DLO Offers TransDock Micro for iPhone

DLO Offers TransDock Micro for iPhone

Putting another nail in terrestrial radio's coffin is DLO, which just announced the availability of the TransDock Micro for iPhone. This oddly-named gadget is an FM transmitter that lets you wirelessly broadcast your iPhone's music over any free FM frequency.

Finding a clear frequency can be a pain, so I'm glad the TransDock includes the company's IntelliTune frequency-finder, which saves the user the hassle. The TransDock also offers simple one-handed operation, so that you can rotate the dial interface--checking the frequency setting on the bright OLED display--and adjust the car stereo without being too distracted.

At $69.99 the TransDock isn't cheap, but consider this: It also charges your iPhone, and it works with all dockable iPods, so it's like getting several devices in one. If that doesn't give you a reason to abandon terrestrial radio's terrible coverage and limited playlists, then nothing will.

(Via Gearlog.)

Rayout’s Disney iPod Nano Headphones

Rayout’s Disney iPod Nano Headphones

If you are searching for the perfect cute little gift for your girlfriend, then you can purchase the Disney iPod Nano Headphones from Rayout. Knows as the RT-DE1, it is an in-ear type headphone in the shape of Mickey Mouse head and covered with diamond like crystals. The RT-DE1 provides a descent output or 10mW with 94dB/mW. These headphones will be available in Japan.

[Akihabara via iPod and MP3 Players]

Portable Cross Fadin' Cassette Will Make All Your Spontaneous DJ Dreams Come True [A DJ Saved My Life]

Portable Cross Fadin' Cassette Will Make All Your Spontaneous DJ Dreams Come True [A DJ Saved My Life]

Once, while walking down the street, a man suddenly approached me screaming 'QUICK! We need someone to DJ!' If only I had had this portable cross fader—who knows how differently my life would've turned out.

The Urban DJ portable cross fader has been ultimate retro hipster designed into a cassette shape. It has three inputs up top, two for connecting to anything from an iPhone to a cellphone (with the appropriate jack) and one for connecting into... well, I'm not sure what that middle one is for. The bottom has a separate input for connecting into a speaker set or headphones.

Move the slider to mix and crossfade between your two chosen music players. Alas, because all I had on me at the time was one measly iPod, the man sneered and approached the person standing next to me and that guy went on to become one of the most famous DJs in the world. True story.

Available for roughly $48. From Japan.

[Gizmodo JP]

Gadget Review: Griffin iTrip Auto Universal Plus

Gadget Review: Griffin iTrip Auto Universal Plus

When the Griffin iTrip Auto Universal Plus arrived at my doorstep it dawned on me.  People are still using FM transmission!  Aww man, I’m lucky I never had to deal with any of that as I went from a Mini-Disc car set up (laugh all you want, I loved Mini-Disc) to a deck with an 3.5mm aux input on the faceplate.

The Griffin iTrip Auto Universal Plus is an FM transmitter that works with virtually any MP3 player the accepts a 3.5mm jack.  Operation couldn’t be simpler as you plug the MP3 player into the 3.5mm jack end with the other end plugged into the cigarette lighter socket.  From there you press the smart scan button and the iTrip designates the most optimum FM frequency to broadcast your MP3 player’s music.  Then lastly, you match the frequency on your car stereo to the one displayed on the iTrip and you are good to go.  Self explanatory at this day and age really.

The iTrip AUP is a nice looking FM transmitter with black glossy and matte finishes.  Construction is solid enough and it’s very light weight and has a smooth feel to it.  The feature that will make this FM transmitter stand out from the pack is the USB socket embedded in the cigarette lighter adapter.  Almost any device can be charged like this provided you have the right USB to whatever connection.  Very useful when on the go and away from a wall outlet.

Ok, the sound provided by the iTrip AUP is downright horrible.  A ton of hiss and really, really low volume output, which in turn makes you turn up the hiss.  I don’t have a lot of experience with the way a FM transmitter should sound but can’t be like this.  Right?  For the record I live in Portland, Oregon on the North side of town.  The radio reception I get is decent and I tried a bunch of channels.  I just don’t understand.  It seems so archaic.  There are gonna be those type of people out that don’t really have that discerning audio palette and all they wanna do is hear their tunes, but I honestly couldn’t bear it.

