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Altec's new Live 5000 Wi-Fi speaker doesn't discriminate against Android users

LAS VEGAS--Attention, Android users who've been shut out from using Apple's AirPlay feature: Altec Lansing feels for you and wants you to get in on the Wi-Fi streaming action. So much so that today it's launching the Live 5000, the first product in what it's calling "an exciting new music entertainment ecosystem."

But, sorry, Android peeps, this isn't an exclusive. Apple users also are welcome to join.

In fact, on paper anyway, Altec's new system sounds a little like a Sonos. Take Altec's description of the Live 5000:… Read more

Onkyo's new iPhone app brings multiroom control

Onkyo has released a revamped iPod Touch/iPhone app that enables users to wirelessly control music and components in a multiroom setup.

The "Onkyo Remote 2" will control 2010/2011 network receivers, plus the TX-8050 Network Stereo Receiver, and enables control of Internet radio, full access to digital music libraries, and commonly used functions.

The remote will control connected components compatible with Onkyo's RI (remote interactive) system.

The app features an updated look and controls including play, stop, skip, and pause; volume, bass, and treble adjustments; listening mode and input source selection; network source selection; and radio stations.

The app is available for free from the Apple iTunes store, but Onkyo has yet to reveal details of iPad-specific control, or of an update to the Android Remote released in July that was based on version 1.… Read more

Would you buy a Cisco home audio system?

Networking is a dark art, and putting the word "home" in front of it makes it no simpler. Debugging a home network is not for the faint of heart--the intelligence of the on-screen wizards peters out after the first few obvious fixes, and soon you're checking help forums, running ipconfig commands, and tweaking DHCP settings.

So today's news from The New York Times--that networking giant Cisco Systems is getting into the consumer electronics business--filled me with dread.

The idea of piping audio files from your computer to your home stereo or other audio devices is valid: … Read more

MTV takes its designs beyond the telly

Even at the ripe old age of 26, MTV is still determined to make its way into your home one way or another: It may just not be on a television set. Instead, the network is literally leaving its stamp on various forms of electronics and computing gear by co-branding designs.

Recently, for example, it partnered with HP to sponsor a global design competition for an "Artist Edition" of the Pavilion laptop. And it's latest offering is a limited-edition "multi-room box" produced in collaboration with U.K.-based Sky TV, which had already been coming … Read more

TiVo supercharges high-def DVRs with latest software upgrade

TiVo is finally delivering some long-promised features to its two high-def models. In the coming weeks, the company will roll out software updates to the TiVo Series3 and TiVo HD that will add support for expandable storage, Multi-Room Viewing, TiVo To Go, and progressive downloading of Amazon Unbox and TiVoCast videos. Full details on each, after the jump: … Read more