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Apple introduces AirPort Express, AirTunes
June 7, 2004 - 13:02 PDT
Apple today introduced AirPort Express, "the world's first 802.11g mobile base station that can be plugged directly into the wall for wireless Internet connections and USB printing, or thrown into a laptop bag to bring wireless freedom to hotel rooms with broadband connections." Airport Express also features analog and digital audio outputs that can be connected to a stereo and new AirTunes music networking software that wirelessly streams music to any room in the house.
"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," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs. "This innovative Apple product 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."
AirTunes works "seamlessly" with iTunes to let users easily create a wireless music network in their home. According to Apple, iTunes 4.6 automatically detects remote speakers and displays them in a pop-up list for the user to select. Once the remote speakers are selected, AirTunes wirelessly streams the iTunes music from the computer to the AirPort Express base station.
AirTunes music is encoded to protect it from theft and uses Apple's lossless compression technology. AirPort Express provides a range of up to 150 feet, and multiple AirPort Express base stations can be bridged together to send music to extended areas.
AirPort Express offers both Mac and PC users the ability to share a single DSL or cable broadband account with up to 10 simultaneous users and a single USB printer with multiple users. It also offers WiFi Protected Access (WPA), 128-bit encryption and a built-in firewall.
AirPort Express features a single piece ultra-compact design (6.7 ounces) and is expected to be available in July for US$129. AirTunes requires the next version of iTunes (iTunes 4.6), which is expected to be available later this week as a free download.
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