Philips AS140/37 Fidelio Docking System for Android Review
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The Philips Fidelio Docking System for Android is a better than average muli-purpose electronics device for Android devices. I tested mine out with a LG Optimus Prepaid Android Phone (Virgin Mobile) encased in an OtterBox Commuter Case for LG Optimus - Black - Retail Packaging. Overall I found a lot to like about this unit. While not Bose quality, it's definitely a feature-rich docking system that most consumers should be happy to own.
The Unboxing...
On the outside of the box there is a code that you can scan with your smartphone to get you to the Android Market to download 'Fidelio' - the Android app that works with the Fidelio Docking System. I found that when I did this my phone took me to the right place, but the site asked for my account to allow me to download it. I became frustrated and ended up going to the Android Market directly on my phone and searching for Fidelio - then the download and install on my phone moved swiftly.
In the box is a Quick Start Guide. Steps 1-5 are easy to follow and you don't have to read much, just follow the pictures. The last step has you installing Songbird Android App on you PC. Note that this isn't really necessary if you have a PC that doesn't have a bluetooth connection. Step 4 is to put the Songbird App on your Android device, which presumably does have a bluetooth connection and will sync with the Philips docking device via bluetooth directly. Because my PC doesn't have a bluetooth connection, I added my music to my microSD card via my PC and then put the card back into my Android phone. The phone and the Philips dock synced via bluetooth and the Songbird App on my phone.
On the back of the Quick Start Guide are other directions about specific functions of the docking system like how to listen to the radio, how to store FM stations on the system, how to set the alarm, how to set the sleep timer, how to adjust display brightness, how to select a source and others. General product information is found here as well - also in Spanish and French. The directions were helpful, but could have been better. 'How to charge your device' is omitted, which seemed odd to me. The implication is to just leave it on the dock, but since I didn't see the usual 'charging' symbol on my phone, I got worried about it. Never did find 'how to', but it seemed to have charged it when I left my phone on the dock overnight.
The Android Docking System Sound...
This is not a Bose System, so don't expect that and you'll love it. I have an iHome iP9 Speaker Dock with Clock Radio for iPod and iPhone (Black) which has comparable sound, but actually the Philips Android Docking System sounds better than the iHome due to it's warm, well tuned bass output.
The volume on the Philips system goes up to level 32, which is very loud if your device's volume is up too. You have to adjust the volume to your liking by balancing out the two.
Several types of music are listed in the Fidelio App, and when you change them, so too changes the quality of the audio output on the device. The Bass boost can be turned off in this App.
Quality of the Build and Ports...
The Philips Android Docking System is well built. Feels solid and the sound is good. At first I thought I had a defective unit because the docking port for Android devices wiggled back and forth, side to side and swiveled. Then I read the guide and realized by looking at the diagrams that it was supposed to do that! This allows for all kinds of Android devices to be docked - with or without cases on them. Actually, a very good design.
There is padding to support the device seated on the port. Even with a case on the device, the connection seems stable and the device protected.
On the back of the unit is a MP3 input port. The unit ships with a short cord that allows you to plug in your iPod, iPod Touch or other similar device and use the speakers on the Philips Docking System.
Two alarm switches are on the top of the unit, with adjustments for radio, buzz or alarm on the back, corresponding with the buttons on the top of the unit. The radio antenna is at the base of the unit in the back.
TIP: When you put your Android device on the port, make sure it's bluetooth is 'on', as this is how the device will communicate with the Philips Docking System. You will have needed to download both Fidelio and Songbird Android Apps prior to docking your device. Pairing your device first, via Fidelio, will need to occur for your device to work with the docking station.
The sound reproduction through this connection is good once it's made, but don't expect to simply connect your device and have things work out of the box. You need to download and install the apps first!
What I like about the Philips Fidelio Android Docking System...
1. I like that I can use TuneIn - free Android Radio App with over 7000 stations - and listen to all my favorite world-wide stations.
