iLounge

We have to give Portable Sound Labs credit as the “most improved” developer we spotted at CES: after some stale past products, the new design direction it was showing off at this year’s International CES has us genuinely excited. On display were some unique speakers, many of which are still in the prototype phase but are slated to be released later this year. The first is Aire SideKick, an iPad 2 speaker that doubles as a cover for the tablet. It attaches with magnets much like Apple’s Smart Cover, and the final version will be made out of aluminum. This will make the flat speaker thin and light.

Next up are Pipeline and Base, both portable wireless speaker systems. Each is modular and works in sets, or as individual pieces. Pipeline’s central unit is a long horizontal tube, and it comes with two satellite speakers called Drops that attach to either side with magnets. Base, on the other hand, is a large dish-sized cylindrical shape, with detachable speaker units called Slices.

What’s unique is the satellites are also Bluetooth-enabled, which means they can serve as standalone units on the go. Both Pipeline and Base come with two of the smaller speakers, but more will be able to be added if purchased individually.

We also saw AllSpark, which has a very different design from anything we saw on the show floor. The set is made up of two pyramid-shaped speakers that attach to one another with magnets in their bases, creating a cube that can be held at an angle in the included stand. AllSpark supports a Bluetooth connection, with one speaker acting as the receiver and carrying the audio to the other over a cable. Each of the items is being targeted for very aggressive pricing; AllSpark for instance is slated for a $100 selling price.

One of the Apple accessory areas of particular interest to iLounge’s editors are products for kids—speakers, cases, and headphones if they’ve been designed to be safe for little ears. Here are a few of the more noteworthy items we saw at this year’s CES, which is just now winding down in Las Vegas.

Case-Mate: Showed off a huge collection of kids’ cases, including many made from multi-layered rubber with different cool artwork—ice cream, animals, and the like. Some of the cases are abstract versions of animals, others are obviously so. Case-Mate also showed Marvel/Disney-licensed hard shells that had great iconic art from the comic company’s biggest-named series.

Electric Friends: This division of Noetic showed four different animal speaker systems targeted at a sub-$60 price point, and they were seriously cute—like Chew Chew the Dog, each has its own name and backstory, with two big speaker grilles protecting eye-shaped audio drivers. The price is right, the design is right, and the sound is respectable.

More images and details are below.

While our focus tends to be on mainstream consumer products, there are several companies here at the iLounge Pavilion that are aiming at the higher end of the market, including the ones we’re spotlighting below.

Known for their carbon fiber cases, Moncarbone is taking the material to the next level with its Art Collection, which features graphics that are subtly integrated into the material using dye injection methods. A nice change of pace from standard carbon fiber cases, which have become a bit stale recently. The cases are priced at $60 each.

We’ve seen loads of leather cases for the iPhone over the years, but few as simple or elegant as Eblouir’s slim pouch. Made from high-quality leather, it features two interior slots—one for the iPhone and one that’s cash-sized—as well as a simple closure that uses a long strip of leather to hold the entire thing closed. It sells for $45.

Continuing an ongoing trend, there are a number of exhibitors here focusing on female users—and among them is Tyla Rae. This fashion-focused brand offers a wide range of bags for the iPhone , iPod, and iPad. The bags are made primarily from leatherette, and range in price from $60 to $220.

It’s not the only battery case of its style being announced at the 2012 International CES, but Boostcase has taken the opportunity to unveil its Hybrid Snap-On Case & Detachable Extended Battery for iPhone 4/4S; it’s scheduled for a January 2012 launch. The solution combines a hard plastic shell that features a pear-shaped cutout surrounding the Apple logo and a 1900mAh battery that snaps into place, using the opening to anchor it. At launch, the shell will be available in seven colors while the battery will come in black or white. Boostcase says pricing hasn’t been finalized, but it’ll sell for between $70 and $80.

Lethal Protection’s Life-Phorm is certainly one of the standout accessories we saw at this year’s International CES, and accordingly, it was a finalist for our Best of Show award. The stand and holder works with all of Apple’s handheld devices and with its six articulating plastic legs, can stand on or wrap around pretty much any surface. When it launches in March 2012, Life-Phorm will be available in black, gunmetal grey, or army green, and sell for $60.

U.K.-based DBEST has introduced two new speakers at the 2012 International CES, although no price or release date has been announced for either. The first is Transformative Bluetooth Hi-Fi System (a.k.a. PS4007BT). Packed with two 3W loudspeakers, a microSD slot, an auxiliary port, and Bluetooth connectivity, the speaker can be used for music playback or as a speakerphone. It has rechargeable batteries that last for up to 50 hours of continuous playback per charge. Eiffel (PS4501), on the other hand, is a much smaller speaker but has the same input options. Nicknamed by DBEST as “The Terminator of Mini-Speaker,” Eiffel has an 800mAh battery inside and allows you to customize the colors based on your preferences.

Although it’s not nearly as large as the comically oversized iNuke Boom, Haier’s Evoke Soundbar with 3D Sound is still one of the biggest speaker systems we’ve seen at the 2012 International CES. Measuring in at 40” long, it’s certainly the widest practical docking station we’ve come across, and it supports not only iPhones and iPods, but iPads as well. It’ll retail for $400 when it’s released in early 2012.

