out of range of internet access. Sounds a lot like the WiFi iTunes experience people have been asking for since, well, forever, but definitely with an internet radio bend to it. What we're really dying to know, however, is whether this satellite radio service of theirs will provide enough competition in the market to help the Sirius and XM merger get its wheels greased.[Via Mashable and Wired]
Sony's new Vaio WA1 streams internet radio through the home
Streaming music and internet radio stations from you PC to a shiny WiFi-equipped box is not a new idea by a long shot, but it's nice to see Sony joining the fray with its Vaio WA1 all the same. The boombox works via a normal wireless network or a peer-to-peer connection with your computer, and includes a USB WiFi adapter for sans-wireless luddites. Naturally, the player supports that codec of codecs, Sony's ATRAC, but there's also unprotected AAC and WMA, along with good ol' MP3. Internet radio comes courtesy of Live365.com. If you'd rather not be cooped up in the house all day to rock out to your tunes, you can pull 128MB of musics over to the WA1 and hoist the unit onto your shoulder for 4 hours of battery-fueled boombox-style tunes. There's a remote included, along with touch-screen controls, a five-line LCD, line-in, analog and S/PDIF audio out, a heaphone jack and a music alarm clock function. Of course, all these frills don't come cheap: Sony's charging $350 for the unit. They'll be selling 'em online in white and black varieties.
Logitech's Wireless DJ Music System reviewed
While the portable (and semi-portable) boombox market has grown out of control, the sound quality you receive from these mini systems can't exactly match up with the larger, more powerful, and more robust sound systems more suited for home theaters or living rooms. Although a dedicated HTPC can pipe digital audio directly into a receiver without too much fuss, the rest of us need a clean, wireless solution to that dilemma. Enter Logitech's Wireless DJ Music System, a remote-controlled, Bluetooth-based system that BlueTomorrow praises as "simple to install," easy to use, and as intuitive as anyone could hope for. Reviewers were stunned at the sleekness and stylishness of the black / silver remote, and found that the button layout, LCD screen, and overall functionality were all "top notch." Additionally, they found the system incredibly simple to set up, claiming that wireless connections were set and ready to rock "within seconds." While piping audio from internet radio streams, iTunes / MusicMatch playlists, and using the included StreamPoint software, the crew declared its operations seamless from 100 feet away. The only digs came from the inability to search from the remote, no loop scrolling, and the apparent inoperability with Macs. Overall, however, the system was deemed a glorious success, and was said to be an excellent value for those looking to channel their audio to that svelte home stereo for just $250.
Denon's D-F103HRDAB Network Hi-Fi rocks DAB, CDDB capabilities
There's nothing like a good upgrade now and then, but when it comes time to throw down for yet another Denon product, your wallet can't help but cringe. Nevertheless, the firm is upping the ante on its D-F103 digital mini system by adding DAB radio functionality as well as CDDB Gracenote support. Sure, the system still touts the same FM and internet radio reception abilities, support for AAC, MP3, and WMA, and it can rip CD tracks directly to its hard drive, but thankfully Denon figured out that coloring the speakers in the same tone as the device itself was a bright idea. The device is also compatible with the ASD-1R iPod interface, and sports USB connectivity to play tunes from your ultraslim flash drive. Reportedly, users can even add WiFi via an "optional adapter," but we're not sure how much this subtle luxury will cost you. For £1,000 ($1,950), you can snap up the full monte -- FS-103 HiFi speakers included, or you can forego said drivers for a pair of your own if you've only got £850 ($1,658) lying around.[Via ShinyShiny]
Sirius launches Internet Radio service
Not quite a month after we received word that Sirius was planning their its pimped-out internet radio option, the site has officially gone live and is now accepting subscriptions. While Sirius indeed offers free internet listening to its current subscribers (albeit at 32kbps), the company is hoping the "CD quality" stream offered in the pay version -- dubbed SIR -- will tempt users to write a slightly larger check each month for the enhanced online content. It promises "75 channels of 100% commercial free music and talk radio," but still doesn't include all the selections (namely sports-related) that you can fetch on your home / vehicle receiver. The cost? 'Tis a bit on the pricey side -- especially considering XM's 64kbps online alternative -- with monthly fees clocking in at $12.95 for new subscribers, $2.99 for current radio subscribers, or $6.99 for a separate account (for family members) above and beyond your regular subscription.[Via Orbitcast]
Forget Smell-O-Vision, USB Aroma Geur lets you smell the radio!
