Samson

The monitors also provide an onboard iPod dock so you can sync, charge and play music from your iPod.

Available in 3i (3-inch woofer) and 4i (4-inch woofer) configurations, the monitors offer 2 x 15 watts and 2 x 20 watts of internal power respectively, along with a 25mm silk dome high frequency driver.

While the combination of USB monitors and an iPod dock has appeal, placing these monitors properly – at approximately eye level, could put the dock in an awkward position.

More details below:

Features:

• Integrated iPod® dock to sync, charge and play music
• USB input to stream digital audio from your computer, offering high-resolution sound
• 3.25-inch magnetically shielded, inverted cone, copolymer woofer
• 25mm silk dome high frequency driver
• Bass reflex vented cabinet design
• 30 watts (2 x 15) of internal power
• Front panel 3.5mm stereo aux input jack, headphone output jack and volume control
• Convenient rear panel RCA inputs
• Passive crossovers utilizing multi-pole design for linear response
• USB and speaker cables included
• Solid Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) construction for maximum SPL

Numark has introduced the iDEC, a professional rack-mount solution offering playback and recording for iPod.

iDEC’s Universal Dock for iPod permits playback of audio and video from any docking iPod through integrated outputs. It can also record incoming audio in real time at CD-quality 44.1 kHz sampling rate, directly to the docked iPod.

The Numark iDec is expected to be available Q3, 2008. Pricing has not been announced.

iDec Features:

• Large, easy-to-use transport controls and selection wheel
• Universal dock for iPod syncs directly with iTunes
• Recording inputs with clip indication make recording to iPod a breeze
• Record directly to iPod (5th gen & Classic) and iPod nano (2nd or 3rd gen)
• RCA line inputs (stereo pair)
• RCA line outputs (stereo pair)
• S-Video output
• Composite video output
• 2RU 19-inch rack-mountable design
• Solid steel industrial construction

Addonics has introduced a 1.8″ ZIF – CF Adapter kit that you can use to make your iPod faster and more shock resistant.

The adapter (ADZIFCF) supports several types of Compact Flash media including PIO, DMA, UDMA4 for up to a 40MB/s transfer rate. In addition to iPods, the adapter supports any laptop computer or portable device that uses a 1.8-inch ZIF connector. It has a MSRP of $23.99.

The upgrade is not for the timid. Install instructions are available.

Features:

• Install Compact Flash into a device which uses a 1.8″ hard drive with ZIF connector
• Can be used like a 2.5″ hard drive using the optional ZIF to 2.5″ IDE connector converter
• Compatible with Apple iPOD
• Can be installed into laptops which use 1.8″ ZIF connector
• Current Compact Flash speeds support up to 40MB/s with UDMA4
• Supports PIO, DMA, UDMA depending on type of Compact Flash installed
• OS independent
• Fully RoHS compliant

The Energi To Go is powered by two Lithium AA batteries. The device features a control chip that maximizes power transfer to the iPod. In testing with Energizer e2 Lithium AA batteries, the Energizer Energi To Go charger provided more than 46 hours of music playback on the iPod nano and more than 32 hours of music playback on the iPod with video.

“For many consumers, digital music players are an essential,” said Mike Rivard, Energizer General Manager, New Products. “This new Energizer Energi To Go Portable Power for iPod allows them to know that whether they’re on a plane, at the beach, or anywhere in between, their music will keep going. ”

The Energizer Energi To Go Portable Power for iPod features a licensed Apple iPod tip and is adjustable so that it’s compatible with iPod (with & without video) and iPod nano. The MSRP for Energizer Energi To Go iPod Portable Power Source is $29.99 and includes the charger and two Energizer e2 Lithium AA batteries.

For maximum performance, Energizer recommends powering Energizer Energi To Go Portable Power for iPod with Energizer e2 Lithium batteries.

Cortex has released its dMIX-300 Digital Music Control Station, a compact all-in-one iPod mixing solution for the Digital DJ.

