Easy Ipod Blog

SKB has introduced a new case for the iPod Video and olders iPods called the DryPod. The case is a hard plastic shell that is watertight and allows the user to use their iPod while working in the rain or in the sea. How you will waterproof your headphones is another problem we see there could be with this case. However it will be just the product that active types will be looking to use. The case is due for release in the next couple of months and we will have details as soon as they are released.

With Podgear changing their name to GEAR4 what better way than to launch some new products. The first here is the Reserve Power pack similar to products launched by Griffin and Belkin. It has a very modern design that is very pleasing to the eye, this has the sleek look that your ipod derserves. Below are the details on the product from a Press release from GEAR4.

High Wycombe, UK, January 20th, 2006 – GEAR4, formerly PodGear™ - The new brand from Disruptive Technology Channels to cover more than just iPod accessories today announces the PocketPower – A reserve power pack for all iPod’s and any other USB device.

Tom Dudderidge, managing director, Disruptive Technology Channels, commented: “The PocketPower is the first of ten new exciting products to be launched within the next few weeks from GEAR4. The reserve power pack is perfect for anyone, who like myself, has the problem of electronic gadgets running out of juice whilst away from home or the office. The PocketPower comes complete with four AAA rechargeable batteries that can be charged via the USB on your computer, and then at the flick of a switch, they can provide power for your iPod or any other USB device. The PocketPower has the added advantage of being able to charge any electronic device with a USB charger slot, which highlights GEAR4’s gradual trend to diversify away from just iPod specific products”

Dudderidge continued, “The use of AAA batteries in the PocketPower means that it is more flexible than other lithium iron battery back-ups available on the market. If you don’t have access to a USB power source to charge up the PocketPower, you will be able to charge your iPod or phone just from normal AAA batteries. No longer will people have to travel in silence or miss that important telephone call.”

PocketPower for all iPod’s and other USB device’s – A 2 in 1 reserve power pack and AAA battery recharger for all iPod’s and other USB device’s. This sleek, sexy lightweight and portable power pack provides an additional 8 hours of playtime to your iPod, but will also work with any USB charging device such as cameras or phones. The PocketPower comes complete with 4 x AAA rechargeable batteries and male to male USB cable. The device also has bright LED torch built into it’s casing for added convenience.

Xtrememac are really going for it yet more accessories announced its nearly a new piece of kit from them everyday at the moment.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL—JANUARY 2006—Leading iPod accessories manufacturer XtremeMac today announced the debut of HomeShow and RoadShow, two new cable kits that turn the new iPod with video and other iPod players into powerful home or auto entertainment centers.

At home, XtremeMac’s HomeShow cable package supports connection of iPods to nearly any kind of speaker or video playback device. RoadShow, on the other hand, is an all-in-one cable that connects iPod with video to in-vehicle DVD entertainment systems as well as the vehicle’s DC power system. Specific capabilities include:
HomeShow for all iPods

HomeShow is a complete 4-piece home audio/video connection kit that gives iPod owners everything they need to play their content through home entertainment systems. The Home Theater Cable is a composite cable (red/white/yellow) that connects the iPod with video to any television or home theater component; the Home Audio Cable connects any iPod to a home audio system. The Auxiliary Audio Cable connects any iPod to stereos or computer speakers, while the handy Audio Splitter allows users to connect two pairs of earbuds to the same iPod for listening with a friend.
RoadShow™ for iPod with video

RoadShow lets iPod with video owners share their music and video files when traveling using portable or in-vehicle DVD players. The rugged eight-foot integrated cable, plugs into the car’s 12-volt accessory outlet for charging, then links the iPod with video to the DVD unit via composite audio/video connectors.

“The iPod is today’s ultimate portable entertainment device,” said Gary Bart, CEO of XtremeMac. “HomeShow and RoadShow let you easily integrate the iPod into your home entertainment system or into portable or automobile DVD entertainment systems.”

Xtrememac are really going for it this year and here at blog.easyipod.co.uk/ we feel by the end of the year they could be the largest iPod Accessory Manufactorer in the world.

Here are details on what looks like one of the most useful accessories of the year so far.

