Review Altec Lansing’s inMotion range of portable speakers has been popular with iPod and iPhone owners for many years. However, the inMotion Air turns out to be a break with tradition – in fact, it’s not specifically designed for the iPod at all.

Altec Lansing's inMotion Air

I was, perhaps, taken in by the look of the unit, which has the same rather harsh, angular design as other recent models in the inMotion range. It’s certainly not meant to be a travel speaker, though.

There’s a carrying handle carved into the back of the unit, but its size and weight make it clear that it’s mostly meant to be carried from room to room at home, rather than slipped into a backpack when you’re travelling.

The most interesting aspect of the design, though, is the complete absence of the ubiquitous iPod dock. It turns out that the inMotion Air is primarily designed for wireless streaming, with only a humble Aux input around the back to allow wired connections. It doesn’t support Apple’s AirPlay technology as I’d hoped when I saw the word ‘Air’ in the product’s name, but its wireless features are still pretty comprehensive.

An aux input at the rear accommodates non-wireless kit

Altec Lansing describes the inMotion Air as a ‘universal wireless speaker’, and its Bluetooth streaming ensures that it will work with any mobile device or computer equipped with Bluetooth. The audio quality when using Bluetooth is very good – clear and detailed, with a nice solid bass behind it.

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