News
ThinkGeek debuts Joystick-It for iPhone, iPod touch
- June 16, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPhone Accessories
ThinkGeek has debuted a new, smaller version of its Joystick-It physical joystick accessory compatible with the iPhone and iPod touch. Like the prior version for iPad, the Joystick-It for iPhone and iPod touch is made from solid milled aluminum, can be placed overtop any virtual on-screen control, and can be removed and repositioned without harming the screen. ThinkGeek’s Joystick-It for iPhone and iPod touch is available now and sells for $18; the iPad version sells for $25, or in a two-pack for $40.
Griffin teams with Algoriddim on DJ Cable
- June 16, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories

Griffin Technology has announced its new DJ Cable, with works with the djay app from Algoriddim to enable new functionality in the iOS app. Unlike standard splitter cables, the DJ Cable is specifically wired for djay’s Split Output mode, which sends the master speaker output to the left channel and the cue output to the right channel, letting the user cue songs through their headphones independently of the live mix that is sent to the speakers. The cable offers a male end for connection to the headphone port of an iOS device, as well as two female ports for connection to headphones and a set of speakers or amp. Griffin’s new DJ Cable is available now and sells for $20.
JVC intros updated Kaboom! boombox for iPod, iPhone
- June 16, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPhone Accessories

JVC has introduced its new RV-NB70 Kaboom! boombox for iPod and iPhone. In keeping with the line’s lineage, which dates to 1998, the latest Kaboom! features an oversized, tube-like design, 40 watts of total power, 3-3/16” full-range drivers, 5-1/8” subwoofers, a central iPod/iPhone dock with a sealing door to prevent damage, a USB port for connecting other audio sources, a CD player, an FM radio, an auxiliary input, a 1/4-inch guitar/mic input with mixing capabilities, video output, the ability to run off wall power or 10 D cell batteries, and an included shoulder strap and remote control. JVC’s new RV-NB70 Kaboom! boombox for iPod and iPhone is available now and sells for $300.
Griffin ships Beacon Universal Remote for iOS
- June 15, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories
Griffin Technology has announced that it is now shipping its Beacon Universal Remote Control System for iOS devices. Winner of an iLounge Best of Show 2011 Finalist award, the Beacon connects to iOS devices over Bluetooth, allowing for remote control—via Dijit’s free Universal Remote app—of TVs, cable boxes, and other home entertainment components. Other features include a low-profile design, a constantly updated device code library with learning functionality, a built-in program guide, and battery life of up to eight weeks under heavy usage from four AA batteries. Griffin’s Beacon Universal Remote Control System is available now and sells for $80.
Jaybird ships JF3 Freedom Bluetooth Buds
- June 8, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories
Jaybird is now shipping its JF3 Freedom Bluetooth Buds. Originally shown at the 2010 International CES iLounge Pavilion, the Freedom Bluetooth Buds are small, in-ear headphones with a small control box attached to each. Each bud is sealed against sweat and moisture, and the left ear bud features controls for volume, play, pause, next and back track, and phone calls, as well as an integrated microphone. Other features include Bluetooth 2.1+EDR technology, an integrated rechargeable battery good up to six hours of talk or music playback, three sizes of specially-designed ear cushions to help the earbuds stay in place during movement, three sizes of ear tips, and an included carrying case. Jaybird’s JF3 Freedom Bluetooth Buds are available now and sell for $100.
IvySkin intros Wrangler Case for iPhone 4
- June 8, 2011
- iPhone Accessories
IvySkin has introduced its new Wrangler Case for the iPhone 4. Based on the company’s prior SmartCase, the Wrangler Case features an all-new polarized glass Touch-Thru screen guard, integrated protection for the volume, sleep/wake, and Home buttons, integrated port covers for the Dock Connector and headphone jack, open access to the bottom microphone, speaker, and cameras, a two-piece design, compatibility with both GSM and CDMA iPhone 4 models, an inner lining of shock absorbing material, and an exterior made from solid polycarbonate. IvySkin’s Wrangler Case for the iPhone 4 is available now in a variety of colors and sells for $50.
iBamboo promises electricity-free iPhone 4 audio boost
- June 7, 2011
- iPhone Accessories
Triangle Tree has announced its iBamboo Speaker for the iPhone 4. Made from a whole length of bamboo, the iBamboo is an electricity-free audio enhancement accessory that uses the natural resonance of the bamboo to amplify the sound emanating from the iPhone’s built-in speaker, and provides openings at both ends to intensify the stereo effect. Each iBamboo is machined, laser-cut for a proper fit with the iPhone, and then finished by hand; it also comes with a canvas drawstring protective carrying case. Triangle Tree is currently accepting pledges via Kickstarter for the project; pledges of $25 and up reserve at least one iBamboo Speaker.
Gear4 to launch Angry Birds speakers for iPod, iPhone, iPad
- June 7, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories

Gear4 has announced that it has signed a deal with Angry Birds creator Rovio to produce a new line of speakers based on characters from the game. The speakers will feature three distinct characters—the Black Bird, Red Bird, and Helmet Pig, and will include a docking station for iPod, iPhone, or iPad, a 3.5mm audio cable input, and crate stand. Gear4’s new line of Angry Birds speakers will range in price from £49 to £69 (roughly $80-$113) and will be available in September.
CalypsoCase wraps iPhone 4 in leather, titanium
- June 7, 2011
- iPhone Accessories
CalypsoCrystal, makers of the CrystalDock for iPod and iPhone, is now taking backing pledges for its new CalypsoCase. This high-end sleeve-style case is made from multiple materials, including a titanium inner closure, a premium Italian leather exterior, a specially designed inner lining fabric that prevents the device from sliding out, and a decorative outer ring made from silver, gold, or platinum. For a pledge of $70, customers will receive a special backer’s only edition of the CalypsoCase with their name laser engraved on the case; other pledge values range from $5 to $2,500, the latter of which includes two CalypsoCases, two CrystalDocks, and hand delivery by the designer, with dinner included. Assuming the company meets its funding goal, the CalypsoCase will retail for $130.
Ten One debuts Fling mini game controllers
- June 6, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPhone Accessories
Ten One has debuted its new Fling mini game controllers for the iPhone, iPod touch, and other small touchscreen devices. Based on the company’s prior Fling tactile game controller for the iPad, the Fling mini attaches to the iPhone or the iPod touch using suction cups, and features a mechanical spring to provide proper resistance for the joystick, an anodized aluminum and resin design, and an included fleece carrying bag. Ten One’s Fling mini game controllers for the iPhone and iPod touch are available for pre-order now and sell for $25/2-pack.
Element rolls out Ion, Formula cases for iPhone 4
- June 2, 2011
- iPhone Accessories
Element Case has rolled out its new Ion 4 and Formula 4 cases for the iPhone 4. The Ion 4 mixes an impact-resistant TPU case with a carbon fiber reinforced back plate, and features open access to all ports, controls, and cameras, indentations on the sides for added grip, and compatibility with both GSM and CDMA iPhone 4 models. The Formula 4 features a two-piece, slide-together design, a hi-impact polycarbonate body with carbon fiber back plate, a rubber tone finish for a softer feel, a rubber side grip, compatibility with both GSM and CDMA iPhone 4s, and open access to all ports, controls, and cameras. Element Case’s new Ion 4 and Formula 4 cases for the iPhone 4 are available now and sell for $50 and $60, respectively.
PhoneSuit intros Elite Battery Case for iPhone 4
- June 1, 2011
- iPhone Accessories

PhoneSuit has introduced its new Elite Battery Case for the iPhone 4. Compatible with both GSM and CDMA models, PhoneSuit claims the Elite is the “thinnest, fastest charging iPhone 4 battery case which can provide over 100% power,” thanks to a 2,100mAh lithium-ion polymer battery, 1 Amp output, and a design that measures 17mm thick. Other features include a five-point LED battery meter, a pass-through micro USB port for charging and syncing the phone while it’s in the case, pass-through access to the microphone and speaker, open access to all ports, controls, and cameras, save for the dock connector, and two-piece design. PhoneSuit’s Elite Battery Case for the iPhone 4 is available now in black or white and sells for $80.
Honest Dock, iLog repurpose natural wood as iOS docks
- May 26, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories
Honest Dock and Twisted Twee have introduced wood-based docks for iOS devices. Made from wood collected “from various neighborhoods affected by the 2010 flood of Nashville,” Honest Dock’s lineup includes various, unique docks, each of which is carved out by hand, allowing for attachment of a standard 30-pin charging cable while maintaining the natural shape of the wood. Honest Dock’s completed docks for the iPad range in price from $90 to $160, with docks for smaller iOS devices “coming soon.” By comparison, Twisted Twee’s iLog appears to have been made from portions of tree trunks, with the bark left on, but similarly allows for passthrough of a 30-pin charging cable, and supports the iPad in both vertical and horizontal orientation. It is currently sold out, and sells for £35 (roughly $57).
Pioneer intros AppRadio touchscreen auto receiver
- May 26, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPhone Accessories

