Philips announces Android speaker docks and a media player

DUTCH ELECTRONICS OUTFIT Philips has announced a family of speaker docks for Android devices and an Android powered personal media player.

The top end speaker dock is the AS851, similar to the firm's DS9, which is a speaker dock for Apple products. The dock is compatible with any device running Android 2.1 or higher and connects via microUSB or Bluetooth.

Philips said, "Dock your Android phone and enjoy the sensational sound quality of this stylish speaker. Digital sound processing delivers pure silence and crystal-clear sound while Songbird [software] lets you sync music between your phone and PC."

There is a Fidelio app for Android devices and the AS851 comes with a remote control for ease of use. It, along with the other docks, has an adjustable microUSB port to cater for different devices and can be used for charging. The AS851 has a pair of 15W stereo speakers.

It's refreshing to hear about a dock that isn't specific to Apple Igadgets, and Philips has two more in its line-up. The AS351 speaker dock is basically a smaller version of the AS851. It uses the same technology but doesn't pack as much punch with its more moderate 10W power output. The AS111 is an alarm clock dock that has a single 4W speaker.

In addition to the speaker docks, the firm has announced its Gogear Connect 3, a personal media player that runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It will have a 3.2in capacitive touchscreen that's capable of HD 720p video playback, and WiFi connectivity. The device will come in either 8GB or 16GB storage capacities.

With Philips' Simplyshare app, content can be shared through digital living network alliance (DLNA) technology and, like an Android phone, users can download apps and games from the Android Market. Pre-loaded apps include a web browser, Youtube and Gmail.

Philips has not yet announced pricing or availability for any of these products. µ