The most cost-effective smart speaker, in-depth evaluation of Xiaomi Network Audio
[Xiaomi Network Audio: Smart Speaker with Internet Access]
On the afternoon of November 22, 2016, Xiaomi launched a new Xiaomi network audio that was known as "unprofessional". It was developed by the Xiaomi TV host team and was a new category created by Xiaomi TV after the establishment of the box category.
As can be seen from the name, the biggest highlight of Xiaomi Network Audio is its ability to access the internet.
Compared with the traditional Bluetooth connection method, WiFi access to the network not only breaks through the distance limit (Bluetooth connection to the mobile phone is greatly affected by the distance, but Wi-Fi transmission distance and wall-penetrating ability are much higher than Bluetooth transmission), but also allows access to more music resources online, which is the best of both worlds.
It brings together the current 10 major mainstream audio service content, claiming to be able to provide 20 million online music library, 8 million sets of online radio programs, and more than 1,500 radio stations covering 31 provinces/municipalities.
In terms of hardware specifications, Xiaomi Network Audio has inherited Xiaomi’s usual "fever" concept, equipped with Amlogic 8726M3 Cortex-A9 processor, built-in 8GB flash memory, Bluetooth 4.1 and 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, built-in two 2.5-inch subwoofers and two 20-core dome tweeters.
In terms of interface, Xiaomi Network Audio provides a 3.5mm audio input interface, supports USB expansion, and of course, the most important thing is to support Android/iOS mobile phone remote control (with Xiaomi Audio App) function.
Just looking at the above "parameters" can’t explain too much, so how is the actual performance of Xiaomi Network Audio? We got this product a few days ago, and we will share our experience with you.
[Appearance design: cuboid shape, shutter grille lines, simple and elegant]
The outer packaging of Xiaomi Network Audio is a king-sized Xiaomi mobile phone box, which adopts a white minimalist design style and has a product picture on the front.
The connection method of the product is marked on the side of the box. Xiaomi Network Audio supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, AUX IN, USB 2.0, unlimited projection and remote access, etc.
The Xiaomi network audio is a cuboid shape, the corners are rounded, and the white box is simple and atmospheric. Unlike the mesh or mesh design of traditional speakers, the front and rear sides of the Xiaomi network audio are designed with grilles, like blinds. The "MI" logo is integrated with the fuselage lines, quiet and unobtrusive.
The top of the Xiaomi network stereo is a silver-white metal control panel, and the surface is brushed, which is very textured.
The button layout is very similar to that of the Xiaomi TV host. From top to bottom, there are power indicators, volume +, PLAY key (play/pause), volume -, and CH key (used to switch channels). The left and right buttons are responsible for switching songs (previous/next). Long press the CH key to achieve voice control.
The back of Xiaomi Network Audio is covered by a 3.5mm AUX interface, a USB interface, and a power socket from left to right. It is connected to TVs, computers, and other devices through a 3.5mm audio cable. The USB interface can be connected to an external U disk to achieve local playback.
The bottom of the Xiaomi network sound box is surrounded by 4 rubber anti-skid foot pads, and the middle is the host information and the mobile phone client side to download the QR code.
The nameplate of Xiaomi Network Audio: the model is MDZ-16-DA, and the QR code is the Xiaomi Audio App, which connects Xiaomi Network Audio to achieve various functions.
The power cord of Xiaomi Network Audio is also a pure white design.
[Function experience: not just listening to music, radio and audio novels, but also voice on demand]
The biggest highlight of Xiaomi Network Audio is that the audio itself "can surf the Internet". The following will focus on the use of Xiaomi Network Audio.
– Wi-Fi Connection App
After downloading the Xiaomi Audio App (scan the manual or the QR code at the bottom of Xiaomi Network Audio to download), click "Add Speaker", then long press the PLAY button of Xiaomi Network Audio and click "Next", then configure the speaker with Wi-Fi. After clicking "Next", the speaker can "surf the Internet".
