IpodSoundSystem
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iLive storms back with 33 new iPod / iPhone-friendly audio products
Man, we'd usually say it's been a hot minute since we heard from iLive, but when you're pushing a full year, that's just a woeful understatement. Nevertheless, the peripheral outfit is hitting back in a big way here at CES, tossing out no fewer than 33 new iPod and iPhone-compatible audio products. We won't bother detailing the lower-end gear, but a few of the highlights include the iTDP610B bar speakers with built-in DVD player -- which touts a motorized door that opens to reveal the iPhone dock and to load and unload a DVD-- and the iHP310B micro audio system. The former can be had in two sizes (32- or 37-inch) for $199.99, while the latter is pegged at $99.99. Peep that source link if you're hungry for more, and give the gallery a look for some visual eye candy to accompany it. %Gallery-81533%
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini impressions
Bowers & Wilkins isn't a name that's generally associated with "mere mortals." Sure, you'll find B&W gear within palatial mansions and the drool-worthy motorcars, but by and large, these guys stick to the high-end and never bother coming down to the level of the layperson. Thanks to Apple, it seems that even this company couldn't resist the temptation of pumping out its own iPod sound system, with the Zeppelin Mini being the second that it has sold. At $399.99 (MSRP), this one is positioned alongside more pricey options like Bose's SoundDock, JBL's On Stage 400P, Altec Lansing's Mix iMT800, iHome's iP1 and Boston Acoustics' i-DS3. As is typical with B&W gear, the Zeppelin Mini is nothing short of beautiful, but do the acoustics really match the design? Read on for a few of our impressions. %Gallery-80388%
JVC gets tubular with XS-SR3 iPod speaker dock
Not that we haven't seen an elongated iPod sound system before, but we've definitely yet to see one as totally bodacious as this. JVC has just slung out its XS-SR3 iPod speaker dock, which -- like B&W's Zeppelin Mini -- can hold your iPhone / iPod vertically or horizontally. JVC claims this little trick better enables users to view videos in widescreen form, while the 5-watts of power are sure to blow your skin back when cranked to 11. Other specs include a bundled remote and two audio inputs (one analog, one digital), and if you're even mildly interested, you can check it out later this month for $149.95. %Gallery-80419%
Yamaha's yAired-equipped MCR-140 micro stereo wirelessly talks to iPods and subwoofers
Yamaha seems to be pushing its newly unveiled yAired technology pretty hard, with the second system to sport it unveiled just weeks after the first. The $399.95 MCR-140 is far from being the most stylish mini stereo we've seen -- in fact, it's probably one of the ugliest -- but it is available in a rainbow's worth of hues (or just ten), and it does talk to iPods and subwoofers sans cabling. Aside from that, you'll also get an old fashioned CD player, a front-panel USB socket, an iPod dock on the top, FM radio tuner and mini jack inputs for other sources. The box itself packs a pair of 4-inch drivers and ships with a bundled remote, and if you're not so interested in cutting cords, a yAired-less MCR-040 is available for $120 less.
iLuv ships weather-watching iMM183 dual dock iPod / iPhone alarm clock
It belts out severe weather alerts as storms are barreling towards your domicile. It acts as a decent bedroom stereo. And it wakes you and the SO up to your own favorite jams -- all while charging your iPod or iPhone throughout the night. If those amenities sound like must-haves in your own life, you might be interested in knowing that iLuv's iMM183 dual dock alarm clock is now shipping, nearly a full year after being originally announced at CES. The pain? $149.99 -- but hey, that's a small price to pay to keep your dear media player / handset out of a tornado's eye, right? %Gallery-76918%
Yamaha's PDX-60 wireless iPod / iPhone dock adds yAired to the lexicon
Sony's got its S-AIR, Yamaha has its yAired -- so, what of it? The outfit famous for making just about everything from ATVs to wicked soundbars has today introduced a classy addition to the oversaturated iPod / iPhone sound system market: the PDX-60. Apple loyalists simply dock their media player in the wireless base and watch as the tunes are streamed effortlessly into the magical box on the other side. There's also remote control capability for keeping tabs on that playlist whilst planted on the sofa, and the dock can even power on and off automatically with "yAired-enabled iPhones / iPods." The music maker itself boasts a pair of 3.25-inch speakers and a digital amplifier of undisclosed wattage, and it's available in black, gray, blue or pink for $299.95. So, any takers, or are you stickin' with Bose?
B&W's $400 Zeppelin Mini iPod sound system up for pre-order, ships next month
Bowers & Wilkins has never been one to play the bargain game, and the $399.95 price tag on its new Zeppelin Mini is evidence of that very fact. The somewhat miniaturized iPod sound system is up for pre-order as we speak on Amazon, and we've heard directly from the company that it'll be shipping out to US-based consumers in "early November." So, is a flashy design, a pair of 3-inch drivers, 3.5 millimeter auxiliary input jack, USB 2.0 port and a promise of a better tomorrow enough to pry those four Benjamins out of your hand?
