Tekkeon announces myCase for iPhone, a new family of silicone cases that protect iPhone 3G S, iPhone 3G, and iPhone with a fun three dimensional style. myCase is available in eight unique styles that provide easy access to all user controls while protecting iPhone from every day wear and tear. For advanced screen protection, each myCase comes with a myGuard Screen Protector for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S. “myCase adds a bit of flair to iPhone with a unique three dimensional look,” says Jerry Yang, president of Tekkeon, Inc. “With eight designs to choose from, it’s easy to find the case that expresses one’s personal style.” The MSRP for Tekkeon’s myCase for iPhone is $29.95. Tekkeon’s cases are available from the Tekkeon store at www.tekkeon.com. The cases come with a one-year limited warranty.

Adesso Inc., a leading manufacturer of computer input peripherals, today announced the release of its latest addition to its extensive line of keyboards, the WKB-3100, a wireless, mini keyboard with integrated optical trackball. This compact keyboard offers the freedom of wireless computing in a wide array of environments, and is available for $79.99 at www.adesso.com.

The WKB-3100 lets users work freely, without any space, angles or distance constraints. The enclosed optical trackball delivers distinct precision and smooth motion, requiring virtually no maintenance or cleaning. The compact size of this keyboard allows for ease of use in tight spaces, including living rooms, kiosk stations, conference rooms and workgroup project environments.

The innovative keyboard is compatible with modern PC systems, flat LCD monitors and tablet PCs in various office environments. The small, compact size also allows users to work remotely, fitting snugly in any briefcase or backpack.

The WKB-3100 features the following:

Limitless connectivity angle with a wide range

6500 IDs on 12 channels, offering 30 feet of wireless freedom

Optical trackball technology that provides precision and control

Measures less than 12 inches in size


Adesso’s various product lines are available through Ingram Micro, Synnex and D&H direct vendors, eRetailers, including AMAZON, Buy.com, PC Mall, CDW, Insight, Newegg and TigerDirect. In addition, they are also available at retail stores, such as Micro Center and CompUSA, and leading catalogs, including CDW, PC Mall and PC Connection.

Scosche Industries (www.scosche.com), an award-winning innovator of mobile electronics and iPod accessories, is proud to announce the introduction of its environmentally conscious new Bluetooth speaker phone, the solCHAT (#CBHSOL). Harnessing the power of the sun, the solCHAT is powered by an integrated solar panel and lithium ion rechargeable battery combination. Utilizing voice announce technology, the solCHAT announces calls as they come in so users can keep their eyes on the road while driving.

Scosche’s engineers worked diligently to make solCHAT easy to use, even with its advanced functionality. With only three visible buttons— volume up, volume down and the answer/hang-up multifunction button —the solCHAT is exactly what consumers are looking for. Using voice announce, the speaker phone let’s users know who’s calling and actually guides them through the initial Bluetooth 2.0 device pairing process. The solCHAT automatically reconnects to users cell phones once initially paired. Users simply turn the solCHAT on when entering the vehicle and the device will automatically pair with the cell phone. Users don’t need to worry about turning the device off since the solCHAT will automatically turn itself off once the cell phone is moved out of pairing range.

Retailing for $99.99, solCHAT comes with a USB charging cable and car adaptor so you can charge at night and on days with insufficient sunlight. Also included are a windshield suction cup mount and sun visor clip for easy operation and solar charging. The solCHAT is now available at www.scosche.com and at retailers across the nation.

With much anticipation, Apple took off the covers of its latest version of the iPhone OS today from its Cupertino headquarters. As believed, Cut and Paste, MMS, and tethering support was announced. Actually, tethering was brought up during the Q&A and was confirmed by Scott Forstall, Senior Vice President of iPhone Software at Apple, telling the audience, “We’re supporting tethering in the client side, we’re building that support in. We’re working with our carriers around the world.” Dozens of other features, mostly for developers, where announce as well such as support for Google Maps so applications will no longer have to send a user to the Google Maps application but rather integrate it directly into its application. This also means turn-by-turn directions will be supported though it will be “bring your own maps” for licensing reasons. TomTom has a chance!

Forstall early on admitted blowing it on a feature that should have been out last year saying, “Next, Push. You know, we’re late on this one.” Working with developers and listening to their suggestions lead to a re-tooling of Push and now Apple believes the version that is in 3.0 is much better than what it once had. Examples of push, such as IM, were shown to work very nicely much like SMS or reminders in the current version of the iPhone.

Subscriptions will also now be available for software making way to purchase multiple levels of a game or more months for a sports service, for example. Peer to Peer connectivity is also added allowing for easier connection between two or more iPhones for multi-player games or for address card exchange, though the latter was not mentioned.

