May 08 - 03:50pm EDT   German audio maker Sonoro says that it has begun exporting its Cubo line of luxury clock radios to the US. Aside from receiving AM/FM radio, the Cubos have a built-in CD player, and an auxiliary input for sources such as iPods and notebooks; output can in turn be redirected through a stereo output. Special features include wooden casing, 20 programming presets, and a 10-seconds-per-track intro option. [full story]

May 08 - 03:10pm EDT   Elgato has released the v3.0.2 update to EyeTV, its TV streaming and recording software. The patch makes significant changes, most crucially support for broadcasts with H.264 compression, which are said to be increasingly popular; in Europe, for example, a number of DVB-T channels offer only H.264 streaming. Elgato has also introduced the export of closed captions to QuickTime videos, in particular text broadcast over ATSC and NTSC. As a result, users can now toggle captions on and off in software ranging from iTunes to the iPhone OS. [full story]

May 08 - 02:50pm EDT   British gear maker Gear4 today unveiled the DUO iPod speaker dock. Its design is built uniquely to double both as a portable system and as a higher-quality bookshelf stereo. While normally a full 2.1-channel system with a 20-watt subwoofer, the front satellite panel (18 watts) detaches completely from the bass unit to operate independently as a thinner, portable speaker unit with swivel-out stand. Gear4 also does away with the typical reliance on disposable batteries in favor of a lithium-ion pack that recharges whenever the front is reattached. The iPod cradle itself also folds into the center for carrying in a bag. [full story]

May 07 - 03:30pm EDT   Accessory maker H20 has introduced a new product for iPods, the iSH2 headset. The unit is designed explicitly for second-generation Shuffles, and waterproofs them to a depth of 10 feet. The Shuffle is safeguarded in a case on the back of the head, which still has controls for playing, pausing and skipping tracks; the silicon earbuds are meanwhile designed to hold out water, when used in tandem with included earplugs, and can clip to swimming goggles. [full story]

May 06 - 09:20pm EDT   Readdle on Tuesday announced plans to unveil an iPhone 2.0 application of its as-of-now web service, allowing users to read documents on their iPod touch or iPhone when offline. The company also claims the native application will enhance the service's functionality, citing seamless storage, page-by-page reading, bookmarks, and optimized PDF rendering, among other options. Readdle has not announced whether it will charge for the application when the iPhone application store launches. [full story]

May 06 - 11:55am EDT   The US Patent and Trademark Office today granted several patents to Apple, among them a collection of iPod technologies. Predominant among these is the design of the iPod nano, despite it being on sale in the US since September of 2005. More than a dozen people are credited with the invention, including key designer Jonathan Ive and Apple CEO Steve Jobs. The patent may however apply specifically to the second-generation Nano, as it was originally applied for in September of 2006. [full story]

May 05 - 02:50pm EDT   Kensington on Monday unveiled a Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone and iPod, along with a Mini version. The portable battery packs plug into the Apple devices' dock connectors and power and recharge them, and are themselves rechargeable. The lithium-ion polymer battery packs feature a USB connector that allows them to be charged via either the AC adapter or a PC, whether or not they are also plugged into an Apple device, charging it as well. [full story]

May 02 - 09:45pm EDT   In brief: We have a review of Boynq Sound2Go, FileExaminer is on sale, Belkin is offering pink-ribbon cases to combat breast cancer, and Peachpit is now on Adobe TV ... We have posted a review of the Boynq Sound2Go, a compact portable speaker system for your iPod or any MP3 player that measures 8.5 x 6.5 x 4.75 inches in height. Its one-pound weight is a bit hefty for a suitcase, especially if you're limited to one bag on your airline of choice. It is useful for vacation get-aways, if you can still afford gas to go anywhere, or as a personal sound system on your desk at work. [full story]

May 02 - 11:05am EDT   Google has produced a new, generalized iPhone interface for its Google Apps suite of web applications. Whereas iPhone/iPod touch owners have previously had to bookmark pages such as Gmail, Calendar and Docs separately, or visit from the central Google homepage, a single link now unites all three in a form fitted to the iPhone's screen and interface. Users simply tap a button to switch between applications as necessary. [full story]

May 02 - 12:20am EDT   Griffin on Thursday unveiled two new cases for the iPod nano and Touch, the FlexGrip and FlexScreen, as well as the Screen Care Kit for iPod Touch. The FlexGrip is a dual-color ribbed case which offers complete protection for both the Touch and the Nano, while leaving access to the screen and touchwheel uninhibited. The case currently only ships with a black front and grey backing, offering a refined look. Griffin is selling the FlexGrip for $15, and is available directly from the company's website and select retailers. [full story]