iLounge

Zero1.tv has sent out an email teasing its new VooMote Air wireless universal remote for the iPhone and iPad. The VooMote Air, which is set to be shown at the upcoming IFA show in Berlin, is described as a universal remote control and integrated TV guide/social media hub. Like the company’s prior IR-based universal remotes, the VooMote Air will be powered primarily through a custom app; however, unlike prior versions which physically connected to the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, Air will require no such connection. The wireless protocol being used isn’t specified in the email, but given that only the third-generation iPad and iPhone 4S are listed as being compatible, it seems likely that the device is utilizing Bluetooth 4.0. No pricing or availability information has yet been announced.

Novelty retailer ThinkGeek has launched a new shell-style iPad 2 and iPad (3rd-Gen) case called Padintosh. Selling for $25, the case’s rear surface has been designed to resemble the front of a classic Macintosh computer from the 1980s, minus Apple’s logos and specific Macintosh branding. The plastic is 2mm thin, with cutouts for the iPad’s ports and buttons, as well as space to accommodate a Smart Cover. It’s available now from the company’s website.

Acase has unveiled its new F1 case for the third-generation iPad and iPad 2. The F1 is a folio-style case, offering a protective polycarbonate back with a non-slip edge, and a folding leather cover that allows for a variety of viewing and typing angles. Other features include a red leather interior and open access to all ports, controls, and cameras. Acase’s F1 case for the third-generation iPad and iPad 2 is available now and sells for $40.

Scosche has rolled out its new boomStream Bluetooth speaker for the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and other compatible devices. The boomStream is a portable speaker system featuring dual 40mm drivers and a down-firing passive subwoofer for enhanced sound, a built-in mic for speakerphone use, a built-in rechargeable battery good for up to 8 hours of playback, an integrated 500 mA USB charging port for supplying power to smartphones or other devices, and a 3.5mm aux input for connecting other audio sources. Scosche’s boomStream Bluetooth speaker for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod is available now and sells for $100.

iHome has announced that its iD55 portable stereo system for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod is now available. Recipient of an iLounge Best of Show Finalist award at the 2012 CES, the iD55 features a curved design that slides open to allow for access to the integrated, iPad-friendly dock, as well as a line-in jack for other audio sources, two speakers set in Reson8 chambers, SRS TruBass sound enhancement, compatibility with the company’s various apps, and the ability to operate on AC power or off of 4 AA batteries. iHome’s new iD55 portable stereo system for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod is available now and sells for $80.

A recently published Apple patent application suggests the company is working on a Smart Cover for the iPad that offers more functionality than the current accessory. Notably, the patent outlines a flexible display embedded in the cover itself, receiving power and data via a connector on the side. According to the patent, the display may be touch-sensitive, or may have a portion of the cover flap dedicated to an eInk display, which would require no power to maintain state. As noted by Engadget, possible uses for such a display are space for extra icons, media controls, or as a notification display; an image accompanying the patent application also shows a portion of the cover’s interior being used as a keyboard, like Microsoft’s recently announced Surface tablet cover. As with all Apple patents, this application does not necessarily represent any future product release from Apple, but offers evidence of the company’s research and interest in this area.

Desk Pets has unveiled its new CarBot remote control car for the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Android devices. The CarBot is controlled with a free app that communicates with the car via an include IR dongle that plugs into the device’s headphone jack. Four interactive modes are available: Drift ‘n’ Race for full-speed racing, Maze mode, Battle mode for multi-player, and Personality mode, in which the car speeds and spins while flashing lights and emitting sounds. In addition, the USB-rechargeable battery is good for 25 minutes of play time for every 40 minutes of charging. Desk Pets’ CarBot remote control car for iOS and Android is available now for $30.

iDevices has announced that it is now shipping its iShower speaker for the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and other devices. First shown at the 2012 CES, the iShower is a Bluetooth-enabled, water-resistant speaker that’s designed to be used in the shower. Features include built-in play, pause, forward, rewind and volume buttons, a claimed 200 foot range, up to 15 hours of battery life from three AA batteries, a time display, tool-free installation, and the ability to pair with up to five devices at once. iDevices’ iShower is available now and sells for $100.

Satechi has introduced its new Headrest Mount for the iPad and other tablet devices. The mount attaches to most automotive headrests via an adjustable clip, and offers a tilting, rotating mount with rubber protective bumpers for a secure grip and to prevent scratching. Satechi’s Headrest Mount for iPad and other tablets is available now and sells for $40.

Invoxia has announced that it is now shipping its AudiOffice accessory for iOS devices. The AudiOffice is designed to serve as a handset accessory, speakerphone, and traditional speaker system, offering a built-in dock for the iPhone and iPod touch, a USB cable connection for the iPad, Bluetooth for wireless pairing with any compatible device, a wired handset for personal conversations, two MEMS digital microphones for speakerphone use, and an array of four speakers with dual bass ports for use in both speakerphone and traditional music playback modes. Invoxia’s AudiOffice for iOS devices is available now and sells for $299.

Id America has rolled out its new Metropolitan in-ear headphones. The Metropolitan features a lightweight aluminum housing in one of six colors, an in-line remote and mic module, a tangle-free fabric cord, three included sizes of earbuds for a precise fit, and an included microfiber carrying pouch. Id America’s Metropolitan in-ear headphones are available now and sell for $30.