Leading iPod accessory manufacturer XtremeMac debuted another new product on day three of Macworld Conference and Expo with the announcement if its new MicroPack battery pack for all Dock connector iPods. Capable of providing up to five times as much audio playback time as a fully charged iPod nano, MicroPack also serves as a syncing dock when connected to a computer via USB cable. Depending on iPod model and settings, MicroPack can provide up to 80 hours of audio playback for the iPod nano and up to 8 hours of video playback for the iPod with video.

MicroPack is encased in a sleek, compact housing that features an integrated Universal Dock for iPod to accommodate any size iPod with a Dock connector. MicroPack is designed to position the iPod at a precise angle for optimal viewing, serving as a convenient base for the iPod while watching video content. In addition, MicroPack offers dual headphone ports with independent volume controls so that two people can watch and share the same video and audio content.

“MicroPack is a perfect travel companion for the iPod,” said Gary Bart, CEO of XtremeMac. “Providing extended playback time and a base to hold the iPod while watching video, MicroPack is great for taking your content on the go.”

In a bold move Disruptive Technology who trade as Podgear have rebranded to Gear4. This is a move that has been done to allow them to sell a wider range of products without having to rebrand if they are not iPod related. With this launch they have also introduced 10 new products.

Here is the Press release from Disruptive.

Disruptive’s new brand fuels growth for their hugely successful iPod accessories collection whilst enabling diversification into other product categories.

High Wycombe, UK, January 16th, 2006 – Disruptive Technology Channels, a UK-based distributor of consumer electronic products, and owner of the PodGear™ brand of iPod™ accessories, today announced the arrival of GEAR4 – The new brand name covering more than just iPod accessories.

Tom Dudderidge, managing director, Disruptive Technology Channels, commented: “The PodGear brand accessories have become a hit around the world (now being sold in over 20 countries) and works brilliantly as an iPod accessories name, but is limiting in the way that it is so obviously iPod related. The move to GEAR4 is intended to enable other digital accessories to be sold along side the massively successful iPod collection, all under the same brand name - GEAR4.”

Dudderidge continued, “The transition from PodGear to GEAR4 should shift the great reputation we have built up for bringing exciting, stylish accessories to market over to the GEAR4 marque and negate the need to launch other additional brands from scratch. The result (GEAR4) will be a strong, flexible brand that will enable us (Disruptive Ltd) to diversify outside of iPod accessories and to grow our business into other categories.

This is a bold move, but we believe a logical step to ensure our brand and business are better equipped to supply customers the products they want under one trusted, forward thinking name.

GEAR4 launches offering 10 new iPod accessory products that will be available before the end of January. Amongst these will be some stunning new Video and nano leather cases and the new PocketParty micro speaker for iPod Video. There are plenty more exciting and unique products in the pipeline; all to be announced later in spring 2006.

New GEAR4 ranges

New non-iPod accessory products and ranges will be announced soon. Watch this space!

Website changes:

From today, www.podgear.net will be re-branded and work off the following url: www.gear4.com.

PodGear’s online store, www.podgearstore.com will also be re-branded and work off the url: www.gear4store.com.

About Disruptive Technology Channels - www.disruptivegroup.com

Disruptive Technology Channels is a UK-based distributor of consumer electronics products and digital accessories. The company was formed in early 2004 by Tom Dudderidge, a veteran of technology sales and marketing and an experienced team at both management and board level.

In April 2004, Disruptive launched PodGear, which quickly became Europe’s number one iPod accessory brand. By the end of 2005 PodGear was stocked in many of the UK’s leading high street retailers: Dixons, HMV, Toys R US, Boots and Carphone Warehouse and had a strong web presence with retailers such as Amazon.co.uk. In recognition of the exception growth the company had witnessed, it was awarded the HSBC Start Up Stars award in October 2005.

In January 2006 Disruptive took the bold move of moving from the name PodGear to the name GEAR4. The name change enabled other digital accessories to be sold along side the massively successful iPod collection, all under the same brand name.

Finally a voice recorder has been announced for the latest ipods, with absence of the Griffin italk next gen its up to Xtrememac to save the day. Obviously we cannot comment on the quality of this item as it has yet to be released but this is a step in the right direction for a much needed accessory.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA & FORT LAUDERDALE, FL—JANUARY 11, 2006—Macworld Conference and Expo today, XtremeMac announced a new voice recorder for the iPod with video. The recorder, called MicroMemo, utilizes the iPod’s high-fidelity audio capabilities to record 16-bit audio via an included, removable microphone, or any compatible microphone with a 3.5 mm plug.

