Micro-USB standard may be of use to Apple

The official USB Forum this afternoon revealed a new standard for USB connections dubbed Micro-USB, Electronista reports. The new connector is said to accommodate the gradual shrinking of cellphones, media players, and other pocketable devices by reducing the size of the connector itself; smaller even than the mini-USB connectors of today (shown), the plug will still support both data and power on the same cable and can speak to any USB device with the right cabling. Support for the Forum's On-the-Go technology will let devices equipped with the new ports transfer information between each other, bypassing the need for a full-fledged computer on one end.

Specific devices that will use Micro-USB have not been revealed. However, the cellphone producer Nokia has said it will soon use for its new designs. "Micro-USB offers innovative design and a flexible platform that our technical teams can easily take on board," says the company's technology platform director Jouko Junkkari. The technology may be especially relevant to Apple and other developers of extra-small devices, as the iPod shuffle and similar compact devices often resort to using the headphone plug as a substitute for a true USB connection.

iLuv speaker docks with two-way Bluetooth

Two new iPod docks from iLuv promise to allow two-way audio broadcast via Bluetooth, says Electronista. The i277 and i199 come with a transmitter called the BluePin, which enables virtually any device with audio ports (phones, MP3 players, etc.) to pipe music through the docks' speakers, or to reverse the flow, and hear the docks' content from the comfort of somewhere else. The i277 features dual alarms, an AM/FM radio, and a video output jack; the i199 (pictured) adds a CD/MP3 CD player and a USB port. Both units have a remote control and support all iPods (including minis and nanos) from the third generation onwards, charging as they play. iLuv is selling the i277 for $150 and the i199 for $230.

New Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge iPod integration...

Mopar has expanded the availability of its factory-engineered iPod Integration Kits for most Chrysler vehicles, enabling more Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicle owners to experience built-in iPod functionality. The audio integration system was launched in early 2006, providing direct connectivity between an iPod and a vehicle's audio sound system. Drivers can browse iPod playlists using the audio system or built-in steering wheel controls. Specifically engineered to interface with select model year 2006 and newer Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicle electronics, the iPod Integration Kits are available for purchase and installation at Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships across the U.S.

Logitech previews X-240 speakers for iPod

Logitech today previewed its X-240 speaker set, a unique approach to the problem of tethering handhelds to their host computers, according to Electronista. "The central control unit of the system, while providing quick access to volume controls, also incorporates a universal cradle that charges and synchronizes most handhelds through a USB connection to the host Mac or Windows PC." The report says that special adapters are included for third, fourth, and fifth-generation iPods as well as the iPod nano and Microsoft's Zune; the X-240's dock also works with cellphones, PDAs, and other portable hardware. The 2.1-channel system delivers 25W of sustained power and will ship in April for $50.