iLounge

Plantronics has released the Marque M155, a new app-enabled Bluetooth headset designed specifically for iPhone and Android devices. Weighing in at just 7 grams, the M155 offers voice-guided pairing for the iPhone and integrated voice recognition for hands-free answering or rejecting of incoming calls. Stereo Bluetooth A2DP support is also included for listening to music, podcasts and other audio such as GPS directions.

The Marque M155 also integrates with Plantronics free MyHeadset app which provides users with quick pairing and setup features and sound quality testing. The app also includes access to Plantronics’ Vocalyst Voice and Text service that provides hands-free voice control for sending e-mail or text messages, posting updates to Facebook and Twitter or checking weather and news information. Vocalyst is a subscription-based service with a one-year subscription included with the purchase of the Marque. The Marque M155 is available in black or white for $60 and available for pre-order today at Amazon.com, Plantronics.com and select retailers and wireless carriers.

Gear4 has announced pricing and availability for its new lineup of licensed speakers based on Rovio’s iconic mobile game Angry Birds. Three different models will be available, each based on a popular game character: Red Bird, Black Bird and the Helmet Pig. The Red Bird speaker will sell for $80 and allows playback via a 3.5mm audio cable for compatibility with any audio player and includes a stand. The Green Helmet Pig speaker is priced at $100 and includes an integrated Dock for the iPod and iPhone along with volume and bass controls and a remote control. The Black Bird speaker is optimized for the iPad providing an external Dock and iPad charging support and also includes a remote control and volume and bass controls. All three speakers are expected to be available later this fall in Apple Stores and can be pre-ordered online at Gear4.

Soundmatters has announced the new foxLv2 Platinum Bluetooth speaker, a pocket-sized Hi-Fi speaker for audio purists. The latest in the company’s award-winning foxL series, the foxLv2 adds a trio of new performance features including advancements in Bluetooth streaming technology for CD quality music, new audiophile cabling and extended battery life. Sporting a new “platinum” finish, the foxLv2 includes support for the Blutooth CSR apt-X streaming protocols for wireless connectivity to Bluetooth equipped devices such as the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or Mac or users can connecting to an audio source using the included 3.5mm Audioquest Evergreen cable; Bluetooth speakerphone capability is also included with a built-in noise cancelling microphone.

The foxLv2 speakers can be used either with an AC connection for increased wattage output or on the internal rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery for up to 10 hours of battery life using Bluetooth or 20 hours with a wired audio connection. The foxLv2 Platinum is priced at $229 and is expected to be available from Soundmatters and other retailers beginning in November.

Vers has unveiled its new 7E enhanced bass earphones, as well as a new case for the iPad 2. The 7E is an in-ear earphone, featuring a bamboo or walnut body made from sustainably-sourced wood, an 8mm driver, an included felt-lined metal carrying case, and an in-line microphone and single-button remote. Vers’ 7E earphones are available now and sell for $70. The Slimcase for iPad 2 is also made from bamboo or walnut, and offers a two-piece slide-together design, open access to all ports and controls, and a metal foot for use as a stand. It sells for $80.

iHelicopters has debuted its new iW500 Wall Climbing Car for iOS. The remote controlled vehicle creates a sealed vacuum between itself and the surface of the wall or ceiling, allowing it to perform a variety of stunts. A vacuum on/off switch allows the device to be used as a traditional RC car; other features include a 200mAh Li-Polymer USB rechargeable battery, and an included transmitter which plugs into the dock connector port of an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and works with a free app to allow the device to remotely control the toy. iHelicopters’ iW500 Wall Climbing Car for iOS is available now and sells for $60.

Photos showing the packaging for a claimed “iPhone 4S” case have surfaced online. The images, posted to Twitter by @chronic, show the packaging for what appears to be an Otterbox Commuter Series case labeled “iPhone 4S.” The same Twitter account claims that Otterbox has ordered an initial run of 3,000,000 of the cases, which, if true, suggests that the company is confident in the legitimacy of the “iPhone 4S” moniker. Notably, the back of the package shows what appear to be volume buttons on the side of the case opposite their current location, a change that has not been suggested by any prior part leaks or reports. Apple is widely expected to announce its new iPhone lineup in the next two weeks.

Eton has debuted its new Mobius rechargeable battery case with solar panel for the iPhone 4. The Mobius combines an 1,800 mAh lithium ion battery pack with a high-efficiency solar panel that’s used to recharge the battery when not in use. Other features include a Micro USB port for charging the battery via USB, dedicated charge indicators for the battery and solar panel, and a standby switch for control over when the battery is supplying power to the encased iPhone. Eton’s Mobius rechargeable battery case with solar panel for the iPhone 4 is available now from Amazon and sells for around $85.

