Features
TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
iPods for Islanders.
The latest iPod attachments to get you through the summer…
Whether you are spending your summer cruising, lying on the beach or travelling to cooler climes, no doubt your iPod will always be with you. So, this month I have some suggestions for how you can get added enjoyment from your trusted friend. The choice of iPod attachments is vast - about 90% are either for expansion speaker systems or carrying cases. These are all pretty dull, so I have left them out and chosen some of the more interesting options.
The Soundcast Systems iCast
This is an iPod docking station with a wireless receiver for use with speakers in other rooms. It works with any dockable iPod.
If you would like to hear your iPod´s music coming simultaneously out of speaker systems in multiple rooms, without having to run wires all over the house, then this is the attachment for you. The iCast from Soundcast Systems is designed to make it possible. This is a very new product and at first sight it looks very like the Sonos system which I have written about in earlier issues. The iCast consists of a semicircular iPod dock/transmitter which can connect directly to one local speaker system, and wirelessly to a multiple of other speaker systems via similarly shaped receivers. The system operates at 2.4 Ghz but uses a frequency hopping technology to ensure that it doesn´t conflict with other 802.11 devices in the area, and includes cables for connecting the transmitter to just about any kind of speaker system. For more info. check out their website on www.SoundcastSystems.com
The Bosch Power Box Advanced
Yes, this is from Bosch the toolmaker. They have designed a speaker system with an AM/FM radio, CD player, and optional add-on iPod dock that looks like a portable generator with a roll cage, for use by blokes in the work place.
It has great audio quality with very loud volume, to drown out the noise made by power tools. The entire device is contained within a metal roll cage. It includes an integrated radio, CD player, and backlit LCD clock. It runs on battery or mains and provides four electrical outlets for powering other devices and charging Bosch power tool batteries. The iPod is charged when unit is plugged in. It includes a remote control so the music can be changed by the crane driver working overhead. It works with any dockable iPod.
For more information see www.BoschTools.com
The Pakatun Shuffle Beanie
This gadget is probably not going to look very cool on the sun lounger, but could be the must-have accessory for next year’s ski-ing holiday. This is a woolly hat with an internal pouch for an iPod shuffle. Its unique design eliminates all cables without having to use wireless technology. Shuffle´s front side controls are accessible through the beanie´s surface. It comes in a choice of five colours and works with the iPod shuffle. For more information see www.Pakatun.com
The Saitek Audio A-350 (sensible bluetooth wireless headphones)
The sound quality is close to that of standard (wired) iPod earbuds. The adjustable, behind-the-neck, design is comfortable, and distributes the weight and bulk of the bluetooth receiver and battery within its body. The volume controls on the headset alleviate the need to reach for the iPod to adjust the volume. The transmitter works with any iPod (or computer) and can easily be moved back and forth between different devices. Bluetooth wireless headphones for the iPod have a reputation for being clunky, inconsistent, and prohibitively expensive, but these ones are different..Check them out on the web at: www.SaitekAudio.com
The OtterBox (a waterproof plastic case for the iPod nano)
This gadget seals the nano tightly inside, protecting it from the elements. The clasp has no chance of coming undone accidentally. A pass-through headphone jack keeps the nano´s headphone jack protected. The screen is visible through clear hard plastic. The click-wheel is accessible through a membrane and scrolling is easy. It includes a removable belt clip, removable lanyard and, of course, a scuba diving manual…
Once inside the OtterBox, the iPod nano should be completely waterproof, but what about the ear buds? See www.OtterBox.com
The Tiger/Hasbro I-Dog is a dog-shaped speaker!!
This dog-shaped speaker provides interpretive responses to music being played, and can also respond to music being played from another device´s speakers. Does that make sense? Put simply, it’s a cool toy!
This product is quite a fair indication as to just how far the iPod has transcended into popular culture. It is an iPod-themed robotic dog that likes listening to music just as much as you do. Feed the I-Dog some music (which can be done in one of two ways), and he´ll display a corresponding light pattern on his forehead while he bobs his head and wags his ears. Go too long without feeding him music, and he´ll politely let you know about it. Pat the button on his head, and he´ll acknowledge you for it. Pull his tail, and you´ll get a response you might expect by pulling any dog´s tail - except that the I-Dog has no teeth. It works with any iPod or any other audio device. See www.HasbroToyShop.com.
So the iPod has also now emerged as our children’s latest must-have toy. As a result, all toy manufacturers are trying to work out how to use the digital music player in their own marketing strategy. The toys being shown recently at the American International Toy Fair expo ranged from electronic drumsticks and other musical instruments to chairs and electronic playmates that act as speakers. For even younger children there was a rocking chair that connects to an iPod so parents can sing along while the chair rocks. Nickelodeon have also launched, an aptly named, “SpongeBob SquarePants” speaker system that plugs into an iPod!! The mind boggles…
The iCarta by AFT – the all purpose tool for the loo!
Sometimes a product comes along that is so revolutionary, so innovative, that the entire world sits up and applauds. Well this is not it, but the product is amusing and AFT deserve some applause for having the nerve to design, manufacture and market it.
Rather like the singing trophy fish (remember them??) this is a product that you neither need nor want. Or do you? While I personally think a toilet paper holder does enough all by itself, I suppose it could also play music.
The iCarta is a toilet roll holder with an iPod docking station on the top, so you don’t have to loose a second and can blast your favourite tunes and be all prepared for the ensuing distribution of toilet paper that may or may not be required during your visit. You’ll need an iPod and the ability to sing Britney Spears while, um, taking care of business.
Interestingly the unit features 4 “moisture free” speakers (two tweeters and two woofers). I am intrigued to know what moisture free speakers are? You won’t want the link for this one.
Finally the iBuzz from Lovehoney!
OK, we’re getting to the end and certainly to the dregs. I had to include this as it was sent to me by email some while ago. I couldn’t believe it and have since mentioned it to some friends, who wanted to know all about it! Apologies to all my Dutch friends, but it will come as no surprise to learn that this particular iPod attachment has been designed and manufactured in Holland. Fortunately, it’s not orange but quite discretely flesh-coloured!
All I will say is that the iBuzz works by reading the audio-out signals from your iPod and buzzes in sync with the music you are listening to. All reports say it’s very stimulating. Enough! Sorry can’t provide the link on this one - do a google search if you want more information.
By Roger Horner of E3 Systems
For further information on any of the above please contact us.
email on info@e3s.com and website www.e3s.com
Tel: +34 971 404208/400738/702975