Kenwood CR-iP500 iPod Dock and CD System

Kenwood CR-iP500 iPod Dock and CD System

The new Kenwood CR-iP500 is categorized as a personal CD system, but it has numerous functions that extend beyond its CD player capability. It is, of course, also an iPod dock that works with most models with a dock connector up to the newest iPod Nano 4th generation models, but it also serves as a speaker, an amplifier and a charging station.

Aside from playing tracks through its slot-in CD player and through sourcing them from your iPod, the CR-iP500 also has USB connectors that can play music straight from USB drives. In fact, the CR-iP500 can record music being played by the CD player in either of the two available speed options directly to a memory drive as long as it's plugged in. The basic FM player is also included in the list of features along with its 30 station presets that's already more than enough unless you're a hardcore FM radio fan. The Kenwood CR-iP500 personal CD system will be available this early December for a SRP of $280.

(Via Gearlog.)

Sony's iPod-lovin' AIR-SA20PK S-AIRPLAY music system reviewed

Sony's iPod-lovin' AIR-SA20PK S-AIRPLAY music system reviewed

We'll just cut to the chase: if you've been cautiously eying Sony's S-AIRPLAY system in hopes of it solving your multi-zone audio desires, you'll be sorely disappointed at how it performs in real world use. The AIR-SA20PK showcased just decent audio quality, odd design choices, unintuitive controls and a wireless range that was less-than-stellar. 'Course, the unit was being held to some pretty high standards, but given the $400 sticker, we can understand that. In the end, critics determined that the unit wasn't an outright failure, but for four bills, they'd prefer it to be much easier to use and sound quite a bit better. Good thing you didn't pull the trigger already, huh?

(Via Engadget.)

iPanda iPod Dock Panders To Bear Loving Music Enthusiasts [IPanda]

iPanda iPod Dock Panders To Bear Loving Music Enthusiasts [IPanda]

What's black and white and acts like a bamboo(m) box? The iPanda, an adorable iPod docking station by animal-themed audio system makers Speakal! The China bear-shaped dock boasts four speakers and a 4’ subwoofer for 25 watts of sound and ‘360° sound distribution.’ Pump up the volume by touching the panda's left ear, or lower the sound by touching the right. Don't worry, give it a go—unlike real pandas, this one won't bite you when you try to hug it.

Turn the speaker dock on and the iPanda's little smiley mouth will light up. Use the included remote, and it'll blink at you. Besides being able to dock your iPhones and iPods, it also comes with a standard 3.5mm input jack. The cost for adding a little panda-monium to your pad: $140.

(Via Gizmodo.)

Gorenje the first iPod licensed Fridge

Gorenje the first iPod licensed Fridge

The new Gorenje fridge is an official Apple-licensed Made for iPod refrigerator. This cooler has an iPod Touch docking station on the door and a speaker unit that'll let you groove as you griddle, or rock as you rinse. Videos can also be played back on the Touch's screen, with the sound pumped though the fridge's speaker. The Touch's Wi-Fi connection helps you browse and display recipes in text and video format.
The Gorenje is expected for an early 2009 launch for an approximate price of $1550.

(Via Newlaunches.com.)

louis vuitton ipod trunk: apple’s new luggable

louis vuitton ipod trunk: apple’s new luggable

In a show of sheer over-the-top ridiculosity, French accessory designer Louis Vuitton created this decked-out iPod carrying case for German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.

The custom-made Taiga leather Vuitton case is lined with rich red microfiber, and carries an insane 20 iPods, along with a charging dock, a set of JBL Creature II satellite speakers and matching subwoofer. Now why you’d need to carry 20 iPods is anyone’s guess, especially since those look like models with plenty of hard disk-based storage. But then again, rumor has it that Lagerfeld has 100 iPods, and a full-time ‘iPod nanny’ who manages his massive multi-terabyte music library.

