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November 24, 2009 1:38 PM PST

Car docks for the iPod--Ask the Editors

by Jasmine France
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Q: I need your help on this one. I am trying to decide what accessory to get for my iPhone so that I can hook it up to my car and charge it, but at the same time hold it up as a dock. Here are the four choices that I have so far:

Now I understand the last one is just a holder and that you have to buy the charger, but I want one that will hold my phone so that I can see it, but I can charge it directly as well. I don't want something that I have to stick to my windshield. Do you have any suggestions? Can you help me on this one? Have you guys done a review on things like this before?--Rob, via e-mail

A: I'm presuming that the inclusion of an FM transmitter is optional, since some of those options don't include that feature. That would make a difference in the suggestion. But if you have aux-in on your head unit, that's a better way to connect anyway.

We haven't reviewed a lot of these solutions in recent times, but in the past DLO has been the most impressive. The TransDock Classic is a good option if you need the FM transmission; if not, then check out the AuxDock, which is available for just $25 on Amazon. You could also try the TuneBase Direct from Belkin.

Originally posted at MP3 Insider
November 11, 2009 12:31 PM PST

Your wireless Xbox connection just got faster

by Jeff Bakalar
  • 117 comments

(Credit: Gizmogroove)

We had seen the wireless 802.11n Xbox 360 adapter pop up a few months ago and now Microsoft has officially released the $100 Wi-Fi accessory. In anticipation of the console's next firmware update--which will allow for 1080p video content off the Xbox Live Marketplace--the adapter promises a faster connection, better range, and improved security.

With the Wireless N Network Adapter now available, Microsoft has lowered the price on the existing a/b/g-compatible wireless adapter to as low as $70 online.

We'll have a full review of the new Xbox 360 wireless networking accessory in the coming days.

(Source: GameSpot)

The following product mentioned is available.

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November 10, 2009 5:11 PM PST

Accessories for the iPod Touch

by Jasmine France
  • 2 comments

One of many cases for the iPod Touch.

(Credit: Speck)

So you've managed to get your hands on one of the world's most sought-after MP3 players, the Apple iPod Touch. This sleek and innovative device will keep you plenty entertained for sure--especially with new music apps from Pandora and AOL adding Internet radio capability--but you'll soon realize that a little extra investment can help you get the most out of your player.

For one thing, those stock Apple earbuds aren't the best-sounding--or most comfortable--headphones to be had. The first step is to upgrade, and our top headphones list is an excellent place to start. Pay special attention to models with built-in mics, such as the Klipsch Image S4i, which not only allow you to take advantage of the player's voice apps but also include an inline remote with playback controls.

Once you get your music piping through some decent headphones, check out some other add-ons that can help you protect and enhance your player. Also, don't overlook the player's value in terms of home audio and be sure to check out our top iPod speakers.

Originally posted at iPod accessories
October 29, 2009 1:26 PM PDT

Verizon prices Droid multimedia dock, car mount

by Bonnie Cha
  • 7 comments

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

While we're sure there are more accessories to come, two add-ons that will be readily available when the Motorola Droid launches on November 6 are the Multimedia Station and Phone Holder for Droid. Verizon announced their official pricing on Thursday with each device costing $29.99.

The multimedia dock turns the Droid into a hub where you can easily access your music, photos, and videos and use it as a bedside alarm clock and weather station. It also serves as a charger.

Meanwhile, when the smartphone is placed in the Phone Holder, it will automatically bring up a navigation menu where you can view maps, search for points of interest, or get voice-guided turn-by-turn directions with the new Google Maps Navigation app.

The only accessories packaged with the Motorola Droid include an AC adapter, a USB cable, and a 16GB microSD card.

(Source: Gearlog)

Originally posted at Android Atlas
October 19, 2009 12:41 PM PDT

BlackBerry watch in the works?

by Bonnie Cha
  • 18 comments
(Credit: CrackBerry.com)

As if checking e-mail on your BlackBerry wasn't addicting enough, there may be an accessory in the works that may just fuel your habit. CrackBerry.com has posted images of what it's claiming to be actual renderings of a BlackBerry watch.

The site claims that the Bluetooth accessory is being developed by a new, dedicated BlackBerry accessory company and will be branded as the inPulse Smartwatch. It's not meant to be a replacement for your BlackBerry but rather shows your notifications and previews of incoming messages for those times when you can't pull out your BlackBerry; for example, during meetings, while driving, and so forth.

CrackBerry says the InPulse will have an OLED screen that's optimized for displaying text clearly and will have solid battery life.

"Connected watches" haven't had the most successful run in the past (read: Microsoft Spot watches), though the LG Watch Phone certainly has piqued some people's interest. While the InPulse is just a rumor right now, what do you think? Useful or a waste of time?

Originally posted at Dialed In
October 15, 2009 5:00 AM PDT

Wii goes places (sort of) with the Cyberbike

by Juniper Foo
  • 4 comments

The sky's the limit when it comes to third-party Wii products, so long as they're in matching white. We've seen Wii lightsabers. We've even seen dumbbells. What we didn't expect was this accessory--a full-size stationary bike that looks to be built in the same plastic-ky shell as most Wii peripherals. Will the Cyberbike endure, in every sense of the word? Beats us, since this one's headed for Europe only in January 2010.

