iLounge

Youbiq has introduced its new Gymbl portable tripod/mount/grip for the iPhone 4. The all-in-one accessory serves as a grip, a portable tripod, and as a tripod mount, featuring a pivoting, panoramic head, and an included hard shell case which is used to attach the iPhone to the device. For use with the Gymbl, the company has also developed an app that connects to a new Youbiq Cloud service which aims to synchronize and archive every photo taken on the iPhone, allowing users to organize and share their photos from the Youbiq Cloud site. Youbiq’s Gymbl portable tripod/mount/grip for iPhone 4 sells for $69 while a standalone tripod adapter and case is available for $49; both are expected to ship in February. The Youbiq app will be available for $3 and will include 2GB of storage on the Youbiq Cloud site, while additional storage will be available in 25GB increments for $25/year.

Apple is now selling updated Bumper cases, offering compatibility with both the GSM and CDMA variants of the iPhone 4, according to a new YouTube video. The video, posted by YouTube user Alerio, shows that Apple has reversed the colors on the packaging—going from predominantly grey to predominantly white for the white model—and has subsequently removed the foil from the Apple logo and iPhone 4 print on the paper backing. As for the case itself, it appears that the volume buttons have stayed in nearly the same position, while the hole for the ring/silent switch has been tweaked and elongated to accomodate for the lower position of the switch on the CDMA model. While it is of little consequence to GSM iPhone 4 owners, users looking to purchase a case compatible with the CDMA model will want to double-check to make sure their Bumper has the new packaging, and thus the larger side opening. [via 9 to 5 Mac]

Jawbone has introduced its new Jawbone Era Bluetooth headset. The Era is touted by the company as “the first and only headset with a built-in accelerometer,” allowing users to shake the headset to put it in pairing mode, and tap it to answer or end phone calls. Other features include a 25% larger wideband speaker for better audio quality, NoiseAssassin 3.0 technology, and a built-in processor with serial flash storage to allow for apps, including a new Caller ID app that identifies callers by name in what is described as a “friendly, non-robotic voice.” The Jawbone Era comes in four unique designs and is available now for $129.

Desk Pets has debuted its new TankBot, an interactive toy that allows users to control it via an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. The remote control toy features three modes for maze navigation, free roaming, or iOS control, built-in IR sensors for gesture control, a retractable USB charger built into the body, and “heartbeat eye” lights on the front to indicate when the robot is idle. In addition, each unit includes a dongle that works with an app to allow for accelerometer control of the toy on an iOS device. Desk Pets’ TankBot will be available in four colors and is expected to ship in June for “under $20.”

Shure has introduced a new pair of earphones and two new pairs of headphones at the 2011 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA. The SE215 Sound Isolating Earphone features a single Dynamic MicroDriver, a detachable cable, and includes three pairs of black sleeves, three pairs of soft flex sleeves, and a carrying case. It will be available in clear or translucent black and is expected to sell for around $100. The SRH550DJ Professional DJ Headphones feature 50mm drivers for extended bass, a super-aural design for better isolation, an adjustable, collapsible headband, an included 6.3mm adapter and an included carrying bag. Finally, the SRH940 Professional Reference Headphones promise accurate frequency response, a collapsible, lightweight design, a padded headband, and include a 6.3mm adapter, two detachable cables—straight and coiled—a replacement set of velour ear pads, and a zippered hard carrying case. Shure’s SRH550DJ and SRH940 headphones are expected to sell for $100 and $300, respectively; all three new models will be available this Spring. [via Engadget]

H2O Audio is now shipping its new Amphibix Fit Universal Waterproof Armband for the iPhone, iPod touch, and other large media devices. The Fit is 100% waterproof, sweatproof and weatherproof, using the company’s patented LatchTight locking closure and SealTight headphone connector to provide a secure seal up to 12 feet underwater. Other features include an adjustable, breathable, and removable Velcro armband, a StableFit buoy to allow for air circulation between the case and device and to ensure the case will float, and a ClearTouch pouch that allows for operation of the device both in and out of the water. The Amphibix Fit Waterproof Armband is available now and sells for $60.

