iOS, Android and Windows Phone 7: the facts and my experience [Part 1]

Q4 2010 brought a big milestone to the mobile industry: smartphones outsold PCs for the first time ever. And that's not even taking into account tables and iPods that provide similar functionality. In short, mobile devices - or "post-PC devices", as Steve Jobs calls them - are hot stuff right now.

However, it's easy to get lost and confused by all the devices and even by all the mobile operating systems we can choose from. Apple is certainly leading this new revolution with the iPhone and the iPad, but other software and hardware companies are trying their best to catch up and capture our imagination.

Last Summer I started blogging at Mobitel Tehnik, a blog about mobile technologies, on which my posts (in Slovenian) mainly cover news and tips related to mobile app development. As part of my assignment, I've been using and following the development of some of the recently most popular smart mobile operating systems on the market.

That is why I've decided to sum up some of the thoughts and experiences I've had with various platforms on my blog in two parts: in the first part, I focus on introducing facts and my personal experience with 3 of the most talked about smartphone operating systems: Apple's iOS, Google's Android, and Microsoft's Windows Phone 7. And in part 2, I will try to imagine the potential of using iOS, Android and WP7 mobile devices in classrooms.

Ok, so let's take a look at the facts and my personal experience with each of the three platforms first.

iOS: It's all about beautiful apps

Basic facts: Apple's mobile operating system that runs on iPhones, iPod Touches, iPad and Apple TV - all Apple devices. Launched in June 2007, current version 4.2. Got its application store, the App Store (tied with the iTunes Store), in July 2008 and now features over 350,000 apps.

The experience: Unfortunately, iPhone isn't officially sold in my country (the only blank spot in Europe!), so I've been using iOS on my 2nd generation iPod Touch. Truth be told, I don't really use it as an iPod that much - my primary iPod used mainly for running is the new iPod Nano. The iPod Touch is, however, my mobile device of choice for browsing and apps. I use it to play various casual games like Bejeweled Blitz, Fruit Ninja and Tiny Wings (my current favorites), manage my shopping list with ShopShop, plan my runs with Runner's World SmartCoach app, rate my favorite Movies, and much more.

And I'm just in love with iOS apps! The App Store provides great choice of both free and paid apps, and it's really easy to discover beautiful new apps. It's the kind of store where you buy a $2.99 weather app just because it's sooo pretty.

The magic behind the App Store lies in detailed guidelines and excellent developer tools that make it easy to have good looking apps even if you use just the default UI elements provided by Apple. Yes, a lot of people complain about the strict App Store approval process, but from the user perspective, it pays off to have a store full of quality and well tested apps.

Android: It's all about opportunities and promises

Basic facts: Usually thought as the biggest iOS competitor, developed by Google and other members of the Open Handset Alliance. Launched in October 2008, current version 2.3 Gingerbread, although the majority of users currently still runs version 2.2 Froyo. Android runs on all sorts of smartphone and tablets devices in various price ranges. The devices are made by different manufacturers, which also provide their unique user interfaces (such as HTC Sense, Samsung's TouchWiz etc). The Android application store, Android Market, launched in October 2008 and now features over 250,000 apps.

The experience: Ah, dear Android. The joy and love of the tech crowd. The supposedly "open alternative" to Apple's evil walled-garden. And, more often than not, quite irritating to use.

I've used Android on several HTC devices (Desire, Legend, Wildfire) and the overall look and feel is quite good. The hardware was good, but what annoyed me to no end, was the need to constantly fiddle with settings and other details of the software. And the regular need to reboot, which reminded me of what it was like to own a PC.

All in all, it was usually nothing huge per se, but there was always that tiny little detail that required your attention and sometimes got your head scratching. Like the mystery of why apps that I had never used (e.g. Stocks, Music, News) were always running in the background.

Speaking of apps. Sure, in theory it does sound wonderful that Google lets almost anyone publish apps on the Android Market. But in practice? The Market is flooded with poorly designed apps. And as Android Market works with Google Checkout, which is not supported in my country, I was stuck on using free apps only.

