Sony’s latest clock radio (model ICF-C1iP) and boombox (model ZS-S2iP) – typically catchy names, huh? – unveiled at a special “Holidays in July” event held in New York City today, let consumers enjoy their Apple iPod music players without being tethered to headphones, allowing them to listen to music out loud virtually anywhere, anytime.
“Consumers are treating the iPod as a format, like the compact disc, which is why Sony is now delivering audio products to support it,” said Andrew Sivori, director of personal audio products in the Digital Imaging and Audio Division at Sony Electronics, in the press release. “High-quality sound, unique features, and exceptional design set our new boombox and clock radio apart.”
Designed to work with most Apple iPod models, the ICF-C1iP clock radio accommodates standard iPod adapters, but does not require their use. An adjustable backstop mechanism ensures that the iPod fits snugly and securely to the clock radio’s 30-pin connector. An included wireless remote control provides full access to the iPod’s menu, as well as to radio tuning and volume functions. Additionally, the unit charges the iPod while it’s docked.
Sporting a full-function alarm clock, users can wake up or fall asleep to content on their iPod, the radio or a buzzer. When first powered on, the clock will automatically display Eastern Standard Time, which easily can be changed to other time zones as appropriate. The unit also has automatic Daylight Savings Time adjustment, eliminating the need to reset the clock in the spring and the fall. Adjustable brightness control over the LCD display provides easy readability.
It’s also easy to take your music with you this summer with Sony’s newest boombox. Just like the clock radio, it works with most iPod models and charges the iPod when docked. It includes a built-in digital AM/FM tuner, an integrated CD player that supports CD-R/RW playback and a wireless remote control with full iPod menu access. The dock tray is retractable when not in use.
The boombox also has an auxiliary input and supports AC/DC operation (batteries not included). For more sound impact, it incorporates Sony’s Mega Bass Sound system.
The clock radio and boombox come in both black and white designs. They will be available in August for about $100 at Sony Style stores, online at SonyStyle and at authorized dealers nationwide.
How Creative* of Sony.
“The Apple approach is somewhat limited because it is a small portion of the potential market. What Sony is going to do is broaden the market,” – Phil Wiser, then CTO of Sony Corporation of America, via San Francisco Chronicle, July 5, 2004
*Beleaguered Creative reports loss; seeks to boost sales with Apple iPod accessories – May 02, 2007
Hey, at least Sony has wised up and is releasing iPod peripherals. I own several Sony and Apple products, so this is definitely a good thing.
yawn. Plus, what’s up with the goofy model names.
Sit Sony! Sit! Now Beg! Well done! Good boy! Good Sony!
@ MDN What’s with the “The Apple approach is somewhat limited”, Since when have Apple declared an entry into the Hi-fi business? Do you know something that we don’t with regards to limitations?
What is limiting about the iphone? & all the ipod iterations?
If Apple inc. have decided to concentrate on what they do best & leave to others what others do best, what is wrong with that?
Would you like some Camel’s Milk? I think the outcome of drinking some would re-align your thoughts!!!!
I like the point that iPod is a format. Interesting – and accurate – take.
Models ICF-C1iP and ZS-S2iP.
Pronounced ick-fuh-kohnee-EEP and zizzee-suh-TWIP.
A clock radio! Like a clock, and a radio, but together, in the same box. Holy crap! This is the stuff of science fiction, brought to life! I mean really, what are these guys going to come up with next??
Camel’s Milk Drinker,
You might want to down some reading comprehension along with your camel’s milk.
@ Judge Bork, Why would I need reading comprehension? hung on a minute! Glug! Glug! glug glug!………. Buurrrrp!!!!!!………………………………………………Sshhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!(one gassy fart later!)
Ahhh!! I see what you mean now!……Sorry MDN, Sorry JB! I get it now!………………………2004!! Duh!
The whole idea that “people are treating the IPod as a format” is just a bad thing to start getting into people’s minds. If that becomes the common denominator then there will be more of the push from the record companies (umm…like Sony) to want a piece of the iPod pie…a la the stupid deal MSFT did with the Zune-turd.
Bill
@ TMF Funeeee!!
@ Camel’s Milk Drinker!!! Sick! but at least you take advice!
Sony: Relegated from iPod Killer to iPod Accessory Maker. Ya gotta love it!
@ Sony, The ipod is an part of an Echo-system created by Apple, if you want to tap into a part of it, then you should come clean and declare it.
For example, We at Sony believe that we can tap into the rich vein that is the ipod to create an alternative platform that does not compete against it, but rather expands upon it to our benefit!
Now that would be honest and forthright!
i guess their bean clock radio fell short of sales expectations
The ZS-S2iP is a vast improvement from earlier models.
I got the ZS-S2iO model by mistake.
It was a ten pound, smoky, hot lump of red plastic holding up a squirrel’s head.
Kudos to the Sony design for listening to customers’ feedback.
Can anyone confirm that those new Sony products are NOT compatible with Sony own MP3 players ?
_Arthur,
Sony makes MP3 players?
The iPod standard Sony refers to has just been given license for 5 more years with the iPhonePod…
What a dream come true.
“The boombox also has an auxiliary input and supports AC/DC operation”
YES!!! I was afraid I’d only be able to listen to Iron Maiden!
Had enough of the retarded posts by ‘CMD’ and that dufus Zune troll?
I apply my own Dynamic Real-Time BS Filter – I don’t read their posts.
There are enough real posters here to compensate.
dear MDN readers. Please learn how to use basic HTML tags instead of using @ to respond to other people. It makes it much easier to read your posts if we know what you are responding to. The basic format on most internet boards is to put the person’s name in bold and then quote them in italics.
Also, if you are going to respond to someone, pick a user name and stick with it. Most of us have been around here a while and have slugged it out with each other over various issues. Don’t be a pussy — identify yourself. Of course, MDN could solve this by giving us user accounts like every other major Mac site, but i digress …
/oh please god don’t let me have screwed up my HTML
//bring back preview
ChrissyOne: “The boombox also has an auxiliary input and supports AC/DC operation”
YES!!! I was afraid I’d only be able to listen to Iron Maiden!
… crickets …
I’ll wager they make more from these two iPod accessories than they ever did from all of their MP3 player and Connect music sales combined.
on topic — can anyone recommend an iPod speaker system which does the following three things:
1. alarm clock with AM radio (don’t care about FM) that can wake to iPod
2. can be fully battery operated (used outdoors)
3. has a user adjustable wake volume
i have not found one yet out of the dozens i have looked at which meets all these criteria. Basically i need something next to my bed which i can use to fall asleep listening to AM radio and wake to iPod, but can also take with me when i travel or to the beach to use as a boombox. Most companies have these features split up into clock radios and boomboxes. Nobody makes a fully functional clock radio-boombox
Jesus Christ! Now even the “regular” links make you look at a fucking ad!
I’m done, man. Ya’ll have taken a good site and FUBAR’d it to death.