– – Main interface of Xiaomi Audio App
After connecting to Wi-Fi, it will automatically enter the main interface of the Xiaomi Audio app (first on the left). Xiaomi Audio has pre-added several channels (the classics in the picture on the left are also popular, moving 2016, European and American golden songs, etc.). Click on any channel to start enjoying the music journey.
The one on the right is the main interface for music playback. Slide left and right to switch songs. At the bottom is the volume adjustment. You can also choose the playback order, view the playlist, and turn it off regularly, etc.
– search for songs
At present, the Xiaomi Audio App integrates the content of Kuwo Music, Xiami Music and Xiaomi Music three audio service providers, as well as Kuke Music, which focuses on classical music, and Bewa Listen Radio, which is aimed at children.
Click Create Channel to navigate to the search interface (first from the left). The same song will be displayed simultaneously on three platforms: Xiami Music, Xiaomi Music, and Kuwo Music. Click More Search Results to view all the content of this song on this platform (Xiami Music, Kuwo Music, or Xiaomi Music).
– create a channel
The Xiaomi Audio App supports self-built channels. Click "Create Channel" in the upper right corner of the main page to add songs to Xiami, Xiaomi and Kuwo.
Taking Xiaomi Music as an example, the self-built channel can add any song from the three lists of Xiaomi New Song Chart, Hot Song Chart and Popular Chart, but users cannot rename the channel, only add or delete it.
Subscription radio.
In addition to listening to music, you can also subscribe to radio stations on the Xiaomi Audio App. At present, Xiaomi Audio covers the content of Dragonfly Radio, Himalayan Radio, Koala Radio, Phoenix Radio and Litchi Radio.
After entering these platforms, you can see the popular content of most radio stations, and you can also search for your favorite programs. The operation mechanism is exactly the same as the previously mentioned search music process. After subscribing, you can see your subscribed programs on the main interface.
– Bluetooth connection
Although Xiaomi Network Audio is positioned as a smart speaker that "can surf the Internet", it still retains the basic functions of traditional Bluetooth speakers. First confirm that the Bluetooth switch of Xiaomi Network Audio is turned on. After the mobile phone turns on Bluetooth, click Connect with it to turn it into a traditional Bluetooth speaker.
After connecting to Bluetooth, not only can the local content of the mobile phone be played, but the resources in the Xiaomi Audio App can still be accessed, which means that Xiaomi Network Audio can support both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection methods, but when using a third-party player, it can only be played through Bluetooth, and there will be a certain delay.
USB expansion.
Xiaomi Network Audio supports USB expansion. After inserting the U disk, the Xiaomi Audio App will display the U disk icon on the main interface, and click to play the songs on the U disk.
– remote access
Xiaomi Network Audio supports remote connection of PC or MAC computers. The specific operation method is (take Windows computers as an example), open "My Computer", enter the corresponding address (10.1.1.100), then click the media folder, copy the songs on the computer, and then you can play them on Xiaomi Network Audio.
The song information copied on the computer will appear in the Xiaomi Audio App synchronously, and the specific location is the speaker storage channel.
– other functions
You can view the available storage space of Xiaomi Network Audio in the App. In addition, Xiaomi Network Audio also has an alarm clock reminder function, which supports changing the alarm clock ringtone. The function experience is the same as that of the mobile phone alarm clock.
The Xiaomi Audio App has a built-in upgrade assistant. Through the upgrade assistant, Xiaomi Network Audio can be firmware upgraded. During our experience, we also received a speaker firmware upgrade push.
In addition, Xiaomi Network Audio supports voice-on-demand function. I often encounter such a thing in life. I want to find a song, but I only find it after consulting three or four music apps. Xiaomi Network Audio provides voice-on-demand function. Just long press the CH button and say the song, radio, audio book, etc. you want to listen to, and it will search and find the result and play it by itself.
In the actual experience process, the recognition rate is very high. By directly saying the name of the song or the singer, you can find the corresponding resources, which is simple and fast.
[Audition experience: 4 units of vocalization achieve good sound quality]
Xiaomi Network Audio has built-in 2 2.5-inch subwoofers and 2 20-core dome tweeters with a total of 4 sound units. The subwoofer can effectively reduce the distortion rate, and the dome tweeter has the advantages of wide frequency band, good directivity, good transient characteristics, smooth and natural, etc. The combination of the two complements each other.
