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News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apps & Services
Accessories
Protection
iPod and iPhone Deals
These price trackers are updated regularly.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
Over One Million iPhone 3GS Models Sold First
Weekend
iPhone 3.0 Software Downloads Topped Six Million
PR: Apple has announced that it has sold over one million
iPhone 3GS models through Sunday, June 21, the third day after its
launch. In addition, six million customers have downloaded the new
iPhone 3.0 software in the first five days since its release.
"Customers are voting and the iPhone is winning," said Steve Jobs,
Apple's CEO. "With over 50,000 applications available from Apple's
revolutionary App Store, iPhone momentum is stronger than ever."
The new iPhone 3GS is the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet, packed
with incredible new features including improved speed and performance -
up to twice as fast as iPhone 3G - with longer battery life, a
high-quality 3 megapixel autofocus camera, easy to use video recording
and hands free voice control. iPhone 3GS includes the new iPhone OS
3.0, the world's most advanced mobile operating system with over 100
new features such as Cut, Copy and Paste, MMS1, Spotlight Search, landscape keyboard and more.
iPhone 3GS customers get access to more than 50,000 applications from
Apple's revolutionary App Store, the largest application store in the
world where customers have already downloaded over one billion apps.
iPhone 3GS offers twice the capacity for the same price with a 16 GB
model for just $199 and a new 32 GB model for just $299.2 And iPhone 3G is available at the breakthrough
price of just $99 for the 8 GB model - a huge milestone for the
high end smartphone market.
iPhone 3.0 Excels at WiFi Hotspots
Macworld's
Glenn Fleishman says:
"Thanks to improvements in the iPhone OS 3.0 software update
released Wednesday, connecting to a WiFi hotspot with your iPhone or
iPod touch should become almost as easy as roaming on the cellular
network. Two new features radically improve the process of logging in
(when you've already got an account with the WiFi hotspot provider) and
filling out information when it's required for free access. However,
there are some catches, and - wouldn't you know it? - an
incompatibility or two."
Link:
iPhone 3.0 Excels at WiFi Hotspots
The iPhone 3.0 Feature Compendium
Macworld's Dan
Moren says:
"About halfway through writing the enormous tome of an iPhone 3.0
review, I realized that there just wasn't enough room. For every huge
new feature, like landscape keyboard, cut-and-paste, etc., it seemed
like there were a dozen more smaller improvements and enhancements that
cried out for equal attention.
"Having painstakingly documented most of these changes during my
thorough investigation of 3.0, it seemed only fair to share these
results with our dear readers, who themselves have already started
chiming with things they've discovered. Even with that, I'm sure there
are features and changes that we haven't found yet, so feel free to
chime in below if we've missed something."
Link: The
iPhone 3.0 Feature Compendium
Which iPhone 3.0 Features Does My iPhone
Support?
A new Apple Knowledge Base
article says:
"iPhone OS 3.0 is a free software update offering many new features
for all iPhone models. Features and capabilities vary between iPhone
models, with some features available only on newer models.
"Products Affected: iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS
"Use this table to determine which features in iPhone OS 3.0 are
available for your iPhone model...."
Link: Which iPhone 3.0 Software Features
Does My iPhone Support?
One-Third of iPhones Fail in First 2 Years, Mostly
from Accidents
PR: A SquareTrade Research study on reported iPhone failures
from normal use and accidental damage analyzed iPhone failure rates for
over 10,000 iPhones covered by SquareTrade Care Plans and found over
30% of the handsets fail in the first two years of ownership. Only
one-third of these failures were malfunctions from normal use;
accidental damage caused the other two-thirds of failures.
Link: One-Third
of iPhones Fail Over 2 Years, Mostly from Accidents
Link: SquareTrade
$99 iPhone 3G vs. $199 3GS for Value
Internet
News's Don Reisinger says:
"The iPhone 3GS was released last Friday to much fanfare
. . . and . . . the iPhone 3G - once the crown
jewel of the iPhone product line - was left sitting on store shelves
. . . The iPhone 3G is old news . . . but there's
one catch: The iPhone 3G costs just $99 now. The iPhone 3GS
. . . costs $199 for the 16 GB model and $299 for the 32 GB
model . . . And once the early adopters get out of the way
and logic starts playing into buying decisions, consumers will need to
ask themselves an important question: Is the iPhone 3GS worth the extra
$100 or $200?