Integrating Cortex’s patent pending USB compatible technology with a 2-channel audio mixer and a built-in iPod Dock (suitable for all iPod models), DJ’s can search, cue, play, pitch, mix and even scratch digital music files (MP3 or WAV) directly from their iPod or any other external USB storage device.

Description:

Fully CBR and VBR MP3 compatible and boasting essential features such as iTunes playlist compatibility, two Tri Mode Jog Wheels for search or pitch bend, two 80 character dot matrix playback info displays, a rear mounted USB port for storage device sharing and external CD/DVD-ROM drive option, individual RCA outputs for Master, Booth and Record, and a USB keyboard connection offering faster search and navigation, the dMIX-300 delivers optimum functionality and unmatched control of your digital music files.

The mixer section comes fully equipped with a 3-band EQ per channel with Gain Control, blue “Fluid” diffused VU meters, cue fader, Master/Cue select for headphone output, 1/4″ mic input with 2 band EQ, Auxiliary Inputs for Phono or Line devices, ultra-precise Pitch Control with a range of +/- 24% and a 45mm SuperSmooth Crossfader with selectable cross fader curve.

The dMIX-300 has a MSRP of $999.00 (street price approximately $600.00).

According to reports, Apple lawyers claim that Ann Summers’ advertising for its iGasm iPod sex toy, right, is a blatant rip-off of Apple’s iPod advertising. Apple has sent a cease and desist letter, warning “We hope this request to remove it immediately will prevent us having to consider further action.”

The iGasm hooks up to your iPod, MP3 player, laptop or CD player and vibrates in sync with the beat.

The £30 iGasm joins the iBuzz and other sex toys piggybacking on the iPod’s popularity.

The obvious question, of course, is “What’s on her iPod?”

The batteries come with instructions and the tools necessary for DIY battery changing. Blue Raven also provides an online video tutorial to ensure consumers can change their own batteries.

“Changing your own iPod batteries is actually quite easy and inexpensive,” said Blue Raven’s President and COO, Glen Kashgegian. “With this new line we are empowering consumers to maintain their own devices to get more value and use out of their investments.”

Suggested retail price starts at $29.95.

Musikmesse: Alesis has introduced the iMultiMix 8 USB Mixer with professional mixing and direct-to-iPod recording.

The iMultiMix 8 USB features a mounting dock to enable recording directly to any 2nd through 5th generation iPod. Unique to its class, the iMultiMix 8 USB is the world’s first mobile recording mixer with iPod transport controls and a control wheel built right into the surface for complete control of the iPod while it is being docked in the mixer.

Home studios, musicians, podcasters and houses of worship can use the versatile direct-to-iPod recording feature for convenient transfer into iTunes upon connection to a computer. Files recorded into the iPod are CD quality, 16-Bit, 44.1 kHz .wav files.

Mac OS and Windows users can connect to the iMultiMix 8 USB using USB for direct to computer recording as well. In addition to its computer connectivity, the iMultiMix8 USB offers eight analog inputs, one hundred 28-Bit effects, phantom power, and 2 switchable mic/line/guitar inputs.

The iMultiMix 8 USB has the same world-class effects on the Alesis MultiMix 8 USB, one of the most popular recording mixers available. Vocalists can add professional quality reverb and guitar players can create flange effects, all of which are mixed and recorded to the iPod with ease. iPod owners will find this mixer the perfect compliment for a wide variety of recording needs thanks to its natural merging of the control wheel and traditional mixer knobs. The iMultiMix 8 USB is scheduled to ship in Q3 2007 with a suggested retail price of $499.

Features:

• Integrated iPod recording
• Four high-gain mic/line preamps (XLR and 1/4″ balanced)
• 48V phantom power
• Built-in limiter to avoid distorted recordings
• 16-Bit / 44.1kHz and 48kHz recording to computer
• Two guitar mic/line inputs
• Aux sends and returns
• 100 on-board, 28-bit digital effects – Reverb, Chorus, Flange, Delay
• Three band per channel EQ with high/low shelving and mid band pass/reject
• Steinberg Cubase LE recording software included

Alesis CEO Jack O’Donnell says, “The iMultiMix 8 USB is an exciting new addition to the Alesis product line, with forward thinking functionality and an innovative design. Alesis always strives to deliver quality and features to meet the needs of users. The iMultiMix 8’s iPod recording features will give users a way to easily record their live performance directly onto the world’s most popular music device.”