I think FM transmission should be a last ditch effort at this point as there are better ways.  It would be worth it in the long run to have a 3.5mm cord hard wired to the back of your car stereo if you can, or just pay for a cheap deck with a 3.5mm in.  Probably to no fault of its own, the Griffin iTrip AUP does what it is supposed to do, but what it is supposed to do is an antiquated technology in my mind.  The best part is easily the USB socket cigarette adapter charger but you can buy that as a stand alone product.

Pros:

• Very easy to use


• Attractive design and aesthetic


• Scans for optimal signal frequency or lets you choose your own

Cons:

• Straight miserable sound from my location in Portland, Oregon


• Uhh…If FM transmitters work for you give it a shot!


• Repeat 1st Con

Buy it here for $30.52!

(Via Gadget Review.)

Helms SoundBuddy II K999B iPod sound system has the look (and little else)

Helms SoundBuddy II K999B iPod sound system has the look (and little else)

In the vast, treacherous world of me-too iPod sound systems, Helms' SoundBuddy II K999B Mini 2.1 Digital Audio System does a commendable job of standing out. What it doesn't do so well, however, is sound good. Unfortunately for it, the music side of things is pretty darn important when it comes to deciding on an audio setup. iLounge recently got ahold of this here unit, and while the styling was definitely unique and highly lauded, some of the design aspects -- including the actual docking apparatus and the speaker location -- were understandably questioned. Furthermore, critics found the sound quality to be borderline laughable given the steep $140 price of entry, leading to a conclusion that the hands-on images in the read link are probably as close as you (or your wallet) should ever get to this one.

(Via Engadget.)

ILuv Slips On Shuffle-Sheaths

ILuv Slips On Shuffle-Sheaths

It was, of course, inevitable. For it is written, in unibody iTablets carved from single blocks of aluminum and carried down from Mount Jobs, that Every iPod Shalt Have a Case.

And so mote it be, this time for the new button-free Shuffle. Oddly enough, we often use the term ‘condom' to describe these prophylactic, slip-on rubber protectors, but this time it’s pretty close to the truth. Accessory maker iLove is selling these rubbers in four-packs (presumably even an iPod add-on maker balks at selling one such tiny sheath for $13). The pack contains four delicious colors, with ‘easy access for your port and switches' for her pleasure.

There is also a twin-pack for those of us who feel less lucky, although these are in hard plastic, giving the shuffle the aspect of a disposable Bic lighter. These packs will also be $13. Both available from April.

(Via Gadget Lab.)

Triode-Tube iPod speakers - The first tube-based iPod speaker system

Triode-Tube iPod speakers - The first tube-based iPod speaker system

Developed and built by German audio technicians, the Triode speakers are the first tube-based iPod speaker system which uses super analog technology. The system comprises of an aluminum-encased amplifier that houses four powerful class-A tubes which glow gently as they play warm, low-octave and distortion-free sound. The tube amplifier works as a mender as it smoothes over distortion found in modern digital recordings while compensating for the quality loss experienced in compressed audio such as MP3’s. Apart from the iPod jack, there is a second audio-in port that allows the user to connect a CD-player, Satellite radio or other audio component.
The system is inclusive of an RCA cable and two highly-insulated 13’ triple core speaker cables with gold plated connectors. The Triode-Tube iPod speakers retails for $4000.

(Via Luxurylaunches.com.)

Onkyo’s MHP-UW2 Bluetooth Headphones for iPod

Onkyo’s MHP-UW2 Bluetooth Headphones for iPod

This is the Onkyo’s MHP-UW2 Bluetooth Headphones for iPod. It costs you $270 to get one, it is designed with a frequency response of 50Hz~20kHz letting you feel like you’re in recording studio. It is house in a sleek metallic shell, its headphones have padded ear-pads and batteries will keep it working for 8 hours.

[via Uncrate]

Buffalo Dice iPod Speaker

Buffalo Dice iPod Speaker

Here’s a fun accessory for your iPod or iPhone from Buffalo, a speaker shaped like a dice.

The Buffalo Dice iPod Speaker will come in a variety of colours, and also acts as a stand for your iPod, it will work with the majority of iPods expect the iPod Shuffle, so it should work with the iPhone.

The Buffalo Dice iPod Speaker will go on sale in Japan next month for about $33.

(Via Geeky-Gadgets.)

Porto Go Portable Speaker For iPod

Porto Go Portable Speaker For iPod

Audio Pro has developed a portable loudspeaker that delivers true stereo sound from a single unit. Enclosed in soft leather together with possibility to be run on batteries, Porto Go is the obvious accessory outdoors as any handbag.

