Want to share those photos or videos you’ve just taken with your iPod/iPhone with friends?  At 112.8 X 48.0 X 16.0mm (4.4 X 1.8 X 0.60 in) and  98g (3.5oz), the  PoP Video pico projector  is small enough to carry in your pocket and turns your iPod 3G/4G or iPhone 3GS/4/4S into a portable projector.  It’s able to project a qHD (960X540) picture onto the nearest surface at an optimal distance of 13 – 130 cms (5 – 40 in).  The built-in lithium-ion battery gives up to two hours and charges via  Micro-USB.

Is that a projector in your pocket or………

Currently available for preorder for $99 and expected to ship on or before June 1, 2012.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPhone accessory, iPod, Projector

PoP Video pico projector – Big Picture in Your Pocket originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 9, 2012 at 12:00 pm.

If charging your iPhone or iPod touch by plugging the cable into the docking port is just too generic for you, check out this uber cool dock from Element Case. The Vapor Dock is made in the USA of CNC machined aluminum and is available with a Silver or Black satin finish. Your iPhone or touch will fit in the dock even if you’re using a case (most cases). A USB cable is included with the dock which also offers air tuned chambers that amplify the sound coming from your device’s speakers while it’s docked. The Vapor Dock is available now for $119.99.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: Dock, iPhone, iPod

Element Case Vapor Dock Charges your iPhone and Amplifies Sound originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 15, 2012 at 4:49 pm.

As headphones become more popular as an audio accessory and fashion statement, some companies have been able to adapt to this evolving market better than others. Some lean more towards the design while others cater to the audiophile crowd. V-Moda has tried to have it both ways. With the over-ear (circumaural) Crossfade LP, they succeeded in pleasing both groups. However, many people prefer a smaller, on-ear (supra-aural) headphone design. V-Moda could have just made smaller Crossfades – and the Crossfade M-80s do look like that – but V-Moda went farther. Here’s a spoiler for you: The new – and smaller – M-80 headphones are better in almost every way.

The whole package feels well made. According to V-Moda, much of the headphone is made to military specs with kevlar wrapped one-button (universal) or 3-button (Apple only) cables and a reinforced steel headband wrapped in microfiber faux-suede. The M-80s can be bent and twisted severely with no lasting effects. They are made to take a lot of punishment.

The original Crossfade LPs are more comfortable than these newer Crossfade M-80s over extended periods, which I think is more the result of the over-ear design as opposed to on-ear. The M-80′s pads are made of memory foam which are good at forming to the shape of your ears. However, on my head, they begin to feel tight after about 3 hours. I know many people don’t wear headphones for that long in one sitting, but I do, so if there are any comfort issues, I feel them. That’s not to say that the M-80s are uncomfortable. As long as the listening times are kept below a few hours, they feel just fine. I also had to extend the earpieces as far as I could to get a proper fit. This has been an issue for me with other brands, as well. If my head size was any larger, then the M-80s wouldn’t fit.

The exoskeleton case is looks practically indestructible, and it is tough. Short of stomping on it, this case will protect the M-80s from just about any mishap. It comes with a carabiner, so you can easily hook it up to a backpack without it taking up interior space.

While there are similarities between the Crossfade LPs and the M-80s, that similarity ends once you hear them. The thing that separates the two more than anything is plain ole’ bass. The Crossfade LPs have more of it. They aren’t bass monsters (pun intended) like the Beats headphones, but bass is more prominent then with the M-80s. In some instances – like Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock and Roll” – the highs become overpowered by the bass on the LPs. There’s a better balance among the frequencies with the M-80s. I also noticed that the volume needed to be turned up a bit on the M-80s to equal the loudness of the LPs.

The high definition version of Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto’s classic “The Girl From Ipanema” has a fantastic soundstage which the M-80s exploit. It’s easy to imagine the placement of each instrument as you listen to the swish of the drum brushes complimented by Getz’s smokey saxophone. The nightclub feel of the song is palpable. Part of the reason for this is what V-Moda calls Bliss Noise Isolation. It uses ports and sound channeling to give a more open soundstage similar to what open-back headphones give but still allowing the almost total isolation of a closed-back headphone design. While I prefer the wide soundstage of genuine open-backed headphones, the M-80s come quite close.

The excessively bright vocals on John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance” border on harsh with the M-80s. That can be an issue with some older recordings as they generally are recorded with lighter bass than a modern mix would be. That’s not always the case though because the song, “Operator,” from Manhattan Transfer’s 1975 debut album, has a perfect balance of Alan Paul’s slightly reverbed lead vocals over backup harmonies from the other three members. This kind of song allows the M-80s to shine. All of the audio detail in this song is extracted for maximum effect.

The Crossfade M-80 headphones are an evolution of the Crossfade LPs. If you have the LPs and are happy with them, then save your money. However, I would recommend the M-80s over the LPs if you own neither. The M-80s superior accuracy is hard to ignore. If you are still trying to decide between cheaper headphones or spending a little more, here’s a clue: When you listen to good headphones, you don’t have that desire to turn them up in order to get as much out of them as possible. Good headphones are able to bring out all that aural goodness without resorting to harmful volume. That’s the tragedy of cheap headphones and earphones; that inherent need to use volume to mask deficiencies. Over time, it can cause real damage to hearing. It’s something to consider.

The Crossfade M-80s are not cheap, but given how good they sound and how tough they are made, they look like a bargain.

V-Moda sells the True Blood V-80 headphones which are themed after the HBO vampire show, “True Blood.” With the exception of a different color scheme and a blood-vial styled zipper pull, the V-80 and M-80 headphones are identical.

V-Moda also offers customized headphone shields – those metal plates covering the headphone ear-cup. For a little more money, you can pick a different headphone shield color or upload your own design for a customized look.

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, Reviews

Tagged: Audio, Crossfades, Headphones, iPhone, iPod, Kevlar, M-80, MP3, V-Moda

V-Moda Crossfade M-80 Headphones Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 7, 2012 at 11:00 am.

If you store your music on an iPhone or iPod and also enjoy internet radio, the PURE Contour is a one of the nicer speaker systems that I’ve had the opportunity to review. It offers a dock for playing the music on an iPhone/iPod while also charging its batteries, Internet streaming radio, FM radio and network streaming audio. This is all contained in an attractive compact package. Let’s take a closer look.

Note: Click the images in this review to see a larger view.

Hardware Specs

LCD display: 128 x 64 pixel graphical LCD auto-dimming display, large clock and feature icons, light sensor.
Wireless: 802.11b and 802.11g supported with WEP and WPA/WPA2 encryption.
Ethernet: Requires PURE Choice Mini USB Ethernet adapter, available separately.
Speakers: 2 full-range 3 1/2” drive units.
Audio output: 2 x 18W @ Input connectors: 20V DC power adapter socket. iPod/iPhone connector with adapters. 3.5mm Aux-in for auxiliary devices. USB (mini-B type) for product upgrades and Ethernet adapter. (Software upgrades also available over Wi-Fi).
Output connectors: 3.5mm stereo output for headphones.
Composite video out: Composite RCA.
Component video out: 3.5mm 4-pole TRRS connector* (PURE Choice cable available separately).
S-Video out*: 3.5mm 4-pole TRRS connector* (PURE Choice cable available separately).
Remote control: Infrared remote control. 2 x AAA (LR03) batteries included.
Mains power supply: 100-240V, 50/60Hz 20V DC 2.25A external power adapter.
Dimensions (inches): 14.6 wide x 9 high x 6.9 deep.
Weight: 6.39 pounds

Package Contents

Contour speaker
Dock adapters
Remote
AC adapter
Quickstart guide

The PURE Contour gets its name from its dome shape. The design / style will allow it to fit into almost any environment, from living room to office or even kitchen. Although you’ll want to be careful with the knit material that covers the front of the speaker, as it might be difficult to clean. I’d rather it have a metal mesh instead of a cloth / knit covering for easy cleaning.

The front of the system has a pop out iPhone / iPod dock that is compatible with almost all the current and older devices. See review summary box below for a detailed list.

A telescoping antenna for the built-in FM radio is found on the back of the unit, along with a panel of connectors that include power, Aux in, 3.5 mm headphone jack, Composite video, Component/S-Video and Mini USB for software updates, and the optional Ethernet adapter.

Along the top ridge of the speaker are touch sensitive buttons for power and volume adjustment, that light up when the system is powered on.

The power button stays lighted even when the system is in standby mode.

I was happy to see that PURE includes a ‘real’ remote instead one of those cheap membrane type controllers that are usually included with speaker systems.

The remote can do everything that the touch sensitive buttons on the speaker do except for opening the iPhone/iPod dock.

The dock, which doubles as a clock when in standby mode, opens smoothly by pressing in on the top left or right corner.

