Today, Bose announced a series of new audio products and software enhancements to its SoundTouch Wi-Fi music line. Not only are we getting hardware in the form of new one-piece and home theater/stereo systems, but also enhanced app and music service support.
The previously European-only Deezer music service made its way to the Sonos platform last month, and now it will be joining Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Pandora on Bose systems. The Bose mobile app updates come in the way of simplified mobile set-ups, enhanced song search and customizable frequency control among other things.
Head below for more details on the new app integration and what Bose calls “the most comprehensive Wi-Fi music system line available” with as many as 10 new SoundTouch Wi-Fi music systems:
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First, Bose is launching updated models of its SoundTouch 30, 20 and Portable one-piece systems today. The new Series II SoundTouch speakers will continue to offer “the highest quality audio for Wi-Fi speakers of their size,” according to Bose, and will, for the first time ship in black (seen above).
…the SoundTouch™ 30 Series II system is Bose’s best-performing one-piece offering, the SoundTouch™ 20 Series II system delivers rich, room-filling sound, and the SoundTouch™ Portable Series II system uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery so it can be used in and around the home.
The new SoundTouch Series II speakers carry the same price as current models at $699 for the 30 and $399 a piece for the 20 and Portable. All three are available starting today at Bose.com and authorized Bose dealers.
Bose is also bringing SoundTouch streaming integration into its home theater options with the new Lifestyle Series III home entertainment systems and three new CineMate sound bar systems. The Series III Lifestyles will also come in 3 variations starting at $2,599, and the CineMate set-ups start at $1,099 (but require the $99 SoundTouch adapter).
The new SoundTouch Stereo JC Series II Wi-Fi premium stereo system comes in at $1,199. According to Bose, it “delivers deep, detailed sound and crisp vocals” from the two Jewel Cube Series II speakers and Acoustimass module. This time you’ll get a premium SoundTouch adapter included for wireless streaming. The new Lifestyle, Cinemate and SoundTouch Stereo systems are available today at Bose.com.
Along with updated search and the frequency/bass control feature mentioned above, Bose says its app integration is even easier than ever with “a more streamlined setup process that can now be done wirelessly from your tablet or phone.” The company also has full AirPlay support to its SoundTouch music systems for streaming content from iPhone, iPad and iPod. Expect to see the updates go live later this month on October 10th.
Full Press Release below:
BOSE EXPANDS SOUNDTOUCH™ WI-FI® MUSIC SYSTEM LINE
New Products, Music Services and Functionality For The Most Effortless Wi-Fi Music Systems Ever
October 2, 2014 — Bose is building on its SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi® music system promise: to put all your music in one place, and let you play it wirelessly and effortlessly throughout the home. Unlike other Wi-Fi music systems, SoundTouch™ systems are simple, friendly and intuitive, letting you stream music in the easiest way available today — at the touch of a button.
Announced today, new one-piece, home theater and stereo systems join the SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi line-up. Deezer™, Spotify® and iHeartRadio® join Pandora® as compatible music services. And an enhanced app manages it all with new functionality, including stored music searches and an improved wireless setup process from your phone or tablet.
SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi systems maintain their effortless operation. Set six presets for instant listening, or control everything from the gadget of your choice. Access 20,000 Internet radio stations from around the world, music services, and playlists from your personal library — all at your fingertips. Start with one SoundTouch™ system, add more when you want, and stream the same music everywhere or different music in different rooms. SoundTouch™ systems connect directly to the Internet, and there’s no extra equipment required.
“SoundTouch Wi-Fi systems are made for everyone,” said Santiago Carvajal, category business manager for Bose Home Music Systems. “Wi-Fi music systems shouldn’t be intimidating or complicated. They should be so easy to use and so intuitive that you can’t imagine listening to your music any other way. This has always been the idea behind Bose SoundTouch systems, and now they’ve just gotten better.”
New SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi® Systems: More Options For More Listening Bose is adding 10 new SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi® music systems, creating the most comprehensive Wi-Fi music system line available with options for indoors and out. All SoundTouch™ systems work seamlessly together and communicate wirelessly through walls and floors.