Porto Go is the perfect companion for a picnic, or the outdoor barbecue party.

(Via 7Gadgets.com.)

All in One Dock For Your iPod

All in One Dock For Your iPod

Here is another iPod docking station from Princeton in the form of the PIP-DOCK2. You can connect it to your TV, Hi-Fi, and PC or MAC since it is compatible with both platform. You can also control the gadget easily from your lazy sofa with its remote control. The Princeton PIP-DOCK2 retails for 5,980 Yen.

[Princeton via iPod and MP3 Players]

Hero 3 ICU iPod Jacket for chilling iPod lovers

Hero 3 ICU iPod Jacket for chilling iPod lovers

Although it may give off that impression, this is not a jacket for serial killers on a rampage, rather it’s for addicts of a different breed, music lovers. The Hero 3 ICU iPod Jacket is a music lover’s refuge while snowboarding or just riding a race bike in winter. The jacket features a dedicated iPod pocket with Fibertronic's connected-wear controls integrated into the sleeve to control the iPod, this is also connected to the RECCO Avalanche Rescue System, so you are never lost incase you end up under a pile of snow. It also features an amplifier with 2x 2.5W speaker modules that can be attached onto the hood via a 3.5mm line-in connector any MP3 player or audio player can connect to the Hero speaker jacket.

The Hero 3 ICU Speaker jacket will cost you approx $200 and is waterproof up to 10,000mm.

(Via Newlaunches.com.)

mophie Juice Pack for iPod touch 2G announced

mophie Juice Pack for iPod touch 2G announced

Apple iPod touch 2G owners tired of their PMP expiring mid-way through their favorite track can now slap on a mophie Juice Pack and more than double playback time.  Taking the same approach as the Juice Pack for the iPhone and iPhone 3G, the mophie Juice Pack for iPod touch 2G is basically a cradle containing a rechargeable Li-Ion battery.

 

mophie supply it fully charged and with a pass-through USB connector so users can sync (and charge) their iPod touch 2G without needing to remove it from the sleeve.  Since the touch also has its headphone jack on the bottom, there’s a pass-through connector for that, too. 

The whole thing is covered in a soft-touch, non-slip coating, but one of our original criticisms - the exposed top edges - still remains.  It promises up to 42hrs extra audio playback or up to 7hrs extra video playback, and on the back there’s a four-LED battery status display.  The mophie Juice Pack for iPod touch 2G is available now, priced at $99.95. 

(Via SlashGear.)

Product review - Lubix L'Bubb Bluetooth stereo adapter for the iPod

Product review - Lubix L'Bubb Bluetooth stereo adapter for the iPod

Last month I wrote a 5-in-1 Bluetooth headset review. One of the products in that lineup was the Lubix UBHS-NC1 stereo headset. In that product description, I mentioned a matching iPod Bluetooth stereo adapter, which I'm going to review for you today.

The Lubix L'Bubb (yeah, that really is the name!) is a small dongle that plugs into the bottom of your iPod or iPhone, and streams the audio output of your player to any Bluetooth stereo device. What this means, is that you can keep your iPod in your pocket or bag, and listen to (and control) your music wirelessly.

Continue reading Product review - Lubix L'Bubb Bluetooth stereo adapter for the iPod

(Via Gadling.)

Add Color To Your New iPod Shuffle For A Not So Modest Fee

Add Color To Your New iPod Shuffle For A Not So Modest Fee

Using an anodizing technique that brings a stronger and more resilient finish than paint, you can now get your new iPod Shuffle in a myriad of different colors. For an extra $50 that is.  Ugh.  That’s a new grand total of $129 and it doesn’t have to stop there.  You can spend $199 to get all platinum on it if you so desire.  The Oregon Company, Computer Choppers, is a high end gadget pimping service for those who want their tech to say something about the size of their wallet.

