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Griffin is / isn't making Zune accessories
Ah, yet another round of conflicting evidence. This time it's Griffin's word against Amazon's product page, and we're honestly not quite sure who to believe just yet. We knew that Microsoft had solicited help from iPod add-on makers, and we'd been under the impression that Griffin was on the Zune accessory bandwagon since day one of the Zune launch, but now the company might be singing a different tune. iLounge has it that a Griffin spokesperson all but denied its future involvement with Microsoft's media player, and to add insult to injury, claimed the company would rather continue focusing on iPod accessories "due to its close relationship with Apple." Fairly strong words from the "leading PMP accessory maker," but they've certainly lost at least some credibility thanks to Amazon; clearly labeled as Griffin's "Tempo Armband for Zune," the product page is even accompanied by dimensions, a description, and a specific model number (8098-ZNTMPO). So, what's the deal here Griffin? Are you going to ignore all the future Zuneheads out there, or was that spokesperson just blowing smoke?Read - iLounge Read - Amazon[Thanks, chs]
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.
Griffin announces iTrip Auto Universal
Those folks at Griffin Technology never sleep. This week, they announced the pending availability of the iTrip Auto Universal. Why "universal?" Because it will work with any portable music player that has a 3.5mm audio out port, and doesn't require a dock connector. Once you've connected the device to your vehicle's 12 volt accessory outlet (remember when we could just say "cigarette lighter?") on one end and your iPod's 3.5mm headphone port on the the other, you're set to select a free FM frequency and enjoy your own music. Sounds good to me. No pricing or pending shipping date information was available as of this post.[Via iLounge]
Griffin shipping FireWave
Way back during Macworld SF Griffin announced the FireWave, a $99 Firewire device that brings 5.1 surround sound (with the magic of Dolby Digital™ to your Mac. It looks like, several months later, the FireWave is shipping (and it is still only $99). Your Mac will need to be running OS X 10.3 or 10.4 to take advantage of this, but that is not too much of an imposition for sweet, sweet surround sound.
Griffin announces PowerBlock Travel USB charger
Griffin has beefed up their PowerBlock USB charging accessory with international adapters, allowing your iPod and any other device that juices up through USB to roam the world and keep on kickin'. The three included adapters cover Continental Europe, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the U.S. and Japan. I think this pictured travel bag is also new; at least, I don't remember it from their previous press release. Either way, the PowerBlock Travel is priced at $34.99 and is available now from Griffin's site.
Griffin releases TuneFlex for iPod
I use a Griffin RoadTrip as an iPod charger/FM transmitter in my car. It works wonderfully, but there is one thing I don't like about it. While it allows me to swivel the iPod up and down, I can't move it left to right. The power outlet in my car is situated so that the iPod is essentially facing the passenger's seat, making it very difficult for me to read its screen. This is aggravating and dangerous at 65 m.p.h. The TuneFlex looks like it addresses this issue.It's a charger that mounts your iPod on a fully flexible arm that includes a line out port (if you have one of those cassette adapters) as well as room enough to attach an iTrip. Sure, you've got to buy two products to get auto charging and FM transmission, but that's much more desirable that hitting a telephone pole.The TuneFlex ships with a wired cassette adapter and a trial version of iFill. Check it out for $49.99US.
Back/Center Stage 0.6 released
CenterStage and BackStage make up a dynamic duo which gives FrontRow a run for its money. The free software suite reached version 0.6 today, bringing with it some exciting new features and Intel support. Media management app BackStage got madeover with a new unified UI, while FrontRow-esque component CenterStage now features support for the Apple remote, Elgato eyeTV, and Griffin RadioShark, as well as a new UI for photo browsing. While the programs might not be as polished and feature rich as MediaCentral, the price can't be beat, and new features are being added rapidly. Via HardMac
Griffin introduces line of iPod cases
Griffin Technology, the company that just can't stop making iPod products, announced 3 new iPod case lines (and 1 that's been around for a bit). Pictured above is the Trio for the iPod nano. $24.99 gets you a nano case with two interchangeable covers (hence the name). Griffin is also offering the Tempo which is an armband that can hold either a full sized iPod or a nano for $24.99. The Vizor is a leather case designed for a full sized iPod that has a flip cover and a clip for $24.99 (I'm noticing a trend). Finally, the iClear, which Griffin has been offering for awhile, is a transparent polycarbonate case for the shuffle, nano, or full sized iPod that protects the iPod but still allows you to see it and access all of its controls for $19.99.
iClear for iPods with video
Griffin Technology today announced the newest member of the iClear case family, the iClear for the 5th generation iPod (with video). The nice thing about this polycabonate case, as you can see, is that it is transparent allowing you to watch videos on your iPod whilst still saving it from scratches. The case will set you back $20, but it will accommodate both 30 and 60 gig iPod models.
