AirPlay, Bluetooth optons

Two different tech gear companies have announced two new products for music lovers who want small speakers. Gear4 out of El Segundo are launching the AirZone Series 1 home speaker and iPhone/iPod dock that incorporates AirPlay compatibility for remote sounds and control, while iPod accessory maker iHome is offering two different mini-speakers that stream music and more via Bluetooth connections, one including a mic for speakerphone use.

Gear4 AirZone Series 1 ($299) will be featured at Apple retail stores and lets users stream music from any of their devices anywhere in their home using AirPlay. The speaker doubles as a dock for charging or connecting the music player directly and also features an FM radio, six equalizer settings, a built-in amplifier, a line-in connector for non-iOS devices and a separate remote control for them as well. It is expected to start shipping from Gear4's website shortly.

New Jersey-based iHome have two different wireless Bluetooth mini-speakers that feature quality sound for music, games, videos and more up to 30 feet away. The globe-like iDM8 ($60) and the cube-ish iDM11 ($70) have slightly different features, but both are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and can also accept audio from devices with a 3.5mm headphone jack using an included 3.5mm-to-micro-USB cable.

The iDM11 adds a built-in mic and answer/end controls for speakerphone use, SRS TruBass circuitry, ATI SoundClear voice echo cancellation and LED power/battery status lights along with a "ground lighting" effect. Both the iDM8 and iDM11 are available now directly from iHome.

by MacNN Staff