Pure launches Jongo multiroom Wi-Fi audio system

British digital audio brand Pure has launched its own wireless multiroom audio system, called Jongo. Clearly eyeing a slice of the fast-growing Sonos pie, Pure's marketing chief Colin Crawford differentiates the introduction as the "first mainstream" multiroom solution, allowing consumers to cut the chord with an initial outlay of just £150, the price of the brand's new S340B portable wireless speaker.

The Jongo Wi-Fi system is based on open DLNA standards. Installers looking for a low-cost, synchronous multi-room system may well find it an attractive proposition.

The S340B is intended to be the first in a family of Jongo products. Available in black, white, lime green, orange and mango, the transportable speaker has an internal battery pack which will provide 10 hours of music playback. It's also Bluetooth compatible, allowing mobile devices to be paired for local playback. The speaker features four tweeters and a centralised woofer. Power output is 2.5 watts to each tweeter and 10 watts to the mid/bass driver. It can be used in omnidirectional mono/stereo modes or with front-facing stereo playback. The Jongo system can also be used with some of the brand's existing products, including the Sensia 200D Connect, One Flow internet radio and the Contour 200i Air. 

The S340Bcan be put on a wired network, using a USB to Ethernet adaptor. Alternatively, the same USB port can be used for local playback of MP3s. Crawford says a range of Jongo devices are planned, including an adaptor to feed a conventional hi-fi system. Users can stream music direct from mobile devices or a networked PC. Jongo also hooks into the brand's on-demand music subscription service, which is produced in association with Seven Digital.

Pure has produced lookalike apps for iOS and Android devices to drive the system; the Pure Connect download opens the doors to subscription music on demand, internet radio and content from Audioboo's new In Their Own Words service, which features spoke-word contributions from musicians, authors and comedians.

To correspond with the launch, Pure has revamped www.pureconnect.com. A new 'discovery' section offers smart recommendations based on the user's history. Crawford says "the design and user-experience that the new Pure Connect app elevates it to be a best-in-class audio service."