News
Griffin intros GuitarConnect Pro for iOS devices
- December 6, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories

Griffin Technology has introduced its new GuitarConnect Pro accessory for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. GuitarConnect Pro connects to the device using the Dock Connector port, and adds a standard 1/4 inch instrument jack, with a built-in gain control, to the device. It is compatible with any instrument that has a 1/4 jack, and with most Core Audio apps, including Apple’s own GarageBand. Users can monitor the audio by connecting a pair of headphones or speakers to the device’s built-in headphone jack. Griffin’s GuitarConnect Pro accessory for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch is available now and sells for $80.
SwitchEasy debuts Melt case for iPhone 4/4S
- December 2, 2011
- iPhone Accessories

SwitchEasy has debuted its new Melt case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. Made from polycarbonate, the Melt features a two-piece slider design with a gloss UV coating on the upper piece and a matte finish on the bottom, a “melting” texture on the back that serves to enhance grip, and a felt area on the interior to guard against scratches. Included with the case are two anti-static screen guards, a microfiber wipe, a squeegee applicator, two Universal Dock adapters — one black, one white — a video stand, two 30-pin port protectors, and two 3.5mm headphone jack protectors. SwitchEasy’s Melt case is available in in six color combinations—including a special limited holiday edition—and sells for $35.
Mophie, Best Buy recall iPod, iPhone battery packs
- December 2, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPhone Accessories
Mophie and Best Buy’s Rocketfish label have announced recalls of certain battery packs for the iPod and iPhone. Mophie is recalling a limited number of Juice Pack Air units for the fourth-generation iPod touch—those starting with a serial number that falls between TR113 and TR120—due to potential overheating problems. The company has set up a web page dedicated to the issue, and recommends that owners of the affected units cease use immediately. Best Buy is recalling the Rocketfish Model RF-KL12 Mobile Battery Case for the iPhone 3G and 3GS due to similar overheating concerns. According to the company, roughly 31,000 affected units were sold in the U.S., with another 1,000 in Canada; again, customers are advised to stop using the product immediately and contact Best Buy toll-free at (800) 917-5737.
iFixit offers Transparent Rear Panel for iPhone 4/4S
- November 29, 2011
- iPhone Accessories
iFixit is now offering a Transparent Rear Panel kit for the GSM iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. The kit includes a Transparent Rear Glass Panel, a “Liberation Kit” with two screwdrivers—one for Apple’s pentalobe screws, and one for standard Phillips screws, along with two Phillips replacement screws—a screen protector, and a Thirsty Bag designed to absorb water from a device that’s been accidentally exposed to moisture. The Transparent Rear Panel Kit is available now in limited supplies for $30; once supplies are exhausted, iFixit will continue to offer the Panel by itself for the same price.
Hub Innovations intros Couture cases for iPhone 4/4S
- November 22, 2011
- iPhone Accessories

Hub Innovations has introduced its new Couture cases for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. Available in three different designs—Pretty Girl, Punx Not Dead, and Classic—each Couture case features an elaborate, raised design on the back, incorporating materials such as Swarovski crystals and black jewels, while offering open access to all ports, controls, and cameras, as well as a two-piece snap-on design. Hub Innovations’ Couture cases for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S are available now and sell for $80 each.
Tascam debuts iM2 microphone for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch
- November 22, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories

Tascam has debuted its new iM2 Stereo Microphone for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. The iM2 is a dock-connecting accessory that features dual condenser microphones, the ability to adjust the microphones over 180 degrees, a built-in microphone per-amp and analog-to-digital converter, a stereo limiter to reduce the effect of sudden loud sounds, a microphone level adjustment knob, a USB input to allow for charging while the iM2 is attached, and compatibility with the company’s free PCM Recorder app. Tascam’s iM2 Stereo Microphone for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch is available now and sells for $79.
Incase adds new designs to Andy Warhol collection
- November 21, 2011
- iPhone Accessories