PSP gets iTrip, iFM, and a headphone splitter
Griffin, makers of the super-popular iTrip FM transmitter for Apple's ubiquitous iPods, have cast their attention gamewards, introducing their line of sleek matching PSP peripherals. Fifty big ones will net you their iTrip PSP (pictured) or the iFM PSP radio and remote. Fifteen greenbacks grabs you the SmartShare PSP, basically a headphone splitter with individual volume controls.The iTrip and iFM peripherals really depend on gamers using the music playback functionality, a difficult expectation. Do any Joystiqers use their PSP as their main portable music player? Anyone else (besides me) find the system great for gaming, but too cumbersome for music?Pictures of the iFM PSP and the SmartShare PSP after the jump.[Via PSP Fanboy]
iPod Accessories a One Billion Dollar Business
If you ever wonder why TUAW seems to be an iPod accessories blog some days, you may stop to reflect on this fact: the iPod accessories market accounted for 1 billion dollars last year and is still in an upswing.A New York Times article released today [warning registration required] enumerates the growing market of iPod add-ons. As I personally had the chance to talk one-on-one with Griffin representatives at the last Paris Apple Expo, I can confirm that manufacturers of add-ons do take the iPod market seriously, and for good reason. Even if manufacturers find themselves scrambling when a new revision of iPod is released, the competition is steep and well worth the effort.Another interesting note from the NYTimes article is that iPod cases have 50 percent profit margins for vendors while circuit-based accessories only 25 percent.
iLounge reviews the SmartShare
iLounge reviews the Griffin SmartShare, which we first posted about during Macworld, and they like it. The SmartShare earns itself an A- thanks to a combo of a really cool feature (independent volume controls) and a slightly higher price (it'll set you back $15).Don't worry, Griffin is working on a white model to match most iPods (why they came out with the black version first is anyone's guess).
Griffin SmartShare
Griffin has released their latest cool little accessory that you didn't know you needed until you heard about it. The SmartShare plugs into any mini-jack, like perhaps an iPod, and allows you to connect two set of headphones. It is basically a splitter, but the nice thing is that each separate headphone jack on the SmartShare has a separate volume control.The SmartShare is available for preorder and it costs $19.99.
iLounge reviews the AirClick
Our iPod obsessed friends over at iLounge have taken the latest iteration of Griffin's AirClick, a remote control for iPods with a dock connector, for a spin and they don't like it as much as the original version.Since the AirClick has to attach to the dock connector you can no longer have the AirClick attached and dock your iPod in a dock or dockable speaker system. This limits the usefulness of the remote. iLounge wasn't too thrilled with the new look of the product either, but the functionality was as good as ever.
Griffin updates the iTrip
The Griffin iTrip is an FM transmitter for the iPod. I've been using one for about a year now, and while I like it, I've felt that there's certainly room for improvement. Today's update looks like it makes some very nice changes, including the issues that have bothered me the most.First of all, the new iTrip allows you to change transmission frequency by turning a dial on the iTrip itself, and a LED display lets you know just what frequency you've got selected at a glance. No more fumbling for the iTrip playlist while you're trying to drive your car!What's most interesting, however, is the iTrip's use of LX and DX modes of broadcasting. From the website: "This allows the user to adjust for the absolute best possible audio under real-world conditions. Even in the toughest situations, such as large cities with lots of radio stations crowding the dial, iTrip's DX Mode delivers a noise level that's below that of a cassette tape adapter, allowing the music to punch through cleanly. The results are stunning." I know that a number of users have complained about the quality of the signal. I live in a rural area, so I typically get a good signal, but when I'm in Boston I do end up fumbling around to find a good frequency. I'd love to try one of these out (hint, hint, Griffin). It looks like a nice update. The iTrip is currently being offered at a special introductory price of $39.99US, and works with iPod Photo, the iPod U2 Special Edition, 4th Generation iPods (with Click Wheel) and 3rd Generation iPods (with touch wheel and buttons).[Via Macminute]Update: I just discovered that Playlist Mag recently published a review. Check it out.
iFill and iPod Shuffle: Perfect companions
A couple of days ago I mentioned Griffin Technology's iFill. I've been playing with it since and I've got to say it seems to have been made specifically with the iPod Shuffle in mind. I like to listen to WOXY, but I use my iPod almost exclusively in the car. Now I can do both. I have a 1GB Shuffle, and I've told iFill to use 512MB for music. Before I go to bed, I plug in the iPod, launch iFill, select WOXY and start recording. By the next morning, I've got my favorite radio station ready to carry around with me all day, all cozy on my Shuffle. I love it.I got some great suggestions from you folks on alternative apps and methods for getting internet radio onto my iPod, but iFill makes it so easy for only nineteen bucks, I think I'll just register this one.
Griffin Technology announces iFill for iPod
The folks at Griffin Technology seem to come up with one great product after another for the iPod. Today I discovered iFill, a very nice looking application that streams and records mp3 files from thousands of free radio stations directly to your iPod. You can even capture content from more than one station at a time. Until now, I've been recording internet radio with a convoluted system of iCal events, Applescript and Ambrosia Software's WireTap. If iFill can get all of this done for me, I'll be a very happy camper. iFill requires Mac OS 10.3 or better and costs $19.99 USD.
