iLounge

Scosche has debuted its new freeKey flexible Bluetooth keyboard for the iPad and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Made from silicone, the freeKey is water resistant, and offers a full QWERTY layout with arrow and function keys, Bluetooth 2.0, automatic repairing capabilities, and an included retractable USB to micro-USB charge cable. Scosche’s freeKey flexible Bluetooth keyboard is available now and sells for $60.

DODOcase has introduced its new BOOKback rear covers for the iPad 2 and iPhone 4. Made from the same Moroccan book fabric used in the company’s eponymous folio cases, the BOOKback covers attach to the devices using a reusable, peel-and-stick adhesive, and feature the DODOcase logo debossed in either black or red, as well as cutouts for access to the devices’ cameras, and, in the case of the iPad 2, the speaker; the iPad 2 version is also compatible with Apple’s iPad Smart Covers. DODOcase’s BOOKbacks for iPad 2 and iPhone 4 are available now and sell for $20 and $9, respectively.

JBL has announced that it is now shipping its OnBeat speaker for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod. Announced in March, the OnBeat offers a dock capable of holding an iPad, iPhone, or iPod, dock rotation capabilities when holding an iPod or iPhone, side-mounted volume buttons, dual Phoenix full-range transducers, DSP equalization, the ability to charge the docked device, a USB for syncing, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, composite video output, an included remote control, and JBL’s Weave design. In addition, the company has announced that it is now shipping the system with a revised bracket designed to fit the iPad 2’s slimmer design; customers who’ve already purchased an OnBeat can request a replacement bracket by visiting www.jbl.com/OnBeatipad2 and using the promo code “BRACKET.” JBL’s OnBeat speaker system for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod is available now and sells for $150. For more information on the JBL OnBeat, see our full Review.

Scosche has announced that it is now shipping its switchBack surge g4 battery case for the iPhone 4. Made from hard polycarbonate, the switchBack features an integrated 1800 mAh lithium-ion battery, an integrated kickstand for video viewing, a micro USB port for charging and syncing, interchangeable back plates for customization, LED charge indicator lights, open access to all ports, controls, and cameras, save for the Dock Connector, and integration with the company’s free reVive app. Scosche’s switchBack surge g4 case for the iPhone 4 is available now and sells for $80.

Elgato has introduced its new Tivizen mobile TV tuner for iOS, Mac, and Windows. Powered by a rechargeable battery, the Tivizen is a compact TV tuner than receives Freeview, or DVB-T signals, then transmits the signal to an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch using its own local Wi-Fi network and a free companion app. Other features include the ability to timeshift and record shows, a built-in program guide, 3.5 hours of battery life, and the ability to transfer TV recordings from an iOS device to a computer for archiving or later viewing. Elgato’s Tivizen mobile TV tuner is available now and sells for £150/€150.

EyeSee360, makers of the GoPano Plus 360-degree panoramic optic for digital cameras and camcorders, is now seeking funding to manufacture the GoPano micro, a new lens for the iPhone 4. According to the company, the GoPano micro will use a unique optic + software combination to allow iPhone 4 users to record 360-degree video; a working prototype and essential software is said to be completed, with a web platform to host 360-degree interactive movies in the works. The company has already received nearly $95,000 of funding via Kickstarter—its goal was $20,000—so it appears the product will indeed be produced, however, interested readers can still “pre-order” the GoPano micro with a pledge of $50, $30 off the expected retail price of $80. [via PhotographyBlog]

Bluetrek has unveiled its new MusiCall clip-on stereo Bluetooth headset. Vaguely resembling an iPod shuffle, the MusiCall offers Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, AVRCP, and multiple connections, letting users connect both their mobile phone and media player—if necessary—and also features on-board playback, track forward/back, and volume controls, a 3.5mm jack for connecting any stereo headphones, an integrated microphone with NoiseLock noise, wind, and echo cancellation, an included pair of earbuds, and voice dialing support. Bluetrek’s MusiCall clip-on stereo Bluetooth headset is available now and sells for $70.