• The second-generation one-piece SoundTouch™ systems still offer the highest quality audio for Wi-Fi speakers of their size: the SoundTouch™ 30 Series II system is Bose’s best-performing one-piece offering, the SoundTouch™ 20 Series II system delivers rich, room-filling sound, and the SoundTouch™ Portable Series II system uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery so it can be used in and around the home. All come in two colors: White, and, for the first time, Black.
• The new Lifestyle® Series III home entertainment systems and a new CineMate® line of home theater products, including three sound bar options, are now SoundTouch™ compatible. With more affordable options, wireless listening can now be done with the full impact of Bose® cinematic sound.
• The new SoundTouch™ Stereo JC Series II Wi-Fi® music system is a premium standalone stereo music system. It delivers deep, detailed sound and crisp vocals from two sleek, redesigned Jewel Cube® Series II speakers and an Acoustimass® module. A premium SoundTouch™ controller is also included, providing easy access to basic functions and presets.
All SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi Systems: More Music Services, Six Presets, A Better App SoundTouch™ systems integrate Pandora® and three new music services: Deezer, with on-demand listening to over 35 million songs — and instant set-up through an auto-account creation in the SoundTouch™ app; Spotify Connect, which lets you access the latest Spotify® features via the Spotify App — and play music on any SoundTouch™ system; and iHeartRadio®, providing its lineup of live radio stations and the ability to create your own. Each is integrated to be one touch away through six presets that can be set and changed for personalization and spontaneity. Set one for your backyard barbeque, another for your children, holiday parties, sports or talk radio, favorite artist — even a music service playlist.
The improved SoundTouch™ app offers a more streamlined setup process that can now be done wirelessly from your tablet or phone. It lets you find artists and songs in your music library quickly with a new search function, and adjusts the low frequencies to your liking with a new bass control feature. For added flexibility, SoundTouch™ music systems are also AirPlay® enabled to stream content from an iPad®, iPhone®, or iPod touch®.
“Music is at the heart of almost everything we do,” said Carvajal. “So we asked ourselves why the world wasn’t playing it more at home. Like so many things, it’s become too complicated and SoundTouch systems change that. We put all your music in one place. You control it in the easiest way available, and personalize it for what you love and how you live.”
New music services and functionality will continue to be added regularly, and all software updates are free. Bose® SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi® music systems are supported by the Bose® Customer Experience Center, the most knowledgeable, dedicated and helpful service team in the industry.
Pricing and Availability Each new SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi® system will be available in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific through Bose retail stores, Bose.com, authorized Bose dealers and toll-free at 1-800-444-BOSE (2673) beginning October 2, 2014. New music services and enhanced app functionality are available beginning October 10, 2014, via software upgrades for all existing SoundTouch™ systems.
The SoundTouch™ 30 Series II Wi-Fi® music system will be sold for $699, the SoundTouch™ 20 Series II Wi-Fi® music system for $399, and SoundTouch™ Portable Series II Wi-Fi® music system for $399. Pricing for Lifestyle® home entertainment systems starts at $2,599. Pricing for CineMate® home theater systems starts at $1,099; CineMate® systems require a SoundTouch™ adapter, sold separately for $99. The SoundTouch™ Stereo JC Series II Wi-Fi® music system will be sold for $1,199.
Additional details on all Bose® SoundTouch™ systems can be found at Bose.com.
About Bose Corporation Bose Corporation was founded in 1964 by Dr. Amar G. Bose, then a professor of electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 2014, Bose celebrates its 50th anniversary as the most respected name in sound. The company remains driven by its founding principles, investing in long-term research with one fundamental goal: to develop new technologies with real customer benefits. Bose® innovations have spanned decades and industries, creating and transforming categories in audio and beyond. Bose products for the home, in the car, on the go and in public spaces have become iconic. From the company’s home entertainment systems and Wave® music systems, to high-quality audio and noise cancelling headphones, digital music systems, Bluetooth® speakers and professional solutions, Bose has changed the way people listen to music.
Bose Corporation is privately held. The company’s spirit of invention, passion for excellence, and commitment to extraordinary customer experiences can be found around the world — everywhere Bose does business.
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