Ipod and Iphone: March 2008

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Philips DC910 and DC570 iPod speaker docks

Philips DC910 and DC570 iPod speaker docks

Philips has launched a range of iPod docks for the iPod and iPhone range. Starting with the Philips DC910 it does the usual charging and synchronizing, apart from this it comes with a USB and SD card slot for direct MP3 / WMA playback. The dual wOOx loudspeakers deliver 30W RMS. Whats unique is the new connector which allows the iPod to be docked vertically and horizontally. The Philips DC570 (image after the jump) Docking station scores big on sound as it comes with a sub-woofer and offers 100W RMS of 2.1 channel surround sound.

(Via Newlaunches.com.)

Friday, March 28, 2008

iTam Tam iPod Dock Is Strangely Unique, Expensive

Close to 99% of all the iPod Docks we've ever seen look about the same. This iTam Tam looks nothing like those. Imagine making a dock that's shaped like a stool or a gong, and this is what you'd get. A concave cylindrical thing that's got a slot for an iPod/iPhone at the top. How does this sound? Who cares! At $570, you're not buying this for the audio quality. You're buying this because you need something that screams 'I had $570 and I have spent it.

(Via Gizmodo.)

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Portable iPod Video Enlarger and DVD Player

This portable DVD player integrates with the 5G iPod, allowing you to watch videos on a 8 1/2-inch 16:9 widescreen LCD - that is 2 3/4 times larger than the size of the screen on your Apple player.

Using active matrix technology, the LCD can redraw images faster than typical LCD monitors, resulting in a sharper, more detailed resolution. An iPod® slides into the front of the video player and is protected by a clear plastic cover, and the dual headphone jacks allow two people to use the video player without disturbing fellow travelers.

The device has an AV port for output to a television, charges an iPod® while in use, and has an on-screen menu display for quick set up. Rechargeable battery allows three hours of continuous DVD playback on a five-hour charge; four hours of iPod® video playback. Includes AC and DC adapters, carrying case, headphones, remote control, and a strap for attaching to a car headrest. Supports DVD, VCD, CDs, MP3 CDs, and iPod® video/music files.

The Portable iPod Video Enlarger and DVD Player ($269.95) measures 10 1/4(L) x 2 3/4(D) x 6(H) inches and is available from Hammacher Schlemmer.

(Via GeekAlerts.)

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Two new speakerdocks from iHome look very nice

The poeple at iHome make some of the more attractive iPod accessories around. There are a gazillion docks out there, but most are made from cheapish plastics and look like a cyborg threw up.

The iH69 speaker system from iHome does not. The attractive, slim stereo speakers feature a dock for your favorite iPod and include a minimalist remote control. These would look great in the dorm room of my future trophy wife.

There’s another new offering from iHome in the form of the iP47, more of a do-all system, including Bluetooth audio streaming, large front-faced clock, and alarm settings. Interestingly, it has a microphone for iPhone users; say you get a call while your iPhone is attached, it automatically becomes a speakerphone system. Cool.

(Via CrunchGear.)

Paul Frank iPhone cases spotted

iPhone owners and fans of Paul Frank's work — most notably Julius the Monkey — may be glad to know that the famous designer is now making cases for their beloved handset. Actually, we've nothing confirmed at this stage but we spotted what seem as authentic Paul Frank accessories. In addition, browsing through the official website haven't produced any results, so you may need to look for these cases in a local Paul Frank boutique. That's in case you want them that much, of course…

(Via IntoMobile.)

iPod TV from JVC

This LCD TV from JVC features a dock at the front. Simply put your player in and you will be able to enjoy the complete iPod library from the TV set.

It also comes with ‘Omni Surround’ with 4 playback modes and a remote control with a simulated iPod scroll wheel. The dock will charge your Apple player whether TV is on, off or in standby mode.

There are two models to choose from over at SkyMall:

JVC iPod TV, 32-Inch ($999.95)

JVC iPod TV, 42-Inch ($1,599.95)

(Via GeekAlerts.)

Monday, March 24, 2008

iLuv Ships i399

If you've been holding out for the iLuv i399 iPod speaker dock, your long, agonizing wait is finally over. iLuv will begin to ship it from today onwards, placing the following features at your fingertips.

45W of RMS output

2.1 channels

Doubles up as an iPod charger

Supports most iPods (except first 3 generations)

3.5mm input

Integrated FM tuner

BluePin II connectivity for Bluetooth devices

300 feet operating range

The iLuv i399 will cause $230 worth of damage to your bank account.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Pinel & Pinel iCase

The Pinel & Pinel iCase houses your iPod in luxury and comfort during your travels, letting you listen to it without any worry of scratches or knocks. Each case comes with Altec Lansing speakers to ensure decent sound quality unlike those cheap portable speakers. A remote control is included with each purchase, as you will be able to use the Pinel & Pinel iCase as a home speaker dock as well. The Pinel & Pinel iCase comes with a wood-covered case, accompanied by durable leather and necessary pockets to hold all your essential travel accessories. Don't worry if you're rocking to a second or third generation iPod as the Pinel & Pinel iCase is compatible with all of them.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Memorex iWake Clock Radio

The iPod is definitely not short when it comes to peripherals, and the iWake Clock Radio from Memorex is another in a long line of such peripherals to be released. Available in blue, purple, and red metallic finishes, you get a white backlit LCD display, snooze function, an integrated AM/FM radio just in case you run out of fresh MP3s to listen to on your iPod, a wireless remote and a universal dock. Target is currently selling the Memorex iWake Clock Radio for $79.99 nationwide.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Saturday, March 22, 2008

GEAR4 JumpSuit Shield

Offer some much needed protection for your precious iPod nano G3 with the GEAR4 JumpSuit Shield. This protective case comes with a skidproof dent, ensuring even the most buttered fingers on earth won't be able to accidentally let it slip out of his/her hands. The GEAR4 JumpSuit Shield retails for $15 and features the following :-

Super-thin silicon case available in two colours

Full-body, hard plastic shield

GEAR4 lanyard included

Covered click wheel

Full access to all ports

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

iLuv Releases Hi-Fi iPod Audio System with BluePin II Technology

iLuv Releases Hi-Fi iPod Audio System with BluePin II Technology

iLuv i399

iLuv today announced the i399 BluePin 2.1 Channel Hi-Fi Audio System for the iPod. It features BluePin II technology—a combination of Bluetooth TX and Bluetooth RX—which lets music lovers listen to music on Bluetooth headphones or send music from another stereo to the i399 from up to a whopping 300 feet.

In addition, the i399 includes speaker phone capabilities for incoming and outgoing calls, FM radio tuner, subwoofer, digital clock display, and an auxiliary line input for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations of iPod and other audio devices.

The iLuv i399 comes with the detachable BluePin audio transmitter/receiver, remote control, AC adapter, and dock adapters. It's available now for $229 from J&R, Fry's Electronics, B&H Photo, and www.i-luv.com.

(Via Gearlog.)

Philips doesn't mess about, with the DC185, DC910, DC570, DC200, DC1010 and BTM630 iPod docks

Philips may've announced the GoGear SA52 media player, but they still know iPod-friendly docking stations are a clear winner, unveiling four new products today.

With the DC185, DC910, DC570, DC200, DC1010 and BTM630, there's something for all the dock fans.

Pictured, the DC910 charges as it plays, although I doubt it offers Arcam's smart technology where it stops charging once the battery is full. If you don't own an iPod, that's fine by Philips, as they also have USB and SD card slots so you can play choons thattaway too..."

(Via Tech Digest.)

GEAR4 AirZone FM Dock because "summer's just around the corner"

We wish! But we like to encourage GEAR4's optimism, with the release of the new AirZone FM Dock. The 'Made for iPod' unit is an FM transmitter designed to let your iPod play through a radio, iTrip style."

(Via Shiny Shiny.)

DLO StrapWrap

DLO's StrapWrap is a universal neoprene case that can be attached to most bag straps, allowing users to store iPods, cell phones and other gadgets nearby so that you don't have to dig into your backpack each time you want to take something out. The StrapWrap comes with an extra-wide Velcro fastener which keeps devices securely fastened to a strap, while padded neoprene protects most of the inserted device. The DLO StrapWrap retails for $20 and comes with a main pocket and a secondary pocket, capable of fitting in any device up to 2.5' in width. If only it were waterproof...

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Monday, March 17, 2008

iPod Shuffle Holder

IPod Shuffle Holder

Do you have a habit of misplacing your tiny iPod Shuffle every now and then? Maybe this simple but clever little accessory can come in handy.

It’s black laser cut acrylic that allows you to attach your Shuffle on the side and to stick the headphones into the two holes. That’s it. Done. No other features. Its sole purpose is to hold your shuffle so all the above points don’t happen to you.

It sits about half an inch (1,5 cm) away from the wall and comes with removable adhesive strips that allow you to position and reposition it over and over.

The iPod Shuffle Holder measures 5.5 x 2.3 inches (14 x 6 cm) and is available from the Charles & Marie website for $30.

(Via GeekAlerts.)

Sound Bubbler

Now here's an iPod dock that takes a slightly different route from the million and one others in the market. The Sound Bubbler from Spi features a column of bubbles that flow out according to the rhythm of the current track being played. In addition to this soothing bubbly goodness, you also get red, yellow and blue lights changing continuously to help add that funky mood to your home. In addition to iPods, the Sound Bubbler also works just fine with just about any other device with a 3.5mm audio output such as CD players and portable media players.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

First Look: iLive's iT188B iPod Dock Looks and Sounds Slightly More Expensive Than It Is

iLive's iT188B iPod dock soundbar looks great and sounds OK, but doesn't offer features and power to match the category's big boys. But that's just fine, because it's a cheap way to get something that doesn't embarrass the furniture it rests on.

The dual subwoofers on this 2.1 system aren't going to rattle any
bones, but the sound was surprisingly meaty, filling a 900 square foot
room better than similarly-specced gear in its price range that I've messed around with bedore. There's an integrated AM/FM radio (but only
an AM antenna in the box), an auxiliary input for other devices,
composite video pass-through, and a sub-out for attaching a proper
subwoofer. A wall-mounting kit is also provided.

iLive paid attention to design. The unit is clean-lined, with a
mechanized, retracting iPod dock and a white, somewhat dim LCD display. There is some chrome trim lurking around the edges threatening the otherwise pleasant look, but hey, it's only $99.

The iT188B will be out in April at big boxes.

(Via Gadget Lab.)

iPod case features built-in rotating speakers

You've seen a lot of iPod cases on these pages, but this upcoming one for the 5G iPod and iPod classic has a twist. Well, if we're being technical and it made sense to say so, the plastic case really has a rotate . . . -ing set of speakers, that is.

Attached to the back of the case are two 770mW speakers set into a rotating unit that flanks the iPod screen when exposed and can be 'hidden' when not in use. The speakers run off their own 3.7V lithium polymer battery, so you don't have to worry about suffering the consequences of blaring Britney Spears at work when you hop onto the subway with a pair of headphones. I mean, there are consequences to listening to Britney, of course, but none of them are related to your iPod's battery power.

The rotating speaker case will sell for about $60 when it becomes available at the end of the month.

(Via Popgadget: Personal Tech for Women.)

Pioneer AS-PS66 Speakers

Having electrical items in the bathroom is generally a big no-no, but the Pioneer AS-PS66 speakers will do just fine should you want a little music accompaniment to complement your solo American Idol auditions - Home Edition. The AS-PS66 is somewhat a waterproof pouch rather than a speaker at first glance anyway, and has more than enough space to accommodate virtually any iPod-sized MP3 player that can hook up to the onboard speaker via stereo mini. The speaker measures 57mm wide while delivering an output of 0.3W, and will hit Japanese retail stores sometime this April for approximately $37.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Evolve Wireless Music System

Fancy turning your home audio system into a wireless creation? Well, that is now possible with the Evolve Wireless Music System, featuring a couple of independent speakers that are wireless, allowing you to place it just about anywhere in the room without suffering from poor sound quality. This Griffin offering is limited by its 150 feet range though, and holds enough juice to last up to 10 hours of non-stop music. At least you don't have to worry about tripping over them pesky wires now, and your pet dog will have to find something else in the house to gnaw on.The Evolve Wireless Music System can also be hooked up to your TV, enabling you to view iPod videos on a big screen. It retails for £259.95 per set.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Creative set to release X-Fi-equipped X30 iPod dock

It's been a little while since we've seen a new X-Fi device from Creative, but it looks like the company's now set to expand it's audio-enhancing empire a bit further, with its new X30 iPod dock apparently nearly ready for a release. While there's unfortunately no wireless streaming going on here, the dock will at least let you hook your iPod up to a stereo or pair of speakers, as well as a TV thanks to the dock's s-video port, with that much-hyped X-Fi technology promising to make everything sound better than ever. Look for this one to set you back just under €80 (or about $125) when it hits Europe next month -- no word on a release 'round these parts just yet.

