14 DAY TRIAL // Tablets and smartphones all have their own means of producing sound, but it's one thing to relay voice calls and another to make music or films sound good. D-Link decided that you shouldn't be forced to deal with the default audio hardware.
D-Link deals in loads of wireless devices, but this time, it isn't a Wi-Fi router or anything else of the sort meant to establish or extend a network connection. Instead, we're looking at something a fair bit more specialized.
Which is to say, D-Link has introduced a wireless audio extender, called Wi-Fi Audio Extender DCH-M225 and made for both smartphones and tablets.
It will allow those mobile devices to stream audio to any speaker or home stereo you might own. Even those that don't have Wi-Fi of their own. And they don't really need USB either.
You see, the Wi-Fi Audio Extender ships with a receiver that plugs inside a standard 3.5mm audio jack. You know, the kind that every sound-capable playback device tends to have these days.
The Wi-Fi technology employed here is the 300 Mbps 2.4 GHz band, Wireless N as it is otherwise known. It can even bounce wireless signals off walls and ceilings, going around obstacles of all sorts.
And because it can be linked to any router brands in the world, at the touch of a button (the WPS button, Wi-Fi protected setup), even the most technologically uninterested people can easily get it to work for them.
It wasn't that long ago that you still had to install drivers and/or apps, or connect to a server/cloud or other in order to enable your device's proper operation.
So what, exactly, are the core features, you may ask. Besides the ones already specified anyway. For one thing, we've got DLNA/AirPlay support, allowing you to perform the core ability of streaming the content of a phone or tablet.
Secure Wireless Encryption is the other. WPA and WPA2 security are employed to make sure not just anyone can steal bandwidth off your device. All for the price of $49.99 / €49.99.
"What sets the Wi-Fi Audio Extender apart from many others on the market is that it uses Wi-Fi rather than Bluetooth technology for higher quality audio and better range throughout the house. Music lovers expect clear sound quality, and this product delivers," said Ken Loyd, director of consumer product marketing, D-Link Systems, Inc.
"For added convenience, it also boosts Wi-Fi coverage in hard-to-reach areas like backyards, basements and upstairs bedrooms, ensuring a great listening experience no matter where you are in the home."