February 01, 2006 | Back

Canon Launches New 4.3 Megapixel DC40 DVD Camcorder

Whether capturing memorable honeymoon moments or baby's first small, staggering steps, Canon says its new DC40 DVD camcorder helps make recording precious memories simple, fun and convenient. With its super slim design and 10x optical zoom lens, this compact DVD camcorder includes a 4.3 megapixel CCD image sensor that produces widescreen video and doubles as a digital camera.

Features include 4.3 megapixel CCD image sensors, record direct to DVD capability, widescreen video, one-touch dubbing, ability to edit and share DVDs, easy video recording, and a wide range of photo features. The camcorder records photos onto Mini-SD cards. Popularly used in today's newest cell phones, the Mini-SD format offers high-capacity storage in a compact size; therefore, people can view their recorded memories at home or visiting the grandparents. Think I will use mine at home.

> Source: Canon
> Estimated price: $899
> Date released/expected: N/A

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January 30, 2006 | Back

OtterBox for iPod video and nano

Yep, another case to protect your iPod is on the market. Otter Products has just released the OtterBox for iPod video and OtterBox for iPod nano, two additions to their interactive, virtually indestructible line of iPod cases. Waterproof and drop-resistant, these cases are ready for any adventure, says Otter.

Similar to others in the OtterBox for iPod line, the video and nano cases offer an interactive membrane for Click Wheel access and a hard screen cover to shield the display. Rubber lining inside the case cradles the iPod and a secure-close latch adds extra protection. Cases also allow the use of any style headphone and when combined with waterproof headphones, they can even go swimming. These cases should make a real splash!

> Source: Otter Products
> Estimated price: $14 to $49
> Date released/expected: N/A

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November 02, 2005 | Back

Archos Introduces the Gmini 402 Pocket Multimedia Center

Don't leave home without your fav movies and pics! Take them with you. Take them ALL with you, for that matter! Archos Inc., a consumer electronics manufacturer and provider of portable digital entertainment solutions, has introduced the new Gmini 402 Pocket Multimedia Center. The slim and sleek 20 gigabyte hard-drive-based video, audio and photo device is now Microsoft PlaysForSure compatible, supporting both protected download and subscription music services, and features a 2.2" color LCD screen and sleek metallic casing. The Gmini 402 lets you take up to 80 hours of video, 200,000 photos or 10,000 songs in your pocket wherever you go.

The Archos Gmini 402 is designed for media enthusiasts who want to take their video, photos and music with them on a stylish pocket-sized device. With its sleek metallic design, the Gmini 402 measures only 4.17" x 2.37" x 0.69" and is 5.64 ounces, yet offers the largest hard drive capacity and color LCD screen for a product of its size.

> Source: Archos
> Estimated price: $299
> Date released/expected: N/A

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October 28, 2005 | Back

Belkin Announces Lineup of Leather Cases for iPod nano

So pretty! Customize your iPod nano and protect it at the same time. Belkin has announced a variety of new cases - just for you. Addressing the various needs of the iPod user, three form-fitting, leather-case designs are available. Designed to reinforce the nano's minimalist industrial design approach, Belkin's cases fully manage various aspects of user functionality while still maintaining a sleek-yet-simple aesthetic design. Belkin is offering each case in 4 colors: white, black, light blue, and light pink. Now you can really listen in style!

The Carabiner Case's form-fitting design and leather construction keeps your nano form slim while still giving you complete and easy accessibility to all ports. Featuring a Carabiner clip for convenient positioning and hands-free carrying, this Case also offers a locking clip to easily secure your iPod.

The Flip Case offers quick, easy, and convenient storage with its built-in cable-management mechanism. Designed with a multi-mount clip and hook for a variety of ways to secure your iPod nano, this Case also provides easy accessibility to all ports. The Flip Case features a form-fitting design, packaged within a fine-grain leather construction.

The Folio Case secures comfortably around your wrist with convenient lanyard strap. Designed for easy accessibility to all ports, the Folio Case comes packaged within a fine-grain leather construction and features a form-fitting design.

> Source: Belkin Corporation
> Estimated price: $299
> Date released/expected: N/A

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October 24, 2005 | Back

Soldius1, The World's First Solar Power Source for iPods, Debuts

Got an iPod? No? A mobile phone? Okay. Now we're in business. Soldius, the leading developer of portable, solar-based chargers for consumer electronic devices, and mysoldius, the exclusive, U.S.-based Soldius distributor, have introduced the Soldius1 Universal Solar Charger for iPods and other mobile devices.

