A lot of the focus this weeks is going to be on iOS 6 and that shiny new MacBook Pro with the retina display, but Apple also made plenty of smaller announcements during their Worldwide Developers Conference keynote. Apple not only upgrades its operating systems and computers at a break-neck pace, it also constantly upgrades its accessories. Apple’s router, dubbed the AirPort Express, is getting an upgrade too – but it’s not going up in price.
The new AirPort Express will now feature simultaneous dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. That’s it. Everything else about the device is staying exactly the same, but at least it is a slight improvement. The price for the device has not risen along with its capabilities – it is still $99.
The AirPort Express functions as a normal router, but also supports some Apple-specific software such as the Remote App. Using the Remote App, Apple fans can control itunes on their computer using an iOS touch device such as an iPhone or iPad. Another feature the AirPort Express supports is AirPlay, which allows wireless AirPlay-enabled speakers to play music from an iOS device or iTunes. In addition, the AirPort Express has a 3.5 mm audio jack so that AirPlay can be used with non-AirPlay-enabled speakers.