Bowers & Wilkins downsizes with Zeppelin Mini iPod speaker
It's been well over two years since high-end audio outfit Bowers & Wilkins introduced the iPod-lovin' Zeppelin, and evidently it's time for a downsizing. Today, the good folks over at B&W slung out the Zeppelin Mini, which promises the same dirigible-inspired sound but in a form factor that fits in a wider assortment of areas. To be honest, this version seems toned down quite a bit on the design side, with the key differentiating features being an updated docking arm and the addition of USB connectivity. Said socket enables direct PC / Mac streaming if your iPod gets lost, and it also enables your 'Pod to sync with your computer whilst playing back tunes. As for specs, you'll find a pair of 3-inch full-range drivers, 36 total watts of power, a 3.5 millimeter auxiliary jack and a bundled remote. It's expected to hit next month for £299 ($495), but you can get acquainted right now by jumping past the break and mashing play.[Via Macworld]%Gallery-72744%
Logitech dishes two new iPod / iPhone speaker docks, one of them rechargeable
Not quite sure if you've noticed, but Logitech has been on a tear for the ages here recently. As the torrent of new gear continues, we're now faced with another pair of iPod sound systems desperately attempting to knock the "me-too" status and contribute something positive to the world. The Rechargeable Speaker S315i is the larger of the two, boasting a rechargeable battery that's supposedly good for up to 20 hours of listening. The unit is fully compatible with dock-connecting iPods and iPhones, and there's even an auxiliary input for those who aren't down with Cupertino's wares. The smaller Portable Speaker S125i plays and charges any iPod model and can be powered by an AC adapter, four AA cells or 8.43 tablespoons of Jobs' favorite fairy dust. Check 'em out this month and next for $129.99 and $69.99, respectively.
Scosche passPORT Home Dock gives new life to old iPod docks
Let's get one thing straight right now -- Scosche isn't actually selling an iPod dock here. What it is pitching, however, is an adapter that'll add new life to your aged iPod sound system. Much like the automotive passPORT announced earlier this year, the passPORT Home Dock charging adapter was specifically designed to fix the charging error associated with several iPod docking stations and enables charging for the iPhone 3G, iPod touch Gen 2, and iPod nano Gen 4. In other words, it allows these newer devices to charge even in older docks that don't support USB 5-volt charging. Of course, you better really love your existing dock, 'cause this adapter alone is pegged at $39.99. A nice demonstration vid is after the break if you're having a typical case of the Mondays.
Speakal iBoo: when iPod docks and Pac-Man ghosts collide
You know, that's totally a recreation of Oikake up there holding that iPod, wouldn't you agree? In the spirit of Pac-man, Speakal has delivered the iBoo sound station, an iPod-friendly device that's cute enough for your kids and retro enough for you. For the low, low price of just $89.99, you too can join in the fun by grabbing one in red, blue or white. Specs wise, the device features an obligatory iPod dock, a 3.5 millimeter auxiliary input, touch volume control and music navigation, 15 watts of total power and a mini remote for controlling things from afar. Don't deny it, you're in love.
Sharp does the unthinkable, intros slotMusic-friendly sound systems
Whoa, Sharp -- wait just a minute. Did you really just introduce a pair of music systems that get down with slotMusic players? Though it's practically impossible for us to believe that such an occurrence has just, um, occurred, the 160-watt XL-DH258NH and 64-watt XL-DH228NH micro-audio systems actually do include a USB port for syncing up with SanDisk slotMusic players (along with any other USB-enabled PMP, we presume). Of course, Sharp did hedge its bets by including an iPod dock along with a universal auxiliary input, so we suppose we can't harsh on 'em too much. Both units arrive in any color you like so long as it's glossy black, and there's even an AM / FM radio, six-band equalizer and alarm clock tossed in for good measure. Catch the XL-DH258NH this June for $199.99 or the XL-DH228NH in July for $179.99.[Via iTechNews]
iHome showcases iP29 / iP49 / iHMP5 iPod speaker systems
iLuv already dropped a bundle of iPod alarm clock / speaker systems here at CES, so it follows logic for yet another "i" company to dole out a helping of its own. Kicking things off is the iP29 portable speaker case, and stepping up the excitement level from zilch to one is the iP49 rechargeable audio system with alarm clock / FM radio for iPod and iPhone. Lastly, the iHMP5 two-in-one stereo speaker / headphone system enables users to listen in private or enter into "full speaker mode" for the posse to tune in. As with most everything else announced here at CES, pricing and availability have yet to be revealed.
iLuv's iMM183 dual dock iPod alarm clock also does weather alerts
Man, iLuv's on a roll like no other. Practically every week since the onset of December '08 the company has pushed out a new alarm clock of some kind, and it has apparently saved the big boy for CES. Announced today, the iMM183 Hi-Fi Dual Dock Alarm Clock with Weather Band Radio promises to charge both you and your lover's iPod / iPhone 3G while providing NOAA emergency alerts of impending weather-related doom. There's also an obligatory auxiliary input for non-Apple devices, and the LED warning indicator should do a decent job of telling you what sort of catastrophe is looming. Just remember -- HURRICANE ALERT =/ Rock You Like A Hurricane. Full release is after the break.
