New Apple gadget streams music through the home

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Apple Computer unveiled Monday a $129 device that acts as both a portable wireless base station and a way to stream music throughout the home.

The AirPort Express, due in July, features both analog and digital music outputs to connect to speakers or sound systems. The device also plugs directly into a wall outlet, with no need for additional cables or power adapters, which Apple said should make it appealing to travelers as well as those who want to stream music in their homes. Like Apple's existing AirPort Extreme products, the Express uses the 802.11g wireless standard. Music is streamed from an iTunes equipped PC or Mac using a technology Apple is calling AirTunes.

"AirPort Express isn't just the world's first mobile 802.11g base station--with the addition of AirTunes, users can now play their iTunes music on any stereo in their home--all without wires," Apple CEO Steve Jobs said in a statement. The product, he said, "will appeal to both notebook users who want wireless freedom in their hotel rooms and to music lovers who want to listen to their iTunes music library on a stereo located anywhere in their home."

View: AirPort Express

News source: C|Net News.com

What's New in This Release:

· Added possibility to select the default project dir.
· Changed the select drive combo boxes, and added icons.
· Fixed the convert Wav to MP3 window so that open and saves shows correctly.
· Fixed an error when canceling test write in the ISO Writer.
· Fixed so that ISO writer open with the default project path.
· Fixed installer so the file msvcr70.dll installs in the system dir.
· Added an option to backup, and restore the option settings. This is useful if you want to restore the values after an uninstall.
· Added a check when canceling a write, now you will get a question if it’s ok to cancel.
· Fixed an error when there is no sound card available in the Audio Writer.
· Fixed the convert MP3 to Wav window so that open and saves shows correctly.
· The size meter will now work without any CD or DVD in the drive.
· Fixed an error in the size bar when adding small files.
· The ISO converter can now handle big .bin files and convert them to .iso.
· Corrected an issue when trying to convert small .nrg files.
· Added the possibility to enable and disable automatic speed detection from the options dialog.

#1 Huezo on 07 Jun 2004 - 19:21

Awesome.

(5 replies) #2 JadeWolf324 on 07 Jun 2004 - 19:21

they changed the apple.com site litterally 2 hours ago...i was JUST there and that was not on their main page lol.

#2.1 chacho on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:12

ok.....companies maintain websites, and apple just did. bfd

#2.2 JadeWolf324 on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:26

i was just sayin it was funny

#2.3 em_te on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:35

So fast they didn't even fix the blue image border yet.

#2.4 aristotle-dude on 07 Jun 2004 - 21:10

It's fixed on the Canadian site.

#2.5 bsr on 08 Jun 2004 - 00:16

no blue border in opera browser... Could it just be an IE bug?

#3 hafu8 on 07 Jun 2004 - 19:22

very cool

(5 replies) #4 sumeet on 07 Jun 2004 - 19:34

Cool, hope it doesn't cost $1 000 000 000

#4.1 edgarf28 on 07 Jun 2004 - 19:36

QUOTE (#4.0)

read!!!: "Apple Computer unveiled Monday a $129 device that acts as both a portable wireless base station and a way to stream music throughout the home."

#4.2 sumeet on 07 Jun 2004 - 19:45

lol oops

#4.3 chacho on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:12

QUOTE

lol oops is right

#4.4 Knight' on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:17

LMFAO! First line of the article and he doesn't even read that! Now that's funny!

#4.5 tiagosilva29 on 07 Jun 2004 - 21:04

pwned!

#5 five04 on 07 Jun 2004 - 19:38

$119 with student discount. i'm gonna have to order one of these.

#6 Starman on 07 Jun 2004 - 19:38

Ordered.

#7 malebolgia on 07 Jun 2004 - 19:50

I'm going to have get this

Though it does look pretty ugly compared to the AirPort Extreme Base Station. Still great product!

#8 MipScript on 07 Jun 2004 - 19:51

1 Word - Awesome.

(3 replies) #9 tronmaster on 07 Jun 2004 - 19:51

Cool, convergence of computer, with music is getting there!!

To bad I don't own an Apple computer...

#9.1 roadwarrior on 07 Jun 2004 - 19:54

You don't need to. This will work with PC's as well.

#9.2 sadatkarim on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:14

sweetness!

#9.3 kwyjibo on 08 Jun 2004 - 13:01

Too bad you can't read.

(1 reply) #10 pctuk on 07 Jun 2004 - 19:55

If it was a bit cheaper, I might consider buying one - but £100 seems a bit steep.

#10.1 coolkamio on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:37

I don't think so, the competition:

MP101 is $129, SqueezeBox is $199, Roku is over $200...

And Airport Express its a router and a print server (And has optical audio)... Though it do not have a 2 line stupid lcd screen..

Add that the Airport Express can play protected iTunes songs, and Party Shuffle & Smart Playlists...

