MadeForIpod
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Sony rounds out its iPod dock offerings with three new models
We already caught sight of Sony's ZS-S4iP iPod dock / boombox when it turned up in Australia, but it looks like there's a few more Made for iPod devices where that one came from, with Sony now also debuting three more docks of various sorts. That includes the clock radio-style ICF-CD3iPSIL model pictured above, the HD Radio-packing XDR-S10HDiP (after the break), and the plain-old SRS-GU10IP (also after the break), which provides one big speaker and nothing else. From the looks of it, the XDR-S10HDiP and SRS-GU10UP are both available right now direct from Sony and will set you back $180 and $150, respectively, while the ICF-CD3iPSIL will only be available at the end of the month, though you can get a pre-order in now for $100.
Gorenje debuts Made for iPod fridge
It may not be ensconced in Swarovski crystals like some of its other fridges, but Gorenje seems to think it has a winner on its hands with its new Made for iPod fridge, which it says will conquer contemporary kitchens just as "iPod has conquered the world." Apparently designed specifically for what Gorenje describes as the "the cult iPod touch," the fridge of course boasts the usual iPod dock, as well as pair of built-in speakers of unspecified kitchen-shaking ability. Gorenje also takes things one step further with its iGorenje web portal, which is, you guessed it, optimized for the iPhone or iPod touch. It'll not only give you the usual recipes and other information, but control over other household appliances that are connected via WiFi, although Gorenje is quick to point out that's still only in a test version. No word on a price or release date just, but given Gorenje's penchant for pricey appliances, you can be sure it won't come cheap.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Zap to unveil "made for iPod" electric cars at Macworld
It looks like the folks at Zap just couldn't let the CES news cycle slip by without getting a word in, as they've just taken the opportunity to announce that they'll be showing off their new "made for iPod" electric cars at that other big show happening this month. That designation, of course, means the car will be equipped with an Apple-approved dock that'll let you both play music through the car's speakers and recharge it using Zap's so-called "Recharge-It-All" system. What's more, it seems that those docks won't be limited to just one car, with Zap saying that first iPod-ready cars will be available later this year, and that it expects to include the docks in every Zap car from then on.
Wadia Digital intros iTransport: the audiophile's iPod dock
We've seen some fairly snazzy aftermarket iPod docks before, but Wadia Digital is hoping to lure a few C-notes from the wallets of bona fide audiophiles with its iTransport. This Made for iPod device reportedly bypasses the PMP's "internal D/A conversion and output stage," which enables the music to stream through "clean and unadulterated." Hailed as the "market's first digital player dock to retrieve a direct digital signal from an iPod," it relies on a S/PDIF digital audio out (as well as analog outs) and even includes a set of component outputs for video. Notably, the iPhone and iPod touch will work here too, but unless you've got some mighty fine loudspeakers (or cans) that can take advantage of such clarity, we'd suggest holding tight to your $349 when it ships next month.[Via AudioJunkies]
Sony's dark-side: the ICF-C1IP alarm clock and ZS-S2IP boombox iPod docks
What started as a begrudging trickle of iPod accessories from Sony has turned a steady flow. Meet the new ICF-C1IP iPod Dock Clock Radio and ZS-S2IP iPod Dock Boombox. The radio (available in black or white) brings a wireless remote for control of the iPod, radio, and volume functions with a dual-alarm function and adjustable brightness control. Oh, and that giant square in the center which apparently serves no purpose? That's an overengineered "adjustable backstop mechanism" meant to ensure a snug fit of the iPod when docked. The Boombox features a retractable dock tray when going iPod-less with a digital AM/FM tuner and CD player supporting CD-R/RW media. Wireless remote and battery power? Yup, that too. Both rigs are priced at $100 beans and ready for retail sometime in August. Read-on for a glimpse of the boombox in repose.
Timex's iPod-controlling i-Control watch hits the FCC
Chalk another one up to the rumor mill, as it looks like the leaked PowerPoint slide we saw just last month was indeed referring to an actual product. Thanks to an FCC filing, we now know that Timex is actually cranking out a Made for iPod timepiece in its Ironman series. The i-Control isn't the most handsome of watches, but it will be available in a water-resistant casing, sport Indiglo backlighting, and play nice with your dock connecting iPod. According to the documentation, users will clip an included RF transmitter into their Pod, which will allow the watch to control the volume, track, and play / pause function so long as the it's within "about ten feet" of your wrist. Of course, it still sports the same alarm, chrono, recall, and interval timer modes as the rest of its siblings, but unfortunately, it doesn't look like you'll see any scrolling track tags on this one. As expected, there's no word on price just yet, but click on through for a more detailed shot of it all sprawled out.
