Eos Wireless iPod Speakers Are Smart But Ugly

Eos Wireless iPod Speakers Are Smart But Ugly

One thing that sets iPod owners apart from generic brand buyers is that they are prepared to pay for smart design and good engineering. So why do so many iPod accessory makers ship ugly tat, deluding themselves that it will sell to a self-selected, tasteful audience?

Exhibit A: The Eos. A pretty neat product, the Eos is a a wireless speaker system for the iPod. You dock your MP3 player in the base station and from there tunes are beamed around the house via a proprietary GigaWave wireless network. The base station and one extra stereo speaker cost $250 and further units can be added for $130 a pop. There is a remote control, and an innovative power plug: the speakers hang from the power socket but the plug detaches for tabletop use.

The trouble is, it is as ugly as sin. from the bottom of its plastic bubble base to the tip of its blue glowing antenna. Best of all, though, is the 'How it Works' video on the site, which strongly resembles 'The Science Bit' from shampoo commercials. WiFi interference is characterized as red blocks, bouncing off the super-powered GigaWave signals. The link below will take you straight there.

(Via Gadget Lab.)

New iPhone cases - Reflect and Courier

New iPhone cases - Reflect and Courier

Why should your iPod have all the cool cases? Griffin has now released two of their most popular cases for the iPhone. For the rugged individual, there's the multi-purpose Courier which is made of compression-molded EVA outer jacket for abrasion-resistant durability and can either wrap around the strap of your backpack or bag (up to 4 inches wide), or be secured by a industrial-strength hook & loop closure (see photo above). The detachable case fits iPod classic/iPod with video and iPod touch, and your precious iPhone. With a hidden zipper pocket for key, money, ID, and a second flapped pocket for sync cable, earphones, or whatever you need, this utiilty case is all you need to carry. 34.99 at Griffin.;

My iPhone had been envious of my iPod's stylish Reflect case, but is now sporting its own. Made of a durable polycarbonate shell that surrounds the face of your iPhone with seamless, chrome-like protection, and a rubberized matte black back, it protects while still giving you access to all the controls of your iPhone. At $24.99 it's a great way to dress up your iPhone.

(Via Popgadget: Personal Tech for Women.)

Abilene Christian University students will get iPhones, iPod touches this fall

Abilene Christian University students will get iPhones, iPod touches this fall

Incoming freshman at Texas’ Abilene Christian University this fall will each receive either an iPhone or iPod touch to help speed along their education. The school hopes students will use the devices in any number of academic pursuits, such as getting on-the-go homework updates, checking meal plan activity and answer in-class quizzes. That’s what the school hopes; the reality is that the kids will use them for their own pursuits as soon as they’re out of earshot of the dean or their professor.

But, I will not hate on the project, which sounds like something Bill O’Reilly would do (’Students and iPhones? In my day we had pens and paper and were thankful for that!). Anytime a school embraces new technology students benefit. My school didn’t even have Wi-Fi in the library when I was a freshman (it did, but only on like two floors out of 12). You’re paying X amount to attend, the least you should expect is for your school to ‘get’ technology.

(Via CrunchGear.)

SONY ADDS iPhone SUPPORT TO ITS CLOCK RADIO LINEUP

SONY ADDS iPhone SUPPORT TO ITS CLOCK RADIO LINEUP
SAN DIEGO, – Designed for bedrooms, studio apartments or college dorm rooms, Sony is unveiling its latest clock radio with a dock for iPod® and iPhone™.

Sony is one of the first companies to launch an iPhone compatible speaker clock radio. It features a wireless remote with full access to the iPod and iPhone devices’ menus (the iPhone handset must be in iPod mode), as well as to alarm clock’s radio tuning and volume functions. It also charges the device while docked.

An adjustable backstop mechanism ensures that most devices fit snugly and securely in the clock radio’s cradle. It’s also compatible with the smaller iPod players. Because of its supplied cable and line-in jack, other digital music players can be easily connected to the unit.

Robust Alarm Clock

The clock radio also has a full-function alarm clock. Users can choose to wake up or fall asleep to music, the radio or a buzzer.

When first powered on, the Automatic Time Set (ATS) feature will display the correct Eastern Standard Time which easily can be changed to other time zones. The unit also has automatic Daylight Savings Time adjustment, eliminating the need to reset the clock in the spring and the fall. Adjustable brightness control over the LCD display provides easy readability.

Pricing and Availability

The ICF-ClipMK2 clock radio comes in both black and white designs. It will be available in May for about $100 at Sony Style stores, online at www.sonystyle.com and at authorized dealers nationwide.

(Via Just Another Mobile Phone Blog.)

Vers 2X-Next gen iPod Wooden Nostalgia

Vers 2X-Next gen iPod Wooden Nostalgia

The market for iPod accessories is full of plastic products that start with the must haves to the extreme eccentrics. So if you really crave the old world sound produced from wooden speakers. The Vers 2X produces room-filling sound thanks to a pair of 3-inch full-range speakers, powered by a 20-watt per channel (peak) class-D amplifier. The dual ported enclosure helps to produce extra bass boom despite the cabinet's relatively small size ( 11.5″ W x 5.6″ H x 5.6″ L). The $149 system includes adapters for playing and charging most iPod models including: iPod Video, iPod Nano, iPod mini, iPod, iPod classic, iPod touch and even the iPhone. There's also a universal dock for other MP3 players. The Vers also includes a slick brushed metal 14-function remote control, which lets you control volume, change tracks, switch playlists and more.
Of course this product is manufactured in an environmentally-friendly approach. The 2X is built using wood farmed from sustainable plantations; assembled using screws instead of glues, and even comes packaged in 100% recycled and recyclable paper.

(Via Newlaunches.com.)

XZABADY iPod Dock is Waterproof, Thinks It's a Picture Frame [Shrink Wrapping]

XZABADY iPod Dock is Waterproof, Thinks It's a Picture Frame [Shrink Wrapping]

Shrink-wrapping your MP3 player has suddenly become reality, thanks to the guys at Twinbird. The XZABADY (crazy name, eh, crazy guys?) is a frame-shaped iPod dock with FM radio that you can park your player in to make it waterproof. The player connects via an audio jack, and you can customize the background with a picture of your loved one—maybe they look better with an iPod superimposed on top of them—and then press down on the silicon rubber sheet to seal. XZABADY: truly a byword for fugtional; where fug meets function.

(Via Gizmodo.)

ION Audio Blocker Rocker

ION Audio Blocker Rocker

ION Audio Blocker Rocker is ready for your party, all your mates can bring their own CDs, iPod and MP3 player to share the music. This Blocker Rocker has the input for CD player, MP3 player, microphones and a universal dock for the iPod. It is portable, easy to carry and no cables tangled up. This thing is powered by a long-lasting rechargeable battery. Pick up one yo, it’s 300 bucks.

(Via 2dayBlog - Technology Journal, New Gadget everyday!.)

Nike's SportBand passes FCC, bypasses Apple

Nike's SportBand passes FCC, bypasses Apple

Well what do you know, the Nike+ product line continues to evolve. This time, however, Apple's iPod appears to be out of the picture. Based on that illustration above, the 2.62 x 2.62-inch Nike+ SportBand device wedges its way into a bracelet where it communicates with the standard Nike+ shoe adapter. You then insert the USB device into your PC or Mac (presumably) to track your runs. Be sure to peep the actual device in the gallery -- looks like the FCC managed to bust the SportBand's USB connector during their tests. That doesn't bode well for final product now does it?

Gallery: Nike's SportBand passes FCC, bypasses Apple

(Via Engadget.)

Altec Lansing T612: Their First iPhone-Friendly, GSM Buzz-Shielding Speaker Dock [Lightning Review]

Altec Lansing T612: Their First iPhone-Friendly, GSM Buzz-Shielding Speaker Dock [Lightning Review]

The Gadget: Altec Lansing's T612 iPod/iPhone dock, which shields against interference caused by GSM phones. Meaning you can run your iPhone through speakers without that annoying blipping.

The Price: $199.99



The Verdict: The hook here is the iPhone-friendliness of the product. While testing the T612, GSM buzz never occurred once, making good on Altec Lansing's claim. The dock also mutes the music when a call comes through, so you can hear your ringer and pick up the call (the T612 doesn't have speakerphone, to be clear).

On the audio side of things, the T612 is powered by two 3-inch drivers and two 1 -inch tweeters. The dock sounds good enough if you only listen to pop songs at a moderate volume that don't go too crazy with highs or lows. When you start to venture outside the musical comfort of Celine Dion, heavy bass has a hollow sound, and if you turn it up too loud, everything gets really muddy. Of course, you can adjust the bass and treble to remedy this, but then the music loses some of its punch.

Also available is a wall mount, but you have to pay an extra $3 to have it shipped, and it doesn't look all that great. $199.99 seems a little steep for this dock (especially compared to Logitech's $150 Pure-Fi Anywhere ), but if you really need to dock your iPhone as a music solution, and you can't stand to deal with the interference (or putting your phone in flight mode), maybe this is for you.

(Via Gizmodo.)

iSoundSpa Fusion

iSoundSpa Fusion

Here's yet another alarm clock that comes with a built-in iPod dock - the iSoundSpa Fusion. What makes the iSoundSpa Fusion stand out from the rest would be its interchangeable faceplates that can be replaced to match your mood, or even your iPod/MP3 player's design. It also packs in an integrated AM/FM radio and half a dozen soothing sounds inspired by nature to wake you up. The iSoundSpa Fusion retails for $59.99 which is pretty reasonable, but forking out $5 per faceplate? You gotta be kidding me - I ain't paying that much for some cheap plastic.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

LiveSpeakR Stereo Dock

LiveSpeakR Stereo Dock

The LiveSpeakR Stereo Dock looks like something that fell out from outer space, as it wraps itself around the iPhone and iPod touch. Depending on your viewing preference, the LiveSpeakR accomodates both vertical and horizontal positioning when watching video. There is no word on pricing and availability as at press time, but would you like to have one of these sitting on your desk at home? I think there are way better looking iPod docks in the market at the moment.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

SoundBox Keeps iPod Water/Sand/Dust Free

SoundBox Keeps iPod Water/Sand/Dust Free

Protect your iPod from the ocean, bathtub, or kitchen sink with the Hercules i-XPS SoundBox that doubles as a speaker. With NXT tech, the case is compatible with all iPods and MP3 players that utilize a 3.5mm headphone connector. It features a transparent window for menu access, runs on two AAA batteries, and also keeps your tunes safe against sand and dust. The SoundBox is available in Stone, Spray, and Splash (how fitting) for £17.99 (~$35.00).

(Via Gear Live.)

Kenwood AS-IP300 iPod dock station

Kenwood AS-IP300 iPod dock station

Look on this AS-IP300 iPod dock station from Kenwood. Dimensions are a good, 380x157x221mm at 1 kg (1.2) for this iPod dock equipped with a couple 1.9W speakers. The price is set at 95€.

(Via MP3 Players.)

Krell iPod Dock Big On Price

Krell iPod Dock Big On Price

Thankfully, the £1,350 price tag that comes with the Krell iPod dock claims to net you the best iPod dock in the entire world. At that price, I'm not sure if I'd invest in MP3 tunes any more since the bitrate can only get so high. Give me a super audio CD anyday for audio clarity, but then again MP3s are the new cassettes due to their convenience. Would you ever drop such serious coin for an iPod dock? The day I do that would be after having checked into the local asylum.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Make you iPod Flower-Full with these coloured cases

Make you iPod Flower-Full with these coloured caseswidth="387" height="267" /> Oh iPods, let me count the ways I like to pimp
thee. Will I choose the href="http://www.shinyshiny.tv/2007/11/skinizi_cartoon.html">customizable
skin or shall I go fr something far more girly?

(Via Shiny Shiny.)

iPods are for mugs, you say? With the Yuento Music Mug, definitely.

iPods are for mugs, you say? With the Yuento Music Mug, definitely.width="339" height="190" /> href="http://techdigest.tv/2008/02/krells_kid_the.html">Yesterday we wrote
about a £1,350 iPod dock by Krell, but today we've got something from the
other end of the spectrum - a 3,990 yen ($18.98) white mug which actually has a
mini stereo input and speaker. It's been created by a Japanese designer, Masato
Tokunom, and whilst...

(Via Tech Digest.)

Projection Clock on iPod Dock

Projection Clock on iPod Dock

Gadgets with many functions are pretty common, but this one comes in style. It combines the Apple player, also known as iPod, with a projection clock, and also a AM/FM radio. Almost a perfect 3-in-1, if it only had Wii or bluetooth it would be much better.

Anyhow, the iPod Docking Projection Clock Radio has a 8-inch LCD to display information about the radio, and 2.5-inch speakers for your listening pleasure.

Add 2AA batteries and you get a cool ‘sound system’ working in your room, it even has an alarm function so you can always wake up to your favorite songs. What more do you need?

The universal docking station stores and charges your iPod and plays your tracks through stereo-quality 2.5″ speakers in a compact ABS cabinet that fits on a nightstand.

Priced at $150.

(Via Gadgetizer.com.)

iPod Electric Guitar

iPod Electric Guitar

This 3/4-scale electric guitar connects to iPod and other MP3 players, allowing you to play along to the music using the built-in 4-inch amplifier/speaker.

The 21-fret guitar has a solid basswood body, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard for optimal tone generation; a truss rod allows you to adjust string action for easier chording. It employs precision machine heads and a single-coil pickup, has a volume control knob, and a standard 1/4″ output that allows it to be plugged into a standard amplifier, if desired.

Includes guitar strap, digital tuner, cables, plectrum, and carrying case. A headphone jack allows for silent practice. Includes one 9-volt battery that provides six hours of operation. 36″ L x 12″ W x 3 1/4″ D. (6 1/2 lbs.)

The iPod Electric Guitar is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $199.95.

(Via GeekAlerts.)

Incase 2-in-1 Car and Wall iPod and iPhone Charger

Incase 2-in-1 Car and Wall iPod and iPhone Charger

Incase’s new 2-in-1 Wall and Car Charger can be used to charge your iPod or iPhone in your car in any standard electrical socket. The AC/DC compatible charger can take almost any voltage you can throw at it.

The two wall-socket prongs hide away in the charger and flip up when you need them.

One thing I really like about the Incase 2-in-1 is its long cable. A t five feet, it’s long enough to reach the back seat of your car. This should make it much easier to talk on your iPhone while charging it compared to using the stock iPhone AC adapter, which is less than three feet long.

The Incase 2-in-1 charger is $39.95 direct from Incase and should hit retailers soon.

(Via notebooks.com.)

Eyepod Cinema Glasses

Eyepod Cinema Glasses

Here’s an alternative to those Cinemizer iPod Video Glasses that we covered last month. This model can be connected to any multi-media device with an AV output, and will give you an 80-inch virtual screen.

Screen your movies in such a way that it seems as though you’re looking at a huge screen. Watch movies in bed without disturbing your better half, chill out on the train in front of a top film, or plug in in-flight and free yourself from those horrible little seat-back screens.

Features:

• None radiation true and full color micro LCD panel


• Comfort viewing, no eye irritation, scatheless to eyes and eyevision


• 80 inch large virtual screen for enhanced personal entertainment


• Auto switching between different video system, Pal/Ntsc/Secam


• Standard Nokia Mobile batteries in-built, removable, chargeable and exchangeable


• Low power consumption


• Adjustable volume

You can get the Eyepod Cinema Glasses from Bim Bam Banana for $509.

(Via GeekAlerts.)

Audiowrapz Gives Sound and Color to iPods

Audiowrapz Gives Sound and Color to iPods

We didn’t want you to think we had forgotten you on this illustrious holiday for lovers, so we came up with one more gift idea for Valentines Day. iFrogz has a new iPod 2G nano case that comes with speakers. The Audiowrapz Case is made of silicone with passive speaker technology so you don’t need batteries. Choose your wrap from 8 colors for $24.99 and add your choice of screen for $6.00, or get both for $27.99.

(Via Gear Live.)

Incase Has Pink, Pink and More Pink for Your Apple Gadgets

Incase Has Pink, Pink and More Pink for Your Apple Gadgets

Valentine’s Day is this week. I know there are a lot of you out there with gadget-loving girlfriends, fiancées and wives that you still haven’t bought something for that lovey-dovey day yet.

Never fear. Incase has a slew of pink cases for a number of Apple’s products that will help protect your sweetheart’s gadgets and give you some bonus points for being a thoughtful romantic.

Here’s the full list of features from the Incase website for each product:

Protective Cover for iPod touch - $29.95

* Excellent iPod touch protection

* Form-fitting, injection molded material provides added grip

* Custom topographic pattern exterior

* Direct access to widescreen with touch controls

* Easy access to headphone jack, hold switch, and dock connector

* Allows charging while in case

Protective Cover for iPhone - $29.95

* Excellent iPhone protection

* Form-fitting, injection molded material provides added grip

* Custom topographic pattern exterior

* Direct access to widescreen with touch controls

* Easy access to headphone jack, hold switch, and dock connector

* Camera lens cutout and speaker and microphone openings

* Allows charging while in case

Protective Cover for iPod nano - $24.95

* Optimum iPod nano protection

* Clear scratch resistant face shield

* Form-fitting, injection molded material provides added grip

* Custom topographic pattern exterior

* Custom color ways to match iPod nano 3G

* Direct access to widescreen and click wheel

* Easy access to headphone jack, hold switch, and dock connector

* Allows charging while in case

13″ Neoprene Sleeve for Macbook - $34.95

With a durable neoprene exterior, cushioned interior, and perforated trim, the Neoprene Sleeve offers complete notebook protection. Whether utilized as a stand-alone case or placed inside a pack, the Neoprene Sleeve provides exceptional protection and simplicity.

* Complete notebook protection

* Form-fitting neoprene construction

* 3mm cushioned interior

* Perforated trim details

* Heavy-duty custom YKK zipper pulls with closed-seam construction

These protective products do come in a variety of other colors too, so if your Valentine loves green, get her that color instead!

(Via Coolest Gadgets.)

iLuv i80 series with crystals for trendy gals

iLuv i80 series with crystals for trendy gals

Don’t say I love you on this 14th Feb! Instead gift something from the iLuv i80 series of sexy and stylish earphones, ear clips, and cases and express your true love. Studded with crystal stones, this line of products go with all iPhone, iPod, and other portable media players. Either you can opt for the i83, crystal in-ear earphones with in-line volume control that also features an adjustable slider for the ultimate in comfort or pick up the i84 Crystal Ear Clips that can be used with all portable audio devices too. The i84 is well designed to secure the ear clips in place while the adjustable slider gives the best fit.






The i83 and i84 goes for $40. While the iLuv i80 series accessory packs that include the sleeve and the earphones will be available in gold, silver and pink for about £35 (US retails price at $70). Read more about the other products in the series here.

(Via Newlaunches.com.)

E-Light Entertainment Light

E-Light Entertainment Light

This lampstand is certainly different from what you can find in the market - it features an MP3 player dock that allows you to enjoy your favorite songs while planting your rear end on a comfortable chair and catching up on your reading. A quartet of AA batteries provide anywhere from half a dozen to 12 hours of use where the E-Light is concerned. At $99.50, this is a modern home improvement idea that will probably not win the hearts of traditionalists.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Belkin TuneStudio 4-Channel Mixer for iPod

Originally announced in early 2007 for a projected price of $250, Belkin's high-quality iPod recording accessory TuneStudio ($400) may have jumped in MSRP, but it can now be had for $200 online. Wrapped in an unusually cool industrial design, TuneStudio offers a wall-powered but otherwise portable four-channel mixing board that has the ability to record directly to certain iPods, as well as use them for playback purposes during recording with other devices. The plastic and metal unit's surface actually features 29 different dials, which enable you to independently adjust gain for two XLR microphones, independently set levels, panning, and low/mid/high settings for the four channels, adjust headphone, monitor, and master volume levels, and change mixing, iPod input, USB input, and compressor levels as well. Buttons activate phantom power modes for the microphones, reduction for the compressor, and power for the unit. Balanced or unbalanced inputs and outputs are supported on the unit's top, a lock-ready metal ring is found on the left side, and a carrying handle hole is on the right; full-sized headphones can be connected to the unit's bottom port, which Belkin lets you resize for 3.5mm plugs with an included adapter. Cakewalk audio editing software is included in the box for Mac and PC users. One wrinkle: TuneStudio includes adapters for the fifth-generation iPod and iPod classic, not the second- or third-generation iPod nanos, though Belkin notes that they work as well.* A recording menu button on the unit only works with discontinued iPods. [Updated based on compatibility information from Belkin.]

(Via iLounge)

ShadesCases Shades for iPod nano 3G, classic & touch

Sold in separate versions for the third-generation iPod nano ($15), iPod classic ($17) and iPod touch ($17), ShadesCases' new Shades are each sold in ten colors, except for the iPod nano's nine. Pitched as not quite cases and not quite skins, the Shades are soft plastic shells that cover the entire iPod except for its headphone port, Dock Connector, and Hold switch, using either clear or translucent colored material that always lets you see the screen while either passing through the iPod's body colors or re-tinting them.

(Via iLounge)

Grace Digital unveils iPod tube amplifier

Grace Digital has announced its new Lars & Ivan line of high-end audio products, including a new tube amplifier for the iPod. The Hybrid PA-40Ti is a “high performance integrated iPod tube amplifier,” which features a built-in iPod Dock, a four channel input selector, volume control, stereo headphone output, subwoofer output, a remote control, and “high quality” speaker wire connectors. The unit also features a USB port for iPod syncing, as well as video output and the ability to charge the iPod. Output power is rated at 40W RMS. “Most products in this category are either extremely expensive, lack design appeal, or provide poor audio performance,” said Greg Fadul, Grace Digital’s Chief Marketing Officer. “At $449.99 MSRP, the Hybrid Amplifier model 40PaTi offers high end audio performance, unique design and build quality at an affordable price.” To complement the Hybrid amplifier, the company launched two new speaker sets. The Bobo speakers are bookshelf-sized speakers featuring an acrylic front frame and aluminum stand. They will sell for $300/pair, while the Cube S speakers will sell for $500 a pair. The new Lars & Ivan offerings will be available in mid-March.

(Via iLounge)

Griffin RoadTrip with SmartScan

Unquestionably the company's most attractive version of the all-in-one car charger, mount, and FM transmitter RoadTrip yet, Griffin Technology's new RoadTrip with SmartScan ($100) combines the black gooseneck mount and cigarette lighter adapter found in this year's TuneFlex Aux with the three-button FM transmitter functionality from the most recent version of iTrip Auto with SmartScan. You place your iPod on its top using one of a number of included sizing cradles, position it in your cigarette lighter adapter port, and tune both RoadTrip and your radio to the same station to hear your iPod's music in the car. An auxiliary audio-out also permits line-level connection of the iPod to aux-ready car stereos, though unlike TuneFlex Aux, there's no dial for volume attenuation; a feature of the unit called SmartSound technology claims to maximize the iPod's sound for real world conditions. Notably, the version of RoadTrip currently shipping will be updated in the next couple of months with a newer firmware edition that allows for one-touch play/pause and track forwarding features when using any iPod, but particularly the iPod touch. You'll be able to identify the newer version by a sticker on its screen that looks like the FM-Play/Pause-Track Forward image below.

(Via iLounge)