Libratone announced over the summer that two of its portable speakers would work with AirPlay 2 this year. Starting today, Libratone AirPlay 2 support is now available. Libratone ZIPP and ZIPP mini users can update their speakers through the Libratone iOS app to add AirPlay 2 support:
Now that AirPlay 2 is out with iOS 11.4, we’re starting to learn more about when speaker makers will release support in their products. Libratone shared this week that two of its speakers will work with AirPlay 2 starting in September.
AirPlay isn’t dead as a wireless speaker standard, but it’s not exactly healthy: many models have been discontinued, and new releases have all but stopped. Having previously gone all-in with AirPlay, Danish designer speaker maker Libratone is now rolling out updated versions of its circular Loop, tube-shaped Zipp, and triangular Live systems that augment AirPlay rather than ditching it. The new Libratone Loop ($500) modestly tweaks the prior version to add Bluetooth 4.0 support — a feature that radically increases Loop’s compatibility. Though its high price tag will continue to keep this model out of reach for most consumers, long-awaited and substantial discounts on the prior-generation models (Loop here, Zipp here, Live here) may bolster their appeal.
Having tested the new Loop, my personal feelings are mixed: I applaud Libratone for consistently releasing speakers that look distinctive, working both as design objects and audio systems, but the MSRPs remain somewhat hard to justify given the sonic performance…