Apparently LV will make custom cases for just about anything you can imagine, assuming you can spare tens of thousands of bucks and about half a year of your life (or longer) to wait for one to be created. Maybe you can finally get your pet elephant that trunk he’s been asking for.

(Via technabob.)

Jive Box iPod Speaker Dock

Jive Box iPod Speaker Dock

The Japanese love their iPods, and they aren't short on iPod speaker docks, that's for sure. The latest offering from Princeton of Japan is the Jive Box, a 90W sobwoofer cradle speaker that caters to not only the iPhone but other newer iPods as well. It boasts a ClassHD digital amplifier that is touted to bring the house down - make sure those MP3 tunes are encoded in high quality format if you want to take full advantage of the Jive Box's qualities! Other features include small LEDs located alongside the Jive Box's body that light up in blue, red and green colors. You can pick up the Jive Box for €250 a pop.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

iMuffs iPod Earphones

iMuffs iPod Earphones

Do you want a pair of earphones that are more comfortable and perform better compared to the stock headphones that come with your iPod purchase? Whle there are loads of choices out there, a few stand out (due to performance, price or even design, sometimes all three) with the iMuffs being one of them. This pair of wireless earphones will 'talk' to your iPod once you connect the iMuffs Bluetooth transmitter to the iPod, and it can control both volume and playback on the headphones themselves without having you to finger the iPod in your pocket. Each pair of iMuffs retail for $129.99 and has a maximum playback time of 16 hours.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Boombox Mini Speaker Pouch

Boombox Mini Speaker Pouch

This golden pouch in the shape of a retro boombox doubles as a speaker and connects to portable audio players and other digital products using a 3.5mm stereo audio plug.

The Mini Boombox iPod Speaker Pouch measures 2 x 4 inches and features two water resistant speakers and a a 1400 milliwatt stereo amplifier. The product is sold over at the fredflare.com website for $24.

(Via GeekAlerts.)

The Marantz IS301 is a wireless iPod dock

The Marantz IS301 is a wireless iPod dock

Sure, you know of the numerous iPod accessories available to keep you engaged in music to even waking you up each morning, but how about one that uses Bluetooth to stream audio and video around your house wirelessly. The Marantz IS301 features three parts; the receiver, with various outputs to connect to your stereo and/or TV, the transmitter that the iPod slips into, and the recharging base, which the iPod and transmitter sleeve, can be docked into. This enable you to carry the iPod around to change tracks, rather than leave it plugged into your sound system and then try to remotely navigate using what’s probably a screen less control. The IS301 uses the Bluetooth AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) to manage playback. It also features outputs that include component and S-Video, among others. You can have several docks wirelessly hooked up to one receiver. The dock has a USB connection allowing you to connect it to your computer for iTunes synchronizing.

The Marantz IS301 launches in Japan in January 2009 priced at around $276; there is no word on a US release.

(Via Newlaunches.com.)

Scosche Passport FireWire-to-USB iPod adapter gets reviewed

Scosche Passport FireWire-to-USB iPod adapter gets reviewed

Okay, so this adapter doesn't directly convert a FireWire 400 socket into a USB port, but for all intents and purposes here, it does as much. You see, Scosche's Passport was designed to channel the energy from older FireWire-based iPod charging gear into the USB prongs that the newer iPhone / iPods only accept. Macworld was able to get ahold of one for review, and in testing, it found that everything worked well when toying with new iPods, and while it was designed specifically for in-car applications, critics found that it even worked (albeit inelegantly) with dock-cradle accessories. Was it worth $30? Absolutely, so long as you'd rather burn $30 than replace that mess of wires you've got behind the dashboard (and you would).

(Via Engadget.)

Otterbox Impact - for iPhone 3G

Otterbox Impact - for iPhone 3G

Otterbox, which makes the pretty-much indestructible Defender series of cases for iPhones and iPods now has a new line, dubbed the Impact Series which offers protection without the bulk.