A perfect iPod accessory for holiday gift-giving, Soldius1 is designed for anyone who uses their iPod while on the move and needs an easy, portable, fast energy source. Relying purely on solar power, the Soldius1 charges the iPod mini, the new iPod Nano, the iPod Shuffle, and over 250 mobile phone models, including Nokia, Samsung, Sony-Ericsson, Siemens and Motorola, including the new ROKR. Simply plug the Soldius1 into your iPod, put it in direct sunlight and solar energy flows into the iPod. That's hot!

> Source: Mysoldius
> Estimated price: $89 to $109
> Date released/expected: N/A

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October 15, 2005 | Back

Sirius Satellite Radio Debuts Plug and Play Units Under $50

This is the season to get Sirius Satellite Radio. The satellite radio provider is now offering two compact and user-friendly units for holiday shoppers on a budget. For $49.99, the Sirius One and XACT Visor Plug and Play units are the least expensive way for consumers to access Sirius content in their car. The Sirius One, at 2.8 by 4.5 inches and 0.8 inches thick, weighs 5 ounces. The small, sleek design and reversible display allow the Sirius One to be placed on the visor, dash or console. Sirius One has been specially developed for quick and easy vehicle installation and comes complete with four mounting options: sun visor, windshield, dash board or instrument panel. The Sirius One, which has 30 channel presets, includes a remote control and low profile antenna.

Similar to the Sirius One, the XACT Visor has a compact design that allows it to be easily installed in the car by using one of the four mounting options. This sleek radio provides easy-to-read, one-line display and a rotary control knob for channel changing. The XACT Visor, which has 36 channel presets, also includes a remote control and low profile antenna.

SIRIUS has more than 120 channels of commercial-free music, sports, news, talk and entertainment in digital-quality sound for a low monthly subscription of $12.95.

> Source: Sirius
> Estimated price: $49
> Date released/expected: N/A

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September 12, 2005 | Back

Apple Introduces iPod nano

Nano, Nano! Already welcoming rave reviews, is the new Apple iPod nano, a full-featured iPod that holds 1,000 songs yet is thinner than a standard #2 pencil and less than half the size of competitive players. The iPod nano features an ultra-portable, lightweight design with a color screen, Apple's patent pending Click Wheel and the ability to hold 1,000 songs or 25,000 photos. iPod nano works seamlessly with the iTunes Music Store.

The most fashionable and wearable iPod ever, the iPod nano features optional accessories including lanyard headphones, which integrate the headphone cables into the lanyard, so users can wear their iPod nano around their neck without dangling headphone cables. For customers looking to personalize their iPod nano with colors, an optional set of iPod nano Tubes in pink, purple, blue, green and clear offers fashionable protection in a sheer casing while enabling full operation of all functions including the Click Wheel. Optional armbands available in gray, pink, blue, red and green allow users to wear their iPod nano as the ultimate fashion and sports accessory. iPod nano also features the same 30-pin dock connector as the iPod and iPod mini, allowing it to work effortlessly with a wide range of over 1,000 accessories developed for iPod, including home stereo speakers and iPod car adapters for an incredible music experience at home or in the car. If you've been holding our for your iPod, now (or should we say, nano) may be the time to buy!

> Source: Apple
> Estimated price: 4GB $249 - 2GB $199
> Date released/expected: N/A

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August 12, 2005 | Back

Belkin Launches Dock Adapter for iPod shuffle

Accessories in a shuffle? Belkin's new adapter will help un-shuffle your shuffle. The company has just released the Dock Adapter for iPod shuffle, an add-on that lets you connect iPod accessories with the Dock Connector through the shuffle's USB port.

This Dock Adapter gives your shuffle the flexibility to work with enhancements for iPod such as battery packs, auto power cords, iPod speakers, and USB/FireWire cables that have a Dock Connector.

> Source: Belkin
> Estimated price: $19
> Date released/expected: N/A

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July 28, 2005 | Back

New Canon Optura Camcorders

Customers can double their pleasure with the newest two Canon Optura Mini-DV camcorders which offer digital video as well as still performance. With the new Canon Optura 600 camcorder users get high-quality 4.3-megapixel image reproduction for crisp video and photos in a sleek but elegant design. For customers looking for a stylish but compact camcorder with great video and still image capability that's a snap to use, the new 2.2 megapixel Canon Optura S1 model may be just for them.

