Acoustic Energy Internet Radio

We love digital radio - you can flick quickly between channels and there's none of that annoying hiss and crackle. But if you think DAB is good, take a look at this - it's the first Wi-Fi radio we've ever seen and it can play thousands of radio stations from around the world.

Acoustic Energy Internet Radio
We love digital radio - you can flick quickly between channels and there's none of that annoying hiss and crackle. But if you think DAB is good, take a look at this - it's the first Wi-Fi radio we've ever seen and it can play thousands of radio stations from around the world.

The Internet Radio connects to the same Wi-Fi network that your PC uses and once switched on, it automatically detects and connects to your Wi-Fi network. Don't worry if your network is encrypted - as it should be - the Internet Radio supports both WEP and WPA encryption. Although it uses the same Wi-Fi network as your PC, the device doesn't need your computer in any way - it's configured entirely using its own interface and controls.

Once on the internet, the radio connects to a gateway service run by Cambridge-based Reciva to download radio station information. Once it has its station list, you can browse stations either by location (UK, Germany, Australia and so on) or by genre ('talk', 'rock'). There are currently over 2,500 stations to choose from, letting you listen to programs from hundreds of countries in almost every conceivable language. If, however, you get tired of randomly browsing for new music, you can use eight programmable preset buttons to give you instant access to your favourite radio stations.

Although you don't need to switch your PC on to use the Internet Radio, you can use it with your PC if you want to. It can be set up to browse Windows' shared folders and play any music it finds stored there - perfect if you want to listen to MP3s while you're cooking. Sound quality is fine from the radio's headphone socket, but the built-in speaker would benefit from more treble and there are no tone controls.

There were two tiny disappointments. The radio has no Ethernet port, so you can't connect it to a wired network and you can't run it off batteries. These reservations aside, it's a great product and a perfect gift for any expat you know who's pining for Terry Wogan in the morning. If you are buying this as a gift though, it better be for someone you really like, as it's not cheap.

System Specifications
Connection 802.11b/g FOrmats streamed MP3, WMA, Real Audio; local MP3, WMA, OGG, Real Audio & WAV files Other WEP and WPA support, 3-line display, 10 Station presets SIZE 180 x 125 x 125mm
Verdict
Listen to thousands of radio stations from all around the world - without having to switch your PC on. Listen to radio stations from all over the world anywhere in your house with this great product.
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