AppleInsider Staff
Accessories maker Belkin is working on a wireless audio adapter that supports Apple's AirPlay 2 protocol, potentially offering a worthy successor to the defunct AirPort Express, according to a new leak.
Protocol reporter Janko Roettgers in a tweet presented schematics of the supposed device taken from a Federal Communications Commission filing published earlier in February.
According to the document, Belkin's adapter will be marketed as "SoundForm Connect" and includes support for AirPlay 2. The unit will pipe incoming wireless audio to speakers and other devices via a 3.5mm jack or optical digital audio cable. A USB-C port likely powers the device, though it could also be used convert digital audio signals to analog.
"SoundForm Connect" could be worth a look for users lamenting the demise of Apple's AirPort Express base station, which offered AirPlay 2 streaming through an analog/digital output jack.
Introduced in 2018, AirPlay 2 enables iPhone, iPad, Mac and other devices to stream audio to multiple speakers in different rooms. The improvement over first-generation AirPlay also cuts down on audio lag, integrates Siri controls, enhances HomePod functionality and allows users to also sync output throughout a home.
HomeKit integration is a major AirPlay 2 feature that enables device access and control — including scenes — from the Home app.
The FCC listing does not mention a release date. Pricing could be around $120, according to retail listings uncovered by Roettgers.
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11 Comments
I’d really like to see hardwired Ethernet support. I have a good wireless network but wireless isn’t everything. I have lots of hubs and wireless protocols already going on in my networking closet where my whole whole amplifier is, I don’t want to have to rely on wireless, and don’t want to have to spend $600 on a Sonos amp or $450 on a Sonos port.
This looks great - better than streaming bluetooth, example on a boat,
I was looking for something like this last year to hook up my older receiver to a pair of outdoor speakers. I eventually just settled on using an Apple TV, which worked out great. If this new device really is $120, an Apple TV may be a better buy.
Hmmm. Just last week I was wondering if there was something I could use to play music from my Mac or iPhone on my hi-fi using AirPlay 2.
I didn’t have much luck. Just links to the old Apple Airport Express.
I have an old generation 3 Apple TV somewhere, too.
If this Belkin thing works, that would be great!