(9 replies) #11 cowabunga on 07 Jun 2004 - 19:56

Do you need to run some crappy Apple player to get those neat things running? Cus that aint ever gonna happen. Hope there will be a Winamp plugin if you do...

#11.1 Fonze on 07 Jun 2004 - 19:59

if anything you should look into the creative and linksys versions of this. been out for a while now

#11.2 aristotle-dude on 07 Jun 2004 - 21:28

Go buy a Roku and spend twice as much.

Or, here's a thought, trying out iTunes before bashing it. Don't blame Apple if your windows box is already bogged down with spyware and other crapware.

Last edited by 18285 on 07 Jun 2004 - 21:44

#11.3 cowabunga on 07 Jun 2004 - 22:43

Stoooopid #/%¤)"¤.... Always gotta start flamewars. Give it up!
Never was a OS question and I don't like iTunes so no I wont use it.

#11.4 JaggedFlame on 07 Jun 2004 - 23:44

Wow, aristotle-dude, 15 minutes to type that steaming pile of crap.

Many people actually do use iTunes and other Apple products and don't like them. Get a clue.

#11.5 aristotle-dude on 08 Jun 2004 - 00:29

I have a clue. Want to borrow it? No probs with iTunes on windows here. Don't like iTunes, don't use it but don't go whining that your player of choice is not supported.

#11.6 mko on 08 Jun 2004 - 01:15

Face it, iTunes is slow and crappy. If YOU tried other software you would see the grass is greener elsewhere, but stick to iTunes - at least you won't come complaining to Winamp to feature more bogware so it will run as slow as iTunes!

#11.7 Phillip on 08 Jun 2004 - 06:15

no. it requires itunes 4.6 if u don't like itunes don't get one then

i reckon itunes is fine.

#11.8 kwyjibo on 08 Jun 2004 - 13:06

Hahahahahaha. *zing!*

#11.9 JaggedFlame on 08 Jun 2004 - 13:37

All he ever said was if it only worked with iTunes, he wouldn't use it.

That, idiot, is not "whining." It is called "stating an opinion." Whining would be if he kept bugging everyone about it for hours. I don't know where you get your rocks off blasting his choice of a music player, but just because you like iTunes doesn't mean everyone does.

Hell, I like iTunes too. I don't go around like you trying to convert everyone.

(4 replies) #12 Mav Phoenix on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:02

It would be awesome if it could stream video from your computer to your TV...

#12.1 chacho on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:13

translation: man, i wish i could stream pr0n from my comp to my big screen...

#12.2 Mav Phoenix on 07 Jun 2004 - 22:48

*snipped* -Hateful

I'd like to be able to see my video edits on a television directly from the computer.

Last edited by 52 on 08 Jun 2004 - 00:43

#12.3 chacho on 07 Jun 2004 - 23:23

it was a joke dude....notice the

at the end...

#12.4 Mav Phoenix on 08 Jun 2004 - 01:25

*snipped* -Hateful

Oh and what he said mocking me was just fine and dandy huh? Neowinian justice, what a crock.

(2 replies) #13 coolkamio on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:17

For the people who wants a wireless cotroller for this, you can use your bluetooth phone with salling clicker (or other similar software for windows) to use iTunes..

http://homepage.mac.com/jonassalling/Shareware/Clicker/

#13.1 Jstphish on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:34

Man, too bad that is for OSX only.

#13.2 coolkamio on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:38

I think that there are similar software in windows.. but i don't know, i haven't used windows for years..

It's only an example..

#14 altermind on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:18

that is most certainly cool.. once I get all me dosh lined up.. I'm gona get me a phat mac setup (secondary to my pc of course) but for anyone who comes over.. and to impress te ladies... they alrady love the ipod

#15 macster on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:30

Hmm can i dream of iPod AV with wireless streaming?

(2 replies) #16 ThunderRiver on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:32

mm.. I am wondering about the WPA or WEP security... any configuration settings? How does it actually work is still a mystery to me, and you guys already rush dump in your $129 into the hole.. good job

#16.1 frod on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:43

well, you walk around a neighborhood and you'll realize that 90% of people don't give two cents about the security of their wireless network, however, i assume apple has security built-in as it does follow the 802.11g standard.

#16.2 aristotle-dude on 07 Jun 2004 - 21:30

It includes WPA and WEP security.

Last edited by 18285 on 07 Jun 2004 - 22:11

#17 daveoc64 on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:58

The Apple website says this needs iTunes 4.6 to work. So when is iTunes 4.6 coming out? Maybe it will be at the same time as the Music Store for Europe.

#18 Krankerz on 07 Jun 2004 - 20:58

This link, http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/, at the bottom says it requires iTunes 4.6. I wonder if the update allows for just Airport Express compatibility or if we can expect something more...