Powered by the iPod’s internal battery, MicroMemo features a microphone with a flexible neck for recording memos and other audio content directly into the iPod. It connects via the Dock connector at the bottom of the iPod and includes a built-in speaker for instant playback without headphones. XtremeMac notes that this is the first recorder developed to take advantage of the new iPod’s high-fidelity capability and is the only recorder of its kind to offer a removable microphone and built-in speaker.

MicroMemo also boasts a one-touch recording feature that activates the recording mode even when the iPod is in play mode. With the press of a button, MicroMemo automatically switches the iPod from play to record mode.

“This is a groundbreaking device in the world of iPod accessories,” said Gary Bart, CEO of XtremeMac. “MicroMemo adds a whole host of digital recording capabilites to the iPod, from simple voice memos to high quality digital audio from professional recording equipment. Now any audio device with a 3.5 mm connection can record directly to your iPod.”

This speaker system looks hot the design is everything we have come to expect from Xtrememac. With regards to sound we have not heard the speakers yet so cannot comment on the sound quality. As soon as we get our hands on one of these we will review this product.

As the Consumer Electronics Show kicked off today, XtremeMac, a leading manufacturer of iPod accessories, debuted a new addition to its growing line of audio products, a high-end sound system dubbed Tango. The speaker system is designed to deliver the highest quality audio output from any Dock connector iPod, and offers audio/video ouput for integrating the iPod into a home entertainment system.

Tango was designed specifically for the iPod, and though elegant in its simplicity and smaller than most audio components, it is a full featured 2.1 speaker system. Tango’s trio of powerful speakers including a downward-firing subwoofer, provide deep powerful bass and crisp, clear vocals. A sound stabilizer provides grip on most surfaces so that bass vibrations do not cause the unit to shift.

Tango can also be connected to a TV or home entertainment center for watching video content from iPods with video capabilities, via the built in 3.5 mm audio/video line out jack. The iPod’s menus and functions can be navigated from the iPod itself or from across the room with the included wireless infrared remote. The unit also charges the iPod as it plays for unlimited playtime.

“Tango is the newest member of our growing line of audio products for iPod.” said Gary Bart, CEO of XtremeMac. “Our goal was to deliver phenomenal sound quality at any volume level, giving our customers the most flexibility in the way they use Tango, and we have succeeded in doing that.”

XtremeMac will display prototypes of the new system to consumers and press at the Macworld conference and expo in San Francisco next week. Tango carries a suggested retail price of £150 and is expected to ship by the end of March, 2006.

The second iPod Video release from Xtrememac is the reworking of an old favourite the Sportwrap. For the 3rd and 4th Generation iPods the Sportwrap was the most popular gym case on the market. With this New improved design we feel this will regain its crown as the top sports case for the ipod video.

XtremeMac announced its new SportWrap armband for iPod today, an updated version of one of the best-selling sport cases made for the iPod. The new SportWrap features the same basic design as the original with additional features that make it compatible with the new iPod with video, as well as all 3G and 4G iPods.

SportWrap features a neoprene body with a special moisture barrier where the case touches the arm to keep the iPod dry. The front of SportWrap covers the iPod with a clear plastic face that offers play-through protection for the screen and Click Wheel. An adjustable Velcro strap secures SportWrap comfortably on the upper arm or forearm for carrying the iPod while jogging or exercising. Additional features include multiple openings to accommodate the position of the headphone jack on various iPod models, and an elastic loop that stows excess headphone cord out of the way.

“SportWrap is a perennial best-seller, and has been featured in many fitness publications and accessory reviews as the armband of choice” said Gary Bart, CEO of XtremeMac. “This new version for iPod was carefully designed to fit the iPod with video, while maintaining its compatibility with previous models.”

Mac Expo is nearly over and there have been hundreds of new ipod accessories launched. A lot of them have missed the mark and are just cheap wannabe’s trying to cash in on the ipod buzz. Then you get a little gem which suddenly takes everyone by surprise. Here we have the press release on the new Griffin TuneCenter which looks amazing we cannot wait to get our hands on this. Look out for this in the UK at the end of Feb.

