Griffin Technologies
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Griffin, Threadless again team up to bring community art to your iPad, iPhone
Mobile accessory purveyor Griffin Technology and artist collective Threadless have unveiled the latest updates to their iPad and iPhone case lines. The co-op -- now in its third year -- is bringing a new form-factor to the fold with the Elan Folio for iPad ($50, pictured above), and is making a handful of new designs available for its "super slim" iPhone armor ($25). If the run-of-the-mill coverings available at your local Apple Store don't jive with your laid-back steez, mosey on over to Griffin's website and have a peek at the new wares.
Griffin Beacon universal remote control system hands-on
We visited Griffin's CES booth to check out the Beacon universal remote control expecting yet another Redeye clone, but instead wound up walking away impressed. Two notable features of the prototype Bluetooth to IR converter device are that it's battery powered and includes a 360 degree IR blaster. These are key since they give users the freedom to place the transmitter almost anywhere around an entertainment center. The free iPhone remote app built by Dijit was the real highlight though. The UI and functionality was incredibly intuitive, and we especially liked that the setup process doesn't require inputting device model numbers. Instead, users just pick the brand and then test a series of code cycles to see if their components respond. The TV guide and Netflix integration are also points of distinction over competitors -- since you can select shows or movies to watch directly from the app. Last but not least, your remote settings can be saved and downloaded to as many devices as you like. To give you a feel for the system, we've included plenty of shots of the app's UI in the gallery below along with more photos the device. %Gallery-113456% %Gallery-113458%
Griffin gets an iPhone all up in your car's OBD-II port with the CarTrip Bluetooth adapter
If you're not a car person there's a good chance you don't know much about the OBD-II lurking mysteriously beneath your dash. It's there -- if your car was built since the first Bush administration, anyway. Usually its needs go unfulfilled until your check-engine light pops on and some mechanic with greasy paws clumsily stuffs a code checker in there, but more and more tools are coming out to change that. The Autobot Mavia is one, and now Griffin is doing similar with the CarTrip. It's an OBD-II adapter that connects wirelessly to an iOS device or writes directly to SD card, storing information on information related to car mileage, even giving you a real-time efficiency readout on your display with the CleanDrive app. And, yes, it'll even pull warning codes and the like if things aren't quite running how they should. All that for $89.99, a fair bit less than the Mavia will potentially be and available sooner -- sometime before the first quarter is through.
Griffin announces iTrip Pocket
Late last week, Griffin announced the availability of the iTrip Pocket, their smallest FM transmitter yet. Designed to match the overall look of the iPod nano, it's about the size of a matchbook and will work with the 1st and 2nd generation iPod nano, as well as the 4th and 5th generation iPod. Plus, their "Smart Display" feature lets you adjust settings on the iPod's screen.The tiny little transmitter fits right on your keychain and costs $49.99US.
Griffin announces iKaraoke for iPod
Yes, this is exactly what you think it is. The iKaraoke from Griffin Technologies (scheduled to ship some time this winter) is a combination FM transmitter (there's a line out option as well) and microphone that broadcasts your music to your home stereo, minus the lead vocals. From there, you're set to turn on the included mic and do your best "Born To Be Wild." You can also add a bit of a reverb effect to your own singing, or bring the lead vocal track back up if you begin to panic.No pricing was available at the time of this post.
Proxi reaches version .20
Last week, we told you about the public beta of Proxi, the automation tool from Griffin Technologies. It's a piece of software along the lines of Automator and QuicKeys that lets you create routines to complete complex or repetitive tasks. Today, Griffin has released version .20 of the public beta. Changes include: Store Value task and extra value added AppleScript task now supports compiled AppleScripts "Save As Blueprint"added to trigger popup menu Launch Application task now shows icon of app to be launched as a badge A number of bugs have been addressed as well. The final version is scheduled for a May release, and will be free. Proxi requires Mac OS 10.4 or later.
Griffin releases Proxi beta
Earlier today, Griffin technology released a public beta of Proxi, their latest piece of software for Mac OS X. By using "triggers" and "tasks," Proxi will let you automate complicated routines, much like Automator or QuicKeys. There are included triggers for many of Griffin's products, of course, like the PowerMate, AirClick and AirShark, but Proxi doesn't limit you to Griffin hardware; iTunes, iChat, Mail, Skype and more are all fodder for Proxi.You can share "blueprints" (think "workflows") that you've created with other users. Check out the Proxi wiki for more information on that. I've only played around with the beta briefly, but it looks like fun. It's simple enough to allow non-programmers to create satisfying and useful routines.The final version will be out in May, and will be free. No specific system requirements were given.
Griffin ships iTrip Auto
The new iTrip Auto from Griffin Technologies is both an FM transmitter and charger that works with all iPods with a dock connector, from the nano to the new 5G iPod. It features a backlit LCD display for easy searching and status. From the website:"iTrip Auto brings with it all the innovations of its iTrip lineage, including selectable LX and DX modes for best-quality audio under real-world conditions, US and International tuning modes, Griffin's RF technology, and the trademark Griffin world-class industrial design."Sounds good to me. The iTrip Auto costs $59.99 and is shipping now.
