IpodSpeaker
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iPod speaker dock carved from tree trunk
The iPod is elegant and small, glossy and slick. Why not cram it into a log? The huge, hollowed-out tree trunk you see at right is an iPod speaker system. Created by Austrian design studio KMKG, the piece begs for an adolescent wood joke that I'm going to resist. When I say it is a speaker system, that's the truth. There are no electronic speakers inside. Instead, the piece is created in a way that enhances the wood's own resonance. Customers can chose their own type of wood and length of the finished piece. Note that the one above weighs 130 lbs, so choose wisely. There's no word on pricing or availability, but we assume it's one of those "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" arrangements. A tree used as an iPod speaker. Now we've seen everything.
Branex iTamTam iPod docking stool ensures your backside breaks it on day one
Hey, can you feel the vibe? That was actually your iPhone being snapped off by your reclining-inclined back. Anyhow, some genius at Branex Design of France decided that people would totally buy this $570, 11.5-pound speaker stool. Underneath the hood are four 1.5-inch 10W tweeters and a 5.25-inch 80W subwoofer to shudder your pelvis, all of which contribute to an overall power rating of 70W. There are over ten colors to choose from, too. Let's just hope that Philippe Starck doesn't see this and cry.
iLive storms back with 33 new iPod / iPhone-friendly audio products
Man, we'd usually say it's been a hot minute since we heard from iLive, but when you're pushing a full year, that's just a woeful understatement. Nevertheless, the peripheral outfit is hitting back in a big way here at CES, tossing out no fewer than 33 new iPod and iPhone-compatible audio products. We won't bother detailing the lower-end gear, but a few of the highlights include the iTDP610B bar speakers with built-in DVD player -- which touts a motorized door that opens to reveal the iPhone dock and to load and unload a DVD-- and the iHP310B micro audio system. The former can be had in two sizes (32- or 37-inch) for $199.99, while the latter is pegged at $99.99. Peep that source link if you're hungry for more, and give the gallery a look for some visual eye candy to accompany it. %Gallery-81533%
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin mini iPod dock lands for a hands-on
We've seen plenty of carefully staged press shots of Bowers & Wilkins' new Zeppelin mini iPod dock, but we're guessing that anyone about to shell out $400 for one of these is going to want a considerably closer, more unvarnished look at it. Thankfully, the folks at iLounge have now stepped in and provided just that and, while the agree it's certainly not for everyone, they do seem to think that those with the money to spend won't be disappointed, noting that the Zeppelin mini is another great example of the "speaker as art." Hit up the link below for a closer look, including a comparison with B&W's full size Zeppelin.
B&W's $400 Zeppelin Mini iPod sound system up for pre-order, ships next month
Bowers & Wilkins has never been one to play the bargain game, and the $399.95 price tag on its new Zeppelin Mini is evidence of that very fact. The somewhat miniaturized iPod sound system is up for pre-order as we speak on Amazon, and we've heard directly from the company that it'll be shipping out to US-based consumers in "early November." So, is a flashy design, a pair of 3-inch drivers, 3.5 millimeter auxiliary input jack, USB 2.0 port and a promise of a better tomorrow enough to pry those four Benjamins out of your hand?
