iLounge

Proporta has introduced its Shine and Mini Mod Alu-Leather cases for the iPod nano (with video). The Shine is a flip-style patent leather case with magnetic closure, internal mirror, removable lanyard, and cut-outs for access to the nano’s ports and hold switch. It sells for $40. The Mini Mod Alu-Leather case features a leather exterior with a white stripe that is wrapped around a thin sheet of aluminum for added protection, as well as a magnetic closure and in-case access to the nano’s ports and controls. It sells for $46. The Proporta Shine and Mini Mod Alu-Leather cases for iPod nano (with video) come in black or red and are available now from Proporta.com.

Fusion Audio Technologies has introduced the iPowerRush, a portable, battery-powered charger for the iPhone and Dock-enabled iPods that claims to increase the run time of the devices by “more than 50 percent.” The unit is comprised of the main charger body, which holds six AAA batteries and features a sliding power switch and a push-button power indicator, and a short cord with a Dock Connector at the end. “This is a great holiday present for all iPhone and iPod users, especially since the iPhone and iPod batteries are not user-replaceable,” said Ken Klarfeld, president of Fusion Audio Technologies, Inc., the U.S. distributor of the product. The iPowerRush is available now from ipowerrush.com and sells for $30.

JayBird Gear has introduced its JB-100 Bluetooth Stereo Headset and JB-BA-100i Bluetooth adapter for iPod. The JB-100 Bluetooth Stereo Headset is designed for listening to music and for taking calls, featuring noise and echo suppression technology. JayBird claims the JB-100 is the “smallest Bluetooth stereo headset ever made,” and it also features water and sweat resistance, along with an included charging dock and carrying pouch. The JB-BA-100i Bluetooth adapter for iPod is a Dock Connector-based adapter that enables the iPod to output 16-bit stereo audio using A2DP. It is compatible with every generation of iPod nano, the iPod touch, iPod classic, and fifth-generation iPod. For those using iPod shuffles or other devices, the JB-BA-100m Bluetooth adapter connects to any audio device with a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. The JayBird JB-100 Bluetooth Stereo Headset sells for $130; the adapters sell for $50 each. All three accessories are available now.

Sababa Toys has introduced the iNo, a new music trivia game system with a built-in iPod Dock. The object of the game is for players to guess the album, artist, or song that plays (or a combination of these) when an iPod is placed into the module. The iNo game system includes a music player with a built-in speaker, four electronic wireless remote controls that stop the music when activated and lock out the other players, and four color-coded scoreboards on the base of the device that keep track of players’ right and wrong guesses. Sababa Toys’ iNo Game System requires 6 AA batteries and is available now at Target.com for $60.

Metallo Design has introduced its new Gilty Couture line of gold, silver, and Swarovski crystal accoutrements for the iPod and iPhone. The new collection includes slide-on bezels for the iPhone and iPod touch, which are available in gold or silver with differently-colored Swarovski crystals in each, and are priced between $100 and $130. Also available are “Jewelry Cover” cases for the fifth-generation iPod, iPod classic, second- and third-generation iPod nano, and second-generation iPod shuffle. All models except for the shuffle feature a two-piece slide-together design, allowing full access to all controls and ports, EVA foam interior lining, and an included micropolish storage and cleaning pouch. Cases for the iPod shuffle feature a one-piece faceplate design, as well as the foam lining, full access, and cleaning pouch found in the other cases. Gilty Couture Jewelry Cover cases are available now and priced between $55 and $175. For more information on Gilty Couture Accoutrements for iPod shuffle, nano, classic & touch, check out our First Look article.

Denon Electronics has introduced two new S-Series Networked Audio Systems, the S-52 and S-32, both of which are equipped with built-in iPod Docks. The S-32 and S-52 also feature built-in Wi-Fi, Audyssey Bass-XT and Dynamic EQ audio processing, a multi-function scroll wheel on the top of the unit for easier iPod and menu navigation, the ability to stream music wirelessly from Internet Radio sources, network attached storage devices, and PC or Mac computers, the ability to decode MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV and FLAC formats, and the ability to connect to the Rhapsody digital music service. In addition, the S-52 also features a built-in HD Radio tuner, a slot-loading CD player, and a USB port, and is also XM Satellite Radio ready. Joe Stinziano, Denon’s Senior Vice President for Sales & Marketing, said, “Our new S-Series products embody Denon’s ‘Whole Home Audio’ strategy and are designed to provide ‘Boundless Entertainment’ opportunities for our customers. The S-Series Networked Audio Systems truly raise the bar for the entire compact category, offering users advanced networking, connectivity, performance and convenience features.” The Denon S-32 and S-52 iPod-docking Networked Audio Systems are available now and sell for $499 and $699, respectively.

Boomwave has announced the launch of its Nanopets cases for the iPod nano (with video). Nanopets are silicone cases with a canine-like design and feature access to all ports and controls, an included screen protector, and a neck strap. Nanopets are available now in four colors, and sell for $16.

iFrogz has introduced new car and wall chargers for Dock Connecting iPods. The 12V USB Car Charger plugs into any standard car outlet, and connects to the iPod via a USB-to-Dock Connector cable. The 110V USB Wall Charger features a standard two ply plug and also connects to the iPod via a USB to Dock Connector cable. Both the iFrogz Car Charger and iFrogz Wall Charger are available now in white, blue, pink, green, or black, and sell for $13 and $15, respectively.

Tunewear has introduced its Prie Ambassador case for iPod touch. The Ambassador is made from genuine nappa leather and features white contrast stitching, a removable hook, and a slim card holder on the back of the case, allows access to all ports and controls, and includes Tunefilm protective clear film for both the display and shiny rear casing of the iPod touch. The Tunewear Prie Ambassador for iPod touch is available now and sells for $46.

Blue Raven Technology has introduced its new Maestro 2020 and Maestro 2040 Bluetooth iPod Speaker Systems. The Maestro 2020 and 2040 share a common design of two magnetically-shielded speakers in separate housings, with built-in Bluetooth technology. The 2020 offers 20 watts of digital audio power and the 2040 provides 40 watts, both in the Bluetooth and the regular models. Frequency response is also slightly improved on the 2040 model. Other features include an auxiliary input, an included remote, and an optional sub-woofer. For those seeking a non-Bluetooth solution, both models are available with an integrated iPod Dock instead of Bluetooth, for a reduced price. The Blue Raven Maestro 2020 and 2040 are available in black, white or red; the Bluetooth 2020 sells for $200, the Dock version for $170, the Bluetooth 2040 for $300, and the Dock 2040 for $230.

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.