Available in black or white, the Impact Series features durability, impact absorbing features and style in a single, slim-fit Silicone layer. All buttons, ports and functions are accessible right through the case, of course. The ergonomic design also has a function - the inner corners have been engineered to dissipate impact AWAY from your device in case of an accidental fall.

If you're prone to dropping your electronics, stick with the Defender, but if your favorite gadget has never met the floor, feel free to switch to the form-fitting Impact case.

(Via Popgadget: Personal Tech for Women.)

iPod Cigarette Case

iPod Cigarette Case

Do you smoke like a chimney, and yet are a purveyor of gadgets? Well, chances are you have a derelict iPod lying around somewhere, so why not spend some time and turn it into a cigarette case? Of course, you can always do the more altruistic thing and pass it on to someone else, but alternatively, you can remove the innards of the old iPod and turn it into a secret cigarette case. Talk about a smokin' iPod mod!

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Incase Power Slide for 3G iPhone: Case, Battery pack all-in-one

Incase Power Slide for 3G iPhone: Case, Battery pack all-in-one

External battery packs have always been the bane of the iPhone’s beauty. It adds an unflattering accessory to the plush, sophisticated look of Apple’s slender mobile phone. Thank God someone finally come out with a battery pack that won’t exactly make the iPhone look ridiculous while attached to it. What looks like a protective case at first glance is actually the Power Slide battery pack. It provides protection and extends battery life as well as sync/charger capabilities all in one stylishly designed product. It has a 1330mAh 4.2V rechargeable battery that’s roughly equivalent to up to 330 hour standby time, 26 hours audio playback, 5 hours talk time on 3G,10 hours on 2G and internet usage of up to 5 hours on 3G and 6 hours on WiFi. Now this is one accessory I wouldn’t mind being seen attached to the iPhone anytime of the day. Look for it to become available starting November 28.

(Via PMP Today.)

Speaker Makeup Stand

Speaker Makeup Stand

Store glosses, shadows, brushes and more in this all-in-one organizer designed with an iPod dock so you can rock out while you get ready.

(Via 7Gadgets.com.)

Xpod: Tiny speakers, presumably tiny sound

Xpod: Tiny speakers, presumably tiny sound

These portable Xpod speakers are about the size of the iPod nano. As such, they couldn’t possibly sound any better than two wires connected to a dirty penny. The two-channel 770mW amp hardly belies that metaphor.

Moving on. Any USB port can charge them, so, at the very least, you won’t be scrambling to find batteries when they die during the ‘good part’ of that one Grateful Dead song.

They’re only available in Korea.

(Via CrunchGear.)

FuelTank from CallPod: Charge Two Phones with One Charger

FuelTank from CallPod: Charge Two Phones with One Charger

There are portable chargers and then there’s the FuelTank from Callpod. What differentiates this portable charger from the rest is that it allows you to fuel up two mobile devices at the same time. It weighs less than 8 ounces and comes with a carrying pouch so you can easily lug it around with you. The downside to it is that it only comes with one mini-USB adapter, but CallPod offers a wide variety of adapters so that you can customize the FuelTank to be compatible with your collection of gadgets.

The FuelTank will come in handy for those folks who frequently travel and are in need of a portable power solution to juice up their mobile phone, iPod, Bluetooth accessory and other gadgetry. It’s expected to retail for $59.95 once it becomes available.

(Via Cell Phones etc..)

The Geneva Sound Medium an all in one sound system

The Geneva Sound Medium an all in one sound system

Geneva Sound has gone ahead and renamed its new line of high-end speakers from a niche name like Model M series, to the Medium. The Medium is an All-In-One Hi-Fi sound system, which will be offered in red, white, or black. The Medium features a wooden construct and boasts of four speakers, ported bass, a 100-Watt digital Class D amplifier, a slot-loading CD player, and a digital radio tuner.
The Medium is now available for $799, which also features a built-in Dock that has been certified for use with both iPods and iPhones, including the iPhone 3G.

(Via Newlaunches.com.)