Sonoro Eklipse iPod / CD sound system hits the FCC
Sonoro's Eklipse iPod / CD sound system has been available in Europe for a few months now, but it hasn't exactly made much of a ripple 'round these parts. That looks like it could well be changing, however, as the device has just recently landed in the hands of the folks at the FCC, who unsurprisingly seem to be particularly interested in the system's remote control. As for the rest of the system, you can expect to get an always welcome OLED display, along with 7.5W of power output, a headset jack, a standard 3.5mm input to accomodate your non-iPod devices, and support for MP3 and WMA-loaded CDs in addition to plain old audio CDs. Of course, an FCC appearance doesn't always assure a US release, but if there is one, you can probably expect to pay about the same €499 (or $690) that it currently demands in Europe.
ASUS officially launches iPod-friendly AIR3 internet radio
Not that this debut is anything shocking (thanks, FCC!), but we're still stoked to see ASUS get all official with its AIR3 sound system. Sure, it's not exactly treading on new ground, but for those looking for a touch more functionality in their iPod sound system, the internet radio inclusion is one that's much appreciated. ASUS talks pretty big about the device's audio prowess, noting that it utilizes a Texas Instruments Class-D amplifier and HDSS (High Definition Sound Standard) certified drivers. Also of note, the unit includes S-Video / composite video outs and supports UPnP sharing via 802.11b/g WiFi or Ethernet; if that's not enough to catch your eye, there's also a useful auxiliary input and built-in weather forecast display that pulls down updates from the world wide web. As ASUS always does, we're left hangin' sans a price or release date, but we suppose it's teaching us a lesson in patience... or something.[Via iPodNN]
iLuv reveals iSP200 2.1-channel portable soundbar
No need for a gargantuan home theater-styled soundbar? Then have a gander at iLuv's latest, the iSP200. Hailed as a 2.1-channel speaker system for "laptops and desktops," we view this more as just an easy-to-tote sound system that ought to outperform most of those weak iPod docks. The system packs 32-watts of power, SRS-XT "surround technology," master / bass / treble audio controls, an inbuilt 3-port USB 2.0 hub and 3.5-millimeter auxiliary input. You'll even notice that the speakers are detachable from the main unit, though the biggest knock is the omission of a rechargeable battery for true mobility. Still, not too shabby for a penny under a Benjamin; full release is after the break.
iLuv announces i9500 iPod / CD sound system
iLuv certainly isn't lacking in iPod docks these days, but those looking for something a bit more elaborate than your average desktop model will no doubt be pleased to see the company's new i9500 system, which opts for a vertical design that can accommodate four CDs in addition to the iPod of your choice. If that's not enough for you, the system will also handle SD cards and USB storage devices, and you'll also get all the usual stereo features like an AM/FM radio and alarm clock functionality. With 45W of power and a separate, somewhat sizeable subwoofer, the system should also pump out some decent enough sound, at least compared to iLuv's more modest systems. No word on a price just yet, but iLuv will apparently have more to say about that at CES.
Scandyna Speakers intros $300 retro-inspired iPod Pink Dock Pack
Scandyna Speakers isn't pushing out just another iPod dock with its Pink Dock Pack, as evidenced by the retro-inspired design, $300 price tag and a sales deal with Saks. The set includes a stylish pink motif, 2 x 15-watt Class T amplifier, stereo line output, dock inserts to fit a variety of dock-connecting iPod models, a remote and a pair of Micropod SE speakers. Call us crazy, but we're guessing these would sell quite a bit better if that PMP there was included and we could purchase one in a color not called pink. Full release after the break.
Acoustic Research intros iPod-friendly AR5100 audio docking station
Acoustic Research is on a roll today at CES Unveiled in New York, and if you've somehow managed to avoid the overload of other iPod docking systems up until now, we've got yet another you can have a look at. The AR5100 audio docking system doubles as a tabletop music center or an iPod video source for a display. Of note, AR designed the unit so that it could actually be hung (you know, beneath a flat-panel HDTV), and gussied it up with backlit white graphics, touch-sensitive buttons, horn-loaded tweeters, a ported enclosure, a component-video output and a bundled IR remote. Check it this December for $199.99, and catch the release in its entirety after the break.%Gallery-36397%