The Contour works well as an iPhone / iPod speaker system. The sound quality out of the speakers is impressive considering the size of the system. Cranking up the volume does not degrade the sound. The speakers have good bass, crisp highs and clear mid tones.

Using the touch buttons on the front of the dock or the remote, you can skip forwards / backwards through tracks, pause and play. But unfortunately, you can not navigate the Music app menus on the iPhone/iPod with the remote. That means if you’re across the room and want to switch to a different artist, you’ll have to get up and make the change on the device itself.

The PURE Contour has more up its sleeve than just an iPhone/iPod dock though…

It also makes an above average streaming internet radio. You can navigate through lists of stations using the built in LCD or you can link the Contour to The Lounge website.

The website makes it easy to find your favorite type of content by search genres. When you find something you like, you can mark them as favorites and then they will show up in a folder on the device for easy playback. You can even add custom stations. I was also happy to see lists of podcasts too.

Streaming these stations works well. Once in awhile the playback will pause for buffering or a channel will stop playing for awhile for some unknown reason, but for the most part, I can play music for hours and not notice any problems even when I’m surfing via another computer.

The Contour will also play music streamed from your computer after you install the free media server software. It took me a little while to find the software on The Lounge site and set it up, but once I did, I was able to navigate my iTunes folders on my iMac via the Contour’s LCD. This feature makes it really nice to be able to listen any music in your library in any room of your house without having to connect a computer to the system.

Other features that the Contour offers is an FM radio with RDS (shows the titles of songs on the LCD), a sleep timer, ambient sounds like waves, rain / thunder, etc. If you buy the optional cable, you can also connect the Contour to your TV and view video through a connected iPhone or iPod. I didn’t test this feature.

The PURE Contour is a little pricey at $329.00, but it does offer quality sound and quite a few features at that price point. I like it a lot and have no hesitations recommending it, if price isn’t an issue.

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Internet Radio, iPhone, iPod, Speaker

PURE Contour iPhone/iPod Dock and Internet Radio Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 25, 2011 at 5:15 pm.

No one has ever mistaken me for an environmentalist, however, I drive a hybrid car; my previous car ran on E85; I replaced most of my light bulbs with CFLs and I sort my trash for recycling.  I do these things, not because it makes me feel good.  I do them because it saves me money.  Hence, when I was offered the opportunity to review the i-Ecko speakers I knew I would use the same approach to this environmentally friendly product.

The folks at i-Ecko are promoting a lifestyle.  They have other products in their eco-friendly line, including USB flash drives and an mp3 player.  All are purported to not cause any harm to the environment.  They’re all made in China.

Features of the speakers from the web site:

• Made From Recycled Materials and Sustainable Natural Fibers
• Easily Assembled
• Compatible with all iPods and MP3 Players
• Folds Flat For Convenient Storage and Portability

Here’s what the speakers look like after they’re taken out of the box and before they are assembled.   Assembly consists of some folding and then inserting tabs into precut slots in the cardboard.  Patience is required or the tabs can be torn off.  I also found it advantageous to use the back of a spoon to make the folds.  If they’re not crisp, you’ll have problems inserting the tabs.

Here’s what you wind up with.  If you care about the writing on the speakers being in an upright orientation, make sure you route the speaker wire out the correct corner.  It doesn’t route naturally to the right spot.  Being the first time I assembled the speakers it took me about 15 minutes.  Subsequent assemblies took less time which is good, but could be a problem.  Everytime I took it apart and reassembled, the slots in the cardboard became larger.  Over time I might need some type of tape to hold the speakers together.

Now for the subjective part.  I hooked up my iPod Touch and cranked the volume to max.  I didn’t hear any distortion nor any bass, but then again the loudness was very low.  I tried playing different tracks from Nickleback to the Fleetwoods and found it hard to hear unless I was no more than 5 feet away.  These things are not powered, so I guess you can’t expect much.  I also got the same results using two Creative players and an RCA player.

To insure I wasn’t being overly critical, I brought the speakers to a family gathering and demonstrated them.  The common complaint was that the volume was very low and several people questioned why you would buy these when you could get better sound out of a cheap set of earphones for the same or less money.

Lastly, the box they came in states the “speakers fold out flat for storage and can be transported with ease”.  I guess that statement depends on your definition of flat.  The above photo shows the smallest I could get the speakers.  They fit very nicely in the box they came in, but they still take up a lot more space than a set of earphones.

I can’t get too excited about the i-Ecko speakers.  Perhaps people who consider the green factor more important than the performance of the speakers would be interested.  Now I have to figure out how to dispose of them.  Do I put them in the paper, plastic or metal recycle bin?

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: iPod, Speaker

i-Ecko Portable Cardboard Stereo Speakers Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 28, 2011 at 12:30 pm.

With all of the accessories available for your iPad, Kindle, Nook, TouchPad, Xoom, or other tablets, it isn’t surprising that there are some great accessories and some not so good ones on the market.  Knowing which ones to consider for your own use can be a challenge at best, so I am always excited to review an accessory and share my thoughts on the ultimate question “Should I buy this accessory, or not?”.

Today’s review is for an accessory that I must admit that I was skeptical about, The Stump Stand, available for $24.95 from The Stump Store.  Why was I skeptical you ask?  I am skeptical by nature and when a company delivers an accessory for the tablet market I think to myself “here comes another accessory that I don’t need, but would love to have.”  Usually, after buying an accessory for my tablet, an iPad 2, and using it for a few weeks, I am onto a new one – having forgotten about the last one that I have purchased with great intentions and expectations.  If you could see my accessory graveyard I think that you would understand – it is littered with accessories that I only used for a few weeks or a month and then forgot about, or worse yet, I bought the accessory only to find that it did not deliver as promised.  The Stump Stand is advertised by its creator as “The portable stand for your iPad” and after using the stand for the past week I have to admit that they did a good job creating a very functional and useful accessory.

The Stump Stand is one of the accessories that will not be finding its way into my accessory graveyard – it delivers where other accessories have failed.  It isn’t glamorous, nor does it need to be.  The Stump Stand unobtrusively sits on my desk, or by my bedside and holds my iPad 2 up for me to use and does so with aplomb.  It isn’t supposed to be flashy or sparkly to distract me from my work, it is supposed to be a desk accessory that provides functionality for my iPad 2, holding it upright and making it instantly available while I work.  I was surprised to find that I think the Stump Stand is cute and functional in a way that I think many other accessory vendors should consider taking note of as they build their accessories.  It feels simple, yet I know a good deal of thought went into designing and manufacturing the product.  The most simple products usually require the most thought to ensure that the initial idea is conveyed without additional layers of complexity.  One of the well thought out and simple yet useful design elements of the Stump Stand is a rounded cut out that makes selecting the Home button of the iPad 2 simple when in the vertical position.   The Stump Stand comes in a rainbow of colors and can even be customized with your company’s logo should you want to give them away to promote your company.

The Stump Stand will support any tablet or mobile phone with a width of less than .5 inches.  This is perfect for my iPad 2 as I can leave the cover on and it fits snuggly and securely in the Stump Stand.  The Stump Stand has .5″ notch cut into it with two different positions shaped into the notch on the accessory allowing for two different upright positions of my iPad 2.  As well, the Stump Stand has an angled flat surface with a design that I am assuming increasing adhesion so my tablet does not slide off.  In effect, there are three positions that the Stump Stand provides:

1)  Vertical with a slight angle

2)  Vertical with a more aggressive angle – this is my favorite so far at my desk as it is just the right angle for me to utilize my iPad 2, and

3)  Horizontal angled, or as the creator of the Stump Stand calls it, a “Ramp Position” as it resembles a ramp

When reviewing an accessory for the iPad or other tablet, I first considered the Apple provided accessories.  With the Stump stand it is easy to compare it with the $30 synthetic or $40 leather cover that everyone who has an iPad 2 has purchased.  It is sleek and functional as a cover, but in my experience the “stand” part of the cover could use some major reworking as the magnetic folding stand, while an engineering marvel, does not deliver in the real-world.  All too often falls off, leaving the iPad 2 flat on the desk, or on my bedside.  The Stump Stand delivers as advertised and is a welcome addition to support my iPad 2 on my desk.

The Stump Stand has a solid feel to it, and on the packaging the vendor challenges the market to “TOUCH ME” which is a clear message that the accessory is different.  It is soft to the touch, yet sturdy, made from a dense rubber compound.  Weighing in at 8.5 ounces the Stump Stand is sturdy on my desk, or any other flat surface that I put it on.  The Stump Stand holds my iPad 2 securely at the proper angle so I can easily access all of my Apps and information without having to move from my position, where I am also accessing a couple of laptop computers.  I could see the Stump Stand team adding an adventurer’s version of the Stump Stand based on the sand infused holders that have become a mainstay of the in-car GPS market.  This way the Stump Stand could work on non-flat surfaces as well as flat surfaces.