"I don't think it is."
Link: $99 iPhone
vs. 3GS for Value
Buy an iPhone? No Thanks, I'm Going Nokia
Cnet's
Marguerite Reardon reports:
"Collins Osei, who had bought an iPhone 3G last year, came to the
AT&T store Friday not to buy the latest-generation iPhone 3GS, but
instead he wanted to downgrade to a less expensive Nokia phone.
"Osei said his decision to go back to a basic-feature phone was all
about cost. The iPhone and its service plan are simply too
expensive...."
Link:
Buy an iPhone? No Thanks, I'm Going Nokia
People Will Dump Their Blackberry for an
iPhone
TGDaily's C
Shanti reports that four out of 10 Blackberry users are tempted to
switch to an iPhone, while iPhone users are fanatically loyal to the
Apple device, according to a survey by Crowd Science, also noting that
the survey shows only 14% of non-Blackberry smartphone users will buy a
Blackberry - and 82% of iPhone users are loyal followers of the Apple
fashion.
Link: People Will Dump Their
Crackberry for an iPhone
IT Rejoice: Easier Than Ever to Manage iPhone
Security and Access Options
Computerworld's Doug Dineley says:
"Users love the iPhone, but IT does not. The biggest complaints: The
iPhone can't be managed for security and access policies like a
BlackBerry can....
"For some time now, Apple's offered its free iPhone Configuration
Utility for Windows and Mac that lets IT set up and install
configuration profiles on iPhones in BlackBerry-like breadth. But it
doesn't provide the over-the-air reach, the granularity of control, or
the visibility that BlackBerry Enterprise Server offers....
"But last week, Apple shipped the iPhone 3.0 OS that adds improved
support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync policies, and it made
available the 2.0 version of its iPhone Configuration Utility, with
significant new management and security capabilities...."
Link:
Can't Manage an iPhone Like a BlackBerry? Not So Fast
iFixit: iPhone 3GS Teardown
Removing the logic board.
iFixit's Miro
Djuric writes:
"Apple released the phone at 8 AM local time, so we decided to fly
our CEO, Kyle Wiens, to London to get the iPhone 3GS several hours
before the US release. He was one of the first people in line at the
Regent Street Apple Store to get the device, and enlisted the help of
Macworld UK and some locals to make one of our best teardowns yet.
"We managed to video the dismantling of an iPhone 3GS WITH another
iPhone 3GS. The videos are linked off the teardown.
"This teardown features our usual world-class photography and
exclusive hardware analysis. We'll be adding more information over the
next few days as we continue to research the hardware design."
The logic board, up close and personal.
Points of interest:
- Thankfully, opening the iPhone 3GS is as simple as the 3G. After
removing two Phillips screws, the two halves of the phone are separated
easily using a suction cup.
- The iPhone is differentiated externally only by a new model number,
A1303. The lettering on the back is now shiny, like the Apple
logo.
- The internal physical design is virtually identical to the iPhone
3G. A random passerby on the street would not know the difference.
Heck, even we were struggling to differentiate the two.
- The new graphics core should drastically improve performance,
meaning Apple's serious about the handheld gaming market.
- There's still a "Do not remove" sticker above the logic board.
Naturally, we removed it.
- Nearly all components have been relocated to the front side of the
main PCB, including the Bluetooth, WiFi, and Flash memory chips.
- The battery is 4.51 Watt-hours, or 1219 mAh. That's about 6% larger
than the iPhone 3G's battery. Hopefully the hardware runs more
efficiently, since increased battery life will not come from the
battery itself.
- There is an additional antenna connection near the dock connector.
We're not sure what for just yet. However, we do love exploring these
teasers... Stay tuned!
