By Patrick Avenell
Xtreme Mac will soon launch its first AirPlay speaker and TDK Life On Record is looking to emulate the success of its Bluetooth speakers – that's the big news from Imation, owner of both brands, in the lead up to Christmas 2012.
As a special and exclusive product preview for Current.com.au, Imation showcased the new products it hopes will capture the Christmas market.
Imation's first AirPlay speaker is the XtremeMac Tango Air. At RRP $349, it will be one of the more affordable AirPlay speakers on the market. There's no manual dock on this unit but there is a line-in so users of non-Apple smartphones and tablets can still playback their tunes. This speaker can stand both horizontally and vertically. Audio is in 2.1 configuration with two midrange, two tweeters and a subwoofer.
Designed to cater for all smartphone and tablet brands, as well as Apple's products, the XtremeMac Soma (RRP $99) has a rechargeable battery for 6 hours of mobile playback. This model has 2×2-watt total output. Just like Apple products, these speakers are designed in America and assembled in China.
The second generation TDK Life On Record Wireless Boombox (A73, RRP $299) does away with the guitar-in line, the dock and the equaliser graphic display, and hence costs $400 less than its predecessor. It still has Bluetooth playback, a rechargeable battery, remote control and USB charging.
The new TDK Sound Cube (V513, RRP $249) has also become more affordable, down from the previous model's $499 price point. This unit retains its 360-degree sound output, remote control and Bluetooth playback, though once again there is no dock. This model is mains power only – there is no battery option.