Com One, a European company best known for its Bluetooth solutions, has entered the North American Market with a very unique product.
The Phoenix WiFi/IP radio connects to the internet via 802.11b/g WiFi, and plays any audio that streams online in premium sound quality. The Phoenix has two integrated stereo speakers to maximize sound quality, and only weighs two pounds. Just in case you're one of those forgetful types, the Phoenix lets you customize your preferences by bookmarking favorite songs and stations, and retrieves artist and song information from playlists. To connect content creators and Phoenix owners, Com One designed the radio with open technology so content providers can offer "member only" programming straight to Phoenix owners.
Along with the specs above, the radio also includes an alarm clock, eight preset radio station buttons with a search mode, analog outputs, and Bluetooth support with Com One peripherals sold separately. The Phoenix also supports WMA, MP3, WAV, AIFF, and Real Audio formats, and includes a rechargeable battery so you don't have to keep swapping double-A's while you're on the go.
Com One thinks they're on to something here with the Phoenix WiFi/IP, but time will tell if consumers will get excited about another radio when so many other options are available (satellite radio and well, just about any other audio device). But in case the Phoenix really makes your heart flutter, the radio will run you $249. So far, no release date is known, but I can't imagine it missing the holiday season.
Post by Don Reisinger
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November 15, 2006 5:36 PM
This is pretty cool, and I'm not just saying that for obvious reasons. ;)
I could get used to the idea of using my personal shoutcast stream as an actual radio "station" to this device, jamming to my own music places where I wouldn't want my laptop...or using some of my other favorite net radio streams as an alarm clock or a travel clock! (sure beats AM/FM!)
I really dig this idea, and at $249, it's better than a laptop just for music and it's more portable, and the same cost as an iPod. Very very nice. But does it come in matte black? ;)
January 26, 2007 6:38 PM
I am waiting to order one. As a radio junkie (world news and obscure music) this offers me exactly what I'm looking for.
Lots of options from public/private stations around the globe
Clear reception
Portable - Must have - one more reason why I don't sit and wath the boob tube
I'm excited by product and potential, but can't get any response from company. I suppose this is simply vaporware at the moment. Correct?
Folks at One Com - get this baby out! This is the application for my wireless network that I have been waiting for. (All the others have been for my teenagers!)