Hardware vendors will also have use of the iPhone via the dock connector, finally. Examples shown were the iPhone docked in a speaker system in which you could control the tone with an onscreen EQ. SvenOnTech is aware of Altec Lansing showing off alpha hardware to Apple in January and suspects that this very hardware was shown in the slide show, today. Other items shown were a blood pressure cuff and a blood tester for diabetes. With this access, it’s quite conceivable third-party vendors can finally tap into the phone and possibly tie it into car stereos or home dock systems. The ultimate speaker phone.

Copy and Paste looks fantastic. When asked what the hold up was all about the answer given was “security” without any further explanation. I find this a very interesting response since nearly every device on the market has this feature and these manufactures, such as Microsoft and RIM, seem to have not been worried about “security”. It’s hard to say if it was a cover-up excuse or something deeper RIM and MS haven’t considered.

Other goodies include landscape support for SMS, Mail, and Notes. Speaking of Notes, you’ll finally be able to sync those scribbles in your iPhone with 3.0. Voice notes was also shown off which looks to be quite nice. Steaming video was demonstrated by ESPN which looked incredible. YouTube will now allow you to enter your account information keeping favorites and subscriptions synced between phone and desktop. Multiple pictures can now be sent in Mail as well as direct access to the mail application for other apps. Safari users will also be happy to know Auto-fill has made its to the upcoming summer release of 3.0 as well.

So, what about that MMS and A2DP (stereo Bluetooth support) caveat? You know, how Apple just kinda breezed over the fact that you’ll need to have a 3G iPhone to get that working? Mmm, kinda fishy, we think. While it’s solely possible that the lack of support for stereo Bluetooth may be so on the older hardware, we’re at a loss why MMS cannot be supported. Let’s see, you can take a picture in the Facebook app and send it to your profile, today. Same with Twittelator Pro to post pics and embed the link in your Twitter posts, but Apple can’t open the camera in SMS and grab a shot to send because of hardware? Doesn’t make sense to us. Other 2G devices do MMS just fine, so why not Apple’s? We believe it’s a way for Apple to force users to purchase new hardware though we could be wrong on this. Still, can’t see how hardware other applications use without issue for photos can’t be used by Apple.

All-in-all a great announcement for developers at the iPhone OS 3.0 preview announcement. If they use the tools given to them today, this free update for all iPhone users, $9.99 for iPod touch, could be a mean and exciting update for sure. Guess that puts egg on our face for last nights post, huh?

Excitement is brewing with anticipation for the iPhone 3.0 OS update preview tomorrow. Rumors are already spilling details that include Copy and Paste (FINALLY!), MMS, and built-in tethering (at a cost, I’m sure.) Unfortunately, folks, I really don’t see this as a major update, just like 2.0. Apple, with Steve Jobs on stage, does a great job of making nothing seem special. Tomorrow it will have a difficult job pulling that task off without iCon front and center. If you’re honest with yourself, you’ll agree with me, there’s nothing special in what we’ve heard thus far. Copy and Paste should have been released in a minor update with 1.x. MMS should have been there on Day One and tethering introduced no later than 2.0. So if these rumors are true, and most likely they are as Kevin Rose is backing some of them and was dead-on with his last predictions concerning Apple, why are we all getting excited? Give me a break, the Plane Jane Motorola RAZRs have 2 out 3 of these features. Yawn.

Some may point out the addition of the Premium App Store as another rumor for 3.0 but I discount that since it’s not tied to the OS and more to the back-end of the store. Who cares. This is nothing more than Apple trying to make more money, encourage better games, and crack deeper into the PSP and DS market. This is not an operating system advancement.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that these reported features will finally make it to the phone I love to use, but I’m just trying to add perspective here. There’s no reason to get all giddy for nothing short of what we should have already had. I truly hope there is MUCH more coming and that the Palm Pre tit-for-tat reports are correct. It would be nice to see a turn-by-turn GPS application announced (which again, nothing new for many other smartphones), video support (more same-old-same), and push-notification finally supported promised by Apple at its last software upgrade preview nearly a year ago. I want to be dazzled like I was at Macworld when Steve announced the iPhone. Please Apple, don’t just repackage your competitions features as something new and amazing. Do us right.

Contour, known best for its iPhone and iPod cases, has taken a dive into the Bluetooth headset market. It calls its super cool looking hands-free accessory Metal. One look at it and it’s easy to guess why.

We took the slim gum-sized headset for a test to let you know if Contour put the pedal to the Metal. It sure stuffs the box with lots of accessories and when you see how you charge this unit, you’ll smile. We did.

Read the review and see if this Metal is your style.

mStation | mophie announces juice pack air, the world’s thinnest apple-certified external battery for iPhone 3G. The rechargeable 1200 mAH lithium polymer battery housed in an ultra-thin case virtually doubles the amount of time you have to rock, talk, surf, and send. Juice pack air will be available to consumers world-wide this spring at Apple stores and mophie.com for $79.95 in Black, White, and Purple.

