Bose Tuesday introduced its first-ever Apple AirPlay-enabled product, the SoundLink Air Digital Music System.
The Bose SoundLink Air Digital Music System is a one-piece wireless speaker system that streams audio from an iPad, iPhone, iPod touch or a computer's iTunes library via Apple's AirPlay technology and a Wi-Fi network. The only other input that the Bose SoundLink Air Digital Music System supports is a 3.5mm auxiliary input that appears at the back of the unit.
Unlike other Bose units, there is no concept of "docking" the iPhone/ iPod/ iPad, as AirPlay involves streaming audio wirelessly from the iOS device to the audio system. AirPlay is Apple's technology that enables iOS (and other) devices to stream music to AirPlay-enabled receivers.
The Bose SoundLink Air Digital Music System incorporates proprietary Bose acoustic waveguide speaker technology, neodymium transducers, and Bose digital signal processing, that all add up to deliver the Bose experience.
AirPlay set up is pretty straightforward for experienced users. For others, Bose has included a USB cable that lets them connect the SoundLink Air Digital Music System to their computer and set up the unit by visiting bose.com/wifi setup. Needless to say, you need to have a Wi-Fi router to home to use this unit.
The speaker comes with a infrared remote and an optional rechargeable battery that lets you play the system, unplugged, in any room. It comes in a high-gloss black finish with a metal grille.
The Bose SoundLink Air Digital Music System will compete with other AirPlay-enabled audio units like the
Philips DS9800W that costs Rs. 65,990.
The Bose SoundLink Air Digital Music System is now available at Bose Stores across the country and online for Rs. 22,388. The optional rechargeable lithium-ion battery is available for Rs. 6,638.