In the age of thumb-sized storage drives, tiny mobile phones, and even tinier MP3 players, one would think that the grand, old boombox has met its end. However, thanks to iLive's IBCD3816DT you'll never again have to argue with your elders as to what was the better music player; this grand dame has managed to make everyone happy.

Armed with a 2.1 Channel Speaker System which allows everyone to join in the music, your playlists are then loaded from your iPod, which is docked into the IBCD3816DT. This modern boombox accommodates the iPod Video, iPod Photo, iPod, the iPod nano, as well as the iPod mini. A port is also provided for iPod Shuffles, though this isn't quite as snug as the main dock in the middle of the body.

Other features of the IBCD3816DT are:

- Built-in audio CD drive
- An AM and FM radio tuner which can be controlled via the LCD screen which defaults as a clock when not in use
- An infrared remote control
- An arm carrying strap for those days when you feel taking your beat to the streets.

All in all, old school meets new school, and the result is music for everyone - and most probably one great party as well.

Levi Strauss has once again proven why it remains to be the leading name in the denim industry. Setting a new definitive standard for innovation, Levi's has announced that it will soon be launching its newest line, the Levi's Redwire DLX Jeans. This product is no ordinary denimwear, for it showcases the unlikely marriage of fashion and technology.

The Redwire DLX Jeans is specifically designed to cater to the fast-growing iPod-toting global population. Fit for both men and women, the iPod Jeans allow music-loving fashionistas to enjoy their tunes on the go, and hands-free. This is made possible by the built-in iPod docking cradle hidden from view within a side pocket. The pocket design promises to eliminate that "iPod bulge", thus maintaining a clean, cramped-free look. Adding funk to the design is the red conductive ribbon, which allows the user to easily pull out the iPod from the pocket.

Particularly astonishing is the existence of a special joystick remote control housed in the watch pocket to ensure maximum operation of the tunes without having to remove the iPod from the pocket. Through these "Hip Controls", it becomes easier to fast track or play back or even to adjust the volume of the music being listened to.                          

The new Levi's jeans also have a headphone unit that is retractable to get those annoying tangled earphone wires out of the way.

Coming out this fall of 2006, the Levi's Redwire DLX Jeans is sure to rock not only the world of music, but also the world of fashion.

Oh, and it is totally safe for machine wash--provided that you take out your iPod first, of course.

Despite the size of EyeTV (about as big as a lighter), this little baby does big things. EyeTV, from Elgato Systems, is highly-acclaimed and is considered the world leader in digital TV recording and High Definition TV for the Mac.

EyeTV DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) fits well in the USB slot of iMac to receive digital TV, which then can be recorded to the hard drive. It has a an electronic program guide that provides real time information - including title, rating, genre, starting time and duration, which enables use without a fuss. It enables Mac users to watch and record unencrypted, high-quality DTT wherever free-to-air DTT channels are offered.

EyeTV's size is extremely compact and does not require an external power supply. A perfect for home use and travel so you can experience exceptional video and audio quality on non-encrypted DTT wherever (even remotely), whenever.

Griffin, makers of just about any iPod accessory imaginable, recently announced their newest product to hit store shelves-- the TuneFlex for iPod. Already offered for the Nano, the TuneFlex for full-size, 4G and newer iPods is an elegant dock and charger designed for ease of use in automobiles. As always, it ensures that your iPod is in a secure cradle and rotates independently to keep the iPod upright and easily readable, and always at your fingertips.

If you're iPod is getting low on juice, then don't you worry because TuneFlex gets you covered. All you need to do is plug it in to your car's 12 Volt accessory outlet and slip your iPod onto the dock connector in TuneFlex's cradle. It also of course comes with a  built-in stereo line-out audio jack to connect your iPod to your stereo. A low/high audio output switch to ensure sound without distortion, and compatibility with a wide range of devices. A pass-through dock connector is also present so you can use your iPod with digital devices while still gently resting at its cradle.

And if you're into old school technology, well you're in luck because TuneFlex even comes with its own cassette tape adapter. Simply plug the cassette adapter into TuneFlex's stereo line-out jack, and slip the cassette into the auto's tape deck. The whole package which will include the cassette adapter and iFill LE is priced at $49.99.

