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Since the advent of the iPod, speaker docks for Apple devices have flourished in the market. It’s certainly a great development for folks who are fully invested in the Apple ecosystem, but what about folks whose tastes lean more toward having a diverse gadget set? In my case, for example, although I own an iPad and an iPhone, I also happen to use an Android device — Samsung’s Galaxy S3 — as my primary phone.
In order to use my Android phone with my Apple-centric docks, it typically means I have to connect it directly via a line-in connection. The exception involves docks such as the iHome iD50, which has Bluetooth built in, allowing me to connect my S3 wirelessly. For docks such as the iNuke Boom Junior, however, the lack of wireless capability limits my connection options to a physical one. This is where a gadget such as the Auris freeDA comes in.
A compact wireless receiver with Bluetooth 4.0 capability, the Auris freeDA can physically connect to an iOS-compatible dock and serve as a middleman, so to speak, that allows your non Apple device to communicate with said dock. The freeDA does this a couple of ways. One is by directly connecting to a dock’s 30-pin connector. Another is by connecting via a line in connection with its included audio jack. Once connected, you just need to pair your Bluetooth device with the Auris and you’re all set to stream your tunes even from a non-Apple device.
In addition to streaming music, the Auris freeDA also comes with a few other neat options. One is the ability to take calls with the device itself. Just tap the power/function button once to take a call and then tap again to hang up. A mic is also built in to transmit your sugary voice. Audio from calls received is routed to whatever speaker dock you’re using. Another cool feature is the ability to bring up Siri or even the voice feature in my Galaxy S3 through the freeDA. Just press the same function button a couple of seconds till you get a prompt and it will activate your phone’s virtual assistant. I was able to make audio commands via the freeDA mic, for example, to call home and also one of my cousins. Battery life for the device is more than 10 hours and charging time is about three hours. In addition to my speaker docks, I was also able to charge the device via my Energizer wall charger, which is equipped with a 30-pin connector.
As with any device, however, the Auris freeDA has its share of drawbacks. One is its sound level, which pretty much requires you to jack up the volume on your dock to max to get a decent audio level. A bigger issue, however, is the strength of its wireless connection. Although it works great if you have a nice clear line between the device and the phone or gadget you’re streaming from, walls and even a human body can disrupt that connection easily. The wireless connection is also prone to static disruptions. Simply moving my hand while grasping my phone, for example, is enough to cause my audio to cut off and fade out, adversely affecting audio quality. On a more aesthetic level, the freeDA has a plasticky look that feels a bit cheap. Lastly, although I was able to make it work with every dock I had in my house, some users report that it may not work with certain docks.
Overall, the Auris freeDA is a gadget with a great concept that unfortunately suffers from a not-so-perfect execution. I personally thought the features built into the device are quite neat but issues with the wireless connection knock it down a peg given how audio quality remains the most important determining factor for a gadget such as this. On the plus side, it sounds good for a Bluetooth receiver when it’s working right. If you can live with the limited range and other issues I mentioned, then give the Auris freeDA a look.
Final rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
For more about headphones, speakers and portable audio, make sure to check out our Headphones & Speakers hub.
Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
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