Apple Computer unveiled Monday a $129 device that acts as both a portable wireless base station and a way to stream music throughout the home.
The AirPort Express, due in July, features both analog and digital music outputs to connect to speakers or sound systems. The device also plugs directly into a wall outlet, with no need for additional cables or power adapters, which Apple said should make it appealing to travelers as well as those who want to stream music in their homes. Like Apple"s existing AirPort Extreme products, the Express uses the 802.11g wireless standard. Music is streamed from an iTunes equipped PC or Mac using a technology Apple is calling AirTunes.
"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," Apple CEO Steve Jobs said in a statement. The product, he said, "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."