2. I like that a clock radio and alarm are integrated into the docking system.
3. I like the quality of sound that comes from the system. Not Bose quality, but better than iHome in my opinion.
4. I like that there's a way to hook up my iTouch via an MP3 3.5mm headphone port, and listen via the (2) 5W speakers.
5. I like the versatility of the dock itself. It should accommodate lots of Android devices without a problem.
6. I like that the bluetooth connection works very well up to 30' of clear line of sight.
7. I like that it's about the size of a shoebox, and should fit well into any decor.
8. I like that it has multiple alarms.
9. I like that I didn't have to set the clock on the docking system, as once my phone was docked, it synced with the time on the phone!
10. I like that it has a sleep timer, so if I want to fall asleep to music, I don't have to worry about turning off the device.
11. I like that it works with Android devices with OS 2.1 or above, and Bluetooth devices 2.1 or above.
What I didn't like..."Actually, not too much".
1.- The instructions come on a big sheet of paper. A booklet would have been much easier, and because they were incomplete, I found myself looking at the Philips website for clarification on a few things.
2. - Another Philips version designed for the iTouch, iPad and iPhone Philips Fidelio DS7550 Rechargeable Portable Docking Speaker for iPod/iPhone (Aluminum/Black) has the option to make it battery powered instead of exclusively AC powered. It would have been good of Philips to keep that feature for this model as well. This model DOES NOT have the ability to be 'battery powered'.
3. Philips 'Fidelio' Android App needs work to be 100% with this device.
Overall, this is a good buy. Solid construction, lots of features, syncs easily via bluetooth and the sound quality is good. The price is a tad high, but if you get it for 35-40% off retail, you'll be getting a great deal.
If you need a feature rich alarm clock by your bedside or a way to charge your Android device that can also provide entertainment in a small space, consider the Philips Android Docking System.
TIP: If you are having trouble charging your phone and it has a thick case like an Otterbox one, take the case off the device and try it again. I had trouble getting the connection 'just right' for a charge - even though the connection was good enough to play music - until I took off the case.
UPDATE: 11/29/11 - I tried to stream music via the Songbird app to the Philips dock - making sure it was paired and connected to the dock prior to doing so. The dock was recognized as 'connected' by my phone, but despite the Songbird app indicating the music was playing and bluetooth being active on both the phone and the dock, no music played through the docking system.
Deciding it must be an 'app' issue, I uninstalled the Fidelio app off my phone and reinstalled it. The connection then worked - making sure the volume on the Philips dock is up fairly high and the phone is nearby (I was in a 15' radius and it worked great) is also helpful.
Once connected though, the bluetooth connection worked great and the sound out of the dock was perfect.
I think Fidelio - not highly rated by users of this Android app - is a slight negative to this device, but certainly one that can be remedied in time by Philips.
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Philips AS140/37 Fidelio Docking System for Android Price
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Philips AS140/37 Fidelio Docking System for Android Overview
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Philips AS140/37 Fidelio Docking System for Android Features
- Bluetooth wireless music streaming from Android device
- Bass Reflex Speaker System delivers a powerful, deeper bass
- FM digital tuning with presets
- MP3 Link for portable music playback
- Free Fidelio app on Android Market for more functions
Philips AS140/37 Fidelio Docking System for Android Detail
- Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.9 x 12.6 inches
- Shipping Weight: 4.9 pounds
- Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
- ASIN: B005HY4UG4
- Item model number: AS140/37
- Average Customer Review: (83 customer reviews)
- Date first available at Amazon.com: October 12, 2010
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Philips AS140/37 Fidelio Docking System for Android Other Resource
Fidelio - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaFidelio (Op. 72) is a German opera in two acts by Ludwig van Beethoven. It is Beethoven's only opera. The German libretto is by Joseph Sonnleithner from the French of ...
MICROS Systems - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
MICROS Systems, Inc., is headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, USA. The company manufactures and sells computer hardware, software, and services for the restaurant ...
Fidelio discography - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a partial discography of Fidelio, a Singspiel in two acts by Ludwig van Beethoven. Beethoven had originally written a three act version of the opera called ...
If you need more resource you can visit Wikipedia, Yahoo, Google or Fidelio Official Website.
