Logitech launches Squeezebox Touch, but the design disappoints

(Credit: Logitech)

Logitech is adding a touch-screen model to its line of Squeezebox streaming audio products. Unfortunately, the upcoming Squeezebox Touch has a design flaw (in my opinion) that will likely relegate it to the periphery of the burgeoning home digital audio market.

At first glance, the Squeezebox Touch has a lot to like. Basically, it's the trusty Squeezebox Classic, but with that model's monochrome vacuum fluorescent display replaced by a 4.3-inch color touch screen. Connect it to a stereo (or a pair of powered speakers), and you've got access to your entire home music collection (streamable from any networked PC) as well as access a wide variety of online music services--including Pandora, Rhapsody, Last.fm, Sirius, Slacker, and the full range of free Internet radio stations and podcasts. The Touch connects to home networks via Ethernet or 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, and--unlike earlier Squeezebox models--it can play digital audio files from an SD card or USB flash drive.

Sounds like this $300 model could be the one-room Sonos killer we've long been longing for--except for the fact that the touch screen is built into the base unit. That means you're stuck with either getting up and walking over to it whenever you want to change a tune or pick a new stream, or opting for the little wireless remote (which provides far less detailed control than the touch screen). Why Logitech went this route instead of opting for a touch screen remote that you could hold in your hand is anyone's guess. (Who knows--perhaps Logitech is planning to offer a Harmony remote with built-in Squeezebox functionality instead.)

We can envision the Touch garnering interest from those who want a nifty countertop music controller in the in the kitchen, or one that's wall-mounted in various rooms in the house. But as it currently stands, we're far more excited about today's other Squeezebox announcement, the $200 Squeezebox Radio. We just hope that Logitech is busy working on a successor to the Squeezebox Duet (with a Touch-like remote). At the very least, we'd like to see Logitech offer an iPhone app to control their Squeezebox line that would effectively turn any iPhone or iPod Touch into a touch-screen remote as well. Apps like iPeng and Squeemote already exist, but--unlike the equivalent Sonos app--they're not officially blessed by Logitech.

We'll have a complete review of the Squeezebox Touch when it becomes available later in December.

[korken72]

Thanks for the info. Do you mean that the wireless remote differ from the old Squeezebox remote that is used with for example squeezebox classic? <br /><br />...and isn't it true that all squeezebox devices can be controlled with any squeezebox remote? If that is true you can yourself get the remote of the controller of for example the squeezebox duet. <br /><br />Regards, Magnus

[mskvarenina]

I'm not seeing a great value in this device. In speaking of an iPhone app, there is an app called iPeng which is fantastic in controlling a squeezebox network. Since I got iPeng, I haven't had the need to touch the original controller once which is why Logitech probably isn't in too much of a hurry to provide their own iPhone app as it eliminates the need for the controller.

[andynormancx]

The exciting feature of the Touch for many people is that you don't need a server or a NAS anymore.<br /><br />The Touch has a version of the Squeezebox Server built into it. That means when you plug in a USB drive the Touch will scan it for music and index it.<br /><br />The Touch can then act as a server to share your music with all your other Squeezebox players. All without a server or NAS needing to be turned on...

[andynormancx]

Why do you feel the need for an officially "blessed" iPhone app ?<br /><br />The iPeng app you referenced works extremely well and the developer has a close relationship with the Squeezebox development team. He was for example one of the beta testers for the Touch and Radio.

[socistep]

I have a Squeezebox Duet &#38; Boom already and are looking forward to this and the Squeezebox radio being available, both are very good additions to the squeezebox 'family' <br /> <br />In terms of the control not being in your hands then I'm guessing this is to do with the fact that the box has numerous inputs and outputs and it needs to be as one, I also suspect that a touch screen controller will come soon from Squeezebox. However if you have an iPod touch/iPhone then you can already get an app to touch control your squeezebox kit for a very small cost, or if you have a Duet you can use that controller to control any of your zones <br /> <br />One of the big move's forward aside from the touch screen is the ability to plug in a USB drive/SD card and access your music that way, this looks to remove the requirement to have your pc on to access your local music - another one-room Sonos killer feature - will be interested to see how this works in practise. WIll also be nifty to display photos on. <br /> <br />Either way a couple of exciting products launched by Logitech

