So many phones are doubling as music devices these days. Wouldn’t it make sense that a phone company gets into the audio game? It does to VTech. The company just announced its entry into the home audio market, with the IS9181.

The stand-alone streaming device uses Wi-Fi to deliver high-quality music, even from the web. More than 11,000 free web radio stations will stream, as well as local weather and horoscope content. It will also stream all of your PC/Mac music (MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, Real files) and connect to portables, too.

The unit features built-in 3-watt front-facing tuned stereo speakers, as well as a 10-watt subwoofer with class D amplifiers.

That’s all fine and dandy, but one of the features we appreciate the most is VTech’s online “comprehensive guide” to all of the stations that will be offered. Once you track down a few favorites, you can store a few presets—either online or directly on the device.

VTech says that the IS9181 Wi-Fi Internet Radio will be available this spring for $199.95.

Read the entire press release here.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.