(Via Engadget.)

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Retro-terrific CBX-300 tabletop audio system from Onkyo

The CBX-300 houses a goodly modern audio system- complete with CD player compatible with MP3 and WMA CDs, an iPod slot along with an radio tuner with timer that lest you set it like an FM alarm-inside a very elegant retro plastic and faux wood exterior. The tabletop system also boasts of superior sound quality delivered by Active Bass Control and 8cm OMF diaphragm speakers with Aero Acoustic Drive which is most powerful yet natural sound you can get for under £230.

(Via Latest phones and cell review.)

Horizon Duo-i Dock Makes iPod Noticable

Boston Acoustics has a deluxe dock for impressing almost anyone. With AM/FM stereo and 15 station presets, you can listen to your tunes while charging your iPod or seek out noise-free stations worldwide on the Horizon Duo-i. It has dual 3 1/2-inch full range speakers, BassTrac audio processing, and a high contrast display that automatically adjusts to the light level. Add to that an alarm clock with sleep timer and snooze control, a remote, 2 aux inputs, and line and stereo headphone outputs, and you have one sweet music machine at a price of $199.99.

(Via Gear Live.)

Boston Acoustics Duo-i - stylish iPod sound system with AM/FM radio

If you are going to have an iPod sound system in your room, make sure it’s a decent looking one - like the newly-launched Boston Acoustics Duo-i.

It’s the company’s first iPod dock, offering high-end sound via two Boston 3.5 inch drive units, ported acoustic enclosures and BassTrac for a clean sound at all levels. Add to that iPod charging (and of course, playback), connectivity for the iPhone, full remote control, dual alarm and clock radio, AM/FM reception with 15 presets, a unique 360 degree snooze bar, backlit display and the ability to customise with coloured grilles (sold separately).

(Via Latest phones and cell review.)

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Gear4's BassStation iPod Dock Thumps Out 35W of Pumping Tunes [IPod Docks]

bass_station%20GI.jpg Gear4's BassStation iPod dock will have a 35W pumping subwoofer, RCA connectivity and a fully featured remote control. The white on black styling looks retro enough for us to give the 2.1 stereo speaker the time of day, and the 10m range of the control gives us enough space to shield our eyes when it all gets too much. Whether it will be the worth the £99.99 ($201), is another matter entirely. Alternatively, you could opt for the undisputed, iPod Dock King.

(Via Gizmodo.)

Review: Richard Solo Smart Backup Battery for iPod

richard2

My kingdom for a dead-ass simple way to squeeze a little more juice out of my iPod Touch while I’m gallivanting across the globe living the life of a high-profile technology blogger. I need all the battery life I can get while I’m flying in fancy airplanes to conventions in such exotic locales as Las Vegas, Las Vegas and, of course, Las Vegas.

So does the Richard Solo (made by Sharper Image founder Richard Thalheimer) make for an easy-to-use, no nonsense backup battery? In my best impression of Marv Albert to date, ‘YES!!!’

Overview and Features

richard

The Richard Solo is a rechargeable lithium ion battery that comes with a retractable USB zip cord and a wall plug. You can charge the battery via the wall or your computer. What’s more, you can plug the battery into the bottom of your iPod and charge BOTH devices at the same time (see below). The iPod will fully charge first, then the battery.

richard1

The battery works with any iPod with a 30-pin connector (basically everything but the Shuffle) and provides ‘up to double the battery time,’ according to the manufacturer.

Pros

This thing is great. I especially like it because my iPod Touch didn’t come with a wall charger so this thing basically provides me with that functionality PLUS it works well as an external backup battery. It’s solidly built, too. It’s made of really hard plastic (I think). It almost feels metallic.

It takes maybe an hour or so to charge the Richard Solo battery, and then once hooked up to a completely-drained Touch, it replenishes the device’s battery in about an hour and a half. Plus, you can use the Touch while it’s being recharged so it’s almost like having an instant second battery with you at all times. This thing is PERFECT for weekend trips. You don’t have to bring your laptop and iPod cable to recharge your device. Just snap this little guy on and you’re good to go.

