Pioneer launches 'Wi-Fi Hi-Fi' range of speakers

Pioneer's three new speaker models will provide wireless networking to connect with a broad range of devices.

Describing the range as a step towards "new school audio" and citing mobile connectivity as a major component of its ongoing strategy, Pioneer has launched a range of wireless speakers that have a strong focus on being able to connect to a wide range of devices.

The range is comprised of the flagship XW-SMA4, the portable XW-SMA3 and the entry level XW-SMA. They use Wi-Fi rather than Bluetooth for music streaming; AirPlay is built-in for iOS devices, while Android (and other) users can utilise a Wireless Direct connection. Wired USB and aux-in connections are also still supported.

If multiple speakers from the range are on the same home wireless network, multiple music sources can easily be played across different speakers by using the Apple Remote App.

Pioneer has also worked with smartphone manufacturer HTC to be the first AV partner to have HTC Connect certification included on all three speakers in the new range. HTC Connect is a simple method of streaming audio from HTC phones to certified devices, broadly similar in its scope to Apple's popular AirPlay. HTC Connect is DLNA-based, but the company has said that it expects to broaden the standard to include other connectivity options, such as Bluetooth and NFC.

Pioneer is the first to market with HTC Connect ready devices, which will include much of its AV receiver range, in addition to the range of wireless speakers launched today.

The XW-SMA1 and 3 have two 3-inch mid-range drivers: a 1-inch tweeter and a central bass reflex port; while the XW-SMA4 adds a second tweeter and a 4-inch subwoofer for deeper bass. According to Tony Trent, group product and marketing manager at Pioneer Australia, all three of the range had their drivers "redesigned completely" by the renowned sound engineer Andrew Jones.

As mentioned before, the XW-SMA3 is the portable device in the new group, adding a water resistant housing and a battery pack. Trent said that users can expect a battery life of six hours at half volume and four hours at full volume.

The XW-SMA 4 and 3 are both priced at AU$499, with the XW-SMA1 coming in at AU$399. They will all be available in usual retailers from mid-September.

A Pioneer-produced video demonstrating the products can be viewed below: