iPhone Accessories

This week it was announced that iPhone users can receive HD radio stations with the new Gigaware Navigation Control HD Radio Receiver from iBiquity. Sold only at Radio Shack, this device allows iPhone and iPod touch devices running Apple 3.0 software to receive HD Radio.

The device acts as an antenna to receive HD Radio signals. To use, just plug it into the dock connector on your iPhone or iPod touch and HD Radio FM stations will play on your handheld's headphones. The device works in conjunction with the free Gigaware app (available at Apple's app store) which includes iTunes tagging, favorite station bookmarks, as well as Twitter and Facebook integration.

The Gigaware Navigation Control HD Radio Receiver is available now for $79.99 at RadioShack stores and the RadioShack Web site. The Gigaware application is available as a free download at Apple's App Store.

TomTom's car kit for iPhone is now available on the TomTom web store and Apple online store for about $120. A bit pricey (in my opinion), considering you have to purchase the TomTom iPhone app separately for $100. However, you will save money by not having to pay monthly fees for GPS service on the iPhone.

The TomTom car kit for iPhone includes a secure mount that docks the iPhone on the windshield or dashboard. It can be docked in either portrait or landscape mode, and is easily removed with a twist.

It also has a built-in GPS receiver to reduce signal drop, and a built-in loudspeaker and microphone for hands-free calling while driving. Music from your iPhone can also be played through the AUX OUT port over your car stereo (cable not included), and it charges your iPhone while docked.Read more

In time for the holiday season, Pioneer is introducing its first line of iPhone Sound Docks. Available in November, the XW-NAS3 and XW-NAS5 will feature a 2.1 channel digital amplifier with included subwoofer. Fine tuned by Pioneer speaker designer and engineer, Andrew Jones, the audio system is complete with a component and composite video output to play stored movies, TV shows and streaming A/V entertainment on a television.

Both sound docks are Bluetooth ready so they can receive wireless music from PCs and cell phones, including the iPhone 3GS with optional BT-100 accessory. For the audiophile, the XW-NAS5 also features Pioneer's proprietary sound enhancements including Advanced Sound Retriever and Auto Level Control.

The ZW-NAS3 has an MSRP of $399 and the XW-NAS5 is $499. Both will be available in November 2009.

The holiday season will be here before you know it, and along with the season, comes travel. Great for long flights, the new Kensington Travel Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone and iPod touch, gives you a big boost of power with no charging cables to pack. Everything you need to charge and power your iPhone or touch is built in to the device. It even doubles as a kickstand for hands-free landscape viewing of movies and videos when you're stuck on the road.

Features include:

• Built-in dock connector to charge your iPhone and flip-out USB tip to recharge without the mess of extra cables
• Extends play time up to 23 hours music, up to 7 hours of video and up to 5 hours of talk time. (Extended play time listed based on iPhone 3G)
• LED battery gauge displays remaining battery pack power level
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery for iPhone and iPod touch

The Kensington Travel Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone and iPod touch is available for pre-order now with an MSRP of $69.99.

Parrot just announced a new car stereo with a dock for the iPod or iPhone, the Parrot RKi8400. The RKi8400 is an FM/AM RDS Bluetooth car stereo with a USB port, an SD Card reader, and offers hands-free phone functions. It has a cool little storage compartment located behind the removable front panel – perfect for hiding your iPhone or iPod when you leave the car (that is, if you don't take it with you).

"With the RKi8400, Parrot allows users to take advantage of the iPhone in car through a system that is easy to use and fully integrated in any vehicle," said Henri Seydoux, founder and CEO of Parrot. "All iPhone functions -- music, navigation of the music directory and playlists and Bluetooth phone capabilities -- have been adapted for in-car use. Parrot's application of its renowned acoustic quality and voice recognition capabilities to the iPhone is sure to please even the most discerning listeners."

The Parrot RKi8400 is available now for $399.99.

Eye-Fi recently announced the Geo card, a new wireless SD memory card exclusive to Apple, that allows users to automatically upload photos from a digital camera to a computer and offers lifetime geotagging service. Available now in all Apple stores and online, the Eye-Fi Geo card is the latest addition to the Eye-Fi product family and is built to seamlessly integrate with Mac products and applications, including iPhoto '09 and '08, the iPhone and MobileMe.

The Eye-Fi Geo wirelessly uploads photos straight to a folder on your computer or Apple's iPhoto gallery where they arrive automatically geotagged with location information about where the image was captured.Read more

JVC recently announced the addition of two new models to its line of in-ear headphones, both available in a range of colors. For the active user, JVC offers a new sports clip headphone, the HA-EBX85, which comes with ear hooks for a secure fit and is offered in three colors. Also, the HA-FX20 All Star headphones come in five different popular color combinations. They both come with a slim, gold-plated iPhone-compatible plug.

Both models feature powerful neodymium driver units and friction noise reduction cords of 3.28 feet (one meter) and 3.94 feet (1.2 meters) respectively for the HA-FX20 and HA-EBX85. The earpieces come with soft rubber ear cushions in three sizes to ensure a customized fit and hours of comfort for any wearer. Read more

AGF recently announced the new Precision HSD case for the iPhone 3G and 3G S. The new case protects both the front and back of the iPhone and won't scratch or rub the surface, thanks to its one-handed latch system. This unique case design doesn't attach directly to the iPhone, yet protects it without damaging the phone's surface. The Precision HSD case is available now for $34.95 at retail stores and at AGF's online store.

Features:

• New, patented, innovative carry solution for additional safety and security
• iPhone can be placed oriented with screen facing in or screen facing out
• Engineered hinge to enhance use and durability
• Soft microfiber lining
• Protects Safeguards both sides of phone for extra protection and style
• Easy- to- open door to view calls or phone status
• Patented AGF long-life 180- degree swivel belt clip

See a demo of the AGF Precision HSD for iPhone 3G and 3G S at: http://vimeo.com/5797144.

iLuv's new vertical CD/MP3 Audio system brings great sound and style into your home with the new iMM9400. The iMM9400 is a modern looking audio system with iPhone3GS, iPhone 3G, iPhone, iPod, MP3, WMA file playing capability via the universal iPhone/iPod dock adapters or the built in SD card slot and USB port. The iMM9400 will be available in August 2009 at www.i-luv.com for the MSRP of $249.99.

Main Features

• Works with iPhone3GS and iPod -Plays and charges via universal dock for iPod
• Synchronize time from your iPhone and iPod
• 4-MP3/CD Audio playback system
• 2 channel speakers deliver the rich and powerful sound
• Plays MP3, WMA files on SD/MMC cards and USB flash memory stick
• Listen to slotMusic through SD card slot or USB port
• Time function (auto on/off) with snooze capability
• Supports subwoofer output jack
• Includes iPhone/iPod user friendly remote control, dock adapters and wall mounting kit