smartech

We all face the difficulties in controlling our iPod player as we drive our car or do some sport activities. To solve this problem DirectVoxx has developed the Muso, a voice recognition dongle that jams into the bottom of the player and allows to access your music libraries with natural voice commands. Mind you, no training required so you can start commanding your iPod from the moment the Muso is plugged in, by simply offering requests such as “play me Madonna”, or “play me something like the last song.” Having said that, the Muso is not a cheap solution and if you look for this kind of accessory, it is expected to make a debut on Xmas time for $159, which is probably more expensive than your very own nano. Meanwhile, checkout the video after the break.

[via techvibes]

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iPhone 3G has been launched couple days ago and we can already hear complaints of short battery life, caused by excessive 3G network and GPS usage. To solve this problem and let long distance travelers enjoy better and longer battery performance with their new handset, we’re glad to find the announcement of the Dexim BluePack extended battery solution, coming up on August and already available for pre-order. This new lithium ion battery for iPhone 3G provides a capacity of 1,200mAh, offering 36 additional hours for music, 7 additional hours for video, and 3.5 for communication, once charged via the USB connection. To get one for $79.72, hit the link below. There’s another picture after the break.

[via geekstuff4u]

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While new games are about to be released for the iphone and iPod Touch devices within the near future, the iControlPad project might be a nice playable alternative to handle the controls instead of the clumsy touchscreen solution. It is actually a gamepad device that your jailbroken iphone  can slide into (without any special modifications)  in order to improve your gaming experience and make it more accessible. Release date is set to mid July for only $30, so if you plan buying some of the new titles and turn your handset into a PSP-alike device, just follow up the updates to come.

[icontrolpad via gmp3]

The lack of recording capabilities in iPod players brings companies to look for useful solutions. One of them is Alesis, who’ve created the ProTrack device that turns your iPod into a handheld digital stereo recorder, thanks to the two built-in condenser microphones and a pair of XLR - 1/4-inch inputs that enable external mics and line connection. Mind you, it can only work with iPod classic, iPod 5G, or iPod nano 2G/3G devices, so if capturing sound effects, recitals, jam sessions, speeches, interviews, rehearsals, performances, meetings, lectures, notes-to-self, or any other audio material directly to iPod is essential for you, and i bet it is, look for this one sometime in Q3, for undisclosed price. Check the specs after the break.

 [Alesis via Gizmodo]

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Japanese company, named RockRidgeSound, has announced the release of the iClooly, a nice iMac-inspired aluminum stand for your iPod Touch player, that serves as a 90° pivot with the ability to swivel it Horizontally or Vertically in a tilt of a finger. In addition, it can hook up to a dock-connector and a set of headphones, so you can watch your favorite movies hands-free. This nice accessory is expected to be released on June 7th for $47. More pictures after the break.

[via gmp3]

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R2-D2 and Darth Vader are well known Sci-Fi Star Wars characters and from now on they officially been transformed into USB hub figures, thanks to Japanese company Cube-Works, who’ve managed to shift them from spaceship robots into your desktop companion, equipped with 4 full-speed USB ports on their front, for easy connection to your PC. In addition, you will be glad to hear that R2-D2’s head moves and lights up every 3 minutes, as Vader’s eyeballs glow with the appropriated sound effects. Release date was set to July – Japan only – so if you’re a Star Wars aficionado, I guess distance and $66 price tag won’t stop you from getting them.Checkup the videos after the break:

[via akihabaranews]

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Small accessories are essential for those who travel frequently. One of them is our laptop mouse that gets smaller and smaller on recent years, but not as tiny as the latest from Brando, which is to be considered as the world’s smallest wireless mouse. This lightweight optical mouse weighs only 32g and offers 400 / 800 / 1600 dpi configurations with a transmission range up to 7 meters. It comes in Black or Silver flavors and can last for 70 hours of continuous usage, so if you’re looking for small-scale devices, you can get it for only $29.

