Palo Alto, Calif.-based digital media product maker Roku announced Monday that its SoundBridge network music player now ships with free Wi-Fi connectivity. Wireless networking was previously a US$50 option for the device. SoundBridge streams digital music and Internet radio from computers — including Macs — to powered speaker systems or stereo systems. Unlike Apple’s own AirPort Express device, the SoundBridge incorporates a florescent display and a remote control that enables users to view information on artists and playlists and change the music they’re listening to. The SoundBridge supports MP3, AAC, AIFF and WAV audio file formats, and it also plays directly from iTunes without needing any additional software to work (though it isn’t able to play FairPlay-encrypted music purchased through the iTunes Music Store). The SoundBridge is available in M1000 and M2000 models, for US$249.99 and $499.99 respectively.
Roku is offering some special deals to SoundBridge users who have already purchased systems before today — they can get a Roku-tested Wi-Fi card, get $100 off another SoundBridge or Roku’s HD1000 high-definition digital media player, or get a $50 refund. Details have been posted online.