Back to the packaging for a moment – in my opinion, it is innovative – combining a cardboard backer with a notch cut out of it so it can be hung on a retailer’s display with a second notch cut out of both sides to support a rubber band that holds the product in place.  The cardboard backer is a combination advertisement and holding spot for the Stump Stand.  A custom imprinted rubber band holds the Stump Stand to the backer securely.  I can imagine seeing an end-cap in a retail outlet, such as Fry’s or Best Buy with a rainbow of Stump Stands to attract the consumer.  Again, the simplest of designs usually require the most thought to execute and the team at Stump Stand delivered.  Maybe the team should design packaging as well as tablet accessories?

I am not sure I would consider the Stump Stand a portable product that I would take on trips, as it adds a good deal of weight to my already heavy bag.  I would like to see a Stump Stand Mini for travel that cuts the weight down considerably as the iPad 2 cover is not very good for travel.  As stated before, the iPad 2 cover does not work as promised – great ideas and engineering, but poor execution, as the magnets are not strong enough to prevent my iPad 2 from toppling over, or it could just be that I am not very delicate when the plane is jumping up and down during turbulence.  I am going to take the Stump Stand on my next trip and see how it fares on the airplane and let you know.

I only had one other concern, besides the travel applicability of the accessory;  when using the Stump Stand with my iPad 2 it was challenging to use it in the vertical orientation with the power connector attached as the Stump Stand does not have the depth necessary to support the iPad 2 with its power connector in place without turning it upside down, putting the Home button at the top of the iPad 2.  This is not a major inconvenience for me as I usually use my iPad 2 in the horizontal orientation, but it would be nice to be able to should I want to do so.

Overall, I would highly recommend the Stump Stand for those that are looking for a great way to hold their tablet on their desk, bedside, or any other place they need to easily access their iPad 2.

Update:  September 28, 2011 – I took the Stump Stand with me on a recent trip to Europe and used it on the airplane.  It was very simple to use and I enjoyed having it on my tray to watch videos and type out a few messages.  I did have one interesting experience at security with the Stump Stand, as the security screener asked me what it was as it showed up on the X-Ray while traveling through Europe.   Not sure if it was the material the Stump Stand is made of, or the shape that caused the concern.  As far as the concern on the weight, to be honest, I did not notice any concern, as I used a wheeled briefcase for this trip, so it was not hanging on in my shoulder bag or in a back pack.

Filed in categories: Android related, Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: iPad, iPhone, iPod, PDA, Stand

Stump Stand Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 31, 2011 at 3:13 pm.

If you are like most people in today’s economy, you are always looking for ways to save a little (or a lot) of money. The same holds true in the audio world. It doesn’t matter whether you are happy with the earbuds that came with your iPod/iPhone or have invested in better quality headphones or earphones. If there is a way to improve your listening enjoyment without breaking the bank, you might want to check it out. SRS Labs has come up with a product that may provide a stepping stone to better sound until you can afford those to-die-for headphones or amp or whatever you lust for in the audio world. SRS is a company that sells the iWow iTunes plugin which lets you tweak the audio in ways the iTunes equalizer simply cannot. Some people love what the iWow does and some find this kind of manipulation distracting. It’s a personal preference. Now, SRS has taken this technology and put it into an iPod/iPhone device that allows you to take that iWow sound with you for your car, home speakers and portable headphones.

The iWow 3D Audio Enhancement Adaptor is relatively small attachment that connects to the Apple 30-pin port on an iPhone or iPod which – SRS claims – will dramatically improve the quality of your music. By connecting through this port, the audio signal remains a digital signal as it enters the iWow unit allowing SRS to do its thing before converting the signal to analog (what you hear). There is a free app available from Apple iTunes (iPhone/iPod Touch only) which allows further tweaking if you wish. The iWow will ask you if you want to download the app when you first plug it in, otherwise, it’s easy to find in iTunes. The iWow 3D is also available in a deluxe version which includes a pair of earphones and four differently colored faceplates.

I’m testing the iWow 3D with an iPod Classic, iPhone 3G and iPhone 4 with headphones and earphones. I did not test it on an iPod Touch or iPad (I don’t own either). The iWow will connect to any Apple product with a 30-pin connector.

Let’s first talk about the iWow 3D and the iPod Classic. Since the SRS app doesn’t work with a straight iPod, the iWow is just plug-and-play. I noticed immediately that there was a marked difference in audio quality when switching the iWow on and off. But that’s not a true test because the iWow turned off is not the same thing as plugging earphones directly into the headphone port at the top of the iPod. Frankly, when I compared the iWow to the iPod using this method, I preferred the iPod alone. I have always liked the audio quality of the iPod classic (although not as much as the previous iPod model, but that’s another story). The iWow just didn’t do it for me with this set up. The volume level was noticeably compromised using the iWow 3D. Things were just louder and more involving with the iPod only. So, if you have an iPod Classic, I would advise against the iWow.

The iPhone, however, was a different story. Before I talk about the audio improvements, let’s go over some practicalities in the real world. If you use most cases with your iPhone, it will need to be removed before connecting the iWow. This may be a problem if you don’t like removing the case. It would not fit my iPhone 4 and Speck case but I also have an iPhone 3G with a much thinner case, and the iWow fit that perfectly. Also, the iWow protrudes from the iPhone, so using it while on the go could be a hassle, depending on your use. It’s less of an issue just sitting on your desk or in your car. The battery life on the iPhone can also take a hit using the iWow, so you will may need to recharge a little more often.

Having said all that, the iWow 3D really shines on the iPhone. This is what this product was made for. As I did on the iPod Classic, I tested the iWow against an iPhone alone rather than just switching the iWow on and off. While there was still less volume overall as with the iPod Classic, it was very slight and not a problem. A word of warning here: I suggest you connect the iWow before inserting earphones. I got several loud surprises when I inserted earphones first.

The music comes alive on the iPhone with the iWow. Even without using the free app, the difference was dramatic. The sound just opens up with added clarity. It’s like putting on a pair of glasses. Everything is just sharper. That’s about the best way to describe it. But wait, there’s more!

Using the app lets you fine tune your preferences. While the SRS app lacks any full blown equalizer, it does keep things simple. Along with an on/off (enabled) button, there are three settings: Headphones, Speakers and Car. There’s also an Advanced button which is an equalizer of sorts. Here are three buttons also: Wide Surround, Deep Bass and High Treble. Wide Surround expands the soundstage making you feel more in the middle of the music, rather than on the sidelines. The effect is more subtle than dramatic. I prefer that. It’s so easy to over-process audio and SRS wisely avoids this. The same is true of the Bass and Treble buttons. They are slight variations. Although you could just press all three choices and then forget it, I actually like the Wide Surround and Bass without the Treble. To me, the Treble choice exaggerates any sibilance (that hissing “S” sound in vocals) a song may already have. So I chose to leave that button off.

Also included in the app are a Music Trivia game that tests how much – or little – you know. Strangely, if you are playing your music and then press the Trivia button, it plays its own soundtrack on top of your music. But, if you press the SRS Labs site button, you hear that same music, but your music will then fade out. Why the Trivia Game doesn’t do this and another button does is a mystery to me.

If you own an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad and want to upgrade the audio without spending wads of cash, the iWow 3D is a good choice with minimal setup. Even though its not insanely cheap, it is still way less expensive than an external DAC/Amp, premium headphones or massive automobile amps. The iWow will allow you to give your audio a kick-in-the-pants and – if you wish – also buy you some time while you save up for those major sound improvements later. Then again, you just might decide that the iWow 3D is plenty improvement enough.

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Audio, iPhone, iPod

SRS Labs iWOW 3D Audio Enhancement Adaptor Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 30, 2011 at 2:00 pm.

Conran Audio has recently announced their new iPod/iPhone audio dock. In addition to its ability to play music from physically docked iPods and iPhones, the Conran dock can also play ‘wireless audio’ from any (stereo) bluetooth enabled device. The Conran dock is available for pre-order in black and white for £249.

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, Bluetooth Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: Bluetooth Gear, iPad, iPod, Spotlight Gadgets

Conran Audio’s New iPod Dock originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 4, 2011 at 1:00 pm.

The Paul Frank Julius Dance Machine iPod Docking Station (take a breath) is a monkey shaped holder for iPod devices that also offers built in speakers. The speaker is portable and rechargeable, with 6 hour play time under normal usage conditions. You also gotta love the fact that the ears are the volume controls. The Julius Dance Machine is available now for $99.95.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPod, Speaker, Spotlight Gadgets

Nothing goes better with music than a monkey originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 11, 2011 at 3:00 pm.

