Consumer Electronics Daily News

SuperTooth & VOXX Accessories Corp. Reach Distribution Agreement for Co-Branded Line of Portable Audio Accessories

Bluetooth expert SuperTooth (Booth # 1070 @ CTIA) has teamed up with audio specialist VOXX Accessories Corp. (Booth # 2630 @ CTIA) to roll out a co-branded line-up of portable audio accessories under the Acoustic Research brand name beginning with the launch of the ARS60 Bluetooth speaker.

The ARS60 is a $119 portable Bluetooth speaker kicking out 16 watts RMS audio power with two speakers in front and a bass reflex system on the back. The ARS60 streams music wirelessly from any cell phone, tablet, computer or mp3 player supporting Bluetooth A2DP. The rechargeable battery keeps music playing for 3-10 hours depending on the volume level per two-hour charge.

The ARS60 speaker is available in black or red on www.store.acoustic-research.com for $119.

zNitro Presents Innovative and High-Quality Electronic Device Protection at CTIA 2013

zNitro (znitro.com), a Clear Protector company, announced the launch of an exclusive lineup of Nitro accessories for consumer electronics at CTIA 2013. zNitro will be displaying its collection of accessories at Booth 7163 in the Sands Exposition and Convention Center during this Las Vegas event scheduled for May 21-23, 2013.

The zNitro lineup includes:

• Nitro Glass: Now with an oleophobic and hydrophobic coating, these Hammer Tested and tempered glass next generation screen protectors shield phones and tablets from everyday damage. The new and innovative coating resists fingerprints and smudges while providing the same crisp, clear screen that is visible on an unprotected device. Nitro Glass has a hardness rating of 8H out of 10H ensuring that a device will be protected no matter the drop or potential damage.
• Nitro Charge:  Listen to and charge devices while still enjoying the excellent quality and value of zNitro products. Each Nitro Charge kit comes with a USB wall and car charger, Apple® 9 pin, Apple® 30 pin, Micro USB and 3.5 mm headphones so the consumer on the go can get the most out of their devices.
• Nitro Retract: Unlike any iPad® case ever seen before!  With a patent pending retractable shoulder strap, these stylish cases protect the Apple® iPad® from damage, dust and dirt. The shoulder strap is strong, durable and tangle resistant which gives the user the ability to wear the case over the shoulder or across the body. This unique case demonstrates the ability to transform into an easel position for the easy viewing of devices. Nitro Retract is available in onyx, rustic, claret, grenadine, bubblegum and slate green.
• Nitro Shield: The most advanced film protector available! Nitro Shield is designed to be exceptionally smooth so that finger drag and screen distortion are eliminated. At just 2 millimeters thick, 1/3 of the national standard, this protector looks and feels just like glass. The material eliminates any possibility of the "orange peel" effect.
• Nitro Carbon: The new style of scratch proofing! Nitro Carbon protects electronics with a light reflecting texture that has the look and feel of carbon fiber. Support a favorite team or show school spirit with the selection of ten different colors. Each Nitro Carbon is custom designed and, if it is ever removed, there will never be any sticky residue.
• Nitro Accessories: zNitro provides the consumer with a wide array of high-quality cases and bumpers designed for today's most popular cell phones and tablets. Cases and bumpers come in a large selection of colors.

Z², the fighting robot, is back by popular demand and will make an appearance at CTIA 2013. He provides entertainment to watchers by performing kicks and dropping elbows onto a device that is protected with zNitro products. Watchers will observe that through all of Z²'s extravagant MMA inspired movements the device will remain unbroken and unscratched. 

 

K-TOR Announces Pocket Socket 2 Hand Crank Generator

K-TOR, LLC, designer and manufacturer of portable power generators, announced today the release of their second-generation Pocket Socket hand crank generator, the Pocket Socket 2.  This affordable human powered generator features a standard outlet interface, which provides backup energy and emergency power to a wide range of electronic devices.

A more than 120 percent increase in blackouts annually in the U.S. in recent decades has left more and more Americans looking for a backup power supply when the grid goes down. The patented technology inside the Pocket Socket 2 and all K-TOR portable generators enable the efficient conversion of human energy into a 120 Volt power source.

