pandora radio

[J. Kevin Robbins]

With all the geeks and gadget freaks on here, this seems like a good place to ask. I want to purchase a receiver for Pandora radio and feed a set of wireless, outdoor speakers. A must-have feature is the ability to control the receiver with my Android tablet or an Android phone. I want to be able to change playlists or adjust volume while sitting by the pool and not have to go in the house.

Does anyone have a setup like this that they are happy with? Suggestions on wireless, outdoor speakers are also welcome.

[Jared Malcolm]

Why not just get a Bluetooth Receiver (Logitech Wireless Speaker Adapter for Bluetooth Audio Devices) as they are relatively inexpensive and it will allow you to use your Tablet OR Phone depending on what you are using at the time...

[J. Kevin Robbins]

That looks like a good possibility. For the price, it's worth a shot, but isn't bluetooth limited to a range of about 6 to 10 feet? I may need something that runs on the wireless network instead of bluetooth.

[Jared Malcolm]

Jk Robbins wrote:That looks like a good possibility. For the price, it's worth a shot, but isn't bluetooth limited to a range of about 6 to 10 feet? I may need something that runs on the wireless network instead of bluetooth.

Up to 33ft if I remember correctly. For me the key to BT sounding good is make sure there is nothing between the source and the receiver...

[Tim Holloway]

From what I've seen, the Boxee system might be one of the better units to actually do the grunt work. I'm excited about the new $74 Android "gum stick" system, though. At the moment it's sold out and initial feedback has yet to be reported. Some people are concerned that it might not be up to the task of adequate heat dissipation.

My Bluetooth fades out just about the time I get to the front of the house, which is a brick wall and about 25 feet. Unfortunately, so does the crappy Motorola WiFi router. At least I don't have much to worry about from wardrivers!

So if I was setting up something right now for use with my Android phone, I'd probably write a small tcp/ip android app that connected (directly or indirectly) to something in the Boxee box (or a Chumby or whatever). I'm pretty sure Boxee is hackable Linux and there's a good chance that they'd have the LIRC remote-control subsystem to hook into.

[Pat Farrell]

You need a SqueezeBox. I've been a big fan of what used to be SlimDevices SqueezeBox line for years.
They have a Radio model that is a small mono radio with very good sound quality, uses WiFi or Ethernet, controllable by smartphones.
They also have a Boombox, which is stereo and has amazing good sound.

Logitech bought out SlimDevices, so search for Logitech Boombox.

Highly recommended.

p.s. they also talk to a server, which runs on any computer, Windows, Mac or Linux, for streaming your own music collection

[Tim Holloway]

Yep, Squeezebox is another one I've been looking at for quite a while.

[Pat Farrell]

I'm not sure how many Squeezeboxen that I've had over the years. I had three of the original SB1, then a Duet, then a Transporter, Boom, Radio and Touch.

[J. Kevin Robbins]

The Squeezebox Touch looks promising, but I don't see where it can be controlled with an Android device. The Radio model doesn't appear to have audio out ports, so that won't work. The Boombox seems to be designed strictly for iPods. Being able to stream my music collection would be a huge plus.

Pat, can you confirm that the Touch is controllable from an Android device?

[Pat Farrell]

The Radio doesn't have audio out because its has an amp and speaker. Its all you need.

There are control apps for iPhone and Android. I don't use them. I use my computer and a browser, there has been complete control from any browser since release 1.

There is a huge user support community. Go to http://forums.slimdevices.com/

Sadly, Logitech bought the line from SlimDevices, and they have no idea what to do with it. Same as the Google TV they released. I love Logitech's mice, but they are clueless about how to sell complex products.

[Pat Farrell]

Jk Robbins wrote:The Boombox seems to be designed strictly for iPods. Being able to stream my music collection would be a huge plus.

You have the wrong boom. This is the one:
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Squeezebox-Network-Player-Internet/dp/B001DJ64D4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1337969046&sr=1-1

The Touch is designed to be touched. It has a touch interface, just like a smart phone.

But it can be remotely controlled like all the rest of the line.