[via Brando]

This new ClearBoost case from Griffin, has a built-in booster antenna that enhance the wireless signal and sends it to the iPhone internal antenna, so you can get a better wifi connection to enlarge service areas, surf the net and get emails via your handset. In addition, it provides hard-shell protection for the iPhone, keeping it unscratched from top to bottom. Mind you, recent reviews state that the “signal boost works only under certain conditions” and “does not appear to improve iPhone performance under weakest signal conditions“. However, in some cases, the ClearBoost “deliver—improved cellular antenna performance…” and “can help stabilize shaky data and cell phone audio conditions when iPhone is in 2-3 bar range“. In any case, the Griffin ClearBoost is a worth trying accessory, priced at merely $35.

[via iLounge]

We’ve been posting about iPhone pens in the past, but it seems this new Diatec Filco stylus pen is more accurate, convenient and easy to use with your iPhone or iPod Touch devices. As a reminder, not every stylus is compatible with Apple’s multi- touchscreen technology so you have to choose the right one for your own use, that will prevent greasy smudges all over the screen. The pen simulates the fingers support and assist tapping precisely on the thin keyboard letters or the narrow internet links. In addition, it allows zooming in or out and sliding photos exactly as the finger does. It is set to be released during April for almost $20.

[Diatec via gmp3]

This new BlueLounge “The Senctuary” box is a one-stop-shop for charging over 1500 electronic devices from most major brands, including ipods, cellphones, PDAs, mp3 players, bluetooth headsets and more. Equipped with a universal charger, a USB port and 12 built-in connectors, The Sanctuary solution makes sure that all your daily stuff will always kept fully charged wherever you are. To make it work, just plug the charging box into the power socket, select your device connector, plug in your electronic devices and charge. This “charging organizer” is set to be released in spring time, for merely $129.95, so prepare to throw all your bulky transformers and make your life more easier with this compact station. Check the video after the break.

[via slashgear]

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Retro fans, this is your day, as Mr. Jake von Slatt introduces the “von Slatt Original” keyboard, made of brushed aluminum, polished brass, and antiqued copper. This old-style-like keyboard houses authentic Royal typewriters keys and triangular aluminum foot, to make the typing easy and comfortable. To get one of these, you have to place your special order and get your bespoke keyboard delivered. Obviously, prices are expropriated and you will have to throw $1000 away, for this baby, but i guess this is just a minor thing for antique junkies.

[via luxurylaunches]

More pictures after the break.

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Factron rolls out the Quattro aluminum jackets lineup for iPod Nano players. The new exclusive Mizumori Ado cases feature great vivid colors and full aluminum materials, to deliver maximum protection for the fatty Nano. Available in red, green, silver or gold, you can get yourself one of these with a cool engraving design at the back of the plate. No word concerning price, but this Japan-based Nano-shield looks really great. Checkout the complete gallery in the following links.

[factron via akihabaranews]

I’m really trying hard to hold my patient until next month,  craving for the most anticipated game of the year, GTA IV. Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced the release of a limited edition Grand Theft Auto IV, designed for the Xbox 360. The console will include a nice sided GTA IV graphics and a really really cool briefcase, packed with all the needed accessories like a remote control, a webcam, a headset, a wireless controller with an integrated keyboard, and more. Remember, it is a limited edition pack so only 500 pieces of this treasure are set to be released, don’t count on getting one.

[via slashgear]

Another picture after the break.

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In case you’re lost in a foreign city or just a tad inebriate, this new fashionable jacket will lead your way to the place you want. Equipped with an integrated LED display, an audio unit in the hood and a GPS receiver, the NavJack will light up your directions, instruct your way vocally and present your destination. Unfortunately, we have no other details concerning price, availability or battery life, but if you happen to get one, don’t throw it to the laundry. Check the video after the break.

[via slashgear]

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This new gadget from Asus integrates between a USB flash drive and a mouse, yes a MOUSE. Though i’m doubtful it will fit ergonomically the palm of your hand, the Asus MS71 features a wireless mouse with left & right buttons and a scroll wheel in between. In addition, it serves as a flash drive to store uncertain amount of files to carry on the go. No word on price or availability but if you’re really running out of place in your lappy bag, consider having one.

[via engadget]