[Technabob]

ThumbTack Microphone For iPods

ThumbTack Microphone For iPods

For those who want a tiny microphone for their equally tiny iPods can check out the ThumbTack microphone from SwitchEasy. Compatible with the iPod nano 4G as well as the iPod touch 2G, these ThumbTacks actually look as though you've shoved the real thing into your iPod's port instead. And to think that this retails for just $13 a pop. SwitchEasy has described this to be a high-quality microphone that works great with third party applications, so chances are iPod touch owners will be able to benefit the most from this as all iPod nano users can do is record their voice wherever they go.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

E-Pod Dock

E-Pod Dock

Here's a conceptual iPod dock that could possible make the manufacturers a ton of money if it was ever released - the E-Pod Dock that crams in a whole bunch of functionality. For instance, it plays nice with your iPhone, iPod touch and iPod classic by functioning as a speaker, movie projector and alarm clock. Regardless of its diminutive size, it still offers powerful hi-fidelity audio. We think one major problem with this concept is it cannot be too portable and ought to be within range of a power outlet at all times if you're going to take advantage of the built-in projector.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Logic3 i-Station Rotate iPhone speaker-dock review

Logic3 i-Station Rotate iPhone speaker-dock review

Speaker-docks used to be a straightforward proposition: take iPod (for the majority pander to Apple’s audience), slot into cradle, enjoy louder music with no need for headphones.  The arrival of video content, particularly in the orientation-flipping iPod touch, iPhone and iPod nano 4G, demands new accommodation from speaker-dock manufacturers, and Logic3’s i-Station Rotate steps up with one of the more engineered approaches SlashGear have seen.

Unlike the Logic3 i-Station25, which physically rocks onto its side to enable landscape viewing, the i-Station Rotate has a more complex mechanism whereby the iPod itself slides to the right and then swivels down, filling - in the case of the iPod touch and the iPhone - the recessed bay.  In doing so the accelerometer in each PMP automatically flips the screen orientation, making it ideal for watching movie and TV show content.

Logic3 provide a number of different cradle-guides in with the i-Station Rotate, to suit all manner of iPods and iPhones.  Each slots onto the sliding dock section, though we found them perhaps too easy to knock off.  If you regularly switch between iPod models, or more than one person wants to use the i-Station Rotate with their own iPod, this could be useful; however, coupled with an overly-tight fit with the adhesive InvisibleShield skin on our iPod touch, we found the guide more often ended up clinging to the removed iPod than it did the speaker-dock.

Thankfully sound quality made up for the few design flaws.  The 10W amp and combination of two 50mm mid-range speakers and two 22mm tweeters proved surprisingly effective.  We’d prefer to have seen some more granularity in volume steps; the ideal point between ‘just too quiet’ and ‘just too loud’ seemed impossible to find at some points.  However it punches well above its price, and has none of the muffled audio or weak bass many rival systems suffer.

A composite video-out connector allows video content to stretch its legs on a bigger display, although you’ll have to be content with the i-Station Rotate’s audio output as the video-out lacks audio counterparts.  What you do get is a 3.5mm line-in socket, handy for non-Apple PMPs or laptops with weedy speakers, and Logic3 even throw in the necessary cable.

Controls on the i-Station Rotate itself are minimal, limited to a hardware power switch on the rear and a standby button on the front.  There are also volume up/down buttons, which over-ride the iPod’s own volume control.  Everything else can be managed from the included remote, a slim, narrow affair with basic play/pause and skip keys, volume and mute, together with menu & select buttons, up/down controls, standby and a ‘video output’ key that toggles the component output on and off.  Power for the remote is from a single button battery, included, while the speaker-dock itself uses either the bundled AC adapter or four AA batteries (not included). 

Watching large amounts of video on an iPod touch or iPhone screen can be a shortcut to poor eyesight and possible headaches, but if you’re determined to do so the Logic3 i-Station Rotate is a very clever way of doing so.  Meanwhile its speaker credentials are impressive, and the ability to run the Rotate from batteries does make it suitable for entertaining backseat passengers in the car.  The slight frustrations we experienced with the cradle-guides are unlikely to be so troublesome for those without non-removable adhesive cases on their PMPs, though the relatively loose fit of the guides themselves could grow annoying.

Still, judged for its core purpose, the Logic3 i-Station Rotate succeeds by virtue of its above-average audio performance, while nifty accommodations for video and little price premium above less intelligently-designed rivals are icing on the cake.  The Logic3 is available now, with an MRSP of £79.99 ($112).

(Via SlashGear.)

Geeze Louise, Another iPod Shuffle Accessory: The Shu-lip

Geeze Louise, Another iPod Shuffle Accessory: The Shu-lip

Sweet lord!  We’re not even into day 3 of the talking Shuffle and we’ve got yet another accessory.  The Shu-Lip, in short, connects the new Shuffle to your computer via USB sans cord.  And yes, Apple does provide you with a similar adapter only their version includes what Dexim would no doubt call an inhibiting design: a corded USB connector.

