iHome iW1 AirPlay Wireless Speaker System: A Sleek and Powerful Addition to Your Home Audio

The iHome iW1 AirPlay wireless speaker system is a fantastic choice for music lovers who want to enjoy high-quality audio wirelessly. This speaker system is compatible with AirPlay, which allows you to stream music directly from your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac. The iW1 is designed with a sleek and modern look, making it a great addition to any room in your home.

The estimated price for the iHome iW1 is around $250, making it a mid-range wireless speaker system. It was launched in 2011, and it has since become a popular choice for music enthusiasts who want a high-quality wireless speaker system.

iW1 Overview

Contents

1. iW1 speaker
2. Charging base
3. Power adaptor
4. USB sync cable
5. Remote control
6. Document pack 

Compatibility

USB connector works with
iPod touch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation), iPod nano (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation), iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 3G.

AirPlay works with
iTunes, iPod touch (2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation), iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 2, and iPad. For AirPlay, the iW1 must be connected to Wi-Fi with networked access to a Mac or PC running iTunes 10.1 or later; or an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch running iOS 4.2 or later.

iHome Apps
iHome Sleep, iHome Radio, and iHome Connect apps only work with iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and requires iOS 4.0 or later

Maintenance

Place the unit on a level surface away from sources of direct sunlight or excessive hear.
Protect your furniture when placing your unit on a natural wood and lacquered finish.  A cloth or other protective material should be placed between it and the furniture.
Clean your unit with a soft cloth moistened only with mild soap and water.  Stronger cleaning agents, such as Benzene thinner or similar materials can damage the surface of the unit.

iW1 Controls

Quick Start

Power

1. Connect to power source 
2. Place iW1 on charging base
3. Turn master power switch ON

4. Press power button

   

iPod Local Audio Mode 

1. Dock iPod/iPhone using iPod USB sync cable (iPod and aux-in play in parallel)

2. Press for iPod mode

   

3. Press buttons on the iW1 or iW1 remote, in iPod mode, to control your iPod music. Adjust volume by swiping:
   Note: Use iPod mode for both iPod docking and Aux-in audio playback.

AirPlay Wireless Audio Mode 

1. Verify that your iW1 speaker is successfully connected to your Wi-Fi network.

2. Press for AirPlay wireless mode.

   

3. Launch iTunes or use your iPad, iPhone, iPad touch.  Verify iW1 and AirPlay source device is on same Wi-Fi network.

   

4. Select the iHome iW1 as your AirPlay audio speaker

   

5. Press buttons on the iW1 or use your iTunes, iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch controls directly. Adjust volume on the iW1 or wirelessly control volume on your AirPlay source device.
   Note: for AirPlay streaming: iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch support point-to-point audio streaming to one AirPlay enabled speaker. iTunes supports point-to-multipoint audio streaming to up to three AirPlay enabled speakers (performance depends on your Wi-Fi network and environment).

Getting Started

Master Power Switch
The iW1 has a master power switch that is used to power the unit ON or OFF, help conserve battery life, and reset the iW1 speaker.  In order for the iW1 speaker to power ON, the battery must be charged or unit must be connected to a AC outlet.

• Master Power ON - Slide the Master Power Switch to the ON position (on rear panel) to activate your iW1 speaker. 

• Master Power OFF - Slide the Master Power Switch to the OFF position to power the iW1 speaker OFF.  

  

Note: If the iW1 is in the Master Power OFF state the iW1 will only allow charging of the iW1’s internal battery and will not support iPod/iPhone charging, remote control commands, AirPlay, network setup, nor Firmware Updates.

Powering your iW1 speaker ON

To power the iW1 speaker ON:

1. Plug AC adaptor into Charging Base, and plug into a live AC wall outlet.
2. Place the iW1 Speaker on top of the Charging Base.
3. Slide the Master Power Switch to the ON position (on rear panel).
   Note: Allow 30 seconds for the speaker to startup before interacting with the iW1 speaker.
4. Press the Power button to switch between power ON and Standby mode.

The iW1 speaker will power ON to the last state. 

