MusicJam unveils iPod Mixer / karaoke machine

While mixin' it up iPod-style has certainly been done before, MusicJam is looking to combine the simplest of mixer functions with a karaoke machine in its aptly-named iPod Mixer. Essentially, this device allows you to add your own vocals and guitar riffs to the tune currently playing on your iPod, which could definitely bring out the "one man band" in any musician. The mixer sports an iPod dock (presumably compatible with the iPod with video only), microphone / guitar inputs, volume sliders, tone / distortion controls, RCA outputs, and even attempts to replicate that on-stage allure by touting echo / sustain options for your vocs. The company also throws in a microphone, mic clamp, and cabling to get you warmed up, and includes "KaraokeVideos" software to turn any jam into an iPod-compatible karaoke vid. While the quality here is certainly questionable, it looks to be a solid addition to your Korg-infused Les Paul, and hey, getting you fully prepped for that karaoke circuit will only set you back $229.

ViewSonic busts out ViewDock display series for iPods

We can't say with absolute certainty that every single device type known to man has now been outfitted or retrofitted with an iPod dock, but we sure are getting pretty dang close. ViewSonic's new ViewDock display series brings the iPod to your LCD, allowing you to view video, photos and those oh-so-cute menus at up to 65 times larger than an iPod screen. The displays also feature multiple USB 2.0 ports, an 8-in-1 card reader, a microphone, integrated speakers and a subwoofer to really bring the convergence. Of course, the average computer has most of those features already, along with copies of your iPod media if you're docking at your traditional computer, but what's the fun in that? We're otherwise slim on details for the new displays, with ViewSonic merely claiming "ultra-fast" response times, "high" brightness and contrast ratios and "wide" viewing angles. We've also yet to find a pic of these ViewDocks, but we'll be sure to update when we find one.

iBreath, your iPod-powered breathalyzer

You know that people are trying to jump on the iPod bandwagon when someone releases a breathalyzer that connects to the ubiquitous music player. Yes, David Steele Enterprises (no, not that David Steel) has just released an iBreath ($50, black or white color), a small device to plug into the dock connector of your iPod. Sticking out of the side of the device is the breathalyzer tube, and within five seconds it'll read out your blood alchohol content level, accurate to within 0.01 BAC -- oh and if that wasn't enough, it doubles as an FM transmitter for your car stereo. That just leaves us with one burning question: will Mr. Steele be sending one to recently DUIed Paris Hilton?

ATO iPod Video Recorder: iSee 360i

Looks like ATO has made the first iPod Video Recorder to cater to the new iPod video: The iSee 360i. You can now store shows from DVD, PVR, television, or any other source on your iPod for later viewing. It's even got a 3.6-inch LCD screen with controls for watching movies or shows on older iPods. Like most third-party products, though, it has flaws. It won't work with a 60GB iPod 5G nor with anything below 4G. iPod mini is supported as well as the nano with an adaptor. The iSee 360i also features a rechargable battery to extend viewing times.

iPod Sock

What the hell is this? Is Apple going to start selling a branded iPod Sock? Is it just a promotional item? Will it come with the new iPod Photo? Will it be available in different colors? Is it because they want us to fill the iPod Photo with porn? Is it machine washable?
It's sort of like an elastic Foofpod.
Available for $29 for 6!

iCarrier iPod Tower

The iPod is a very special thing. It deserves a massive set of speakers with sub-woofer and remote and you shouldn't, quite obviously just hook your iPod up to your stereo receiver and maybe get one of those less expansive iPod remote control things. Therefore, we will say very little about the iCarrier and let you all just bask in its phallic glory.

Sendstation iPod PocketDock Combo

The iPod PocketDock combo is a device that attaches to the dock port of your iPod and in turn, features a standard USB 2.0 or Firewire port. You can now connect your iPod Video and iPod Nano to any computer with those ports.

That's it. Seriously. That's all it does. Think we're joking? Look at the picture. What, you don't trust us? We slave all day for you, and this is the thanks we get? We're going to our mothers. Don't bother calling.

Griffin introduces line of iPod cases

Griffin Technology, the company that just can't stop making iPod products, announced 3 new iPod case lines (and 1 that's been around for a bit). Pictured above is the Trio for the iPod nano. $24.99 gets you a nano case with two interchangeable covers (hence the name).

Griffin is also offering the Tempo which is an armband that can hold either a full sized iPod or a nano for $24.99. The Vizor is a leather case designed for a full sized iPod that has a flip cover and a clip for $24.99 (I'm noticing a trend). Finally, the iClear, which Griffin has been offering for awhile, is a transparent polycarbonate case for the shuffle, nano, or full sized iPod that protects the iPod but still allows you to see it and access all of its controls for $19.99.

tub Speaker system

When I first heard about the tub MP3 Speaker system I was hoping that it would, somehow, be a speaker that would float in your tub and pump out some sweet tunes (am I the only one that like to bath whilst rocking our to a little John Tesh?). Sadly, or rather much more realistically, it is just a tub looking speaker with three rubberized feet for stability.

Brookstone claims that the design is 'just plain fun,' and while I'm not sure I agree at $50 the price isn't too bad. Plus, it'll work with any MP3 player, though why would you want to use anything other than an iPod?

TrailRunner

TrailRunner is a neat application that turns any iPod into a workout planning machine, in a way. The application allows you to interactively plan a route, whether it be for running, inline skating, bicycling or what have you, and export those directions to your iPod. This way you'll never be lost on a workout again (I avoid that problem by never working out).

TrailRunner suggests a donation of 21 €.