Incase has announced that as part of its collaboration with The Andy Warhol Foundation, its Snap Case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S is now available in five additional designs. Featured in this latest update are Warhol’s 1964 Self Portrait, 1963’s Crowd, Cars and Handle with Care - Glass—both from 1962—and 1980’s Diamond Dust Shoes. Each case features Warhol’s signature on the inside, and offers full access to all ports, controls, and cameras. Incase’s Warhol Collection Snap Case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S is available now and sells for $40.
Holga case adds filters to iPhone 4, 4S camera
- November 21, 2011
- iPhone Accessories
HolgaDirect is now offering its iPhone Lens Filter Kit for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. The iPhone Lens Filter Kit is a snap-on style case offering open access to all ports and controls, plus a large wheel on the back that places various effect filters over the rear camera. Options include dual, triple, and quadruple image lenses, red, green, yellow, and blue filters, some of which offer additional effects in the center, an empty hole for taking images with no effect, and a 60mm macro lens. HolgaDirect’s iPhone Lens Filter Kit for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S is available now in black, white, silver, red, or blue, and sells for $25.
Joy Factory unveils StormCruiser bike mount for iPhone 4, 4S
- November 21, 2011
- iPhone Accessories

The Joy Factory has unveiled its new StormCruiser bicycle mount for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. The StormCrusier is a weather-resistant case that can be mounted horizontally or vertically on the frame of a bicycle or stroller with push-through coverage for the Home, volume, and sleep/wake buttons, and a protective plug for the headphone jack. The Joy Factory’s StormCruiser bicycle mounting system is available for pre-order now and is expected to ship soon for $50. Notably, the StormCruiser appears to be identical to the Luxa H10 Bike Mount; for more information, see our review here.
Fanny Wang offers custom-coloring for headphones
- November 18, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories

Fanny Wang today announced that it is offering a custom colorization service for its line of headphones. The 1001 On Ear, as well as 2001 and 3001 Over Ear models can now be ordered with the customer’s choice of color on seven different parts—the outside band, inside band, center disc, sound chambers, accent strip, ear muffs, and cords—allowing for over one million possible color combinations. Fanny Wang’s custom colored headphones are available now and range in price from $220 for the 1001 to $350 for the noise-canceling 3001.
Stem intros Time Command Mini for iPad, iPhone, iPod
- November 18, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories

Stem Innovation has introduced its new Time Command Mini alarm dock for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod. Featuring a top-mounted dock that can accomodate nearly any docking Apple device, the Time Command Mini also offers a dimmable, curved LED display, the ability to transfer time- and app-set alarms from the device when its docked, compatibility with the company’s Stem:Connect app for calendar-based alarm scheduling, control over the LED display, local weather and forecast information, and more, and the ability to charge the connected device while in use. Stem Innovations’ Time Command Mini is available now and sells for $80.
Extended Access debuts Exo Flak Jacket for iPhone 4/4S
- November 17, 2011
- iPhone Accessories
Extended Access has debuted its new Exo Flak Jacket case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. The Exo Flak Jacket is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, and features a two-piece, screw-together design with separate front and rear frames, an anodized protective coating, and open access to all ports, controls, and cameras. Extended Access’ Exo Flak Jacket for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S is available now in nine colors and sells for $50.
Just Mobile rolls out Gum Max battery pack
- November 17, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories

Just Mobile has rolled out its new Gum Max high-capacity battery pack for the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and other USB-charging devices. Recent recipient of the Good Design Award 2011, the Gum Max features a durable aluminum body, eight LED power indicators, a standard USB port, 10,400mAh capacity with 2.1 Amp output for fast charging of the iPad, included Dock Connector and USB-to-microUSB cables, and an included travel pouch. Just Mobile’s Gum Max high-capacity battery pack is available now and sells for $110.
Bang & Olufsen AirPlay speaker leaked by FCC
- November 16, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories

A new AirPlay-capable wireless speaker from Bang & Olufsen has appeared on the FCC’s website. Dubbed the Beolit 12, the system resembles a picnic basket, with a wrap-around perforated grille that recalls a wicker pattern; features include a USB port, a 3.5mm input, an Ethernet port, and what appears to be a leather carrying strap. As the system has yet to be officially announced by B&O, it is currently unclear what the price might be, or when it might become available. [via Gizmodo | Wireless Goodness]
Update, January 2012: B&O has announced that it is launching a new brand called B&O Play that will offer portable audio and video products at a “more accessible price point.” The first product to launch under the new brand is the Beolit 12. In addition to the details mentioned above, the system will offer a built-in power supply with rechargeable battery—good for eight hours of playback—and a tuck-away power cord, a hand-assembled aluminum casing, two two-inch tweeters and a four-inch woofer which are driven by a 120 watt Class D amplifier system, and the ability to recharge a connected iOS device via the USB port. It will be available starting this month for $799/€699 in dark grey and will be available this spring in other colors including yellow, blue, and light grey.
V-Moda Crossfade LP2 promises less branding, improved sound
- November 16, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories

V-Moda has introduced its new Crossfade LP2 Headphones. As a successor to the company’s original Crossfade LP, the Crossfade LP2 features little external branding, 50mm dual-diaphragm drivers, V-Port 3D staging, replaceable memory foam ear cushions for noise isolation, and is tuned using a 31-band EQ. In addition, the Crossfade LP2 includes two sets of interchangeable shields for the outside of the earcups, two detachable Kevlar-reinforced fabric audio cables—one with an Apple-friendly three-button remote, and one without—and a hard exoskeleton carrying case. V-Moda’s Crossfade LP2 is available now and sells for $199; customers can purchase an additional set of shields for $25, or can opt to have the shields customized with their own logo for $45.
Gear4 teases AirZone Series 1 AirPlay speaker
- November 15, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories
Gear4 has posted a product page for its upcoming AirZone Series 1 AirPlay stereo speaker on its U.S. website. Previously unveiled in Europe and slated for release later this month, the AirZone Series 1 offers built-in Wi-Fi, a front-mounted dock for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod, an FM radio, an auxiliary input, and an included remote control. It will sell for $300.
H2O Audio unveils Trax Custom Fit Sport Headphones
- November 15, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories
H2O Audio has unveiled its new Trax Custom Fit Sport Headphones. Designed to withstand rain, sweat, and rinsing off, Trax are 100% waterproof, and feature an ergonomically angled ear bud and a moldable memory wire ear hook for a secure fit, five included ear plug options, and an included storage pouch large enough to hold most iPods. H2O Audio’s Trax Custom Fit Sport Headphones are available now in green or black and sell for $40.
Spar intros Zephyr Bluetooth speakers
- November 15, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories

Spar has introduced its new line of Zephyr Bluetooth wireless speakers. The lineup includes the Zephyr 300, a pocket-sized speaker offering 12 hours of continuous play from an 800mA rechargeable battery in black, blue, or red for $100, the Zephyr 500, which offers two custom drivers, a soft-touch rubber exterior in black or white, and 18 hours of continuous play from a 1500mA battery for $130, and the Zephyr 550, which offers an aluminum body and 30 hours of play from a 3000mA battery for $160. All three models feature a built-in speakerphone, a 3.5mm input, and the ability to act as a battery pack, charging devices through the integrated USB ports. All three models are available for pre-order now and are expected to begin shipping next month.
Altec Lansing rolls out Custom Series In-Ear Monitors
- November 15, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories
Altec Lansing, in partnership with ACS Custom, has rolled out its new Custom Series In-Ear Monitors. The lineup includes three models—the triple driver A3, dual-driver A2, and single driver A1—all of which require the users to go and have a custom ear mold created, from which the personalized monitors are crafted. Features include medical-grade silicone bodies that offer up to -27db of noise isolation and SteriTouch antimicrobial treatment, a frequency response range of 16Hz ~ 20KHz, finely tuned balanced armature drivers, and Kevlar-reinforced cables with a gold-plated 3.5mm plug and a special sheath designed to prevent noise transference. Altec Lansing’s ACS Custom Series In-Ear Monitors will be available later this month and will sell for $500 for the A1, $750 for the A2, and $1,000 for the A3.
Fresh Fiber offers 3D-printed cases for iPhone 4/4S
- November 10, 2011
- iPhone Accessories

Fresh Fiber is now offering 3D-printed cases for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. Among the company’s latest offerings are the Cassette Case, which features turning reels, the Boombox Case, which features an integrated stand, and the Camera Case, which features a sliding cover for the iPhone’s camera and small holes on either end for attaching a camera strap. Fresh Fiber’s 3D-printed cases for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S are available now and sell for €40, or roughly $55.
