Apps: MyMacTime, iDock, Prosopangnosia
06/09, 11:35am
iMote, Crayon Ball
Without any formal announcement, Creative has introduced the MovieWorks HD iPod dock as part of the product lineup from its subsidiary, Cambridge Soundworks. The device allows iPod video to be played on an HDTV or audio receiver via HDMI, where movies can then be upscaled to 1080i. The system also supports 5.1-channel DTS surround sound from an iPod when using a compatible receiver.
Cygnett has unveiled its latest iPod accessory, the GrooveNeo dock that works as a speaker system and alarm clock. The device features a large digital time display and touch-sensitive keys for the operation and programming controls. Users can set the clock to play iPod tracks, AM/FM radio, or a standard buzzer for the alarm. Two 2.75 inch speakers provide the sound output for the alarm and music playback.
Apple has finally obtained a patent on the Dock – a holder for open or commonly used applications, documents, folders, and more in Mac OS X – according to a new document found by AppleInsider. The patent, titled "User interface for providing consolidation and access," was originally filed on December 20th, 1999, and covers actions such as fade-in rates, icon and cursor positioning, as well as the magnification factor when the cursor hovers over icons present in the dock.
USBfever has announced two new accessories for the iPhone 3G: an Anti Glare Screen Protector and a Sync and Charge Dock with AV Output. The new dock outputs an iPhone's music, photos and video to a TV, and can charge and sync the phone as well. It has a 3.5mm AV Line out, and receives power over USB. Available now for $30, it is compatible with the iPhone 3G and 2G, the iPod touch, the iPod Classic and iPod Nano 3.
Boston Acoustics has unveiled the Horizon iDS2 iPod Speaker system with two built-in 3 1/2 inch full-range speakers and 60 watts of power. Measuring roughly 5- by 13- by 6-inches, the speaker/dock comes in black or white models; customers can order grilles in a variety of colors to match room decor.
Scandyna on Thursday unveiled the Dock Pack, a combined set that bundles its high-end iPod dock with the Micropod SE speakers. The Dock features a 2x15 watt RMS Class T amplifier and seven inserts for various iPods, while being operated by remote control. The amp also features an output line for an optional subwoofer, and the included power adapter charges the iPod as it plays. Scandyna is selling the setup for $300 in over 30 countries.
Kensington on Tuesday unveiled an update to its sd200v Notebook Docking Station with Video, announcing a new beta software which supports the various MacBook computers. The sd200v allows users to extend the machine's capabilities by offering an external VGA display connection, keyboard, mouse, or up to five USB device connections through a single USB port. The sd200v is available from Kensington for $140, while the updated beta driver is located on the company's website.
Coder Rainer Brockerhoff has released a fresh update to Quay, a Dock extender for Mac OS X Leopard. The app restores hierarchical menus to the OS -- last found in Tiger -- and also lets users sort Stacks in a variety of ways. Quay can be set to work only with specific Stacks, and can be toggled off completely by holding down the Option key.
Apple today was granted four patents by the US Patent and Trademark Office, pertaining to the dock for the new iPod shuffle, QuickTime, measuring bandwidth, and media serving. Simply filed as "Stand", Apple wrote that "the stand, which can be utilized as a dock, is used to support an electronic device, such as a media player, media storage device, cellular phone, PDA and/or the like." The stand was later revealed to be the syncing mechanism for the now USB-less Shuffle.
Leather product manufacturer Vaja today unveiled three new cases for the iPhone, MacBook Air, and iPod nano. The Retro Slim Bag for iPhone is a sleeve-style case that features an open top, but completely covers the rest of the device. It is available in blue with a beige vertical stripe, but as with any Vaja product, can be configured with any color, starting at $40. A similar sleeve for the MacBook Air is also available, except with a closing flap, for $180.
JBL today unveiled a slew of music docks designed for Apple's iPod and iPhone. The company revealed no less than six different docking stations with built-in speakers due to ship at various times between now and Winter of 2008. The company's new offerings include the JBL On Time 200ID, JBL On Stage IIIP, On Time 400IHD, On Stage 200ID and On Stage 400ID, and JBL Duet 200. The company also announced that it is offering its JBL On Stage Micro in new color variations.
Altec Lansing has unveiled its T612 digital audio system for Apple's iPhone and iPod, offering users sound with iPhone incoming call support. The T612 ensures that when a call comes in while music is playing, the iPhone gives priority to the call by pausing the music. Once the call is completed, the iPhone is re-docked in the T612 and the music resumes playing at the same song and place. The T612 is priced at $200 and will ship in February.
Hitachi Maxell today introduced an SRS WOW HD-enabled Bluetooth audio transmitter (site not updated) for iPod to enhance sound quality of the portable player's digitally compressed audio and video files. The new Bluetooth-enabled dongle is compatible with all full-size iPods as well as iPod nano and iPod mini, and uses the proprietary Apple DIN connector that attaches directly to the iPod dock. The company offered no shipment details or pricing.
Newer Technology (NewerTech) today unveiled its new NewerTech iPhone Accessory Line consisting of six devices, and promised to showcase the accessories at Macworld Expo in San Francisco later this month. NewerTech's new iPhone accessories include its iPhone Speaker Dock & Hands-Free Mic ($35, shown at right), Hands-Free Mic & Earbuds ($20), iPhone Mic Extender Cable ($15), Bass Response Earbuds ($20), iPhone Headphone Jack Adapter ($8), and its iPhone and iPod Auto Charger ($13).
TLA Systems today announced the 50th release of DragThing 5.9.2, its alternative Dock software for the Mac. The newest version represents its 50th incarnation since DragThing first debuted in 1995 at version 1.0. The release is primarily aimed at solving a few bugs from the company's first Leopard aware version, v5.9, but also has some new features. TLA added the ability to sort hierarchical folder menus by date or by kind, and have implemented a new theme called "Panthera Lite". Existing registered users of DragThing 5 can upgrade for free, while new users are looking at $30 for a license.