Audio News for March 30, 2012

Wireless Networks in the Home – are definitely on the increase since consumers are flocking to smartphones and media tablets to access their music, and they want ways to easily distribute that content around their homes. Research firm Parks Associates says more than 60% of consumers now use their tablets to listen to music, and by 2016 over 90 million home audio units will ship with embedded wireless networking technologies, representing almost 60% of the global AV market. The average broadband-enabled home now has a collection of about 800 digital music files, and consumers want to find new ways to enjoy their growing audio libraries. The two top technologies for this are Apple’s Airplay and DLNA technology (Digital Living Network Alliance); the latter is part of the Windows Home Server 2011 and licensed by more than 230 brands. Apple licenses Airplay to manufacturers such as Denon, Marantz, B&W, and JBL. The question is how easy these multiple devices are to set up and enjoy. They must be mindlessly easy to configure and troubleshoot or they will remain in the realm of computerphiles and not audiophiles. DLNA-based devices are not as easy to operate as Apple’s Airplay.
Sony and Apple Tops in Harris Poll EquiTrend Study – Sony was the top consumer electronics brand and Apple tops in computer, tablet and mobile phone brands in the latest Harris study, which measured over 1500 brands in a variety of consumer categories. Amazon’s Kindle was the top brand in E-readers.
Logitech Enters AirPlay Speaker Market – Next month Logitech will ship its first AirPlay-equipped tabletop speaker with embedded Wi-Fi, the UE Air Speaker. It also docks and charges an iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch or iPod Classic via a front-panel pop-out dock. It comes with an IR remote and port to play back music from any other portable device. SRP will be $399.
Decide.com Adds to Consumer Electronics Search Service – Decide.com works something like a search engine, telling users whether they should buy now or wait on various consumer electronics. They have found prices can change by 12% daily and thus can inform users on purchase of a device they have their eyes on. They are planning to expand the focus of their analysis of different market fluctuations to home appliances as well.