Bowers & Wilkins downsizes with Zeppelin Mini iPod speaker
It's been well over two years since high-end audio outfit Bowers & Wilkins introduced the iPod-lovin' Zeppelin, and evidently it's time for a downsizing. Today, the good folks over at B&W slung out the Zeppelin Mini, which promises the same dirigible-inspired sound but in a form factor that fits in a wider assortment of areas. To be honest, this version seems toned down quite a bit on the design side, with the key differentiating features being an updated docking arm and the addition of USB connectivity. Said socket enables direct PC / Mac streaming if your iPod gets lost, and it also enables your 'Pod to sync with your computer whilst playing back tunes. As for specs, you'll find a pair of 3-inch full-range drivers, 36 total watts of power, a 3.5 millimeter auxiliary jack and a bundled remote. It's expected to hit next month for £299 ($495), but you can get acquainted right now by jumping past the break and mashing play.[Via Macworld]%Gallery-72744%
Soundblock: a marginally heinous dock connector iPod speaker
It's hard to guess why one would consider this device over that Lego-inspired alternative we peeked last Spring, but those obsessed with Elecom or born with an innate fear of stackable blocks can certainly opt for the Soundblock. Designed specifically for the fourth generation iPod nano, first generation iPod touch and any other iPod that ships sans an integrated speaker, this here speaker clicks into the dock connector and can be ordered in one of ten different colors. The pain? ¥4,000 ($42), which seems about a Jackson and a half too steep for our tastes.[Via Coolest-Gadgets]
Creative TravelSound i85 adds external speaker, FM tuner to iPod nano
There's really no easy way to say it -- Creative's TravelSound i85 is bordering on unsightly, so devout fashionistas should probably look elsewhere. For those who always put design second and utility first, this here device adds a portable speaker and FM tuning abilities to Apple's fourth-generation iPod nano (the tall, thin one, for those unaware) and even includes a built-in rechargeable battery for pumping out up to 15 hours of house jams. Aside from operating as a gaudy wrist adornment, it can also double as a stand (horizontally or vertically), though there's no Dock Connector pass-through (just a miniUSB plug). Worth $99.99? That's between you and the monster underneath your bed.[Via FarEastGizmos]
Sony's latest boombox treats your iPod like a mixtape
We've seen the iPod-as-cassette-tape design in older speaker docks like Altec Lansing's inMotion iM7 bazooka tube before, but Sony's bringing it back with its new ZS-S4iP boombox, which appears designed for only iPhone and iPod touch owners. Apart from the novelty of hitting eject to insert and remove your player, it's pretty much the generically boring CD boombox it looks like, although you do get MP3 CD playback. It's preordering in black and white in Australia for about AU$179 ($142), should make it Stateside in October.
NEONECO offers up active iPod swing speaker
Attachable iPod speakers are nearly as old as the DAP itself, but NEONECO may actually be onto something with its swing speaker. Rather than simply tapping into the iPod's headphone jack and hoping that listeners have canine-like hearing abilities, this unit includes its own source of power -- a rechargeable battery. This enables the stereo speakers to be louder than passive alternatives, though we can't speak for the sound quality. It's available now in South Korea for ???29,000 ($29; iPod nano), ???32,000 ($32; iPod classic) or ???35,000 ($35; iPod touch).[Via Wired]
iPod building block speakers keep your dock connector company
Too busy to bother with external speakers for your iPod? Still can't shake that fascination with colored blocks after all these decades? Take heart, young buck, as the iPod building block speakers can keep that kid in you alive for a good bit longer -- though we aren't sure the audiophile in you will be too pleased. These non-powered "drivers" get amped after being plugged into an iPod's dock connector (sorry, iPhone users), but curiously enough, they only arrive in a single 2.5- x 1- x .75-inch form, which doesn't exactly fit flush against the last-gen nano. Nevertheless, those giddy about the notion of claiming a few as their own can pick 'em up in yellow, white, red, black, blue and green for $24.99 apiece.[Via BoingBoing]
Griffin's Evolve wireless iPod speakers start shipping
We first saw Griffin's Evolve wireless iPod speakers way back in January at CES, and it looks like they're finally shipping. The detachable speakers each contain a battery with enough juice to last 10 hours, and the Evolve base can charge both the speaker cubes and a docked iPod. Apparently Best Buy is getting the exclusive here -- the system costs $299 at ol' Blue, but those of you morally opposed to bricks and mortar can cough up an extra $50 and buy direct from Griffin for $350.[Via Macworld]
cy-fi: the wireless iPod speaker for your bicycle
Although it's certainly debatable whether or not the cy·fi truly is the "world's first wireless bicycle speaker and ultimate iPod accessory," it does look fairly well thought out. Aside from boasting an admittedly stylish design, the device weighs in at around three-ounces, mounts on nearly any frame, plays nice with your iPod / iPod nano and offers up six-hours of battery life. Additionally, it supports "multipoint broadcasting to up to four cy·fi speakers," and it's slated to hit bike stores in early 2008 for $149.95.[Via PlaylistMag]
Macally intros TunePro iPod speaker system
