Back when we did the CEO Forum, we already knew that the PC market was somewhat saturated in terms of having too many motherboard makers. So, we questioned if companies were already foreseeing this. The only choice that the companies had to make was whether or not they were going to change, and it was an important one at that. Changing and diversifying could actually be a matter of living or dying.

We have seen some motherboard manufacturers pursue networking products, while some have tried taking on consumer electronics, and other maufacturers have tried their hand out with displays. Others have taken even the almost fatal market saturation hit. Today, we thought we would quickly look at Widio, Albatron's latest attempt at diversification. Any by all accounts, they are trying to generate a lot of hype. Let's dive in and find out if the Widio is all that they are trying to make it out to be.

What in the world is Widio?

Simply put, Widio is basically your run-off-the-mill wireless audio transmitter/receiver system with a few minor twists.

Technical Specifications

Widio Transceiver
Size (WxLxH):	125 x 115 x 40mm
Power:	AC Adaptor operates at 100~240V 50/60Hz
Operating Frequency:	2.4GHz
Range with Receiver:	100 meters
Playback Formats:	any audio feed that can be fed to 2 x RCA inputs
Dual Transmission Rate:	Up to 2 Mpbs (no audio compression)
Buttons:	Power (red when inactive, green when active) channel selector (it is actually a dial from 0 to 7 on the back of the base near the power port)
Line Inputs:	2 x RCA ports

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Click to enlarge.

Widio Receiver
Size (WxLxH):	65 x 105 x 15mm
Power:	Rechargeable batteries
Battery usage duration:	4 hours (continuous use)
Recharge time:	~ 2 hours
Operating Frequency:	2.4GHz
Buttons: (top to bottom)	channel scan volume up volume down power
Line Outputs:	1 x headphone port
LEDs on left: (top to bottom)	power connection charge (all red when active)

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The main difference with other wireless audio systems is that the receiver uses a 3.6V 950mAH that can run for 4 hours. However, the receiver can also use the base's AC adapter (power port on the left side of the receiver) to recharge its battery or use it as a power source (even without a battery). We should note, though, that the receiver can only be turned on if the audio cable out is plugged into the receiver.

The Widio package contains (aside from receiver, battery and base):

• headphones
• headphone carrying case
• receiver belt clip
• receiver neck strap
• 2 x RCA to 2 x RCA audio cable
• 1 x 1/8 audio jack to 2 x RCA audio cable (Y cable)
• 1 power cable for the base

Because of the battery, headphone, belt clip, and neck strap package/design, Albatron is actually trying to go over two options for the end user:

1. The Widio is supposed to be a cross between something like an iPod and a wireless audio receiver. However, the problem with this is that you are obviously limited by the range of the base.
2. The Widio is supposed to function as a traditional receiver base, but the problem is that Albatron only bundles a single power cable, which means that you have to use it for the base. Thus, the receiver will only function for 4 hours max, until you have to go back and recharge it. That is, unless you purchase an additional power cable for the receiver.

Final Words

In our field tests, we have mixed conclusions about the Widio, not only on its ability to function correctly in the field, but also in its design approach. Everything went out without a hitch in terms of hooking up the whole Widio system and getting it to work. Since it doesn't buffer the audio (at least that we can tell), the audio actually matches the timing of the source. In our case, it was fed from a TV to our projector. Turning up the volume on both devices revealed no noticeable lag time in audio fed. This is a good thing considering that you don't want to watch a movie with someone talking and hear it out of sync. The problem with this design implementation is that you need to overcome distortion, for which the buffer can usually compensate.

For us, we found that the Widio receiver would output an audio feed which would pop and crackle now and then. This was within less than 10 feet of distance, which is why we were a bit surprised. In our tests, only one wall should separate the receiver and the base, at most. The greater the distance, the more prone the Widio was to audio distortion or signal loss. While it is rated at 100 meters and 4 hours of continuous use, we are more inclined to say that 70-80 meters is a more practical specification, considering the average home. As for battery life, we had roughly 3.5 hours on our first charge and subsequent sessions. Additionally, we found it to interfere with our 802.11b/g multimedia network, even though we tried different combinations of channels for our D-Link DI-624 router and the Widio base. Notebooks in our testing area were more frequently dropping the signal.

In the end, we feel that Albatron needs to make a more conscious and focused effort on their end to clarify the applications of Widio. Turning it into an iPod is a bit much because of the inability to control content from the source (MP3s on your computer). On the other hand, using it as a typical wireless audio transmitter/receiver system that we have seen on Google for $50 dollars and less isn't going to work out too well because you need to return the receiver constantly to the base to charge.

A wireless audio transmitter/receiver system is usually set once without any fuss and just left alone. If this is the route that Albatron is trying to take, then they must bundle a second power cable with the retail package. One possible application for the Widio is for those families who have an entertainment room next to their living room or dining room. For the receiver to function as a singular device so that one person can listen to TV quietly without disturbing the rest of the family has definite benefits. The cost factor here is going to weigh in heavily, if this is actually worth its weight in dollars, whatever the application approach. Currently, we have no word on a likely MSRP. Plus, Albatron will need to offer the ability to configure multiple receivers for a single base if they decide to pursue this application avenue.

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As it stands, the only good experience that we had with the Widio was regarding the headphones, which were quite comfortable (if you put it on right; otherwise, your ears will get sore after a while). Though, we say this with some caution because these headphones are going to be one of those "love it or hate it" products. We should note that these are not really directional headphones, since the person in the seat next to you would probably be able to listen in. So, Albatron still can make some improvements here. Perhaps, Albatron can sell those separately with less hassle than the entire Widio system.