Lenntek has introduced its new VintageVinyl case for the iPhone 4. Made from hard polycarbonate, the case features finely machined record grooves on the rear of the case to make it look and feel like an actual vinyl record, four built-in “ScreenStilts” that keep the iPhone 4’s screen protected when placed face-down, and two included customizable record label stickers. Notably, the company claims the case’s port, control, and camera cutouts are compatible with the small variations in the ring/silent switch and volume button placement present in the CDMA version of the iPhone 4, while remaining compatible with existing GSM models. Lenntek’s VintageVinyl case for the iPhone 4 is available now and sells for $35.

A number of companies have launched new products at the 2011 International CES. While we’ve covered the cream of the crop in our 2011 Best of Show and subsequent articles, here’s a brief overview of some other major product introductions from the show.

Monster: Monster introduced a number of new automotive accessories for the iPod, iPhone, and iPad at the show, including the iMotion CarPlay Direct Connect. The iMotion CarPlay Direct Connect functions as a traditional car charger and audio-out accessory but adds the ability to control basic music playback functions with gesture controls. It features a charger bulb-mounted sensor to track movement, and also features a black and silver body, red, black, and chrome cords similar to those found on the company’s Beats by Dr. Dre headphones, and a built-in hinge for adjusting the direction of the sensor. Monster’s iMotion CarPlay Direct Connect will sell for $120; other new items include the iCable USB to Dock Connector Cable ($25), the iCarPlay Direct Connect AI 900 ($60), the iCarPlay Direct Connect AI 2000 ($70), the PowerPlug Dual USB 700 Car Charger ($40), the PowerPlug USB 600 Car Charger ($30), the iCar Dual USB 700 Car Charger ($45), the iCar USB 600 Car Charger ($40), and the AirTalk Bluetooth Handsfree Car Kit ($80). 

Bluetrek is showing a number of new items at its booth inside the iLounge Pavilion at the 2011 International CES. Among them is the new LostDog series of cases inspired by the work of French artist Aurele. The snap-style cases for the iPhone 4 feature glossy rear surfaces covered in artwork, open access to all ports and controls—including the micro SIM slot—and frosted side coverings; a screen protector is also included. Notably, each article in the lineup is made from natural, recycled, or recyclable materials, and most of the cases carry a unique ID that can be used to identify a device should it be lost. Bluetrek’s LostDog cases for the iPhone 4 are available now and sell for $27; the folio-style iPad cases sell for $60 and $90.

Also being shown at the booth but yet to receive a price or release date are the company’s new Speaky Bluetooth handsfree car kit and the Carbon Bluetooth headset. The Speaky is a cartoon character-like car kit that is designed to hang from a car’s rearview mirror, with volume controls on its arms and a central control button on its torso, audible voice alerts, a 3.5mm input for non-Bluetooth use, and a unique auto-off sensor system that shuts the Speaky down after five minutes of no motion. The Carbon is a very small Bluetooth headset, featuring a slim carbon fiber microphone stem, a 4.5 hour battery built into the stem, and an iPhone-like power button.

Incipio is showing a Game Boy-inspired iPhone 4 case at its booth in the iLounge Pavilion at the 2011 International CES, as well as a number of other cases demonstrating innovative design techniques. The Game Boy case features button color, texture, and placement that’s nearly identical to Nintendo’s original Game Boy, with raised button surfaces, recesses around the buttons and to represent the original device’s speaker holes, and an opening to represent the screen that also allows for visibility of the iPhone 4’s Apple logo. Due to obvious legal concerns, the company has no current plans to mass produce or sell the case, but is instead showing it as a demonstration of its production capabilities.

Other highlights from the booth include an impressively thin battery case for the iPhone 4, sporting a 1450mAh rechargeable cell, a front mounted power button and LED charging status lights, a bottom mounted micro USB charging port and microphone pass through, and overall body dimensions that shave millimeters off of competing designs, particularly in height and depth, adding little bulk to the handset. A new range of cases is also on display, including a variety of both single- and two-piece multi-material designs and the company’s new Alpine Stars-branded cases, all showing a commendable level of fine detail. Details include beveled edges between the hard and soft pieces of some designs, small ridges milled into a black plastic camera surround that are meant to improve flash photography, and interior details like graphics and padding strips.