Roth Audio has introduced what gets our vote for the coolest-looking iPod dock in the world. The Music Cocoon is a tube-amp iPod dock that also works with a CD player or any mini-jack audio device.

“We can guarantee that the amplifier will add a real warmth and dimension to the music which other amplifiers are not designed to do,” says Roth. “That’s the thing about vacuum tubes; there is a science behind their use, but the results cannot be quantified.”

Unfortunately, it’s easy to quantify how this will hit your wallet: it’s got a suggested retail price of £ 399.00 (about $800).

Main Features

• Hi-Resolution pure tube sound
• 2 pre-amp tube
• Supports different musical sources: i-Pod, CD and MP3
• Volume Control
• iPod Charging
• Overheating protection (85¢)
• Speaker short circuit protection
• Speaker protection when turning on
• Fuse protection in the adapter

Specifications

• Power Output: 13W x 2
• Frequency response: 20Hz~ 30KHz
• T.H.D: < 0.5%
• S/N ratio: > 90dB
• Input impedance: 100Kohm
• Output impedance: 8ohm
• AC Input: 110V/230VAC Selectable, 50Hz/60Hz
• Power Consumption: 50 V/A
• Tube Type: 12AX7 x 2, 12AU7 x 2 MOS FET
• Input Selectors: iPod, CD, MP3
• Dimension: 187 (L) x 174 (W) x 108 (T) mm
• Weight: 1.8 Kg (Amplifier only)

Spearheading the line-up on the show floor is an iPod-ready wireless speaker system with powerful, crystal clear sound.

Griffin’s Evolve is a speaker system with a flat charging base that holds your iPod in a Universal Dock. On either side are charging stations for two cube-shaped speakers, each housing its own long-lived Lithium-Ion battery pack. To charge these speakers, all you have to do is place them on the charging station — nothing to plug in, nothing to unplug.

The Lithium-Ion batteries will give you up to 10 hours of music, and each speaker cube features its own on/off power switch and automatic sleep mode for power conservation.

Evolve’s speaker enclosures are engineered for stellar sound, ease of use, and bang for the buck. The sound you get from this speaker system will knock your socks off — and so will the sleek industrial design that will look great in any decor.

Evolve features a wireless range of more than 150 feet, allowing users to listen wirelessly, and control the sound wirelessly with the included remote.

“We designed the Xdock Wireless so an iPod can easily become the audio platform for your entire home,” said Sim Wong Hoo, chairman and CEO of Creative. “Your iPod goes in the Xdock Wireless to play music through X-Fi Wireless Receivers in as many rooms as you want — all upconverted to Xtreme Fidelity.”

Creative’sX-Fi Xtreme Fidelity is produced with X-Fi Crystalizer and X-Fi CMSS-3D technology. The X-Fi Crystalizer makes MP3s sound better than CDs by analyzing and identifying which parts of the audio stream have been truncated or damaged during compression. It then intelligently and selectively restores the highs and lows from instruments and vocals that are damaged during the compression of MP3s. X-Fi CMSS-3D creates virtual surround sound through speakers or headphones. It expands audio for superior headphone listening so music completely surrounds the listener.

Features:

• It plays music through multiple X-Fi Wireless Receivers, which are sold separately, in different rooms of the home connected to powered speakers or a home theater system.
• It plays music in Xtreme Fidelity — music beyond CD quality.
  A line-out for connection to powered speakers, which also functions as an optical-out to your home theater for DTS surround-sound.
  S-video and composite video-out connections, so digital photos and videos stored on an iPod can be displayed on a TV screen.
  A wireless remote to navigate the iPod menu, adjust volume levels, and activate X-Fi Crystalizer and X-Fi CMSS-3D.
  It docks and charges an iPod and includes line-in for connection of other audio devices.