Kyle Buckner Designs has taken the wraps off its new iTable, a hybrid coffee table and sound system inspired by the iPhone 4. It features a black and silver design with wrap-around rails bolted onto the outside of the table using 96 stainless steel hex-head bolts, a flat black top with two LED-lit, aluminum-trimmed cup-holders, a dock, and touch-sensitive controls for the LED lighting, volume, and motorized sound bar. The sound bar itself holds eight “high-end” transducer speakers, augmented by a hidden six-inch down-firing subwoofer. The company is accepting orders for the hand-crafted table and is offering customization options; for pricing and more info, see the company’s website. [via Engadget]

JBL has announced the release of its new On Air Wireless AirPlay Speaker Dock first revealed in December. The On Air Wireless supports AirPlay streaming from any iPhone, iPod touch or iPad using iOS 4.2 or later or from a Mac or Windows PC running iTunes 10.1 or later. An integrated screen displays album artwork and song information when streaming from iTunes and playback controls are also included on the speaker. The speaker system itself includes three JBL transducers with a unique HALO (horizontal acoustic level optimization) design that provides uniform, full-spectrum sound. The On Air also includes a Dock Connector for charging an iPhone or iPod, a dual alarm clock, digital FM radio with RDS support and a USB port for firmware updates. The JBL On Air Wireless Speaker sells for $350; it can be ordered online at Apple or Best Buy beginning today and should begin appearing in retail stores later this week.

Update: Canadian retailer Future Shop appears to be offering a white version of the On Air for pre-order with an estimated release date of May 6th. The white model does not currently appear on the Apple or Best Buy sites.

Update 2: JBL has confirmed that Best Buy and Apple will only be selling the black version. The white will be available at retail stores in Canada and online at the Harman retail site.

Parrot has posted a preview video and release date for its much-anticipated AR.FlyingAce augmented reality game for the AR.Drone iPhone-controlled Quadicopter. Released late last summer, The AR.Drone initially included a simple free flight app that allowed users to control the device and view input from the two onboard cameras on their iPhone or iPod touch with Parrot promising additional apps later in the year. An open software development kit also allowed enterprising iOS developers to create their own apps for the AR.Drone, and the company later followed up with its first official game, AR.Pursuit. This game allowed users to play augmented-reality virtual tag with other AR.Drone owners as a sort of scaled-down version of the full dogfighting Flying Ace app that Parrot had been promoting since the early previews of the AR.Drone itself. Parrot has now announced that the AR.FlyingAce app will debut on April 15th and has provided a preview video of two AR.Drones duelling in New York’s Central Park using the new game. Additional details on pricing and features have not yet been announced.

Incase has debuted a new collection of cases, sleeves, and bags featuring the work of pop artist Andy Warhol. Officially licensed by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the collection includes the Snap Case for iPhone 4 ($50), Book Jacket for iPad ($80), Protective Sleeves for the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pros, and a Shoulder Bag for the 15-inch MacBook Pro. Available styles include the Banana screen print, the 1964 Flowers print, Dollar Signs, a cow portrait taken from 1966’s Cow Wallpaper, and a late-era Camouflage. Incase’s Andy Warhol iPhone and iPad cases are available now.

Altec Lansing has introduced its new Octiv 650 speaker system for the iPhone and iPod touch. Designed to be used with TV, the Octiv 650 offers component and composite video out jacks, a flat front panel with a centrally-placed dock, two three-inch full-range drivers and a nested four-inch subwoofer, an auxiliary input, a full-featured remote, and compatibility with Altec’s Music Mood app, which supplies “soothing” pre-loaded videos and sounds, as well as a graphic equalizer. Altec Lansing’s Octiv 650 speaker system for the iPhone and iPod touch will be available in May and will sell for $200.

iSkin has debuted its new Claro and Claro touch cases for the iPhone 4 and fourth-generation iPod touch, respectively. Both cases feature a hybrid design with an inner layer of clear hard polycarbonate and an outer layer of soft polymer with embedded Microban antibacterial protection. Other shared features include open access to the headphone jack, cameras, speakers, microphones, and, in the case of the iPhone 4, the ring/silent switch — the opening for which accommodates both GSM and CDMA models — and push-through button coverage for the power and volume buttons. The Claro touch also offers an integrated 30-pin port cover, while the iPhone version features a black integrated camera ring to eliminate unwanted flash glare. iSkin’s Claro and Claro touch cases are available now in clear and sell for $35.

