AirPlay 2 support is spreading at a very good rate via third-party accessories. There are many TVs on the market that already offer this option, not to mention its availability in speakers and other devices. This means that every time we can output the sound or image from our iPhone or iPad to more accessories, but what about the ones AirPlay will never reach? The answer can be found in the Belkin Soundform Connect, which bring AirPlay 2 to any device in the easiest way.
AirPlay 2 on all speakers by simply plugging in a cable
The beauty of Soundform Connect is its simplicity. This is an adapter just five centimeters wide that serves as a receiver for the AirPlay signal. We, with our iPhone or iPad, we will broadcast the content to this receiver and the signal will be transmitted via cable 3.5 mm jack or an optical digital audio output to the device where you want to play the content.
The design of the device is, in fact, very simple. And, while in general this is a product that is not designed to be visible, one will appreciate a simple and elegant matte black plastic design. In terms of connectors, it has a USB-C port for power on one side and with the audio output, both optical and jack, on the other. Here it is important to note that we can only use one output at a time, the system is not intended to use both simultaneously.
The setup process is very straightforward. Once the Soundform Connect is plugged in, we simply bring our iPhone to NFC on the back to add the device to the Home app. Once added to our house, it will appear as another speaker that we can send the content we play from any of our devices. We can use it to output sound from Apple TV, iPhone, Mac, etc. A really versatile system for, for example, using background music in our house.
Belkin SoundForm Connect AirPlay 2 Audio Adapter and Receiver for Wireless Playback with Optical Input, Black
Remember that the Soundform Connect is able to manage audio up to 44.1 KHz and up to 16 bit, i.e. standard CD quality. Quality that must be more than enough for the vast majority of audio equipment on the market, but not enough to handle Apple Music’s recently announced lossless audio.
However, the truth is, this little accessory is the most interesting. Very much in line with Belkin, offering good solutions to some specific scenarios with good quality products and benefits. A device that allows us so quickly to enjoy the sound of our Apple TV on the living room stereo or convert almost any speaker into a smart speaker. As easy as plugging in a cord.
