Got a first-gen iPhone with nothing to do and nothing to hope for? Don’t throw it out just yet, you might be able to recycle it as an extremely fancy readout display for the Redrock Micro “focus control system.” The microRemote is, fundamentally, a focus ring detached from the DSLR it controls. It can operate all by its lonesome, but the big attraction here is adding an iPhone or iPod touch to provide visual clues to the aspiring focus master. You get aperture, zoom, and some focusing assists on the display, and then make your selection using some familiar twirling action on the knob to the side. Starting at around $1,000 this summer, this setup can hardly be considered an impulse buy, but we’re sure somebody somewhere has a usage scenario that would justify the cash layout. Check out the microRemote on video after the break.
It’s no amplifier substitute, but Line 6 has come up with something potentially even better for the budding songwriter buried deep within your rhythmic veins. The MIDI Mobilizer for iPhone and iPod touch is an app-based peripheral that lets you record, playback, store, and transfer MIDI sequences and parameters using the MIDI Memo Recorder software. While it does sound convenient in theory, we’ll have to wait until we can try the dongle out for ourselves. At this point in time, price of the Mobilizer is TBD and the release date is the ever-vague Spring 2010. As for the recorder app, it’s currently available on iTunes free of charge, although it’s more or less useless without the complementary hardware. For now, you’ll just have to settle with living vicariously through the promo video, after the break.
It took a little longer than expected, but the first major docking solution to transform ones iPod touch into a full fledged navigating machine is now shipping directly from Apple. Dual Electronics’ XGPS300 was originally announced way back in November of last year, and after a minor hiccup in January, we’re finally able to plop down $199.95 to snag a window-sucking cradle with an inbuilt GPS receiver, rechargeable battery, amplified speaker and NavAtlas US / Canada map app. So, what’ll it be? This, or one of those perfectly acceptable $99 PNDs? If you’re smart, you’ll tune in next week for our review before making any rash decisions.
No need to spot clean your spectacles, and no need to brush the cobwebs out of your dome — you really are seeing yet another IR dongle for Apple’s dear iLineup. Hot on the heels of New Potato’s FLPR, ThinkFlood’s RedEye mini and Power A’s solution comes this: an all-too-similar way to convert your iPod touch, iPhone or forthcoming iPad into a universal remote. Functionality wise, there’s really nothing here that the other guys don’t provide, though the beefed-up database of over 40,000 IR codes should make setting up your system a breeze. Users simply plug this into their dock connector, download the free application from the App Store and then dial up whatever components they have; once loaded, the IR beamer should do the rest, nixing the need to keep those 40 remotes around. It’s expected to start shipping any day now for $69.95.
Whatever happened to that dreamy Line 6 / Apple tie-up? Who knows, right? While those two sort out their future behind the scenes, Paul Reed Smith Guitars is stepping up to take advantage of an obvious market opportunity. The newly announced Guitarbud is a simplistic accessory that allows axe slingers to jack their guitar into an iPhone or second-generation iPod touch, all while providing a headphone output in order to keep the noise making to yourself. We’re told that the device works with pretty much any recording-supported app (even Apple’s own Voice Memos), though PRS obviously recommends that you check out its JamApp guitar amp simulator / tuner / training tool. Best of all, it’s available today for £29.95 (or $29.95 here in the States), putting you just a few yard mowings away from securing your own personal aural sanctuary. Too bad the reviews from early adopters aren’t so promising…
Remember that wireless induction charger that we saw poking around at the CES iLounge Pavilion earlier this year? Seems that Case-Mate has finally given that little doohickey a name, a price and a ship date. The aptly-titled Hug (which consists of the Hug Case and Hug Pad) slips onto one’s iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS and allows Apple’s darling to get recharged by simply laying on the aforementioned platter. Of course, the case itself is distractingly bulky, and this whole thing relies on the same eCoupled technology that we’ve been seeing for years now — though, the fact that this pad will charge any other case that utilizes the same standard is worth noting. Is the ability to never need your dock connecting cable for rejuvenation purposes really worth the $99.99 asking price? We’re guessing not, but those that disagree can get their own shipped out this very moment.
It’s hard to say why we’ve seen a glut of these adapters hit all within the same week, but hey, the more the merrier! North Carolina’s own New Potato Technologies (yes, we’re serious) has followed up on ThinkFlood and Power A‘s efforts by introducing an Infrared iPhone / iPod touch dongle of its own. The difference? This one connects to the dock connector, and when used with the accompanying app, it can control lights, stereo systems, home cinemas and pretty much anything that allows dictation via IR. The best part just might be said app, as it allows users to search a database of over 14,000 device codes and just add the products they already own, which means that you’ll probably only be stuck programming that LaserDisc player you refuse to give up. It’ll start shipping today from the company’s own website for $79.99, or you can consult the middleman (read: Best Buy) on starting on March 28th.
ThinkFlood’s original RedEye was pretty swank, but unfortunately, it was both expensive and somewhat convoluted. It’s only been four months since that very device hit the scene, but it’s safe to say it’s already history. Today, the RedEye mini is setting a new bar in the world of iPhone / iPad / iPod touch remotes, with a single plug-in Infrared (IR) adapter enabling your Apple device to beam out a near-limitless array of IR commands. All that’s needed is the 3.5mm dongle (read: your dock connector remains open), the latest iPhone OS and the free RedEye app; once you’re setup, you can then control your TV, AV receiver, Blu-ray player and whatever else is lucky enough to be in your home theater rack and support IR dictation. Better still, the app allows users to customize the way they control their gear, with full multitouch and accelerometer support complementing the ability to add (soft) macro buttons. Oh, and did we mention that this wealth of functionality will only set you back $49? Huzzah!
Update: Not feeling the dongle? Power A has a similar option for iPod touch and iPhone, but their solution is built right into a case. Not bad!
It ain’t the first company to do it, but Logitech‘s new iPhone app is certainly one of the easiest to get into. Oh, and did we mention that it’s completely free to download? Available now in the App Store, Touch Mouse transforms your handset into a wireless trackpad or keyboard, and thanks to its reliance on vanilla WiFi signals, you won’t need any proprietary equipment to get it up and running. It’s fully compatible with both Mac and PC platforms, and it’s obviously a pretty fantastic way to control your HTPC without dragging a full-fledged keyboard / mouse into the living room. Hit the source link for more details, and be sure to let us know how it goes in comments once you give it a roll.
It may have taken Belkin a season or two longer than it would’ve liked, but the TuneCast Auto Live FM transmitter has finally received its shipping papers. Hailed as the first iPhone 3.0 accessory way back in June of last year, this here device is designed to tap into your iPhone 3G / 3GS GPS module and quickly find the best FM station for transmission. Put simply, it takes the guesswork out of selecting the most optimal frequency for use in your vehicle, and it also allows you to switch stations right on your iPhone’s display. It’s up for purchase right now in North America for $79.99, while Europe and Asia / Australia is expected to see it in March and April, respectively.
