IpodAccessory
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Mustek's PF-i700 digiframe rocks an iPod dock
Granted, you may have assumed that an iPod wouldn't be caught dead snuggling with a digital photo frame, but strange though it may be, that assumption has just been proven wrong. Mustek's PF-i700 inelegantly combines Apple's darling with a 7-inch digiframe, giving house guests a perfect opportunity to squint at the iPod's screen rather than focusing on what's really important. Nevertheless, the unit sports a 480 x 243 resolution panel, stereo speakers, a headphone jack, USB port and support for SD, xD, MMC and Memory Stick / MS Pro cards. 'Course, you can purportedly play back videos and photo slideshows stored on your iPod too, but you won't be snagging one until next March when it lands for $129.99.
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.
3G iPod nano not playing nice with Nike+iPod kit?
Word on the street -- or on the Apple discussion boards, rather -- is that quite a few 3G iPod nanos aren't exactly acting as they should when interfacing with the Nike+iPod Sport Kit. Users are reporting that after updating to software v1.0.2, mileage is being displayed in kilometers instead of miles, even though the internal voice still quotes the latter. Additionally, recorded information uploaded to the Nike+ website is correctly shown (in miles), while the "Your Last Workout" section in iTunes makes you wonder if you're still living in America. Apple is apparently aware of the issue and is working towards a fix, but for now, it looks like you can turn lemons into lemonade by practicing your distance conversions on-the-run.[Iimage courtesy of jfab, thanks Gerry]
Lars & Ivan's PA-40Ti Hybrid power amplifier / iPod dock
We've no qualms with a manufacturer thinking outside of the box in order to differentiate its iPod docking station from the myriad competitors, but Lars & Ivan's PA-40Ti takes it one step beyond customization. This Hybrid power amplifier / iPod dock sports a design that SNL's Nuni and Noony are sure to adore, and features a total output of 40-watts RMS, a frequency response of 22Hz - 22kHz, signal-to-noise ratio of 67dB, four-channel input selector (phono / CD / aux / iPod), a headphone jack and a dedicated subwoofer output. Additionally, this thing includes video out and a remote control, and while it will run you a stiff €233 ($341), your collection of industrial metal will be totally in love.[Via Technabob]
Alpine eX-10 makes in-car handsfree calling, iPod integration a sinch
Alpine's already shown us (however briefly) one of its newfangled in-car audio accessories, and now it's time for numero dos. The eX-10 is a stylish iPod controller / Bluetooth adapter that includes a dash-mountable, full-color 2.4-inch display unit to clearly show what's spinnin' on your iPod. It also comes bundled with a remote to keep you marginally less distracted when flipping through playlists, and it saves you the trouble of hard wiring anything by operating on a spare FM slot. Granted, FM transmitters are always hit 'n (mostly) miss, but this unit allows users to hook things up via a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary jack if their head unit accepts such an input. Look for this one to start shipping at any moment for $199.99, and be sure to check out a closeup of the LCD after the jump.
iStuff PhoneDock: the wannabe HiFi for iPhones
It was simply a matter of time before someone crafted a HiFi-inspired boombox tailored to play extra nice with Apple's iPhone, and now that the handset is loose (officially, that is) in the UK, iStuff is delivering the "world's first iPhone compatible speaker dock." The device, which is also compatible with dock-connecting iPods, sports a four-inch woofer, a pair of mid-range drivers and a couple of tweeters, all powered by a 40-watt amplifier. Furthermore, the unit includes a S-Video output, 3.5-millimeter auxiliary jack, USB connector and an IR remote to keep the jams spinnin' from the comfort of your own couch. The PhoneDock claims to be superior to those other guys by not introducing static / noise when an iPhone is connected, but who knows how much truth there is to all that. Nevertheless, those willing to take the plunge can snag one now for £129 ($272).[Via TechDigest]
Boynq rolls out Wake Up iPod speaker / alarm clock
Yeah, what you see above actually is yet another iPod speaker / alarm clock mashup, but being that it's from Boynq, it looks noticeably better than most of the alternatives. The interestingly designed device does quite a few things aside from wake you from your slumber, as it also includes an FM radio and line in / out ports to compliment the built-in equalizer and 20-watts of amplification. Best of all, this thing plays nice with every dock-connecting iPod ever created (including the iPhone "on models produced after January 1st"), and the remote controllable snooze practically guarantees that you'll never be on time for anything again. Talk about user friendly. [Warning: PDF read link]UPDATE: Looks like Amazon's got this thing for $129.99. Thanks Russ![Via The Red Ferret Journal]
Acousticlobe's Lobie earbud accessory relieves ear pain
We've no idea exactly how well Acousticlobe's Lobie will actually affect the sound quality of your earbuds, but it ought to provide a more comfortable listening experience nonetheless. This interesting canalphone accessory "places the earbud just alongside the wearer's ear without the need to insert the earbud into his / her ear canal," supposedly providing a less invasive way to enjoy your tunes. Additionally, the firm claims that Lobie will provide a "passive secure fit during casual and active uses," so runners should be a-okay, too. The Lobie is available for pre-ordering now in a variety of colors, and should ship in early November for $12 per pair.
