iLounge

Intended for a March 2012 release, Audio-Technica has introduced its new ATH-CKS55i In-Ear Headphones at its booth in the iLounge Pavilion at the 2012 International CES. This addition to the Solid Bass lineup is made specifically to pump up the bass with its Double Air Chamber System, but the company claims to also provide solid midrange and highs. The “i” in the title is to indicate compatibility with Apple’s devices via an in-line three-button remote and mic. ATH-CKS55i will retail for $80.

60Beat has debuted its new GamePad for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. The GamePad is a hand-held game controller that connects to Apple’s portable devices via the headphone port, and offers dual analog joysticks, a d-pad, 10 action buttons, and three menu buttons. The device draws its power from the headphone port, and includes an audio splitter so users can continue to listen to audio via a set of headphones or external speakers with the controller attached. 60Beat’s GamePad for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch is available now and sells for $50.

Wicked Audio has announced that it will release its new Solus headphones at the 2012 International CES. According to the company, the headphones will arrive in a black/red design with a thick braided cord, a built-in volume control, and a “DJ” switch that limits the audio output to a single ear. Wicked Audio’s Solus headphones will be available next month and will sell for $100.

Ego & Company has debuted its new USB Case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. The second model in the company’s Ego Hybrid series, the USB Case is a snap-style hard case offering a removable USB stick in 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32GB capacities that’s integrated into the back of the case when not in use. Ego & Company’s USB Case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S will come in five colors; pricing and availability information has yet to be released.

Wahoo Fitness has introduced its new Blue HR heart rate monitor for the iPhone 4S and other devices. Using Bluetooth 4.0 Smart technology, the Blue HR wirelessly provides real-time heart rate readings on the iPhone 4S via compatible apps, including MapMyFitness, RunKeeper, and Motion X. Wahoo Fitness’ Blue HR heart rate monitor for the iPhone 4S and other Bluetooth 4.0 devices will be available in January 2012 and will sell for $80.

Satechi has announced that it is now shipping its BT Portable Speaker. As the name suggests, the BT features Bluetooth 2.1 AVRCP and A2DP for wireless audio streaming, as well as a collapsible design, the ability to function as a speakerphone, an integrated Li-ion battery, multifunction buttons, a mini USB port for charging, an LED indicator light, and a 3.5mm output jack that can be used to daisy chain two units together. Satechi’s BT Portable Speaker is available now and sells for $45.

Griffin Technology has teamed with Third Man Records to create the new Third Man 45 iPhone 4S Case. The case incorporates an actual seven-inch vinyl record, which has been die-cut to form the protective back of the case, which also features a snap-on design and cutouts for open access to all ports, controls, and cameras. The Third Man 45 case comes in yellow, black, or white, with a black record label back, while a pack of matching yellow, black, and white backs—“Treat Me Like Your Mother” by The Dead Weather, “Steady, As She Goes” by The Raconteurs, and “Candy Cane Children” by The White Stripes, respectively—is available separately. Each Third Man 45 iPhone 4S Case is available now for $30, while the set of interchangeable record inserts sells for $20.

Lantronix has unveiled its new xPrintServer for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. The xPrintServer is a hardware solution that adds AirPrint support to most networked printers. Users simply connect the device to the network using an Ethernet cable, and the xPrintServer automatically discovers printers on the network, then broadcasts their availability to nearby iOS devices. Lantronix’ xPrintServer is available for pre-order now and sells for $150; it is expected to ship in Q1 2012.