Pioneer has introduced its new AppRadio touchscreen automotive receiver. Designed to work in conjunction with an iPhone 4 or fourth-generation iPod touch running iOS 4.2 or later, the AppRadio works with the Pioneer AppRadio app to enable access to Google Maps, as well as various third-party apps, including INRIX, MotionX-GPS Drive, Rdio, and Pandora Radio, and also uses Apple’s iPod Out feature to display the familiar iPod navigation menu, displaying album art, song title and artist, and offering direct access to custom playlists and Genius Mixes. Other features include a WVGA (800 x 480), 6.1-inch capacitive touchscreen, three physical buttons—volume up, volume down, and home—built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling, an AM/FM radio with RDS text information display, an input for an optional vehicle mounted rear facing back-up camera, a 30-pin connector, an external GPS antenna, an external microphone for hands-free calling, a wired remote steering wheel control adapter, and an external amplifier via one set of preamp outputs. Pioneer’s AppRadio automotive receiver will be available in late June and is expected to sell for less than $500.
Altec Lansing unveils iMT810 Mix Boombox
- May 25, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPhone Accessories
Altec Lansing has unveiled its new iMT810 Mix Boombox for the iPod and iPhone. Based on the company’s prior iMT800, the iMT810 features horn-loaded tweeters and mid-range drivers as well as a 5.25-inch side-firing subwoofer and a matching passive radiator, XdB technology for added bass, a digital 7-band graphic equalizer, dual auxiliary input jacks, an integrated FM radio, brushed aluminum accents and grips, a blue LCD information screen, a clip-on remote control with dedicated storage cubby, and the ability to run off AC power or up to 30 hours of play time on eight D-cell batteries. Altec Lansing’s iMT810 Mix Boombox for the iPod and iPhone is available now and sells for $300.
Bang & Olufsen outs EarSet 3i earphones
- May 24, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories
Bang & Olufsen has outed its new EarSet 3i earphones for the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Built upon the company’s existing EarSet 3 earphones, the 3i feature a brushed aluminum and soft-touch rubber design, dynamic, full tone loudspeakers mounted on telescopic bars, and an inline three-button remote and mic. Bang & Olufsen’s EarSet 3i earphones for the iPod, iPhone, and iPad will be available in B&O stores and online; pricing has yet to be announced.
XtremeMac intros InCharge Home BT and Auto BT
- May 18, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPad Accessories, iPhone Accessories
XtremeMac has introduced its new InCharge Bluetooth (BT) series, featuring the Home BT and Auto BT chargers. Both solutions offer 10 Watts of charging power, integrated Bluetooth technology, and a USB port with included 30-pin cable for iPod, iPhone, and iPad charging. The Home BT plus directly into a wall outlet, and offers an LED status indicator and a 3.5mm output with included cord for connection to a home stereo, while the Auto BT features an integrated 3.5mm output cable, a one-tough multi-function button for answering calls and play/pause control, and a self-resetting fuse. XtremeMac’s new InCharge Home BT and Auto BT chargers are listed as Coming Soon and are priced at $80.
Incase debuts Bird’s Nest case for iPhone 4
- May 12, 2011
- iPhone Accessories
Incase has debuted its new Bird’s Nest Snap Case for the iPhone 4. Based on the structure of natural avian shelters, the Bird’s Nest is a snap-on hardshell case featuring openings in a “woven” pattern, open access to all ports and controls, and compatibility with both the GSM and CDMA versions of the iPhone 4. Incase’s Bird’s Nest Snap Case for the iPhone 4 is available now in black or steel and sells for $35.
Third Rail Mobility unveils Battery Case for iPhone 4
- May 11, 2011
- iPhone Accessories
Third Rail Mobility has unveiled its new modular Battery Case system for the iPhone 4. Unlike traditional battery cases, which feature integrated, non-removable batteries, Third Rail’s solution combines a slim case with a detachable 1250 mAh lithium ion battery pack, allowing users to remove the battery when it isn’t needed, or swap a depleted battery out for a charged cell for extended use. In addition to charging the iPhone, the batteries can also be used to charge other devices via a micro USB adapter; the case itself offers full access to all ports, controls, and cameras, save for the Dock Connector. Third Rail Mobility’s new Battery Case system for the iPhone 4 is available now and sells for $90; the slim case is available separately for $40, while additional batteries sell for $60 each.
Eton debuts Soulra XL speaker for iPod, iPhone
- May 9, 2011
- iPod Accessories, iPhone Accessories
Eton has debuted its new Soulra XL speaker system for the iPod and iPhone. Based on the company’s prior Soulra sound system, the Soulra XL features an integrated 72 sq. in. solar panel for charging, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack good for up to five hours of playback, eight speaker drivers—two tweeters, two woofers, and four passive radiators—22 Watts of total output, rubberized end caps, an anti-glare tinted docking chamber, an included remote control with integrated storage, and a removable, gel-cushioned carrying strap. The Eton Soulra XL speaker system for iPod and iPhone is available for pre-order and is expected to ship later this month for $300.