Cons

It adds a little bulk, of course, and the $50 price point might seem a little high depending upon what kind of iPod you have. If I had an iPhone, though, there’s no doubt in my mind that I’d have one of these in the car (if I had a car) and one of them in the office (if I had an office). This thing would make for a killer phone charger.

See what I’ve done? I turned the cons section back into pros. It’s that good.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the best way to pretty much double the life of your iPod and the $50 price tag doesn’t scare you off, I can wholeheartedly recommend that you buy one of these. If you’re an iPhone owner, you should have one of these no matter what.

Richard Solo Smart Backup Battery for iPod [Product Page]

(Via CrunchGear.)

Inkel Wi-Fi phone docking station supports MP3 playback

Inkel Wi-Fi phone docking station supports MP3 playback
The Inkel Wi-Fi phone docking station 'IDS-1500' has this unique feature of supporting MP3 player function. The system was introed at this year's CeBIT and it allows you to listen to your contents via the Wi-Fi Phone or iPod whichever is docked at the docking station.

(Via Newlaunches.com.)

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Themaltake Desktop Box With Integrated iPod Dock

I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve been waiting for a car stereo head unit with a cassette-like iPod dock. No more wires, just slip it in and bam, music. Unfortunately, that has yet to come to fruition, but Thermaltake is on the right track. They’ve introduced the World’s first desktop computer chassis with an integrated iPod dock, the Mozart iP. The front of the unit pops open like a tape deck and snugly fits an iPod (not compatible with the Nano or Shuffle, though). Also includes a remote.

(Via Gadget Review.)

Naja King Flexible Stand Holds iPods or iPhone

Naja King Flexible iPod Stand

The Naja King flexible iPod stand lends a helping hand in holding your iPhone or iPod touch. It allows you to put either item in a vertical or horizontal position, so you can watch movies without using your hands. Other features include a head with anti-scratch grippers that rotate 360º, a three-foot-long cable. $40

(Via TechFresh.net - Cell Phones, Laptops, Video Games, iPods, Cameras.)

Kinetic Energy Concept: Shake Energy into Your iPod

Kinetic Energy Concept: Saves Energy for Your Gadgets

Now you can have enough energy for all your gadgets with the kinetic energy concept. The concept is worn on your ankle, generating electricity depending on your movement, powering a gadget of your choice at the given time. Just make sure you don’t get caught shaking your leg at work in front of your boss with your iPod or phone handy!

(Via TechFresh.net - Cell Phones, Laptops, Video Games, iPods, Cameras.)

Thursday, March 6, 2008

BELKIN to present its podcast producer 'Podcast Studio' for iPod

HANNOVER, Germany (AVING Special Report on 'CeBIT 2008') -- BELKIN presented its self-contained, iPod-interfacing podcast production device ‘Podcast Studio’ during CeBIT 2008, which features a built-in microphone and speaker.

The Podcast Studio lets you create personalized, high-quality recordings anywhere. Especially useful for capturing audio content in a mobile environment, it reduces the number of steps it takes to produce and share your content with others through podcasts, blogs, and social networking outlets. It records full episodes, interviews, or short clips directly onto your iPod, and immediately uploads your content to iTunes when docked.

(Via AVING WORLD | English.)

Pixel-Tastic eBoy Skins for iPods

EBoy. the undisputed king of pixel art, has designed a range of 'skins' for the iPod. Seen here is London on a 3G Nano. The covers, designed for Skinizi, are printed on a self adhesive plastic film from 3M, called ControlTac.

The film is slightly textured underneath to let out air bubbles and allow repositioning. What really matters, though, is the artwork. Eboy's isometric ingenuity is something to stare at for hours. From €15 ($23).

(Via Gadget Lab.)

Logitec LIC-iREC01

The LIC-iREC01 from Logitec of Japan brings microphone functionality to your iPod, no matter the generation. All you need to do is plug it to the connector locatedn on your iPod and hook up virtually any audio source to it and you're good to go. Heck, you can also use its stereo microphone to take down impromptu voice notes if you're one who is prone to forgetfulness. The inclusion of a miniUSB port is a nice touch, as it allows you to synchronize your iPod as well as providing a charge when connected. If only it came in a variety of colors to match your iPod's body.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Leather Case for Fat Nano

These Fat Nano cases are covered with genuine soft leather. The case is made of a high quality plastic to make it durable. It is available for $8 each.