- For those who are wondering about the fingerprint-resistant coating
on their iPhone 3GS screen: The oleophobic, or oil-proof, technology
evolved from waterproofing. Oil-proof technology is harder to achieve
as oil has a much lower surface tension than water, so it spreads out
easier and thus is harder to get rid off. MIT's solution was to create
a coating material which creates a layer of micro fibers, but with a
much larger contact angle between the oil droplets and the fibers.
The aftermath
Some comments on usability of the 3GS:
- Camera quality is much improved from the 3G. Close-up shots were
possible down to about 5 cm, and the brightness adjusted well when
picking a focus area.
- The oleophobic screen does seem to clean slightly easier than the
3G's normal screen.
- Google Earth (duration of the spinning load wheel) (over WiFi):
3GS: 4.9 sec; 3G: 22.2 sec. A bit faster than Apple's claim of 2X speed
improvement - although we know that one simple test of one application
means little in the real world.
Link: iPhone 3GS
Teardown
RapidRepair iPhone 3GS Repair Guide Posted
Orange Boutique in Paris, France (June 18th
2009, approx. 6:37 PM EST), RapidRepair
CEO Aaron Vronko picks up the iPhone 3GS
PR: The RapidRepair iPhone 3GS take-apart repair guide shows
(in painstaking detail) the internals of the new iPhone 3GS and how to
safely reach them in a few easy steps.
RapidRepair was lucky enough to be one of the 1st companies in the
world to obtain the new iPhone 3GS. Turns out that Orange Boutique in
Paris, France did a midnight release (6 PM EST) so they were able to
obtain this new piece of technology before anyone else in the
world.
The good people at BricoMac were kind enough to let them do the
teardown in their store. Special thanks to David & Julien for
making this happen on such short notice. Visit BricoMac: Mac computer
& iPod Repair in France for all your Mac/iPod repair needs. Be sure
to check BricoMac next week for a French version of this guide.
Fully disassembled iPhone 3GS
RapidRepair has put together a helpful chart to compare the older
iPhones along with the newly released Palm Pre.
Tools required: Small Phillips Screw Driver, Small Flathead, heat
gun, X-acto razor & Safe Open Tool. Repair Toolkit available from
RapidRepair.
Be sure to check RapidRepair's repair parts page for easy to use
toolkits, screen repair, batteries and more for your iPhone 3GS
(SPEED).
Link:
RapidRepair iPhone 3GS Repair Guide
Etymotic Research hf2 Headset Recognized as Best
iPhone Accessory
PR: Etymotic Research, the original inventor of
noise-isolating, high fidelity in-ear earphones, today announced that
Macworld UK has honored their new hf2 Custom-Fit headset with its
prestigious iPhone Accessory of the Year award. Combining
industry-leading fidelity with the first off-the-shelf customized
earphone program, the custom version of the hf2 further addresses
consumers' growing demand for quality sound, comfort and handsfree
telephony capabilities. The hf2 and hf2 Custom-Fit are compatible with
the new Apple iPhone 3GS that went on sale Friday.
Launched in 2008, the hf2 features noise-isolating eartips that
block out more noise than bulky, battery-powered noise-canceling
headphones. Designed with high-definition drivers and outfitted with a
built-in, high-sensitivity microphone for voice calls, the hf2 became a
worldwide hit, riding the wave of the popular Apple iPhone that merged
music player and phone functionality.
In the nation's capitol this week, where he is discussing hearing
protection at the MENC inaugural Music Education Week in Washington,
Mead Killion, Ph.D., Etymotic's president remarked, "We're pleased that
the industry is beginning to recognize the benefits of noise-isolating
earphones. Peer-reviewed research studies prove that when external
noise is blocked, people choose lower, safer listening levels,"
continued Killion. "This has become increasingly important as consumers
are listening to their music players for longer periods of time."
This year Etymotic partnered with ACS, the premier UK developer of
custom earmolds and monitors for musicians, to create a custom version
of the hf2 headset. A video overview of the custom version of the hf2
can be found at http://www.etymotic.com/video/hf2customfit.swf
Pioneering technology for safer mobile listening
Etymotic designed the first noise-isolating, high fidelity in-ear
earphones. This technology, originally developed for clinical hearing
testing and auditory research, ultimately gained popularity with
audiophiles and sound engineers who demanded accurate sound
reproduction.