Then, the games... just not comparable to iOS games. And sure, the gaming aspect is supposed to be improved with the next big release - and that is basically what we keep hearing all the time. "The next Android update will kick iPhone's ass!" Anyone else got tired of waiting for the savior?

Ok, I've got to be fair - Android does have a few strong points as well. I loved the integration with Google services, particularly Google Maps. And the WiFi Hotspot app (for tethering), introduced with the Froyo update, was awesome. And oh, I really liked HTC's weather widget on the home screen!

Wondering why I've been using the past tense here? Ah, that's because I've been using Windows Phone 7 as my primary phone OS for a couple of weeks now, and I honestly don't miss Android all that much.

Windows Phone 7: It's all about the simple experience

Basic facts: The new kid on the block, even though it's the successor of the ye olde Windows Mobile platform. Microsoft decided to get a fresh start with Windows Phone 7 and introduced a radically different user interface and no backwards compatibility with previous versions of Windows Mobile. WP7 launched in October 2010 and has yet to receive a major update (expected to be released soon-ish). Like Android, WP7 runs on devices by different manufacturers, but Microsoft sets the hardware requirements for WP7 phones and doesn't allow major modifications of the user interface, so all WP7 phones have a consistent look and feel (unlike Android phones). Its applications store, the Windows Phone Marketplace, launched with the release of the first phones in October 2010 and now features over 8,000 apps.

The experience: This may come as a surprise to those of you that know how much I love using a Mac - I actually enjoy the Windows Phone 7 experience. Yes, me, enjoying a Windows product! Shocking, I know.

But I think Microsoft did the smart thing by dropping the outdated Windows Mobile legacy platform and focused on a fresh, unique mobile experience. It's a mobile OS that tries to help users do what they're supposed to be doing without getting in the way.

Coming from Android, the contrast can be quite stark at first. But after a while, you just sit back and enjoy the ride. No need to worry about turning the GPS on and off manually. If an app, such as Maps, needs it, it will turn it on and then off again when you're done.

The home screen with live tiles makes it easy to see important information on the go, and the OS uses hubs to bundle key content and media together. For instance, the People hub brings together your contacts and their Facebook updates in an attractive panorama view. Plus, it can also sync music, photos and videos with your computer and there's even a Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac OS X that can sync content from iTunes.

However, it must be noted that WP7 is still a version 1.0 OS, so there are "a few" bugs and oddities that will have to be sorted out. Similarly, the Marketplace is still only a few months old, so the selection of apps isn't that great. For instance, there is no Dropbox or Evernote app, and I miss more apps from Google, particularly Google Maps - WP7, not surprisingly, has Bing Maps integrated and the app just doesn't work as well as Google's.

And just like the Android Market, the Windows Phone Marketplace doesn't allow purchases from my country, so I can't really enjoy any of the cool game titles already available in the application store. You do however get the option to Try out a lot of the paid apps and games, which is a really cool feature.

And the winner is...

One thing is for sure - while similar on paper, iOS, Android and Windows Phone 7 provide quite a different user experience. Which one is best? Well, it really depends on what you're looking for.

iOS is certainly a more solid platform with an amazing selection of apps, which isn't surprising considering it was the first to launch. Android is perfect for geeks that enjoy fiddling with their devices. And WP7 is cute, but needs to grow up a bit more and get more developers interested in making good apps.

For me, iOS is certainly the first choice. It's simple, yet mature enough to provide all the extra goodies (such as tethering). WP7 is also an OS that I could see my grandpa using, as he probably wouldn't miss any of the yet missing apps. And Android is a solid choice for everyone that is bothered by Apple's "closed" system and is looking for variety in hardware, but not something I'd recommend for the average user.

What does it all mean?

So, we have at least three platforms that will be running smartphones and tablets of our future. And we keep hearing the future will be mobile, which also means we can expect the big mobile operating systems to find their way into our classrooms and be used as teaching tools. I therefore invite you to join me in part 2 in a few days to explore which of the 3 platforms might have the biggest potential for learning.

