Apple has unveiled the AirPort Express the world's first 802.11g mobile base station, which features wireless internet connectivity, USB printing as well as analogue and digital audio connectivity. Apple's software AirTunes works with iTunes to stream music from a PC or MAC to the AirPort Express unit which can be connected to an analogue or digital Hi-Fi, amplified speakers or a digital 5.1 surround sound system.
The upcoming iTunes 4.6 adds support for detection of remote speakers and gives a choice of which speaker system to use. AirTunes encrypts the music during transit to prevent unauthorised access and uses lossless compression to retain the original sound quality from the PC or MAC. The range of the base Station is 150 feet although multiple AirPort Express base stations can be bridged together to extend the range.
Other features include DSL & Cable sharing with firewall protection for up to 10 users, single USB printer sharing, Wi-Fi Protected Access and 128-bit encryption. The AirPort Express is expected to reach Apple's retail stores and authorised resellers in July for US$ 128. iTunes 4.6 is expected to launch later this week.
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"AirPort Express isn't just the world's first mobile 802.11g base station -- with the addition of AirTunes users can now play their iTunes music on any stereo in their home -- all without wires," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "This innovative Apple product will appeal to both notebook users who want wireless freedom in their hotel rooms and to music lovers who want to listen to their iTunes music library on a stereo located anywhere in their home." Apple was the first company to offer consumers easy, affordable wireless networking and is now the first to offer a truly portable wireless base station compatible with industry standard 802.11g and 802.11b wireless devices. AirPort Express features an incredibly compact design with no power brick required, providing maximum portability so it can easily be taken on the road for wireless broadband access in hotel rooms. The AirPort Express mobile base station also includes a built-in combination digital and analog audio connector allowing users to connect AirPort Express to a home stereo, powered analog speakers or the latest digital 5.1 surround sound systems. |
It is nice to see Apple giving more options for users to use their purchased iTunes music without having to record music to CD first. The one disadvantage with this system I can see is that one must go back to the room with the PC or MAC playing the music to change the song, unlike with recorded CDs or a hooked up iPod where the controls are also present on or near the stereo. Then again, it would be handy to link up a laptop via wireless to a 5.1 surround sound system as well as access the internet from the comfort of a sofa without wires dangling off here and there! 😉
Source: Yahoo Financial
