iLounge

First Looks

Welcome to our new, continuously-updated First Looks - a collection of previews showing brand new iPod accessories that we’re currently in the process of testing. For additional peeks at new iPod accessories, check out our Free iPod + iPhone Book 4 and 2008 iPod + iPhone Buyers' Guide, already available online. Here’s what’s hot right now:

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Company: Pacific Rim Technologies

Website: www.Pacrimtechnologies.com

Model: Bluetooth Handsfree Combo

Price: $TBD

Compatible: iPhone

Pacific Rim Bluetooth Handsfree Combo GBF-S5100

Developed by MobiFren, the new Bluetooth Handsfree Combo GBF-S5100 ($TBD) combines two types of Bluetooth accessories into a single package: the GBH-S100 is a hybrid Bluetooth monaural and stereo headset, with an in-canal silicone earbud design that can be worn in either one or two ears with a detachable included cable. The headset has a microphone and controls built-in to let you take iPhone calls as you're walking around. Once you get into your car, however, you'll want to link the S100 into the GFT-5000, an FM transmitter and charging accessory that connects to the S100's base, disabling its earpiece but retaining its microphone functionality. You can transmit your iPhone's call audio to your car stereo, or connect an audio cable to it or an iPod to broadcast its music to the stereo; the Combo set does not broadcast iPhone music without the wired connection. MobiFren promises up to 60 days of standby mode, and a DSP for noise and echo cancellation; an in-home USB charger is also included for the headset.

Company: Elgato Systems

Website: www.Elgato.com

Model: EyeTV Hybrid (2008)

Price: $150

Compatible: Macintosh

Elgato Systems EyeTV Hybrid (2008)

Based upon the company's earlier EyeTV Hybrid, the new 2008 EyeTV Hybrid ($150) is the company's smallest, simplest piece of analog and over-the-air HDTV tuning hardware, now with improved reception and the ability to receive Clear QAM (unencrypted) digital cable TV. Made from silver plastic with a clear cap, Hybrid is a USB stick with a USB extension cable if you need it, a coaxial connector for attachment to a cable line, detachable video inputs for connection to a set top box for digital cable, and a remote control for channel tuning. It comes with the new, award-winning EyeTV 3 software for tuning and recording TV programs on your Mac, and requires no external power supply, unlike Elgato's bigger and more expensive EyeTV 250 Plus.

Company: Contour Design

Website: www.contourdesign.com

Model: rE Charge

Price: $TBD

Compatible: iPods, iPhone

Contour Design rE charge Universal Charger for iPod & iPhone (Sneak Peek)

Though similar in concept to dual-purpose chargers we've seen in the past, Contour Design's new rE charge Universal Charger (TBD) will be certified as both Made for iPod and Works with iPhone compatible, and is therefore capable of charging either device -- or, thanks to twin USB ports, both at once. Contour will include a Dock Connector cable and a USB to mini USB cable in the package.

Company: FastMac

Website: www.FastMac.com

Model: iV

Price: $100

Compatible: iPhone

FastMac iV - Sneak Peek

Billed as a custom-molded case and battery pack for the iPhone, FastMac's upcoming iV ($100) steps way beyond previously announced iPhone batteries -- and, in fact, most other iPhone accessories we've seen. The built-in power cell, selected by FastMac's experienced battery engineers and based upon the same charging technology found in the iPod touch, promises to triple the iPhone's battery life. Then there's the built-in iPhone camera flash (!), a speaker amplifier and a rotating belt clip that detaches or doubles as a video viewing stand. Impressively, iV has been molded to fit into a standard iPhone dock for simultaneous recharging of itself and the iPhone, and even includes a pass-through USB port so that you can connect your Bluetooth headset for charging at the same time. iV will be available for purchase starting at Macworld Expo this month.

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