Review: Griffin AutoPilot Charger for iPhone/iPod

Simple, Intuitive and Functional.  These are the three little words I would use to describe Griffin Autopilot car charger for iPhone (original, 3G, 3GS) and iPods (w/ dock connector).  I've been searching high and low for a cord based charger that offers an aux-out and for whatever reason, I had a hard time finding one.  That is until Griffin released the AutoPilot.  The AutoPilot is very similar to the iTrip AutoPilot that I reviewed some times ago in that it differs by the way it handles sound output (FM Modulation from the iTrip AutoPilot).  If your car comes with an Aux-In port, get the AutoPilot for the best and un-interrupted sound.

The AutoPilot is intuitive to use, simply plug in the car charger into any 12V cigarette lighter socket in a vehicle.  Plus the dock connector to your iPhone or iPod.  Use the supplied 3.5mm audio cable to connect between the charger's aux-out to your vehicle's aux in.  When you turn the car on, it will power up the AutoPilot with a glowing red LED ring. On the back of the charger, there are basic controls acting like a wired remote navigate your song choices (FF, RW, Play/Pause), this is especially helpful for touchscreen devices and far cheaper than the OEM integration solutions but comparable in performance. The only thing you should play with is the high and low aux-output setting to match your audio systems sound output; I leave it on high setting for my car.

The AutoPilot in concept is simple but it just pulls everything together in a perfect way.  It provides 3 solutions in 1 (charging, line-level audio output and controls the iPhone all at once). As is with any car accessories, obviously if you have limited number12V outlets, the AutoPilot will compete with your existing devices such as a GPS unit for power. Also, the location of your 12V plug will also determine how useful the control will be (ie. some aux-ports and 12V ports are designed to be within the arm-rest storage area). As far as I'm concerned, the AutoPilot is the best $49.99 MSRP (Amazon $32 shipped) solution you can invest for your car.

Having Fun and Getting Fit: An Overview of Exergames

With the arrival of Eye Toy for Playstation 2, the widely popular Nintendo Wii, and the upcoming release of Project Natal for Xbox, the term exergaming - the use of video games as a form of exercise - has started gaining popularity. But how effective are these games? Can you really get fit by playing, let's say, Wii Sports?

It's been a while since I've embarked on a quest to find the best exergame aka geek friendly exercise, and throughout the course of my journey I've tried out many different games (mainly on Playstation 2 and Nintendo Wii), so I thought I'd do a little overview of what you can expect to gain from different types of exergames.

Casual Exergames: Lots of Fun with Friends

Examples: Wii Sports, Mario Cart Wii

Most Wii games fall into this category and I would also include games supposedly more focused on exercise, like Wii Sports. These games count on a limited amount of moves, and you don't even have to invest a lot of effort into the right moves to make it through the game. The focus is on fun rather than burning calories and these games usually won't hold your attention for long.

So, don't be fooled by the Sports in the title; these games won't really prepare you for any real sport, but the plus side is that they really are a lot of fun to play when you're having friends over!

Medium Intensity Exergames: Balancing Fun and Exercise

Examples: Dance Dance Revolution (DDR), Eye Toy Kinetic, We Cheer, Wii Fit

The games in this category can be quite demanding, especially if played on higher difficult levels, although they sometimes don't get your whole body moving (for instance, We Cheer is mostly a good exercise for your arms). But be prepared to spend a lot of time navigating menus, choosing exercises, songs and what not. Also, be prepared to invest some time in making sure your moves are detected properly, which can be quite frustrating and can spoil your immersion in the game. However, if everything works fine, these games provide a lot of fun and some exercise, but a lot of time is lost on pointless tasks (and if you're out of luck, a cumbersome navigation through menus).

The bottom line is: if you invest enough energy in these games, they can make you sweat, but you have to play these games a whole lot (read: at least an hour per session) before getting any real results.

High Intensity Exergames: Emphasizing Exercise

Examples: My Fitness Coach (Wii)

Interestingly enough, the highest intensity exergame I found for the Wii doesn't even use the motion sensing abilities of the Wiimote or the Wii Balance Board. It's just a continuos exercise routine that really gets you moving around. It's up to you to make sure you're doing the right thing, but if you're interested in getting fit, you should have the motivation for that anyway. What I like about My Fitness Coach is that you only have to choose the duration and daily focus of your workout, and everything else is done for you. No wasting time on menus, you're just asked to assess the difficulty of the workout after completing major sections, so that the next workouts can be adjusted accordingly. A great feature is also that you are asked to do a Physical Challenge every 10 workouts, so you can really track how your workout affects different parts of your body.