Razer introduces feature-packed keyboard with iPod dock

Is that plain-jane Apple Keyboard starting to feel a little lax in the feature department? Do you find yourself wanting for, say, 10 programmable hotkeys and dedicated iTunes control keys? How does a built-in iPod dock sound, with an audio line out port for the ultimate in keyboard luxury and integration?

If your keyboard juices are 'a flowin, check out the new Pro|Type™ Multimedia Keyboard from Razer Pro|Solutions, a decked-out keyboard with all the fixins, except a cup holder. No pricing or availability has been announced, but we'll let you know as soon as we hear when you'll have yet another option for keeping your iPod front and center in your life.

iScorch to the rescue

I lost my lighter to airport security the other day. So I was resigned to being unprepared for the inevitable flame tribute to the bands at the Lyons Folks Festival tonight. That is, until I came across this post at Cult of Mac about the iScorch. I'll just hold up my iPod Video and let this video be my torch. There's also an iScorch for the Nano and the iPod Photo.

The safest iPod on your block

I've got an iPod nano, and I'll admit that it almost never, ever leaves its case. While not everyone is as scratch-phobic as I am, I know that I'm not alone. Check out the iTank cases by YoTank. Formed from a single piece of machined aluminum, the iTank nano weighs 3 oz., costs $45US and all but guarantees that you will be pulled aside at the security checkpoint in your local airport. iTank cases are also available for the iPod mini and iPod with video with a polished aluminum finish (black coming soon).

If you don't feel safe with this thing on your iPod, you never will.

Carbon Fiber iPod Case

Every once in a while an iPod case stands out from the rest of the ugly ducklings and makes us salivate. This is a carbon fiber iPod case designed by C6 Manufacturing. It is constructed of carbon fiber, aluminum and stainless steel screws to hold it all together. It is available for the video and nano models of iPod for $50.

Jukebox Station: iPod Connections, Seven Speakers, Blinkinlights

Take a look at the Jukebox Station, a 3-foot-tall iPod-ready music machine with FM radio, CD player, and an attractive array of LEDs designed by Saffire USA. There's a universal docking cradle inside for any iPod accepting such connections, and you can also hook up your video iPod to a TV using SVideo or composite outputs. And if you don't have an iPod, don't feel bad, you can connect any music player into its 3.5mm mini-jack input.
Two magnetically-shielded tweeters, a couple of midrange drivers and a six-inch sub blast out 72 watts' worth of sound from this mini jukebox, and it's all controlled with an IR remote. Plus, if you're worried about somebody jacking that 'pod, you can lock the window to the compartment where it sits.

At first we thought this was a full-sized jukebox, but even though it's just 3 feet tall, it's still a unique package for what is otherwise just another iPod speaker system, albeit one with ample power and seven speakers. Available at Target on October 2, it'll be a cool $699.

Teac CD-X10i and MC-DX22i NXT-enabled CD Players With iPod Dock

These two ultra-thin CD players from Teac not only include two Hollywood-actress-slim speakers and a subwoofer, they also include an iPod dock. The CD player supports regular CDs along with MP3 CDs, CD-R and CD-RW discs. An AM/FM tuner also allows you to listen to the barren wasteland known as drive-time radio now that Howard Stern's moved to satellite.
Of course the more important feature for us on the CD-X10i (left) and MC-DX22i (right) is the iPod dock. It fits all standard dock-compatible iPods and charges your iPod while playing. The CD-X10i will be $249 and the MC-DX22i will be $299 when they're available later in August.

iWood Red, Wooden iPod Case For The U2 iPod

Miniot, the same company that brought us all sorts of wooden iPod accessories, is at it again, this time with an eye toward Bono and the Edge. The iWood Red is made from padouk wood, giving it a reddish tint, hence matching the U2 edition of the iPod. Like previous iWoods, the iWood Red can be outfitted with a monogram of your choice along with two lines of text. Magnets hold the sides of the wooden case shut and it comes in a sturdy box with a free bon bon thrown in for good measure.

The iPod Red can be had for around $95.

Apple iPod Ads: Too Racy for the USA

Sometimes living in the United States is downright oppressive. The terrorists want our whole society to vanish, and the advertisements are dumbed down and scrubbed clean for the sake of a few highly vocal prudes. Not so in the Czech Republic, where the copy accompanying this iPod advertisement reads, "iPod, the best 'partner' for this year." Or maybe it reads, "iPod, better than sex this year." Accurate translations are invited and welcome.

And now we'll probably get complaints for showing this ad here. We're betting none of those whiners will come from Europe. Anyway, nice way to wake up on a Friday morning.

Griffin announces PowerBlock Travel USB charger

Griffin has beefed up their PowerBlock USB charging accessory with international adapters, allowing your iPod and any other device that juices up through USB to roam the world and keep on kickin'. The three included adapters cover Continental Europe, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the U.S. and Japan. I think this pictured travel bag is also new. Either way, the PowerBlock Travel is priced at $34.99 and is available now from Griffin's site.

Chainmail iPod Sleeve

The cult of the iPod case is a lot bigger than most imagine. Colleagues of mine sometimes have competitions to see who has the least scratches and then discuss the best means of transporting the iPod without scratching. For those of us who don't really care, then this case is perfect. It is knitted out of chain mail and a great accessory for your next for any renaissance fair or S&M meeting. You wouldn't believe how many people in the world are worried about their iPod getting hit with a sword or axe and want proper protection.

It does contain a belt loop so the iPod can be displayed with honor on the outside of your body armor. There's also enough room for all relevant iPod accessories.