iLounge

Contour Design has introduced its Showcase nano v3 and Showcase touch cases for the iPod nano (with video) and iPod touch. The cases are made from shock absorbing rubber and clear polycarbonate, offering dual-layer protection. Other features include a hinged door, a hinged Dock Connector port protector, a removable, multi-position belt clip, a press-through hold switch cover on the touch model, and a play-through Click Wheel protector on the nano v3. “The Showcase is our flagship case, and we wanted these to perfectly complement the newest iPods,” said Mike Jackle of Contour Design. “These Showcases take our designs and features to the next level, using the dual layers of rubber and polycarbonate in ways we never have before.” The Contour Showcase nano v3 and Showcase touch are available now and sell for $30 and $35, respectively.

Tunewear has announced that it is now shipping its new Prie TouchStand case for the iPod touch. The TouchStand is a black leather case with a flip cover that folds back to allow access to the touch’s screen and home button, and features a magnetic closure, included Tunefilm protective film, and a unique clip that can be rotated into seven different positions, and can also be set in a fixed, open position converting the case into a viewing stand. The Tunewear Prie TouchStand for iPod touch is available now and sells for $30.

Extended Access has introduced the BudCase, an earphone case designed to attach to a key ring. Made of neoprene, the BudCase offers an inner pocket for securing a pair of earphones inside the case, a velcro closure for easy access, and a simple clip for attaching to a key ring, purse, bag, etc. “After getting frustrated with not being able to listen to the music on my iPhone because I would always forget to bring my ear buds, it inspired me,” said Chris Dawson, CEO of Extended Access. “Now whenever I want to listen to my iPhone, I simply pull out my keys and presto! My ear buds are ready to go!” The BudCase is compatible with most earphones, including those included with the iPhone and iPod, and is available now in four colors for $15. 

SwitchEasy has announced the immediate availability of its new Capsule and VisionClip for iPhone, CapsuleTouch and CapsuleTouch UltraBlack for iPod touch, and Silicon Biscuits for iPod nano (with video). The Capsule for iPhone is a two-piece, slide-together hard polycarbonate case that features a built-in case lock and includes colored, non-adhesive screen protectors, a matching Dock Connector protector, a matching headphone adapter, a video stand, and a Universal Dock Adapter allowing users to dock the iPhone while still in its case. It sells for $30. The CapsuleTouch and CapsuleTouch UltraBlack for iPod touch offer similar designs and accessories, save for the addition of Ultra Jet Black tinted screen film, which is included with the UltraBlack Special Edition CapsuleTouch. The standard CapsuleTouch sells for $25, while the UltraBlack edition runs $27. The VisionClip is a clip-on holster designed to be used with an iPhone inside a Capsule case. It offers a 180 degree rotating belt clip and a unique window designed to allow users to see the time and incoming call information when the iPhone is positioned in the case face-down. It sells for $15. Finally, Silicon Biscuits for iPod nano (with video) are made from high-quality silicone and feature a playful, biscuit-inspired design, a Lexan polycarbonate screen guard, and an included Dock Connector protector. Available in six different colors, Silicon Biscuits for iPod nano sell for $10 each.

CoverCase has introduced its new CoverCase and Slip Hard Leather Cases for iPhone, as well as its Leather CoverCase for iPod touch. The Leather CoverCase for iPod touch and iPhone as a hand-stitched leather case featuring cut-outs for access to all controls and ports, a flip-up screen cover, suede lining, and an included screen protector. The Leather CoverCase for iPhone comes with a removable belt clip and sells for $20, while the iPod touch model features an integrated, leather-covered belt clip and sells for $15. The Slip Hard Leather Case for iPhone is a handcrafted sleeve-style case made from Napa leather with a rigid insert, featuring suede lining and a special stitching designed not to scratch the device. It sells for $15. All three cases are available now.