Teac Esoteric releases Ipod Companion with Digital Amp

Teac Esoteric releases Ipod Companion with Digital Amp

Whether it is just an Ipod companion or a set of bookshelf speakers from the Teac, an entry model from the high end line of Esoteric usually means unaffordable for most of the music lovers. You can say the same for the newly announced Esoteric Reference 600 series AG-H600 – a 126,000 yen (~$1,300) integrated digital amp designed exclusively for Ipod.

The Esoteric comes with an Ipod dock that can charge your Ipod as they play. It supports 4th gen Ipod, nano, classic, touch but only works partially on the Iphone 3G. Being an Integrated amp, the unit has three set of analogue audio inputs and can play your favorite AM/FM channels. Videos are only supported via Ipod playback, which also accounts for the sole digital input. The digital amplifier delivers 75/90 watts of class D power with both channels driven into 8 or 4 ohm-speaker configuration.

Also announced is a companion stereo CD player that can read redbook CD, CD-R/RW and support digital media format like MP3 and WMA. The PD-H600 cost exactly the same as the Integrated amp.

Both units are constructed with aluminum chassis with high-rigidity structure and powered by a large toroid power transformer. Just like the rest of Esoteric family , you can expect only selected professional audio components are being used in the circuitry design. The set of Esoteric will set you back for $2,600 and is slated to be released in December.

(Via SlashGear.)

Tadpole -- iPod case and headphones for kids

Tadpole -- iPod case and headphones for kids

Talk about a perfect gift for the tadpole in your life. ifrogz Boxed Tadpole set includes a protective iPod case for kids, so parents can convert their own video iPod into a portable children’s entertainment device.Though the company doesn't recommend dunking it in a swimming pool, judging by the testimonials, toddlers have done some pretty extensive product testing!

The colorful child-sized headphones are designed specifically to work with the ifrogz Tadpole case. Now compatible with the 120 GB iPod Classic too.

(Via Popgadget: Personal Tech for Women.)

Mophie Juice Pack iPhone 3G Review

Mophie Juice Pack iPhone 3G Review

The biggest drawback I have with the iPhone 3G is its battery life when 3G network is enabled. Barely managing a full days standby time with Exchange email syncing switched on, the iPhone 3G clearly needs some extra juice to stay alive; hence why the Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 3G was developed. Identical in concept to the Juice Pack for the original iPhone, a supplementary battery is hidden inside a partial slip-case.

Here, catering for the 3G iPhone, Mophie rate the Juice Pack as offering up to 350 hours of standby time, 6 hours of talk time, 6 hours of 3G data transmission time, 28 hours of audio playback or 8 hours of video playback. While our tests did not meet all these numbers, we managed to get roughly eighty percent of the suggested battery live; we think that’s still pretty impressive. The Juice Pack is also clever enough to make the iPhone drain the external battery prior to using its own.

On the back of the Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 3G is a battery indicator light with a flush-fitting button to display how much battery is left. Plug in the power cable and both the Juice Pack and the iPhone 3G itself are charged up, meaning one less reason to take the phone out. You can also sync the cellphone thanks to the pass-through USB connection, and since the Juice Pack has a mini-USB port rather than Apple’s proprietary socket that’s likely one less cable to carry about with you. The non-slip soft-grip case fits very nicely in the hand while using the phone, and it was not as bulky as I thought it would be.

While there are several external battery packs for the iPhone 3G on the market, none of them have the right fit to the handset; the Mophie Juice Pack is the only external battery that I can see myself using, as it does not hinder the usability of the phone and maintains the iPhone 3G form. Of course, the flip-side is that protection is only partial - the top edges of the iPhone are left uncovered - and with the Juice Pack in place the whole thing is too big for a standard case.

Still, the usability benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Priced at $99.95, this is one accessory for the iPhone 3G that we would highly recommend.

