Briefly: MacNN reviews; 100 free iPhone case

In brief: MacNN has reviewed a UFO-themed USB hub, a new set of iPod speakers, the Morpheus Photo Animation Suite. GEAR4 has launched a new promotion offering the first 100 customers who purchase an iPhone from anywhere in the UK a free iPhone iVak case. Saitek Industries' Mini UFO Hub ($10, shown at right), reviewed by MacNN, is a small USB hub modeled after the classic flying saucer-shaped UFO. The device is two inches long and less than in inch tall, featuring a pulsating light that flashes between red, green, yellow, and blue to achieve the effect of a foreign flying spacecraft.

TwinMos BooM1 iPod Speakers reviewed

MacNN has reviewed the TwinMos BooM1 ($210) two-piece iPod speaker system that boasts a 2.1-channel sound experience. The set includes left and right stereo speakers the resemble a canoe in shape, allowing an iPod to dock in the center. A separate subwoofer operates at 25-watts, which combines with the two stereo speakers running at eight watts each for a combined output of 41 watts.

The speakers offer a glossy exterior, highlighting the iPod in the center with blue neon lights, and feature an infrared sensor as well as touch volume controls. A USB port enables users to plug the original iPod shuffle into the system, and the speakers include a separate audio-in port for playing audio from other portable devices.



Review: Morpheus Photo Animation Suite

The Morpheus Photo Animation Suite ($50) reviewed by MacNN is a compilation of three products which include Morpheus Photo Morpher, Morpheus Photo Warper, and Morpheus Photo Mixer. The suite enables users to combine two photographs, create morphing animations between a series of images, and exaggerate or alter the features of a photograph in a fashion similar to Kai's Power Goo -- an application for Adobe Photoshop released several years ago.



The software features a simple wizard window that lets users choose the type of photo editing style, and enables users specify which parts of each image will move and where by placing color-coded dots on either of the images. A preview shows the end result at any point during the process, and users can render the final product once the job is complete.

GEAR4 offers 100 free iPhone cases in UK

GEAR4 is giving away 100 free iPhones when the devices hit store shelves on Friday, November 9th. The first 100 customers who purchase an iPhone from anywhere in the UK will receive an iVak iPhone case (shown below), which features a concealed fold-out movie stand as well as a detachable belt clip. The iVak offers full access to all ports on the iPhone, and includes a built-in hard plastic screen cover with full touch sensitivity.

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