iSimple® today announced the availability of iPod® docking interfacing kits that give drivers of hundreds of popular 1995 to 2007 automobiles an affordable way to enjoy static-free iPod music directly through their vehicle’s factory stereo systems. In addition to crystal clear audio, these kits also allow the user to track forward and track back on his/her iPod directly from the factory radio, as well as providing battery charging for many iPod models.
Each kit features a “brain box” (called a PXDP) and a wiring harness that plugs directly into the CD changer port in the back of a compatible vehicle’s factory-installed stereo system. Once installed (professional installation is recommended) the unit delivers perfect CD quality sound directly through the sound system, as well as the option of selecting tracks through the car stereo using the FFWD / RRWD CD changer function. Additionally, the unit does not block out clickwheel or touch screen controls, so the user can browse and select tracks as normal. And, because the connection is “hardwired” to the vehicle, the docking connection offers battery charging for most iPod models, including the iPhone®.
These iSimple kits sell for approximately $119.95 and are compatible with hundreds of models, including: BMW and Mini) Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Pontiac and Saturn; Ford, Lincoln and Mercury; Acura, Honda, Isuzu, Scion and Toyota; Chrysler, Dodge, Eagle, Jeep and Plymouth, and Audi, Jaguar and Volkswagen.
All iSimple automotive docking solutions are made by Peripheral Electronics® – the industry leader in automotive OEM integration products – and distributed and marketed by AAMP of America™. iSimple kits are available at specialty car audio and electronics stores nationwide, as well as most Best Buy locations. iSimple products are also available online at Crutchfield.com, Autotoys.com, Amazon.com and more. For more information, please visit www.peripheralelectronics.com or www.iSimpleSolutions.com.
Worn like a pair of glasses, the new AV310 is the first video headset of its kind to feature the full 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio; while the AV230XL breaks new ground by using OLED (organic LED) screen technology for an incredibly bright, high contrast display that uses less power.
The release of the two headsets brings the full Vuzix range to four models. The AV920 is the top of the range video headset, and the VR920 is a virtual reality headset aimed at the gaming market which adds motion tracking and 3D capability to 80 PC titles and online games such as World of Warcraft, Second Life and Call of Duty.
The two new products are designed to complement a range of devices with TV Out capability including the Apple iPod range, MP4 players, games consoles such as Wii, and many of the latest mobile phones from Nokia, Sony Ericsson, LG, Samsung and HTC.
In fact, connectivity and access to content is now at such a level that most consumers across Europe could sit and watch on their personal devices ‘cinema sized’ video from YouTube, BBC iPlayer or other on-demand TV channels using a Vuzix headset.
Announcing the breakthrough new products, Vuzix founder and CEO Paul Travers said: “There is increasing demand and interest in this space. As screens in our homes get bigger, the screens we use on the move have stayed roughly the same size.
“With Vuzix iWear you can get the full big-screen cinema experience, in a device that is small enough to carry in your pocket. And the range of products you can connect to is increasing all the time as more and more mobile phones are released with video out capability.”
The new Vuzix models are both shipped with an approved “Made for iPod” cable that connects to the full range of iPod devices – including the Classic, the Nano and the Touch; and also to the iPhone. Leads for other leading handsets such as Nokia’s N95 and N96 are also included within the pack.
The AV230XL and the AV310 Widescreen are also the first Vuzix models to run using one standard AA battery, further aiding convenience, flexibility and portability.
The AV230XL will initially retail at £129.99 and the AV310 Widescreen at £149.99. Both are available now and are being released at special introductory launch prices that will be held until Xmas.
Stockists include 3 retail stores, Firebox.com, Play.com, Applestore.com, Amazon.com or direct from www.vuzix.co.uk.
Product features include: Read the rest of this entry »
iSimple offers true hardwired interface solutions that allow car owners to directly interface their iPod or other portable audio source directly into their vehicle’s factory-installed entertainment system, providing crystal clear, static-free sound and unparalleled ease of use. The product provides real integration between today’s popular portable audio devices and the advanced sound systems in most late-model cars, trucks and SUVs. iSimple gives drivers the opportunity to interface their iPod or iPhone directly to their vehicle – as well as input audio from a GPS or a satellite radio receiver– while maintaining the look, feel and functionality of the original factory system. The iSimple kit can also be upgraded with an optional iSimple HD Radio tuner, to provide even more in-vehicle listening options.
According to Ron Freeman, CEO of AAMP of America, “We are thrilled to deliver iSimple to drivers of late-model Nissan and Hyundai vehicles. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and in the world of car audio that ‘weak link’ is usually the bridge between an iPod or other portable device and the factory-installed sound system. The iSimple approach is based on overcoming this fatal flaw by providing a true hardwired integration that allows users to take full advantage of their high-quality digital sound files. And when you add in the ability to expand the iSimple interface with our HD Radio tuner, you get a system that is far superior to any other on the market today.
