So you've been eyeing that new iPod Remote and FM Tuner that Steve Jobs unveiled at his keynote address at Macworld? Well, you can check it out here, before you buy, to see the first-hand impressions of one eager iPodder who just couldn't wait to get his hands on one.

According to him, he ordered the Remote right after Jobs' keynote address this week, and paid for the second-day shipping to get it quick. He gives a quick review of the unit, based on his usage of it.

Is it worth $50? Well, it depends. For some, we bought iPods so we wouldn't have to listen to whatever the radio forced us to listen. For others who like to listen to news or radio talk shows, this could be a fantastic add-on to your iPod. Remember, it doubles as a remote, too so if you've been looking for one of those as well, this could be the solution for you.

Check out the pics from several angles here.

Griffin Technology has released the iTrip Auto, the newest addition to the iTrip lineup, is the most versatile iTrip to date, accommodating every dock connector iPod, including iPod nano and 5th Generation iPods with video. iTrip Auto combines Griffin's renowned FM transmitter technology with an integrated charger.

Designed specifically for use in the car, iTrip Auto's large, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen affords quick, precise station selection and easy status at a glance.

iTrip Auto uses the audio line out from the iPod's dock connector and optimizes the output volume. Speaker volume can be controlled solely from the car stereo controls, without having to adjust the iPod's volume level.

iTrip Auto brings with it all the innovations of its iTrip lineage, including selectable LX and DX modes for best-quality audio under real-world conditions, US and International tuning modes, Griffin's RF technology, and the trademark Griffin world-class industrial design.

Works with:

? 3rd Generation iPod with touch wheel and buttons
? iPod mini
? 4th Generation iPod with Click Wheel
? iPod photo
? iPod U2 Special Edition
? 4th Generation iPod with Color Screen
? iPod nano
? 5th Generation iPod with Video

You can purchase the iTrip Auto at their website for $69.95.

Klipsch has announced their newest creation, the iJam boombox. The system features an iPod cradle, FM tuner, two 4.5 inch woofers with coax mounted tweeters, and a passive radiator to deliver Â?hard-hitting bass response.Â? From their website:Â?

Perfect for the beach, the garage or a backyard barbeque, the Klipsch iJam is a high-end portable digital music system that allows iPod and other MP3 users to easily share their tunes with anyone anywhere.Â?

You can check it out at their website [here].

Source: Mobilemag


Kensington this week unveiled five new products that fit into the iPod accessories catalog. Among the five products announced, three of them; namely the SX 2000 Speakers for iPod, the Micro FM Transmitter for iPod and the Digital FM Radio and FM Transmitter for iPod will be compatible with the new iPod nano which was recently launched by Apple Computer.

Unveiling the new line of products, Oren Blonstein, Global Product Manager, Kensington, said, "The iPod defines what consumers expect out of their digital music experience, and we are committed to launching a line of accessories that further enhances that experience. Kensington has a 24 year history of making award-winning accessories that support Apple products, and we're looking to continue on this path with a best-in-class line of accessories for the iPod."

The SX 2000 Speakers (shown below) are based on speaker technology from NXT, they offer a stunning industrial design and are being presented as Â?the best in its classÂ?. KensingtonÂ?s SX 2000 speakersÂ? price point has been fixed at US $159.99.

The grille-less NXT flat panel design forms the whole fascia of the docking station, providing a wide, immersive sound to bring your digital music collection to life. The Universal Dock provides a single, elegant way to connect any iPod with dock connector to your iPod accessory. iPod fits into the Universal Dock through the use of interchangeable inserts called Dock Adapters.

Source: Pocket-lint

Harman Kardon has launched a new device aimed at iPod users who donÂ?t have a cassette deck in their car stereo to allow them to enjoy their hard drive based player.

Called Drive + Play, the unit promises complete iPod control, including full browsing and playlist handling capability, while minimizing distractions for drivers.

The unit comes in three pieces; a control knob, a LCD display and a box of tricks that Harman Kardon is calling a Â?BrainÂ?.

The backlit LCD screen, large enough to present five lines of iPod menu text and attaches to your dashboard. The five-button navigation control unit with universal mounting options mimics the iPodÂ?s user interface and can be mounted on the center console or other location for easy access while driving. The controller features four buttons that control the play/pause, forward, backward and iPod menu functions; a rotating dial around the perimeter that can be used for forward and backward scrolling; and a center button for the Â?enterÂ? command.

3. Â?The brainÂ? serves as an information processor and connecting port. The brain houses a wired FM transmitter with five factory-set frequencies and one definable by the user. It will also offer a 3.5mm audio output jack. The Drive + Play charges the iPod when docked.

Harman Kardon has yet to set a price for the Drive + Play, however the company estimates it will cost in the region of £169 and include a voucher to have it professional installed. It is likely to be available in November 2005.

Not all hacks have to be about good looks, really. Such is the case with the hack that Dave Derwin recently undertook in gutting an old Walkman-style portable AM/FM radio / casette player and turning it into a hardshell carrying case for his 4G iPod. Seeing the two units merged is almost an artistic expression of aesthetic opposites, really. (The Walkman is pretty ugly.)

Have a look at Dave's colorful account of the project, complete with step-by-step photos. You might not want to try this at home....