 

Most of us probably start the day to the sound of our alarm clocks. The irritating, beeping sound sure doesn't guarantee a joyful way to greet the morning, but it sure is efficient in waking us up from a good night's sleep.

Now, you could start the day with the  Excalibur iBlaster (also known as the iBlaster Alarm Clock, iBlaster Clock Radio AM/FM Radio & Video Player). It's an FM/AM radio-iPod player-slash-alarm clock, plus a remote control for a bonus add-on.

But if you want more time to stay in bed, the remote control of the device will become quite handy for manuevering the iPod from a distance (meaning, when you're too tired to get out of bed). There are also buttons on top of the gadget if you prefer your iBlaster nearby (making it not too hard to pound it when you still want to get extra snooze time, much like what we do with conventional alarm clocks).

This add-on is compatible with the iPod 3G, 4G, 5G, nano, mini, shuffle, 1G/2G*, and  according to our source, is available for a "relatively attractive price."

So if you think you'd get off on a better start with your favorite song waking you up, maybe you'd like to consider giving this iPod add-on a try.

Water and MP3 players? Doesn't make sense. Before, listening to your MP3 player near a body of water, say in the pool for example, is a big no-no. You just can't afford to have your player and the speaker get wet or else...But now you can, with iFloat.

iFloat is a waterproof case and speaker designed for MP3 players. Now you can enjoy music under any weather condition. You can even take your player with you as you lounge in the pool during hot summer days for iFloat can literally float! It has a reliable hard-shell case with secure, rubber gasket seal that is completely waterproof. See the case in action by plugging it in your MP3 player of choice, as long as the player's compatible with a 3.5mm headphone jack. All it needs is a 9-volt battery and it's ready to serve your listening pleasure.

If you have $35 to spare, you might want to check out this Brookstone product. We must mention though, that there's a note in the product that says it's "not intended for prolonged swimming or underwater use." So just how long can iFloat really be "waterproof", we don't know.

It may not keep your iPod from getting stolen, but it sure will stall the guy that did. The first of its stalling features is a durable high impact PolyCarbon strengthened ABS material, that snugly fits your iPod Video and Ipod Nano inside. Second, is the four-digit, resettable combination lock incorporating a locking steel cable, attaching your iPod to your backpack like a keychain, exercise equipment while working out at the gym or even your wrists, if you're that much of a scatterbrain.

It comes in black and white, for your iPod video or iPod Nano, both priced at $39.95. There's even The Travel Safe that will fit every type of gadget you have and securely place them inside the case's luxurious lining. All products will be available starting August 7, 2006.

Here's another one of those nifty little gadgets that adds even more functionality to your portable devices. Japanese manufacturer Princeton announced an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) transmitter aimed at iPod Video users. The PCK-UAV Video Transmitter works like an FM transmitter but for TV signals.

The device will display videos from iPod Videos or portable DVD players on your Car TV/GPS devices. You'll need a video cable to connect the iPod to the PCK-UAV transmitter. You can also connect other video source to the transmitter, so if you don't have an iPod, a portable video player will work just fine. Of course, this nifty device is useful only when you can't connect your iPod to a TV or a larger screen.

It's one of those things we can do without, but we welcome the innovation nonetheless.

No word yet on pricing and availability.

By the "i" before the BlueTube, you know it's an iPod accessory. From Thanko Japan, iBlueTube is an amplifier with remote control and also serves as a recharging station for the 3rd Gen iPod and iPod Nano. We're sure there are a thousand other similar iProducts out there so what's new with iTube? It uses 2 Philips "6922" vacuum tubes and gives off a soft blue glow around the amplifier when in use. The iBlueTube also has a USB terminal, S-video out, and a RCA stereo out.

About 295 x 130 x 68mm and 650 grams, practically any table can accommodate it. It will be available in Japan by the end of the month for about $565. Don't worry, it comes with a pair of JBL speakers.

Introducing the iBrella - a special umbrella controls your iPod by physical interaction. According to it's inventor opening and closing the iBrella starts and pause the iPod. To select songs randomly all you have to do is shake the iBrella wildly in the air. To pump up the volume twirl the iBrella to the right. Twirl it to the left  to bring the volume down Want to switch to different control modes, start stabbing an imaginary monster with the iBrella and presto change-o. If only the iBrella could fly...