Pioneer announced two iPod speaker docks called Music Tap, both of which are compatible with Apple AirPlay, models X-SMC3-S Music Tap and X-SMC4-K Elite Music Tap. Both versions are almost identical, but the Elite model adds built-in Bluetooth, a two-year warranty and is said to be evaluated and tuned by Andrew Jones, Pioneer's Director of Speaker Engineering.
The Music Tap systems are “Made for iPhone and iPod” and come with an integrated pop-out dock for playback and charging. Both music systems are equipped with a 2-channel digital amplifier and dual full range drivers in a passive radiator enclosure.
In addition, both offer an auxiliary input for connecting other audio devices with a mini jack (headphone) output as well as a front USB port. Each system can be controlled via included remote control or with an iPhone app.
Music Tap systems offer music lovers more ways to access and enjoy their music throughout their entire home regardless of where or how the music is stored. With AirPlay, enthusiasts have complete access, control and playback of their entire iTunes music library through their Music Tap system connected to the home network, wirelessly or using Ethernet. Both Music Taps feature built-in WiFi to enable wireless music connection using AirPlay, DLNA 1.5, vTuner Internet radio, Pioneer's proprietary AirJam app for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad and a 2.5-inch full-color LCD display.
AirPlay Connectivity
- Music Tap systems enable users to quickly and easily enjoy all their music content with song information and album art simultaneously displayed on a connected monitor/TV. AirPlay requires iTunes 10.1 or later, or iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod touch (2nd, 3rd or 4th generation) with iOS 4.2 or later. Using Apple's Remote app on iPad, iPhone or iPod touch also enables users to control, browse and access their iTunes music library on a Mac or PC and play it through Music Tap.
- Connection to Music Streaming Services — In addition to the music saved in an iTunes library, the Music Tap systems support AirPlay-enabled apps like PANDORA Internet radio, iHeartRadio and other music streaming service apps, giving consumers access to a virtually endless playlist.
- Crystal Clear Sound — Music Tap's Apple Lossless capability ensures that users will always enjoy high-quality audio with no degradation in sound quality when listening to music encoded with this high-resolution format.
- Music Throughout The Home — Music Tap works with an AirPlay-enabled Pioneer AV receiver for music in any room of the house. Using iTunes 10.1 or later on a Mac or PC, users can wirelessly stream their music to multiple Music Tap systems throughout the home.
Additional Network Features
- DLNA 1.5 Certified — Music Tap's DLNA 1.5 Certification allows consumers to stream their music wirelessly via a home network from any DLNA 1.5 Certified device. Users can conveniently enjoy high-resolution audio playback with support for FLAC and WAV files from DLNA certified networked device in the home.
- vTuner — Pioneer adds vTuner Internet radio to Music Tap for endless music entertainment. With vTuner, users have access to more than 16,000 Internet radio stations around the world. From the on-screen display, users can choose from different genres, station locations or simply search for specific stations.
- Air Jam — Pioneer's free Air Jam app connects up to four Apple devices via Bluetooth (Elite model only) to create a collective playlist for playback on Music Tap. Once linked, each user can cue songs from their own music libraries to create the shared playlist. Each connected device also displays the list of songs added by all users and which device a song plays from.
Price and Availability
Both Music Tap systems will be available to consumers in October 2011:
See more about: iPod Docks, AirPlay, Speaker Docks, Pioneer Docks
