Griffin intros new iTrip Auto, power gear

Griffin has released three new accessories for iPods. Prominent among these is a new version of the iTrip Auto, the car variant of its famous FM transmitter attachment. Users plug one connector into their iPod, and another into their car's power adapter, which then charges both the iTrip and the iPod itself. New to the Auto is a feature called SmartScan, which automatically tracks down the three cleanest frequencies, and saves them as presets so they can be selected with a single button.

The AutoPilot is at its simplest an iPod car charger, but the knob that plugs into the power adapter doubles as a control surface, allowing users to play, pause, or skip tracks without reaching for the player. Griffin notes that this is particularly important for the iPod touch. The knob illuminates for night use, and cars with auxiliary-in jacks can be fed stereo sound directly.

The company has lastly revised its PowerBlock AC adapter, implementing folding prongs, and a thinner shape better suited to powerstrips. Voltage between 100 and 240V is supported, and an LED light turns green when an iPod is fully charged. The PowerBlock is $30; the AutoPilot is $50 meanwhile, and the iTrip Auto is $80.