Hasta La Gadget!

Apple TVs of the second and third-gen variety are getting update 5.1 today, which brings two long-awaited features. Both shared photo streaming and iTunes account switching are now part of Apple’s set-top box — the combination of those two finally freeing parents from the potential nightmare of discovering their child’s “not safe for parents” photo streams, of course. The update, spotted by MacRumors, also adds some new AirPlay functionality, enabling users to “send audio content from Apple TV to AirPlay-enabled speakers and devices (including AirPort Express and other Apple TVs).” Beyond those two biggies, however, the rest of the update is rather nuts and bolts oriented — head below for the full list.

Continue reading Apple TV update 5.1 brings shared photo streams and iTunes account swapping, available now

Filed under: Household, Software, HD

Apple TV update 5.1 brings shared photo streams and iTunes account swapping, available now originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With the introduction of the new Lightning connector for iOS devices, Apple pretty much rendered a ton of iOS accessories useless. Granted you could always buy the Lightning adapter, but this is additional money spent that many people probably think is unnecessary, but we guess change has to happen at some point or another. Either way if you’re looking to pick up some iOS compatible speakers, you might be interested to know that Bowers and Wilkins has introduced a couple of new speakers that will rely on the AirPlay technology, so even if you don’t have the new Lightning adapter or the iPhone 5, rest assured as you will still be able to play your music on them.

Both the A5 and the A7 feature the same design, with the A5 being a more compact option. Both will feature WiFi and Ethernet LAN ports for network connection, and neither model will come with a dock connector, thus giving the impression of a very clean and sleek finish. Both models will also feature a 3.5mm audio jack that will allow it to play with non-iOS devices, with the A7 featuring a USB port for music streaming and possible firmware upgrades. The A5 will feature two 20W Nautilus tweeters, two 20W mid-range drivers, while the A7 will come with two 1” 25W Nautilus tube aluminum tweeters, two 3” 25W mid-range drivers and a 6” 50W subwoofer. Both speakers are expected to be released in October with the A5 and A7 being priced at $499.99 and $799.99 respectively.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: AirPlay Direct rumored for September announcement, TuneBridge is an AirPlay receiver that will cost you $60,

Onkyo is back with its latest product in the form of the DS-A5 iPod/iPhone/iPad docking station. It allows owners of recent or older Onkyo A/V receivers to enjoy all the benefits of AirPlay wireless streaming for iOS devices. This Wi-Fi certified docking station also provides an Ethernet port for connection to a home network. Onkyo will release the DS-A5 iPod/iPhone/iPad docking station in October 2012 for $199 in the U.S. market. [Slashgear]

When it comes to Apple-focused audio wares, Bowers & Wilkins makes some of the of the ritiziest options available. Expanding on its its existing speaker range, the company has introduced a duo of new AirPlay speakers dubbed as the A5 ($500) and A7 ($800). Both HiFi boxes are nearly identical from the outside (aside from the size difference), and feature the same black and silver aesthetic as the MM-1 media speakers. The A7 nets you a duo of 25-watt 1-inch Nautilus “tube-loaded” tweeters” (just like the MM-1s), two 25-watt 3-inch drivers for the mid-range and a 50-watt 6-inch woofer, while the A5 shrinks things by forgoing a woofer and using a smaller speaker array of two 20-watt tweeters and two 20-watt mid-range drivers. The speakers on both units are independently driven, and both systems feature an “audiophile-grade” DAC that’ll upscale music streams to a maximum 24-bit / 96kHz sample rate. As you’d expect, the units feature WiFi and Ethernet connectivity and 3.5mm inputs for hooking in sans wireless, but it’s worth noting these audio boxes lack 30-pin docks — at least you still get a remote. Check out the video after the break for a detailed look at both, and the source link below for all the juicy details.

Continue reading Bowers & Wilkins intros classy A7 and A5 AirPlay speakers, leaves out the 30-pin dock

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio/Video

Bowers & Wilkins intros classy A7 and A5 AirPlay speakers, leaves out the 30-pin dock originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 23 Sep 2012 08:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Onkyo will release the ABX-N300 AirPlay speaker on September 28th, 2012. As its name suggests, the speaker adopts Apple’s AirPlay technology that enables you to stream music from your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. It can also stream music from iTunes on a Mac or PC. The Onkyo ABX-N300 comes equipped with a 10Wx2ch output, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and a included remote control. If you are interested, you can buy the Onkyo ABX-N300 AirPlay speaker for 49,800 Yen ($636). [Akihabara]