Microsoft contracts Siemens VDO for in-car Entertainment

Siemens VDO and Microsoft just announced a deal to co-develop in-car entertainment systems and navigation products. The companies will initially develop a multi-media platform to more easily integrate mobile phones and music players into automotive systems. The first products based on the Microsoft Auto Platform are expected in 2009.

Gear4’s BlackBox Bluetooth speaker makes our geek-loin ache

 

See that? That’s glossy black sex in stereo. The BlackBox and BlackBox mini Bluetooth speaker systems from Gear4 pump 24W and 4W from 2x speakers, respectively, with a front-facing red LED panel and blue capacitive touch-panel controls up top. Gear4 assures compatibility with your cellphone via its firmware upgrade feature — link back to your computer via USB to download the “right profile for your mobile.” Odd, since the Bluetooth profiles are supposed to be standard, eh Bluetooth SIG? Priced at £100/£50 (about $202/$101) when released in the next few weeks.

Apogee’s Duet: pro audio at a mini size

If you’ve been in the market for a small, handsome, and high-quality portable audio recording solution, Apogee (makers of some of the finest AD/DA converters and interfaces in the industry) may have just what you’re looking for. Say hello to the Duet, a two-channel, 24bit / 96kHz interface that should make your next field job or impromptu jam recording nothing but net. The Duet’s breakout cable provides two phantom powered, XLR inputs, two unbalanced instrument inputs, and two unbalanced monitor outs; a headphone jack, multi-function knob, LED meters, and Firewire port (for getting the audio to your computer) are located on the unit. Apogee is known for its rugged, low-noise, high-performance audio tools, and the Duet is likely no exception — despite the fact that the need for an interface this small is certainly up for debate. Available in September for $495.

Polk Audio I-Sonic ES2 features iTunes song tagging

 

Already, new peripherals are popping up to take advantage of the new features in Apple’s updated iPod line-up, with Polk Audio’s I-Sonic Entertainment System 2 packing a poor man’s equivalent of the Starbucks song purchase feature over in-store WiFi. When songs are playing over the built-in HD Radio, users can press a tag button, which creates a custom playlist on docked iPods, allowing songs to be purchased later when at a computer. The ES2 also features XM Connect & Play capability, a CD/DVD drive for audio playback, an alarm clock mode, and 360-degree sound, whatever the hell that is. The ES2 hits next month for $499.

MP3 Design goes modular

It’s simply amazing what someone can do with Photoshop and a design oriented imagination. Yankoo Design has an interesting MP3 concept that incorportes modular add ons that work in a daisy chain fashion.

Designed by Danilo Mangini and called the “Lobster” due to it’s pieces forming a lobster like tail assembly, the LCD screen main body allows for modular additions that include an mp3 player, camera, gps, and even a cardiometer for those who love to rock out and exercise at the same time. The mods can be used either in concert or alone, but their best used with the main LCD screen . The main screen also acts as a cellphone and SMS text messenger.

JBL’s On Stage 3 Dock is now iPhone-Compatible

The popular donut-shaped On Stage iPod dock is now in its third incarnation —and this time it will work with your iPhone. Its makers, JBL, have filled in the middle of the ring as well as supplying interchangeable trim, so that your On Stage 3 can match your Nano