All in all, My Fitness Coach is a real exercise that will can have real effects on your fitness level if you decide to stick with it. And it's a nice way to get prepared for more difficult forms of exercise if you're starting from scratch.

Leaving the Game Consoles: Nothing Beats the Real Deal

Examples: Nike+

Not surprisingly, at the end of my exergame journey I came to the conclusion that nothing beats the real deal: going out and running. But as a true geek I wasn't prepared to settle for a workout without gadgets, so I decided to give Nike+ iPod Sports Kit a try. While it's not a true exergame, it's a great gadget that can keep you motivated and provides real-time feedback during your runs. After every run, I love to see how the latest run compares to previous ones, compete in different online challenges with or against other runners and set personal goals to beat.

As you can see from my profile, I haven't been using Nike+ for long, but I find it very easy to decide to go for a run after seeing how close I am to a goal or how other runners are beating my distance. Nike+ brings elements of games to real exercise and that I think is the winning combination.

Exergames: Easy Start and a Filler Activity

So, what exactly is the role of exergames then? Are they worth it?

If you're looking for something that will help you to get up from the couch, I'd suggest starting with some of the Medium Intensity Exergames I listed and then progress to Higher Intensity or outdoor activities. Having fun can really make you appreciate exercise and I found less intensive games like Wii Fit to be a great way to get used to regular workouts, but you'll probably soon feel the desire to progress to something more demanding (especially if you want visible results).

Apart from providing an easy start, exergames can also provide you with an exercise option on days when you feel like taking a little break, but still want to workout. For example, my current workout routine includes Nike+ running around 3 times a week and My Fitness Coach in between to strengthen specific body muscles. And when I just feel like having fun, a dose of We Cheer can also provide some light exercise.

To sum it up: exergames do have some positive effects, but don't rely on exergames alone to get fit. I can certainly recommend using them as a fun way to encourage and maintain regular exercise - but don't forget that there are also gadgets like Nike+ that can make serious outdoor activity more enjoyable.

Review: Griffin Powerjolt SE Car Charger for iPhone and iPods

Are you looking for a basic and no-frill car charger for your late model iPod or iPhone? Well, I was looking for one and found Griffin's Powerjolt SE to be just the solution. I wanted a simple, one piece charger for my iPhone 3G similar to my older MonsterCable charger that was perfect except it stopped working with newer iPhone standards.

Griffin Powerjolt SE (MSRP: $19.99) is a basic auto/cigarette lighter charger for late model iPhones and iPods; the charger has a built-in charging cord which is nice because I hate dealing with cigeratte chargers that requires me to provide my own USB data cable. Some would argue the PowerJolt's overall length is a little shorter but it provides a nice messy-free setup for my taste. Its also important to note that the actual charger adaptor is fairly low profiled so it can pretty much fit into all the tight compartments in your vehicle (see pic). The only thing I would ask for is if this charger would come with an Aux output so I can have line-level out to use for my car. Other than that, Griffin's PowerJolt SE is a solid performer for practically every generation of iPhones or iPods on the go.

Apple Disappoints with Pathetic iPod Updates

I had high hopes for Apple to slowly get rid of its older iPod formats (nano, classic and shuffle) and focus more of its energy on the iPod touch in today's Rock and Roll event but to my disappointment, the 3rd generation iPod Touch is pretty much the same as the 2nd gen. Still no integrated mic/GPS/camera. Looks like Apple pulled an iPhone-3GS kinda update to its internals only with faster hardware and more internal storage. The only good news is that prices have come down a bit for the iPod Touch.

The shocker for me was to see Apple putting a video camera onto the iPod Nano 5th gen along with a bigger LCD and FM Radio w/ live pause. I just don't see the point or appeal here. A video cam is much needed on the iPod Touch. But apparently, Mr. Jobs thinks of the iPod Touch only as a video gaming platform... whatever!

