SoniqCast’s Aireo 2 is a 20GB MP3 player that, on outward appearances, looks indistinguishable from a number of iPod clones that have flooded the market in recent months. But Aireo 2 sets itself apart by combining portable music storage and playback with 802.11b-based wireless networking as well. Users can download music over the Wi-Fi connection and access audio content including news, weather, finance and sports through content service providers. A hot spot locator lets users find Wi-Fi connections as they move. And a full-band FM transmitter lets users play their Aireo 2 songs from their car stereo.
The Aireo 2 features a 2.3-inch backlit LCD display and USB 2.0 interface. It measures 2.6 x 4.1 x .74 inches and weighs 6.3 ounces. It plays MP3, WMA and WAV audio formats. Aireo 2 includes SonicSync — audio content management software for Windows PCs; no Mac software was available at the time this article was posted. SoniqCast is seeking OEM partners interesting in shipping their own branded version of the product — pricing was not available.