(Via SlashGear.)

i-Station Rotate will rotate your iPod or iPhone dock

i-Station Rotate will rotate your iPod or iPhone dock

The i-Station Rotate from Logic3 is another speaker offering in the i-Station line that keeps your iPod or iPhone always oriented in the right direction. It makes for convenient viewing at all times and elevates the device into something you could conceivably watch videos on without getting a kink in your neck.

The i-Station Rotate has a built-in dock rotating mechanism that turns your device horizontal for video watching and vertical when need be while still connected to the dock. This speaker system is compact and pretty practical.

You could easily take the i-Station Rotate with you on the go for high quality audio and a convenient place to put your iPod or iPhone. It features a Video Out function, TDMA noise suppresion, 3.5mm Stereo line-in socket, a remote control and a carrying case. You can get the i-Station Rotate starting in January of next year for $129.99.

(Via SlashGear.)

Grooveneo iPhone Clock Dock Good For Wake-Ups, Myopia [Clock Dock]

Grooveneo iPhone Clock Dock Good For Wake-Ups, Myopia [Clock Dock]

alarm-clock docks before, but something about the simplicity of the Cygnett Grooveneo's design struck me. Could be that massive LED display like the best of 1980's radio-alarms, could be the sleek curved edges. It's got 2.75-inch stereo speakers, iPod dock connector, integrated AM/FM tuner, alarm function and you can even wake to proper 1980's radio alarm buzzer sound. It's touch-controlled, and has a remote, and it's out now for $90.

(Via Gizmodo.)

Blue's Eyeball webcam and Mikey iPod mic are made for digital crooners

Blue's Eyeball webcam and Mikey iPod mic are made for digital crooners

We're digging this classic recording studio look, which is a throwback to Blue's history with stylized Hi-Fi microphones. These guys started to build a bridge between their old stomping grounds and the new-to-them frontier of consumer electronics with the Snowball microphone and that Icicle USB XLR adapter we saw today, and now they've introduced the Eyeball ($99.99), a Super HD webcam that retracts its lens for privacy, and the Mikey iPod mic ($79.99) with a built-in speaker, three gain settings, and a positionable head. Mikey doesn't play nice with the iPod Touch, but it works with all the other models 4G and up, as well as the 2 and 3G Nanos. Features on both are mostly the standard set, but Blue's obviously putting an emphasis on audio quality, and we'll give extra points for style.

(Via Engadget.)

Ver 1.5R Sound System Brings Classic on Your Table

Ver 1.5R Sound System Brings Classic on Your Table

Fans of classic and vintage can now enjoy their music with this cool looking sound system from Ver 1.5R. Equipped with alarm clock, an AM/FM tuner and a 15 watt full range speaker. This hand-crafted real wood is also available in cherry, natural walnut, dark walnut, bamboo, black gloss and white gloss with price range $200-$220.

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

iPod touch Gets Game Grip

iPod touch Gets Game Grip

If you thought that the $50 solution that offers the iPhone a gaming grip in the form of the Marware Game Grip is daylight robbery, along comes this DIY cardboard game grip which works with both the iPhone as well as iPod touch. It does not look too comfortable in our eyes, and hopefully you won't suffer from nasty cardboard cuts during one of the more frantic gaming moments. Also, you'll get to save $50 in the progress which is good enough to purchase a decent meal for two outside.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

RichardSolo 1800 Smart Backup Battery

RichardSolo 1800 Smart Backup Battery

Does your iPhone or iPod touch run out of battery while you're on-the-go more often than you like? Well, with the RichardSolo 1800 Smart Backup Battery, you will be able to have 50% more battery capacity compared to the company's earlier iPod and iPhone-ready battery packs, not to mention new features too. Each $70 purchase will see it come with a dual USB car charger to further increase its flexibility when it comes to charging, in addition to a wall charger and retractable USB cable. Inside the package, you will also find a laser pointer and a small flashlight located at the bottom, and its 1800mAh battery capacity is enough to juice up a completely exhausted iPhone once, an iPhone 3G more than once and a majority of iPods a couple times over.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