JBL has rolled out its new OnBeat speaker for the iPad. The OnBeat offers a rotating dock capable of holding an iPad, iPhone, or iPod, side-mounted volume buttons, dual Phoenix full-range transducers, DSP equalization, the ability to charge the docked device, a USB for syncing, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, composite video output, an included remote control, and JBL’s Weave design. The JBL OnBeat speaker dock will be available in April and will sell for $150.

iSkin has introduced its new line of earTones earphones. The new earphones feature “FlexFit,” a flexible earbud neck allowing for easier insertion and greater comfort when worn, an in-line single-button remote and mic, and Microban anti-bacterial treatment on both the earbuds and microphone control surfaces. iSkin’s new earTones earphones are available in six color combinations—black/black, black/red, black/white, pink/black, blue/white, and purple/white—and sell for $40.

H2O Audio has rolled out its new Amphibx Go waterproof case for the iPhone. Amphibx Go is a 100% waterproof soft case, offering a waterproof headphone jack, an integrated D-ring and simple to use locking hatch, waterproof capabilities to a depth of 12 feet, and complete use of the touchscreen, buttons, and cameras while the iPhone is inside the case. In addition to iPhones, the case will also accomodate iPod touch models—inserted upside-down for headphone access—as well as other portable electronic devices. H2O Audio’s Amphibx Go waterproof case for the iPhone is available now and sells for $50.

In the midst of researching new iPhone 4 cases that have recently arrived with noticeably different and larger rear camera holes than we’d seen in prior products, iLounge has received confirmation that Apple has recently published “Case Design Guidelines for Apple Devices,” a digital booklet laying out specifications for iPod, iPhone, and iPad cases, as well as an updated document suggesting a “keepout area” around the iPhone 4’s rear camera.

Notably, the documents now include specific recommendations for materials to be kept out of cases—such as various metals, plastics with carbon content or metallic painting—as well as guidelines for what should be specifically done for both the iPad 2 and iPhone 4, including a recommendation that iPhone 4 cases use an oversized hole to avoid flash and other interference with the distortion-sensitive rear camera. The documents also offer specific testing recommendations, such as device insertion and removal tests, colorfastness tests, call quality tests—conducted in handset, speakerphone, and headset mode—and control/port access tests to confirm that the cases will work with both headphones and dock connector cables with large plugs.

Also surprising: despite Apple’s own use of magnets in the iPad 2 and iPad Smart Covers, the Guidelines state that “case designs for Apple devices should avoid the use of magnets (for example, as closure devices) and magnetic materials.” Indeed, the company’s dimensional drawings for the iPad 2 make no mention of the magnets built into the device, leaving it up to case developers to discover the proper placement on their own. Though Apple has published dimensional drawings for its devices for years, these appear to be the first such documents released to developers since Apple created a new case-oriented lab and testing program last year.

XPAL Power has debuted its new PowerSkin battery case for the iPhone 4. Made from 100% recycled silicone, the case offers push-through volume and sleep/wake button covers, open access to all other ports, cameras, and controls—including a GSM/CDMA-compatible ring/silent switch opening—LED battery status lights, an on/off button, a 2000mAh integrated battery, and an included charging cable. XPAL Power’s PowerSkin case for the iPhone 4 will be available in April and will sell for $50.

Chinon has debuted its new AVi Stylix docking station for the iPod and iPhone. The AVi Stylix features a top-mounted dock, dual 2W stereo speakers, a seven-inch, “high-resolution” LCD screen on the front capable of playing back video from both the iPod/iPhone’s video library as well as from compatible apps, inputs for USB and SD cards to play media directly from a thumb drive or memory card, a digital radio, and alarm clock functionality. The Chinon AVi Stylix will be available in June and will sell for $100.

Tekkeon has introduced its new TekCharge MP1860A, a dual-port battery pack for the iPad, iPod, iPhone, and other USB-charging devices. The MP1860A features two USB ports that automatically detect how much power the connected device can receive, allowing it to provide a full 2.1 Amps for fast iPad charging while also powering a second 5V device. It also features a 4,400 mAh battery, a third USB port for charging, an included USB to 30-pin charging cable, a myCharger USB power adapter, mini and micro USB adapter tips, a retractable USB input/output cable, an integrated emergency flashlight, and a color-coded LED to indicate remaining capacity. Tekkeon’s TekCharge MP1860A is available now and sells for $70.