Preservation of hearing is a large part of Etymotic's mission, and
eliminating outside noise while listening to music players and mobile
phones leads to safer listening levels. The hf2 is Etymotic's 5th
generation of earphones that use this technology.
Not lost on the voters of the Macworld award was the unmatched sound
quality of the hf2. "All of our headsets and earphones are carefully
designed to deliver the most accurate, unaltered sound of any earphone
today," said audiologist Dr. Gail Gudmundsen, sales and marketing
director for Etymotic.
The hf2 Custom-Fit is available exclusively at Apple stores in the
UK. While Etymotic is exploring bringing the Custom-Fit to North
America, hf2 is available worldwide through Apple, Amazon, other
retailers and Etymotic Research online. The hf2 is also compatible with
most Blackberry Smartphones, such as Curve, Storm, and Bold.
The name "Etymotic" (pronounced "et-im-oh-tik") means "true to the
ear" in ancient Greek. Currently, Etymotic Research holds over 100
patents issued and pending on in-ear earphones, hearing devices and
hearing protection products. The name "hf2" stands for "high fidelity +
handsfree."
Link: Etymotic
Research
Apps & Services
Men's Health Magazine Debuts iPhone Workout
App
PR: Men's Health, the largest men's lifestyle magazine brand
in the world, announced today the launch of its first iPhone
application, Men's Health Workouts. The $1.99 application includes 18
exclusive workouts and 125+ exercises from the world's top strength
coaches, athletes, and fitness experts. Each workout features
step-by-step instructions, high-quality photos, advanced logging
functions, and is powered by a one-of-kind circuit training
interface.
Circuit training is one of the most efficient ways to burn fat
and build muscle, and we re excited to be the first application to
bring this free-flowing, fast-acting fitness approach to the iPhone,
said SVP/Editor-in-Chief, David Zinczenko. Whether guys want to get
back in shape or target specific fitness goals, Men's Health Workouts
can help them see results in record time.
Men's Health Workouts is also one of the very first applications to
utilize the newly released iPhone OS 3.0's In App Purchase function,
allowing users to purchase additional groups of workouts directly
within the application itself. Available expansion packs at launch
include, The Ultimate Abs Pack, Build a Beach Ready Body, Huge Arms in
a Hurry, and The Ultimate Golf Workout.
Men's Health is leading the industry by adapting our print products
to emerging digital platforms, said SVP/Editor-in-Chief, David
Zinczenko. While other magazines have offered iPhone applications
before, we are the first to embrace Apple's In-App purchase function,
and in doing so, we are the first to deviate from these traditional
marketing methods. In essence, we are creating a distribution channel
within the iPhone for our content.
Men's Health Workouts is available for the iPhone and iPod touch for
$1.99 from Apple's App Store. Additional expansion packs can be
purchased for 99¢ and up.
Link: Men's Health Workouts (available through the
iPhone App Store)
Best Seller The Love Dare Comes to
iPhone
PR: Have you seen the movie Fireproof? It's the
story of a marriage on the rocks, and it shows how one couple was able
to rescue their relationship from the flames of divorce and temptation.
Using biblical principles, sound marriage advice, and the dare to
perform simple acts of love for your spouse, the book The Love Dare,
based on this movie, guides couples through a transformative program of
marriage strengthening and enrichment.
Now available for the first time on iTunes, Olive Tree announces two
new BibleReader applications:
- The Love Dare - ebook, plus the Holman Christian Standard Bible,
$9.99
- The Love Dare: 40 Dares - a short devotional version of the 40
daily dares, 99¢
Specially designed by Olive Tree, these Apps have an all-new look
and feel that transfers the complete Love Dare experience, based on the
Broadman & Holman print books and devotional cards, directly to
your iPhone. In addition, you can use them to read any other Olive Tree
books and Bibles that are available for iPhone.
For a visual demonstration of how these new Apps look and how their
features work, check out this video demo of The Love Dare and The Love
Dare: 40 Dares on iPhone, presented by Broadman & Holman
Publishing.