Apple will indeed offer a 19-pin to 30-pin dock adapter alongside the next-generation iPhone, a new report claims. Citing sources who previously confirmed Apple’s plans to shift to a smaller dock connector, iMore suggests that the adapter will allow for the use of most 30-pin based accessories with future iOS devices. It notes that some accessories may, due to size or shape, be awkward or impossible to use with the new adapter, but that most should do fine. The report does not state whether Apple will include an adapter in the box with the next-gen iPhone, or sell it separately, but does claim that the adapter will be available for the iPhone’s launch. Notably, iMore has had a mixed track record in recent reporting on the new iPhone, initially casting doubt on reported screen and body changes before acknowledging them as accurate.

Dexim has announced that it is now shipping with ClickStik Bluetooth Remote + Camera Stand for iOS. Originally debuted at the 2012 CES, the ClickStik package includes a rechargeable Bluetooth remote that works with a dedicated app to allow for remote control over an iOS device’s shutter, as well as remote switching between still photo and video modes. Als included in the package is a universal device cradle, a mini-tripod, a micro-USB cable for charging, and a Velcro strap to allow for various other mounting situations. Dexim’s ClickStik Bluetooth Remote + Camera Stand is available now on Amazon and sells for $50.

Bang & Olufsen has unveiled its new Playmaker wireless audio bridge. Designed to connect digital music sources to the company’s speakers, the Playmaker offers both AirPlay and DLNA support, a high performance Digital Audio Converter, 802.11 b/g wireless connectivity, an Ethernet port, a line-in port, and two RJ45-style loudspeaker outputs. It is priced at $425 and will be available later this month. [via Engadget]

Aviiq is now offering its Aluma Shield case for the third-generation iPad. The Aluma Shield is a hard ABS plastic case featuring a prominent anodized aluminum plate on the back, openings for access to all ports, controls, and cameras, and compatibility with the iPad Smart Cover. Aviiq’s Aluma Shield case for the third-generation iPad is available now in a variety of colors and sells for $25.

Urbanears has introduced its new Zinken on-ear headphones. Developed to work well for both traditional users and DJs, the Zinken features features swivel ear caps, an adjustable headband, 40mm dual diaphragm drivers, dense foam ear cushions for noise isolation, a collapsible design for easy portability, a coiled cable with one 3.5mm end and one 6.3mm end, letting the user connect to both traditional headphone ports and DJ equipment with on cord, and a “ZoundPlug” audio output socket that allows for music sharing with another pair of earphones or headphones. Urbanears’ Zinken headphones are available now in seven colors and sell for $140.

Scosche has announced that its Realm RH600 series of on-ear headphones are now available. The lineup includes the RH656, an iLounge Best of Show Award-winning model featuring 40mm drivers, viscoelastic memory foam ear pads, a ported sound chamber, an adjustable headband, the company’s tapLine III in-line remote control and mic, and an angled 3.5mm connector. Also available is the RH600 model, offering all the features of the RH656 save for the remote and mic. Scosche’s new Realm RH656 and RH600 on-ear headphones are available now in black or white and sell for $130 and $100, respectively; for more information, see our full review of the RH656.

Griffin Technology has debuted its new Binder Insert Case for the third-generation iPad and iPad 2. The Binder Insert Case is designed to secure an iPad inside a standard 3-ring binder for easy note-taking and research, and features reinforced grommets, a loop for holding a stylus or pen, and accommodations for right- or left-handed users, with open access to all ports and controls from either side. Alongside the case, Griffin is releasing a new Quizzam! iOS App, designed to enable wireless interaction between students and teachers, including two modes for monitoring students’ answers to teacher-posed questions. The Binder Insert Case for iPad is available now and sells for $25; the Quizzam! is also available now as a $1 download from the App Store.

A judge has ruled against Bose in a patent infringement lawsuit filed by the company against a number of well-known makers of speaker docks for the iPhone, iPod, and iPad. CE Pro reports that the judge ruled that SDI Technologies Inc.—the parent company of iHome—Imation Corp., Memorex Products Inc., 3XM Consulting LLC, and D.P.I. Inc did not violate a Bose patent for “Interactive Sound Reproducing” that covers an audio system that receives signals from a computer and converts the digital signal to an audio signal. The suit covered 144 products in total, including at least one AirPlay-capable unit.

“In our minds, the decision is a boon to Apple users and the entire audio technology industry that’s built up around Apple products,” said a spokesperson for Thompson Coburn, the firm that represented Imation and DPI. “Bose targeted three relatively low-cost producers of speaker docks with the belief they wouldn’t fight the lawsuit and pony up a license fee to Bose. Had these smaller manufacturers folded, Bose likely would have lodged similar infringement claims against higher-cost producers, continuing until it had licensed the entire market. This decision promotes the healthy competition that keeps prices down for Apple consumers.”

Klipsch has introduced its new S4i Rugged earphones. Based on the company’s earlier Image S4 earphone, the S4i features an 8.5mm dual magnet micro-speaker, rubberized moldings on the surface of each ear bud, moisture resistance, an oversized, in-line three-button remote and mic, four included sizes of oval ear tips, a clothing clip, and an included nylon zipper case. Klipsch’s S4i Rugged earphones will be available later this month and will sell for $100. [via Engadget]