ZDocks great looking heavy charging docks for iPhones and iPods (I think they are sturdy enough that they will even work with an iPad). They are cast in solid zinc, weigh 400g / 14.1oz and have a smooth brushed finish. The universal connector sticks up out of the dock, so that you can attach the device without needing to remove it from a case. ZDocks are $49.00 and are available now.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: Dock, iPhone, iPod, Spotlight Gadgets

Get 100% of your US recommended daily allowance of Zinc, with this cool iPhone Dock originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 2, 2011 at 10:45 am.

Well, forget cool – this thing is pretty ugly and weird looking. Thin on top and wide on the bottom. Not pretty.

Don’t be fooled, though; the dockStubz is beautiful on the inside. And in the short month I’ve been using it, it has become absolutely irreplaceable. This little gizmo lets me plug my iPhone clothed in any case I’m using into any dockable product (old and new) I have… period. There’s probably something that it won’t fit, but I’ve yet to come across it. How neat is that?

The dockStubz works with iPhone, iPod and the iPad. And it will pass through any charging from the dock, so your battery still gets the juice it needs. In fact, anything that works with a direct connection will still work. CableJive also managed to fit a mini USB port into the side of the dockStubz to allow for any alternate charging you might need. It also weighs practically nothing – .7 oz.

CableJive is one of those companies that make all kinds of “That’s exactly what I was looking for” products. And the dockStubz fits that niche perfectly.

That’s about it. There’s really no need for a long, drawn-out review on such a simple concept. So if you have a shiny, new iPhone and some older docks it won’t fit anymore (thanks, Apple!), then this may be “exactly what you’re looking for”.

It is what it is. And that IS cool.

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Adapter, iPhone, iPod

CableJive dockStubz Charging Adapter Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 2, 2010 at 10:32 am.

How do you judge a pair of headphones in this pristine, digital age when you’re listening to a new track from Jónsi and Alex that has analog noise added for effect? I have no idea, but boy, does it sound ethereal and haunting. The track is “Daníell In The Sea”, which may not be your your preferred style of music or even what you might call a “song”. But I like it and on the Bowers & Wilkins P5 headphones, I like it even more. That added analog dirt sounds like a badly scratched vinyl record, but the mystery and the ambience come through like a fog rolling in off the coast. Murky and beautiful (the music, not the headphones).

For those of you who may not be aware, Bowers & Wilkins make some of the most audaciously designed speakers available and they are priced accordingly. They have now applied that expertise to the iPod/iPhone market with the incredible Zeppelin speaker and the newer MM1 computer speakers (to be reviewed soon – stay tuned).

They have also entered the personal audio market with the P5 headphones. Unlike headphones such as the Grado 325i for instance, the B&W P5s take a completely different approach to personal listening. It’s important to understand this difference as you consider shelling out big bucks on headphones. The Grados (and some other brands) are what is known as open-backed. And the P5s are closed. This simply means that someone sitting next to you can hear what you are listening to with the Grados and not so with the P5s. And truthfully, neither approach is better. Each one has its pros and cons. It comes down to preferences. So rather than compare the different approaches, I am going to concentrate on the closed design P5s.

Right away, you’ll notice that you can’t get past that packaging before you unearth the headphones. And unboxing the P5s clues you in on what lies ahead: Pure quality all the way. A thick, foam-lined, beautifully printed cardboard box opens up to the headphones packed in a form-fitting carrier. Underneath this carrier is a gorgeous manual/history booklet of B&W, as well as a quilted, suede-lined carrying bag. Also included is a 1/4” jack adapter and a mic-enabled cable. With this mic-cable, you can listen to your iPhone and then accept a call without removing the headphones, then resume your music when the call is ended. Two cables are included – one with a mic and one without.

As with any headphone, comfort ranks almost as importantly as sound quality. When you wear the P5s, you’ll notice that they hug your head without squeezing your temples or pressing down on the ears themselves. And because the pads are leather, they can breathe, which helps reduce sweating, which can be a real problem in more humid climates. Incidentally, that leather is sheep’s leather… from New Zealand. Neat. The well-padded headband is also covered in soft sheep’s leather. There is little to no downward pressure to the top of your head.

The construction is solid and well thought out. Even though the P5s are expensive, brushed metal and chrome accents – along with all that leather – make them look like they cost even more than they actually do. The ear pads are held in place magnetically and separate from the housing with little difficulty, which is clever because it allows for complete cable removable and replacement should something bad happen. So, if your dog chews through the cable, no problem.

Of course, it all comes down to the sound. Do the P5s sound as good as they look and feel? Let’s find out.

Some companies really stress the bass in their products. In most cases, this over-emphasis on bass masks all sorts of shortcomings in speaker quality. What may sound impressive on first listen will give you a headache after 20 minutes. Not fun. Don’t be fooled by heavy bass.

The B&W P5s sport plenty of bass, but are tuned to a more neutral setting. What that means is you can comfortably wear them for hours with no ill effects or ear fatigue. A good example of this is the Annie Lennox song, “Why”, on her “Diva” album. It’s a song that has a perfect balance of bass and midrange synths which contrast beautifully with her vocals. The P5s accentuate all the right stuff with little coloring of the music.

The P5s lean to the warm side, meaning that they are not too bright sounding. Sometimes, that can make the headphones a little less “accurate” sounding. But sometimes, accuracy at the expense of comfort is not a good thing.

A high resolution version of Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” from his album, “So” proves the warmth over accuracy point. This song has some brass sounds that on lesser headphones have sounded downright harsh and unpleasant. Here, the sound is just… smooth. Gabriel’s vocal histrionics come off as good-natured fun rather than grating.

Another good test of sound quality on the P5s is Brian Eno’s “Under” from “Another Day on Earth”. There is a lot happening in this song, from complicated percussion to random sounds haphazardly thrown in for effect. But the way the fast percussion seems to go completely against the slower rhythm of the music shows how quickly the P5s react to all the sonic barrage. It has become one of my favorite headphone songs.

The “Ninth Symphony, Fourth Movement, Abridged” on the Clockwork Orange soundtrack is completely artificial – all analog synthesizer – as could only happen in the 70s. With the P5s, Wendy Carlos’ score comes through with a menacing beauty  absent from earlier listenings. The synthetic chorus at the end will give you shivers. Play this one loud.

Vocals on the P5s can be intimate bordering on the uncomfortable. I don’t mean aurally, but emotionally. Some of the reason for this is again, the closed design as opposed to the open-back design. Jennifer Warnes version of Leonard Cohen’s “Joan of Arc” from her excellent “Famous Blue Raincoat” album puts her right in your space (or face). Close your eyes and she is singing just to you. Its realism to the max. Add in the snap of the static pounding drum in the background while she croons la da da, and you are there.

The Bowers & Wilkins P5 headphones handle anything I’ve been able to throw at them.

You can not only use the P5s for personal listening where isolation is imperative, but they are also something you can just listen to for extended periods of time, if for no other reason – because you can.

For those close to an Apple retail store, you can actually audition the P5s before you decide if they are right for you.

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Audio, Headphones, iPad, iPhone, iPod, portable

Bowers & Wilkins P5 Headphones Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 25, 2010 at 12:00 pm.

While some earphones/headphones available for the iPhone/iPod/iPad are great, most fall into the pretty good category.  But all of them are light years better than the earbuds that come standard with your device. The difference is that noticeable. This is not a review for you who are still using earbuds, unless you KNOW how awful they are. This review is for you who already have a decent pair of earphones and want to move on to a higher level. And one way to do that is to go custom, like the Tunz Duo in-ear monitors from Starkey Labs.

If you are unaware of what exactly custom means in earphones, think about the last time you saw a performer live or on TV. Today, the majority of musicians have what looks like bad hearing aids in both ears. Those aren’t hearing aids and they are most definitely not bad. They are earphones that are custom molded to their ears.

See, ears are like fingerprints. No two are alike. The advantages to acquiring custom earphones are obvious: They will fit you, and no one else… perfectly. The not-so-obvious advantages are increased noise isolation and better bass response. And your friends can’t borrow them (they won’t fit)!

First lets deal with the fit.  With customs, as you insert the earphones, they will literally “snap” into place. It can feel really weird at first. But they will stay in place. No more adjusting or fiddling to get a good seal. And know this, no seal means no bass. Then, there is the almost total isolation from your surroundings. Technically, it’s about 24-26 dB of isolation – which is a LOT. You can be riding the noisiest subway and still be lost in your own world. The fit is that good.

The main disadvantage of custom earphones is the price. They are not for the faint of heart. Custom in-ear monitors can go well over $1000. Most fall into the $500-$1000 range. But there is good news for those who are interested in going custom, but will not (or cannot) spend close to that amount, no matter how good they sound.

Starkey Labs in Minnesota have released a brand of in-ear monitors called Tunz. I am concentrating on the consumer dual armature model, called the Tunz Duo In-Ear monitor. At $250 (not including the ear impression cost), the Duos are one of the least expensive dual armature custom monitors on the market.