Rechargeable Battery

The iW1 speaker has an internal rechargeable battery and supports audio playback any where in the home when the battery is charged or docked on it’s charging base with an AC adaptor.
To Charge the Battery

1. Plug AC adaptor into Charging Base, and plug into a live AC wall outlet.
2. Dock iW1 Speaker on top of Charging Base.
   Note: Allow up to 10 hours to fully charge the iW1’s battery. 

To view the Battery level status

Press the Battery Preview button to view the charge status of the iW1’s internal battery on the top volume control panel. 

Using your iW1

Capacitance top panel controls
The iW1 speaker has a backlit capacitance touch panel control interface for power, mode, volume, and music controls.  Controls will be lit according to the status of the iW1 speaker and the selected mode.
Note: Moisture and wet hands will cause issues with the ability of the iW1 to detect user interactions.  Music transport controls will flash once to signal a proper press.

Standby mode

Standby Mode (master power switch is ON):
Press the Power button to place the iW1 speaker in standby mode and stop audio playback. The Power button will pulse on/off to indicate the unit is in standby mode.

Power ON modes

Note: The AirPlay Wireless button will continuously flash on/off to indicate that the iW1 is not linked to a network when ON and in AirPlay Wireless mode.

Volume
Press a specific volume level or slide your finger to the preferred volume level when changing the IW1 speaker’s volume on the unit.

Wi-Fi Network Setup for AirPlay

Check list
Please verify the following steps before attempting to connect your IW1 speaker to a Wi-Fi network:

• To enjoy AirPlay wireless audio, you must have the following:
  • iTunes or an iOS device (iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad).
  • A functioning home network with Wi-Fi.
• Download the latest software updates for iTunes and your iOS device to ensure that you are able to enjoy the latest AirPlay enhance-ments and compatibility.
• Download the  iHome Connect app for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad.
• Have your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password (if applicable) available for reference.
  Note: AirPlay requires iTunes 10.1 (Mac and PC) or later;  OR an iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch (4th, 3rd, and 2nd generations) with iOS 4.2 or later.  The iHome Connect app requires iOS 4.0 or later.

Option A - Connecting with your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad  (Recommended)
If you have an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad with iOS 4.0 or later, we recommend that you use our free iHome Connect app for the quickest network setup experience. To connect your iW1 speaker to a Wi-Fi network using an iOS device, follow these steps:

1. Dock your iOS device to the iW1 using the included iPod USB sync cable.

   

2. Download our free iHome Connect app from the Store and launch the app.
3. Select your preferred Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks and enter password if prompted.
   Note: Connecting to a network may take up to 60 seconds. If network connection is unsuccessful reset the unit or disconnect your iOS device and reconnect and repeat the above steps.  
4. Rename your iW1 speaker and press ‘Save’ (optional). 

Success
Congratulations, you have successfully connected your iW1 to your wireless network and now you can start enjoying wireless audio anywhere in your home or office.  Verify that the Network Status LED is green and then keep reading to learn how to use iW1 and stream your iTunes and iOS audio content using AirPlay. 
Note: To begin using AirPlay wireless streaming, your AirPlay source devices (Mac or PC with your iTunes library as well as your iPod touch, iPhone or iPad) must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network that the iW1 speaker is connected to.

Problem?
 Reset the iW1 Speaker:   

• Unplug the AC jack/remove the iW1 from the charging base
• Slide the rear Power Switch  to the OFF and then ON position
• Reconnect AC jack, place iW1 on charging base and wait 30 seconds 
• Repeat iW1 Wi-Fi Network Setup process if necessary
• See Troubleshooting on page 12-13 for other tips.

Option B - Connecting with your Mac or PC over Wi-Fi 
To connect your iW1 speaker to a Wi-Fi network using a Mac or PC, follow these steps: 

1. iW1 Hardware Reset:
   1. Unplug the AC jack/remove the iW1 from the charging base.
   2. Slide the rear Power Switch  to the OFF and then ON position.
   3. Reconnect AC jack, place iW1 on charging base, and wait 30 sec.

2. Press and hold (5 sec.) Network Setup button on the back of unit.
   Note: The Network Status LED will begin flashing green and the top control panel will also flash.

