iLounge

First Looks

Welcome to our new, continuously-updated First Looks - a collection of previews showing brand new iPod, iPhone and iPad accessories that we’re currently in the process of testing. Here’s what’s hot right now:

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Company: Beats Electronics

Website: www.beatsbydre.com

Models: Beats Pill XL

Price: $300

Compatible: All Bluetooth-Capable iPads, iPhones, iPods

Beats Electronics Beats Pill XL Bluetooth Speaker

Seemingly replacing its Beatbox Portable, and more in-line with Beats Pill 2.0, Beats Electronics is rolling out its Beats Pill XL ($300). It shares the namesake shape, but this one is significantly larger at 13.3" long and 4.1" tall. Only available in black, the metal grille and soft-touch plastic are accented by glossy plastic on the back, where there's a handle for easy carrying. Built into the handle are the power button, volume controls, battery indicator lights, as well as power, audio in and out, and USB ports, hidden underneath a rubber flap. The necessary power cord and an audio cable are included, and the rechargeable battery lasts for 15 hours.

Company: Beats Electronics

Website: www.beatsbydre.com

Models: Beats Pill 2.0

Price: $200

Compatible: All Bluetooth-Capable iPads, iPhones, iPods

Beats Electronics Beats Pill 2.0 Bluetooth Speaker

Beats Pill 2.0 ($200) is the second edition of Beats Electronics' highly portable Bluetooth speaker. "Pill" is more than just a name, as it also accurately describes the shape of the 7.5"-long unit. Available in a number of color schemes, including the pictured white version with gold accents, the speaker is made of plastic and metal components. It's rather feature-packed for such a small device, with speakerphone capabilities, physical volume controls, audio in and out ports, and even USB charging output. The internal battery lasts for seven hours of audio playback, and multiple Pill speakers can be paired simply by tapping them together. A carrying case, audio cable, micro-USB cable, and wall adapter are included with Pill 2.0.

Company: Grovemade

Website: www.grovemade.com

Model: Bamboo iPad Case

Price: $89

Compatible: iPad mini

Grovemade Bamboo iPad Case for iPad mini

With Bamboo iPad Case for iPad mini ($89), Grovemade continues its history of creating premium wood cases. This one is a surprisingly light folio-style case, offering a significant amount of coverage for the smaller of Apple's tablets. The iPad slides in from the left side of the case, where the lid is attached. There's a soft lining to prevent damage from the wood, and full edge protection, including for the buttons. The lid curls out of the way for access to the tablet, but doesn't serve as a stand.

Company: Chil

Website: www.chil.com

Model: PowerShare Reactor

Price: $50

Compatible: All iPads, iPhones, iPods

Chil PowerShare Reactor 5.1 Amp Multidevice Charger

With the average number of power-hungry devices in a household rapidly growing, charging them all becomes more and more of a concern. Chil's PowerShare Reactor 5.1 Amp Multidevice Charger ($50) is among the latest solutions looking to address this issue. The charger itself is a plastic box with a connected wall plug, and it's housed inside a rubber sleeve that lifts it a few inches off the ground. Extra space inside allows the cable to be tucked away when not needed. There are four USB ports -- three put out 1 Amp for iPod/iPhone charging, and one does 2.1 Amp for iPads -- although no cables are included.