Tech Blog

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When I was offered a chance to review the Logitech Squeezebox Radio, I believe my exact response was 'hell yeah!', because this thing exemplifies a geek gadget.

The Squeezebox Radio (SQR) is one of the Logitech Squeezebox line of network-enabled entertainment devices. Quite simply, the SQR is a box with a tiny single purpose computer in it. The computer's role is to log onto the local network (via wi-fi or ethernet) and play music from the internet or a music server running elsewhere on the local network. How can that not be cool and elegant?

It's a monaural unit (unless you plug in headphones; then it's stereo), and obviously isn't meant to be a hi-fidelity listening experience. This is a daily-use unit that eliminates the need for a computer-driven playback system in every room you may want to listen to your music.

Overview & Interface

As you can tell, the unit looks like a traditional radio, knobs and all. I'm thinking this is a unit to be used where space is at a premium, like the kitchen, workshop, etc.

The overall feel of the box is that of an appliance, which is a good thing, I don't need rocket-science stuff when I just want to flip on the box and listen to some tunes.

My initial bootup took a few minutes as I needed to configure the unit to work on my wi-fi network, using the friendly and extremely helpful instructions.

The SQR also requires that you have an account (free) with Logitech's MySqueezebox.com site. This is cool as it's where you find free plugins created by third parties that extend the functionality, and arguably the life, of your digital radio.

So, once it was online it did a quick software update and *poof* worked as you'd expect a radio to work -- twirl the knob to tune the 'station' and adjust the volume. Simple.

Local and Remote
Using a variety of plugins, you have access to a large collection of online sources including Shoutcast Radio, CBC, BBC and more.

Of course, if you'd rather listen to your own music you can download and run the server software (available in a surprising variety of OS formats).

But beware, if you have a large music collection, the initial catalogue of your library could take a while. And, if you are running the server and use local firewall software on that computer, make sure the appropriate ports are open as described in this knowledgebase article -- it tripped me up the first time through.

Plugin ecosystem

A bit more about the plugins, or Apps as Logitech likes to call them. Basically they are third-party created applications that you can install in the Squeezebox Radio that make it do things that maybe weren't around when the hardware was designed.

But it's not just about the music. There's a thriving Squeezebox community around content, application creation and developer support:

• Forums
  Where you can discuss all things Squeezebox & Transporter related with other community members. Start dicussing.

• Wiki
  The Wiki is our user-contributed knowledge base and "how-to" relating to the Squeezebox and Transporter product line. Check it out.

• Plugins
  Want to add a feature to Squeezebox Server? Plug-ins contributed by our community and information on how to write your own is available on the Logitech Squeezebox Wiki. Check it out.

• Resources for Developers
  Interested in contributing to Squeezebox & Transporter? Learn how.

• Newsletter
  Your best resource to stay informed on new services & features available for your Logitech Squeezebox & Transporter.

What it's not

But given all the neat stuff described above, and the specs below, do be advised, the Logitech Squeezebox isn't for everyone. It's just for people who want easy access to Internet radio or their own digital music collection, without the hassle of setting up another media centre or computer to do the job.

And yes, Future Shop does carry the Squeezebox Radio -- look, here's a handy link right to it and another to Logitech's product page