The Optura 600 and Optura S1 models are the smallest 4.3 megapixel and 2.2 megapixel camcorders, respectively, on the market. Double the performance, nearly half the size. Your next photo shoot should be a snap.

> Source: Canon USA
> Estimated price: Optura 600 $1,099 - Optura S1 $799
> Date released/expected: N/A

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July 08, 2005 | Back

Logitech Launches New Line of Headphones

The Logitech Wireless Headphones for MP3 give new meaning to "mobile music." With 30 feet of wireless range, people can leave their music player on the kitchen counter while they roam around the home, or put it away in a backpack if they're on the go, without missing a beat.

The Logitech Wireless Headphones for MP3 work with any MP3 or CD player, and connect instantly by plugging the adapter into the standard 3.5 mm headphone jack on the music player. Logitech has also launched the Logitech Identity Headphones for MP3, which are lightweight and include four changeable color plates, and the Logitech Curve Headphones for MP3, mostly for the active mobile music enthusiast. I think I'll stick with wireless or identity.

> Source: Logitech
> Estimated price: Wireless $129 - Identity $39 - Curve $29
> Date released/expected: N/A

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July 06, 2005 | Back

mVox Unites Families of Armed Forces with Free Phone Calls

Loved ones in the military overseas? With a little help from mVox, you can stay in contact a bit easier. The company has launched the True Freedom of Speech program, designed to bring soldiers and their families closer together on Independence Day. The program offers 250 Armed Forces families two free portable USB speakerphones that work with Internet telephone applications such as Instant Messenger (IM) or Voice over IP (VoIP) software, allowing free long distance phone calls.

Valued at $79.98 a pair, the phones will be shipped free of charge to the first 250 families that register and qualify on www.mvox.com today through July 4th, 2005. Better sign up fast!

> Source: mVox
> Estimated price: $40 per unit
> Date released/expected: N/A

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July 05, 2005 | Back

Kopin and MicroOptical Bring ''Big Screen'' Video to Cell Phone Users

France Telecom is giving new meaning to the term mobility. Their wireless unit, Orange SA, will soon roll out a new mobile video service that will let cellular phone subscribers view TV, movies, photos and broadband Internet content with a big screen viewing effect using Kopin-enabled video eyewear from U.S.-based MicroOptical Corp. Orange SA, one of the world's leading wireless companies with 52 million customers in 16 countries, will bundle a MicroOptical binocular video eyewear with Samsung's SGH-D600 cell phone as part of its new "Orange World" wireless multimedia service. The bundled package is scheduled to be available to Orange subscribers in October 2005.

MicroOptical's video eyewear contains two of Kopin's full-color, QVGA-resolution (320 x 240) CyberDisplay 230K microdisplays. This allows users to privately view large-size video or pictures equivalent to a 12-inch screen as seen from three feet away, yet simultaneously view their surroundings thanks to the small size of the frame and MicroOptical's patented optics which allow the user to see around the screen. Europe's AFP news wire service called the bundled technology "a sure fire hit," saying that the eyewear's "big screen effect" is stunning, especially when combined with built-in stereo earpieces.

> Source: MicroOptical
> Estimated price: N/A
> Date released/expected: N/A

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June 30, 2005 | Back

First International Digital Introduces MusiCase

It's a carrying case! No, it's speakers! Wait, could it be both? A new hybrid from First International Digital, Inc. (FID), MusiCase is a unique iPod accessory, which combines two amplified stereo speakers with a carrying case. Made of a lightweight, durable nylon material, the MusiCase allows users to store, protect, and transport their MP3 players and related accessories. Inside, two mesh pockets are specially optimized to hold iPods and the iPod Shuffle, although the device is compatible with any MP3 player.

When connected to MusiCase's two internal speakers (1.8" and 1.1"), the iPod or MP3 player becomes a fully portable stereo system, powered by a built-in three-watt amplifier and producing clear, crisp sound without the need for headphones or cumbersome external speakers. MusiCase measures 5.8" x 4.8" x 2.0" and is powered by two AA batteries, which provide approximately 15 hours of music (depending on volume levels). A built-in loop allows for belt attachment and a detachable carrying strap is also included.