The newest iSimple-compatible vehicles include: Hyundai’s Accent (08), Azera (08), Elantra (08), Entourage (08), SantaFe (08) and Veracruz (08), and Nissan’s 350Z (07-08), Altima (05-08), Armada (08), Frontier (07-08), Maxima (05-08), Pathfinder (08), Quest (07-08), Rogue (08), Sentra (07-08), Titan (04-08), Versa (07-08) and Xterra (07-08).
PumpOne introduces iPump Total Body™, the first in a series of workout applications for iPhone and iPod touch available through Apple’s iTunes App Store. This ultimate on-the-go video, image and audio personal trainer contains three components, WORKOUT, LOG and INSPIRE, that not only coaches users through complete workouts, but also allows them to keep track of sessions and instantly send progress logs to friends, family or medical professionals.
“Everybody would love the luxury of their own live personal trainer, but not everyone can afford it,” says Craig Schlossberg, President of PumpOne. “iPump is the next best thing. The clear exercise videos, crisp fitness images and quick intuitive interface show a user exactly what exercises to perform, in what order and with the proper intensity. Plus, you can enjoy your music while training with the application.”
iPump Total Body is made up of three levels; Foundation, Intermediate and Comprehensive, each with three gym workouts, totaling nine. The exercises in each workout target all major muscle groups and include workout-specific intensity charts showing reps, sets and rest intervals. This easy to use program removes the mystery from performing effective workouts while helping users gain strength, lose weight and increase endurance.
With the world’s largest exercise image and video library, PumpOne’s content was created specifically for mobile devices that do not get in the way of a training session. The iPump series will contain fitness programs from all areas of training; Strength, Cardio, Flexibility, Sports, Yoga, Pilates and Physical Therapy. Available soon are iPump Abs & Core, Golf, Pulse, Pilates and Office Stretch. These interactive state-of-the-art fitness programs are exclusively distributed through the desktop iTunes application or directly from the App Store on a user’s iPhone or iPod touch.
iPump Total Body is now available for the introductory price of $2.99 from the iTunes App store or by going to http://www.PumpOne.com/ipump/totalbody.
So you’re in market for a new dock for that new iPod you just nabbed, aye? You’re kinda tired of the plain white one from Apple and all those other ones out there really don’t capture you. I mean, you’re sporty and elegant, right? So what could possible match that? Mmm, maybe the Art.Suono wireless iPod dock from David Wiener Collection (DWC). Crafted with machined aluminum and carbon fiber, DWC tells SvenOnTech that it will, “Stand out as a piece of audio jewelry wherever it’s placed.” Designed with the Ferrari feel down to including a start engine button, DWC spared no cost to bringing the most fancy dock to the iPod it could.
“The Art.Suono is designed for individuals looking for beauty, performance and exclusivity,” said DWV founder David Wiener. “It embodies our passion for extraordinary design, our obsession with technological excellence, and our belief that these qualities can be combined to create audio instruments that deliver a new experience in music listening.”
The Art.Suono isn’t all about looks. It’s about sound as well. Using technology originally engineered for recording studios and used for recordings by such artists as Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor and Paul McCartney, “The DWC-APHEX circuitry makes recorded music more “alive” by restoring the harmonics lost in compressed music files and by providing an incredible sense of spaciousness and clarity so each instrument and voice is clear and distinct.”
If this sounds like a worthy investment to add to your stereo system, the Art.Suono will be available next month for $1,499 from authorized resellers worldwide.
In addition, Harman Kardon is introducing its HK 3490 and HK 3390 stereo receivers, which combine superlative sound quality with flexible operation, including video switching for use in home entertainment systems, and iPod and portable music player connectivity.
Adding to their appeal, all five receivers have a distinctively elegant, refined appearance, featuring a gloss-black top panel and a dark graphite lower panel, all accented by soft white illumination.
Following is an overview of key features and technologies of the new Harman Kardon® audio/video receivers.
Harman Kardon, Inc. announced today the introduction of The Bridge II docking station for iPod®. A unique accessory that connects a compatible iPod or iPhone™ model* (not included) to a Harman Kardon® The Bridge-ready** audio/video component, The Bridge II enables a host of expanded iPod capabilities, including audio and video playback through a home entertainment system, on-screen iPod menu display, and remote control operation.
iPod Home Entertainment At Its Best
Using just a single cable, The Bridge II connects to the Harman Kardon DMC 1000 digital media center, the new AVR 354 7.1-channel audio/video receiver and the HK 3490 stereo receiver, or to current and previously available The Bridge-ready A/V receivers. No power adapter is required. Once connected, The Bridge II provides a direct audio, video (for the AVR 354) and control link between the iPod and the DMC 1000 or receiver. In addition, The Bridge II is powered by the receiver and no additional connection is required to charge the iPod.
The Bridge II enables control and navigation of a docked iPod from the DMC 1000 or the receiver’s remote control. The Bridge II and the remotes operate in conjunction with proprietary Harman Kardon-developed software that is built into the DMC 1000 and the receivers, providing complete control of iPod music and still images, as well as video playback with the AVR 354.