Boomwave has announced its new Bearaphim and Diablo Spectrum cases for the iPod nano (with video), and its Diablo case for iPod classic. Bearaphim cases for the iPod nano sport a design that mixes teddy bear-like ears and angel-style wings in one of three colors — red, black, or pink. Diablo Spectrum cases are also available in red, black, or pink, and feature ornamental “horns” and a matching tail. The Diablo case for iPod classic features a similar design, and is available in black or white. All three cases are made from high grade silicone, offer access to the iPod’s controls and ports, and include both a screen protector and a neck strap with an aluminum hook. Boomwave Bearaphim and Diablo Spectrum cases for the iPod nano (with video) sell for $16 each, while the Diablo for iPod classic retails for $20; all three are available now.

Gamila has introduced its Mila Bikini Skins cases and Art Jackets for the first- and second-generation iPod nano, fifth-generation iPod, and iPod classic. Mila Bikini Skin cases are made from a stretchable polyurethane material, and feature a design that wraps over the top and bottom of the iPod, leaving the middle mostly exposed. The cases also feature two “connection points” for attaching other accessories like the included lanyard, car clip, or headphone reel. Mila Art Jackets are designed to complement the Bikini Skins by allowing the cases to “snap” onto the inside of the jacket, providing extra protection. The Art Jackets also come in a variety of colors with different artwork and designs on the exterior. Gamila Mila Bikini Skins sell for $15 each, Mila Art Jackets sell for $15 each, or $25 for a Jacket and Bikini Skin; all are available now.

DLO has introduced an updated version of its TuneStik FM Transmitter for iPod. The TuneStik consists of a FM transmitter that connects to the iPod’s Dock Connector, and a RF remote control designed to clip onto a car’s steering wheel. The updated version of TuneStik offers a display on the remote control that allows users to see and change FM frequencies more easily. In addition, the TuneStik also features a pass-through Dock Connector on the bottom of the FM transmitter to allow for connection of other iPod accessories. “With the new and improved TuneStik, we’ve taken an incredibly unique product and made it even better, “ said Andrew Green, vice president of marketing at DLO.  “TuneStik gives you both a wireless FM transmitter as well as an RF remote control.  And the added display screen enables users to change frequencies without taking their hands off the wheel.” The updated DLO TuneStik with remote is available now and sells for $60.

PDO has announced the immediate availability of its Flipp Leather Case for iPod classic and iPod touch. The Flipp Leather Case is designed with a protective flip-back front cover with magnetic closure, and “uses rigid construction to protect the edges and bottom corners” on the iPod classic model. Both cases feature cut-out access to all ports and controls, integrated metal belt clips, and include screen protectors. The PDO Flipp Leather Case for iPod touch and the PDO Flipp Leather Case for iPod classic are both available now and sell for $30 each.

Audio Pro has introduced Porto, its new portable iPod music system. Porto features a leather-wrapped, tower-like design with a leather handle, integrated Universal iPod Dock, FM tuner, two auxiliary inputs, S-video out, subwoofer out, patented technology from EmbracingSound that provides stereo sound from a single unit using an acoustical divider, a “racetrack” shaped, forward-firing woofer, a rechargeable battery pack that provides 4-6 hours of use, a weight of roughly 4.6 pounds, and a remote control. Pricing and availability information has not yet been released.

Digifocus has announced the impending release of its Mini Sound System for iPod and iPhone. The smallish system is a licensed “Made for iPod” accessory, and features two built-in speakers, an integrated iPod Dock, 3.5 mm auxiliary input, the ability to charge the iPod when connected to a USB port or charger, and the ability to run up to nine hours off of one AA battery. The Digifocus Mini Sound System for iPod and iPhone comes in black, sliver, or red, and will be available on December 5 for $60.

Vaja, maker of luxury leather goods, has introduced a myriad of new cases for the iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, and iPod nano (with video). For the iPod classic, Vaja is offering the same line of cases it offers for the fifth-generation iPod, save for the Crystal, which has been supplanted in the classic lineup by the Crystal 2. In addition to the company’s previously announced iPhone cases, the company is now offering a Crystal 2 case for iPhone with an open front for direct access to the device’s touchscreen. It sells for $220 and up. It has also released the i-Volution Silver for iPhone, which adds silver appliques to the traditional i-Volution design and sells for $280 and upward, and the i-Volution Top Visor, which combines the company’s previous Holster, Top Holster, and i-Volution designs in a case that might best be described as a hybrid holster/traditional case. It includes three screen protectors, and sells for $90 and up. Finally for the iPhone, Vaja has released its i-Volution Grip, a holster-style case with a clip at the top for added stability and a two-tone rear design. It starts at $60.