EOps i24R3 Wireless Gesture-Control iPhone Speaker is Quite Beautiful, Actually [Speakers]

EOps i24R3 Wireless Gesture-Control iPhone Speaker is Quite Beautiful, Actually [Speakers]

Just unveiled at Tokyo Designer's Week, EOps i24R3 is probably the best-looking speaker system for the iPod/iPhone I think I've seen. Plus it's jammed-full of wirelessness, so the iPod-dock, woofer-equipped base station is paired with two or more (up to eight) remote stereo speakers. And in the true spirit of iPhoneness it's gesture controlled— touch-free gestures too: you just wiggle your hand in front of the base station and control volume and equalizer functions.

The satellite speakers are gesture-controlled too... which inescapably brings to mind a passage from the Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy about motion-control, which saves 'a lot of muscular expenditure of course, but meant that you had to sit infuriatingly still if you wanted to keep listening to the same' thing.

There is a full-function RF-remote control as an alternative though. Plus there's a wireless dongle to let you stream music from a Mac or PC. Here's designer Michael Young demonstrating the unit:It's due on the shelves in early 2009, but with all that 2.4GHz wirelessness and sleek design, don't expect the price to be cheap.

(Via Gizmodo.)

Optoma Pico Projector gets pictured, specced and priced

Optoma Pico Projector gets pictured, specced and priced

We've been hearing about Optoma's Pico Projector for what feels like ages now, but at long last we've some concrete data on the minuscule beamer. Boasting Texas Instruments' DLP technology, the 2- x 4.1- x 0.7-inch device weighs in at just 4.2-ounces and features a native resolution of 480 x 320 pixels, 9 (yes, nine) lumens of brightness and a minimum projection distance of eight inches (with a maximum of 8.5-feet). We're also told that it can be recharged via an AC adapter or USB, but the 20,000-hour bulb is not replaceable. David Pogue was able to spend a little time with the unit, and overall, he was emphatically stoked. He stated that visuals were more than satisfactory when shot up on an airline seat back, and the general crispness of the picture was smashing, too. Contrary to previous reports, we've now learned that this critter will be shipping in a fortnight (or two weeks, for those who take issue with such a term) for $430, which means this can now skyrocket to the top of your holiday wish list.

(Via Engadget.)

Pure Avanti Flow has iPod dock, DAB, FM and Internet radio covered

Pure Avanti Flow has iPod dock, DAB, FM and Internet radio covered

According to Pure, the high performance Avanti Flow is the 'ultimate next generation digital audio system'. Following on from the rather retro Evoke Flow, the Avanti Flow more-or-less offers the same audio options - internet radio stations, DAB digital radio, FM, media streaming from your PC, podcasts - except the Avanti comes with added iPod dock. The Avanti has also been designed with being the main home audio system in mind rather than being portable like the Evoke.

(Via Shiny Shiny.)

Audio Pro Porto Go Released

Audio Pro Porto Go Released

If you're looking for a pair of speakers that are able to do justice to the songs on your iPod, then the Audio Pro Porto Go could be a suitable candidate. It comes with an easy carry handle, making it a snap to tote around whenever you're traveling, and with the option of using ordinary batteries to power it, you can finally share your favorite tunes with others around in a true portable fashion. The Porto Go will come in black, white and red colors, and has been certified 'Made for iPod' by Apple. It is currently available at a discounted rate of £99.99.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Agent 18 Lauches 2 New iPod Nano 4G Cases

Agent 18 Lauches 2 New iPod Nano 4G Cases

Agent 18 announced two new cases for Apple’s latest iPod, the Nano 4G.

The Flowervest case is built of soft silicone, comes in pink or yellow and is finished in a flower pattern; hence the name.  There’s no doubt in my mind who they’re targeting with this case.  The ClearShield case is constructed of a hard outer shell which is compliment by internal rubber pads for shock absorption.

Both cases leave all ports and buttons accessisble and include a separate cord management wrap.

You can grab them here for $25

(Via Gadget Review.)