Tag Archives: LightningConnector

Sony outs Lightning-friendly speaker dock in Japan, alarm clock and radio features in tow

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Sony outs Lightningfriendly speaker dock in Japan, alarm clock and radio features in tow

Sony may have unveiled a slew of new audio products back at CES 2013, but the company has been relatively quiet when it comes to launching ones that are compatible with Apple's novel Lightning connector. That being said, it looks as if folks in the Land of the Rising Sun will soon be able to pair their current-gen iOS device with a dock from the PlayStation maker, thanks to the recently announced SRS-GC11IP. Pictured above, this little 0.8W speaker isn't loaded with fancy features like Bluetooth 4.0 or WiFi, but it does offer convenient functions such as an alarm clock and AM / FM radio -- these, of course, go along with the ability to also play tunes straight from a Lighting-ready iDevice or, with the proper RDP-NWC11 model, a new-era Walkman and many different smartphones. Whether we'll ever see the as-yet-unpriced tubular peripheral hit other markets, well, that still remains to be seen, with Sony only going so far as to listing it as "coming soon" on its Japanese website.

Gallery: Sony RDP-NWC11 speaker dock

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Source: Sony Japan (1), (2)

Zoom iQ5 professional stereo microphone hands-on

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Zoom iQ5 professional stereo microphone for Apple lightning devices handson

Earlier at CES, we got our hands on the Rode iXY 30-pin stereo microphone iPhone add-on that left our Lightning users a bit sad. Cheer up! The folks over at Zoom got us over to their booth to take a peek at the company's new iQ5 professional stereo microphone. The iQ5 is a different beast than its aforementioned competition in that it works in conjunction with native iOS applications. What this means is that you can use it while recording video on your iOS device. The microphone itself rotates for this specific purpose, allowing for both horizontal and vertical audio recording in raw, 90- and 120-degree field positions. The recording resolution is capped at a respectable 16-bit/44.1kHz -- though slightly less than we were hoping.

We didn't get a chance to actually hear an audio sample from the iQ5, but we're pretty confident it'll sound better than the standard mic equipped on any of the supported devices. The Zoom iQ5 lacks a bit in customization department as well as build quality -- we're generally not fans of the cheap plastic construction, which is unlike most other Zoom products. The spec sheet certainly leaves us wanting, but it's a start in the right direction for current-gen iOS devices. The iQ5 will set you back $100 and will start shipping Q2 of this year -- until then check out the gallery to hold you over.

Gallery: Zoom iQ5 stereo microphone hands-on

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Romo gen 3 gains Lightning connector, we go hands-on (video)

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Romo gen 3 gains Lightning connector, we go handson video

Remember Romo, the adorable iPhone-faced track-equipped robot? We met up with Romotive in Vegas at CES 2013 to play with the 3rd generation model that was recently launched on Kickstarter. The company also gave us an exclusive first look at a 3rd generation prototype with Lightning connector. We sat down with CEO Keller Rinaudo to discuss the new robot and catch up on what the team's achieved over the past year.

As a refresher, we first encountered Romo when we covered it for our Insert Coin feature in October 2011. Back then, the robot used rudimentary analog electronics and plugged into the iPhone's headphone jack. After a successful initial Kickstarter campaign, Romotive moved from Seattle to Las Vegas where we caught up the team on our stage during CES 2012. The 2nd generation model was available both pre-assembled and it kit form with support for iOS, Android and Windows Phone. It was upgraded to digital electronics but still used the audio interface to control its tracks and featured hacker-friendly auxiliary ports. Hit the break for more.

Gallery: Romo gen 3 hands-on

Continue reading Romo gen 3 gains Lightning connector, we go hands-on (video)

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iLuv unveils the Aud 5: a Lightning speaker dock with Bluetooth connectivity for non-Apple wares

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iLuv unveils the Aud 5: a Lightning speaker dock with Bluetooth connectivity for non-Apple wares

Lightning speaker docks have started popping up on the regular and now iLuv is looking to join the party. The outfit has outed the Aud 5, a speaker dock that connects to the latest iPhone and iPod while sporting both Bluetooth and 3.5mm aux connections for the rest of your gadget arsenal. Touch controls get cozy up top for track adjustments and "high power amplification" for the sound output. While pricing details haven't been released, we do know that you'll have to wait until May to snag one.

Continue reading iLuv unveils the Aud 5: a Lightning speaker dock with Bluetooth connectivity for non-Apple wares

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Source: iLuv

iHome iDL100G Lightning Dock hands-on

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iHome iDL100G Lightning Dock handson

iHome didn't waste any time getting word out about its suite of CES-ready wares last week and here at CES Unveiled 2013, we're getting our first look at the stars of its lineup. Hailed as a first for the company's product line, the iDL100G and the iDL45 are two docks that support Apple's new Lightning port, making them attractive options for owners of the iPhone 5 or refreshed iPad and iPod. The triple-charging dock -- iHome's highest-end model -- retails for $150 and is fairly attractive, though it doesn't match the luxury of the Jony Ive-crafted hardware it's made to service. Up top, there are two Lightning ports to accommodate compatible devices (one dedicated as iPad charging station) and an array of buttons for alarm settings, snooze as well as bedtime, which works with a free iHome+Sleep iOS app. The 3Wx2 speakers aren't the most robust -- we noticed distortion when volume was approaching max -- but it seems serviceable as a Bluetooth-enabled FM tuner or iTunes playlist outpost. It's not currently available, but you can look for it and the lower-end iDL45 dual charging dock to hit retail shelves later this March.

Gallery: iHome iDL100G Lightning Dock hands-on

Sarah Silbert contributed to this report.