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]
Apple intros Component AV Cable for new iPods
Sure, you could always wait around for Meridian's wicked cool iRIS dock to output videos on your iPod in 1080p, but for those not looking to spend upwards of $370, Apple's got a new peripheral just for you. The Component AV Cables -- which are said to only play nice with the 3G nano, iPod classic, and iPod touch -- enables you to pipe those movie clips onto a television set via component outs. Additionally, the accessory touts stereo audio inputs, a USB adapter for charging your iPod while it's playing, and even an AC adapter in case your laptop (or any powered USB port) isn't nearby. Reportedly, the 3G nano and iPod classic can output imagery at 480p or 576p resolutions, while the iPod touch supports 480i / 576i. Shipping in two to three weeks for $49.[Thanks, Mauricio T. and Nick D.]
BEXY's iMirror remotes your iPod, enriches your life
Are you feeling constrained by your iPod, tired of plugging in unsightly and unnecessary cables, and just ready to break free of your earphones and start remotin' the hell out of your music collection? Well if that's the case, you might want to check into BEXY's iMirror; a dock, remote control "mirror" (i.e., it displays what your iPod does), and video-out for your player (with video, obviously) that lets you snap your chains and get out of the box... literally. The iMirror can charge and sync your pod via USB, output audio from RCA or mini-phono jack connectors, control playback via the remote, and pipe archaic S-Video output to your TV for the viewing of fond memories -- and it does it all for the low, low price of $149.99. Sure, we've seen products like this before, but this particular iteration is definitely better looking than most, and certainly a more practical solution than say... using your teeth.
Osaka University develops teeth-controlled iPod interface
Just in case you weren't satisfied with the smorgasbord of options you already had when looking to control your iPod alternatively, researchers at Osaka University are hoping to shut you up. Thanks to new head gear that "uses infrared sensors and a microcomputer," individuals would be able to "operate music players by clenching their teeth." Essentially, the system "receives a command when the user clenches his or her teeth for about one second," which means that you can still chew gum and whatnot without getting it all confused. In the future, the team hopes to implement the technology into more devices, allowing folks to make funny faces to flip to the next slide in a presentation, answer a phone call, or even direct a wheelchair.
Energizer brings Energi To Go portable power to iPod
Although Energizer has been providing its Energi To Go for a plethora of cellphones and other portable peripherals, it's about time the dock-connecting iPods got one of their own. Finally arriving this fall, the Energi To Go Portable Power for iPod is powered by a pair of AA cells, sports a "unique flip design" that enables it to double as a stand, and features a "patented intelligent control chip that maximizes power transfer to the iPod." 'Course, what you're really interested in is how many all-nighters this thing can get you through, and we're happy to say that this here gizmo can supposedly provide "more than 46-hours" of juice to an iPod nano and "more than 32-hours" of music playback to the iPod with video. All yours for $29.99, which will include the charger and two Energizer e2 Lithium AA batteries.
Keyspan ships revamped TuneView iTunes remote
It's taken over a year, but Keyspan has finally got around to updating its somewhat restrictive TuneView remote. The new flavor (which oddly keeps the exact same name) now works with Apple's AirPort Express, Xitel's Hi-Fi Link, and "other products that connect audio output from a PC-based music server to the audio inputs on an AV receiver or multi-room audio system." The black remote sports a color LCD to pass along iTunes information, a 10-button keypad, RF connectivity, a 150-foot range, and speaks in four different languages. As expected, the unit claims to be plug 'n play with both Macs and PCs, comes bundled in with a USB transceiver, and will set you back a stiff $149. Click on through for another look.
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]
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.
Philips unveils iPod-friendly Bluetooth speaker stations
Continuing its strange obsession with unveiling products by the flocks, Philips has yet again given us numerous things to juggle at once. This time around it's a trio of iPod-friendly music / AV stations, two of which also include Bluetooth support. The $199 three-piece BTM-628 iPod speaker station conveniently docks and plays your jams from either the DAP or your BT-enabled cellphone, plays back MP3 discs and CDs, shows caller ID and enables handsfree conversations, and also includes a USB port and SD / MMC slot for playing back tunes from a flash card; the BTM-630 steps it up by adding a CD writer that can create MP3 discs from music stored on flash media. The $399 DCD-778 undercabinet system touts an AM / FM tuner, DVD player, ATSC TV tuner, 8.5-inch LCD, flip-down iPod dock, and the ability to play back videos stored on your Apple. Look for these goodies as well as an iPod clock radio to land sometime this fall.[Via T3]
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