Outside of the company’s traditional cases, Incipio is also showing a new line of fashionably-colored headphones and a new range of bags, featuring details like ballistic nylon exteriors, TSA-compliant laptop carriers, and soft, padded compartments for the iPod and iPhone with headphone cable pass-throughs, and removable inserts for repurposing general-purpose bags into compartmentalized camera cases.

At its booth in the iLounge Pavilion at the 2011 International CES, Mobee has given iLounge an exclusive preview of its upcoming charging solutions for Apple’s Magic Trackpad, Wireless Keyboard, and portable devices. The Magic Trackpad and Wireless Keyboard solution consists of rechargeable battery tubes that slip into the devices’ battery compartments, with a small external nub that slides into a receptacle on the charger. The charger itself is a stylish metal piece with a curved tray designed to hold the curved rear surfaces of the trackpad and keyboard. For either device, users can expect to recharge the battery pack every 3-4 weeks; the battery pack recharges in roughly eight-hours. A second charger will be offered that is similar to the first but features a large rear surface for charging a Magic Mouse and second device, as well as an integrated four-port USB hub.

Mobee’s portable solution consists of a 5,000mAh battery inside an iPhone 4-inspired case. The portable battery pack charges via induction on either the company’s Magic Charger base or on the upcoming keyboard charger, with a USB port for charging an iPod, iPhone, iPad, or other portable device. Interestingly, the battery pack itself also doubles as an inductive charger for the company’s Magic Mouse battery pack or other future inductive charging solutions for the company, switching between the two modes with the flip of a switch. Pricing and availability for Mobee’s new products have yet to be announced.

OrigAudio has rolled out its new iLevel Raptor and iLevel Viewer mounts for the iPod/iPhone and iPad. The mounts consist of a large, clip-style clamp, a flexible, adjustable, eight-inch plastic and metal arm, and an iPad or iPod/iPhone device mount. The Raptor mount for iPod and iPhone notably uses a case-compatible mount from Arkon, while the Viewer mount for iPad uses a ProClip mount designed to hold unencased iPads only. OrigAudio’s iLevel Raptor and iLevel Viewer mounts for the iPod, iPhone, and iPad are expected to sell for $30 and up; release details have yet to be announced. For more information on the iLevel Raptor and iLevel Viewer, see our First Look article.

Lingo has debuted its new iRis Battery Pack + FM/DAB Receiver for the iPhone 4. The iRis features a glossy plastic frame with a folding design to allow for insertion and removal of the iPhone, open access to all ports, controls, and cameras, save for the Dock Connector, a bottom-mounted headphone port and speaker, and a micro-USB charging port. It works in conjunction with the company’s free DAB GO! app to provide tuning of FM and DAB broadcasts as well as battery management features, including the ability to monitor both the iRis and iPhone 4’s battery level and optimize the duration of charging. Lingo’s new iRis Battery Pack + FM/DAB Receiver for the iPhone 4 will sell for $80; availability has yet to be announced. For more information on the iRis Battery Pack + FM/DAB Receiver for iPhone 4, see our First Look article.

Oyama has introduced its new OY450 Protect, Power + Sync case for the iPhone 4. The OY450 is a hybrid battery + case, featuring an integrated 1500mAh rechargeable cell, a built-in USB cable for charging and syncing the iPhone, a metal flip-out vertical stand, an external charge level indicator, speaker and microphone pass-through openings, and open access to all ports, controls, and cameras, save for the Dock Connector. Oyama’s OY450 Protect, Power + Sync case for the iPhone 4 will be available in four glossy color schemes; pricing and release information has yet to be revealed.

Verbatim is showing its new Bluetooth Wireless iPad Keyboard at the 2011 International CES. Meant as a companion to the iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, or other Bluetooth-capable mobile device, the Keyboard features a thin profile, a single-fold design that collapses for travel, Bluetooth connectivity, an included storage case, built-in media controls, and an included stand for the iPhone, iPod touch, or other handheld devices. Pricing and availability has yet to be announced.