For the iPod touch, Vaja has introduced its i-Voution Top SP Holster, a holster-style case with a flip-up cover for the device’s screen that also features a contrast stripe down the front. The i-Volution Top Holster is a similar case, but lacks the SP’s contrast stripe. Pricing for the Top Holster starts at $70, while the SP version runs $10 more. Also available for the iPod touch is the i-Volution, a traditional case with openings for access to the device’s screen, power button, and bottom ports, as well as an optional clip system. It starts at $80. The i-Volution Holster is a holster-style case offering protection for the touch’s sides and back, and allowing access to all ports and controls. It runs from $55 and up. The Classic for iPod touch is also a traditional case, offering cut-outs for access to the device’s screen and headphone jack, a push-through home button, and a slimmer design than that of the similar i-Volution. It sells from $60 and up. Finally for the iPod touch, the Classic Top Retro adds a single-striped flip-back cover for the device’s front to the traditional Classic case, as well as an optional clip system and magnetic closure. It starts at $70.

For the iPod nano, Vaja is offering the i-Volution Grip with Hook, which is a holster-style case with a built-in metal hook. It offers access to all controls and ports, and starts at $55. The Classic with Hook for iPod nano is a more traditional case, with a built-in clear plastic screen protector and metal hook. It too offers access to all ports and controls; pricing starts at $60. The Classic Top Retro with hook is a folio-style case with a snap closure, built-in screen protector, and a built-in metal hook. Again, it offers full access to the nano’s ports and controls when opened, access to the headphone jack when closed, and is priced from $65. All Vaja’s cases are made from high-quality leather, and are available for order now in a variety of colors and styles.

XtremeMac has announced its new Verona line of leather cases for the iPod touch, iPod classic, and iPod nano (with video). All of the cases in the Verona line are hand-crafted with genuine leather and include a soft interior lining. The Verona Flip cases for iPod touch ($30) and iPod classic ($30) are folio-style cases that offer an integrated leather-wrapped belt clip and a front flap that folds and snaps into a rear panel, creating a viewing stand for watching videos. The Verona Flip for iPod nano ($25) is a wallet-style case, featuring padded leather panels, a removable carabiner, and a snap closure.

The Verona Sleeve cases for iPod classic ($25) and iPod nano ($25) are designed to offer protection while allowing access to all controls and ports, and while minimizing bulk. Both versions come with removable TuffShield protectors for the screen and Click Wheel, and the nano version comes with a removable carabiner. The Verona Sleeve for iPod touch ($25) offers reinforced construction, and comes with a TuffShield screen protector. Finally, the Verona Holster cases for iPod touch ($30) and iPod classic ($30) are sleeve-style cases with integrated belt clips that offer access to the devices’ headphone jacks while in the case. XtremeMac’s new Verona line of leather cases for the iPod touch, iPod classic, and iPod nano are now available for pre-order in a variety of colors and designs, and are expected to be available at retailers in the coming weeks.

Tunewear has introduced its Icewear clear silicone cases for the iPod touch, iPod classic, and iPod nano (with video). All three Icewear cases are made from high-density silicone, feature patented rib technology for added grip, allow access to the iPod’s screen, ports, and controls, are washable with soap and water, and include a Tunefilm clear film protector. Tunewear Icewear cases for iPod touch, iPod classic, and iPod nano (with video) sell for $30, $25, and $20, respectively. Icewear cases for the iPod touch and iPod nano are available now; Icewear for iPod classic is expected to ship in early December.

