A docking station for Android phones
Docking station! The second you read that
you thought “iPod”, right? You would be excused for that kind of thinking, too,
because it seems that Apple’s devices have not only infiltrated the minds of
consumers, but also the minds of people making the products that they buy.
Generally, if you find a docking station on a shelf, it’s for an i-device.
The
Philips Fidelio Docking Speaker
Not so, say Philips. The Philips Fidelio Docking
Speaker for Android isn’t for iPods (the name might, just maybe, have given you
a clue there.) With so many big name manufacturers completely brainwashed into
thinking that the iPod is the only device out there, it is nice to see one of
them coming up with an alternative option.
But there is a problem in that, too. See,
while this Fidelio is an alternative, it doesn’t allow for alternatives. Last
month we looked at Philips’ Sound Tower, which you could plug pretty much
anything in to. The Fidelio, though, is for people who have Android phones. Not
Android devices, mind you, but specifically Android phones armed with a mini
USB jack. There is no form of other input, so if you’re planning to use
anything else with the Fidelio, well... a comment about being unfortunate and
excrement comes to mind.
Unless, of course, you use Bluetooth.
That’s an option for other types of phones and devices. While a physical
connection isn’t possible, at least there is that.
Had
the Fidelio been a little less specific in terms of inputs and compatible
devices, it would be a near perfect option
If you have a compatible Android or
Bluetooth device, the Fidelio is a great option. It offers excellent sound
quality, which is something that one would expect from Philips. There are
advantages to that direct physical connection, though, that make it the perfect
option for those with Android smart phones. For example, the phone can, to a
degree, be controlled from the device (at least in terms of volume) and it
charges while plugged in. There is also an Android specific Fidelio app, making
it easier to use.
The attractive unit is basically a large
round speaker base with basic controls and a dock built into the top. The dock
itself is fully adjustable, meaning a secure place to hook up your phone, no
matter what configuration it has. The front of the device features a discrete,
old fashioned LED display, too, with adjustable brightness levels.
Power is provided by a wall socket adapter.
Had the Fidelio been a little less specific
in terms of inputs and compatible devices, it would be a near perfect option.
Its stylish design makes it usable in virtually any environment, and the great
sound quality that it delivers makes one wish that it was just a little more
versatile. Still, as it stands, it is a more than decent option for Android
phone users.
Summary
This alternative to iPod docking is perfect
for Android smart phone owners.
Tech specs
·
Micro USB port
·
Adjustable dock
·
Bluetooth
·
LED display
·
4WRMS
Pros
·
Look
good
·
Good
sound
Cons
Limited
|
Details
|
|
Manufacturer:
|
Philips
|
|
Distributer:
|
Philips
|
|
Online:
|
www.philips.com
|
|
Price
|
$24.55
|
|
|
|
