Building a Bluetooth music gateway was not something new and is not exclusive to RIM. Recently I have found another gateway I am testing out called the Kanex AirBlue. Compared to the BlackBerry Music Gateway, this is a rounder version of the rectangular styled counterpart. Read on t o learn how they stack up!
In short, the Kanex AirBlue is a portable Bluetooth-based music receiver that enables you to wirelessly play, listen and control all your favorite music from your Bluetooth enabled device through your home stereo speakers. This is the same as the BlackBerry Music Gateway and the BlackBerry Stereo Gateway.
Additionally, the BlackBerry devices paired with the gateway are able to control the volume, although my Dev Alpha could not control the Kanax (It could not control when connected to a speaker as well), so I guess it was the device’s fault.
Similary, all 3 also have the same concept – one button to control everything. From power to pairing its all controlled and toggled by that one button on the top of each device.
The Kanex AirBlue is different, in the placing of the connections. Unlike the BlackBerry ones, this is built in a circular shape, with the charging port and 3.5mm output on 2 different ends.
Now did I say charging port? Yes I did. What sets this apart also is the fact that it comes with a rechargeable battery built into it! At full charge, at—or near—maximum volume & a constant stream, they are able to last about 3 hours which is plenty of time for an afternoon. Charging is via a mini-usb port, and takes about 30-45 minutes to charge via the computer’s usb port.
I have dropped it a few times from about 3–4 feet on accident, but the device still works fine. It is very lightweight and the plastic has a nice soft (rubber-like) tactile feel, a fingerprint-proof matte finish, and doesn’t seem brittle or shabby. The finish is similar to that of the X-mini speakers if have owned one before. This is different from the BlackBerry one’s, which are more metallic and glossy finish. Hence, in terms of looks, BlackBerry wins hands down.
In conclusion, with the price retailing at USD$49, this is quite a value-for-money gadget. Its light, much lighter than the other 2 bluetooth gateways, but yet, it gives you the same quality sound. There is minimal distortion just like the BlackBerry ones and is not your cheap typical Bluetooth receiver. The fact it has the built in battery would make this a much more worthwhile as it would truely be portable.
PS: you can also grab it at just USD$30.20 at Amazon.com!
Hidden in my iMaingo X
scelop ( View Profile) - Posts: 2
Posted: December 31, 2012 at 7:09 PM EST from my BlackBerry PlayBook | OS 2.1.0
Has anybody else tried to use the PB while streaming to any of these gateways? Mine stutters even if i am just using the browser…unusable really.
Terrence T ( View Profile) - Posts: 1822
Posted: January 1, 2013 at 5:10 AM EST
I am using a 64gb. It happens, especially if my memory is less than 1GB. but otherwise it works like a charm
scelop ( View Profile) - Posts: 2
Posted: January 1, 2013 at 8:45 AM EST
…hmm. the minute i boot my pb (32gb) my free memory drops to about 500 Mb…open a browser and native mail and I am at 380 Mb…so i am way below 1 Gb. Figured my memory usage was standard?
greatwiseone Not Registered
Posted: December 31, 2012 at 8:49 PM EST
I would have bought the BlackBerry music gateway, but got a much cheaper one from Monoprice. I have it in my car and it works great with the PlayBook. The bluetooth receiver supports power from usb and so I have it hooked up to the car charger slot. All in all, great device to have if you have a car without built-in bluetooth.
Terrence T ( View Profile) - Posts: 1822
Posted: January 1, 2013 at 5:11 AM EST
Actually, you could consider the BlackBerry Visor VM-605
ovi08 ( View Profile) - Posts: 10
Posted: January 1, 2013 at 10:34 AM EST
So are you giving this one away? If so, I want in?
Ricky Lakeit ( View Profile) - Posts: 845
Posted: January 1, 2013 at 7:10 PM EST from my BlackBerry 9900 | OS 7.1.0.746
Sign me up for this giveaway!!!
Oh wait, this is just a review
thuggidy ( View Profile) - Posts: 8
Posted: January 2, 2013 at 2:55 PM EST
Aren’t we forgetting something? Does this device support NFC? yeah it isn’t an absolute must but it is a really cool feature. Although I would love the rechargeable battery in my gateway.