> Source: MusiCase
> Estimated price: $19
> Date released/expected: N/A

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Kopin and Scalar Bring World's Smallest Video Eyewear to Mobile Video Market

Whether you have a long commute, or are just tired of spending your spare time staring at the wall, mobile portable video may be for you. Scalar Corporation has integrated Kopin's CyberDisplay 180K color-filter microdisplay into Scalar's Teleglass, the world's smallest video eyewear for video-on-the-go applications. Connected to a mobile phone, portable DVD player or digital camera, Teleglass projects high-resolution video on eyeglasses, creating a virtual 28-inch TV screen as viewed from seven feet away.

This system has a switcher for the people to use their dominant eye to watch video. The eyewear projects images in either the left or right eye, enabling the wearer to privately watch movies or TV, read text or view pictures without obstructing the other eye. Ahoy, there, matey!

> Source: Kopin
> Estimated price: N/A
> Date released/expected: N/A

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June 28, 2005 | Back

No Strings Attached: Logitech Introduces Wireless Headphones for iPod

No more tangles, snags or kinks: Now music lovers can free themselves from the cords tethering them to their iPod and receive high quality sound -- wireless headphones for the iPod have arrived. People can simply plug in the wireless adapter, set their iPod down, and move as far as 30 feet away -- without ever missing a beat.

The Logitech Wireless Headphones for iPod feature integrated iPod controls on the side of the headphones, so people can adjust the volume as well as track forward, track backward, play and pause their playlists -- while the iPod rests untouched on the counter, in a workout bag or in a pocket.

> Source: Logitech
> Estimated price: $149
> Date released/expected: N/A

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June 15, 2005 | Back

Griffin Announces TuneCaps - Carrying Solutions for iPod shuffle

Mix'n Match your tunes to your mood. Griffin Technology has launched TuneCaps, three convenient carrying options for your iPod shuffle. Slip on a TuneCap to keep your shuffle handy in any of three different ways: 1) TuneCaps' Wrist Strap cap gives you a comfortable carrying strap for fingertip convenience; 2) Use TuneCaps' handy pocket clip to secure your shuffle to a pocket or belt or lapel -- wherever you want to wear it; (3) TuneCaps' keyring attachment provides a safe and convenient way to keep your tunes with you while you drive.

All three solutions come in each TuneCaps package. Swap out a different TuneCaps carrier each day for the shuffle accoutrement to match your mood. Wonder if they have one for "too many damn gadgets to carry around and I am getting really irritated?" Just kidding. This one's a keeper.

> Source: Griffin Technology
> Estimated price: $15
> Date released/expected: N/A

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June 06, 2005 | Back

Lexar's LDP-200 Offers an Affordable Digital Music Player with Style

Too much is never enough. At least when it comes to digital music. That's why Lexar Media, Inc., a provider of advanced digital media and accessories, is changing today's portable music experience with the LDP-200, a compact, stylish and affordable digital music player that provides unlimited music storage using inexpensive SD memory cards. (And did we mention affordable? I think we did.)

The award-winning player is one of the few portable music devices on the market that uses SD memory cards to store and manage portable music collections and playlists. The LDP-200 also doubles as an SD card reader, making it a handy data transfer device. So, it's slim, pocket-sized, supports MP3 and WMA formats, AND offers cheap and easy storage. Sold!

> Source: Lexar
> Estimated price: From $49 to $169
> Date released/expected: N/A

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June 03, 2005 | Back

HP Printable Tattoos for the Apple iPod Mini

HP unveiled its new HP Printable Tattoos for the Apple iPod Mini from HP, which allow consumers to personalize their digital accessories with artwork, designs and photography. (They are also easily removed when you get sick of them.)

During the next six months, HP will roll out more than 300 new images, including album art from the hottest bands and recording artists, as well as unique artwork. The new Tattoo gallery features sports, nature, lifestyle and art sections in addition to many other categories.

And after you are done playing with your iPod, you can enjoy some music too.

> Source: HP
> Estimated price: $10 each
> Date released/expected: N/A

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May 27, 2005 | Back

The TriPod - Speakers for MP3 Players

In an ongoing effort by manufacturers to come up with the latest accessories for MP3 players, or should I say for the iPod, Korean manufacturer AMTech decided to twist the common day to day TriPod's original function.