Read more of "Wii goes places (sort of) with the Cyberbike" on Crave Asia.

October 14, 2009 10:27 AM PDT

Black Wii accessories land November 16

by Jeff Bakalar
  • 5 comments

Starting November 16, Nintendo will begin offering black accessories to match the black Wii console that you don't have. A black Wii remote and MotionPlus will be sold for $50, and the black nunchuk will go separately for $20.

We've speculated about a possible black Wii making its way stateside before, so it's certainly surprising to see black accessories landing on store shelves before the actual black console does. Could this be a taste of things to come?

October 12, 2009 3:58 PM PDT

iBend: The superthin iPhone video stand

by David Carnoy
  • 9 comments

The iBend stand from Widget Factory has been around since last year, but I missed it when it first came out, and I gotta say: it's a pretty nifty, little accessory for your iPhone or iPod Touch if you use your device to watch videos.

The key here is that the thing is superslim. It's a flat sheet of plastic that you can store in your wallet or the back of your iPhone's protective cover (slip it between the cover and the back of your iPhone) and bend into a stand when needed.

It's also cheap: the original iBend costs $4.99 for two stands and the just-released iBend Artist Series (pictured), which features designs from three "renowned artists" from New York, California, and Canada, costs $7.99 for a two-pack.

Anybody think this is cool?

Originally posted at iPhone Atlas
October 8, 2009 1:22 PM PDT

Must-have Nintendo Wii accessories

by Jeff Bakalar
  • 27 comments
(Credit: CNET)

If the $50 price drop on the Nintendo Wii was enough to make you pull the trigger, we definitely recommend checking out a few accessories for the console. Sure, not all of them are necessary, but we think most of them will improve your overall experience with the Wii.

(Credit: Nyko)

The first pair of accessories you'll probably want to invest in is another Wii remote ($35) and nunchuk ($20) attachment. The Wii only ships with one set and if you plan on playing with more than one person, you're going to need these. While the nunchuk doesn't require batteries, the remotes do. Replacing their AA batteries can become expensive so we highly recommend picking up one of our favorite chargers, the Nyko Charge Station (in either two- or four-capacity models).

While the Wii can be hooked up to your television right out of the box, we definitely think you should consider upgrading the AV wires that ship with the console, especially if you have an HDTV. The Nintendo Wii Component Cable ($30) will give you a better picture and allow for 480p output.

Now that we've taken care of the basics, it's time to look at a few nonessential items for the Wii. While you don't need any plastic attachments for the system, the Wii Zapper ($20) is the cheapest plastic add-on around and it comes with a great shooting game (Link's Crossbow Training) to practice with.

(Credit: CNET)

Nintendo recently introduced Wii MotionPlus ($20), a small device that attaches to the bottom of a Wii remote and improves overall accuracy and performance of motion control. While there aren't many games that take advantage of it, there are some that do require it (Wii Sports Resort, Red Steel 2). Don't forget, you'll need one unit for each Wii remote control you have.

Finally, if you're serious about retro gaming, you may want to consider purchasing the Nyko Wing Wireless Classic Controller($30). The Wii gives you access to a huge library of old school games via the Virtual Console and the Wing controller is the best way to play these older games. The included Wii remote will only work with some of the games, but the Wing's compatibility runs across the board.

For an easy to read, side-by-side breakdown of these accessories, check our must-have Nintendo Wii accessory roundup.

October 1, 2009 3:11 PM PDT

Enjoy your iPhone hands-free with Gorillamobile

by Dong Ngo
  • 3 comments

The Gorillamobile securely attaches the iPhone to a cycle's driving bar.

(Credit: Joby)

Are you an avid cyclist who wants to use the iPhone as your GPS navigator? Joby has something for you.

The maker of the recently introduced Gorillatorch announced Thursday its newest iteration of something that can stay really well on something else: the Gorillamobile for the iPhone 3G(S).

This is basically a tripod docking station for the phone which, apart from keeping the phone on any surfaces, can help securely attach the phone to object of different shapes, such as the driving bar of a bicycle.

The key to making the tripod work the way Joby claims it does is the ball-and-socket construction that allows for fully articulated movement of the flexible, wrappable legs.

The accessory comes with four interchangeable quick-release adapters for the iPhone 3G, 3GS, and other mobile devices. It also has a custom-engineered, slim-line iPhone case.

In addition to the flexible tripod and iPhone case, the Gorillamobile for 3G/3GS package also includes two removable 3M adhesive clips and a universal camera adapter. This means apart that from the iPhones, the accessory can also be used with other mobile devices, such as mobile game consoles or video players, when you need to keep your hands free for other things.

Though the Gorillamobile weighs just 4.5 ounces and is only 8 inches tall, it carries a rather hefty price tag of around $40. It's available for purchase now.

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