#19 AfmomasTER on 07 Jun 2004 - 21:01

maybe new ipod firmware around the corner!

(3 replies) #20 tiagosilva29 on 07 Jun 2004 - 21:10

That's for american plugs, right?

#20.1 lilmoonee on 07 Jun 2004 - 21:23

it will be interchageable like the ipod chargers (look at the line in the top corner of the unit)

#20.2 coolchan on 07 Jun 2004 - 21:23

the plug can be changed just like the plug for the iPod changer.

#20.3 configure on 08 Jun 2004 - 00:44

...and I'm sure that your local Apple Store will have one with local plugs installed. I know I have to buy a coverter for my Australian plug iPod charger

(4 replies) #21 Mongrel on 07 Jun 2004 - 21:15

Alright, I'm still confused however... I still need a wireless router on my PC, right? Or if not, and THIS is the router, than what picks up the signal/plugs into my stereo??

#21.1 aristotle-dude on 07 Jun 2004 - 21:35

This is a wireless router, a print server and you can plug in your stereo via optical cable or miniplug to play your tunes from your mac or PC laptop running iTunes 4.6 (to be released soon).

It's also small enough to take on the road (slightly larger than the power adapter that comes with the ipods or mac laptops.

#21.2 bogd on 07 Jun 2004 - 22:17

but it provides only a single signal. So, only one computer may connect to this wirelessly.

#21.3 johnevans on 07 Jun 2004 - 22:26

Everyone in your family can surf the web wire-free because AirPort Express provides simultaneous wireless Internet access via your DSL or cable modem for up to 10 computers.

#21.4 bogd on 08 Jun 2004 - 00:18

holy hell. The article I read said only one computer could connect.

I stand corrected.

(1 reply) #22 vilent_ape on 07 Jun 2004 - 21:22

ye even on the apple uk site it shows that picture thats not fair

#22.1 aristotle-dude on 07 Jun 2004 - 21:32

The UK version will come with the UK standard plug and you can buy a travel kit that works on this as well as the iPod power adapter and the mac laptop ones.

(4 replies) #23 vilent_ape on 07 Jun 2004 - 21:33

it says on the website to get the music stream working you need itunes 4.6 but its not out
any 1 hav a cle when its going to be available

#23.1 frod on 07 Jun 2004 - 22:41

well considering the unit is not shipping until july, i imagine the new itunes version will come out before then.

#23.2 dp123 on 07 Jun 2004 - 23:51

This week... probably tomorrow... maybe with other goodies

#23.3 ThisIsNotMe on 08 Jun 2004 - 04:08

Best guess: June 28-July 2 (WWDC)
http://developer.apple.com/wwdc

#23.4 dp123 on 08 Jun 2004 - 04:31

No, that's not a BEST GUESS... Apple has said this week. Some expected it today... Probably tomorrow...

#24 AshUK on 07 Jun 2004 - 21:36

I ordered one to use with my AirPort network, its so cheap for what it does,

Nice one Apple

(1 reply) #25 Coolme on 07 Jun 2004 - 21:52

unfortunatly, my stereo system is nowhere CLOSE to my printer or ADSL modem. But you know what, this is a pretty nice device, it's small, it accepts OPTICAL and ANALOG audio output, it's a print server, supports 128-bit encryption, and it's actually CHEAP!!

NICE MOVE APPLE!!

#25.1 shawnie53 on 07 Jun 2004 - 22:59

you dont need a computer close to it... al you need is this thing and a computer with a wireless card and itunes installed on it

LOL nicccccccccce

#26 greggyeggman on 07 Jun 2004 - 23:13

must be junk. if it costs that much less than others with same features, its either very low quality, or apple has low profit on it.

#27 Xeron on 07 Jun 2004 - 23:25

I know the only thing in common with the AirPort Express is that it plays music over 802.11b/g but this looks quite cool: Creative Wireless Music

It's $199 (very quick search for the price, probably cheaper elsewhere),

#28 AquaDex on 07 Jun 2004 - 23:41

Well $129 for a router and a "wireless music streamer" (suggest me a better name, lol), who could complain?

Screw my crappy 3Com router, I'm going to get this when it's available in my country

#29 aristotle-dude on 08 Jun 2004 - 02:36

It's a portable wireless bridge. The port labeled WAN port can auto-switch to be connected with a regular cat 5 to a wired hub.

So, you can visit friends/family and setup wireless when you get there.

#30 WeeJames on 08 Jun 2004 - 11:55

Hmm.. i'd prefer a £25 device that did the same job but didnt act as a wireless router.. just received the music wirelessly. Then i could afford to have a couple around the house.

#31 lieb39 on 08 Jun 2004 - 12:01

Awesome. Really good idea by Apple. Awesome stuff... gonna get it for sure.

-lieb39

#32 plasticparadox on 09 Jun 2004 - 04:11

Will order tomorrow.

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