Apple may be planning to add Bluetooth support to its AirPlay wireless media streaming protocol, according to a new report. According to Macotakara, Apple recently held a technology summit for members of its Made For iPod/iPhone/iPad (MFI) program in Shenzen, China, at which it shared details of a new certification chip. The chip will offer MFI devices access to iOS devices via AirPlay over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Apple also suggested that the new Bluetooth 4.0+HS support found in the iPhone 4S should increase battery life thanks to low energy requirements and will support new applications in the health care and gaming markets. According to the report, Apple hopes the move will help grow the AirPlay device market, which currently accounts for just two percent of the MFI program. [via AppleInsider]

Tekkeon has introduced its new TekCharge MP1580 battery pack for the iPod, iPhone, and other USB-charging devices. The MP1580 offers the ability to charge devices using between two and four AA batteries, and serves as a charging station for rechargeable NiMH or lithium cells. Other features include an inline voltage regulator to ensure safe charging, a built-in USB slot for connecting charging cables, and an external charge indicator. Tekkeon’s TekCharge MP1580 battery pack is available now and sells for $25.

Hex has debuted its new Solo Wallet case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, as well as the Core Case for the fourth-generation iPod touch. The Solo Wallet is a molded hard case featuring a snap-on design, open access to all ports, controls, and cameras, two rear card slots, and a genuine leather exterior. It is available in two colors and sells for $40. The Core Case is also a custom molded hard case, wrapped in premium washed canvas and offering open access to all ports, controls, and cameras. It is available in khaki and charcoal and sells for $30; both cases are available now.

Edifier has started shipping its new Tick Tock alarm clock speaker lineup. Each model in the collection features a half-round design inspired by classic alarm clocks, “bells” on either side of the top that conceal functional 1.5-inch omni-directional speakers, a large LCD display, an FM tuner, a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack, and a front-firing driver. The Tick Tock Bluetooth adds Bluetooth connectivity to allow for wireless audio streaming, while the Tick Tock Dock instead boasts a pivoting iPod/iPhone dock in the front. Both the Tick Tock Bluetooth and Tick Tock Dock are priced at $80; a third model, the Tick Tock SD/USB/FM Radio relies on SD cards or USB input for audio, and sells for $70.

PowerSkin has rolled out its new Gaming Skin battery case for the iPhone and iPod touch. The Gaming Skin offers an integrated 2050 mAh battery—good for up to 10 hours of extra game play, according to the company—built-in stereo speakers, LED battery status lights, a vibration motor for game enhancement, a pass-through headphone port, external volume up and down buttons, and a USB to allow for syncing and charging of the device while in the case. PowerSkin’s Gaming Skin is compatible with the second-, third-, and fourth-generation iPod touch, as well as the iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, and 4S, and is available for pre-order now for $100.

Behringer has announced that it will unveil its new iNuke Boom docking speaker system for iPod and iPhone at the 2012 CES, likely claiming the titles of heaviest, costliest, and most powerful iPod speaker in the process. Measuring eight feet wide by four feet tall and weighing 700 pounds, the iNuke Boom features a top-mounted iPod/iPhone dock, and will supply its speakers with over 10,000 Watts of power. Further details of the speaker have yet to be revealed; the iNuke Boom will carry an MSRP of $30,000.

Optrix has unveiled its new HD Sports Mount for the iPhone and iPod touch. The HD Sport Mount consists of a weatherproof ruggedized case designed to hold the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, or fourth-generation iPod touch during video recording, featuring ultrasonic welds and silicon gaskets to keep moisture and dirt away from the device, and a variety of included base mounts that securely adhere to nearly any surface. Optrix’ HD Sport Mount for the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, and fourth-generation iPod touch is available now and sells for $80.

iHome and Disney have teamed up to create a new line of speakers and headphones. The lineup includes the M15 Noise-Isolating Earphones with Pouch, the M9 Stereo Speaker, the M40 Over-the-Ear Headphones with Volume Control, the M13 Portable Water-resistant Stereo Speaker System, and the H22 Alarm Clock Speaker System for iPod and iPhone. In addition, each is available styled after one of four characters—Kermit the Frog, Minnie Mouse, Phineas and Ferb, or Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas—save for the H22, which is available with the likeness of the first three characters only. iHome and Disney’s new lineup of headphones and speakers is available now with prices ranging from $15 to $50; more products are expected to be announced next year.

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 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 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 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.