The TriPod has 3 speakers and requires 1 AAA battery to run, for iPod users you will need to learn to read upside down since the mini-plug connector on the iPod is on top. Don't expect to much on sound quality or to wake up your neighbor from loud music levels.

> Source: AMTech
> Estimated price: $19
> Date released/expected: N/A

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Wirelessly Connect Your iPod to Your Home Entertainment System with the Belkin TuneStage

Sure, you can hook your iPod to your home entertainment system, but can you do it sans the wire? Now you can! Belkin Corporation has just announced the TuneStage for iPod, a device that allows you to play the songs from your iPod through your home theater wirelessly via Bluetooth technology. With a transmitter connected to your iPod and a receiver hooked up via RCA or 3.5mm to your system, TuneStage offers reliable, high-quality sound without the clutter of cables. The TuneStage fits all-size iPod devices with a dock connector. Can you feel the music?

> Source: Belkin
> Estimated price: $179
> Date released/expected: N/A

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May 26, 2005 | Back

Kopin Unveils Plug-and-Play Mobile Video Module

Near-to-eye personal displays are projected to be a $1 billion market by 2008, according to a 2004 report by McLaughlin Consulting Group and Insight Media, and Kopin knows it.

The company has just unveiled the new Kopin Binocular Display Module (BDM-230K), a plug-and-play video subsystem that integrates all the necessary electronics and optics for mobile video eyewear applications into a lightweight, self-contained unit. The BDM-230K delivers crisp, full-color QVGA-quality (320 x 240 resolution) video in an eyewear format that creates the effect of a virtual 35-inch display viewed from a seven-foot distance.

> Source: Kopin
> Estimated price: Late 2005
> Date released/expected: N/A

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ARCHOS AV 700 Mobile Digital Video Recorder, Featuring 100 Gigabytes Under a 7-Inch Screen

Looking for the mobility and wide screen of a portable DVD player, with the video recording and scheduling features of a digital video recorder? ARCHOS has introduced the new AV 700 Mobile Digital Video Recorder (DVR) that does just that. It is the only portable video player to enable direct video recording onto a 100-gigabyte hard drive, which makes up to 400 hours of video or 250 movies available for viewing anytime, anywhere.

The combination of the video recording, scheduling, tremendous hard drive capacity, wide screen and other features -- such as music and photo playback and gaming applications -- make the AV 700 the perfect portable device for families, travelers, gadget enthusiasts and anyone gearing up for their summer vacations.

> Source: Archos
> Estimated price: 40GB $599 - 100GB $799
> Date released/expected: N/A

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May 20, 2005 | Back

SanDisk Introduces 2-GB Duo Gaming Cards to Meet Needs of Sony PlayStation Portable Owners

Bigger is definitely better, especially when you can take it on your travels... Responding to consumer demand for high-capacity flash memory cards that are needed for music and video-playing in Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP), SanDisk Corporation has introduced a 2-gigabyte (GB) Memory Stick PRO Duo Gaming Card to provide PSP owners with plenty of removable storage for video clips, MP3 music tracks, digital still photos and game data.

Christina Day, SanDisk's product marketing manager for the gaming card line, said early sell-through reports from retailers indicate that nearly 20 percent of all PSP buyers are also purchasing extra memory cards, but she expects that to reach 50 percent over time. (But remember, she gets paid to say that.)

> Source: SanDisk
> Estimated price: $349
> Date released/expected: N/A

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May 11, 2005 | Back

SigmaTel Powers GPX SportX Headphone MP3 Player

SigmaTel's MP3 audio system-on-chip technology powers the latest GPX SportX digital audio headphone player with digital FM radio. This SportX design is a one-piece back-strap headphone digital audio player developed for active lifestyles and athletic uses. With a lightweight, intuitive design and no cords the SportX is a simple to use design with an affordable price. Other important features of the SportX include 128 megabytes of built in memory, with future models offering 256 and 512 megabytes.

The SportX also features a memory expansion slot for a SanDisk TransFlash memory module card, the first such application apart from the cell phone market. This expansion card feature enables additional storage capacities between 32 and 256 megabytes on a thumbnail-size card. The SportX features a digital FM radio tuner and supports MP3 and WMA music formats as well as PDDRM (Windows Media Portable Device Digital Rights Management) for compliance with rights protected music distribution services.

> Source: SigmaTel - GPX
> Estimated price: $99
> Date released/expected: N/A

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