We've secretly yearned for and yet simultaneously feared Smell-O-Vision for most of our waking life. The dual promise and threat of that kind of immersion into our entertainment is enough to drive a man wild, which is why we're glad they're taking some baby steps towards the future in Japan with the new "Aroma Geur" radio device. The USB-pluggin' sphere, due for launch in October, is designed to work with the Tokyo FM internet radio station, and has six oil-based scents which it can mix on demand. For extra wow-factor, the sphere lights up with random LED lights, and everything is synced up to the currently playing song for setting just the right mood. Of course, that mood will cost you 49,900 Yen (about $430 US), so it had better be some dang good mood.
Sirius planning "Internet Radio Plus" subsciption service
You can, of course, already get Internet radio from Sirius if you're a subscriber to its satellite service, but the company now looks to be opening it up to people who don't want to fork over the cash for a radio and full subscription -- and it's boosting the sound quality for good measure. According to Sirius Backstage, Sirius is gearing up to launch the standalone "Sirius Internet Radio Plus" service, which'll offer "CD-quality" music channels and "select talk channels" (including Howard) at 48kbps for $12.95 per month. If you're already a Sirius subscriber, you'll apparently be able to upgrade to the new and improved service for $2.99 a month, or get three additional subscriptions for $6.99 a month. And if you're content with your current 32kps streaming audio, you'll be able to continue listening to it gratis. A welcome addition, to be sure, but it seems Sirius could learn a bit from XM in one area: pricing (if these numbers turn out to be solid), given that you can currently get XM Radio Online running at a full 64kps for a mere $7.99 a month.[Via Orbitcast]
Scitec IR-001W RECIVA Internet Radio
Internet radio seems to be taking a foothold in Japan judging by the latest wares from Yamaha and Denon. Now England's RECIVA have stepped up to carve out some turf with the Scitec IT-001W which is almost certainly based on the same RECIVA reference design as that AE WiFi radio seen previously. However, the IT-001W brings the "g" in addition to that 802.11b WiFi, WEP 64/128 and WPA protection, and is capable of pumping out MP3/WMA/Real Audio/Ogg Vorbis/AAC/AU/AIF/WAV (PCM) audio formats streamed from any of the estimated 10,000 internet radio stations on the planet. Best of all, it's subscription free and RECIVA takes care of all the station updates daily so they show up on that 126 x 64 pixel display already sorted by country and genre. Oh, and did we mention it'll stream audio from your PC too? Well it does, presumably via UPnP but they don't specify. Expected in Japan July 12th for about ¥30,000 or $259.
Denon's D-F103 streaming Hi-Fi with 40GB disk
We know it's gotta hurt the likes of Denon to pump those compressed audio files out their quality wares. Still, it brings a tear of joy to the eye to see these pioneers of digital audio embrace convergence so thoroughly. Introducing the Denon D-F103 shelf-system with 40GB disk, CD, USB, and Ethernet jack. As you might have already surmised, you can plug-in and play music directly off your USB-equipped DAP, rip your CDs in PCM(WAV) or WMA files straight to disk, and even stream MP3/WAV/WMA audio from any DLNA or Windows Media Connect server on your home network. She'll also play vTuner Internet Radio and backup your PC music over USB to boot. And don't worry about ripping to untitled tracks when disconnected; that disk comes pre-installed with about 350,000 Gracenote CDDB titles. Expected to drop in Japan in late August for ¥161,700 or $1,389 in that cool, cool green. Come 'ere Denon, it's noogie time.[Via Impress]
