iLuv debuts $200 Wi-Fi clock radio

(Credit: iLuv/Jwin)

Earlier in 2008, iLuv made news with its release of the i168, one of the most affordable tabletop HD Radios to date (currently available for less than $100). Now the company is turning its sights toward online audio with the iNT170. The bedside clock radio employs the same chassis as the i168, but it offers thousands of streaming Internet radio stations (via your home wired or Wi-Fi network) instead of HD Radio. The dual alarms can be set to wake to an Internet station, over-the-air FM, or a buzzer, and the unit offers 40 presets--20 for FM, 20 for Net radio. Sports fans take note: there's no over-the-air AM, and even those stations which are available online often black out their game broadcasts to keep from running afoul of league rules.

The iLuv iNT170 is available now for $200. We'd expect that price to drop even further, as it competes with models such as as the RCA RIR200 Infinite Radio and Grace ITC-IR1000B. Likewise, we hope that iLuv is able to add compatibility with additional online music services, such as Slacker (found on the RCA) and Pandora (available on the Grace). But at least you won't have to worry about setting the time: the iNT170 automatically synchronizes itself with an online master clock.

Related coverage: Wi-Fi radio roundup.

[baennis]

My biggest peeve with these new radio's is that they are missing the most essential feature which is a 5 plus 2 day or 7 day alarm program. I have a bose wave and it annoys me that every saturday and sunday it goes off on my weekday wake-up time. Most people work only 5 days a week why don't these manufacturers get with the program and create an alarm radio that suits this schedule especially at these prices. They can take notice from Timex which has such a radio.

[jpfalcone]

All of the recent iHome clock radios have the selectable day alarm function as well. I agree that it's a worthwhile feature, and we try to make a point of mentioning its presence--or lack thereof--when we review products with alarms.

[1RGBlalala]

Does this thing at least have LastFM capability? If all it plays is the stations that you can find on the iTunes software and/or the Internet Explorer "radio station guide" and like-stations, that's pretty darn lame. Might as well just turn on the TV or the regular radio...