You begin by getting an open mouth impression (or mold) made of your inner ear by an audiologist (appx. $40-75). It’s a process that takes about 15 minutes. Once the impressions are made, they are then mailed to Starkey Labs for construction. In about 2 weeks, your custom earphones arrive (you won’t find these earphones in a store).

Inside the box are your earphones, a shirt clip, cleaning tool, and a hard case with the customers name engraved on it.

It may take some practice to insert the earphones, but they will literally snap into place if done correctly. Once in, they stay in.

Interestingly, these customs cost about the same as most good quality universal-sized duos. So you have the added benefit of a custom fit for the same price (minus the impressions cost). Not a bad deal.

So how does the sound compare with other duo or triple armature earphones? I’m happy to say, pretty well, thank you. The Duos are equipped with one bass and one treble armature. I’ll admit that they are not quite as accurate as some triple armature (bass, treble, midrange) earphones I own, but the Duos tackled much of what I threw at them with a surprising warmth. Many armature-based earphones can be overly bright. These aren’t.

I wanted to see how the Duos handled bass, since this is where most dual (and more) armature customs really shine. I began with the Robert Plant and Alison Krauss album, “Raising Sand.” For an album of well-recorded Americana music, this really kicks bass. I’m sure the producer, T-Bone Burnett had a lot to do with this.

I can’t listen to “Raising Sand”  in my car, because the speakers just can’t handle that  much bass. But hearing these wonderful songs through the Tunz Duos is ear-opening. Believe it or not, this rediscovered bottom end brings out the highs in strange ways. The jangly guitars and Krauss’ high whine in “Polly Come Home” gets hung out to dry on lesser speakers. But with the Duos, the highs suddenly have balance with the bass and static drum pounding. Finally, the song sounds complete.

Speaking of Robert Plant, his song “Big Log” from “Nine Lives” features a mid-range percussive repeat that counters nicely with the string arrangements. However the Duos do bring out a certain sibilant quality to Plant’s vocals. This song is proof that with the Duos, you are much better off with higher resolution files, which is usually necessary with better earphones.

If you want a kick to the teeth, crank up “Thunderstruck” from AC-DC. Chris Slade’s bass drum attack vibrates the brain… in a good way. This song must be played loud to  be fully appreciated. But like before, have a high resolution version available.

Moving in a totally different direction, but still following the bass route, is Paul Simon’s “Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes” from “Graceland”. The backing vocals of the South African group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, provide a gutteral low undercurrent that accentuates Simon’s vocal woo-hoo-ing throughout the song. And when the bass drum kick comes in at the beginning of “Boy In the Bubble”, you jump in surprise even though you fully expect it.

“Long Haired Lady” from Paul McCartney’s “Ram” isn’t what you could call an audiophile recording but Paul’s multi-instrumental talents are in full bloom here. The intimacy is immediate with no drag in the vocals. The crescendo ending is a fun, delightful mess coming from a wall-of-sound approach.

Another example of how unforgiving the Duos can be is The Byrds, “I’ll Feel A Whole Lot Better” from their Greatest Hits album. The highs in this great song will absolutely set your teeth on edge. Talk about something in need of remastering. It’s just awful.

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s version of Claude Debussy’s “Claire de lune” from the “Ocean’s Eleven” soundtrack is a beautiful wash of melancholic strings which the Duos allow to breath. The spaciousness of the piece is immediately apparent and that’s not easy with earphones. Open-backed headphones can provide a better soundstage, but then they’re not exactly portable, are they?

If you are still listening to those supplied (free) earbuds and think you are happy with the sound, please, oh please do yourself a favor and invest (at minimum) $60 and upgrade to earphones. A whole new world will open up to you. But be warned: Once you get a taste of that aural sweetness, you’re going to want more and better audio sugar… much like the Tunz Duos.

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Audio, Earphones, in-ear monitors, iPad, iPhone, iPod, portable audio

Starkey Labs Tunz Duo In-Ear Monitor Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 20, 2010 at 12:00 pm.

The Capture case from H20 Audio protects the 5th generation iPod Nano from water, sweat and dirt when you surf, snorkel, swim and run. It’s a heavy duty polycarbonate case with play through buttons what allow you to use all the features of your media player, including the ability to use the video camera under 12 feet of water. The case is pictured here with the optional waist strap and Surge waterproof earphones. The Capture case is priced at $79.99 and comes with an arm band and belt clip.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: Case, iPod, Spotlight Gadgets

Protect your iPod Nano from sweat, dirt and water with the H20 Audio Capture case originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 20, 2010 at 12:17 pm.

When you have an iPod instead of an iPhone, it’s not vital that you always have power. But it is very irritating to be listening to music or watching videos and have the thing die on you, isn’t it? Several companies offer emergency chargers for iPods, but many of them seem to be little bricks that plug into the iPod’s docking connector when you need the power. They aren’t designed to be always on the iPod, so you have to remember to keep them charged up and keep them with you. Mophie has a series of iPod and iPhone chargers that combine emergency battery backup in a sleek, protective, hard-shell case. Julie offered me the chance to try out the Mophie Juice Pack air for the second-generation iPod touch. I happily agreed, and I soon had a Juice Pack air in hand.

Mophie lists three colors for the Juice Pack air: red, gunmetal gray, and blue. I received the blue one, but the color is actually purple, in my opinion. There seems to be a definite reddish metallic sheen to the plastic case. The case has a rubbery texture, and it’s very easy to get a secure grip with this case on the iPod touch. The air is 2.63” x 5.24” x 0.57”. My digital kitchen scale shows the air case weighs 2.25 ounces. The touch feels noticeably bigger and heavier in the hand with the air case. It’s not uncomfortable to hold, however.

The cases’s rechargeable Smart Battery has a 1000 mAh capacity. Mophie says the battery essentially doubles the battery life for your iPod touch. There is a standby switch on the air. When it’s switched off, the air’s battery is a reserve battery. When your iPod’s battery is drained, switch the air on and you have another full charge. You can use the touch as normal while it’s using the air’s battery, or you can simply let the air charge your touch.

If you prefer to always keep your touch’s battery at full charge, leave the air’s switch in the “on” position. The Smart Battery technology is designed to drain the air’s battery first, leaving you with a fully charged battery in the touch. However, Mophie says that using the air this way results in less reserve power. Constantly keeping the touch’s battery topped off isn’t as efficient as waiting until the touch’s battery is drained before using the air’s battery.

The documentation said that the air case should arrive fully charged, but the one I received needed to be charged. To charge, you connect the air to a USB port on your computer via the included USB-to-micro USB cable. You can also use any wall-plug USB power adapter rated for iPods to charge the Mophie. The manual said it should take 2-3 hours to fully charge the air; it took about 2.5 hours to charge mine using a USB port on my laptop. Charging status can be monitored with the four blue LEDs on the back of the case. When I first plugged it in, the leftmost LED started blinking. Eventually, that one went steady and the next LED started blinking. When charging was complete, all the LEDs were on steady.

Battery indicator showing full charge

There is a button beside the four LEDs. Pressing it turns on the battery monitor. If all four LEDs light, you have a full charge. You can use this to check the stand-by power at any time.

Putting the case on is a snap. The top of the case slides off. You slide your touch into the body of the case, making sure that the 30-pin connector in the case fully connects with the iPod’s connector, then slide the top back into position. There is also a 3.5mm connector in the bottom of the case that plugs into the touch’s headphone jack. There’s a 3.5mm jack on the bottom of the air case so you can still use your earbuds while the touch is in the air case. However, because something is plugged in to the touch’s headphone jack, the little speaker is disabled. I often use my iPod touch without earbuds. I don’t like that my speaker is disabled by the case.

Power button

The power and volume rockers are covered with plastic tabs that have been almost completely cut out of the case. A small attachment point remains so that the little tab can move enough to depress the button below it. These tabs work very well; they are easily depressed and the iPod always responded. The bottom of the case has the mini USB port for charging and synching with iTunes. There is a 3.5mm earphone jack and the stand-by slider also on the bottom.

Volume rocker

When I put the case on my iPod, the touch’s battery was about 70%. I tried switching the air case on, and iPod’s battery icon changed to indicate it was charging. I put the air back in stand-by and continued to use my iPod for about 30 minutes after I got the 20% battery level warning. When I flipped the air on, my iPod started charging immediately. I continued to use the iPod for a few minutes, then I turned it off and left the Mophie on. I checked the Mophie’s battery level periodically. When the air finally showed a depleted battery, I found that the iPod had a 98% charge, according to the battery monitor in the System Activity Monitor app I use. The battery in the air case got a little warm while charging my iPod, but it was never hot.

Stand-by slider, micro USB port, earbud jack

You can charge the air case and the touch simultaneously with the micro USB cable. You can also sync the touch with iTunes using the micro USB cable. I had no problems with using iTunes with the touch in the air case.

