iHome Adds 1st 'Works With iPhone' Units

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 5/23/2008

Rahway, N.J. — SDI Technologies’ iHome division launched its first two iPod-docking clock radios with the “Works with iPhone” designation.

They are the $149-suggested iP99 Clock Radio for iPhone and the $199-suggestediP47 Bluetooth Clock Radio & Speakerphone for iPhone & iPod, the latter with Bluetooth. Both products are sold through Apple stores and ihomeaudio.com.

“Works with iPhone” systems are shielded from the iPhone’s GSM-cellular interference, enabling the phone to remain active and ready to receive calls when docked. When a call comes in, the iPhone’s music will automatically mute. Systems designated as “Compatible with iPhone,” on the other hand, automatically go into airplane mode, turning off the phone’s GSM cellular radio to prevent the system’s speakers from buzzing.

The iP47 serves as a hands-free speakerphone for Bluetooth-equipped phones, thanks to a built-in microphone and slide-out dialing keypad. Its Bluetooth feature also lets users stream stereo music from Bluetooth-equipped music phones and view caller ID information on the iP47’s larger LCD display.

The iP47, which also docks with iPods, features dual alarms to wake up iPhone or iPod music, music from a Bluetooth-equipped music phone, AM/FM radio or buzzer. Other features include full-function remote with snooze button, two active and two passive speakers, and 12 station presets.

The less-featured iP99 Clock Radio for iPhone features dual alarm with AM/FM presets, a remote that controls the unit and iPod/iPhone menu functions, programmable snooze settings, SRS WOW to widen the stereo image, and ability to wake up to iPhone/iPod music, AM/FM Radio or buzzer. It also features ability to wake to different times on different days with a 7-5-2 alarm function. It has a switching power supply adapter for use in any country, line-in jack to connect other-brand MP3 players and gradual alarm volume ramp-up.