HomePod - Wireless iTunes Stereo

As noted by MacMinute, MacSense will start shipping HomePod this week. The HomePod is described as a digital stereo component that allows users to take advantage of their existing wireless network to stream music files stored on their computers to HomePods located anywhere in the house.

The device presently supports MP3 files, and is compatible with iTunes, MusicMatch, WinAmp and other applications by streaming over your local WiFi network. According to the company's site:

The HomePod enhances Apple's digital hub concept, complimenting iTunes and iPod. Think of HomePod as an iPod for home distributed entertainment. The handheld device functions just like an iPod, with the ability to browse by song name, artists, album, and genre.

The $249 unit is reported to be "upgradable" to AAC, WMA, WAV and more, but gives no indication as to possible Protected AAC support -- which is the format provided by the iTunes Music Store.

There have been some unconfirmed rumors that Apple might create similar media-pc bridging devices.