The Mophie Juice Pack air is a nice case with a bonus backup battery – or is it a useful backup battery with a bonus case? In any event, it’s a nice protective case that doubles your battery life. The only downside I see is that the speaker doesn’t work while the iPod touch is in the case. That little speaker is so muted and weak that probably no one but me ever uses it any way. If you have a 2^nd generation iPod touch, you’ll find the Mophie Juice Pack air is useful addition to your touch.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Battery, iPod

Mophie Juice Pack air for the iPod touch Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 14, 2010 at 12:58 pm.

QDOS, innovative designers of iPad, iPod and iPhone accessories have launched their latest product, created for the iPhone and iPod Touch.  It’s called the SoundFrame.

Simply slide your iPhone or iPod Touch into the SoundFrame and you can sit back and enjoy your favourite music, which is pumped out of the two built-in 2.1W hi-fidelity speakers. The clever design of the SoundFrame also allows it to be rotated 90 degrees, so you’re device can be viewed in a horizontal position, perfect for watching videos.  The SoundFrame will even pause your video/song if you receive a call – clever!

Measuring just 155 x 155 x 38mm, the SoundFrame is very portable and comes with a re-chargeable lithium-ion battery, a remote control, a zipped carry case, AC power pack with connectors and a USB cable.  It’s perfect for when you’re on the move, or if you’re stuck in the office you can hook it up to the included AC power pack, which will also charge your device when it’s docked.

The SoundFrame is available now for £79.99 ($120) direct from QDOS

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPhone, iPod, QDOS, SoundFrame, Spotlight Gadgets

QDOS SoundFrame Speaker for iPhone/iPod originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 21, 2010 at 2:00 pm.

No, it’s not a hot air balloon for your iPhone, it’s the Luna5 iF500 Encore from Edifier. It is a uniquely designed round 5-driver speaker docking system for that is available in either glossy piano black or white. This speaker incorporates a 5.75-inch bass driver, two specially housed 2.75-inch midrange drivers and two 1-inch tweeters. Both the midrange drivers and tweeters are arranged in stereo on either side of the panel to maximize stereo separation, and they are powered by two Class-D digital amps – a 30-Watt amp dedicated to the bass driver and a 22-Watt amp for the mids and tweeters. Wow. It also has touch-sensitive keys that control power, volume and track advances, as well as a cool aesthetic feature that causes the base to glow red. The MSRP is $299 but I can’t seem to find it for sale on the web at this time.

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPod, Speaker, Spotlight Gadgets

Up Up and Away with the Edifier Luna5 iF500-Encore Speaker originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 12, 2010 at 11:04 am.

The new Polar WearLink makes heart rate based training available to Nike+ users. If you own a Nike+ SportBand or the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit, you can use the WearLink chest strap to provide heart rate monitoring while you run. After working out, heart rate data can be transferred to the nikeplus.com web service, providing users with info to track how long they ran in their target heart rate zone and their heart rate progress over time. Full press release after the jump.

POLAR AND NIKE INTRODUCE HEART RATE TRAINING TO MILLIONS OF NIKE+ RUNNERS

Beaverton, Ore. (June 7, 2010) – Nike, Inc (NYSE:NKE) and Polar, the market leader and pioneer in heart rate training technology, have introduced the Polar WearLink^®+ that works with Nike+. This new product works with the Nike+ SportBand and the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit, enabling users to run and train with heart rate monitoring for the first time.

This exciting new piece of equipment is worn comfortably round the chest and transmits the user’s heart rate wirelessly to their Nike+  iPod Sport Kit or Sportband. It will improve the training experience of Nike+ users helping them to understand how hard they are working in any given run. Users can see their beats per minute while they run with their Nike+ SportBand, or hear spoken feedback of their BPM during their Nike+ iPod workout. And after training, heart rate data can be transferred to the nikeplus.com web service. Users can track how long they ran in their target heart rate zone and see their heart rate progress over time.

The new Polar WearLink^®+ that works with Nike+, is also compatible with most Polar training computers (all those using 5 kHz transmission technology). This allows use of both the Nike+ system and a Polar training computer at the same time. The Polar WearLink^®+ that works with Nike+, is also compatible with the fifth generation iPod nano and the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit.

The soft textile chest strap seamlessly adapts to the user’s body shape, bringing full freedom of movement to the training session. The comfortable textile strap is also machine-washable and with its hook mechanism, the transmitter is just as quick to put on as it is to take off. A user replaceable battery also increases the ease-of-use.

In addition, the Polar WearLink^®+ that works with Nike+, works with Polar-compatible fitness equipment, including models from all major fitness equipment manufacturers. This enables users wearing the WearLink+ transmitter to see their heart rate on the compatible fitness club equipment as well. The coded transmission ensures that Nike+ devices and Polar training computers pick up the right heart rate signal and not someone else’s.

“We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Nike”, says Marco Suvilaakso, Group Product Director at Polar. “Polar and Nike are both market leading global sports brands. Nike users around the globe can now benefit for the first time from pioneering Polar heart rate monitoring technology. The new WearLink^®+ transmitter Nike+ will make accurate heart rate training available to millions of Nike+ users. It will add a new dimension to their training enabling them to train at the right intensity to achieve their goals. We anticipate this will be a very popular product.”

“We are excited to introduce Polar heart rate technology into the Nike+ system so millions of enthusiastic users can take their training and performance to the next level,” said Jeff Padovan, president of Polar USA.  “Being able to partner with industry leaders like Nike and Apple who share our passion for sports and technology allows us to deliver what the consumer has asked for by providing the best each company has to offer all in one product.”

The Polar WearLink^®+ that works with Nike+, will be available from June 2010 in the United States, followed by Canada and major EU countries from the beginning of July. On sale through authorized Polar retailers, Nike-owned retail stores and through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), the Polar WearLink^®+ that works with Nike+, is sold as a Polar accessory set with a user manual. Compatible Polar training computers can be purchased separately.

Notes to Editors

Recommended retail price: $69.95

Compatible Polar training computers:

All Polar training computers utilizing 5 kHz transmission technology, including Polar FT80, FT60, FT40, FT7, FT4, FT2, FT1, RS400, RS300X, RS100, CS400, CS300, CS200 and CS100. Please check the up-to-date list of compatible training computers from the Polar web site.Water resistance of Polar products is tested according to International IEC 60529 IPx7 (1m, 30min, 20°C).Not suitable for bathing or swimming. Protected against wash splashes and raindrops. Do not wash with a pressure washer.Not suitable for swimming. Protected against wash splashes, sweat, raindrops etc. Do not wash with a pressure washer.Suitable for bathing and swimming.Suitable for swimming and snorkeling (without air tanks).

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

About Polar Headquartered in Lake Success, NY, Polar USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finland-based Polar Electro OY, which invented the first wireless heart rate monitor (HRM) in 1977.  Polar now operates internationally in more than 80 countries. Polar heart rate and fitness assessment technology delivers unparalleled insight into the human body from valuable training guidance and feedback, to enabling individuals to improve their fitness level and sports performance. Polar technology is key to the success of leading fitness facilities, athletic teams, corporate wellness facilities, health insurance providers and thousands of physical education programs around the world. Today, Polar training computers are the number one choice among consumers worldwide. For more information, visit www.polarusa.com.

About Nike
NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned Nike subsidiaries include Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand. For more information, visit www.nikebiz.com.

# # #

Filed in categories: Health Related Gadgets, News

Tagged: Health, iPod, Spotlight Gadgets

Polar and Nike+ Introduce the Polar WearLink originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 9, 2010 at 1:00 pm.

Aluratek doesn’t just make eBook readers like the Libre that we reviewed earlier this year. They also offer quite a few audio / video gadgets including their latest one, the Brick. The Brick is a universal iPod docking station that is compatible with the iPod touch, iPhone and any iPod model with a click wheel. It offers device charging, a built in amplifier and an FM tuner for an MSRP of $149.99. Full press release after the jump.

Aluratek Announces the “Brick” Hi-Powered Speaker Dock with

Built-In Amplifier

The Brick lets you charge and dock your iPhone, iPod touch or iPod while providing

powerful, amplified sound quality at an entry-level price

(IRVINE, CA – June 8, 2010) – Aluratek, Inc. (www.aluratek.com), a leading creator of sophisticated yet user-friendly computer peripherals and consumer electronic devices, announces Brick – the new iPod/iPhone speaker dock. The Brick features a built-in amplifier, providing superior sound quality to please audiophiles, while offered at an affordable price.

The Brick is a universal iPod docking station, and is compatible with the iPod touch, iPhone and any iPod model with a click wheel. Devices will be charged when docked in the Brick, which can also be used with any MP3 player by utilizing the 3.5mm auxiliary line input. You can also choose to listen to the FM radio through the built-in FM tuner.