IDAPT has previously been in the business of making multi-device chargers, but now has added a speaker system to its lineup with the introduction of S1, which will launch this February for about $150. Not only is the device a Bluetooth 2.0 speaker capable of working with pretty much any gadget you may have lying around, but it also has two docking chargers with interchangeable tips and a USB port too. On top of that, there is FM radio and alarm clock functionality built-in. The design seems to fall somewhere in between classic and modern; some of our editors see allusions to famous Dieter Rams Braun pieces.

At its booth in the 2012 International CES iLounge Pavilion, Camalen has introduced Hexa case for iPhone 4/4S. Borrowing from the design of the company’s previously released iPad 2 case of the same name, the protective leather holder can be used as a stand in a number of angles and either landscape or portrait orientation. No release date has been announced, but the case will sell for $59.

Adding to its lineup of solar accessories for Apple products at this year’s International CES, Eton has introduced the Rukus Bluetooth speaker system. The lithium ion battery can be charged through a standard wall adapter, but there’s also a monocrystal solar panel on top to gather energy from the sun. On the front of the unit are an e-ink display and playback controls.

Today is the first day of the 2012 International CES, and the iLounge Pavilion is full of activity! Here are just a few of the new products that caught our eye.

AirStash is showing off the newest version of its Wi-Fi flash drive device. It uses an SD card for storage—packages are available with either 8GB or 16GB cards—and can stream files to iOS devices. This includes, photos, music,  iTunes-protected videos, and more. Up to three devices can connect at a time, and battery life is specced at seven hours of continuous SD video playback. The smaller capacity version is priced at $150, and the larger costs $180.

We wrote about BulletTrain’s Express a few weeks ago on iLounge+Mac, but the company has updated the accessory in time for a March release. Now, instead of aluminum, the Magic Trackpad and Wireless Keyboard holder is made of plastic. This allows for a better clip system and new colors too. The silver version will cost $80 when it’s released, while the colored versions will retail for $100. BulletTrain also announced a partnership with MusicSkins, who while be offering all of its designs for the Express. 

Serious runners are going to be excited to see 4iiii’s 2012 International CES introduction of Sportiiiis, a heads up display and audio feedback system that hooks on to any pair of sunglasses. It presents custom LEDs to relay information such as power, cadence, speed, heart rate or pace, and can be programmed from Macs, PCs, and iOS devices. Sportiiiis will cost $199 when it is available.

We were really wowed by Yantouch’s showings at last year’s International CES, at least in terms of originality. This year the company is taking the same ideas and slightly altering them with the introduction of Black Diamond Lamp. Set to be released in March for $59, this iteration removes the iPhone docking capability; instead, there’s a USB port on the back to which it can be attached. The lamp can be controlled by either the included remote or by blowing into an opening on the top. We’ll definitely have more details on this once we get our hands on it.

TRTL BOT’s release at this year’s International CES is KidSafe, and iPhone 4/4S case made for parents who want to let young children use their phones. It snaps onto the back of the device as most cases do, but can be flipped around to the front. Doing so blocks the Home button, which prevents the app on the screen from being closed. It’s made from recycled plastics, BPA-free, and comes in a variety of colors. The price is yet to be determined.

New from case maker Skech at the 2012 International CES is Trax for iPhone 4/4S ($TBD). A flip-open style case, it stands out from the crowd with the materials used to make it. Rather than traditional plastics or rubbers, the exterior is composed of recycled bicycle tires, making each case unique. The inside is lined with soft felt to help prevent scratching, and there are credit card slots inside the flap. Trax will be available January 10.

Onanoff is betting that its customers are in the market for earbuds that do a lot more than just play music. The Magnum Platinum earbuds it introduced at the 2012 International CES—price and release date to be determined—have a few unique features built-in, including an audio splitter on the 3.5mm plug. The flat cables help to prevent tangling, and there’s also a magnetic cable solution that keeps the cords at the right length. To top it off, Magnum Platinum comes equipped with a three button remote and mic for use with Apple’s portable devices. 

FaceTime on the iPhone 4 and 4S is great, of course, but what to actually do with your phone during calls has been an issue since day one. Native Union is using the 2012 International CES to unveil its solution, Facedock. Using an adjustable vise-style arm, it can attach to pretty much any desk or table. A fully flexible arm allows for pretty much infinite positioning of the holder, and the generic phone holder at the end secures pretty much any handset, including iPhones and iPod touches. The price is yet to be announced on this one.

It looks like aluminum is just important this year as last to Just Mobile, who introduced some evolutionary designs at the 2012 International CES, all of which are now available for sale. First up is AluPen Pro, a $40 version of the company’s stylus adds in a ballpoint pen on the other end. Highway Pro is an update to the previously released Highway car charger. Now instead of just one USB port, there are two: one has 2.1A for your iPad, and the other 1A for everything else. There’s also a built-in fuse to avoid power surges. Highway Pro retails for $40. Finally there’s AluCube Mini, a small, sleek cord holder that comes bundled as a pair for $20. The company has also updated Gum Plus its charger with a 5200 mAh battery—up from 4400—micro USB support, a new titanium color option, and a slightly higher price ($79).

While there’s no shortage of heavy duty iPhone 4/4S cases out there, Ivyskin used the 2012 International CES to throw its hat in to the ring with Wrangler. Available on January 14 for $70, it combines pretty much every material you can imagine: polycarbonate plastic, TPU, TPE, carbon fiber and metal, all in a triple injection co-molded design. It does introduce some unique features, such as a “watch dial” silent switch cover and a clearly marked shutter button over the volume up control. We’ll be sure to put this one through its paces for our review.