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DLO WallDock iPhone charger shoots for minimalist practicality
Yesterday's in-wall USB charger hackery might have inspired plenty of you to take up tools and start the USB power revolution, but if you own an iPod or iPhone and just a smidgen of common sense, you might wanna look at this first. The DLO WallDock is a teeny tiny charger that plugs into those familiar standard wall sockets, and its designed so that your iDevice leans back when connected, turning it into a neat (and wireless) substitute for your regular dock. We still wouldn't sacrifice the $25 asking price at the altar of cable freedom, but the more important question is, would you?
Philips underwhelms with lackluster iPod / iPhone accessory line
Is it any wonder Philips is opting out of making a stop at CES this year? If it showed up with this line, it'd literally be laughed right out of Vegas. The outfit's dedicated "showing" in San Francisco this past week consisted of two Streamium Network Music Players (NP2500 and NP2900) that we were already well aware of, a refreshed DLO iBoom JukeBox ($200) that now plays nice with iPhones and two other mildly interesting pieces. First up is the January-bound DC350 Docking Entertainment System ($150), which bills itself as an iPhone / iPod dock "with hands-free conference call functions and the ability to sync with business calendars on your PC." Finally, we've got the 2.1 SPA5300 sound system (pictured), which has evidently been introduced in less traveled corners of the world but is just now making itself visible in the US. On second thought, maybe "underwhelming" is being too generous.[Via iPodNN]
DLO starts shipping HomeDock HD upscaling iPod dock
The port-filled HomeDock HD Pro, which was unveiled back at CEDIA this year, has finally made its way off the production line and into corrugated packaging. For those who can't surmise from the image above, this upscaling iPod dock takes your stored media and pumps it out via HDMI in gorgeous 720p / 1080i, and the RS-232 control port should make it feel right at home in your current setup. $399 makes it yours.Update: DLO pinged us to say it was the Homedock HD (not Pro) that started shipping. The Pro is due in "early 2009."
DLO introduces HomeDock HD Pro: its latest upscaling iPod dock
One thing's for sure: DLO's pretty attached to its HomeDock brand, and evidently it could care less about just how confusing these naming schemes are to customers. Let's clear some cobwebs real quick -- this isn't the HomeDock Pro, nor is it the HomeDock HD. Rather, it's the HomeDock HD Pro, a glorious combination of the two (or something). Aimed at home theater enthusiasts and home installers alike, this upscaling iPod dock takes stored content to 720p or 1080i over HDMI, and you'll also find an HDMI extension socket, optical digital audio port, RS-232 control connector and IR output for supporting universal remotes. Expect this one to set you back $399 when it arrives this fall. Full release after the jump. %Gallery-29771%
Hands-on with the new Philips and DLO gear
We got a look at one of those new Philips Eco LCDs today, along with some other miscellaneous gadgetry from Philips and its DLO subsidiary. Of note was the DLO HomeDock HD, which will be released in August for $250, and has a bit of an updated look from when we saw it last -- and some pretty snazzy menus for its type of product. That DLO iBoom JukeBox is also getting an August release for $200, along with the Rhapsody-friendly Streamium NP1100, a Network Music Player that'll be out in July for $150. We didn't get a chance to listen in to the Eco's "invisible" speakers, but the principle is simple enough: there are two speakers mounted on the back of the TV that bounce sound off the wall. That sound is then dispersed by the curved acrylic frame around the edge of the device. Our advice? Buy some real speakers.%Gallery-25410%
DLO's iPhone-shielded Portable Speakers
Recognize this sound? "Blip da da blip da da blip da da blip da da bliiiiiiiip." If you answered yes to any of the preceding questions, you may own an iPhone. The little bugger wreaks havoc on your average unsuspecting, unshielded desktop speaker -- and most iPod docks, as it turns out -- emitting audible blasts of interference from up to three or four feet away. Luckily, the DLO Portable Speakers for iPhone don't have that problem, since they're shielded from TDMA interference. You can power 'em off of AAA batteries or an AC adapter, and since they plug into the iPhone's headphone jack, you can use plenty of other audio sources. The speakers detach from the rotating base, and you can even use the setup as a speakerphone if you'd like. They're out now for $50.[Via iLounge]
DLO's iBoom JukeBox mildly resembles an igloo
Yeah, the whole igloo comparison loses some steam once you peek this thing from the side, but when glancing it head-on, we can't help but be overcome with imagery of our childhood days spent in the plains of Greenland. Unfortunately, this thing's ability to conjure up said memories is probably its standout feature -- well, aside from the RF remote that enables users to browse iPod content right on its screen (shown after the break). Outside of that, you'll find a totally average speaker setup consisting of twin one-inch tweeters and three-inch woofers along with a set of touch-sensitive controls atop the device itself. Reportedly, the iBoom JukeBox is slated to further saturate the iPod speaker system market this Spring for $199.99.[Via MacMinute]
DLO introduces HomeDock HD: yet another upscaling iPod dock
Just in case the HomeDock hasn't been revamped and slightly renamed enough already, DLO is busting out yet another in the line and throwing the all-too-trendy "HD" moniker in there for good measure. As with most every other alternative already on the market, the HomeDock HD offers up 720p / 1080i upscaling and gives your iPod an easy way to output content via HDMI. You'll also find an optical digital audio output, a USB port, an auxiliary input and S-Video / composite outputs. DLO claims that the enhanced on-TV interface will just melt your heart (more or less, anyway), and the bundled remote will keep you firmly planted on the sofa when flipping through clips. Mum's the word on pricing at the moment, but feel free to take a second and check out this thing's backside after the break. [Via CNET]
Microsoft talks third-party Zune accessories
You can't run around launching fancy new music players these days without a secondary offensive of cases and car chargers following close behind, and Microsoft's new Zunes have a veritable cavalry behind them. In addition to the official accessories we've already heard about from J Allard and crew, the company's lined up a number of third-party manufacturers to crank out 60 different Zune-friendly products, including Polk, Belkin, DLO, Monster, Altec Lansing, Targus, iHome, Memorex and Griffin. Microsoft's new pals will be releasing everything from speaker docks to RCA cables, so it looks like you'll be able to build a happy little home for that new Zune of yours when it launches next month.