Mophie has taken the wraps off its new lineup of Juice Pack external batteries for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The Juice Pack Powerstation is a 4,000mAh external battery offering 2 amp output capabilities for fast charging of the iPad over USB, a four LED charge status indicator, and built-in short circuit, overcharge and temperature protection. It will sell for $80.

The smaller Juice Pack Boost offers a 2000mAh capacity lithium polymer battery, a slim profile with a pivoting Dock Connector, a soft touch finish, and a four LED charge status indicator. It is priced at $50. Finally, the Juice Pack Reserve is a compact power solution offering a hidden, flexible integrated charging cable, a built-in key ring, a LED power indicator, and a two-tone soft touch and metallic finish. It will sell for $35; all three Juice Pack models are expected to ship September 30th.

Desk Pets has announced that its TankBot remote control toy for iOS and Android is now available. First revealed in January, the TankBot is a small interactive toy that features three modes to navigate mazes, roam freely, or allow for user control via a headphone jack-connecting remote control module and a dedicated iOS app. The TankBot also features IR sensors to let it maneuver around obstacles, a built-in speaker with dedicated sounds for certain situations, and a built-in battery that recharges over USB and provides 15 minutes of play time per charge. Desk Pets’ TankBot for iOS is available starting today at Radio Shack and Toys R’ Us locations nationwide and sells for $25.

Logitech has introduced its new Harmony Link universal remote for iOS. The Link is a small device that communicates with the free Logitech Harmony Link apps for iPhone/iPod touch and iPad over Wi-Fi, enabling them to control up to eight home entertainment devices at once via a built-in IR blaster. The Link also includes an IR mini-blaster accessory for controlling components stored inside a cabinet, and offers the ability to connect with multiple devices at one time, personalized program guides with one-tap channel switching on the iPad and information provided by Rovi, over 5,000 supported component brands, the ability to learn IR commands from other remotes, an AC adapter so there’s no need for battery replacement. Logitech’s Harmony Link universal remote solution for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch is available for pre-order now and is expected to ship next month for $100.

Sony has debuted its new RDP-X500iP speaker dock for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod. Sporting a wide, tall shape and a front-mounted dock, the RDP-X500iP features Magnetic Fluid Speakers for increased clarity, a built-in subwoofer, dual passive radiators for added bass response, Clear Phase digital signal processing, an auxiliary input, and an included remote control. The RDP-X500iP is available for pre-order now and sells for $300. In addition, it’s also introduced an updated version of its clock radio for iPod and iPhone. Dubbed the ICF-CS15iP, it offers Mega Bass and Mega Xpand sound modes, dual alarms with 2-5-7 day functionality and support for different settings for weekdays and weekends, a new flexible dock connector to accomodate encased devices, and an included full function remote. Sony’s ICF-CS15iP is also available for pre-order and is priced at $100.

Dwindling supplies of Apple’s iPhone 4 Bumper case in certain regions may be pointing to an impending discontinuation of the line, according to a new report. Citing information received from informant “Mr. X”, 9to5Mac reports that stock of Apple’s in-house iPhone 4 case is constrained in certain regions, which it takes as an indication that Apple plans to either update or discontinue the line. The report notes that the next iPhone may require an updated Bumper, or may feature an all new design. With some form of the iPhone 4, whether it be a simple change to 8GB capacity or a new iPhone 4S moniker, likely to be sold long after the iPhone 5 is announced, it seems unlikely that Apple would discontinue the product altogether. Instead, it seems possible that it is drawing down current stock to be replaced with a slightly updated revision, or to indicate on the accessory’s packaging its compatibility with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, should the latter become a reality.

Altec Lansing is showing a pair of new speaker systems at the IFA show in Berlin, according to Engadget. The inAir 5000 is a tabletop AirPlay speaker featuring a teardrop design and 110 watts of total power, but lacking the built-in dock of the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin line with which it is likely to compete. The second system is the iMT630 Classic. It offers a retractable dock, a built-in stand on the back, and a magnetic remote control that can be secured to the unit’s metal front grill for safe keeping. Neither price nor availability information has been released for either system.

Update: Altec has released details of its inMotion iMT630 speaker system for the iPhone and iPod. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts for up to seven hours, the 630 features an integrated dock, dual two-inch drivers, an included wireless remote with dedicated magnetic storage space, and compatibility with Altec Lansing’s free iOS apps. Altec Lansing’s inMotion iMT630 speaker system for the iPhone and iPod is available in a black Classic model or in red or teal Sport models and sells for $150.