Keystone has rolled out its new ECO AmigoCase for the iPhone 4. Designed like a portable phone charging station, the AmigoCase consists of a protective cover for the iPhone and a battery pack, which features a built-in clip to let users attach it to clothing or a bag, slipping the phone back into the pack when not in use, while keeping it protected when it is in use. Features include an on/off switch for the battery pack, protection for the iPhone 4’s case when it is inside the battery pack, a 5500mAh rechargeable battery with a four LED charging indicator and micro-USB charging port, and open access to all ports and controls when the protective cover is used alone. Keystone’s new ECO AmigoCase for the iPhone 4 will be available in several different colors this Spring and will sell for $80.

NLU Products has unveiled its new Shelter case for the iPhone 4. The Shelter is a polycarbonate hard shell case featuring a small gap between the iPhone 4 and the outer shell which is filled with soft TPE rubber ridges for shock absorption and improved speaker quality. Other features include push-though coverage for the Sleep/Wake and volume buttons, open access to all other ports, controls, and cameras, and several contrasting color schemes. NLU Products’ Shelter case for the iPhone 4 is available now and sells for $30.

Kensington has unveiled four new accessories for the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. The PowerLift is a 1200mAh external battery pack + dock for iPhone featuring a unique flip design that allows it to be used as an iPhone stand, an integrated USB cable for charging, and a built-in battery power indicator. It will sell for $50. Also new is the BlackBelt Protection Band for iPad, a thick silicone case that mimics Apple’s iPhone 4 Bumper Case in design, while covering slightly more of the iPad’s rear, offering push-through access to the Sleep/Wake and volume buttons, and open access to all other ports and controls. It will sell for $40. The Virtuoso stylus and pen combines a touchscreen-friendly stylus with built in pen, and features a comfort grip as well as a capitative soft tip. It is priced at $25. Finally, the Dual USB Wall Charger allows users to charge two iPods, iPhones, or iPads from a single power outlet, and features an included USB to 30-pin cable, as well as 2.1 Amp output for quick iPad charging. The Dual USB Wall Charger sells for $35; all of Kensington’s new accessories are available for pre-order now.

DigiPower has unveiled its new accessories for the iPad and iPhone 4. The Boost Elite Battery for iPhone 4 is a hybrid battery/case featuring an integrated 1400mAh rechargeable battery, a micro-USB port for charging, a four light charge indicator, clear, flexible TPU plastic edging for easier insertion and removal of the iPhone, and open access to all ports, controls, and the cameras, save for the Dock Connector port. The Boost Elite Battery for iPhone 4 is available now and sells for $60. The JumpStart Flip for iPhone, which first debuted in our 2011 Buyers’ Guide, is an external battery pack and stand featuring a flip-out design, an integrated 3300mAh rechargeable battery, a sheet of grippy rubber to hold the iPhone or iPod to the JumpStart’s face, two separate USB ports for 1A or 500mA charging, four blue charge indicators, an integrated USB cable for charging the internal battery, included Dock Connector, micro-USB, and mini-USB cables, and an included carrying case. It is available now and sells for $60.

The Expandable Game Case for iPhone 4 is a modular case system offering the ability to remove the battery from the case if it’s not needed, and the ability to add on fitted game grips instead, with openings for cable/port access. DigiPower indicates that the Game Case may be sold in two separate versions—one with the standard case and battery pack, and one with the game grips included—and pricing is currently expected to fall near $80. Finally, the Coffee Clutch Carrying Case + Portable Stand for iPad is a hybrid case/stand for the iPad featuring an integrated handle, a removable, purse-like arm strap, a flip-out rear stand, open access to all ports and controls, and a mix of rubber and hard plastic construction. It is available now and sells for $30.

Speck Products has rolled out its new CandyShell View case for the iPhone 4. Expanding on the hard plastic/soft inner lining combination of prior CandyShell cases, the CandyShell View features a patent pending, spring-loaded retractable stand that pops out of the rear for vertical or horizontal support; the stand fold back up into the case when not in use. The CandyShell View for iPhone 4 will be available later this month in grey/black and will sell for $40.