DLO's TransDock Deluxe FM transmitter: now with RF remote
At this year's CES, DLO gave its TransDock device a much-needed refresh, and now that the year's nearly halfway over, it's getting yet another makeover. The TransDock Deluxe maintains the same (admittedly poor) FM transmission, AV output from your iPod to your vehicle's in-car displays, and built-in USB outlet for peripheral charging that we've seen in prior iterations, but the Deluxe setup adds an RF steering wheel remote (detailed after the jump) to handle the tunes without removing your hand. The remote purportedly "controls all TransDock functions such as changing your pre-set frequencies," the the unit itself provides a "choice of three LCD colors," comes with a six-foot AV cable, and sports the obligatory auxiliary input for times when your Pod isn't riding shotgun. Of course, for $129.99, we'd have to look into some other way besides finicky FM to get your iPod jams into your car stereo.
DLO TransDock Deluxe for fine automotive iPodding
DLO is shipping yet another iPod dock, but this one is billed as "the world's first luxury iPod car accessory." I don't know exactly what that is supposed to mean, but the TransDock Deluxe does include a RF remote which appears to strap onto your steering wheel for iPod control without removing your hands from 10 and 2 o'clock like your high school driving instructor insisted (or, looking at the picture, maybe you'll be okay sliding down to 9 o'clock). Anyway, the kit has the standard cigarette lighter charger and FM modulator, but also adds some cool extras like a video out jack for an optional rear-seat video screen and even a powered USB port for charging your phone or other accessories.The TransDock Deluxe $129.99 from DLO.[via electronista]
DLO's HomeDock Music Remote mimics your iPod screen
Gone are the days where you sat impatiently in another room flipping through endless tracks just waiting to hear the lead-in from Forever Young, as even DLO is joining the LCD-equipped remote game with the HomeDock Music Remote. Similar to the KeySpan, EWOO, and Popalive iterations, this RF remote dons a sleek OLED display (shown after the jump) that mimics the menus and text on your iPod's screen so that you can flip through playlists, scroll through albums, and see what's currently playing all without having your eyes glued to your Apple. The device also comes with a docking stand that can connect to your home stereo or TV, and doubles as a charging station when plugged into an AC outlet. Still, you'd have to be mighty lazy or incredibly burdened with disposable income to make this one worth it, as DLO's charging a stiff $129.99 for the kit.
