We recently posted a video of a great demo of an app called “Everyday Looper”. One of our readers commented on the video posting a link to another video with someone using this app to make an awesome recording. What’s even more awesome is the accessory he’s using to record. Check out the video and then we’ll check out the hardware:
Video
The device is called ProTrack and it connects to a few different models of iPods. What I’m interested in is the iPod Touch connectivity. I do a lot of live recording and with two XLR inputs, two 1/4″ jacks and 2 live mics, this thing is sweet! They only run $200 which isn’t bad considering alternatives. Of course you do have to buy an iPod touch but if you already have one then you’re all set. I was really hoping for iPhone support so when I went looking around I found the iPhone noted in some comments on an accessory. I’m guessing if you turn on airplane mod you’ll be fine. Here’s a video demo of the app and a link to the manufacture’s website. Read more
At first, this little device might be confusing since it plugs into the iPhone’s headphone/microphone jack and it’s not a speaker or microphone; it’s a credit card reader. I’m assuming that it reads the magnetic strip on the card by creating tones/different frequencies and feeds them through the mic port and into the app that’s running. It doesn’t use a battery as far as I can tell either so it must draw power off the headphone jack. This is a bit different than most other readers we’ve seen. Others use the dock connection to connect the card reader.
Here are some features that are listed on the developers website. No release date yet.
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– Swipe it. Read payment cards from any device with an audio input jack, including your mobile phone. Accepting payments has never been faster or more convenient.
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If you have the money for an iPhone, and the money for the monthly plan, I’m not sure why you would need to skimp on a $2 car mount but maybe it’s cause both drained you of your money. Anyway, if you’re looking to make a cheap mount out of PVC pipe, craft foam, and plastic coated wire follow the step by step instructions and in 10 minutes, you’ll have you’re very own car mount!
Mophie has announced yet another iPhone case that is more than just a case. This case has a credit card magnetic strip reader at the bottom. It works with their app in the app store to read credit cards. The case is made of a nice grippy rubber and can be charged and synced through the micro USB port. Again, this case has no release date and no price listed on their website. This app would be great for vendors at flee markets, farmers markets and events. Unlike their FLO TV case and other battery cases, this case does not have an extra battery. Read more
So, what could be better than an iPhone? An iPhone attached to a Ducati… This article shows you how to mount your iPhone to your motorcycle using the biologic™ BIKE Mount for iPhone and other parts for a total of $106.
Apple has a lot on sale today but one product that’s one of the better deals for the iPhone is the mophie Juice Pack Air for the iPhone 3G and 3GS. We recently received one for testing and will be doing a review in the future. If you’re interested a case with battery power, I do recommend this one. It’s much sleeker than the previous version and at Apple.com you can get it in an exclusive color, Red, for $58. Regular price is $79.95 so you save $21.95.
As kewl as the idea seems, HD Radio on the iPhone isn’t what it could be. As you’ll see in the video below, to get HD Radio you’ll have to buy an $80 accessory that attaches to the iPhone dock port with a cord. Then you have to plug your headphones into the accessory, not the iPhone, to get sound. You might as well just buy an HD radio like this for $50. With the $80 price tag and all the cords, I’m pretty sure I’m out on this one. Check out this video and let me know what you think. Would you use this?
Sonos recently announced the Sonos ZonePlayer S5 a powerful, wireless music system that not only delivers quality sound but also allows for remote access via the Sonos Controller App.
The Sonos ZonePlayer S5 is a 8.50in x 14.40in speaker that encases “five Class-D digital amplifiers” and “five driver speaker system (two tweeters, two 3” mid-range drivers, and one 3.5” woofer. Each driver of the product is individually powered by a dedicated amplifier).”
Another nice features of the system is that it can be controlled wirelessly from your iPhone (or iPod touch) via the Sonos Controller App. The app allows you to remotely control the music system giving you the ability to instantly access music stored on your computer, and play tunes from a NAS drive or Apple Time Capsule without turning on your computer, control the music selection and volume in each room individually, search for any song with the touch-screen keyboard and much more. Read more
iBend is an iPhone and iPod touch stand. This is not a new stand however, yesterday they announced their Artist Series… “featuring 12 new, out-of-the-box designs and cool looking graphics for a more personalized and colorful mobile video viewing experience.”
“Weighing in at less than 1 gram and thinner than a few sheets of paper, the iBend is the most travel-friendly iPhone and iPod touch solution for hands-free viewing and sharing on-screen mobile entertainment in the landscape position. When not in use, just slip it in your wallet or behind any protective case for quick storage and easy access.”
Below are a few video demos of the stand. You can purchase the original black and white iBend stands for $4.99 which includes two stands. The new Artist Series are $7.99 for 2. They can be purchased on www.myibend.com. Read more
CNET and Gizmodo have recently wrote about a new accessory that allows you to hang your iPhone from all sorts of places called Seat Buddy. It’s made of a rubber silicone so its easy to get the iPhone in or out. You just take the two straps and close them in to a glove box, tray table on the airplane, or use the included velcro strips to attach it to something like a treadmill. Here’s some videos from their website:
Today, OtterBox announces two new iPhone cases; the Commuter and the Communter TL. The cases are compatible with the iPhone 3G and 3GS. Both seem really sleek. One cool thing I did notice was that the Communter LT case will be available in seven colors (black, blue, green, pink, red, white and yellow) which is unusual for an OtterBox case. Below is a quick description of the new cases (which look really cool), a few screenshots and the full press release.
This isn’t about music this time (iBand), it’s an accessory that protects your iPhone. We’ll see what we can do about getting one for testing. Of course if you drop it directly on the screen, it’s still gonna break. Brooke’s wishing she had it when she dropped her iPhone
I could go on and on about this case but I’m just gonna keep it short and then show you some amazing pictures. This case is basically all about the lens. Griffin has made a slide over macro lens for the camera built into the case called Clarifi. For those who don’t know, macro means really close up. You’ll see in the pictures. Here’s what the slide over lens looks like:
The case is pretty simple and just slides onto the iPhone in two pieces. It gives you access to all your switches and buttons but if you need to clean your camera lens, you’ll have to take the case off. The top third and bottom third are covered with a grippy//rubber material. The center is a smooth plastic. I think the whole thing should be covered in the rubber material. The smooth plastic is already getting scratched. The strength of the case seems very durable and will protect your iPhone. There is also a stick on screen protector that comes in the box along with a cleaning cloth.
Of course, the other amazing thing is, the case works with the new iPhone 3GS which already has macro and autofocus. Speaking of autofocus, without it on the 3G, you have to kinda move your iPhone closer and further away until you get what you’re shooting into focus. Either iPhone you have, this case is AWESOME and sells for $30.99. And now for the proof. First with the iPhone 3G. Read more
Take a look at Griffin’s new USB Charger. At first it looks like a pretty normal wall charger. But if you look close, you can see a detachable battery that can charge your iPhone or iPod Touch.
When in Safari, you can tap on the Status Bar (this is where the time is displayed on your iPhone) to auto scroll to the top of a web page.
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