Griffin debuts SmartDeck Adapter with dock connector

Griffin Technology today unveiled its latest SmartDeck Intelligent Cassette Adapter with a Dock Connector, providing control of an iPod using the built-in controls of a vehicle cassette player. The SmartDeck uses sensing technology to determine which commands the cassette player sends to the iPod, differentiating between forward, rewind, pause, and stop buttons. Upon hitting "eject", or switching from cassette to radio, the SmartPlay automatically pauses the iPod. Features include a high-quality cassette tape head, seamless integration between iPod and car stereo, and selectable Scan or Skip modes. The SmartDeck Intelligent Cassette Adapter with Dock Connector is expected to be available in late October for 5th generation video-capable iPods, iPod nanos, 4th generation iPods (with clickwheel), iPod minis, and iPod photos. The device is priced at $30.

Speck begins shipment of Nano products

Speck Products yesterday sent off its first shipment SkinTight singles and 3 packs, SkinTight DELUXE 2-packs, ToughSkins in clear and black, and the FunSkin CLOUD for iPod nano. "We've got our whole team pulling together to get out several thousand pre-orders and fill new orders as they come in," said Tim Hickman, general manager of Speck Products. Speck will be shipping the remainder of its new SKU's for iPod nano well before its estimated October 30th date. iPodNN covered the initial announcement in September, when Speck debuted the cases for the first time.

Belkin announces TuneCast Auto for iPod

Belkin today launched the new Belkin TuneCast Auto, which lets users listen to the music from their iPod through any car's FM radio. In addiition, the TuneCast Auto powers and charges through any car's cigarette lighter -- eliminating the need to drain power from the iPod itself. "The new design and ample features make for an easy, convenient solution to listen to your iPod on the road." The TuneCast Auto features two programmable memory slots as well as a blue, backlit LCD provides for easy viewing day or night. It displays both the FM frequency and the battery status. A VELCRO tie that reduces cable clutter. The included dock connector attaches securely to the iPod, while surface-mount clip holds your TuneCast Auto in place. The TuneCast Auto will ship in North America in late November 2005 for $60.

Belkin debuts TuneFM radio transmitter for iPod

Belkin today announced the Belkin TuneFM, which lets users listen to the music from your iPod through any FM stereo receiver. The new Belkin TuneFM is offered in a new, sleek design and plugs into the remote/headphone jack on the iPod. "Just tune your stereo to any clear FM frequency, and you can enjoy your iPod music anywhere with full sound and fewer wires." The device features a numeric LED display to display the FM frequency and memory presets, channel up/down button to scan frequencies, two programmable memory slots between which users can easily toggle, and has a rear hold switch that can lock the buttons to prevent unintentional changes to the current frequency. Belkin's TuneFM is powered by the iPod; it will ship in North America in November 2005 for $40.

New solutions to remove, prevent iPod nano scratches

Protective Solutions and Applesauce Polish today announced they have signed a joint marketing agreement to provide scratch removal and protection products for the Apple's iPod nano. Under the agreement, Applesauce Polish ($20) will be used to remove existing scratches and clean iPod nano devices, while future scratches and damages will be prevented by using the invisibleSHIELD from Protective Solutions. Applesauce Polish cleans, restores the shine and removes scratches from the plastic front and display, and the metal backing of all iPod models, using a newly developed microfinishing formula. The invisibleSHIELD, available starting at $20, is a protective covering that is virtually indestructible, designed to fit electronic handheld devices, including iPods, PDAs, cell phones, watch faces and more, prolonging the life span of such devices.

Tunewear ships Boomtune mini speaker system for iPod

Tunewear today announced Boomtune mini, a unique tripod speaker for MP3 players including Apple's iPod. The palm-sized BoomTune mini, now available for $40, offers a unique tripod design and an 1W x 2 output, which it says "is surprising for such a compact size. Just one AAA battery is all you will need to enjoy up to 10 hours of playback. With a style like you have never seen before, the tripod design can be used with almost any MP3 player from the small iPod shuffle to the iPod 4G/photo. It is also suitable for more than just table top use." The company says the speakers are powerful enough to use in large open spaces such as a park or at the beach. The white-styled Boomtune mini weighs 60g and approx and offers an extremely compact footprint (32mm x115mm).