Hidden Gem: Scosche Industries

When I read about a recent press release for Scosche Industries, I had a hard time remembering exactly what it is that they make. In the back of my mind, I know I read about them somewhere and the brand itself is synonymous for good quality mobile accessories. A little visit to their brand new redesigned website uncovered the mystery. Scosche basically makes a grip load of accessories for all things mobile. From iPods/iPhones to GPS Navigation to Car Audio accessories, they've got it covered. When I saw MacLife magazine reference on their site, thats when I remembered reading about their accessories whenever I hit the magazine stands at Barnes & Noble. They look like a serious contender in the as a mobile hardware accessories maker and I'll be on the lookout for some hands-on review for my readers here.

More Griffin Roll Out: Elan Chrome and Nano iTrip

Well... its no surprise that Griffin has carved out a niche for all things iPhone/iPod related. This week, they announced two more products for Apple fanboys and fangirls. First up to bat, the Griffin Elan Form Chrome case for the iPhone 3G. They've basically upgraded their popular Elan Form case to new design level with a chrome finish trim around the edges. It gives a strangely futuristic look to it and I like it. I will try to get a unit to provide a closeup review and inspection. MSRP $35.

The second item is the iTrip for iPod Nano 4G. This classic FM modulator is now available to fit right beneath the latest Nano and allows you to play your music in any FM station with a push of a button. No messy wires or software is required. This unit will work with Nano of every generation but is shaped and sized for the latest 4th generation unit. MSRP $50

Review: Griffin Component AV Cable for iPods

Few days back, Griffin announced new Component and Composite AV cables for the latest iPods. I got myself a review unit and gave it a test. Before I begin with my review, I just want to go over why I think this cable kit is very much needed. First of all, this is not just an output cable. The kit includes a wall charger so it can keep your iPod charging while playing back. Personally, I find this cable handy because when I travel, I used to bring my laptop along for web, internet, work and multimedia/entertainment. Especially if I am traveling alone, I typically like to watch a movie or two from my laptop instead of paying the hotel a large fee for movies-on-demand. With the convergence of iPhone (all-in-one) device, this cable can take my needs one step further. I can hook-it-up to hotel's TV and watch movies or tv shows straight from an iPod Touch. Not to mention the built-in charger is something I need to pack with me anyways so taking this kit instead of a normal charger isn't a stretch. This has got to be handy for people traveling with kids; imagine bringing their favorite movies on your iPod to playback in a car or grandparent's house (instead of DVDs).

The component AV cable kit I received comes with a set of white cables approximately four feet long. As mentioned, it comes with a wall charger which can be used with the cable set or another independent USB-iPod data cable (so it can be used in other applications, which is a plus). I tested this cable on my fifth generation iPod Video 30GB and while my iPod recognized a TV-out cable is plugged in, the cable was not able to successfully tranmit 480i video on my 52" Sharp LCD TV; only audio was being passed thru. I took a closer look at the box which indicated supported devices include: iPod Touch, iPod nano (3rd gen), iPod classic. I guess there is a design difference between iPod 5th gen vs classic. To continue with my review test, I took my first generation iPhone out and connected to the cable. Lo and behold, it worked like a charm. The 480i output looked a little granny on my 1080p tv set but I was pleasantly suprised to see an episode of "The Office" filled up the entire screen in 16:9 widescreen mode. The cable did prompt my iPhone that it isn't designed for an iPhone and recommend I turn on airplane mode. Regardless it provided great TV out as well as charging my iPhone. Plugging in the wall charger isn't required for TV output and it also works with my iPhone 3G.

Overall, these cables worked as promised. I like the way Griffin kept the color code semi-hidden underneath each plug. The white cables match the iPod-isque styling. The composit or component AV cable kit goes for $49.99 MSRP, I think its a nice accessories to take your iPhone or iPod touch along with your traveling needs this holiday season.

Klipsch iGroove SXT iPod Speakers - $69.99 shipped

Amazon has their gold box deal of the day, pickup the Klipsch iGroove SXT iPod Speaker system
for a mere $69.99 (normally $150+). Most reviewers say it sounds great and love the overall functionality but beware that it may not charge your iPod Touch 2nd Gen or the new iPod Nano 4th Gen. iPhones in general may cause interference/buzz on most charging/speaker systems.

More Griffin Wave Case for your Apple iPods

Griffin Wave, a tried and true design of iPhone case is now available across most iPods (including iPod Touch 2G, Nano 4G, and Classic 80/120GB). If you recall, I have had two good reviews on the WAVE cases for both the original iPhone and iPhone 3G.

These new WAVE design, in my opinion, actually looks even better than the ones made for the iPhones. I will try to get some hands-on review for you guys shortly.

