Transformers iPod dock

Japanese toy maker Takara is producing a pair of new, unofficial Transformers-themed audio products, Electronista notes. Of these, the most significant is likely the Optimus Prime-like Convoy iPod dock, which features a transforming cab, and a detachable trailer which opens up to reveal speakers and the dock itself. The design should fit all "standard size" iPods, with the iPod Shuffle being specifically excluded. The other Takara product is the Soundwave MP3 player, modelled after the namesake cassette toy. The Takara version is decidedly more modern however, opening up to reveal a miniSD slot. The player runs on batteries, but will play music in both its cassette and robot forms. The Convoy is priced at $145 and comes in white, while Soundwave is $80 in white or $110 in blue, though pre-orders of the latter are already sold out. Both items should ship in July.

Bluetooth bridge for iPod docks

German Bluetooth specialists ANYCOM have announced the FIPO, an upcoming bridge device for iPod docks, writes Electronista. Instead of enabling iPod content to be played elsewhere, as one might expect, the FIPO actually permits any Bluetooth-enabled music player -- including a cellphone -- to stream audio through the dock. Once paired, the player and the FIPO can then exchange control commands, such as play, pause, and track skip. This works both ways, such that buttons on a car stereo, for instance, can change tracks on a phone. The FIPO will begin production for Europe and the US on February 15th and cost about $99.