Shimura is now offering its Metal Jacket case for the iPod nano (with video). The hinged metal case features a protective front flap that folds back to double as a stand, and offers full-time access to the nano’s Dock Connector, hold switch, and headphone jack, along with flip-up access to the device’s screen and Click Wheel. The case’s design also allows the nano to be docked when the front cover is folded back. The Shimura Metal Jacket for iPod nano (with video) is available now in silver, black, and red, and sells for 8900 yen, or around $82. [via Engadget]

Orbino has introduced its new Corsa case for the iPod touch, Sonata case for the iPod nano (with video), and an iPod classic-compatible update of its Cambio leather case. The Corsa is a hand-stitched leather case featuring a tailored design, a patented spring-loaded removable metal belt clip, a removable Durashield screen protector, and cut-out access to all ports and controls. The Orbino Corsa case for iPod touch is available now and sells for $99.

The Sonata is a hand-stitched leather case featuring a leather lanyard with a palladium pendant, lacquered edging, and an open bottom that offers full access to the Dock Connector, headphone jack, and hold switch. The Orbino Sonata case for iPod nano is available now and sells for $69. Finally, the Cambio, previously released for the fifth-generation iPod, features a hand-stitched, tailored design, a removable metal belt clip, access to all ports and controls, a Durashield screen protector, and a metal Click Wheel frame. It is available now for both 80GB and 160GB models and sells for $99. 

Myvu Corporation, makers of personal media viewers for the iPod and other potable media devices, has announced a new partnership with Ultimate Ears, which will see Ultimate Ears’ earphones incorporated across Myvu’s entire product line. “Audio quality is a major component of the entire myvu experience and a high quality earphone is critical,” said Kip Kokinakis, president and CEO of Myvu Corp. “By partnering with Ultimate Ears, we offer users the industry’s finest on-the-go viewing experience.” “We’re excited to join forces with Myvu and integrate our audio signature into its award-winning product line,” said Mindy Harvey, president and co- founder of Ultimate Ears. “Myvu has a fantastic new technology that deserves a sound quality to match its video. This unique combination will give myvu customers an unparalleled experience that encompasses comfort, quality and of course, entertainment.” It is unclear when Myvu products will begin shipping with the Ultimate Ears components, or whether previously and currently shipping models include the enhancements.

Proporta has introduced three new cases for the iPod touch. The Alu-Leather Case for iPod touch features the Proporta Aluminum “Screen Saver” System which uses a sheet of rigid, lightweight aircraft grade aluminum to line the case, a secure magnetic clasp closure, and contrast overstitching. It sells for $46. The Silicone Case for iPod touch features a removable lanyard and a thin profile, and offers access all ports and controls. It sells for $20. Finally, the Classic case is made from a vegetarian-friendly leather alternative, and features a secure magnetic clasp closure, contrast overstitching, and cut-outs that allow access to ports and controls. It is priced at $25. In addition, Proporta will be introducing its Alu-Leather Sheepskin case for iPod touch and Alu-Leather Edge Case for iPod touch in the coming weeks. The Proporta Alu-Leather Case, Silicone Case, and Classic Case for iPod touch are available now.

iSkin has introduced its new iSkin for iPod touch. The iSkin touch is made from high-grade silicone, and features smooth lines, textured surfaces, integrated port plugs that keep dust and dirt from entering its docking and earphone ports when not in use, included touch-friendly screen film, and a removable belt clip. The iSkin touch comes in a variety of two-tone designs, including NightHawk (espresso+black), Diablo (red+black), Oxygen (black+clear), Electra (black+blue) and Vanity (black+pink). The iSkin touch is available now for order at iSkin.com, and sells for $30.

H2O Audio has introduced its iV6 Waterproof Case for the iPod classic. The iV6 features the patented Commander Scroll Wheel that allows full function of the iPod Click Wheel up to 10 feet underwater or while wearing gloves, as well as the LatchTight locking system, a SealTight connector for waterproof headphones, and a clear view of the iPod’s screen while in the case. The H2O Audio iV6 Waterproof Case for iPod classic is available for pre-order now and sells for $100; the iV6 is expected to being shipping on November 26.