Philips to acquire DLO, expand peripheral offerings
Continuing the hot streak of industry madness going down on this eventful Friday the 13th is Philips, as it has announced plans to acquire Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) in an attempt to compliment the firm's headphone / DAP offerings with a smorgasbord of other peripherals and accessories for mobile devices. Essentially, Philips is hoping that the deal will allow it to "become a leading player in peripherals and accessories market for the mobility domain," and considering the vast amount of DAP / PMP toting individuals out there eying such niceties as the HomeDock, iBoom Travel, and the obligatory colored carrying case, it's probably not a bad move. Interestingly, Philips is actually taking over a firm who pumps out products for two competing music players, but a spokesperson for the company played the rivalry down by suggesting that DLO's products were "designed for all of the players on the market." Although pricing details weren't readily available, Philips is planning to complete the acquisition by Q2's end, and hopes to make DLO more predominant "outside of the US while broadening its product portfolio."[Via Reuters]
Focal / DLO offer up PowerBug AC-to-USB power adapter
Okay, so Focal's latest charging gizmo comes bundled with a cable that plays nice with your shiny (and colorful) new vivid Shuffle (or your "old" silver edition), but realistically, the PowerBug isn't much more than a snazzy AC-to-USB power adapter. Weighing in at around 40 grams, this device reportedly handles 100 to 240-volt plugs and works well with worldwide adapter prongs, and essentially turns any AC outlet you may run across into a charging station for anything that utilizes USB to suck down power. Namely, just about every iPod that relies on your trusty USB port for energy can befriend this here gadget, along with NAV systems and USB battery chargers. The plug itself sports a green LED that gives you an indication of how the whole charging process is going, and while Focal doesn't seem to give mention to a little company dubbed DLO, the blatant branding leads us to believe that it'll be sold under that accessory maker's product line. Nevertheless, if you're finding yourself closer to power outlets than electrified USB connectors during your travels, you can pick up your own PowerBug now for $22.99.[Via NewLaunches]
DLO unveils iBoom Travel, updates TransDock and HomeDock Deluxe
It seems that iHome, Altec Lansing, and Acoustic Research aren't the only folks busting out new iPod accessories, as DLO is strutting its stuff too with a new iBoom Travel as well as revamped versions of the TransDock and HomeDock Deluxe. The miniaturized version of the iBoom ($89.99) combines a clock radio with a portable, AA / AC-powered boombox, which comes in white or graphite colors, boasts the usual sleep / alarm functions, and sports an iPod cradle and LCD screen to boot. The TransDock features an "enhanced mounting arm," video-out for use with in-car displays, top and side mounted antennas, and removable faceplates as well. Additionally, you can connect other DAPs via the aux in jack, and the USB pass-through allows other random USB gadgetry to be charged while it's in use. Lastly, the refreshed HomeDock Deluxe ($149.99) didn't change much in the design department, but did add on-screen album art on a dedicated "Now Playing" screen, a dozen new color themes and screen savers, and a feature that enables "on the fly" playlist creation. The iBoom Travel and HomeDock Deluxe are currently for sale directly through DLO, while the updated TransDock is still waiting for its own release date.
DLO kicks out video-playing HomeDock Pro for your iPod
Following the natural progression of DLO docking solutions, the company has now unveiled a HomeDock that pipes video from dock connecting iPods (including the nanos) to your TV screen or monitor. While DLO hasn't skimped on the amount of iPod-compatible goodies it's pumped out, the HomeDock Pro steps it up a notch by allowing you to navigate your music, playlist, and video menus right on your television, and they also include a 18-button remote to keep you seated while scrolling through your shows. Aside from docking / charging your Appleicious PMP, the device also sports "discrete on / off," standby mode, and a diagnostic mode in case things go awry. Unfortunately there's no pricing information to speak of just yet, but this one ought to hit store shelves here before too long.[Via iLounge]
DLO Care Kit for iPod
Before you slide your iPod into a $750 coat, you're going to want to make sure it is darn clean. DLO has introduced a new cleaning solution (ha! another one.) which promises to keep your iPod tidier than Steve Jobs' desk (you know that man must be a neat freak). DLO Care Kit for iPod comes with three different cleaning liquids: Daily Cleaner Fine Scratch Remover Heavy Scratch Remover Plus you get 4 cleaning pads and a microfiber cleaning cloth. Not too bad a deal for the low, low price of $29.99.[via Gearlog]
DLO begins shipping HomeDock Deluxe
This is what Apple's Universal iPod Dock should do. When connected to your TV, the HomeDock Deluxe by DLO offers on-screen navigation of your iPod's music library (C.K. took a look at the original HomeDock in January). It works with all iPods that have a dock connector, and will also let you watch stored videos/photos via S-video or AV. The included 20-button remote may lack Apple's minimalist elegance, but you can use it to search album, artist, title genre and so on, as well as skip, replay, pause, etc. Plus, it charges your iPod while docked.You can pick one up for $149.99US.
DLO introduces the nanoTune
DLO today announced the availability of the nanoTune, an accessory for the iPod nano that's designed to fill several roles. When connected to your nano, the nanoTune acts as protective case, FM transmitter, FM radio and headphone amplifier (DLO claims a 25% increase in volume, to the delight of audiologists everywhere). It will also connect to your car charger or Apple dock via the built in 30 pin connector.It seems to add a good amount of bulk to the otherwise sleek nano, but the pictures on the site are kind of small. You can grab one for $69.99US.
DLO iPod solution coming to Volvo cars
I've been wanting a Volvo for quite a long time, though I must admit that my first choice would be a P1800. But, I guess the new ones are OK, too. Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) have announced that their in-car iPod kit will be available as a dealer-installed option (in the US) on several Volvo models, including the S40, V50, and XC90. The kit will work with both the iPod and iPod nano, and run you US$139 (not including installation).That's nice, but I'd still rather have my classic coupe.