In terms of quality, Xiaomi’s network audio has a sampling rate of 60-25kHz that exceeds the human ear discrimination range, supports up to 24Bit/192kHz audio sources, which is higher than the CD standard sound quality. The playback ability of such a high-purity audio source is comparable to the Hi-Res standard pushed by Sony.
With the configuration, how is the specific performance? Next is the audition experience.
Bass.
Bass: Representative tracks are Cai Qin’s "Ferry" and the Eagles’ "California Hotel", played through Xiaomi Network Audio, you can hear a very mellow bass, the female voice effect is clear and mellow, the resolution is high, the voice and background music are clearly layered, and the sense of presence is very strong, especially when it is close to the speaker position, there is a sense of immersion.
– Alto
Alto: The representative tracks are "Undercurrent" and "Legend". Faye Wong’s voice itself is relatively cool. Xiaomi Network Audio deduces the characteristics of Faye Wong as thin as a cicada’s wings, ethereal and stable. Although the telescopic force is not large, the light and dark fluctuations are relatively stable and full of tension.
– treble
Treble: The representative tracks are "Deficit" and "Heaven". The treble part of Xiaomi Network Audio is high and loud, vigorous and powerful, with transparent sound and distinct layers. The sound field is open and delicate, and the details are in place. There is no distortion when the volume is turned up.
It’s classical.
Classical music is the choice of "Bell" and "Chopin Etudes", the piano treble area crisp and melodious, loud and powerful, different intensity levels of sound can be clearly felt.
It’s called heavy metal.
The tracks used in heavy metal music are "She is My Sin" and "Stay". Heavy metal music generally has a roar, roar, or high-pitched and passionate voice. Xiaomi Network Audio plays such music with high explosive power, fast speed, and a sense of weight and destruction. It is very powerful.
Rock music.
The songs chosen for rock and roll are Cui Jian’s "Flower House Girl" and "Rock and Roll on the New Long March Road". Xiaomi Network Audio vividly interprets Cui Jian’s hoarse but loud voice full of wild beauty.
[Summary: 399 yuan, the strongest speaker at the same price]
Xiaomi Network Audio is a brand-new audio equipment product under Xiaomi. Although it is not Xiaomi’s first foray into the audio field, this product is very different from the previously released Xiaomi Bluetooth speaker in terms of appearance design and functional experience.
In terms of appearance design, Xiaomi Network Audio’s blinded grille lines are simple and elegant, in sharp contrast to the mesh or mesh design of traditional Bluetooth speakers. The rounded corners and white cuboid shape will not violate any place.
For speakers, which serve the sense of hearing, functional experience should be a priority for manufacturers. In this regard, with the help of the Xiaomi Audio App, Xiaomi Network Audio can realize many functions such as Wi-Fi listening, remote access, Bluetooth, alarm clock, etc., greatly improving playability.
In terms of resources, 20 million online music library, more than 8 million Internet radio programs and 1,500 radio stations can meet most of the needs of users, which are not available in traditional Bluetooth speakers.
In terms of sound quality, the 4-unit sound effectively reduces the distortion rate, the treble is smooth and natural, and the inverted air duct technology improves the bass performance, enabling Xiaomi Network Audio to maintain a very good sound quality level at this price range.
The appearance is simple and atmospheric, the operation is simple and convenient, the function is rich and powerful, the music content is rich, etc. These are the advantages of Xiaomi network audio. This time, Xiaomi has focused all its attention on the music experience, making the product itself more playable and providing users with a different product experience from traditional Bluetooth speakers.
Although the slogan "Xiaomi is targeting the market of 3,999 yuan at the price of 399 yuan" is a bit exaggerated, and although Xiaomi Network Audio cannot be compared with 3,999 yuan audio, it is undeniable that from this product, we see Xiaomi Network Audio’s determination to develop in a diversified direction, not just on the surface of pure listening to music.
