Q2 Wi-Fi Internet Radio: $120 on AHAlife
If you don't like what you're listening to, turn the radio. No, that sentence didn't end prematurely. The Q2 Internet Radio is a model of simplicity. It has a tiny on/off switch in the back, but it doesn't use any knobs, buttons or screen. If you want to change the channel, roll the cube onto another of its four programmable sides. To adjust the volume lower or higher, tip it toward or away from you.
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The Q2 is programmed by downloading a desktop application and connecting it via USB to your computer. You can set up to five wireless networks as Internet radio signal sources. When you find your favorite four stations or podcasts of the thousands available from around the globe, simply drag and drop them into your chosen station pane. (The cube has white I, II, III and IIII marks to indicate the station.)
One slight drawback: Because it only works with assigned networks, it's only hotspot-friendly if your hotspot-capable phone is pre-programmed. That said, this fun, stylish 4-inch cube faithfully plays back a rich, full sound for bitrates up to 330 kbps. Although it down-mixes the signal to mono through the speaker, it plays stereo through its headphone jack. Along with the cables for charging and connecting to a computer, the Q2 comes with a little carrying pouch and a worldly assortment of AC wall adapter connections.
Credit: Armour Home Electronics
Tags: Gadgets, Internet, WiFi and Mobile
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