The Xdock Wireless plays music up to 100 feet away without requiring a wireless network, via X-Fi Wireless Receivers; it’s just as quick and easy to set up as a cordless phone. There are two different modes for music playback: broadcast and individual zones. The broadcast and zone modes allow the user to have complete control of whether music is played through every X-Fi Wireless Receiver in the home, or specific X-Fi Wireless Receivers. In broadcast mode, multiple X-Fi Wireless Receivers can receive music in different rooms of the home. In zone mode, a user can turn on or off up to four different X-Fi Wireless Receivers independently, to listen to music only in desired rooms. Each X-Fi Wireless Receiver can be controlled with its own remote, to activate X-Fi Crystalizer and X-Fi CMSS-3D, adjust volume, and control music playback.

Pricing and Availability

The Creative Xdock Wireless, part of the Made for iPod program and designed specifically for use with the iPod with video, iPod photo, iPod mini and iPod Nano, will be available for US$199.99. The X-Fi Wireless Receiver will be available for US$99.99. An Xdock Wireless with an X-Fi Wireless Receiver will be available for less than US$300. Availability is slated for Spring of 2007 at www.us.creative.com .

Griffin Technology

A new line of speakers highlight the many new products being shown on the show floor.

Amplifi is a high-tech contemporary-styled 2.1 sound system, designed for big sound with a compact tabletop footprint.

Amplifi’s all-wood, acoustically tuned enclosure yields warm, rich tones. The bass reflex port and special Resonance Drive construction gives amazing frequency response. Two front-firing 2-3/4″ neodymium drivers and a 5″ downward-firing woofer, boosted by Power Drive Technology, creates a clean powerful sound unheard of at this price point.

• iPod-ready with slot and six iPod adapters
• 3.5mm stereo input jack for audio devices
• Two 2.75″ neodymium high/midrange speakers
• 5″ woofer and bass reflex port
• Acoustically tuned wooden enclosure
• High-tech contemporary styling
• Slim full-function IR remote

Journi, Griffin’s personal mobile speaker system, has great sound wrapped up in an ingeniously designed, go-anywhere package. Journi’s innovative Wrapstand exterior protects your speaker system (and your iPod) when you’re on the go, then flips open to create its own sturdy stand.

Journi’s high-efficiency internal Lithium-Ion batteries recharge with the included AC adapter or through your computer’s powered USB port. Your iPod sits center stage within the adjustable dock bay while you control your music with the included remote. SRS Labs’ SRS WOW® digital signal processing pumps shimmering highs and deep, rich bass response through Journi’s two-way speaker system.

• 8-10 hours of play on a single charge
• Two 50mm high/mid-range drivers and two 64mm passive radiators use SRS WOW® digital technology to expand the audio image, improving digital audio and creating deep, rich bass response
• Sync iPod with your computer’s iTunes library as it charges
• Adjustable Dock Connector welcomes all iPod models with dock connector
• Auxiliary Audio Input for other digital music players

In addition to speakers, Griffin is introducing numerous innovative add-ons for the iPod.

• AirDock lets you play iTunes on your stereo, watch iPod photos and videos on your TV. The included RF remote allows you to control it all from up to 60 feet away.
• Griffin Dock Adapter for iPod Shuffle connects your second generation Shuffle to devices with an Apple Universal Dock. The all-in-one design is compatible with docks such as Griffin’s own AirDock as well as Apple’s HiFi speaker system and other accessories.
• TuneFlex AUX plays iPod’s music through car stereos equipped with a 1/8″ (3.5mm) auxiliary input jack as it charges through the auto’s 12V power outlet. The custom designed cradle holds your iPod secure while the pass-through dock connector leaves your options open.
• TuneJuice 2 is an improved version of Griffin’s popular battery backup for iPod. TuneJuice 2 adds more playing time for music and video making it ideal for air travel and road trips. Powered by 4 AAA batteries, it adds up to 14 additional hours of audio play and 2 additional hours of video play. And the first set of batteries is included.
• Reflect cases for iPod nano and full-size iPod with video are rugged polycarbonate hard shells that present a mirrored-chrome reflective face to the world — until you wake up your iPod, and the bright, clear iPod screen shows up as if by magic. The matte black rubberized case back gives you a sure grip.
• iClear® Custom — Griffin takes its popular see-through iClear iPod shells and goes them one better: a slot in the back accepts your own printed photographs and artwork (some sample templates and reflective inserts are included to get you started). Personalize and customize your iPod nano and full-size iPod with iClear Custom.
• Tempo for iPod shuffle now brings the same hands-free convenience and mobility to iPod shuffle as it delivered for the full-size iPod. Tempo’s adjustable armband fits any arm. Built-in cord wrap eliminates cable tangles. Reflective accents show up at night for safety. Maintain the tempo of your active lifestyle with Tempo for iPod shuffle.