Kensington has introduced several new accessories for the iPhone and iPad. Among them are the BungeeAir Power Wireless Security Tether & Battery for iPhone and BungeeAir Protect Wireless Security Tether for iPhone, two new products which combined a small remote fob, 30-pin accessory, and downloadable app to maintain an active wireless connection between the fob and the iPhone, alerting the user should one travel too far from the other while simultaneously password-protecting the phone. The app also lets the accessory serve as a key-finding mechanism. The BungeeAir Power integrates the 30-pin transmitter into a slim battery case for the iPhone 4, offering 1500mAh of extra power and a built-in slot to allow a credit card to serve as a kickstand when viewing the iPhone in landscape orientation. It sells for $100 and is currently available for pre-order on Amazon. The BungeeAir Protect instead includes a small 30-pin dongle for communication with the included fob as well as a case designed to hold the iPhone 4 with the dongle attached. It sells for $80, and is available for pre-order directly from Kensington.

Finally, the new SecureBack Security Cases for iPad 2 allow users to secure their iPads while also offering protection. The standard SecureBack Security Case features three-piece construction, open access to all ports and controls, and an adjustable slider bar that offers quick access to the ClickSafe Security Anchor while also serving as a typing stand, while the SecureBack Security Case with 2-way Stand adds an extendable stand to the rear of the case, offering a 20-degree typing angle and 60-degree landscape viewing angle. Both cases are available for pre-order now for $50 and $60, respectively, and are also available in bundles with a ClickSafe Lock for an additional $30 each.

Orbotix has announced that Sphero, its smartphone-controlled robotic ball, will be available later this year. Recipient of an iLounge 2011 CES Best of Show Finalist Award, the Sphero is roughly baseball-sized, and can be controlled by an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Android device over Bluetooth, via a standard control app or through specialized apps. Features include integrated, color-changing LED lights, and an included induction charging base. Orbotix’ Sphero is expected to ship later this year for $130; the company is taking free reservations now.

Epson has debuted its new MegaPlex projectors for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. Both the MegaPlex MG-850HD and MegaPlex MG-50 feature built-in docks compatible with all three devices, the ability to charge the docked device, integrated stereo speakers, USB plug n’ play instant setup from a PC or Mac, HDMI, VGA, and microphone inputs, built-in handles, and high-brightness 3LCD projectors. The MG-850HD offers a resolution of 720p and a maximum output brightness of 2,800 lumens, while the MG-50 features 540p resolution and 2,200 lumens of max output. Epson’s MegaPlex MG-850HD and MG-50 projectors will be available later this month and will sell for $800 and $700, respectively.

Dexim has unveiled its new AppSpeed Race Car for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. As the second model in its AppSpeed lineup of radio-controlled (RC) vehicles, the Race Car includes a small 30-pin RF dongle to allow for control of the toy via a specialized app, and gives users the ability to control the car using touchscreen controls or via the device’s accelerometer, while featuring three pre-set modes to have the car automatically zigzag, spin, or dance to music, an included quick-charging battery pack with USB charging cable, and the ability to control the car from nearly 50 feet away. Pricing and release information for Dexim’s AppSpeed Race Car for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch has yet to be announced.

Incase has announced that its new Audio Collection series of headphones is now available. Previewed by the company in June, the new lineup includes four models—the Sonic Over Ear headphones, sporting 40mm titanium drivers and a $200 price tag, the Capsule In Ear model which offers custom 8.5mm drivers and sells for $50, and the Reflex and Pivot On Ear headphones, both of which feature 40mm drivers. The Reflex is aimed at those who want a minimal design; it sells for $80, while the Pivot is designed for active use and sells for $60. All of Incase’s new Audio Collection headphones feature an inline three-button remote and mic and are available now.

Apple is preparing a revised version of its AirPort Express 802.11n base station, according to a new report. Citing a person familiar with the matter, AppleInsider reports that the current model is out-of-stock or otherwise listed as discontinued at some third-party retailers, and that AirPort Utility—currently in development—specifically lists “Adds support for the AirPort Express 802.11n (2nd Generation) base station” in its release notes. Apple updated the rest of its AirPort family in June, boosting the devices’ signals and improving performance, especially at long distances. Apart from serving as a portable 802.11n base station, the AirPort Express also serves as an AirPlay audio client thanks to its integrated audio output port.

JBL has rolled out its new OnBeat Xtreme and OnBeat Air speaker systems for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. As explained on the company’s website, the OnBeat Xtreme features a rotating dock with support for the iPad, JBL Ridge tweeters and Atlas woofers, computer optimized DSP equalization, Bluetooth for wireless audio playback, and the ability to charge the docked device. It is available for pre-order and sells for $499. The OnBeat Air was shown at the recent IFA electronics show in Germany, and, according to What Hi-Fi, will also feature a rotating, iPad-friendly dock, built-in Wi-Fi for AirPlay support, and either a white or black finish. It is expected to ship next month and sell for £200, or roughly $315. [via iPod Republic]