If you are using a Wi-Fi network at home then you must have felt this urge to play your favorite tunes anywhere, anytime. The iW1 AirPlay wireless audio system is finally in the market to satisfy that very understandable urge. It brings all aspects of a portable and rechargeable speaker system for this market segment. With this newbie, one can now have one sound system installed at one floor of the apartment and have music on all floors of the house. Moreover, when one is out on a trip, the device weighing only 5.3 lb feels really handy and portable. Would you not be heading now for Apple Store, Best Buy, or Crutchfield in the US to lay your hands on it? Just consider what goodies this 7.33 inches high, 3.6 inches wide, and 12.53 inches long new offering packs in itself.
What is it?
Wireless has a new name now – iHome. Their speaker solution has been upgraded recently. It has been released as iW1 wireless rechargeable speaker system. It is combined with AirPlay. This portable speaker system is very easy to set-up. You only have to find the iHome Connect app and it does not cost a fortune. It is free and really connects you to the new audio system within Wi-Fi network. You have to get your iTunes library ready before that. In addition, one can easily access iTunes 10.1 or iPhone. It is also compatible with iPad or iPod touch with iOS 4.2.
Key features
Indeed, it is a story of reinventing real-time digital signal processing. People have awaited this feature in a breathtaking way. It extends audio bandwidth and is able to add missing harmonics, that too, without affecting the signal output quality. It lends a superior bass quality to your music that is unmatched so far. Even when the music ascends a height, it remains crystal clear. It also brings in for the first time this promised facility of connecting with your iPod or iPhone through a simple USB port. That also is hassles free; one can use any iPod USB sync cable. Even the speaker can be charged with this cable. Now, iW1 has this new feature of auxiliary stereo input. It enables people to connect to all music files stored at good physical distance with the analog 3.5mm stereo.
However, what about that so massively underlined AirPlay? Well, that is a built-in feature of Apple devices to allow people stream audio wirelessly from their anchor devices. To avail of this facility, one must ensure that he is moving inside an area covered by a Wi-Fi network and all these features are completely and easily accessible through a remote controlled facility. Some usual functions like play or pause, play next track, go back to the previous track, volume off/on, and pitch control are remotely controlled. With all these facilities and iHome installed for you, the entire system is able to support network setup and custom device naming with iHome Connect. So, connect to the speaker and go through the steps as directed by the menus and your Wi-Fi is configured. In a matter of some minutes, the system starts lighting up your business, study, or leisure trips.
Whatâs innovative?
The lithium-ion battery recharge and remote functionality with the help of touch panel makes the product unique. That itself is iHome’s innovative take on entire music industry. This system supports Apple’s AirPlay for the first time. Then, the Digital Power Station technology and four speakers with absorbing music quality also are certainly going to keep people in awe for iHome’s iW1 speaker system for some time to come.
Price and availability
If you have already grown a weak corner for music in your heart, then this is going to be a cost effective solution. In addition, one does not have to look any farther than Apple Store, Best Buy, and Crutchfield where it is available for just $299 (or 211 EUR).
Accessories
People, who need more features, have more to smile while using this device. They can add a number of applications with it. First, the iOS works just well with iHome Set, iHome Connect, iHome+Sleep, and iHome+Radio. All these apps help the user get the maximum out of iW1. These apps are measured to tune up all the features available with the factory set-up and to upgrade them.
The up side
The Airplay system works well with iTunes, iPhone, and iPad. Therefore, it is something that can indeed boast of user-friendly workability. This is the first portable and rechargeable speaker system. Apple’s AirPlay makes it all the more lovable.
The down side
iHome released this device in a rather shady way. First, it kept people waiting for a long time before the product actually made its appearance. Then, to the predicament of its customers, iHome sold iW1 exclusively on iHomeAudio.com and that too only to iW1 email subscribers for just 45 minutes. What was the hurry and lingering wait? Probably, the company was not all too confident about its concepts of music on the go in style. Then, the cost part of the story also invited its share of complaints. A talk about DLNA and Bluetooth A2DP too was heard whenever one showed a sign for the new entrant, not without any reason.
Our experience
This lithium-ion battery charged music system is something that really draws your attention. The sound quality is great. iHome has done a clever thinking this time around. Therefore, the power of AirPlay is going to drive the device powerfully in the make too. It is almost certain that music lovers are not going to leave it alone.
The bottom line
iHome’s iW1 has been supported by potential customers as a better choice when they do not want to invest bigger amount on a Zappelin Air or Libratone’s Live. People also favor the new one to Sonos Play3.