It looks like Apple accessorizer Macally is aiming for a bigger piece of the ever-expanding iPod speaker system market, with the company today officially introducing its TunePro unit, which also doubles as a clock radio. Based on NXT flat panel loudspeaker technology, the system promises "immersive 3D audio" thanks to its SRS WOW audio processing, although the actual amount of power behind the unit isn't clear. While it's designed primarily for iPods with a 30-pin dock connector, it also thankfully comes equipped with a standard line-in jack to let you use other devices, and comes bundled with three iPod inserts to ensure a snug fit for your iPod of choice. If that suits your fancy, you can grab one now for $130. iPhone users may want to hold off a bit though, as the company says it'll have one specially made for you sometime in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Bowers & Wilkins cranks out iPod-lovin' Zeppelin speaker
It being August and all, we can't help but notice the keen similarities between B&W's Zeppelin iPod speaker and an old fashioned pigskin, but this two-foot long behemoth most certainly wouldn't do well traversing through the air. Joining the growing array of high-end iPod speaker station manufacturers is Bowers & Wilkins, whose interestingly shaped device screams sexy from end to end. Internally, it boasts a five-inch woofer, glass-fiber cones, tweeters, a 100-watt amplifier, and video out for piping images to your display. Regrettably, we've no idea when exactly this thing will be available for purchase, but considering that it'll set you back $599, we'd probably want a listen anyway before parting ways with that much dough.[Via TechDigest]
podXtreme Super Mini Sound Box flanks the top of your iPod
Granted, the iPod speaker realm has long since claimed a number of bizarre creations as its own, but the podXtreme Super Mini Sound Box does the category very proud. The 5.15- x 2.25-inch device purportedly weighs an entire pound and looks to perch atop your iPod and crank out the tunes while just begging to be accidentally broken off all the while. Of course, you probably don't need to look at this thing long to lose respect for it, but reading such claims as "so much power it should be illegal" and "the party doesn't start 'til the podXtreme gets cranked" pretty much solidifies the suspicions of this being a joke. Still, if you're down with totally destroying the style of your Pod and don't mind that this thing sports no RMS ratings or hard specifications whatsoever, you can snag it now (when it returns to stock, that is) for $29.95.[Via Pocket-Lint]
iHome's iHM1B iPod nano portable speaker system
Still jamming out with your original iPod nano? If you haven't already picked up PodGear's PocketParty, and still need a portable speaker solution for times when tossing that boombox over your left shoulder isn't exact suitable, iHome's iMH1B has you covered. The portable speaker completely encloses your first-generation iPod nano, and adds a set of stereo speakers as well as a questionably elegant stand-up case to your DAP. Touting "SRS TruBass" technology, "easy access" to controls, and a water-resistant carry case, the only thing that's missing is support for Apple's latest selection of nanos. Nevertheless, the iHM1B is available now for $29.99. [Via Crave]
iSing speaker dock for iPod
There's no shortage of iPod speaker docks on the market, but for $25 USD this one seems like a very good value. The iSing is portable, comes in a variety of colors (metallic solver, green or purple) and it's 4W (2+2) speakers can be powered by four AAA batteries, USB or a 6V DC power adapter. Your iPod with dock connector be parked right on top, or you can connect any other audio/music player on the line-in jack. Groundbreaking? No. But not bad for $25.[via geekBlue]
Altec Lansing intros M602 iPod speaker system
In a push to potentially set the record for most sound systems designed around one particular digital media player, Altec Lansing is releasing a "high end" iPod sound system to presumably take on the likes of the iPod Hi-Fi and the Bose SoundDock. The M602, proudly sporting the Made for iPod badge, is ready and willing to accept your third-generation (or later) iPod care of the dock connecting cradle, but also includes a "universal MP3 cradle" and an aux-in port just in case you'd prefer to use something else. The unit is a bit thick at 5.4-inches, and stands 8.2-inches tall and 14 wide. Sporting two full-range drivers and two tweeters, this system pumps out 60 watts of block-rocking beats, and also includes a wireless remote with your basic volume / track controls. The M602 is a bit limited in functionality, but throws in individual bass / treble adjustments and a composite video-out that are occasionally missing from lower-priced units. Taking the ho hum iPod sound system to the ranks of, well, plain 'ole average, is the hidden LED lights behind that grille that provide a visual representation that your remote commands are being seen (just like the Hi-Fi). Unfortunately this unit cannot be powered by batteries, so your soundwaves are limited by proximity to an AC outlet, and although an absolutely free (just add shipping) wall-mount kit is available when ordered direct from Altec Lansing, we beckon: would it not have been easier to just toss that in? Just in case you haven't picked up an iPod sound system yet, and somehow see something here that stands out from the baffling array of alternatives, the M602 can be picked up now for $199.95.[Via Playlist Mag]
Flickr Find: Old Radio, new iPod Speakers
Ok, this is just cool. Flickr user obeyken had a great looking old radio hanging around and he thought, 'Why not make this into an amplifier and speakers for my iPod?' That's just what he did, and he posted pictures on Flickr charting his progress.[via MAKE]
