By Patrick Avenell

SYDNEY, NSW: Pure last night took over the British consulate in Sydney to launch five new models in its digital radio range. The centrepiece of this release is the Pure Sensia, a digital radio with a touchscreen internet portal.

After a welcoming speech from Consul-General Richard Morris, Pure Australasia managing director introduced media and retail partners to the Sensia. Available from November 2009, this model features DAB+ digital radio, FM and internet connected radio. Additionally, the touchscreen user interface enables easy scrolling and station selection, and connection to internet sites through applications.

Pre-installed on the model are widgets for news, weather, Facebook, Twitter and Picasa. More apps will be available after launch, and independent parties will be able to create their own apps for this model. Particularly impressive was the Sky Racing Channel module, which displayed all the relevant race details as the races were being called live on air. The Pure Sensia is RRP $749.

Also released last was the Pure Verona, which is available in either real wood walnut veneer or piano black. This model, which is RRP $599, features an OLED display, iPod/MP3 player input and Clearsound technology.

Claiming a world first with this innovation, Pure launched a Works with iPhone DAB+ micro system. Called the Sirocco 150, this model features two speakers, a remote control, and supports playback from USB flash memory drives, SD cards and CDs. This model is RRP $499.

At RRP $269 is Pure’s internet-connected bedside radio, which is RRP $269. This model is available in November, DAB+ and FM radio, and can also stream music directly from a Wi-Fi enabled computer. Features include auto-dimming display, touch-sensitive controls, four quick-set alarms and an input for iPod/MP3 players.

The final new release from last night is the Pure ONE Mini. This is Pure’s cheapest model in the range, at RRP $129. This is a compact version of the original ONE model, which Redman reported had been a particularly good seller. At this price point, the ONE Mini can introduce users to the advantages of digital radio, and once they are accustomed to the technology, the possibility will then exist for retailers to sell them up through the range. Features include 16 presets, headphone hack and textSCAN.