MWSF: Griffin Technology SmartDeck, AirClick
updated 02:50 pm EST, Tue January 18, 2005
MWSF: SmartDeck, AirClick
Last week at Macworld San Francisco we had the opportunity to look at several interesting new peripherals and accessories for the Mac. In this report (the second of three), we look at Griffin Technology's SmartDeck, AirClick, and Delicious Monster Software's Delicious Library.
Griffin SmartDeck
Griffin Technology's new SmartDeck was awarded Best of Show for this year's Macworld Expo. The SmartDeck is not just a regular cassette adaptor for using an iPod with a car tape deck: it also allows users to control the iPod with the deck controls. You can play, stop, fast forward, and rewind the iPod. It even detects when the tape deck has been turned off, and then it shuts off the iPod too. It can automatically adjust the iPod volume for the optimum line input volume. The SmartDeck will be in stores in two months and will retail for around $30.
Griffin Technology AirClick
The AirClick provides a simple interface for remotely controlling your iPod mini, iPod, or applications on your computer. The remote uses an RF signal that can transit up to 60 feet away, and the signal is received by either an attachment on the iPod or a USB dongle on the computer. It has 5 control buttons for all the basic features of media playback: play/pause, skip, search, and volume level. On the computer side it is enabled to work with iTunes, DVD player, Keynote, Quicktime, PowerPoint, and other applications are in the works. It is currently on preorder for $40.
Delicious Library
Delicious Monster Software's Delicious Library media library software allows the user to use an iSight or other barcode scanner to input nearly any type of media -- books, movies, music, and even video games -- into a digital database. When you scan the barcode, it searches for the item on Amazon.com and gathers all the relevant information. It then puts it on a "digital shelf" to view, organize, and lend. Delicious Monster integrates with iCal, Address Book, and an iPod. It also allows "two-click" buying through Amazon.com (100% of their shared revenue is donated to charities). Data is stored in an XML file format and can be exported easily to HTML with a free plugin. Delicious Library normally sells for $40 but is on sale for $30 until January 14th.
