Logitech Squeezebox Radio: The next great Wi-Fi radio?
Logitech already owns the Editors' Choice award for Wi-Fi radios with the Squeezebox Boom, but it looks as if the company may be competing with itself for the award with the newly announced Squeezebox Radio ($200 list price).
From the initial news release, the Squeezebox Radio looks to pack most of the functionality of the Boom into an even smaller package; that means you can stream your MP3 collection plus thousands of internet radio stations and music services like Rhapsody, Napster, Pandora, Sirius, and Last.fm. It also one-ups the Boom by adding a color screen, and the capability to display album art, artist/track information, and Flickr slideshows. Logitech also mentions Facebook integration--a first on Squeezebox products--so you can share your favorite tracks with your friends.
Aside from the feature list, the Squeezebox Radio also looks to have one of the most attractive designs of any Wi-Fi radio we've seen. The controls are clearly labeled and smartly positioned, and as we've seen on the Philips NP2900 and VTech IS9181, a color display really makes using a Wi-Fi radio more enjoyable. One of the big hurdles for the Squeezebox Radio to clear is whether it can fill the duty of a full-time alarm clock. Most Wi-Fi radios include alarm functionality, but it's rare that they measure up to the reliability and ease of use of traditional tabletop radios.
The $200 price may seem like a lot for a radio, but it compares favorably to the existing competition. (Logitech will also offer a $50 supplement that adds a wireless remote and a battery pack for true cordless operation.) As much as we loved the Boom, it's hard to recommend a Wi-Fi radio that costs nearly $300. We'll save our final judgment for the hands-on review; we're expecting to get a review sample later this month. Until then, the Squeezebox Radio will be one of the most highly anticipated products for us of 2009.
On Sale Now: $158.29 - $199.99
View the latest prices for Logitech Squeezebox Radio (black)
I haven't had any hands-on time with the Squeezebox Radio yet, but I imagine it can display the time and has basic alarm functions, as all other Squeezebox products have this functionality. When I do the review, I'll test to see if it's reliable/convenient enough to use an everyday alarm clock
You don't have to pay for another data plan to get mucho online music and radio stations, someone else can use the radio when you're not there with your phone, you don't have to have to dock it-connect it to a stereo (built in). You can access your Itunes library (mine has 18K songs in it) from another room, it has a larger screen than an Iphone, it has a line out to a stereo system, you don't have to keep your computer running and "open the lid and mouse around" in order to change stations while you're laying in bed, etc.
I also recently tried using Pandora because a friend of mine at work does. It is nice to have it automatically choose songs similar to the ones you like but may have never heard before. Also, many normal radio stations play the same songs over and over again. It is nice to hear different songs which are not often played on a normal radio station anymore.
http://www.logitechsqueezebox.com/products/squeezebox-radio.html#tab2
"3/4-inch high-definition, soft-dome tweeter and 3-inch high-power, long-throw woofer"
And yes, internet radio stations can be broadcast in stereo.
- by R_Kirk October 12, 2009 7:43 AM PDT
- I'm love internet radio as it gives me a great choice of real radio stations (you know, ones with live DJ's not just automated playlists. Anyhow, I'm torn between the Squeeze Radio and Squeeze Boom. The boom sounds better, but the radio is supposed to have battery capabilities. Two questions: 1) How good/bad is the Squeeze radio sound (the boom is always said to be among the best for WiFi radios). 2) Anyone heard when the battery pack option will be offered? Moving the radio from kitchen to back deck to ... would be great. Thanks
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
(21 Comments)