AirPort Express Takes iTunes Wireless

iTunes has taken to the airwaves. Apple's new AirPort Express -- an 802.11g mobile base station -- provides the usual wireless Internet and printing that
customers have come to expect from the AirPort, but with a twist: it
broadcasts music.

AirPort Express performs in harmony with Apple's new AirTunes software to let users stream music throughout their homes within a working range of 150 feet. For whatever reason, if that distance does not satisfy consumer needs, multiple AirPorts can be daisy chained together to extend the reach of AirTunes.

Apple claims that with its system, remote speakers are automatically detected so that audiophiles pining to test out their latest 5.1 surround sound or laggards with vintage analog equipment can easily choose their playback device from a pop-up list.

The AirPort Express will hit store shelves in July, retailing for $129 USD, and only requires iTunes 4.6, which will be released later this week. AirTunes synchronizes with the iTunes music library and is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X versions of the software.

"This innovative Apple product 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," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

Jobs is not the only industry bigwig with music on the mind. During his keynote address at CES 2004 last January, Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates announced plans
for Media Center Extender.

Media Center Extender transforms Windows XP Media Center Edition into a veritable hub for digital entertainment, by streaming media to set top boxes, televisions and the Xbox gaming console.