Selection and track information including album, artist, track number and other information are visible on both the user’s TV (or video display) and the DMC 1000 or receiver’s front-panel display, providing ready access to all playback and menu functions via simple-to-use on-screen or front-panel messages. The remote controls that are supplied with the DMC 1000 and compatible receivers are used to operate iPod playback, including start/stop/pause, next track/previous track and access to menus.
The iPod may also be used as a source for multiroom audio playback when used with the DMC 1000, AVR 354 or The Bridge II-compatible AVR Series receivers with multiroom audio capability.
When an iPod is connected to a compatible Harman Kardon receiver via The Bridge II, the audio output is sent directly to the receiver, enabling iPod users to experience exceptional multichannel music reproduction as well as stereo music playback. The exclusive Harman International Logic 7® surround-enhancement technology built into Harman Kardon A/V receivers utilizes proprietary digital-signal-processing techniques to create heightened sonic realism from an iPod (and other two-channel music sources), with superior imaging and an immersive surround sound environment.
Adding to its appeal, The Bridge II features a compact, streamlined design with a dark-graphite finish and soft white illumination that complements Harman Kardon audio/video components and fits easily into a home entertainment system.
The Harman Kardon The Bridge II is fully compatible with all iPod models equipped with a docking connector, including iPod touch, iPhone, iPod classic, iPod nano and all Click Wheel models. (Not compatible with iPod shuffle.)
The Harman Kardon The Bridge II docking station for iPod will be available in early summer 2008 at a suggested retail price of $129. The Bridge II will also be included at no extra charge with the AVR 354 7.1-channel audio/video receiver, which will be available in late spring 2008 at $899 suggested retail.
Callpod, Inc., an award-winning emerging technology company that has created and patented unique audio conferencing and content sharing technologies for wireless and consumer electronic devices as well as cellular telephones, has reduced the starting price of its debut product, the Chargepod, to $39.95 and the bundle pack to $79.95.
The Chargepod is a 6-in-1 device that allows users to charge most mobile electronic devices with a single power cord from almost anywhere including at home, in the car or at the office.
“The response to the Chargepod has been extremely positive across the board,” said Darren Guccione, President, CEO and Co-Founder of Callpod Inc. “It is a unique yet simple product that is extremely useful as it eliminates annoying gadget clutter by saving space, outlets and power. We understood that the Chargepod was a very special product that we wanted to share in both domestic and international markets. This price enhancement allowed us to better serve our customers as we scale into the mass retail channels this year.”
Essential at Home, at the Office or on the Road
Callpod offers hundreds of manufacturer-specific adapters for all types of portable devices. Users can dispose of numerous power cords once the Chargepod enters the picture. The Chargepod uses voltage regulator technology and interchangeable power adapters to safely charge all of your mobile devices regardless of manufacturer or model. The Chargepod comes with an AC adapter; users can also purchase the car adapter for use in an automobile, making it an extremely versatile product for the mobile traveler or business user.
The Chargepod is an easy-to-use charger that solves an annoying problem that has plagued portable gadget lovers, families, road warriors, and employees ever since portable gadgets came on the scene. Callpod continues to add adapters for the Chargepod as new devices are introduced so that users can simply add an adapter and not a whole new charger every time they upgrade their device. The Chargepod is the last device charger you’ll ever need to buy. It is simply the best travel charger for mobile devices available today.
Pricing options start at $39.95
1. The Chargepod carries a street price of $39.95 which includes the Chargepod base unit, a carrying case and wall plug (100-240V AC, 50-60 Hz). Each additional adapter is $9.95.
2. Callpod offers a bundle pack for $79.95, which includes the Chargepod base unit, AC wall plug, car charger, carrying case and the following six popular adapters: Apple/iPod/phone, Motorola, Blackberry, Nokia, Palm Treo and Sony PSP devices. (Consumers save $40 by purchasing the bundle pack)
Callpod has also fitted the Chargepod with a smaller wall plug for customer convenience.
In addition, Callpod recently released the award winning Dragon®, a 100m range advanced Bluetooth headset for mobile phones, PDAs, gaming systems and computers. Another breakthrough device is Callpod’s Phoenix, a revolutionary and patented Bluetooth mobile conferencing system which connects five Bluetooth headsets together so when users make a call, all five participants can talk in full duplex and join in a phone call on the other end. The Dragon is currently available in several retail stores and online retailers. The Phoenix® will be available this quarter. Stay tuned as Callpod plans to announce several new innovative products this year.
For more information please visit Callpod at http://www.callpod.com/.
Looking to talk a little longer, surf a bit further, watch a few movies, or listen endlessly to your tunes on your iPhone? Not looking to be strapped by a cable to make it all happen? No worries mate, give the Mybat External Battery for iPhone and iPod a look and you may be surprised to find that, ah, you can do all these things with it!
SvenOnTech put this external battery through some heavy testing and we were pleasantly surprised to find out that, well, read the review and see what surprised us and why we were pleasant. 