The Love Dare and The Love Dare: 40 Dares are also available as
individual titles from OliveTree.com for all major platforms: iPhone,
BlackBerry, Palm, Windows Mobile/Pocket PC, and Symbian. But please
note - while the books at our website have the same content, they do
not come with the branded look and interface of the iPhone Apps.
Link:
The Love Dare (available through the
iPhone App Store)
Postman: Send Personalized Postcards Instantly
from Your iPhone
PR: Postman,
the new way to keep in touch using your pictures, greetings and even
your geolocation, is now available on the iTunes App Store. Utilizing
exciting and brand new iPhone OS 3.0 advances such as the Map API,
Postman offers exciting new ways to compose and send beautiful
postcards.
Postman makes it easy for users to create their very own instant
picture-postcard simply by snapping a photo, editing greetings and
adding personalized messages. iPhone OS 3.0 Map technology works with
Google Maps for location identification and enables user selectable
weather. Users can then share their creations on Facebook, Twitter,
blr, the Web or via email with a one-click upload straight from the
App.
"The new iPhone OS 3.0 offers a wealth of great new technologies and
we're already digging in. Postman is an amazingly fun app and just the
first step along a very exciting path." said Ian Lynch Smith, President
of Freeverse.
Postman was developed by Taptivate, inc. and is exclusively for
iPhone OS 3.0.
Link: Postman
(available through the
iPhone App Store)
NextWorth Announces Easy Upgrade Program for
iPhone Owners
PR: NextWorth, a specialist in consumer electronic upgrades
and trade-ins, announces its new trade-in service for third generation
iPhones providing enough trade-in cash to cover an upgrade to the new
3GS iPhone. Some customers will not only receive enough trade in cash
to purchase a new iPhone but also have money left over after the new
purchase. Trade-ins are now easier than ever with NextWorth's website
redesign, offering existing 3G iPhone customers an easy, fast, and
financially sound way to upgrade to the iPhone 3GS.
Building upon the success of last year's iPhone upgrade program
which allowed customers to essentially upgrade from the first
generation iPhone to the iPhone 3G for free, we are currently able to
offer even higher dollar exchanges for existing iPhone users looking to
upgrade to a phone two times faster and more responsive than the
current model the iPhone 3GS, said Dave Chen, CEO of NextWorth.
Continued strong market demand for the existing devices and the
AT&T subsidies associated with purchasing a new iPhone 3GS are
allowing us to put more dollars than ever back in the hands of
consumers and make the upgrade process easier and more compelling than
ever.
For the time being, NextWorth customers can receive as much as
$255.50 for a 16 GB iPhone 3G1 when
trading in their phone. With current 3GS prices starting at
$1992 for the 16 GB 3GS, trade-in
amounts will fully or nearly cover the cost of an upgrade. iPhones
purchased by NextWorth in any condition will be refurbished and resold
by NextWorth, keeping the old devices out of the waste stream, thereby
promoting recycling and reuse.
Trading in an old iPhone is simple, with current market values and
the condition of the device determining the trade-in value. NextWorth
customers visit NextWorth.com , enter the model, condition and any
original accessories that may be included in the trade, and a value is
instantly displayed. If customers accept this value and proceed, a free
shipping label is provided to return the iPhone to NextWorth and the
price quote is locked for up to 21 days. Once received, NextWorth
examines the product, verifies the estimate and sends the customer
payment in the form of a certified check, PayPal, or a Target or Amazon
Gift Card. A customer can expect to receive a check, PayPal deposit, or
gift cards in as little as seven to 14 days, or instantly at
participating retailers such as J&R Computer World in NYC. A list
of participating retailers and more information on NextWorth can be
found on the company Web site. In addition to iPhone trade-ins,
NextWorth also offers trade-in services for Apple iPods and Laptops,
BlackBerry!" phones, digital cameras, GPS systems, video games and
video game consoles.
