IpodAccessories
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Chinon's Avi Stylix iPod / iPhone docking station packs 7-inch LCD, streams Netflix*
It doesn't scream quality (or maybe the legion of professional stock photographers were all on vacation last week), but the June-bound Avi Stylix does have something that the vast majority of me-too iPod / iPhone docking stations do not: an embedded 7-inch LCD. The usual suspects are also here, including a Dock Connector port, twin two-watt speakers, USB port, SD card slot and a bundled remote. The kicker is its ability to stream Netflix, but there's an obvious catch; you'll need an iPhone or iPod touch with a live internet connection in order to do so. There's no actual WiFi module built into the main unit, so you'll need to rely on your connected device to pull in the content. Still, for $99.99, it might not be a bad bet for your guest room. Or your office desk, since you know you aren't getting any actual work done.
TikTok and LunaTik iPod nano watch kits look awesome, despite Ke$ha naming convention
We know it seems like everyone and their mom is turning Apple's latest iPod nano into a watch, but the TikTok and LunaTik concepts by Scott Wilson of Minimal Studios are definitely the best looking "iWatch" accessories we've seen to date. We say concept, because technically the products are still pipe dreams flowing through the funding platform Kickstarter.com -- but seeing as it has already doubled its requested funding goal, there's a very good chance these concepts will actually ship out. The TikTok features a simple snap-in design for quick wrist-mounting and is tentatively priced at $35. The LunaTik, on the other hand, is marketed as a "premium conversion kit" that secures the Nano in a two-piece CNC-machined aluminum case held together with stainless steel bolts, and should ship for $70. As with many Kickstarter projects, pledging some funding to the cause can score you either model at a cheaper pre-order price. Now if only the iPod nano was actually a good watch... Video after the break.%Gallery-107739%
Numark's TTi turntable transfers vinyl to iPod sans a PC
Sure, there's a smorgasbord of products out there designed to transfer your precious vinyl recordings to a slightly more modern format, but few pack the cool factor that comes bundled in gratis with Numark's TTi. This newfangled turntable not only brings back not-so-fond memories of your second high school prom, but it also boasts an integrated iPod dock, USB interface, a metal platter and pitch control to boot. Besides ripping records directly to your 'Pod, the unit also features a line-level output and comes with versions of EZ Vinyl Converter software for the PC or Mac should you prefer vinyl-to-computer ripping. We know, it's tough to leave the 70s, but the TTi should make the transition somewhat less painstaking when it lands in Q2 for $449. One more angle's waiting after the break.
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]
JayBird reveals JB-100 Bluetooth stereo headset, iPod adapter
Granted, you've got some options out there when scouting a new set of Bluetooth earbuds, but you won't find us kvetching over a little competition in the totally unsaturated market. JayBird is stepping up to the plate with its stylish JB-100, which boasts a built-in microphone for handling handsfree calls, noise / echo suppression technology and 6.5-hours of talk time (5.5-hours when listening to jams). Additionally, the unit is said to be water resistant, and you'll even get a handy charging dock and mesh carrying case should you choose to pick one up. For those clamoring for iPod / DAP support, you can snag one of two adapters (shown after the jump) -- a Made for iPod version that plays nice with dock connector inputs and a vanilla iteration that plugs directly into any 3.5-millimeter audio jack. So, what's all this kit going to cost? Try $129.99 for the headset and $49.99 apiece for the BT adapters, all of which are available right now.[Via CNET]
Radius' noise-canceling earbuds for your iPod nano
Got a third-generation iPod nano? Looking for a new set of earbuds, preferably with noise-canceling abilities? If so, look no further than Radius' new set, which plug right into the dock in order to extract all the juice they need to block out extraneous clamor. The radStrap canalphones are expected to ship in black, green and silver, and feature a neck strap, on / off switch for the noise-cancellation, an aluminum housing and frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. Check 'em out next month for ¥8,980 ($82), but don't get your hopes up for a bonafide US release.
