Korus V400 and V600 Wireless Speakers

Korus announced two wireless speakers, models V400 and the larger V600, which offer CD quality sound without drops, pops and lag associated with existing wireless speakers. The Korus speakers are powered by SKAA, a wireless audio protocol that provides superior signal connections with near zero latency for crystal clear audio playback. No wireless network is needed, but you’ll need to use a USB, 30-pin or Lightning baton transmitter that plugs into your mobile device or computer. An Android-compatible Baton audio transmitter is expected to be released in 2014. The Korus premium wireless speaker system can also expand and play the same song simultaneously on up to four speakers.

“Korus is designed to blend a superior wireless audio signal with a state-of-the-art acoustic architecture, for a TRUE high fidelity, premium audio experience that is head and shoulders above speaker systems using other wireless protocols,” said Rob Halligan, VP of Group Marketing and Strategy for the Technology Solutions Group of Nortek, Inc. “The highly disruptive nature of the Korus premium wireless speaker system comes from an unparalleled ease–of-use, eliminating the need for tedious and complicated pairing or network password logins. Korus delivers a much more stable and reliable wireless audio connection for even a long distance signal without pops or drops and signal failures common with other wireless protocols, and the flexibility to stream audio to up to 4 speakers either simultaneously or from separate streaming devices.” Halligan continued, “These attributes, coupled with the fact that Korus works with music plus movies and games, which are now being played wirelessly through the whole home, means Korus clearly changes the landscape — and raises the bar — for what is considered a modern wireless speaker system.”

Leading technology analyst Patrick Moorhead, of Moor Insights & Strategy, said, “With SKAA, the Korus premium wireless speaker system provides synchronized, reliable and exceptional sound quality for the first time in a portable, wireless speaker system. It is true consumer electronics innovation that has the potential to surpass not only BlueTooth but also proprietary systems such as Sonos and Airplay. And, it far surpasses WiFi because it is portable and can work instantaneously with most any mobile device.”

With Korus you can hear all your favorite music, videos and games right from your device on up to four speakers throughout your home and patio, or in any location up to 65 feet or more. Korus requires no wireless network, and is compatible with all of your favorite applications used every day, such as Netflix, Pandora, YouTube, Hulu, and games like Gameloft’s Iron Man 3 – The Official Game or Battery Acid Games’ Highway Rider, plus music using iTunes, Pandora, or any other music player or service. Initial rollout of Korus will be compatible with iOS devices (iPad, iPhone, iPod), Macintosh, and Windows 8 laptops, PCs, and tablets.

Korus’ premium technology is based on SKAA, an improved wireless audio protocol that offers consistent and reliable signal connections without latency issues. Korus speakers with SKAA transmit superior sound quality up to 480Kbps (compared to 201Kbps as is typical for Bluetooth enabled devices). SKAA is transmitted on the 2.4GHZ ISM radio band and uses a patented Walking Frequency Diversity protocol that effectively detects conflicts and “hops” out of the way, preventing drops and pops. SKAA has a latency (lag time from a source device) of only 40ms (milliseconds) as opposed to 120ms typical for Bluetooth.

Price and Availability (Fall 2013)
Korus V600 (available for $399)
Korus V400 (available for $299)