If you've been holding out from buying a 2nd gen. iPod Touch because you were waiting for the new one, I would say go ahead and save some money and pickup a 2nd gen. Wait a year and my bet is the next iPod touch will have the camera and other much needed features.

BTW - iPhone/iPod Touch firmware gets an update to 3.1

Watching MP4 Videos on Your TV

I've gotten a hold of a series of videos in MP4 format and it has served it's purpose of being quite portable (watching videos on the go sans iPhone or PSP). Occasionally, I'd like to playback these videos at the comfort of my living room over my big screen TV (these videos were converted at 640px or higher). There is probably a million ways to do this nowdays (media PC, network storage, streaming, etc...), but the two methods I've been using has worked out quite well and doesn't require an intensive setup or technical knowledge:

Method 1: MP4 Playback from iPhone to TV via AV Cables
This is a tried and true method which I've done a write up for Griffin's Component Cable. Whats really nice about this method is that if you have to leave the house, you can unplug your iPod or take your iPhone with you and watch the videos on your commute. It does take a bit longer to sync your videos over iTunes and that is just the name of the game.

Method 2: Load in Jumpdrive and Watch via Playstation 3
This method has it's advantages in that loading the videos to a high speed jumpdrive such as my SanDisk Cruzer 8GB (Amazon, $13) is much faster than iPod to sync, I can also fast forward and pause via my Sony PS3 Bluetooth remote which adds many creature comfort over method above.

To set this up, connect your jumpdrive to your PS3 and go to your PS3 video menu and select USB drive; be sure to hit the triangle button to bring up the system menu and select "display all". Otherwise it may not recognize your videos. Some people said it would be better if you created a VIDEO folder and drop your files into there, it's up to you on how you want to manage your file structure. This method even gives you the option to copy your videos to the PS3 harddrive, but it was playing back just fine right off the jumpdrive in my scenario.

Obviously, this method offers a lot of convenience but I will lose the mobility of taking these videos with me while I'm on the go unless I opt for more advanced setup, such as remotely stream the videos from PS3 hard drive to my PSP over wifi.

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.

Obama Gave the Queen an iPod

As you already know by know, President’s Obama made his first official appearance in Europe. In England he met with the Queen of England and during the meeting he gave her an iPod filled with videos from her 2007 visit to the USA.The Queen gave Obama the standard royal gift, a silver-framed photo of the Queen and her husband. Will the Queen ever use the iPod? Is she ready for the technology age?

Griffin's Gift Guide for Moms and Dads

With Mother's Day and Father's Day coming up in the next few months, Griffin has prepared a simple gift guide for the two most important people that have brought you to this world. Get them a few things below to help them jazz up their iPods or iPhones.

For Moms
For the car, the TuneFlex Aux w/SmartClick is an easy way for mom to listen to tunes through the car stereo; the SmartClick remote control attaches easily to the steering wheel so that she can control her stereo without taking her eyes off the road. Also for the car, the WindowSeat, which mounts iPhones and 2nd gen iPod touches at eye level of the car's windshield or dashboard - great for easily viewing street maps and directions. When mom is at home or the office she can charge her iPhone and iPod simultaneously with the PowerDock4, a multiple docking base, allowing her to charge up to four iPods and/or iPhones at the same time.

For Dads or Grads
The Elan Form Graphite offers a sleek looking case for any dad or grad's iPhone 3G. With inner and outer shell layers, the Elan Form Graphite provides superior protection. Also great for dads and grads are TuneBuds Mobile, compatible with any iPhone or iPod, TuneBuds Mobile offer great sound and one-button control convenience. The iTrip Auto Universal Plus FM transmitter and car charger is an ideal fit for the dad or grad on-the-go. The iTrip Auto Universal Plus works with almost any portable audio device that has a standard headphone jack, as well as offering an additional USB charging port.

While these recommendations are great, I have to plug in my favorite iPhone cases: ClearBoost for iPhone and Clarifi for iPhone 3G. I love them for their form and function.