Headquartered in Lawrence, Massachusetts, NextWorth is a leading
player in consumer electronic upgrades and trade-ins. NextWorth helps
people Stop Depreciation!" by facilitating the sale and trade-in
process for such leading products as iPods and iPhones online and
through select retailers. NextWorth strives to create hassle-free,
high-value exchanges to ease the upgrade process for consumers.
Link: NextWorth
Accessories
Wire-Free Charging for the iPhone and iPod touch
Available from WildCharge
PR:
WildCharge Inc. announces the availability of WildCharge Skins for the
iPhone and the iPod touch. Consumers and licensing partners have been
anxiously awaiting the skins, which enable the popular Apple devices to
be charged by simply placing them on the WildCharger Pad, or on other
surfaces that are embedded with the WildCharge technology, where they
will begin charging immediately. The iPhone and iPod touch skins add to
a growing list of WildCharge solutions that enable wire-free charging
for a variety of portable devices. The iPhone skin is compatible with
all iPhone models, including the new 3GS.
"The market is demanding a move toward wire-free charging, and
WildCharge is thrilled to answer that call by adding Apple devices to
our lineup of commercially available products," said WildCharge
chairman and CEO Dennis Grant. "With the addition of these two 'Made
for iPod' and 'Works with iPhone' approved designs to our reference
design library, WildCharge is solidifying our position as the leading
wire-free charging developer in the industry."
The WildCharge Skins are durable, protective formfitting cases that
when placed on the WildCharger Pad, transfer wire-free power from the
Pad to the device inside the skin. The soft cases provide the same
protection consumers already enjoy from traditional skins, but have the
added value and convenience of enabling a wire-free charge.
The WildCharger Pad, used in conjunction with the skins, delivers
full power to multiple devices, allowing them to simultaneously charge
together on the Pad while eliminating the clutter caused by multiple
chargers and power cords. The iPod touch skin is available for order
today and the iPhone skin will be available in early July. WildCharge
Skins are also available for the Blackberry Pearl and Curve, and all
are sold for $34.99 at WildCharge.com.
In addition
to the Skins, WildCharge recently announced a Universal Adapter for
mobile devices that works with the WildCharger Pad. The Universal
Adapter is able to charge over 150 different cell phone models from
major brands such as Motorola, RIM, and Nokia through the use of
interchangeable tips, with the list of compatible devices constantly
expanding.
WildCharge provides the only commercially available technology that
enables licensing partners to deliver wire-free charging to a variety
of devices that require varying amounts of power. From cell phones that
require only a few watts of power to laptops that need over a hundred
watts, virtually any device that has a rechargeable battery can be
powered from a single, contiguous, and non-discriminating charging
surface. WildCharge technology has met the industry's most stringent
regulatory and safety standards, including UL, CE, FCC, RoHS, and has
been certified across all of the GSM bands. WildCharge enables
licensees to bring new items to market quickly and cost effectively
through its reference design library, which features wire-free products
that have been conceived, engineered and tooled with a pre-established
supply chain.
WildCharge is a Boulder, Colo.-based company that is revolutionizing
power delivery to portable electronic devices by commercializing -
through licensing partnerships - its proven, wire-free power
technology. WildCharge is the first company to offer commercially
available wire-free charging technology that works with multiple
devices across multiple brands. WildCharge's Technology Licensing
Program provides the design and manufacturing guidance allowing
original equipment/design manufacturers to quickly and cost effectively
integrate highly efficient, wire-free, technology into their
products.
Link: WildCharge
Monster Shipping Wide Range of iPod and iPhone
Accessories
PR: Monster, a manufacturer of advanced consumer electronics
accessories, has announced it has begun shipping seven new accessory
products geared for Apple iPod and iPhone use that significantly
enhance iPod and iPhone capabilities for in-car, at-home and on-the-go
portable use. Like all Monster products, the new high-quality iPod and
iPhone accessories are designed for total reliability, convenience and
ease-of-use.
