Who knows how much this is worth, but there's a lot of chatter flying around today about some text strings in the beta release of iPhone OS 2.1 that make reference to an "iPod2,1." Seeing as the current iPod touch is designated "iPod1,1," that's a pretty strong hint that a new model is coming -- but hey, guess what? Of course a new model is eventually coming. What's more, we'd bet it's going to be almost exactly the same as the current iPod touch, with maybe the addition of GPS -- it's not like Apple is going to position this thing above the iPhone. Wake us up when tapping in Steve's birthday backwards spits out a ship date, pricing, and specs, and maybe then we'll be more excited.

Truth be told, we knew this gem was waiting in Sony's pocket, but it finally came clean and made things official over in Europe. The 2.1 BRAVIA DAV-F200 home theater system features S-Master digital amplification, which delivers a potent 135-watts of power to each speaker (including the subwoofer). The firm also threw in its S-Force Front Surround technology to help convince your mind that 2.1 is really 5.1, and as for the integrated DVD player, it plays nice with MP3 / photo / DivX discs, too. Better still, the unit includes 1080p upscaling over HDMI along with a built-in USB port for listening to WMA / AAC files, and there's even optical / coaxial digital inputs for other external sources. Regrettably, there's no word on a price nor US availability, but we can say for certain that those across the pond can claim their own this June.

[Via Pocket-lint]

Not a bad turnaround time -- Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, ratified just a few months back by the Bluetooth SIG, has found its way into the MacBook Air's unnaturally thin shell. This should lead to improved (read: quicker) pairing, better battery life, and improved security over 2.0. Only trick is to find a few other 2.1 devices, of course.

Meet the latest speaker system to make use of that NXT flat panel speaker tech, the XOUNT. This 2.1 system is said to distribute stereo sound evenly throughout the room while offering a half-dozen or so, €59/$69 skins (or Styles, as they call 'em) to reflect your unique and possibly, suspect design flare. They've even packed in a light source to amaze and confuse your pets. €329/$443 lands you a single illuminated speaker -- tack on an additional €165/$222 if you want the wireless iPod docking option. Choking dog skin-sample after the break -- no, really.

[Via AVING]

Razer has recently introduced the Mako 2.1 speaker system at CES, whose claim to innovation is its ability to use a desk surface to increase output as well as smooth-over sound response. Unsurprisingly, Razer is keen to cite its device's THX-certification: specifically it features THX's Ground Plane and Slot Speaker technologies which create a sound space that's more spacious than usual. The slightly more solid specs on the Mako are as follows: 50 Watts per channel, a frequency range of 30-20,000 Hz, and an amplified headphone jack on the wired remote control. If you take a step back to the fluffy specs, you'll see -- but probably not care -- that it also has something called "ClassHD" technology that scales power in sync with the music. As we've said time and time before, we're not audiophiles, so we'll just out our view on the Mako 2.1 and be done with it: this is one odd looking speaker system.

[Via Fareastgizmos]

While Ben Heckendorn and Soner Ozenc have definitely mastered their own forms of art, Art Lebedev provides soothing, aesthetic, and eye-tingling creations second to none. While his Optimus keyboard (and mini three as well) were flattering enough, the Mus2 pointer-shaped mouse was pure genius. Design freaks take heart, as Art Lebedev Studios' has an uber-sleek Sonicum speaker system up for pre-order, and besides eliciting all sorts of geekish lust, the 2.1 computer-minded setup boasts dual 5-watt NXT speakers, a 15-watt subwoofer, and a few design cues that set it apart from the rest. The satellites bear a striking resemblance to a speaker cone silhouette, the subwoofer's bass knob is cleverly marked with a textual smiley, and each simplistic piece is branded with Art's own barcode logo. For just €106.17 ($126.60), you can claim your Sonicum rig now, but unfortunately you'll be waiting until next April to hear (and see) Lebedev's latest masterpiece in person.