Griffin Releases a Bunch of iPod/iPhone Accessories @ CES

Griffin Technology, creator of all things iPod and iPhone, announced the release of a BUNCH of iPod and iPhone accessories. Including apps, bluetooth headset, ear buds, cables, chargers and etc... It seems Griffin is now in a very comfortable position to read what the market wants and they provide them to satisfy all iPhone needs. Will try to get some review samples to give you my take in the near future!

Taken directly from their press release:
SmartTalk Bluetooth Headset (available now!)
This new headset from Griffin incorporates STEP Labs' STEPvoiceTM acoustic voice separation technology to eliminate background noise, reduce wind noise, and improve voice quality. This means phenomenally clear, hands-free conversations, even under noisy, real-world conditions.
A bundled package with PowerJolt is also available by Feb '09.

PowerBlock Reserve (available April '09)
As the world's best-selling AC charger and adapter for USB-rechargeable devices, PowerBlock is the perfect way to power-up an iPhone or iPod. Griffin's new PowerBlock Reserve charges iPod and iPhone while simultaneously charging its own reserve battery pack. The removable Reserve battery pack is held in its charging bay magnetically, so there's nothing to unplug. It's easy to grab and take with you (and it's compact enough to fit in your jeans pocket). Its lithium-ion battery pack recharges an iPhone or iPod on the go, and supplies additional hours of music, video, web access, and talk time.

PowerJolt Reserve (available April '09)
PowerJolt Reserve extends surf time, talk time and tune time with a detachable, rechargeable battery for iPod and iPhone. PowerJolt Reserve plugs into a car's cigarette lighter or 12 V DC power outlet and quickly charges both the device and the Reserve battery pack. Reserve's battery charges your iPhone or iPod through its Dock Connector, adding hours of additional use between charges. PowerJolt Reserve's battery pack is interchangeable with the PowerBlock Reserve AC charger (available separately).

TuneBuds Fit (available Feb '09)
Griffin's TuneBuds Fit are in-ear headphones that deliver superb sound in an anatomically correct curved design, shaped to the ear canal, making them the most comfortable way to enjoy music all day long. The low-resonance aluminum shells and matching, tuned 10 mm drivers produce more accurate sound fidelity than plastic housings. The package comes with 3 sets of soft ear cushions to pamper your ears and isolate outside noise.

SmartShare USB (available now!)
The convenience of a desktop USB hub, but entirely portable. This slim-as-can-be USB hub provides an extra hi-speed USB 2.0 port to MacBook Air (or any other laptop), and makes its recessed USB port accessible to more devices. Even travelers can enjoy the luxury of plugging in an available keyboard, mouse or other peripheral into one port while charging and syncing their iPod or iPhone in the other.

Charge Converter (Firewire to USB) (available Jan '09)
Griffin's FireWire to USB Charge Converter ensures that older charging solutions continue to work with iPhone 3G and new (2008) iPod models that charge using USB circuitry. Simple to use and compact, the Charge Converter fits between the Dock Connector and the charging device. Now when you trade up your iPod, you don't have to trade up all your chargers.

Noise-reducing Audio Cable (available Feb '09)
We've all experienced The Hum. Griffin's Noise-reducing Audio Cable eliminates interference caused by some cars' electrical systems. The 6-foot long cable features an inline dual-element noise filter to reduce hum and ensure the best sound possible. The 1/8" stereo-mini jack conveniently connects an MP3 player's headphone jack to the stereo's Aux-in port for clean sound, and no Hum.

Navigate Inline Controller Receives FM Radio and Allows Users to Control iPhone and iPod While They Are Stored Safely Away. iFM App for iPhone and iPod touch Gives Users Direct Interaction with Radio; Controls FM Radio From Navigate. Griffin's Navigate and iFM App work wonderfully as standalone products, but when paired together, iPhone and iPod touch enthusiasts have an unparalleled FM radio experience. The iFM app works as a touchscreen interface for Navigate's FM radio tuner and displays detailed song information.

