One of the best features of the now discontinued AirPort Express was the ability to turn a regular speaker into an AirPlay-enabled speaker via the 3.5mm mini-jack port. Although Apple no longer sells AirPort Express, Belkin is working on a new adapter that will allow users to connect any speakers over AirPlay 2.
Based on FCC filings, the small adapter called “Belkin Soundform Connect” will be powered via a USB-C cable and will support audio output via a 3.5mm mini-jack port as well as Optical Digital Audio. Once you connect an audio device to the adapter, the iPhone, iPad, or any other Apple device will detect it as an AirPlay 2 speaker.
With AirPlay 2 support, you can stream audio from iOS and macOS to multiple AirPlay 2 devices at the same time, which includes HomePod, Apple TV, and even other smart speakers like Sonos. AirPlay 2 also offers reduced latency compared to the original AirPlay and other wireless audio protocols since it’s based on Wi-Fi rather than Bluetooth.
In addition to AirPlay 2, the FCC fillings also suggest that Belkin’s Soundform Connect will feature HomeKit support. HomeKit for smart speakers lets you assign the device to a room, so you can ask Siri to play songs or podcasts in a specific room like the kitchen or living room. This also lets users control the playback remotely via the Home app.
According to Janko Roettgers on Twitter, Belkin’s new accessory will be sold “for around 100 euros,” which is the equivalent of $120 USD. There are no details on when Belkin plans to officially introduce the Soundform Connect adapter to the market.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
Works with Sonos, Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi and FlareConnect. GOOGLE CHROMECAST. Cue, play, and control music playback by voice with your Google Assistant smart speaker. Control playback with Chromecast-enabled apps from your iPhone, iPad, Android phone or tablet, Mac or Windows laptop or Chromebook. AirPlay 2–enabled TVs. Now that’s smart. Leading TV manufacturers are integrating AirPlay 2 directly into their TVs, so now you can effortlessly share or mirror almost anything from your iOS device or Mac directly to your AirPlay 2–enabled smart TV. Bring crystal-clear, room-filling sound to your movies, TV, games, and streaming music. Enjoy dialog clarity enhancement, and the comfort of voice control courtesy of Amazon Alexa. All from a compact smart soundbar that won't clutter the room. Upgrade your digital audio with Beam. Speaker maker Sonos today announced the portable $169 Roam speaker and as the name suggests, it’s designed for use outside the home as well as inside it. It’s more portable than anything that Sonos already offers, and is also the most affordable speaker the company currently sells, too.
Watch. Listen. Share. AirPlay lets you do it all.
AirPlay lets you share videos, photos, music and more from Apple devices to your Apple TV, favourite speakers and popular smart TVs. And what you share always stays personal and private. So sit back and enjoy everything you love — in more places than ever.
Watch Little Voice on the Apple TV appAnd just like that, it’s on TV.
Get the full picture on Apple TV 4K.
More than a remarkable way to use AirPlay, Apple TV 4K is the ultimate cinematic experience. Stream 4K HDR video. Enjoy your photos from iCloud. Connect Apple Music to your home theatre. Even control your HomeKit accessories.
AirPlay 2–enabled TVs. Now that’s smart.
Leading TV manufacturers are integrating AirPlay 2 directly into their TVs, so now you can effortlessly share or mirror almost anything from your iOS device or Mac directly to your AirPlay 2–enabled smart TV. You can even play music on the TV and sync it with other AirPlay 2–compatible speakers anywhere in your home.
Look for this symbol in stores and online.
Control it all with a tap.
Convenient built-in controls appear on your iPhone in apps, on the Lock Screen and in Control Center — so you can easily play, pause, fast-forward, rewind and adjust the volume on your TV.
When bigger is better, mirror it.
Screen mirroring lets you share what’s on your Apple device — websites, presentations, spreadsheets — with everyone in the room on a bigger screen.
Put Siri in charge of your TV.
With AirPlay 2 and HomeKit, you can use Siri on your iPhone to send a video to your TV.1 Better yet, ask Siri to play a specific show in a specific room.
Hey Siri, play Game of Thrones on my living room TV
A must-see Siri suggestion.
When Siri suggests a show to watch — on the Lock Screen or in search — it will also include an option to use AirPlay. So one quick tap on a Siri suggestion, and you’re watching your favourite show on your favourite screen.
You pick the show. AirPlay picks the TV.
Now AirPlay can automatically play movies and shows in the places you’re most likely to watch them. Over time, AirPlay learns where you prefer to watch TV, and can start playing to the TV in that room with just a tap.
Your audio. Your way.
HomePod and AirPlay. The perfect duet.
HomePod is a breakthrough speaker that uses AirPlay 2 to control music throughout your home — from whatever room you’re in. Together with Siri, it creates an entirely new way to discover and interact with music.
AirPlay 2. Now in more speakers than ever.
Major speaker manufacturers are incorporating AirPlay 2 into their home audio products. And every AirPlay 2–enabled speaker works with the Home app on iOS, iPadOS and macOS.
Look for this symbol in stores and online.
Multiroom audio is music to everyone’s ears.
Play your favourite music in one room and stream a podcast to another. Or sync your HomePod or other AirPlay 2–enabled speakers for music throughout your home.
Anyone can add songs. Now it’s a party.
With AirPlay 2 and Apple Music, your friends can add their own music to the mix.
Ask Siri to play what you want, where you want.
With Siri, your music is there for the asking. Just say the song, say the room and enjoy the music. Siri can also play music on TVs, receivers and speakers that you’ve added to your Home app.
Hey Siri, play the latest album by Run the Jewels in the bedroom
Take a call. Make a call. And the music plays on.
Take an incoming call or play a game on your device without interrupting your music.
HomePod mini
Mini packs a punch.
Buy HomePod miniLearn moreMac Airplay Auf Sonos
Apple Music
Airplay Mac Sonos App
Over 70 million songs. 3 months on us.
Sonos Airplay Mac
Learn more