Also making their first US appearances at MacWorld are Griffin’s iKaraoke for iPod and Elevator for portable computers:

• iKaraoke iKaraoke brings the fun and excitement of karaoke into your home — or anywhere you have a stereo receiver. And the best part is it lets you sing along, not from a limited menu, but with your favorite musical selections, straight from your iPod. iKaraoke fades out the lead vocals and brings your vocals up front …and sends your music and vocals to your stereo via wireless FM Transmission or Line-Level audio. Convenient buttons let you enhance your sound with three levels of reverb, or temporarily mute the music for PA announcements.
• Elevator is a sleek desktop stand for portable computers. The brushed aluminum stand positions the laptop screen at an ideal height for viewing thus allowing air to freely circulate around the laptop’s cooling vents.

According to its designers, “The Concerto Table seeks to transform the experience of the modern dinner party by combining the use of a dining table with the elegant curvature of a grand piano. It has the sensuous look of an old, well-seasoned, grand piano while also providing the necessary multipurpose use required of so many furnishings today.”

The table has a built-in iPod dock and 130 watt speakers.

Specifications

The Concerto Table is compatible with all Apple ipods. Simply tell us which model you have and we will do the rest.

Dimensions:

• 70″x58″x29”

Electronics:

• Apple AV Connection Kit with remote control
• Speakers: 2×50 watt 2 Way speakers, 6.5″x1″
• Amplification: 130 watt

Materials:

• Plywood surfaces, poplar, stainless steel, carbon steel

Finishes:

• Bright white or Black high gloss

The iTalk Pro plugs directly into the iPod’s dock connector. One-touch operation allows users to concentrate on what they’re hearing, instead of how to operate the equipment.

iTalk Pro can record in stereo or mono. Built-in twin microphones record in stereo at 44.1 kHz to yield professional, CD-quality recordings. But iTalk Pro also features a stereo 1/8″ (3.5 mm) input jack to accommodate external microphones for greater stereo separation.

Versatile adjustable gain settings give the user control over the volume, making iTalk Pro the world’s most faithful, most portable handheld recording studio.

The iTalk pro is priced at $49.99 and is now available.

Compatibility

iPods with video and iPod nano 2G.

Hi-Way is a unique combination of convenience and innovative features, designed to fit your Hi-Fi like a glove. Hi-Way’s outer shell is made of durable ballistic Nylon material to deflect real-world bumps and dings, while its soft inner lining keeps your Hi-Fi safe from scuffs and scratches.

Unzip Hi-Way’s front flap and slip your iPod into the slot on top. Your Hi-Fi stays safe and sound behind the inner lining mesh. The music gets out, but dirt and sand can’t get in.

Hi-Way includes lots of pockets and compartments for storing and organizing all your iPod cables and accessories, so you can keep everything your iPod needs all in one place. The padded adjustable shoulder strap makes toting Hi-Way a breeze, and the tough rubberized base and raised non-skid feet keep out grit and moisture.

Features

• Soft inner lining to keep Hi-Fi safe from scuffs and scratches
• Comfortable padded shoulder strap for easy toting
• Lots of pockets for iPod accessories
• Power cord pass-through lets you use Hi-Fi while it stays protected inside the case

The Griffin Hi-Way case is $49.99 USD.

