08.29.2007 — ReQuest will show a slew of enhancements to its music server system during CEDIA Expo, September 5–9, in Denver.

It will introduce Freedom, new application software for the iQ Intelligent Music System. Freedom, according to ReQuest, instantly converts any Nokia N800 "Internet Tablet" to a handheld controller with full command over a multiroom iQ system, using the familiar commands, graphics, and icons of the ReQuest TS35 in-wall touch panel controller.

Bill McKiegan, VP of sales and marketing, calls it an "affordable WiFi handheld controller."

According to ReQuest, Freedom delivers full control of rooms, internal and external sources, volume, and media-selection, via the interface identical to the iQ. TS35 in-wall panel -- no stylus required. Up to four Freedom/N800 clients can access an iQ System.

The Freedom will be available in September and carry a suggested retail price of $500.

The iQ system itself, meanwhile, is getting some new features. A network IR extender now allows the server-based iQ multiroom solution to enjoy flexible integration and full control over such legacy devices as cable boxes and CD players, according to the company.

Terrestrial and satellite tuners from Polk Audio and NuVO can now also be integrated into an iQ system with fully "two-way" remote control and display.

Both upgrades are available now. The MSRP for the network IR extender is $500 and it's $150 for the radio feature.

A new touchsreen control will be also be revealed at the show. The Network Touchscreen Client (NTC) works with ReQuest's TS.15 full-size color touchscreen controller from any location on a home Ethernet network, without the need for long cables or VGA/USB extenders, according to the company.

It will be available in September and the TS.15 and NTC will carry an MSRP of $1,000.

Lastly, the addition of several software widgets is intended to improve iQ's functionality. It now offers four built-in widgets that automatically access the network and Internet to provide information throughout the home.

These free programs deliver stock, weather, webcam, and calendar information to the iQ's touchscreen system-controllers, including the freestanding 15-inch TS.15 and the in-wall, 3.5-inch TS.35.

There's a stock ticker, a webcam for monitoring both local areas and publicly available monitoring areas, an updated weather display and a customizable calendar.