The wave cases are going from $25 to $35 depending on the single or double pack:

Wave for iPod nano 4G: available individually in white or black - $24.99
Wave for iPod nano 4G 2-packs: available in black & green or black & white - $34.99
Wave for iPod touch 2G: available individually in white, black or pink - $24.99
Wave for iPod touch 2G 2-packs: available in black & green or black & white - $34.99
Wave for iPod classic 80/120GB, individually in white or black - $24.99

Griffin Technology Simplifi (Simplify your Desktop Accessories)

Griffin Technology is launching new iPod/iPhone related peripherals left and right. Today, they announced Simplifi, a dock that does a whole lot more. It includes an Memory Stick (Pro), xD, SD and Compact Flash card reader built into the base. Includes an AC Adaptor which would work as a dock solo (very nice for iPhone 3G owners who got skimped from Apple). This device will work with pretty much all iPods and iPhones. I'll arrange for a test unit to give my readers a full review. Stay tuned.

Apple Let's Rock Event: New iPods, Accessories, Firmware

Apple hosted an event in California this morning to reveal some new iPods. The biggest update is probably the 4th Gen iPod Nano, now with an elongated LCD, accelerometer and new colors; priced at $149 and $199 for a 4GB or 8GB respectively with a bunch of new colors to choose from. They've also made an update to the 2nd Gen. iPod touch; although I am wondering if the update is nothing but some cosmetic changes. From what I can tell, it received a shiny/rounded back casing, external volume button and speaker. It now supports Nike kit as well, which I was suprised to learn that it is a big deal. I was highly anticipating the addition of a Camera and Mic for the iPod touch so we can expect some VOIP/Communication services. Given the minimal change, I may be in the market for an older model, especially if it is on sale.

In addition, iPod and iPhone firmware 2.1 is released, they are said to be bug-free, most reliable. For its sake, I hope that is the case. Personally, I am tired of constantly updating my firmware and backing up my content. I feel like within the last 2 months, I must have gone through 4 firmware updates already for my iPhone(s). It is probably the most firmware updates I have ever experienced on any phone.

Steve Jobs also announced a new in-ear headset, priced at $79, with dual drivers to compete with premium headphones. I think the price is a little on the high side, however, it is priced below competition (ie. Shure, V-moda, etc.). Preliminary research says it has a built-in mic and will work with new firmware iPods (for voice recording); I think it should work with iPhones as well, but will need to confirm. Some folks are hoping this will allow the aforementioned lack of mic on the iPod Touch use some VOIP solution down the road.

For a complete event playback, visit Apple.com.

Charge 2 or 4 iPods/iPhones with Griffin PowerDock

I've accumulated several iPods over the years. In fact, right now, I've got an iPod 30GB, iPod Nano and two iPhones in my household. When preparing for a trip, making sure all of my devices have been charged has becoming a daunting task. The time it takes to charge your cameras, laptops, cell phones, iPods, iPhone, Gameboy and PSP can take a long time and it becomes a hassle to juggle between multiple chargers as well as finding available outlets.

Griffin Technology just announced the availability of two multi-charging stations that can ease up this process. The PowerDock2 ($49), available today, can support any combination of two iPods or iPhones while the PowerDock4 ($69), available in July, can support up to any four devices. Griffin will include six different adapters to support any size iPod that includes a dock connector.

This looks pretty handy and will definitely provide the solution needed families with multiple iPods and iPhones. I will try to provide a real life review shortly. Stay tuned!

Review: Griffin FlexScreen for iPod Nano

iPod Nano is an amazing MP3/Media Player. Its superb design and compact size is what makes it so cool, at the same time so difficult to get a grip (being so slim and sleek, it can slip out of one's grip easily). Traditionally, I would use a large sheet of touchscreen protector and trim it to provide psuedo-thin-layer protection. It does the job in protecting against scratches but not so much from impact nor does it offer a better grip.

That is where Griffin Technology's new FlexScreen comes in handy. Griffin has been a huge 3rd party accessories vendor for Apple for quite some time. In the past, I've reviewed some solid products such as the iPhone protectors ClearBoost and Wave. Living up to its name in quality and simplicity, the FlexScreen for Nano is well designed as expected. To start, the packaging is remarkably simple without any space wasted. The case is made of two pieces. A top layer composed of hard polycarbonate faceshield which offers the protection for the LCD while the bottom layer is made of frosted and textured silicon sleeve. The silicon sleeve has Lego-like surface offering a better grip; the bottom of this sleeve provides the opening for you to slip the Nano in and gives way to all the connections I/O.

With the entire case installed, it adds a little weight and mass to your tiny iPod; which is the intended purpose. Your iPhone now have adequate protection from every angle. The cut out throughout the case is precise which gives you uninterrupted access to the control dial, headphone jack and data connector. Overall, I am very pleased with the design and for a mere $15 MSRP, its a good investment for your beloved iPod Nano. If you are like me and must have every new gadget when it becomes available, it pays to take good care of your existing gadgets so you can fetch a better price when you decide to sell it to fund your next toy. Therefore, I always do my best to take care my devices since not only will it last longer but hold its value as well.

I've put a slideshow of the product pictures below, you can also access the media gallery here.