With an MSRP of a low $149.99, the Brick offers an affordable solution for superior sound quality. The speaker features 23W (RMS) output power, including a 15W downward firing subwoofer and 4W on each L/R channel.  It also has an electronic harmonic distortion feature of less than two percent.

“We’re proud to offer our consumers a product that not only provides a powerful, in-concert sound experience, but does so at a price that is affordable especially in today’s economy,” said John Wolikow, VP Sales and Marketing for Aluratek. “I’m confident that once the Brick is experienced the consumer will be amazed how such a tiny footprint can produce such a big sound.”

Additional features of the Brick include an FM tuner, alarm clock and equalizer. An included remote lets you control the Brick from anywhere in your home.

The Brick is now available online through Aluratek.com and other major e-tailers, as well as in-store through Fry’s Electronics with an MSRP of $149. For more information about the Brick, or any of Aluratek’s other innovative products, please visit www.aluratek.com.

About Aluratek, Inc.

Aluratek was formed by a group of industry veterans who believed that computer peripherals and consumer electronic devices could be both sophisticated in their function and user-friendly in their usage. The goal of Aluratek is to embody “Simple Elegance” in every product it designs, manufactures and sells. The product focus of Aluratek is to bring simple yet elegant connectivity solutions to the consumers to enhance their consumer electronics, communications and computing experience. Each product is carefully designed with the consumer in mind. Each product is solution-driven to address the need of the consumers and deliberately planned to provide the ultimate user experience. Current Aluratek product offerings include the following: Digital Photo Frames, Digital Camcorders, eBooks, Internet Radio, and external storage devices. For more information, please visit www.aluratek.com.

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPhone, iPod, Speaker, Spotlight Gadgets

Aluratek Announces the “Brick” Hi-Powered Speaker Dock with Built-In Amplifier originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 8, 2010 at 10:00 am.

Alarm clocks designed around the iPhone / iPod are not something new. But an alarm clock like the iHome iA5 App Enhanced Clock that can be completely controlled by an iPhone or iPod is new. You can use this device as a speaker and as an alarm clock with social networking features. Let’s take a closer look.

Package Contents

iHome iA5 App Enhanced Alarm Clock
AC Adapter
Instruction Manual

The iA5 is a compact speaker (9.34″ W x 5.83″ H x 3.9″ D) with a built in universal iPod dock connector on its front panel. Below the dock are 4 buttons. There is a bedtime button and a wakeup button. When the bedtime button is pressed, it will allow you to set a sleep timer to listen to music currently playing on your iPod or iPhone before shutting off at a chosen time. Pressing the bedtime button cycles through the sleep timer settings for 90, 60, 30 and 15 minutes. The +/- buttons adjust volume levels and are used for manually setting time and alarms. The wakeup button resets alarms.

The top panel of the iA5 has two buttons. A long snooze bar (marked as ZZZ) and the iHome logo power/app button. The snooze bar works as expected, to snooze currently sounding alarms (snooze interval times can be customized from 1-29 minutes). When an alarm isn’t sounding, you can use the snooze bar to cycle through the clock display brightness levels. The power/app button is used to reset an alarm and to turn off music playback.

On the rear panel of the iA5, you will find 4 buttons, an AC adapter plug and an Aux In jack. The buttons control the speaker’s clock display, EQ setting, Clock Sync and Alarm.

There is a backup battery compartment on the bottom of the speaker. It holds a CR2032 coin cell (included), that will keep the settings in the event of a power failure. A low battery indicator will appear on the display when the battery needs to be replaced.

While it is possible to use the iA5 without an iPod or iPhone, doing so pretty much defeats the whole purpose of this device. Using the buttons on the back panel, you can manually set the clock and set an alarm. You can also plug an audio device into the Aux In jack and use the iA5 as an external speaker.

Plugging in an iPhone / iPod and pressing the clock sync button on the back panel of the speaker will sync the speaker’s clock to the time set on the iPhone / iPod.

As you can see from the image above, there is a digital clock display behind the speaker grill. This display shows the time of day as well as the alarm status (a clock icon will show when an alarm is set).

To get the full benefit of the iA5, you need to download the Free iHome+Sleep app from the iTunes App store.

When it is installed and running while the iPhone is plugged into the speaker, it can be come the clock main display as well as the main controller for the alarm clock features. As you see from the image above, the speaker’s clock display is turned off. This is the default behavior when the iHome app is running. If you want the speaker’s clock display to always be on, you can do so.

The app is pretty robust, allowing up to 18 software alarms that can wake to any song or playlist on your device, or an alarm tone. The alarms can be set for daily, weekly, or a custom selection of days.

A custom background picture can be set for the clock display and you can show the current weather at the top.

Another interesting feature allows you to link your Twitter and Facebook accounts to the iHome app so that you can let your friends know when you go to sleep and wake up each day. This borders on TMI (too much info) to me and also who the heck really cares? But hey, if you’re into letting the whole world know all your daily activities, this app can do that for you. Upon waking it will also display Twitter and Facebook happenings while you were asleep. The only trouble with these features are that they are not automatic. You have to manually tap the screen to send the notices.

Having so many features is really cool, but there is one big problem with the iA5… The iHome app has to be running on the iPhone / iPod in order for the alarms to work. Actually that’s not quite true, which is a bit confusing. One alarm can be set on the speaker using the iPhone and even if the iPhone is disconnected or the app isn’t running, that alarm will work (with a high pitched beep). But all the other alarms will not work. This is a big bummer in my book. I would think that if one alarm can be set on the speaker, then why can’t they all? But as the saying goes, it is what it is.

Ok, we’ve only been focusing on the alarm clock features of the iA5 so far, but what about the audio quality from the speakers? I’m happy to report that for a such a small unit like this one, it does a very good job. It has Reson8® speaker chamber technology which allows it to have surprisingly good bass. Listening to music through the iA5 in my basement office has been enjoyable. Of course, it isn’t going to out perform a larger set of speakers, but it is perfect for a small bedroom, dorm room or office.

The $99.99 price tag feels a bit steep to me but I think the iHome iA5 App Enhanced Alarm Clock is a cool product with a lot of potential.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews, Watches and Clocks

Tagged: Clock, iPhone, iPod

iHome iA5 App Enhanced Alarm Clock Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 9, 2010 at 5:11 pm.

We have all seen iPod docks and speaker systems, right? In my opinion, these so called speaker systems are a fantastic idea. They are small, compact, and if you’re lucky, have great sound quality. If you are in the market for a product like this, you can easily grab one from anywhere at a price of anything between 19 bucks up to several hundred bucks.

The Cignias NAO Symphony Music Station just happens to be on the pricer end of the scale. This unit carries a price tag of $299. However, overall this speaker system is definitely worth the money. Not only is this machine packed with great sound and impressive features but it is also a very sexy device. I will get into all the main features in just a bit. Before I do, you must know the key features that make this unit stand out form the others. First of all the NAO music station can be controlled with the included remote control.

This remote allows you to shuffle through everything that is on your docked iPod. It also allows you to scroll through the playlists that you have created on your iPod as well. Of course the remote also allows you to control the volume, power on/off and change the input method. Meaning you can switch from docked iPod to WiFi to Bluetooth stream. Now for the fun part… not only can you control the unit from the included remote control but you can also it through your iPhone or Blackberry device. All you need to make that happen is the free application that can be downloaded from their respective app stores. Then bingo you can now control your docked iPod with your mobile smartphone device. Another great feature is the fact that you can even stream what ever music you have on your mobile device through the Bluetooth connection. Now doesn’t that sound just a little bit cooler than some of these other dock stations out there right now?

This unit has more features than you would think considering it has one of the most simplistic designs I have ever seen. The NAO stations are designed to interact with your smartphone in a multitude of ways. As I mentioned before you can either control your docked iPod with the included remote or your smartphone. Or you can control the streaming mp3s that are on your mobile device through the Bluetooth connection.

Like I said above, this unit is very simplistic and plain. I personally love that about it. The front of the unit has a mesh grill that hides the 40 watt sound system, which is made up of two 4inch performance speakers and two more 1inch high range speakers. The sound that is put out of these speakers is practically impeccable. If you ask me, this system sounds as good if not better than some of the top of the line units that are out on the market right now.

On the top of the device is where you will find all of the controls. Of course in the middle of the unit is the actual dock/charger for your iPod. On either side of the dock, you will find the touch sensitive controls. To the right of the dock you have the volume up and the input selection keys. To the left of the dock you have the volume down and mute key. Those are the only control buttons that you will find on the 6inch tall pyramid shaped system.

The simplicity of the design is carried over onto the back of the device as well. On the backside you are only going to find the serial and model number information. Directly under that info, you will find the spot to plug in the 12v power adapter. Along with the power adapter, you will also see an auxiliary in jack which allows you to plug in just about any other type of device and use the NAO station as a speaker for the extra device. There is also a USB port which enables you to plug in a portable flash drive and stream even more music from that. The thought that went into the features of this device is very impressive. When Cignias designed this unit they absolutely had the music enthusiast in mind.