In addition to these new products, some existing products have been given a make over:

TuneFlex AUX with SmartClick
Griffin's premium in-car charge, mount & play solution now includes a wireless remote control with a magnetic holder that attaches to the driver's steering wheel. SmartClick Remote allows drivers to safely access play controls without ever taking their eyes off the road or their hands off the wheel. TuneFlex's flexible steel neck and swiveling cradle positions the player in any desired location, and charges as it plays. Includes stereo AUX-in cable to connect iPod or iPhone to the car stereo.

iTrip Auto Universal Plus
Listening to virtually any MP3 player through the car radio's stereo speakers is a breeze with Griffin's newly redesigned iTrip Auto Universal Plus. Just plug iTrip into the player's headphone jack, and enjoy your tunes through your FM radio. iTrip Auto Universal Plus even charges the player's battery through its convenient USB port. iTrip works with any FM frequency from 88.1 to 107.9, and Griffin-exclusive SmartScan technology makes for quick, easy one-click setup.

iTrip for iPod nano
Griffin's popular iTrip for iPod nano is redesigned to match the sleek new looks of the 4th generation iPod nano. iTrip broadcasts to the nearest FM receiver - car radio, boombox, or home entertainment system - making it a quick and easy way to listen to iPod nano 4G. (It works with other iPod models, too, but is sized and shaped to match 4th generation iPod nano.)

TuneJuice for iPhone and iPod
More than just a battery extender, Griffin's updated TuneJuice recharges iPhone and iPod in the field, using 4 AAA batteries (included). Just plug TuneJuice into virtually any dock connector iPod or iPhone to enjoy up to 24 hours of additional music, 6 hours of video, or 2 hours of talk time. TuneJuice is a must-have for air travel, camping, road trips, or just urban adventuring.

Elan Form Chrome for iPhone 3G
Griffin's popular Elan Form for iPhone 3G now sports a sophisticated look with black leather and chrome trim. The slim, clipless design is built around an impact-resistant polycarbonate inner shell that snaps firmly around the device. An outer shell wraps the iPhone in top-grain black leather with hand-matched hides. The case includes a screen protector to guard against smudges, fingerprints, and scratches, and a premium cleaning cloth for proper care of your iPhone.

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.

iPhone Tip: iPod Control w/o Unlocking Screen

If you want to listen to your iPod or fast forward a song on your iPhone (persumably iPod Touch too) when your device's screen is locked, there is a quick way to get access. Simply double-click your 'home' button twice, your iPhone will prompt a simple control UI for you to pause, forward or backward select your MP3. Sure beats sliding the unlock bar and hit the iPod icon, etc...

*For a related trick to quickly unlock the slider screen, check out this clip.

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.

Check-in to the Hotel and get an iPod Touch

It's true! But only for as long as you stay in the hotel. Runtriz, a software firm out of Hollywood, CA, after a series of quiet test runs at other LA hotels, has debuted a product called “Hotel Evolution” at the Malibu Beach Inn in Malibu, CA.When you check-in to the hotel, you are asked if you own an iPhone. If you have one the Runtriz Hotel web application is loaded to the device. If you don't

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.

Touch 'Em for iPhone and iPod – Where Animals Meet Multi-Touch Technology

Those who are in continuous search of new and cool games for their iPhone or iPod Touch might be happy (or at least pleased) to find out that Play 'Em, a young company appeared out of nowhere, have just released their first game called Touch 'Em.Touch 'Em is presented as a one of a kind take on the popular icon-matching game genre. It makes heavy use of iPhone's multi-touch capabilities, luring

Apple's new iPod touch 2G - funniest iPod ever

At its "Let's Rock" even on Tuesday, Apple introduced the second generation iPod touch featuring a thin contoured metal design, integrated volume control buttons, a built-in speaker for casual listening, and more.The new iPod touch is smaller and lighter than the original, with a new tapered design that features a contoured metal enclosure with integrated volume control buttons and a 3.5-inch

New Apple iPod touch

Apple introduced the second generation iPod touch featuring an amazingly thin contoured metal design, a gorgeous 3.5-inch widescreen glass display, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi wireless networking, integrated volume control buttons, a built-in speaker for casual listening, a built-in accelerometer and other advanced sensors, and Apple’s revolutionary Multi-Touch user interface. iPod touch, now available for

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.