Communication equipment and medical equipment are some of the most important items to keep running during emergency and off-grid situations.  The Pocket Socket 2 can charge smartphones, tablets, GPS equipment, handheld radios, digital cameras, medical equipment and much more.  From the jungles of the Amazon to the street of New York City the Pocket Socket 2 supplies critical power to electronic devices when they need it most.

"The Pocket Socket has been a successful product for K-TOR," comments K-TOR founder Ken Torino, "We have customers all over the world using our hand crank generator in a wide range of environments and it's been fascinating to witness the places our products have been and the purposes they've served."

The Pocket Socket 2 retails for $64.95 online and is available online at www.k-tor.com. The new unit incorporates the learning from long term testing and customer feedback since the launch of the original K-TOR Pocket Socket. New packaging, labels, materials, and molded grips are just a few of the updates that have been made to the second generation Pocket Socket.

A yellow color scheme for the label and rubber band match the primary use of this product in emergency situations. Also visible to the customer, the plastic surface has been patterned to make it easier to grip. Other, less visible, updates include a newer stronger polycarbonate plastic, a stronger power train and improved electronics.

Razer Launches Atrox Arcade Stick for Fighting Gamers

 Razer™ today announced the Razer Atrox Arcade Stick for Xbox 360®, the final product following an extensive beta testing program.

Tested by some of the world's best pro-gamers and fighting game community members all over the world, the Razer Atrox Arcade Stick is constructed with modders and tournament gamers in mind. Featuring premium quality Sanwa™ components, the 10 highly responsive buttons and a precision eight-way joystick allow gamers to strike instantly and surely, game after game, while maintaining peak performance and reliability.

An extremely moddable controller, the inside of the arcade stick platform opens up at the touch of a button, making the Razer Atrox a breeze to customize for all tastes and play styles. Users can swap in their own personal designs for a unique look, while also getting access to the internal compartments and honeycomb structure for easy screw mounting.

The easily accessible internal compartment of the Razer Atrox reveals dedicated slots to store an included alternate bat top joystick, the detachable cable, and a screwdriver for modding, giving gamers plenty of room for storage as they travel around dominating FGC events.

"Following a huge beta testing program, we're confident that we've built an arcade stick enthusiasts will love," says Min-Liang Tan, Razer Co-founder, CEO and Creative Director. "We know that the fighting game community is huge on modding their arcade sticks, and that is why we made the Razer Atrox extremely mod friendly. We are excited to see what extreme mods the Razer Atrox will be the base for."

Price:
U.S. $199.99 / EU €199.99

Availability:
Razerzone.com – Pre-order on May 21, 2013
Japan – May 2013
Worldwide – June 2013

Product features:

• 10 tournament-grade Sanwa buttons
• Authentic Sanwa joystick with ball top and additional bat top
• Interchangeable top plate allows for custom artwork finishes
• Fully accessible internals and storage compartments for easy modding
• Honeycomb structure on the inside for easy screw mounting
• Storage room for alternative bat top joystick and more
• 13 ft / 4 m detachable USB cable
• Screwdriver included for modding
• 2.5 mm audio jack for headset use on Xbox LIVE

For more information about the Razer Atrox, visit www.razerzone.com/atrox.

Just Launched: New Concept of Continuous Charging and Syncing for iPhones & iPads

Newly created Wiplabs Design LLC will launch its first product the "iDockAll" via a crowd-funding project on Kickstarter.com.

The dock features a unique design that allows continuous charging of the iOS devices.  This means that answering calls with low battery, seeing private messages while syncing, writing emails on the iPad, etc… are possible, all while nurturing the lithium battery. 

The project will start on May 8 and is due to end on June 30. For more information about Wiplabs Design, visit the website at http://wiplabs.com.

D-Link Now Shipping New Lineup of Routers

D-Link today announced it is now shipping a new line of AC Routers with the availability of the Wireless AC1750 Router (DIR-868L), Wireless AC1200 Router (DIR-860L), Wireless AC1000 Router (DIR-820L) and Wireless AC750 Router (DIR-810L). Offering next-generation Wi-Fi speeds, D-Link's latest 802.11ac Routers deliver a range of wireless speeds and price points for creating a reliable and strong Wi-Fi home network ideal for HD video streaming, online gaming, and multiple user activities.

