The concept of multi-room wireless speakers to enjoy music throughout the house is not new, as our readers over the years have been learning about Sonos, the brand today that is the leader in this sector. But the market is literally booming, so Bose, with it’s well-established, widely-known product image, has entered the foray with a new product line called “SoundTouch”, with initially three new speakers systems, and more to come. Let’s take a look at why the new-kid-on-the-block may be what you would want for your home.
The central “what makes the difference” concept of the new Bose SoundTouch system is founded on the simplicity of the system set-up and its use. It works via the existing home Wi-Fi network in the home, without any special “bridge”, to access Internet radio, Pandora and your music library. Particularly important in their approach is their SoundTouch™ app and “preset” function.
Bose SoundTouch 30
The SoundTouch™ app provides simple, guided instructions to use on your computer, laptop or tablet. A drag and drop function allows any music source, be it a Pandora station, a play-list, Internet radio… to be stored in one of the 6 presets, each corresponds to a preset in the app. In addition, you can use the app with your computer, smartphone or tablet to explore other music. Furthermore, the SoundTouch technology is compatible with Apple’s Airplay so iTunes can be used to organise your music and stream to one or more SoundTouch devices from your computer or iPhone/iPad.
Bose SoundTouch 20
Then to listen to your favourite music all you need to do is push one of the presets on the speaker system or remote. It’s just that simple to play the Party mode to give the same music everywhere, or listen to different music in different rooms or even on the terrace and in the garden outdoors (well as far as the Wi-Fi will permit!). And with their portable model that really means everywhere!
Bose SoundTouch portable
Three new speakers systems are currently available: SoundTouch 30, the most powerful speaker designed for large living room and party room areas; the SoundTouch 20 and SoundTouch Portable, the latter two designed for somewhat smaller rooms. Bose has announced the introduction of a Wave SoundTouch music system for December this year and other SoundTouch speakers and audio products in early 2014, as well as features like the world’s most popular music services, iHeartRadio® and Deezer™, planned during the second half of 2014. It looks like Bose has really made a serious commitment to break into this market segment.
Here are the three models, just click on the image below and you will get the full product specifications and more information from the Bose website.
Bose SoundTouch 30 dimensions above and back below
Bose SoundTouch 20 – dimensions
Bose SoundTouch 20 dimensions
Bose SoundTouch portable – dimensions
Bose SoundTouch Portable dimensions
In closing, we suggest you check with you local official Bose distributor how many systems you will be able to connect to your specific Network set-up, as if you have a Château there may be some rooms left out, but then, anyway you can always use the portable system to enjoy your music everywhere!