iPod/ iPhone docks used to be so simple: you got a docking port for charging, speakers for playing audio from your device, and a few other functions like a clock that basically turns it into a modern bedside alarm. Now? You get this thing. Called the HouseParty Airwave by UK company Gear4, this dock comes with the basics (charging dock, speakers, FM radio), but adds a lot more. Like access to over 11,000 live radio stations and podcasts from all over thanks to a Wi-fi connection and Internet radio support. If that’s not enough (although it should be), it also adds a DAB radio tuner that lets you tune into digital broadcasts.
Sirius XM just updated their satellite radio app for the new iOS 4 that adds the ability to multitask, basically letting you continue playing your music streams in the background while you work on other stuff. That’s the major addition (and it really is a big thing: now you don’t have to stop the radio stream whenever you get a text message), which applies to the iPhone 4, 3GS, and 3rd-gen iPod touch players, but the update also brings other features to the list that should apply to every other iDevice.
Digital and net-radio maker Pure is all set to ship their digital radios to North America, and they’ll be shipping three new kits for the official release on July 1st: the Evoke Flow, Oasis Flow, and Siesta Flow.
Digital radio brand Sirius XM has just expanded their services to the Android community by announcing an upcoming Sirius XM app for Android. Similar to the app they made for the iPhone platform, the Android version features over 120 channels’ worth of Sirius XM programming via 3G and Wi-Fi streaming.
Here’s a speaker-dock for your iPod that’s pretty unique: the Heritage Deluxe Table Radio by French company Revo, which is basically a dock that looks like an old radio from the 60’s. While it’s not quite as unique as, say, an iPod dock that’s shaped like a stool, this old-school radio packs in a lot of serious “right now” tech. See, this old-school wood-and-aluminum box isn’t a speaker with a slot for parking your ‘Pod. It’s a full DAB radio, with support for DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting), DAB+, FM and Wi-fi internet radio. The heritage also supports wireless audio streaming from a networked PC or Mac, which is so much more than what the average “new” speaker docks will give you.