Now we can get into some of the other features that you will need to familiarize yourself with. Before I do that, I need to say that in order to use your mobile device to control the unit, you need to configure the mobile device to the unit itself. This process is actually very quick and painless. The instructions are included and as long as you follow them you will be up and running in less than 5 minutes. Making sure you are always using the most up-to-date software for the NAO station is as easy as having the MusicNAO and or the PodNAO applications installed on your mobile device. Remember, you have to have those apps installed anyway in order to control the unit from you phone anyway.

Navigating from one input to another is as simple as tapping the input selection key and learning what each color led represents. First you have the green led indicator which tells you WiFi is active and lets you use your smartphone to stream music to the NAO station. Then you have the blue led indicator which enables you to stream music through the Bluetooth enabled device. Then you have the yellow led indicator which indicates that you have a docked iPod attached and you are able to control that iPod with your Blackberry or iPhone or you can just control it with the included remote control. The last color you will see is the purple led indicator, which indicates that you are ready to use whatever auxiliary device you have plugged in.

A brief run down of some of the core features that make this unit more significant than the others are as follows:
-Plays music wirelessly from iPhone, iPod touch, and blackberry smartphones.
-WiFi and Bluetooth support
-Control docked iPod with remote or Blackberry
-Integrated equalizer
-Upgradeable firmware
-Auxiliary input

Those were just a few of the more notable features. If you are in the market for a new or your first iPod speaker system and you can look past the slightly high price tag then you really need to check out this NAO Station. The product line is available now. Just go to www.cignias.com to pick yours. Remember the setup is very simple and quick. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.

One more thing. I also put their customer service/technical support departments to the test as well. I must say they walked me through every scenario that i could come up with. To top it off they did all this with courtesy and a very helpful mindset. That to me was the icing on the cake. A great product with great customer service. If you haven’t guessed, I really like this product and I would recommend it to anyone. And it’s even simple enough for my grandma to use.

I think that if you were willing to dish out the 300 bucks for this unit, you will be very happy with your decision! Now go get yours and ROCK OUT!

Filed in categories: Blackberry related, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Blackberry, Bluetooth Gear, iPhone, iPod, Speaker

Cignias NAO Symphony Music Station Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 23, 2010 at 6:11 pm.

Looking for an iPod dock with a little pizzazz? How about one that links up with your home WiFi connection, plays podcasts and FM/Internet radio from around the globe, and – here’s the kicker –streams music in from you home computer? The WiFi Internet Radio (Model IR-3101) from MerConnect can do all these things and quite a bit more, pushing the traditional iHome docking station idea into something quite multi-functional, easy-to-use and entertaining.

Grandparents, who are easily amused by anything with a glowing LED 2.5” display, will get a kick wondering what the heck this Internet Radio kabob’r is. Being the kind, considerate granddaughter I am, I keep it simple – it’s a neato looking alarm clock that glows in the dark.

Setting the dock up to utilize wireless connectivity is a snap, and doesn’t take much effort. The Radio Dock quickly found available WiFi networks, and I connected to my home network by using the remote to navigate and enter my password. From there, it was just a matter of picking a home location to choose music from, which can vary with your current location to your own personal preferences.

I searched around the podcasts section and found a random Bar Chat show in California. No idea that existed.  There’s lot of stuff out there in podcast land just waiting for a legion of fans!

The Radio also docks iPods and iPhones with a breeze. Drop the iPhone into the dock, and it’s ready to roll. You must have the remote handy though in order to switch songs because the home key is obscured by the design of the dock.

Don’t have your iPod or iPhone handy or just too lazy to pick it up off the floor? Try using the UPnP support to wirelessly transmit your music to the radio. If you have Windows Media you’re in luck because it support UPnP, but iTunes users have to jump through a few loopholes.

After a quick Google search, I found a company called Twonky that can broadcast your iTunes library to their servers using the UPnP protocol. I downloaded their 30-day free trial and voila, the WiFi dock found my entire iTunes library – Wirelessly! Brilliant. I barely had to do anything at all, except enter my self-made Twonky Username and Password.

For our European fans, the radio supports DAB. I was unable to test this portion of the dock out because I’m reviewing it here in the USA. If anyone winds up purchasing the sound dock, please let us know how the DAB functionality performs.

Everything isn’t sunshine and roses with this dock. There are a few glaring issues of concern namely the speakers weak. With no treble or bass adjusters, the sound is somewhat tinny and shallow, and on par with a basic, portable iHome sound dock. If you were hoping for Bose or Bowers and Wilkins perfection, then you will be mightily disappointed.

The WiFi docks works with IEEE 802.11 b/g wireless configurations, supports the newest generation iPod and iPhones, has USB, AUX in and Line Out I/O ports. You can either run this puppy off 6 AAA batteries or with a power adapter. The remote requires 2 AAA batteries.

In the box you will find the remote, USB cable, AUX cable, power supply (mine was European), and a useful manual with a retail price of $159.99.

Photos courtesy of Chris Tooley – http://WWW.TOPHERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, Reviews

Tagged: Internet Radio, iPhone, iPod

WiFi Internet Radio w/ iPod docking station Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 18, 2010 at 12:27 pm.

The DLO WallDock iPod Charger is a simple and effective gadget for anyone with one or more iPods/iPhones. This is a brain dead simple device weighing not much more than an iPod cable. No manual, no setup, nothing to configure – plug it into a wall socket and you’re ready to go.

The unit is a little wider than the widest iPod/iPhone, and is the requisite “Apple White” color. Unlike other docks, the rubbery top of this one is made so that when not in use it expands to be even with the dock connector. You can safely toss it into a bag and it will ride along fairly safely. When its time to plug in a device that same material will compress down and help keep the iPod in place, so you won’t need to talk along (or find) the appropriate dock adapters for all the devices you carry.

Operation

I feel a little silly telling you how to operate it, but here it is in a nutshell. Plug it into a wall socket.

It’s now ready to use. Obviously you want a socket that’s oriented the right way and has enough clearance that you can get an iPod in. You want a wall socket, because the wall is actually part of the dock for the larger iPods/iPhones.

Slide whatever iPod you grab first onto the dock, and it starts charging. Simple!

This is a “high power” charging system, so it will charge as fast or faster than when plugged into a USB port.

You can see from the photo above how the iPod leans back towards the wall while in the dock. The connector pivots a bit, so you can lean the docked device back until it touches the wall if you’d like. This will keep it steady (and it’s the reason you want a wall socket!).  It seems as stable as any other docking system, and it charged everything I threw at it including 1st and 2rd generation iPod Touches, an iPod nano, and an iPod classic.

Final Thoughts

What can you say about a wall plug charging dock? It’s really handy, it weighs just a few ounces, and it works well. It seems to be durably made – it survived a family trip, and was in near daily use with 4 devices for a week. It would look to be ideal for the traveler, but I have yet to determine if it can work with non-US voltages, so that could be an issue.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews, Travel Gear

Tagged: iPhone, iPod, Power

DLO WallDock iPod Charger Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 14, 2010 at 9:20 pm.

The StandHear from Agent18 is an adjustable device stand for your iPhone, iPod touch, Blackberry Storm, Palm Pre, etc., that makes it a perfect accessory to take with you on your next flight. The feature that makes this $24.95 device shine is the built in earphone splitter. Now you can easily watch a movie with the person sitting next to you.

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPhone, iPod, Spotlight Gadgets, Stand

StandHear lets you share a movie with a friend originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 10, 2010 at 8:00 am.

As with all their products, Clickfree engineers simple backup solutions that provide users with the ability to store and transfer data from one computer to the next. Basically your iPod/iPhone turns into a portable flash drive that is compatible with both the OSX 10.5.4 + and PC platforms (including Windows 7 support).

Instead of forking over $100 + for external HDD, whip out the iPod/iPhone transformer and backup with devices you already own. I attached a 1GB iPod Shuffle to the transformer, and from there you can see that I could either choose to backup data to the device or I could bring over the Shuffle’s music to my iPod library – a great solution if your iPod/iPhone was hooked into a computer that is no longer with us.

No need to worry about overwriting over existing songs or data, the Clickfree software only adds data and does not delete any preexisting information already on the device. Be aware though, as with all Clickfree devices, you will not be able to backup any applications to your iPod or iPhone.

Super easy to browse through menus, adjust or customize backups, delete Clickfree data or update the device. Support and options are just clicks away!

The Clickfree Transformer for iPod retails for $49.99, and is available @  http://www.clickfree.com/products_transformeripod.php.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Backup, iPhone, iPod

Clickfree Transformer Backup for iPod/iPhone Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 6, 2010 at 8:12 am.