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: Scosche

Website: www.scosche.com

Model: boomBottle

Price: $150

Compatible: All iPads, iPhones, iPod nano 7G, iPod touch 2G/3G/4G/5G

Scosche boomBottle Weatherproof Sport Wireless Speaker

Packed with two 40mm speakers and a 10-hour battery, Scosche's new boomBottle ($150) is a rubber-coated, IPX4 splash proof tube designed to be used for music and speakerphone calls outdoors. Eight inches tall with a roughly 2.7" diameter, boomBottle can fit snugly into cupholders and water bottle cages with ease, or attach with a spring-loaded metal hook to a bag or belt. The peak volume level is close to JBL's Flip, with ample volume, midrange and bass for good outdoor listening, and voice prompting helps with initial Bluetooth pairing. Splashproof rubber caps protect the rear charging port, aux-in port, power, and volume buttons. Four different colors (black, green, blue, or pink) are available, each with black endcaps for the speaker drivers; Scosche will include both a USB charging cable and travel pouch.

Company: Scosche

Website: www.scosche.com

Model: kickFit

Price: $60

Compatible: iPad 2, iPad (3rd/4th-Gen)

Scosche kickFit for iPad 2, iPad (3rd/4th-Gen)

Planned for February 2013 availability, kickFit ($60) is a soft touch rubber-coated hard plastic shell that serves as a semi-protective tablet case at all times, doubling as a stand and exercise equipment mount for the iPad as needed. Two separate arms fold out for attachment to the screen/computer of an exercise machine, and can be flipped around to serve as a stand; a separate kickstand can also pop out as necessary. Scosche also plans an iPad mini version of kickFit.

Company: Scosche

Website: www.scosche.com

Model: RH1060

Price: $250

Compatible: All iPads, iPhones, iPod nano 7G, iPod touch 2G/3G/4G/5G

Scosche RH1060 Realm Bluetooth Headphones

Pitched by Scosche as "reference-grade," the new RH1060 ($250) is the latest in the company's Realm series of headphones, featuring similar styling to the Beats by Dre line -- generally with equivalent or superior sound at lower price points. Using Bluetooth 2.1 for wireless connectivity with iOS devices, RH1060 comes packaged with a nine-hour rechargeable battery and USB cable for refueling, and can also operate in wired audio mode with an included 3.5mm cable; sound is virtually identical in wireless and wired modes. A carrying case, cleaning cloth and carabiner hook are also in the package.

Company: Audiovox

Website: www.808headphones.com

Models: 808 Studio Headphones

Price: $130

Compatible: All iPads, iPhones, and iPods except iPod shuffle 3G

Audiovox 808 Studio Headphones

The latest Beats by Dre competitor has arrived in Audiovox's new 808 Studio Headphones ($130), which feature the now-requisite plastic arc frame and over-ear cushioning expected of Beats-alikes, here in three color options: glossy black, glossy white, and matte black. You still get 40mm drivers inside, plus two sets of cables -- one with a one-button remote and mic, the other without -- a carrying case, and 1/8" adapter. The key differentiators are pricing and build quality: the 808s are considerably less expensive than over-ear Beats, and made from somewhat less fancy materials, including less metal, lighter-weight plastics, and clearly faux leather-covered padding. Our initial reaction to the sound is "not bad," at least for the $80 street price that 808 is expected to sell for.