News Archive for 06/11/24

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Elecom unveils new iPod dock

11/24, 3:10pm

Elecom ASP-P200S

Japanese manufacturer Elecom today announced the ASP-P200S, an iPod stereo dock with 2.1 channels. The P200S features a subwoofer, which can be rotated vertically over the docking port to make the product easier to store and carry. Three adapters are included to support all fourth- and fifth-generation iPods, including Minis and Nanos. The device can be recharged during playback; it also ships with an AC adapter and a stereo output cord for headphones or other external speakers. The satellite speakers are rated at 3W each while the subwoofer can reach 6W. The P200S will be available in Japan in mid-December--in either white or black finishes--for 8,820 yen ($76) with tax.

UK lifts FM transmitter ban

11/24, 2:30pm

UK Lifts Transmitter Ban

The UK's Office of Communications, also known as Ofcom, will soon lift a ban on portable FM audio transmitters used for wirelessly sending music from a music player (e.g., Griffin's iTrip), according to Electronista. While these devices were given preliminary legalization with the 2003 Wireless Telegraphy Exemption Regulations Act, Ofcom has only recently finished consultations with concerned parties that would assuage early fears about signal interference. FM transmitters and similar equipment were effectively blocked by the 1949 Wireless Telegraphy Act, which gives licensed UK broadcasters unrestricted access to assigned frequencies and thus bans any electronics which override those broadcasts over even a short distance. The ban will be officially lifted on December 8th, Ofcom says, but transmitters will still require Europe's CE health and safety certifications before they can be sold in the country.

Nike launches C.O.R.E. iPod backpack

11/24, 2:25pm

Nike unveils iPod backpack

Nike today launched the C.O.R.E. Backpack ID, a customizable bag made for students and other frequent travelers that extends the range of iPod-supporting equipment beyond the Nike+iPod Sport Kit. A pocket in the strap connects to any dockable iPod, integrating the Apple player with basic track navigation and volume controls on the strap itself. Electronista notes that the backpack provides an additional pouch for earbuds, a padded laptop division in the main bag, and a front organizer pocket. Users can personalize the bag with custom color choices, a 'Nike Flow Backpanel' to improve cooling, and security zippers. The bags are priced from $105 when customized with iPod controls, and varies with personalization options.

Trekstor takes on iPod with 12GB player

11/24, 1:05pm

Trekstor takes on iPod

Trekstor today launched the Vibez, its mini music jukebox that stands to compete with Apple's iPod digital music players. The device is the first to use a 12GB one-inch hard drive which stores as many as 250 albums, the company claims, and is the first third-party player to use an enhanced version of the Rio interface (Sonic Blue), which sold its code to SigmaTel in 2005. Trekstor praises the programming which gives the new player support for many formats that many newly released players lack, including OGG and the lossless FLAC standard that are playable alongside newer MP3 and WMA files. According to Electronista, the updated Rio software also allows for crossfading between tracks and viewing JPEG photos sorted by EXIF data. With an estimated battery life of 20 hours, the new player offers line-in as well as microphone recording. The Vibez is supplied with Sennheiser headphones, a line-in cable, and a neck strap. The player is compatible with Mac OS X, Linux, and Windows systems with 8GB ($170) and 12GB ($200) editions.

Brando launches iTransmitter for iPod

11/24, 12:15pm

iTransmitter for iPod

Brando Workshop today launched the iTransmitter, a device that broadcasts audio from an iPod on variable FM frequencies to a car stereo. The gadget connects to an iPod via the dock connector, drawing power from the player to negate the need for external batteries. The unit features three buttons for access to preset frequencies as well as a backlit display, and charges the iPod by using a supplied car charger. Further features include full access to the FM spectrum (88.1MHz to 107.90MHz), Stereo output, and three one-touch buttons for pre-set frequencies. The iTransmitter is shipping for $30, and is available in black as well as white.

GS iPod guitar stands debut

11/24, 11:25am

GS iPod stands debut

Westshore Craftworks has debuted its new GS iPod stands, which are modeled after guitar stands with a tether that loops around the top of the digital player. GS stands feature a lacquered hardwood base with a steel wire bracket that facilitates all full-size iPods with or without a case. iPods are positioned to accommodate a standard sync cable, making the stand a quasi-dock to charge and play music as the portable media player sits upright. The company is offering four different styles of stands with two round bases in glossy white, glossy black, glossy 'sunburst,' and glossy black 'grand piano' lacquer. Westshore Craftworks' GS iPod stands are priced from $35-40, and work with all full-size iPod models.

XtremeMac unveils Luna iPod alarm clock

11/24, 7:10am

Luna iPod alarm clock

XtremeMac today debuted its Luna alarm clock and audio system for iPod. Offering an on-screen menu system, Luna allows users to sleep and wake to an iPod or the radio, and also serves as a complete speaker system for home or office. Luna's menu system provides user-friendly control over all of the alarm and audio functions using four large, multi-function knobs located on the top of the unit. The four simple controls eliminate the complexity of the myriad buttons typically found on an alarm clock, according to the company. In addition, the unit can be controlled by the included wireless remote which features advanced audio and alarm functions. Luna features two independent alarms that offer customized source (iPod, radio or buzzer), volume, dimmer, and snooze time options. Users can also select gradually increasing and decreasing volume for the alarms and sleep timer.