Exciting New On-the-Road Capabilities and Features, Plus More
At-Home Flexibility
The new Monster iCarPlay Wireless 1000 ($99.95) and iCarPlay
Wireless 800 ($79.95) devices provide consumers with innovative and
easy-to-use solutions for transmitting music wirelessly via their
iPhone or iPod through any car radio FM radio station while on the
road. In addition, both devices let users enjoy their music on the road
while charging their iPhone or iPod at the same time. This ensures that
power depletion during long road trips will be a thing of the past, and
iPhones and iPods will always have plenty of power upon arrival.
Adding to its flexibility and usage options, the iCarPlay Wireless
1000 FM transmitter can be used both in the car as well as at home or
in the office. Users simply unplug the USB cord from their car's
Cigarette Lighter Adapter (CLA) and then power the iCarPlay Wireless
1000 from any standard powered USB port or via a Monster iSlimCharger
or iCharger Travel USB wall charger. When the iCarPlay device is not in
use in the car, that same CLA with the USB plug can be used to power
other electronic devices designed to charge via a USB connection. Users
simply employ the charging cable that was supplied with that device
along with the iCarPlay Wireless CLA plug - eliminating the need to
carry along multiple chargers.
A variety of breakthrough technologies allow the Monster iCarPlay
Wireless devices to achieve a new level of performance and convenience
in wireless iPod transmission. For instance, thanks to Monster AutoScan
3D technology, the iCarPlay Wireless 1000 and 800 automatically scan
the entire FM spectrum three times to lock onto the clearest FM
frequency available. In addition, the iCarPlay Wireless 1000 and 800
both output line-level audio signals for full-range dynamic sound with
minimal distortion for an incredible listening experience. The iCarPlay
Wireless 800 features the innovative Monster "M-Drive" multifunction
control, a one-knob control that lets users keep their eyes on the road
at all times.
For users with vehicles equipped with an Auxiliary Input and who
want to be able to charge their iPod or iPhone on the road, the Monster
iCarCharger 1000 ($49.95) uses a 30-pin dock connector to charge the
device while playing audio through a mini-jack cable with internal
cable management, and features built in navigation controls on the back
of the cigarette lighter adapter plug for easy music playback.
Note: the iCarPlay Wireless 1000, Wireless 800, and iCarCharger 1000
are Works With iPhone certified products for iPhone and iPhone 3G.
Monster's new iCarPlay Cassette 800 ($19.95) adds even more
on-the-road flexibility, letting users play iPod and iPhone tunes
through their car stereo cassette players. It features an improved
cassette head for superior sound quality, as well as a high-fidelity
chipset and digital display. In addition, it features easy cable
routing, with four cable ports to fit virtually any tape cassette.
The new iCable 800 (SRP: $14.95) and iCable 1000 (SRP: $29.95) offer
users a simple high-performance in-car connection solution. Many of
today's car audio systems have a convenient 1/8 inch minijack audio
input for easy hookup of any iPod, iPhone or other portable media
player. Unlike wireless transmitters and cassette tape adapters, the
iCable 1000 and 800 devices provide a direct wired connection from your
iPod or iPhone to your car's audio system so it can deliver your music
with full fidelity that's free of static and FM interference (3- or
7-foot lengths available).
Monster is also helping consumers maximize their enjoyment of Apple
iPod and iPhones products in the home entertainment space with its new
high-performance iSplitter 1000 ($19.95), which lets users customize
the volume for the personal tastes of two separate listeners, providing
a high quality stereo mini-splitter that output to two sets of
headphones with independent volume controls and mute.
Revamped High-Impact Packaging
Monster has completely revamped the packaging for the Apple
accessory line, featuring a new emotion-evoking design with metallic
finishes, red and black accents that mirror the products' industrial
design as well as large windows to showcase the products clearly, plus
easy-to-understand key technology call-outs on the front.
Link: Monster
Protection
Get in the Spirit of Summer with Stylish OtterBox
iPod Protection
PR: Relax
on sandy beaches and cool off in the ocean waves with the waterproof
OtterBox Armor Series case line. Newest additions include protection
for the iPod nano 4th generation and iPod touch 2nd generation.
Summer has finally begun and the beckoning of a much-needed vacation
is on the horizon. Whether it's a trip to the beach, an outdoor
adventure or just a day in the city, OtterBox has protective and
stylish solutions to keep your technology safe so you can have a more
enjoyable trip.
