Register Hardware

Original URL: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/10/26/griffin_evolve_wireless_ipod/

Griffin evolves wireless music

By James Sherwood
Published Friday 26th October 2007 13:53 GMT

Audio company Griffin has started shipping its Evolve wireless sound system for iPods, letting users wirelessly wander their homes with miniature ghetto-blaster speakers at their sides.

Griffin
Griffin's Evolve wireless sound system

Evolve consists of a base station, with built-in docking stations for two cube-shaped wireless speakers and a dock for a range of iPod models, including the Touch and 3rd generation Nano.

Music’s broadcast to the speakers over the 900MHz band – the same used by mobile phones in the UK – but Griffin told us it will adapt the product accordingly for the UK, so as not to fall foul of Ofcom’s regulations.

However, the wireless function means users can position the speakers anywhere they like in a room, up to a maximum distance of 150 feet. Griffin also claims they can be taken into other rooms without walls damaging the signal quality.

Since the speakers, which have moulded carrying handles, are wireless, two users could have a speaker each and use them in different rooms - although their music tastes would have to be similar.

Each speaker also has an internal battery for 10 hours of continuous play. While a mains power cable hooks into the docking station’s rear, where there’s also audio in/out, video out and s-video jacks.

Volume control, power on and sound adjustment controls are found on the iPod docking base and the thrown-in radio frequency remote control, which Griffin claims works through walls, controls all the system’s functions.

Griffin's Evolve wireless sound system is currently only being sold through US retailer Best Buy, for $300 (£150/€170). A UK version will hit our shelves in February.