Company continues 2012 rollout at CES

Griffin Technology continued its rollout of 2012 products at CES today, including updates to its Woogie 2 plush toy iOS cases that incorporate iPhones and the iPod Touch as an integral part of the "creature," the expansion into Android apps to control the HELO TC toy helicopters, and a plethora of car- and travel-related accessories including windshield and window mounts for smartphones, a e-reader mount for airline or rail "tray tables," and a combo battery-pack and charger.

The Woogie 2 combination toy and iPhone/iPod Touch case is a soft furry "monster" and uses a protective but interactive clear plastic window to have the iOS device form the creature's "face" using a free Woogie app. The app offers 10 unique faces that are triggered when the child (recommended for ages three and older) plays with the toy (for example, laughing when the toy is tickled). It can also repeat words and phrases spoken to it (which can be disabled by parents) and help children learn arithmetic.

The Woogie sells for $20 and is compatible with all models of iPod Touch, along with the iPhone 3G and higher. There is a hidden opening for headphones if desired. The app should be available later this week.

The HELO TC helicopter ($50) gains an Android version of the iOS app that debuted last fall, so Android users can simply download the free app, plug the Flight Deck hardware casing into the smartphone's headphone jack and fly either by touch control or tilt-to-steer. It will be shipping later this month. A new model, the HELO TC Assault ($60) adds six live-fire "nerf" missles for indoor play and is also compatible with either iOS or Android via the Flight Deck hardware. The Assault can "remember" up to three flight plans, and features an "auto land" ability. It will be available in the spring.

For car and travel accessories, the company is introducing the WindowSeat 3 HandsFree windshield/dashboard mount ($40) and the AirCurve Window Mount ($30) for smartphones (the former compatible with most smartphones, the latter compatible with the iPhone 4/4S only). The WindowSeat comes with a AUX cable and mic that turns the car stereo into a handsfree call system as well as streaming music and navigation voices. It features a three-point adjustable mounting bracket and rubber cushions for the phone.

The AirCurve acts as its own acoustic amplifier in addition to functioning as a window mount. It can amplify the iPhone's built-in speakers by up to 25 decibels, and can also be used in a hands-free speakerphone mode, requiring no extra power or cables. Both mounts are available now.

In addition, Griffin is bringing out a Tray Table Latch Mount (price not yet announced) in two models for eReaders and smartphones. It will be a two-part mounting system intended to work with 90 percent of airline and commuter-rail type tray tables. The mount will hold the eReader or smartphone at eye level for hands-free viewing. A third model aimed specifically at larger tablets will come later in 2012. The first two models should arrive before summer.

The company is also updating its travel wall chargers, redesigning the PowerBlock AC wall charger series with two new entries. The PowerBlock Reserve ($60) is a wall charger for iPhones and iPods that also doubles as a battery pack, since it includes a rechargeable 2,000mAh lithium-ion battery. A similar model called the PowerBlock Reserve Universal ($50) drops the 30-pin Apple dock connector in favor of a standard USB port for other electronic devices.

A refreshed and more compact PowerBlock ($30) is capable of charging the iPad as well as other iOS devices, outputting 10 watts of power and including the detachable USB-to-dock-connector cable (other devices can use it as a 10-watt USB charger). A similar model called the PowerBlock Dual Universal offers two USB ports with five watts of power each for charging two devices simultaneously. Both will be available in the spring.

Woogie 2







WindowSeat 3







AirCurve







Tray Table Latch Mount







PowerBlock Reserve







PowerBlock Dual Universal

by MacNN Staff