TuneCenter Home Media Center for iPod

Attach TuneCenter to your television and stereo for viewing photos, watching video, listening to your iPod music library or internet radio. With the included 14 button remote, TuneCenter turns your iPod into a complete Home Media Center. Just dock the iPod into TuneCenter, and let the entertainment begin.

Music Time

Among TuneCenter’s innovations is the ability to display iPod playlists and song information on your TV screen. TuneCenter takes music sharing to a whole new level: now the whole room can see at a glance the song title, artist, album and progress of the current song.

TuneCenter’s remote allows navigation of the entire iPod library, as well as preferences such as shuffle and repeat modes, and EQ. Use TuneCenter’s remote to fast forward, rewind, choose next/previous song, browse playlists etc., all without getting up off the couch. This breakthrough is the ultimate solution for taking full (remote!) control of your iPod.

Need more music? No problem. TuneCenter also plays internet radio stations. Choose from thousands of free channels ranging from quiet atmospheres to things that don’t technically qualify as music — your call. Just plug TuneCenter into your network. If you have a wireless access point, you can stream audio wirelessly from the internet. And you can do it all with on-screen navigation. Very cool.

Photo Time

TuneCenter makes even better use of your TV screen than just the ability to display song lists. Use TuneCenter to display your iPod’s photos on the large screen. This is television REALLY worth watching: your own works of art. Display slideshows of your latest vacation, special events etc. Take TuneCenter with you for the most compact business presentation system ever. Simply choose a slideshow and soundtrack and let ‘er rip. TuneCenter’s remote keeps you in control.

Movie Time

When it comes to watching movies, the bigger the better. Your iPod with video is the best way to carry your movies around; but the best place for watching movies and video is on your home entertainment system. Tap the full potential of your video collection with TuneCenter, all at the touch of a button. Fast forward, rewind and pause from the recliner.

Bring iPod home with TuneCenter.

Works With:
• 3rd Generation iPod with touch wheel and buttons
• iPod mini
• 4th Generation iPod with Click Wheel
• iPod photo
• iPod U2 Special Edition
• 4th Generation iPod with Color Screen
• iPod nano
• 5th Generation iPod with Video

Amazing whatever will the accessory makers come up with next, Levi today announced jeans with an iPod docking station built in!!! Not sure if you will want to wash these!!

Here is the Levi press release.

SAN FRANCISCO (January 10, 2006) –The Levi’s® brand, the denim authority, is launching a wearable technology revolution with the introduction of new Levi’s® RedWire™ DLX Jeans available worldwide in fall 2006. Designed for both men and women, the jeans seamlessly integrate iPod plug and play technology giving music enthusiasts the most innovative and fashionable way to enjoy music on the go. The jean is designed to be compatible with most iPod systems and features include a special joystick incorporated into the jeans’ watch pocket to enable easy operation of the iPod.

“The Levi’s® RedWire™ DLX Jean is the latest extension of the Levi’s® brand leadership position by merging fashion and technology that provides consumers with the most innovative way to enhance their portable, digital music lifestyle,” said Robert Hanson, Levi’s® U.S. brand president. “In designing the jeans we considered both function and fashion – the result is a uniquely functional, yet stylish, great fitting jean.”

Design features include:
Easy Pocket Storage – An iPod docking cradle is built into the jeans and is “invisibly” housed within a side pocket. The Levi’s® design team took special care to ensure the iPod unit remains neatly and securely stored in the jean, while the iPod “bump” in the pocket is virtually eliminated. The cradle is equipped with sophisticated technology housed in a red conductive ribbon that allows users to quickly and easily remove their iPod from the pocket to view its screen while staying connected. The jean is machine washable once the iPod is removed.

“Hip” Controls – A special joystick remote control is externally designed into the jeans’ watch pocket to enable operation of the iPod. Four-way controls allow the wearer to easily play/pause, track forward, track back and adjust the volume control without ever removing the iPod from the pocket.

Handy Wire Retractor – A handy retractable headphone unit has been built directly into the jean to help prevent tangles and efficiently manage the iPod earphone wires.

The new Levi’s® RedWire™ DLX jeans have been developed to be practical and leading-edge in their aesthetic. A crisp white leather patch and joystick, bluffed back pockets with hidden stitching, and clean minimalist buttons and rivets allude to the iPod’s famously pure design. Special care has been taken to marry the physical design with a great-fitting jean.