   

3. On your Mac or PC, select the network called "iHome Setup  XXXX"  from Wi-Fi network settings.
   Note: This process can take up to 2 minutes. Be patient and refresh your network list if necessary.

   

4. Launch a web browser (ex. Safari, Chrome, or Firefox) and enter http://169.254.1.1 in the address bar.
   Note: If the page is not initially available or becomes unresponsive, reload the page.  See “troubleshooting” if problem persists.
5. Rename the iW1 speaker and click ‘Save’.  (optional)
6. Select preferred Wi-Fi network from the list of available and click ‘Join Network’.
   Note: Connecting to a network may take up to 120 seconds.  If network connection is unsuccessful reset the unit or disconnect your iOS device and reconnect and repeat the above steps.

Success
Congratulations, you have successfully connected your iW1 to your wireless network and now you can start enjoying wireless audio anywhere in your home or office.  Verify that the Network Status LED is green and then keep reading to learn how to use iW1 and stream your iTunes and iOS audio content using AirPlay.
Note: To begin using AirPlay wireless streaming, your AirPlay source devices (Mac or PC with your iTunes library as well as your iPod touch, iPhone or iPad) must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network that the iW1 speaker is connected to.

Music Connectivity

Connecting to the iW1 speaker
You can connect to your iHome iW1 speaker four different ways:

1. Using AirPlay® to stream wirelessly from iTunes on your Mac or PC (iTunes can stream to multiple AirPlay speakers).
2. Using AirPlay® to stream wirelessly from your iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch (iOS devices stream to only one AirPlay speaker at a time).
3. Using the USB iPod docking port on the rear panel with a iPod USB sync cable for audio and charging your iPod or iPhone.
4. Using an auxiliary audio device (mp3 or CD player) connected to the aux-in port on the rear panel.

AirPlay & iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad
Using an iOS device:

1. Connect your iOS device to the same Wi-Fi network as iW1.  Go to Settings -→ Wi-Fi on your iOS device.
2. Tap on iPod/Music app, look for the AirPlay button next to the iPod music transport controls.
3. Tap on the AirPlay icon and choose iW1 from the list of speakers. If the iW1 speaker is not available, restart your iOS device and verify that the iW1 is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
4. Press play.

AirPlay & iTunes
Using a Mac or PC with iTunes:

1. Connect your Mac or PC to the same Wi-Fi network as iW1.
2. Open iTunes on your computer.
3. Within iTunes open “Preferences”,  Select the “Devices” tab, and activate the following option: “Allow iTunes control from remote speakers”
4. Click OK, close iTunes preferences.
5. Look for the AirPlay icon in the bottom right corner of the iTunes window.
6. Click the AirPlay icon and choose iW1 from the list of speakers.  Click "Multiple Speakers..." to select additional AirPlay speakers. If the iW1 speaker is not available, restart iTunes and verify that the iW1 is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
7. Press play.

AirPlay Wireless Audio Mode
Enjoy AirPlay audio anywhere:

1. Press to exit standby mode and power the iW1 ON.
2. Press for wireless audio mode and listen to AirPlay music.
3. Use buttons on the iW1 or iW1 remote to control streaming AirPlay content. 

Local iPod Audio Mode
Dock, Charge, & Play using iPod USB sync cable or dock: 1. Connect USB sync cable to iW1’s USB port.

1. Connect USB sync cable to iW1’s USB port.
2. Press Local Playback mode button and enjoy iPod and iPhone charging and audio playback.
3. Using buttons on the iW1 or iW1 remote, in iPod mode, will control your iPod music.
   Note: Use iPod mode for both iPod docking and Aux-in audio playback.

