Engineered Audio LLC introduced itself this week with the introduction of two new products aimed at audio enthusiasts — the Aurius, an FM transmitter designed to work through USB, and the RemoteRemote, an RF (Radio Frequency)-operated remote control for Apple’s iPod.
Aurius sports a USB audio interface that connects to a Macintosh or PC. Equipped with an FM transmitter, the device enables users to play back the audio on their computer through any FM receiver or radio. It’s USB Audio compliant, according to the company, so it’ll work with any audio software — iTunes, for example, or DVD Player. System requirements call for Mac OS X 10.1.5 or higher.
Aurius also features a separate stereo mini-jack (1/8th-inch) line out connector so you can connect it to powered speakers, if you prefer. A discrete mute control lets you quiet the FM transmitter if necessary. The device is powered from the USB bus, and features user-adjustable output frequencies from 88.1MHz to 107.9MHz. You can output mono or stereo signals, as well. Aurius’ operating range is 30-50 feet, according to the developer.
Engineered Audio plans to ship Aurius late this summer and expects to fetch a retail price of US$54.99.
What’s more, Engineered Audio also announced the RemoteRemote, a wireless remote control designed especially for Apple’s iPod. The device eschews Infrared (IR) signals, opting instead to work through Radio Frequency (RF). This means that the RemoteRemote can work around corners and through walls — it doesn’t require line-of-sight like IR products do.
The RemoteRemote transmitter sports a five-button array and measures 2.25 x 1.5 x 0.5 inches. It can operate up to approximately 100 feet away from the iPod, and is powered using a 3v Lithium battery. The receiver, which attaches to the iPod, requires no power of its own; it draws juice off the iPod instead. Engineered Audio notes that the initial version of the RemoteRemote is designed specifically to support Apple’s third-generation iPod, the new 10, 15 and 30GB models designed with the dock connector on the bottom. The company noted plans to support first- and second-generation iPods “very soon,” however.
Like Aurius, RemoteRemote is expected to ship in late summer, and will carry a suggested retail price of $34.99.