Bose SoundTouch wireless systems take aim at Sonos

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Three Bose SoundTouch systems are set to launch, promising direct music streaming over your wireless network from any connected device, and the addition of AirPlay

Bose has launched three new wireless streaming music systems, the SoundTouch Portable, SoundTouch 20 and SoundTouch 30, as part of a new SoundTouch line which will be joined by a host of other wireless products over the coming months.

The three launch products can stream music directly over WiFi from any connected computer, tablet or smartphone, and also support Apple AirPlay streaming.

What's more, you can link multiple speakers for a multiroom system, playing either the same music or different music in each zone. Sounds like a fully-fledged Bose alternative to Pure Jongo and Sonos, then.

The three initial Bose SoundTouch products will be joined by the Bose Wave SoundTouch system later this, and then the SoundTouch Stereo JC Wi-Fi, which comprises two Jewel Cube speakers and an Acoustimass module subwoofer.

There will also be Bose SoundTouch outdoor speakers and versions of the VideoWave and Lifestyle home entertainment systems. Bose isn't taking this lightly, then. How about Sonos Playbar style soundbar?

The Bose SoundTouch 30 WiFi system is the flagship product at launch. It costs £600, measures approximately 25 x 43 x 18cm (HWD) and sports Bose's waveguide technology and a new driver unit developed for the system.

MORE: Wireless speaker reviews

The SoundTouch 20 comes with a £350 price tag and stands at a more compact 18 x 30 x 10cm (HWD), while the SoundTouch Portable WiFI system, also £350, has a rechargeable battery and is "no bigger than the average book" at 15 x 25 x 7.6cm.

As well as streaming music from your device over WiFi or using AirPlay with iOS devices, the SoundTouch systems feature six presets on the systems themselves and the Bose SoundTouch app, which allow you to go straight to any internet radio station, track or playlist.

The free app is available on Android and iOS tablets and smartphones, plus Mac and Windows computers, while there is also a SoundTouch controller remote.

"If you have WiFi at home and a computer, you have all you need to stream your stored music, Internet radio or music services", says Bose.

For now, those music services seem to be limited to Pandora, which is only available in the US, Australia and New Zealand, though "Deezer, iHeartRadio and others" are promised to join them.

MORE: Bose SoundTouch review

MORE: Sonos Play:1 review

by Joe Cox

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Joe Cox
Joe Cox
Content Director

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff, and the Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).