Streaming media is a huge market today. Industry research predicts revenue will exceed $78 billion through 2014 and continue to grow rapidly as users rely more heavily on the Internet for audio and video consumption.

Today, live TV streams of events like the Olympics, which are currently underway - to the upcoming presidential elections, or even music streams of concerts or other recorded audio, are available right at a users fingertips thanks to mobile and portable devices.

When it comes to music streaming, the excitement can be owed to banishing outdated options like CDs that got easily scratched or borrowed and never returned as well as MP3 devices that only loaded a set number of songs and created a rotation to easily get bored with.

Instead, the ability to stream music and other media through an IP or wireless connection is delivering users with choice and more options for the media they’d like to consume as well as the convenience to listen and see it, when they want.

Add to this a sleek, powerful and stylish gadget to stream from, and you have the perfect display of streaming media at its best.  

Kings Langley, U.K.-based Pure, well-known for its Internet-connected devices, recently introduced Contour 100i Audio Dock for iPod, iPhone (News - Alert) and iPad.

What sets the device apart from other models out there today is not only its sound quality (ever picked up one of those really low priced audio docks to play music from your device over? The sound with Contour really stands out and is incomparable.)

In addition, its stylish design makes it possible to sit the gadget atop a shelf or table in any of today’s homes and still fit the room’s décor.

I had a chance to test this out myself on a review unit and it definitely lived up to its sound quality and volume capabilities. Without even cranking the devices volume up all the way, I was able to fill the sound of music throughout my entire 1,400 sq. ft. home. The clarity was impressive and something that could make a perfect center piece at a party - where guests can enjoy streaming music selected from the company’s Pure Lounge App – a free companion Internet radio and music streaming App or users can hook their own devices up to the dock and play the music they’d like to share.In addition, the device comes with an integrated FM radio – so there is never a shortage of selection options.

An attractive revolving dock props an iPhone or iPod up so it’s easy to access the touchscreen or display the screen if video media is being shown. And when it’s not in use, the dock can be tucked away. Also a magnetic, slim remote keeps the device sleek and easy to store away. Now, if only there was no need for a wire running to an electrical socket. (Yours truly is waiting for the day when batteries are suitable enough for long time use and remove the need for electrical cords to power devices.)

The product is Green too. As part of EcoPlus, Pure's ethical philosophy and on-going commitment to looking after the environment, iContour 100 has been designed to minimize environmental impact and was manufactured in audited facilities, uses reduced power consumption in operation and standby, and includes the use of recycled packaging materials to minimize the environmental impact.

I recently asked Peter Blampied, Pure's director of Sales, a few questions to find out more about the latest device and its position in the marketplace. The responses are below.

Streaming is becoming more popular with consumer’s ­ today - what role does Pure play within this?

Consumers are increasingly looking for ways to wirelessly stream their content and Pure is catering to this growing demand with our range of seven wireless music and radio systems which deliver a mix of Internet radio and streaming of local and cloud-based content. Pure also has a free companion Pure Lounge App for Android (News - Alert) and iOS personal devices that enables access to tens of thousands of internet radio stations, on demand content internet radio stations, on demand content (podcasts and listen again programs) and ambient sounds, as well as the ability to discover, explore and listen to millions of music tracks via the cloud-based Pure Music subscription service, which will be available in the US later this year.

Pure will also be bringing the company’s first Airplay compatible offering to market, called the Contour 200i Air.

What do Pure products offer iOS consumers?

iOS consumers are well catered to by Pure. They can download the free Pure Lounge App from the Apple (News - Alert) App Store and enjoy internet radio and on demand content on the move. They can also dock their iOS product onto one of Pure’s many docking products such as the Contour or the new, affordable and stylish Contour 100i to enjoy their own personal content in high quality audio.

What products does Pure have coming out in the coming months, especially for Android users?

Pure customers can expect an exciting line up of brand new products to roll out over the coming months, leading into CES (News - Alert) 2013. These solutions will cater to helping both iOS and Android users discover and enjoy a world of content, whether it’s via the Pure Lounge or from their own personal devices (smartphones, MP3 players, tablets, etc). Pure will also soon be announcing even more wireless music streaming services, making the enjoyment of high quality audio even more convenient.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2012, taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. For more information on registering for ITEXPO click here.

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