Cisco are set to eliminate the Linksys brand name in favour of a consolidated Cisco product range for the home and as tipped by SmartHouse Cisco have used the CES show to launch a new wireless audio system using technology developed in Australia. They have also rolled out a brand new content platform and media storage hub.
The new Wireless Home Audio system utilises Wireless-N technology developed by Australian Company Avega, an Australian start up Company who Cisco invested over $7 million dollars 18 months ago.
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The new Cisco Wireless audio system is designed to deliver a rich audio experience to any room in the home. Users can create a party atmosphere with immaculate synchronization when listening to the same song throughout the entire home, or send different music to customized zones.
Content for the new network will be available in Australia shortly said Cisco boss John Chambers. Cisco claim that their new Wireless Home Audio solution will put millions of songs at users fingertips through integrated Internet services such as Rhapsody , AudioLounge , and RadioTime.
An optional Docking Station for iPod enables content on Apple iPods including Podcasts, Audio Books, and purchased iTunes content, to be played through any Wireless Home Audio device on the network.
Wireless Home Audio products also work with the recently announced Linksys by Cisco Media Hub that gathers and presents the available media on a network.
Linksys by Cisco Media Hub is brand new and designed to simplify access to and interaction with digital content.
The storage hub gathers, organises, and presents all the digital video, photos and music that users have spread amongst various devices in the home. Claim Cisco.
With a Media Hub consumers can access their media through an easy to use interface that is not only accessible in the home, but throughout the world via a web browser.
Cisco have also announced a new content platform called Eos with Companies like Warner already using the open standard platform to deliver music and video content.
The Cisco Eos software platform is a hosted, software platform that allows Media & Entertainment companies to create, manage and grow online communities around their content.
Cisco claim that Eos is a powerful, integrated platform that integrates social networking, content management and site administration features into a single operating environment, allowing content owners to deliver immersive consumer experiences, while increasing revenue opportunities and reducing operational costs. Warner Music Group will be the first customer to deploy Eos-powered sites for some of its artists.