"Today's average home now has more than 15 devices, oftentimes with multiple iPads, iPhones, as well as Android phones and tablets, and consumers are looking for the best in wireless connectivity to help deliver uninterrupted HD video streaming, online gaming and multiple user capabilities," said Daniel Kelley, Vice President of Marketing, D-Link Systems, Inc. "With the introduction of the new 11AC Router line, D-Link provides next-generation wireless speeds to meet the needs of the digital home coupled with advanced remote management and sharing capabilities to better suit mobile lifestyles."

The Wireless AC1750 Dual Band Gigabit Cloud Router and Wireless AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Cloud Router deliver speeds of up to 1750Mbps (N450Mbps+AC1300Mbps) and 1200Mbps (N300 + AC867Mbps) respectively. In addition, the Wireless AC1000 Dual Band Cloud Router offers speeds of up to 1000Mbps (N300Mbps + AC650Mbps) and the Wireless AC750 Dual Band Cloud Router offers speeds of up to 750Mbps (N300Mbps + AC433Mbps). Eliminating Wi-Fi interference for faster and more reliable Internet, D-Link's family of AC routers are equipped with Dual Band technology enabling users to perform simple Internet activities on the 2.4GHz band, and more demanding activities on the cleaner, interference free 5GHz band. The routers are also backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n devices for seamless connectivity.

Offering easy remote network management, the Cloud Routers enable users to see what websites are being visited, block unwanted connections, and set up automatic email alerts when unauthorized connections are made on any iPhone^®, iPad^® or Android^™ device with the free mydlink^™ Lite app. In addition, the routers feature a USB port that works with the free SharePort^™mobile app, enabling users to stream and share photos, music and movie files directly to their mobile device¹. The AC routers also support easy setup using a mobile phone or tablet with the free Quick Router Setup (QRS) app.

For fast wired connectivity, the Wireless AC1750 Dual Band Gigabit Cloud Router and AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Cloud Router are equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports and the Wireless AC1000 Dual Band Cloud Router and AC750 Dual Band Cloud Router are equipped with four Fast Ethernet ports.

Availability and Pricing
The new line of AC routers will be available throughout D-Link's vast network of retail and e-tail outlets in the United States. Detailed specifications and information are available online at www.dlink.com with street pricing as follows:

• Wireless AC 1750 Dual Band Gigabit Cloud Router (DIR-868L) - $169.99
• Wireless AC 1200 Dual Band Gigabit Router (DIR-860L) - $149.99
• Wireless AC1000 Dual Band Cloud Router (DIR-820L) - $119.99
• Wireless AC750 Dual Band Cloud Router (DIR-810L ) - $79.99

Hammacher Schlemmer Introduces The iPad Commode Caddy

Continuing its 165-year history of offering the Best, the Only and the Unexpected, Hammacher Schlemmer introduces The iPad Commode Caddy, a bathroom stand that replaces a traditional basket of magazines by accommodating both an iPad and a roll of toilet paper.

Ideal for browsing digital periodicals, composing emails, or catching up on sports scores while indisposed, The iPad Commode Caddy holds the tablet computer 32" above the floor—eye-level for the average person while seated. A flexible 10" gooseneck provides optimal positioning for reading or watching videos in either portrait or landscape mode.

"The iPad Commode Caddy provides access to one's reading material while eliminating the clutter created by magazines and newspapers," explained Hammacher Schlemmer's General Manager Fred Berns.

Made from sturdy chromed steel with a sturdy base that will not slide, The iPad Commode Caddy reliably secures an iPad at three points, providing access to all controls, and the paper roll tube removes easily for replenishment.

The iPad Commode Caddy is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $99.95. For more information about these products, please visit The iPad Commode Caddy or contact Trish Hammond at (847) 581-8987 or via e-mail at pr@hammacher.com .

What Can We Expect From the Apple Keynote?

Apple CEO Tim Cook has been unusually open about plans for the future. He told analysts that they have "amazing" new hardware and software services in development, but they won't be introduced until at least September and throughout 2014 - although it has been stressed by some that these dates were only hinted at.

This has countered the belief of analysts who expected new Apple products this summer. It could also mark a whole year since Apple's last major product launch event which was in October 2012 for the iPad Mini.

To make it worse for Apple's ardent fans, the main billings of June's WWDC are the next versions of iOS and OS X - There is little guarantee of any new Apple products.

Regardless of what may happen in June, rumours have been circulating about the next generation of Apple products. TheCalifornia company is apparently getting ready for the production of the iPad 5 and the iPad Mini 2. The rumors around the next instalment of the iPhone suggest Apple will skip the 5s model and move straight onto the 6.

