Toyota just announced their official iPod integration kit, allowing all Toyota and Lexus models to control the iPod nicely through the car’s audio head unit (or steering wheel audio controls, if available) while safely docked and charged in the glove compartment.
The integration kit is compatible with most iPod models but the price tag stings a bit, they want about $300 for it.
Here’s Dice Electronics’ iTPA-220 iPod Tube Amplifier and as long as your music isn’t compressed to death it promises great, warm and analog “audiophile quality sound” using the built-in dual 6N3 tubes and 2×20 Watt solid state amplifier. The speakers sport a 4" mid/bass driver and 1" dome tweeter.
Other features include a remote control, video output (for video iPods) and auxiliary input for any other audio emitting device you’d like to hook up.
“The dual 6N3 tubes in the preamplifier gives the listener the warmest sound and the clearest highs ever heard from an iPod docking station. The “warmth” and “richness” typically associated with “valve sound” comes from the presence of 2nd order distortion smoothing the output soundwave. The tube preamplifier creates a more natural sound as opposed to the often harsh, dry sound of digital audio.”
The iTPA-220 is available on pre-order for $299.99 and is expected to start shipping in September.
DiceElectronics.com: iTPA-220 Tube Amplifier System ($299.99)
(Via Fosfor Gadgets)
If you’re into one-strap backpacks you should check out the lightweight Incase Sling Pack sporting plush fur interior, nylon exterior, an integrated iPod compartment and besides the regular storage space it has a laptop holder with room for a machine up to the size of a 17" MacBook Pro.
GoIncase.com: Nylon Sling Pack ($89.95)
(Via Uncrate)
DLO’s HybridShell is a protective 2G iPod Nano skin sporting a clear polycarbonate front and a textured silicone back, meaning it offers full access to the hold switch, click wheel, headphone port and dock connector while protecting the Nano from scratches and making it harder to drop, no matter how sweaty your hands are.
Available for $14.99 in tech black and hot pink.
DLO.com: HybridShell for iPod Nano ($14.99)
Here’s Aquatune Nano, Japanese Focal Point’s follow-up to the Aquatune water-resistant iPod speakers. This model is built solely for the Nano and while not being completely waterproof it’s water-resistant down to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes (a piece of soft rubber allows you to control the iPod without opening the plastic shell).
The price tag is set to about 10,000 Yen (about $88 USD), the larger original model costs $149.00.
Focal.co.jp: AquaTune Nano (Japanese)
AudioCubes: Focal Point AquaTune (For most other iPods)
(Via AVING)
Logitech announced their brand new iPod speaker system today, the “Logitech Pure-Fi Dream Premium Bedroom Music System” (whatever happened to short and catchy product names?).
The basic idea behind this speaker system / iPod dock is to replace your current alarm clock. You can set two different alarms (one for you and one for your better half, or just two for you if you’re a serious sleeper) and wake up to either your iPod’s music or a regular buzzer. They’ve added motion sensors to it as well so the backlit (and auto-dimming) display lights up whenever you wave your hand near it during the night.
“Unlike a clock radio, the Pure-Fi Dream is a premium bedroom audio system supported by 3/4-inch high-definition, soft-dome tweeters and 3-inch high-power, long-throw woofers. And by activating Logitech’s StereoXL™ technology, people can enjoy a wider soundfield that creates a quality audio experience.”
It ships with a remote control and will be available sometime during November this year, the expected retail price is $249.99.
(Via OhGizmo)
Oh yeah, here’s an iPod speaker system that stands out from the crowd; the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin. The rather extraordinary encasing holds four speakers with glass fiber cones and a 5" subwoofer.
“Zeppelin is an entirely new creation, designed according to principles pioneered on high-performance B&W models, from the extraordinary shape of its shell to the specially tailored studio-standard technologies within.”
More information will be released September 3rd.
SwimMan has been creating waterproofed audio tech for a decade now (apparently) and their latest product is a waterproof (and genuine) iPod Shuffle. The magic is done inside the Shuffle so there’s no visible differences between these and regular ones.
These modified Shuffles will cost you a little extra, naturally. SwimMan wants $250 for the kit with a Shuffle + waterproof headphones or $150 for just the Shuffle (in comparison to the $79 Apple wants for a generic don’t-drop-it-in-the-water-please Shuffle).
Monster iEZClick is a rugged, weather-resistant iPod remote control designed for outdoor use. The RF transmissions allows the signal to go through clothes (and thin walls), so just clip it on your jacket, belt or handlebar and you should be all set. The buttons are deliberatly oversized for easy no-look track switching while wearing gloves and/or speeding down mountain trails.
MonsterCable.com: iEZClick Remote Control (Product Page)
Apple Store: Monster iEZClick Remote Control ($49.95)
While being cordless, light and foldable the Monster iFreeplay headphones sports an integrated iPod Shuffle dock. Perhaps not as street-fashionable as the WESC headphones, but an interesting alternative for gym / morning run headphones.
iPodWorld.co.uk: Monster iFreeplay Cordless Headphones (£29.99, about US $60)