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iHome unveils CES 2013 lineup, outs Lightning port-compatible docks and others

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iHome unveils its CES 2013 lineup, outs Lightning portcompatible docks and others

Joining the fray of other companies ready to jump the pre-CES gun, iHome's announcing its full product suite just prior to its official Vegas showcase. Billed as a first for the audio solutions outfit, the iDL100 and iDL45 -- set to retail for $150 and $100, respectively -- are both charging stereo FM clock radio docks that feature Lightning port connectors (two in the case of the former model) to link up with Apple's latest batch of iOS products, in addition to a sole USB port and auxiliary in jack. The company's also releasing a slew of Bluetooth-enabled, USB-charging products, the most notable of which are a new $200 "retro boom box," dubbed the iBT44, that allows for wireless music streaming from any compatible iOS or Android device and the iB85, foldable headphones that incorporate an inbuilt mic and on-ear remote for $100. There's a bit more to the company's lineup than just those headliners, so head on past the break for the full rundown of what iHome has to offer next week in Vegas.

Continue reading iHome unveils CES 2013 lineup, outs Lightning port-compatible docks and others

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Apple snagged partial rights for ‘Lightning’ trademark from Harley Davidson

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DNP Apple Lightning trademark

Who says big companies can't be bros when it comes to trademarks? Since Apple had no need for its Lightning connector to appear on "motorcycle parts, slot machines or tachometers," it buddied up with Harley Davidson to secure partial use of the cycle maker's IP for its new iDevice interface, according to recent info from the European trademark office. That allowed it to use a name that's sympatico with its Thunderbolt moniker, while presumably letting Harley retain the rights for its heavier metal accessories. Also, should Cook & co. run up against a mid-life crisis, at least they'll have quick relief on speed-dial.

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Via: Gizmodo

Source: OHIM (European trademark office)

Apple announces 4th generation iPad packing an A6X CPU, Lightning connector and FaceTime HD camera

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Apple announces 4th generation iPad

It's not quite what we expected, but Apple has just introduced us to a new, 4th generation iPad at its event in San Jose, California today. It's essentially a hardware refresh for Apple's 3rd gen slate, as it packs new A6X silicon with quad-core graphics that the company claims provides double the performance of the old A5X chip. The new iPad also gets dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi, expanded LTE compatibility (including Sprint and KDDI), a 720p FaceTime camera on the front and the new image processor first seen in the iPhone 5. Of course, it also gets the reversible Lightning port that debuted on on the iPhone, and will be available in both black and white. Pricing stays the same as its predecessor, with a 16GB WiFi version for $499 and a 16GB model with cellular data on board costs $629. Interested? You'll be able to pick one up through Apple's online and brick and mortar stores or Apple Authorized Resellers in a host of countries -- listed in the PR after the break -- on November 2nd.

Gallery: iPad (4th Generation)

For more coverage, visit our Apple Special Event hub!

Continue reading Apple announces 4th generation iPad packing an A6X CPU, Lightning connector and FaceTime HD camera

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Apple announces 4th generation iPad packing an A6X CPU, Lightning connector and FaceTime HD camera originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple to hold conference for iDevice accessory makers, school them in using Lightning connectors

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Apple to hold conference for iDevice accessory makers, school them in using Lightning connectors

Apple may have shaken things up with its Lightning connector's unique internals, but a leaked schedule reveals it's holding a conference to help accessory makers get a handle for crafting products with the tech. Taking place between November 7th and 9th in Shenzhen, China, the MFi (Made for iPad / iPhone / iPod) Technology Summit will acquaint manufacturers with the new standard and guidelines for developing gear with the cable. Rather than divulging how to create Lightning connectors, it appears that Apple will be keeping the specifications close to its vest and assume the mantle of gatekeeper. According to one of TechCrunch's sources, Apple will control the supply of pins for its connector and will only sell them to partners when accessories meet Cupertino's standards. This tactic would match up nicely with the current requirements for the MFi certification program, which already makes parts from Apple-approved suppliers a necessity. It sounds like a potentially pricey proposition, but the source also claims that Cook and Co. have a fair asking price for components doled out in bulk, considering the technology behind them. Curious to see what else is on the docket for the three day shindig? Hit the first source link below for the full schedule.

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Apple to hold conference for iDevice accessory makers, school them in using Lightning connectors originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 20:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  source9to5Mac, TechCrunch  | Email this | Comments

Apple to hold conference for iDevice accessory makers, school them in using Lightning connectors

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Apple to hold conference for iDevice accessory makers, school them in using Lightning connectors

Apple may have shaken things up with its Lightning connector's unique internals, but a leaked schedule reveals it's holding a conference to help accessory makers get a handle for crafting products with the tech. Taking place between November 7th and 9th in Shenzhen, China, the MFi (Made for iPad / iPhone / iPod) Technology Summit will acquaint manufacturers with the new standard and guidelines for developing gear with the cable. Rather than divulging how to create Lightning connectors, it appears that Apple will be keeping the specifications close to its vest and assume the mantle of gatekeeper. According to one of TechCrunch's sources, Apple will control the supply of pins for its connector and will only sell them to partners when accessories meet Cupertino's standards. It sounds like a potentially pricey proposition, but the source also claims that Cook and Co. have a fair asking price for components doled out in bulk, considering the technology behind them. Curious to see what else is on the docket for the three day shindig? Hit the first source link below for the full schedule.

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Apple to hold conference for iDevice accessory makers, school them in using Lightning connectors originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 20:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  source9to5Mac, TechCrunch  | Email this | Comments