Up until recently, Vtech has mainly been known as a manufacturer of various household and office communication devices, mostly visually attractive cordless landline phones. However, it would seem that, as many companies from the CE market, Vtech has decided to diversify its product lineup and begun selling the IS9181, a device that offers wireless access to various types of online content.

First and foremost, the IS9181 is a radio tuner, featuring a built-in FM receiver for local FM broadcast service. This same receiver offers access to local weather reports and even five-day forecasts. Moreover, similar to pretty much any product of this type available out there, the Vtech receiver also incorporates a digital alarm clock radio.

However, the gadget also comes equipped with a built-in 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi module, which can be used for accessing Internet radio stations or streaming music files stored on a PC, as long as the respective personal computer is connected to the network, of course. Moreover, the device is accompanied by a convenient remote control, which allows users to browse, select and control their music from across the room.

The Vtech IS9181 comes equipped with hi-fidelity built-in 3W tuned stereo speakers and a 10W subwoofer with class D amplifier for each speaker that can fill any room with dynamic sound. Besides the Wi-Fi module mentioned above, the gadget also sports an audio input, which can be used for playing music stored onto CD players, MP3 players, etc.

Now, similar to most other Wi-Fi-enabled streaming music devices, the Vtech IS9181 is not exactly what one might call an affordable product, since it retails for somewhere in the vicinity of 200 US dollars, a sum relatively few people will be willing to pay for the time being (well, they should have thrown an iPod docking module in the mix in order to ensure instant success).


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