[markenelson1968]

The article's author's comments about the device being a disappointment are puzzling, and he did not state whether or not he's actually used one. I have a Duet and a Boom and am extremely happy with them, just like a previous poster. I've also been a long time Roku M2000 user (very large VFD display) as well, and have always wanted a version of that product with a color display for album art, etc. <br /> <br />The Roku has been replaced with the Duet's receiver for now due its WiFi remote. The current squeezebox classic doesn't have color, and the Duet's controller is usually not near the stereo equipment, so I still can't see who's playing when using my SB solution. The new SB Touch fills in all those gaps I have now. <br /> <br />A remote with album art, etc. for this device is already available either as part of the Duet system or a stand-alone product. Including one would only drive up the purchase cost for those who don't need such luxury. <br /> <br />It's ability to serve as a music server is unlike any previous SB product. The article also glosses over the fact that the Touch can handle 24bit/96 KHz music files, a feat only the $2000 SB Transporter is currently capable of. This last point is really a BIG DEAL for "budget" audiophiles who can't or won't drop $2K for a higher end product. I'm anxiously awating this product's release and will be one of the first to buy one.

[jeffb6661]

Ability to play/serve music off USB drive or SD card is nice. However, it is not a complete solution as you must update your music library manually from your PC. With the server running on a PC or NAS, new media files are added to your library automatically. IMO, running the server on a NAS or thin client is the best solution, since these devices are usually on 24/7. I run the server on a QNAP NAS, which also acts as a multi-media server for photos, video, which I stream to an lcd tv. Admittedly the NAS is an additional expense, but the I get 500GB of shared storage, plus a SQ server, plus a multi-media server. I think it's worth it.

[andynormancx]

Many people won't need a NAS if they have the Touch, if they are just using the NAS for file storage. The Touch also makes devices attached to its USB port available as network shares, just like a NAS does.<br /><br />If you plug self powered USB hard drive into the Touch then you don't even need a separate power supply for the drive.<br /><br />The Touch doesn't act like a UPNP server like you NAS or at least it won't until someone installs Twonky on it...<br /><br />(though whether it will have enough power to run Twonky and everything else is another matter)

[socistep]

I have a server I built primarily for serving music but it also acts as a general media/backup server for my network, it runs vortexbox OS which is great for automating ripping, as it stands I wouldn't change that. <br /> <br />However I think the benefit of the touch is that it enables the non-pc type scenario pretty quickly and this will be a big selling point. <br /> <br />Looks like the touch will act like a NAS and samba access etc. will be available, therefore if you rip albums on your pc you can easy transfer them over to your touch

[durawing]

Why don't you take the trouble to investigate before you complain?<br />The optional duet controller works with the touch; voila, total control from your couch if so desired.

[b33k34]

iPeng on an iPhone or iPod touch makes for a very very good remote for a Squeezebox system. I think Logitech will struggle to improve on it or produce a better standalone product.

[danielholeman]

As a happy owner of 3 Duets and a Boombox, that was my first thought as well. The reviewer is doing a disservice to his readers by not mentioning you can get an amazing remote with the Duet controller, which will work with this "Touch" unit. And also, it would make sense that it is mostly used in places where you don't need a remote anyway. like on my desktop (I have a duet remote but it just sits two feet in front of me all the time on my desk.)

[sunbeamgls]

Its a fair observation about the screen being on the base unity.<br />You did, however, miss a major point - it looks like the touch will stream 24/96 FLAC files for under $300 - that's great news, regardless of the interface.

[appeal2]

Just read this pseudo-review. This unit will also work as a digital picture frame. How would you work this if the unit didn't have a screen. And if you took the screen of the unit and put it on the remote you would have a duet with a larger screen remote. I foresee using this unit as a clock radio on my nightstand flash up pictures of my family during the day. And the sound quality should be amazing.

[Par Seven]

Is anyone else wondering what happened to this product's launch?<br /><br />I've been lusting for this since it was first announced around labor day. The December (preChristmas) launch is now looking more like St. Patrick's Day, and my emphatuation is certainly waning. My iPod Touch's Slacker application running through my whole house audio receiver dock is sounding better all the time