MyVu solo: the $199 iPod-friendly head mounted display
Sure, MyVu's other LCD goggles for iPod weren't stratospherically priced, but creeping under that magical $200 price point could encourage a few more folks to take a serious look at head mounted displays -- or not. Unfortunately, even the MyVu solo still requires you to don those humiliating specs to enjoy the visuals, but this device does enable the attached iPod to power it if you're not keen on picking up the optional eight-hour Li-ion battery pack. The glasses also tout built-in noise-canceling earbuds and are compatible with any of the iPods with video, and hey, for $199.95, they might be worth picking up for in-home (read: not in public) use, but we stress might.[Via MobileTechReview]
Apple patent app details 'accessory detector' for mobile handset
Just days after hearing that Steve Jobs was indeed looking into the possibility of letting third party applications play nice with his precious iPhone, along comes a suitable patent application that further proves his hesitance to let it happen. Jobs didn't shy away from suggesting that non-native apps aren't usually cellphone-friendly, and a new filing from Cupertino's lair details an "accessory detector" that would "detect whether an external accessory coupled to the connector may interfere with wireless communication with the handheld device." Of course, no direct mention of the iPhone is given, but it sounds like this here invention would alert the user via on-screen messages and flurries of frightening noises if the inserted / installed accessory did not match up with an internally stored "list" of okayed devices. Additionally, the handset would be able to adjust itself on the fly if the add-on did indeed "interfere" with operations, and while no verbiage mentioned any kinds of shut downs or undercover dial-ups to Apple HQ for unauthorized use, there's always the possibility that this type of scrutiny could lead to an easier implementation of a "Made for iPhone" type royalty program.[Via UnwiredView]
Sierra Sounds' iN STUDIO 5.0 iPod-friendly speakers
We must admit, it's somewhat refreshing to see a set of Made for iPod speakers hit the marketplace that could potentially sound better than a poorly-amplified glorified tweeter, and Sierra Sounds' iN STUDIO 5.0 set is looking to up the ante by catering to the more discerning set. The pair of monitors are purportedly best matched in one's recording studio, as they feature an integrated 50-watt dynamic amplifier, built-in iPod dock, a pair of auxiliary inputs, S-Video output, and a fully enclosed power supply to boot. Additionally, users can control the action from afar with the wireless infrared remote, and Pod owners should be delighted that they can pick a set up in a black, red, or the oh-so-trendy white color scheme. Set to ship later this month, the iN STUDIO 5.0s will run you just under four Benjamins.[Via iLounge]
Creative's first "Made for iPod" speaker docks
Although Creative gave us a peep at their wireless Xdock iPod accessory at CES, they've come up visibly short in delivering Made for iPod gear as agreed in their settlement with Apple back in August. Today, however, Creative is making amends by kicking out modified TravelSound and PlayDock speaker docks with real iPod docking action. There's nothing new here of course, the PlayDock i500 ("i" for you know what) and TravelSound I are just the PlayDock z500 ("z" for Zen, natch) and TravelSound ZEN V all gussied-up with a "Made for iPod" logo and iPod dock connector -- which isn't a bad thing. Still, Creative will have to sell a lot of these when they hit later this month (in Japan anyway) for Apple's cut to offset the $100m they paid out to Creative. Isn't litigation fun?[Via Impress]
ANYCOM FIPO connects Bluetooth devices to iPod accessories
If there's one thing the iPod has going for it in comparison to basically every other DAP / PMP out there, it's that the accessory market is just brimming with new Made for iPod gizmos, but for those of you non-Apple owners out there who yearn for an iPod Hi-Fi or one of the other bazillion speaker systems tailored specifically for Apple's cash cow, you can commence thanking your lucky stars. ANYCOM has unveiled a Bluetooth receiver / protocol converter for any device that supports Apple's iPod, which takes any tune streamed over A2DP and plays it through the iPod speaker system, regardless of the type of media player / cellphone you're using. The tiny (black or white, obviously) device operates on Bluetooth 2.0 and accepts music from any A2DP-enabled device as well as controlling functions from any unit supporting AVRCP; users simply click the device into the accessory's dock adapter, pair it with their A2DP source, and stream away. While we're admittedly enthused about such a device, it is a bit shocking that something similar hasn't come along sooner, but regardless, ANYCOM's FIPO should hit mass production in mid-February and run you about $99.[Via BlueTomorrow]
Maxell intros MXSP-1000, the tubular iPod speaker system
Just in case you weren't digging the stereotypical "Made for iPod" speaker systems cluttering up the shelves out there, Maxell is busting out an uber-slim, tubular-styled setup to decorate your dorm room wall or compliment your table of choice. While it's probably not as cool as the blown-away guy, the MXSP-1000 is a 23.4-inch long speaker system designed to conveniently hold and charge your dock connector-equipped iPod and pump out the jams through its dual 4.8-watt speakers. The unit comes in silver, black, and the ever-trendy white flavor, but at least Maxell was kind enough to toss in a 3.5-millimeter aux in jack to utilize other musical sources when your 'Pod's not around. Aside from sporting playback controls and a nifty dock lid, you can pick up the optional wireless remote for controlling your playlists from afar, but you won't be picking this up in North America anytime soon it seems. Regardless, the MXSP-1000 can be snapped up in a week or so if you're venturing through Japan.[Via Far East Gizmos]
JVC's new audio lineup, live and in person
We dropped by JVC land at Pepcom's little get together yesterday for a glimpse at their new iPod stereo lineup. Nothing really knocked our socks off, but the NX-PS1 and UX-EP25 weren't too shabby looking. Like we said before, all that really sets these apart from your average USB-pluggable player is that "Made for iPod" sticker, but for barebones amplification action, we suppose these will do. Keep reading for all the pics.
