iLounge

By Dennis Lloyd

Publisher, iLounge
Published: Monday, January 5, 2004
News Category: iPod Accessories

Press Release:

San Francisco, CA - MacWorld Expo - January 6th, 2004 - XtremeMac, the premier accessory manufacturer for Apple Computer’s iPod, is proud to announce it will be debuting and demonstrating the first and only extended distance, high-fidelity, wireless audio streaming technology at MacWorld San Francisco, January 6th through the 10th.

XtremeMac will be demonstrating high-fidelity, stereo, wireless audio streaming from an audio source such as the iPod to a device at line-of-sight distances in excess of 300 feet. The core technology, developed by XtremeMac’s technology partner, Infinite Range Technologies, is based upon Class 1, Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) Bluetooth standards.

XtremeMac is developing a number of products based upon this exclusive technology. The first such product will pair compact transmitter and receiver units and al low the user to stream wireless audio from a source such as an iPod or computer to a remotely located playback device such as a home or car stereo, wireless headphones, or portable speakers. The transmitter is battery operated and small enough to be comfortably carried as an iPod accessory. The product is expected to be available in Spring 2004.

Unlike mainstream Bluetooth audio solutions which are low-quality, short-range solutions designed for applications such as cell phone headsets, XtremeMac’s solution exploits the power of the A2DP Class 1 Bluetooth specification to deliver high-quality, long- range, stereo wireless audio for the first time ever.

“XtremeMac believes that this technology is the most significant advance in audio since the iPod and iTunes,” said Gary Bart, President and CEO of XtremeMac. “Most of the companies looking to enter this arena are basing their products on Class 2 Bluetooth technology, restricting them to distances of 20 to 30 feet line-of- sight. We exceed 300 feet! This allows the user, in normal indoor environments, to have the power to transmit high-quality audio wirelessly throughout a household while our competitors will be stuck in one room.”

“What’s truly exciting about this technology is the wireless world that will be opened up to the user as more and more companies come out with products that will incorporate this technology,” said Mr. Bart. “This mean’s that XtremeMac’s transmitter, which can be connected to the iPod, a home computer, or any other audio source, will be compatible with all A2DP compliant playback devices, such as Bluetooth enabled car stereos, wireless headphones, and more. Tripping over wires or dealing with the limited bandwidth and quality of car FM transmitters for the iPod will be a thing of the past.”

For a demonstration of this amazing new technology, visit XtremeMac at MacWorld Expo in San Francisco’s Moscone Center, booth 2137, January 6th through the 10th.