Previously, the longest wait the public has had to endure for a new Apple product was the 132-day gap between 2010's MacBook Air and the iPad Two.

Whatever the rumours or release dates, The Snugg will be ready with high quality iPad cases. The device protection specialists have a range of colourful, practical and stylish Apple cases and Kindle covers.

Les Yates, Marketing Manager at The Snugg, said: "We are very excited about what Apple has in store next and will have our own next generation of covers and cases ready to be released. As with all our products, they will be specifically designed for Apple's new range of i products.

"The Snugg can't wait to make a step forward along with Apple - whenever it happens - and keep our customers' iPads in pristine condition."

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Save Your Earbuds from Junk Drawer Tangles

At the time, the kitchen drawer appeared to be the safest place to store iPod headsets. Yet unknowingly, whenever the drawer is opened and closed, the wires take a beating. They get shuffled around, knotted and twisted into a ridiculous ball of tangles. Many iPod owners retrieving headsets have an upsetting and annoying few minutes removing knots and tangles along with clinging pens, rubber bands, nails, screws, bottle stoppers, twine, loose matches, and clips for potato chip bags.

The kitchen drawer is still okay if we take one precaution: attach a small clever device to the headset cables, the Earbud Yo-Yo www.earbudyoyo.com, to protect the earbud wires. A simple to use cord organizer, the Earbud Yo-Yo:

• is small,
• fits anywhere,
• storing wires easily and safely,
• helps customize headset wire lengths,
• winds up earbuds with microphones,
• saves time by preventing knots 
• locks right onto the cord and never gets lost!

The Earbud Yo-Yo is available in 16 interesting skins and solid colors starting under $10. 

Kensington Announces Full Line of Accessories for Samsung Galaxy S4

Kensington Computer Products Group today announced the immediate availability of new aluminum finish and gel cases and a new security Proximity Tag for the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S® 4 smartphone. In addition to these new products, Kensington also offers a robust portfolio of existing accessories for your new smartphone to keep it protected no matter what environment you find yourself in. The Kensington 360º protection strategy for your smartphone keeps you covered from every angle with car and wall charging solutions, a water rescue pouch and an app enabled monitoring system.

Kensington's new aluminum finish cases for the Samsung Galaxy S®4 provide essential protection from drops and scratches with a polycarbonate back shell case and colorful metallic finish. With a slim-line design that slips easily into your pocket, these stylish cases offer a colorful, smudge-resistant aluminum finish that smartly complement your smartphone. For those who prefer a gel cushion, Kensington also offers gel style cases that feel great in the hand with a tactile finish. All of the cases are designed specifically for the Galaxy S 4 and users can rest easy knowing they will not interfere with any of the controls, touchscreen, ports or the camera of the smartphone.

Safeguard Your New Samsung Smartphone and Valuables
Kensington is also introducing the new Proximity Tag for Samsung Galaxy S 4, also compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note II and Galaxy Note 10.1 Tablet. The Kensington Proximity Tag is an app-enabled proximity monitoring system that lets you know where your Samsung Galaxy device, keys and valuables are at all times. Use it to track your personal belongings like a camera, briefcase, or handbag - anything you never want to worry about losing. No more stressing over losing important items or wasting time searching for them. The Proximity Tag app dashboard tracks your most valuable items, including a customizable activity proximity meter, so you always know how far away you are from them. 

Kensington Complete Smartphone Protection Offering.
Accidents are a part of life and that's why there's Kensington's smartphone protection strategy of designing accessories that have you prepared for whatever life throws at you. From new smartphone cases to protection accessories that go beyond bumps and scrapes. Part of Kensington's offering also includes the EVAP® Wet Electronics Rescue Pouch. EVAP is an ingenious product that can save your small electronics from water damage. It contains a unique drying agent that removes the moisture from electronics and prevents damage. 

Completing the circle of Kensington's smartphone protection is its existing family of PowerBolt® and AbsolutePower™   car and wall chargers with PowerWhiz™ technology. The smart offering of power products automatically recognizes your mobile device and gives it the right charge; always to keep you connected everywhere you go.

Product Availability
These Kensington products are currently available for pre-order or sale at Kensington.com, Amazon.com, and major resellers. For additional information on the new and existing line of Kensington products, visit kensington.com.