JVC announces 'Made for iPod' gear
JVC has announced a number of new products that are 'Made for iPod.' If you recall, Apple has a program called 'Made for iPod,' which manufacturers can enter by paying a percentage of their profits on the item to Apple. In return they get Apple's stamp of approval.Amongst JVC's offers is the JVC NX-PS1 (pictured above), which JVC is marketing as a desktop audio system with a $249.95 pricetag. The three cubes in the front (2 speakers and the main unit) measure 4 inches, whilst the subwoofer clocks in at 9 inches. The NX-PS1 will be able to play music from your iPod, and it can be connected to your computer or a flash based MP3 player (it'll also play WMAs, but who uses those?).Also coming from JVC is the UX-EP25 ($199.95), a CD system that'll connect to your iPod, and an iPod clockradio by the name of the RA-P10 ($129.95). Finally, the RC-EZ38 ($99.95) is a boombox that'll let you take your tunes on the go.[via Engadget]
JVC intros new "made for iPod" stereos
JVC announced a new line of home stereos and "boomboxes" today (set for release this month and next) -- not all that remarkable expect for the fact that each sport the coveted "Made for iPod" desgnation. The NX-PS1 (seen above) is the top-of-the-line model, though still on the low-end comparatively speaking, running just $249.95. It'll give you 10 watts per channel with a 30-watt amplifier for the powered subwoofer, and includes USB Host support for use with non-iPod DAPs as well as JVC's USB Audio function for connecting the stereo to a PC or Mac. Taking things down a bit, we've got the RA-P10 (peep after the break), a clock radio-type unit with four watts per channel, an iPod dock, blue backlit display, and a room thermometer, all for $129.95, as well as the $199.95 UX-EP25, a low profile system "about the size of a small laptop computer," also with USB Host and USB Audio support. And for those less concerned with style, the $99.95 RC-EZ38 (last one after the break) should fit the bill -- it's also the only one of the four with a cassette deck (sometimes you just gotta let go, JVC).
Griffin announces more iPod accessories: iKaraoke, iTalk Pro, and TuneCenter
Griffin just slipped three new iPod accessories into the Apple Expo showroom: the iKaraoke, iTalk Pro, and TuneCenter. The iKaraoke allows you to fade-out the vocals from your favorite songs and replace 'em them with your very own self-stylings over the included mic. The results can then be pumped out your stereo over the wire or wirelessly via the embedded FM transmitter. Three levels of reverb are available to improve your vocals for, well you know, when the sake just ain't enough. The new iTalk Pro boasts not just one, but two built-in mics for 16-bit stereo or 8-bit mono audio recordings. But you'll need to drop an external mic into that 1/8-inch jack, jack, if you need greater stereo separation. Last, and certainly least, is the TuneCenter -- another of those iPod media docks with remote controls. Only this dock sports a "full-slate" of Internet Radio stations -- bonus! No pricing has been announced, or availability, but we've got some bigger snaps after the break and that's gotta count for something.
ViewSonic unveils iPod dock equipped monitors
ViewSonic, the display company that will forever be known to me as 'That one with the 3 mildly creepy birds, has announced an LCD monitor with an integrated iPod dock. Docking your video enabled iPod allows you to play videos right on the monitor, which is pretty sweet.The monitor also functions as a normal iPod dock, as well as a USB 2.0 hub, and a 8-in-1 card reader. ViewSonic didn't stop there though, the monitor also includes a microphone, integrated stereo speakers and a subwoofer. That's quite a monitor.The monitor line is expected to ship later this year, though no word on how much one of these will set you back.[via iLounge]
The iRocker chair with built-in iPod dock
Furniture-maker Adonis has announced a pile of new "interactive sound chairs" designed for maximum body rockin' and minimal body movin'. Available in a range of models from $99 to $600, the iRocker chairs all feature genuine "made for iPod" docks and Alltek Vision speakers with a remote control so you don't have to get up to... er, wait a minute. That extra $500 will buy you a full five speakers, as opposed to just a pair on the low-end. For the iPod-less, the chair also includes a standard auxiliary input to connect another audio device, although you won't get the added convenience of charging your player while you recline (at least we assume it'll charge your iPod -- Adonis isn't so clear). In addition to the number of different models to suit your budget, the chairs are also available in a slew of different colors, including six varieties for the microfiber option and more neutral black, bone and saddle colors for the faux-leather models.[Via iLounge]