Specifications

The iHome iW1 AirPlay wireless speaker system boasts several key features that make it stand out from the competition. These features include:

• AirPlay compatibility for wireless streaming from Apple devices
• Rechargeable battery for up to 10 hours of playtime
• Built-in stereo speakers and bass port for rich and full sound
• Slim and compact design for easy placement in any room
• Aux input for connecting non-Apple devices
• Remote control for easy operation
• USB port for charging your devices
• LED indicator for battery status

Description

The iHome iW1 AirPlay wireless speaker system is designed with a sleek and modern look, making it a great addition to any room in your home. The speaker system is compact and lightweight, making it easy to move from room to room. The iW1 features built-in stereo speakers and a bass port, which provides rich and full sound. The rechargeable battery allows for up to 10 hours of playtime, making it perfect for outdoor use or for taking it on the go. The iW1 is compatible with AirPlay, which allows you to stream music directly from your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac. The speaker system also features an aux input for connecting non-Apple devices. The remote control makes it easy to operate the speaker system from a distance, and the USB port allows you to charge your devices while you listen to music.

Troubleshooting

Quick tips for problems with network setup:

1. Verify that your router is discoverable (must broadcast itself and not require user to type in the exact name). Verify that the firmware of your router is up-to-date. 
2. Must use WPA/WPA2 security (not WEP, or WPA/WPA2 enterprise). 
3. Sometimes moving the iW1 closer to your access point (within 10-6 ft) during network setup. *this can happen sometimes when multiple Wi-Fi networks are creating interference. 
4. Try using our free and easy to use iHome Connect app available on the App Store.
5. Use the safari browser (Apple’s software tends to work best with it’s own technology). 
6. Refresh the iHome Setup webpage (http://169.254.1.1) and selecting available networks a few times until it shows up. 
7. Make sure that the SSID name of your home router consists of normal characters or digits, with no space or special characters like %/#/* inserted. 
8. Reset your router and start network setup over again. 
9. iW1 Reset: Sometimes you simply need to reset the iW1 and start network setup over again.
   • Unplug the AC jack or remove the iW1 from the charging base
   • Slide the rear Power Switch  to the OFF and then ON position
   • Reconnect AC jack, place iW1 on charging base and wait 30 seconds
   • Repeat iW1 Wi-Fi Network Setup process if necessary

I want to find the iW1’s MAC address:
Some network configurations may require you to know the iW1's MAC address. Follow these steps to determine your iW1's MAC address:

1. Turn on iW1, press and hold network setup button for 4 seconds, and wait for approximated 60 seconds. From your computer, connect to the network named “iHome Setup ######”
2. On a Mac, open the "Terminal" application. On a PC, click Start -> Run, type "cmd" and click OK .
3. When the prompt appears, type "arp -a" and press Enter.
4. You may get a long list of items in response. Please find the line that reads similar to "ihome-iw1-e52431.local (169.254.1.1) at c8:d5:fe:e5:24:31 on en1 [ethernet]" where the six hexadecimal pairs (c8:d5:fe:e5:24:31 in this example) represent the MAC address for your iW1.
5. You can use this MAC address in your network's setup to allow the iW1 on your network.

Network setup when using a hidden SSID:
Setting up iW1 requires you to unhide your SSID. Don't worry, this is only temporary. You can use your router's settings to change your security settings to un-hide your network's SSID. After doing so, the iW1 will be able to detect, select, and join your network. Once the network setup is completed, you can re-hide your network's SSID. The iW1 will remain connected to your network after hiding your SSID.

AirPlay & Network Setup

General

Warranty

iHome, a division of SDI Technologies Inc. (hereafter referred to as SDI Technologies), warrants this product to be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and conditions, for a period of 1 Year from the date of original purchase. Should this product fail to function in a satisfactory manner, it is best to first return it to the store where it was originally purchased. Should this fail to resolve the matter and service still be required by reason of any defect or malfunction during the warranty period, SDI Technologies will repair or, at its discretion, replace this product without charge (except for a $30.00 charge for handling, packing, return UPS/postage, and insurance). This decision is subject to verification of the defect or malfunction upon delivery of this product to the Factory Service Center listed below. The product must include proof of purchase, including date of purchase. The fee for service without proof of purchase is $100.00.

Customer Reviews

Customers love the iHome iW1 AirPlay wireless speaker system for its sleek design, high-quality sound, and easy-to-use features. Many customers appreciate the rechargeable battery and the long battery life. However, some customers have reported issues with the AirPlay compatibility and connectivity.