Do you have a stack of speakers or stereo system at home collecting dust due to their inability to wirelessly connect to your digital music collection? The folks at Motorola have decided it’s time to modernize your antiquated audio system with the release of a portable wireless adapter called Moto Stream, which brings wireless audio streaming capabilities to older units.
The Moto Stream connects to a stereo either via a 3.5 mm to RCA connector cord that is included with the package, or via a 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm connector cord, which will need to be purchased separately. Power is supplied by a micro USB wall charger that is included with the device.
Measuring 57 x 60 x 69 mm (H x W x D) and weighing 100 g (3.5 oz), the Moto Stream is slightly smaller than a tennis ball, making it small enough to be hidden away when not in use. However, its front five facets which light up to indicate connectivity of up to five devices at once suggest it also doesn't mind being looked at either.
Each of the connected devices is able to stream music to the Moto Stream whenever they’re connected, either starting a new session or, through 'heist mode," interrupting the track already playing. Because of this multi-device connectivity, the Moto Stream could prove a hit at parties.
The device is compatible with mobile devices running iOS, Android or Windows operating systems, and if you have a smartphone with NFC, tapping it against the Moto Stream will connect it automatically. If your device lacks NFC, such as an iPhone, you can connect via Bluetooth in the standard way via the device’s Bluetooth settings. The Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity provides a wireless range of up to 300 ft (91 m).
The functionality of the Moto Stream could be likened to an audio-only version of media streamers like the Nexus Q or Apple TV, which allow streaming of audio, video, and photos to televisions lacking in-built Smart TV capabilities. With its device, Motorola is offering a more economical option for those consumers who are only interested in audio rather than full media streaming capabilities.
The Moto Stream is available now in the US for US$49.99. Motorola's international release plans remain unknown.
Motorola introduces the Moto Stream in the following promo video.
Source: Motorola