Juice pack air features an innovative “standby mode” that allows users to control when they want to take advantage of additional battery support versus simply using it as a protective case. The integrated 4 LED charge status indicates how much juice is remaining in the external battery. Unique pass-through design allows users to simultaneously charge their juice pack air and sync their iPhone 3G with iTunes with the included USB cable.

“The juice pack air is a simple yet elegant battery boosting solution for iPhone 3G power users” says Ross Howe, Sales and Product Development Director for mStation | mophie. “Advanced features like standby mode and ultra-thin design make juice pack air the ideal option for both extended battery support and protection.”

Additional Battery Time Provided by juice pack air

Standby Time: Up to 270 hours
Talk Time: Up to 4.5 hours (3G) Up to 9 hours (2G)
Internet Use: Up to 4.5 hours (3G) Up to 5.4 Hours (Wi-Fi)
Audio Playback: Up to 20 hours
Video Playback: Up to 6 hours

The mophie juice pack air will be available at Apple stores and mophie.com this spring with an MSRP of $79.95. For more information, visit www.mophie.com

Tekkeon is pleased to announce the release of its industrial-grade, high temperature version of the popular myPower ALL plus lithium polymer battery. For use as portable power with portable instruments and equipment, or as an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) for battery backup, Tekkeon’s new myPower ALL Plus MP3450i universal battery provides instant power for devices that require between 5V and 19V. The voltage on this new battery is fixed for the connected equipment, or can be quickly changed to meet the power needs of a wide range of devices.

A versatile power solution for power-hungry portable devices, myPower ALL Plus MP3450i will significantly extend the life of a range of instruments or equipment batteries. In fact, it has already found two distinct niche applications. With mobile routers, such as the 3G routers manufactured by CradlePoint (www.cradlepoint.com), the Tekkeon battery provides users up to 12 hours of runtime when no power outlet available. Likewise, myPower ALL is popular with film and video production equipment, where it provides hours of extra power for on-site LED lighting and monitors.

“As a response to overwhelming user requests for an industrial-grade battery that can be dedicated to power portable equipment and instruments, we developed this version of myPower ALL to be used with portable devices like mobile routers, and instruments that are used in the field,” says Jerry Yang, president of Tekkeon, Inc. “The uses for MP3450i are countless as the output voltage suits most portable equipment and instruments, and we offer a large variety of tips to fit various devices.”

Like its predecessors, myPower ALL Plus MP3450i is lightweight and uses visual indicators to identify the exact power level. In addition, this version includes 16 preset voltages and an on/off switch that preserves power when the battery is not in use.

An optional extended battery, model MP3450-10, can be added to myPower ALL Plus to further extend the additional battery hours. Mounting brackets are included with this optional battery to combine the batteries into a single stacked unit.

The MSRP for myPower ALL Plus model MP3450i is $199.95, and $99.95 for the extended battery (MP3450-10). Both products are currently available at the Tekkeon Store at www.tekkeon.com and at 3GStore.com. myPower ALL Plus comes with a one-year limited warranty.

To ensure compatibility with most equipment and instruments, myPower ALL Plus MP3450i comes with five adapter tips that work with the most-widely used DC jacks. Additional adapter tips are available at the Tekkeon Store.

iPhone fanatics can now experience the PSYCLOPS music and dance movement by creating custom music mixes, dance moves and videos – and share their creations with family and friends. PSYCLOPS, developer of iPod cases and interactive website, PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters, has gone mobile with the release of the PSYCLOPS iPhone application, PSYCLOPS Dance Mixer (iTunes link).

Similar to PSYCLOPSHQ.com, the iPhone application allows users to create their own music video with a selection of characters, funky music beats and animated dance moves that give each video creation a personalized touch. After a dancer is chosen, users produce a 30 second four-track music mix at the Music Machine by combining a wide array of drums, bass, guitars, pianos, horns and DJ scratches. Once the user completes their music mix, they can then choreograph their dancers unique dance routine by choosing from a variety of dance moves. They may also set the mood with an animated background or photo real background. Finally, users can personalize their dance video with a custom message that scrolls across the bottom of the screen while the video masterpiece is playing. The final result is a shareable QuickTime PSYCLOPS music and dance video that can be emailed to friends and family.

“Our PSYCLOPS iPod protective cases and online experience have become so popular that we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to create an iPhone application so people could enjoy PSYCLOPS no matter where they are,” said Joy Kovaleski, CEO, PSYCLOPS LLC. “The iPhone has quickly become a fantastic way to extend a user’s experience to a mobile platform. There is nothing else available for the iPhone like PSYCLOPS with its unique music and dance creator that lets you make a video you can send with a personal message.”

PSYCLOPS iPhone application is available for $1.99. Users can purchase the PSYCLOPS iPhone application at Apple’s iTunes app store. More information can be found at PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters at: http://psyclopshq.com.