Relax on sandy beaches and cool off in the ocean waves with the
waterproof OtterBox Armor Series case line.1 Newest additions include protection for the iPod
nano 4th generation and iPod touch 2nd generation. Take your tunes
along and know they are safe and protected from drops, sand and water.
Or protect cameras, wallets, car keys, sunglasses and cell phones in
standard OtterBox cases designed to fit a variety of valuables.
Get outdoors with the OtterBox Defender Series line. This drop,
scratch, dust and dirt-proof case is the perfect sidekick for camping
trips, hikes, walks, bike rides, runs and more.2 Devices such as iPhone, iPods, BlackBerry, and
Palm smartphones aren't designed to withstand the rigors of your active
lifestyle so protect them with Defender Series cases. Have peace of
mind so you can enjoy Mother Nature without worrying about your fragile
device.
Catch a movie, try out a new
restaurant or sidewalk shop in the city and know your device is safe
from bumps with the Impact Series line.3 OtterBox provides a thin and sexy skin-style
case to safeguard iPods and smartphones from the hustle and bustle of
city life.
No matter where your summer activities take you, OtterBox offers a
selection of completely interactive cases to protect devices from
simple everyday ventures to the most extreme summer journeys.
For more information, visit otterbox.com or call 888-695-8820.
Link: OtterBox
XtremeMac Debuts iPhone 3GS Cases
PR: XtremeMac, a portfolio brand of Imation Corp. and an
innovator of accessories for Apple products, announced today a new line
of custom-designed cases to provide ultimate protection and style for
the new iPhone 3GS.
"With the exciting introduction of the new iPhone 3GS, we wanted to
provide a line of accessories with the style and function that
XtremeMac products are known for," said Bob Garthwaite, general
manager, Imation Electronic Products. "Customers should look forward to
even more innovative XtremeMac releases, including new cases, charging
and audio solutions later this year."
XtremeMac's
new line of cases blends fashion with functionality, protection and
style. Each case is custom designed to protect the iPhone 3GS and will
be available at select retailers nationwide and at xtrememac.com with
select styles starting mid-July.
The Tuffwrap line of high quality, formfitting silicone cases are
designed to fashionably protect the new iPhone 3GS. The Tuffwrap line
offers four versions including the solid color Tuffwrap, two-tone
Tuffwrap Accent, and Tuffwrap Tatu, which features unique laser-etched
designs. Each case offers full access to all switches and jacks and
includes a screen shield for added protection. The Tuffwrap Accent and
Tuffwrap Tatu also include a viewing stand. The Tuffwrap line of cases
carries suggested retail prices of $19.99- $29.99.
The Microshield line of durable plastic cases is custom designed to
protect the new iPhone 3GS without adding bulk. Included in the line
are the original, clear or smoke Microshield cases with snap-on back
and textured sides, Microshield Accent with an ergonomic rubber border
in a variety of colors, and Microshield Tatu with a clear snap-on back
and textured sides, but also with chic, custom-designed artwork. Each
case offers full access to all switches and jacks and includes a screen
protector. The Microshield and Microshield Tatu also include a viewing
stand. The Microshield line carries suggested retail prices of
$24.99-$29.99.
Sportwrap is a high-performance, lightweight armband designed for
the active user. Constructed with soft and durable Lycra and neoprene,
it is designed to protect the iPhone 3GS while keeping it in place even
during the most rigorous workout. The unique mask on the Sportwrap
allows the user to easily insert and remove the device while offering
full access to all controls. Sportwrap has a removable cord wrap and is
designed to fit almost any arm size. Sportwrap carries a suggested
retail price of $29.99.
The Tuffshield lightweight durable screen shields offer superior
protection against scratches, dust and dirt. Tuffshields come in two
versions, one clear-gloss set and one anti-glare set depending on
personal preference. Both have static cling adhesion for easy
application and removal. Each Tuffshield package contains three screen
protectors and a cleaning cloth for the iPhone 3GS. Tuffshield carries
a suggested retail price of $14.99.
Link: XtremeMac
