Bowers & Wilkins on Thursday launched the Zeppelin Wireless, marking the now comparatively rare addition of another AirPlay device to the speaker market.
Unlike its predecessor, the Air, the Wireless lacks a Lightning dock, making it completely reliant on wireless input beyond a 3.5-millimeter jack and an Ethernet port. Aside from AirPlay however, the speaker also supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, and Spotify Connect.
Bass is provided by a 50-watt, 6-inch subwoofer. This is flanked by two 1-inch tweeters and two 3.5-inch midrange drivers, all four of which are rated at 25 watts each. An upgraded digital signal processor automatically converts to 24-bit, 192-kilohertz sound.
In keeping with the wireless philosophy, setup and firmware updates are handled via the Bowers & Wilkins Control app, which can also be used to handle volume levels and playback. Basic volume and play/pause buttons are present on the speaker itself.
The Zeppelin Wireless is already on sale in the U.K. for £499. The U.S. version will cost $699, but is not yet ready to order online. The product should reach retail stores on Oct. 15.