No word on release, but it will retail for $9.90.

[Dexim via iLounge]

Klipsch and Scoche promise VoiceOver earphones for iPod Shuffle

Klipsch and Scoche promise VoiceOver earphones for iPod Shuffle

Now that Apple's unveiled its latest iPod that just happens to need special earphones in order to work properly, lo and behold accessory makers are tripping over themselves to make them. Today Klipsch and Scoche both announced they'd be releasing earphones compatible with VoiceOver, the new feature on the iPod Shuffle that lets you hear artist and song information. The in-line controls will include buttons for volume and track jumping since, you know, Apple decided not to put those on the player.

Scoche is first out of the gate, promising the three sets of earphones pictured this spring, all sound-isolating designs costing $50 to $100. The company also has plans for a VoiceOver adapter that will let you use any pair of headphones with the new Shuffle. Klipsch says it will have a Shuffle-based pair by summer for $100, though there are no further details than that.

(Via DVICE.)

Cheap Geek: Blu-ray Disc Sale, HD Radio, Samsung Digital Camera

Cheap Geek: Blu-ray Disc Sale, HD Radio, Samsung Digital Camera

It's a beautiful day for some thrifty shopping. Check out Gearlog's deals for Thursday, March 12:

1. Blu-ray and HD are all the rage: Save now on over 300 movie titles at Amazon.com. The Blu-ray discs start as low as $9.99 with such titles as 'Total Recall,' and there are about 100 more priced under $15. Find 'Reservoir Dogs,' 'The Shining,' or 'The Untouchables,' as well as new titles like 'Wall-E,' or 'Tropic Thunder.' The sale ends on March 22, so check it out now.

2. TEAC just released its first HD radio/iPod dock. The HD-1 tabletop radio has iTunes Tagging capabilities, which allows you to tag a song you hear on a FM HD radio station, and then upload the information to your iPod. It has a list price of $129, but is selling for $99 at Costco for a limited time.

3. Sellout.woot is offering the Samsung L100 8.2MP Digital Camera (refurbished) for just $69.99 today. It has a list price of $179.95, and granted the $70 price is for a refurbished model, but you're still saving quite a bit of money. The camera has 3x optical zoom, digital image stabilization, and face detection technology.

(Via Gearlog.)

Burton iPod AMP Pack: Snowmodo Review [Snowmodo]

Burton iPod AMP Pack: Snowmodo Review [Snowmodo]

The Gadget: This Lumberjack Red backpack from Burton features a wireless Audex control system for your iPod while providing space for a laptop and whatever random gear you can cram in it.

The Price: $160

The Verdict: The wireless Audex system which controls your iPod works like any other iPod RF remote. There's an RF receiver dock adapter and a wireless remote for controls. The system is advertise to work with 3rd Gen iPods or newer and from our testing we found the iPod touch and iPhone can not properly be controlled.

The iPod is meant to be housed in a padded pouch inside the backpack which features a headphone extension cable that is rerouted through the backpack and down the right shoulder strap where a female headphone jack is provided. For the remote Burton has made a rubber housing located on the left should strap which makes the buttons accessible at all times. The wireless controller is removable and works as it should, providing the basic play/pause, skip forward/back, and volume up/down.

This backpack has some pretty impressive storage for its size and with only two large sections which incorporate many unique storage compartments allow for nice organization of your laptop, gadgets and small gear. When packed to the brim the bag can be a little bulky and stiff but the heavily padded back and shoulder straps allow for a somewhat comfortable fit. This backpack is not intended to be worn while snowboarding and frankly because of the shape and lack of an extra cross strap we wouldn't recommend it. It seems more fitting that the backpack be used around town or on short trips when you want to easily control your iPod's music and need to carry your laptop and other gear.

(Via Gizmodo.)

Art.Suono iPod Dock

Art.Suono iPod Dock

If you are looking for a stylish dock for your iPhone or iPod and have a fair bit of spare cash lying around, then check out the Art.Suono iPod Dock.

This stylish iPod dock is machined from aircraft grade aluminum and carbon fibre and according to the manufacturer it combines innovative technology with luxurious design, it certainly looks very cool.

As well as being able to play tunes from your iPod or iPhone, the Art.Suono iPod Dock has audio inputs for other MP3 players etc.

As you can see in the photo it has a built in start button, just like an Aston Martin, luckily it doesn’t cost quite as much, you can get one for $1,500 from The DW Collection.

(Via Geeky-Gadgets.)