Apple today announced iPod Hi-Fi, a high-end ($349) iPod boombox dock with remote. The Hi-Fi is portable, and can run from six D-cell batteries or wall power.

“Apple is reinventing the home stereo with the new iPod Hi-Fi, the first iPod accessory that adds true high-fidelity sound quality to the iPod,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO.

At least at the Think Secret site, customers aren’t as impressed with Apple’s latest announcement:

• “This doesn’t even hit me as an “apple design”. It looks more like a styrofoam cooler you but at your local walmart. For 350 dollars, there are some fantastic alternatives to the boombox.”
• “This isn’t a hi-fi, it’s a powered speaker. A very expensive powered speaker. It’s right up there with the iPod Socks in the world of innovations.”

The $3,999.95 system, developed and built by German audio technicians, consists of an aluminum-encased amplifier housing four powerful Class-A tubes which glow gently as they generate sound that is virtually distortion-free.

According to the company, the tube amplifier smoothes over distortions found in modern digital recordings while helping to compensate and minimize the quality loss inherent in compressed audio such as MP3s.

In addition to the iPod line-in jack, a second audio-in port allows you to connect additional components such as a CD player or satellite radio. An RCA cable and two highly-insulated 13′ triple-core speaker cables with gold-plated connectors are included.

System: 11 1/2″ H x 6 1/2″ W x 26″ L. (42 lbs.)

Source: Hammacher Schlemmer

Fluffpod has introduced Fluffpod video, a furry iPod case for Apple’s latest iPod, available in white or pink.

Also available for download is a Fluffpod video QuickTime movie, a short film that features a model getting dressed to go out, and then lovingly caressing her Fluffpod.

“People have asked me if Fluffpod video is an iPod case or a movie. Now I’m saying both,” said Scott Lopatin, founder of Fluffpod. “The movie was specifically designed to watch on your iPod in its new Fluffpod video case.”

The Fluffpod video is soft and furry on the outside, and lined with white or pink soft satin, “giving your iPod a bed to lay in for super soft protection.”

Two white leather boots on the bottom of the case keep iPods secure, with room for the dock connector to be attached. Fluffpod video protects the large iPod screen with a thick reinforced plastic window. The click wheel keeps clicking and scrolling from the touch of your fingers, through the Fluffpod’s protective covering.

The Fluffpod video joins other furry pod cases in their line, including the Fluffer and nano. Don’t combine this with the iBoxers!

The Fluffpod is available direct from FluffPod for $25.

Griffin

Trip Auto accommodates every dock connector iPod, including iPod nano and 5th Generation iPods with video. The iTrip Auto combines an FM transmitter with an integrated charger.

iTrip Auto uses the audio line out from the iPod’s dock connector and optimizes the output volume. Speaker volume can be controlled solely from the car stereo controls, without having to adjust the iPod’s volume level.

Technical Specifications

• Dimensions: 2.75″ x 1.00″ x 0.5″ (69.85 mm x 25.4 mm x 12.7 mm)
• Weight: 2.4 oz
• Built-in antenna
• Power requirement: supplied through the auto power jack
• Modulation: FM Stereo
• Frequencies: 88.1-107.9MHz
• High stability crystal oscillator, phase-lock loop control
• Frequency response: 50Hz to 15KHz
• Operating range: 10-30 ft
• Replaceable fuse

Compatible with:

• 3rd Generation iPod with touch wheel and buttons
• iPod mini4th Generation iPod with Click WheeliPod photoiPod U2 Special Edition
• 4th Generation iPod with Color Screen
• iPod nano
• 5th Generation iPod with Video

The iTrip Auto is priced at $69.99 USD.

Source: Griffin

Play Underwear has introduced the iBoxer – iPod-ready underwear.

The Play iBoxer is a cotton/spandex blend button fly boxer, with a discreet front pocket which is perfect for holding an iPod, other mp3 players, MP3 recorders or a cell phone. Answering the call may take on a new meaning.

The Boxer is available in solid colors and the solid waistband features a racing stripe and the Play logos. If you buy 2 pairs of the Play iBox Boxer, you’ll receive 3 free iTunes.

via Podcasting News