Oh My, Play-Fi Is Hi-Fi Over Wi-Fi for Android Devices

For Android users who are weary of not getting any AirPlay love, there’s Play-Fi. Play-Fi is a technology that streams “pure, lossless audio” wirelessly using a standard Wi-Fi network. The basic technology can be built into a variety of devices – AVRs, TVs, speaker docks, etc. – and can stream audio to multiple rooms simultaneously (and in sync) or independently with different sources for different devices. Since it uses the existing Wi-Fi network in your home without any proprietary variations, a Play-Fi connected system is extremely easy to set up and does not require special logins or lengthy computer-based wizard-driven setup processes.

The system is controlled through a free Android Play-Fi app. Being based on the Android OS means that in addition to typical Android smartphones and tablets, you can also use the Kindle Fire as a music source and controller for a Play-Fi system. Non-Android devices with built-in Bluetooth can still be used as sources of audio via Bluetooth, although multiroom audio streaming and lossless audio transmission are not supported when using Bluetooth.

Play-Fi is the name of the basic technology, so you won’t find Play-Fi-branded speakers or docks. Phorus is one of the first companies to release Play-Fi-enabled gear, specifically the PS1 Speaker ($199) and the PR1 Receiver ($149). The PS1 amplified desktop speaker includes a USB connector cable for charging your portable device. The PR1 Receiver can be used as a wireless source with AVRs or amplified speakers. Look for other Play-Fi-enabled products in the near future.

COMMENTS
Ztatic's picture

I'm pleased to be developing and ultimately producing the new, built-from-scratch KLH Model Nine under the auspices of KLH Audio. The New Nine will have numerous improvements over the original. In the meantime, JansZen Audio can make available several pairs of meticulously refurbished and updated KLH Model Nines from our stock of originals.

X