Using iPod accessories with your iPhone
One of the most surprising things about iPhone is how well it works with the occasional gadget that was designed for iPod instead of iPhone. Today, I took out a box of miscellaneous iPod accessories and tried a few of them out with the iPhone. Some just didn't work. The Belkin TuneCommand A/V, for example, is meant for use with an iPod that supports video out. Others worked right away. The remote control shown here allowed me to control the iPod features of the iPhone including pause/play, track skip, volume control and so forth. The headphone adapter would not, however, fit into the iPhone jack without an adapter.What iPod accessories have you successfully (or not) used with your iPhone?
Philips SJM3151 universal remote mirrors your iPod screen
While Philips' latest universal remote lacks the genius design seen in the prototype book iteration, it's tough to deny the utility here. This universal remote may not sport the most luxurious button layout, but it does manage to control up to six devices and play nice with your iPod; moreover, the SJM3151's built-in LCD screen touts the ability to mimic your player's screen, so you can sneak a peek at what's on deck without squinting to see the faraway dock. Interestingly, this remote not only packs the infrared abilities we've come to expect, but it also speaks ZigBee in order to transmit signals "up to 300 feet." Of course, this multifaceted device won't run you cheap, as interested buyers will be asked to cough up $180 to procure one when it lands this fall.
Eleksen intros FM Radio, iPod, and Bluetooth smart fabric modules
Eleksen's newest "Common Interface" technology doesn't do you much good without modules to interact with it, so the company has introduced a bevy of accessories that play nice with the next-generation embeddable ElekTex sensor. Up first is an FM radio add-on, which offers consumers access to FM broadcasts either from a commercial radio station or FM transmitter, and is fully controlled by an ElekTex fabric sensor integrated into any garment or knapsack. Next up, we've got "updated electronics modules for iPod and iPod+Bluetooth devices," and while details are certainly slimmer on this one, we do know that the sensor is "programmable and compatible with a range of electronics including iPods, smartphones and other personal digital devices." Now, let's see some end products with this stuff in it, capiche?Read - Eleksen's FM Radio moduleRead - Eleksen's iPod, Bluetooth modules
Belkin unveils new Power Dock AV, iPod charging accessories
Not too long after Belkin threw its name in the iPhone accessory hat, the company has now introduced a number of replacement iPod docks and charging kits. The $49.99 F8Z126 Power Dock AV is essentially a basic silver iPod dock that sports USB connectivity and AV output in order to pipe multimedia to your television set, while the vanilla $34.99 F8Z122 Power Dock strips itself of any video exporting abilities. On the charging side, the $34.99 F8Z152 Charging Kit for iPod consists of an AC outlet to dock connector cable, USB cable, and a cigarette adapter for road trippin', while the $24.99 F8Z121 Power Adapter for iPod offers up just the AC adapter for those strange moments when you can't seem to locate a spare USB port. All four units should be available any moment here in the US, while launches in Asia, Europe, and Australia will be following soon.
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]
Ruh Roh Shaggy: Art Army Van weds iPod dock, Mystery Machine
We've seen our fair share of far-out iPod docks, but Mike Leavitt's latest go at creating a piece of functional art makes us yearn to bust out the tie-dyed bandannas and throw a Scooby-Doo marathon bash. The Art Army Van is a modified plastic Mystery Machine toy, which now includes a modernized paint scheme, removable rear CD rack, passenger seat-mounted speaker, and the obligatory iPod jack in the captain's chair. The wheeled machine comes in at 10- x 6- x 6-inches in size, and while we're not entirely confident that such a masterpiece is worthy of a whole $200, we can't deny the temptation to snap one up. Click through to see this groove rider in action.
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.
Audio Pro Porto iPod speaker system goes vertical
Branching out from the oh-so-typical when it comes to iPod sound systems is Audio Pro, who has put together a fairly unique docking station that takes your music (and iPod) higher. The rectangular, vertical design scheme may not fit the elongated mold that has been created for these type devices, but it plays nice with your dock-connecting iPod, tunes into FM stations, and handles a duo of other auxiliary units nevertheless. The boxes don black or red color schemes, sport a removable grill to show off the trio of drivers beneath, and even includes a nifty carry handle that admittedly detracts from the overall allure while adding utility. No word on price nor availability just yet, but be sure to click through for a darker shade.[Via ChipChick]
Logitec cranks out six new iPod speaker stations
You won't have any difficulty convincing us that the iPod speaker system niche is entirely oversaturated with copycat offerings, but apparently, that message isn't fazing Logitec. The company has announced a whopping six new speaker docks for various Apple players, including the LDS-Xi900BK 2.1 system that utilizes NXT Surface Sound technology and gives users an extra pair of auxiliary inputs and a TV output, and the LDS-Ri500 (pictured above) series that looks more like a tag-along safe than a AC or battery-powered boombox with FM radio capability. Furthermore, the LDS-Si101WH and LDS-Si100WH/BK get downsized in order to handle your nano or 2G Shuffle, and while prices are still up in the air for the half dozen devices, they should all hit the shelves simultaneously come June. Click on through for a bundle of pics. [Via AkihabaraNews]
Monster's iFreePlay cordless headphones for 2G Shuffle
Monster Cable has been known to dabble in the world of iPod accessories before, and while it's easy to give the company notorious for over marketing its flashy cabling knocks on just about anything, the iFreePlay contraption doesn't look half bad. The cordless wraparound headphones don't deviate too far from similar alternatives, but rather than communicating with your DAP via Bluetooth or RF, you can snap your 2G Shuffle right into the left earpiece and run along. The collapsible headphones weigh just 1.6-ounces, and while you do sacrifice some style for utility here, we've most certainly seen worse. So for runners looking to ditch that awful iSoundCap and avoid getting tangled all the while, Monster's iFreePlay apparatus can be picked up now for $49.95. Click through for a few more angles.
Griffin Technology's Dock Adapter for your 2G iPod Shuffle
Whether or not those first-generation Shuffle docks were fruitless or not isn't exactly up for debate, but at least Griffin Technology's 2G Dock Adapter serves some purpose beyond that of a grossly overpriced extension apparatus. The long-winded Dock Adapter for iPod Shuffle is compatible with all 2G Shuffles, and as predicted, connects your diminutive DAP to any other dock-connecting device. The thin unit allows 2G Shuffles to take part in the iPod speaker system mayhem, and additionally, it touts a flip switch to take it from charging mode to playback mode. Unfortunately, there's no word just yet on a price or future release date, but rest assured it'll be entirely more expensive than it should be whenever it lands.[Via OhGizmo]
Another 10 strangest iPod accessories article
Have you heard? Some manufacturers are making wacky iPod products! Seriously, it is true. Would I lie to you? Luckily Businessweek has yet another round up of these gizmos for us to chuckle about, though I've seen most of these products before.
Ten Strangest iPod Accessories
Over at TechEBlog they have posted a list of their picks for the top ten strangest iPod accessories, seven of which we have covered here at TUAW in the past. Their list is as follows: iBuzz iPod Toilet Paper Dispenser by ATech Play iPod Boxers Pause: iPod compatible bed iPod nano Wallet iPod nano Thong KNG's animated DJ Docking Station (pictured here) iPod Chair Man The Tunebuckle (which I find lovely and not strange) iPod Jukebox by Wurlitzer [via Gizmodo]
Live SportWrap demo at MacWorld
The live demo of XtremeMac's SportWrap iPod armband stopped a lot of guys in their tracks at MacWorld. This model, jogging on a treadmill at a busy intersection of the Expo hall, had quite a crowd around her when I walked by. The only trouble was that she couldn't hear visitors' questions about the product because she really was listening to her iPod. The demo put me in mind of girl models at car shows in Vegas. It's a tried and true advertising practice that seems to work just as well here as anywhere else--particularly given the ratio of men to women here at MacWorld. (You can guess which way that plays.)But getting back to the SportWrap -- it sells for $29.95 and looks like a solid case for the sports-minded. It's got a neoprene body, an adjustable velcro strap to fit your upper arm or forearm, and a moisture barrier to keep your iPod dry during a hard workout. It's compatible with 30GB and 60GB video iPods, as well as older generation iPods. XtremeMac also makes a SportWrap for the iPod nano.
