Gizmo Zone

Sony offers iPod docks for Bravia systems

Sony’s is releasing TDM-IP1 a new $99 interface that enables iPods to work with Sony’s Bravia home theater system. It’s an interesting change of pace for Sony, which has largely ignored the iPod in favor of its own line of digital media players.

The TDM-IP1 plugs into the Digital Media Port (DMP) found on Bravia systems. It features a 30-pin dock connector that enables you to plug in the iPod, so you can play music or watch video on the iPod through the Bravia system instead. It also charges the iPod’s battery while it’s connected.

Compatible Sony models include the DAV-HDX265, DAV-HDX267W, DAV-HDX500, HT-7100DH, HT-DDW790, HT-DDW990, STR-DG710, STR-DG810 and STR-DG910.

Pictures of new Sony Ericsson W580i Walkman phone

Sony Ericsson has announced the new Sony Ericsson W580i Walkman phone. Another model in Sony Ericsson’s ever-expanding Walkman range, the W580i is first Walkman phone to use the slider form factor. It’s a mid-range quad-band phone, with 2 megapixel camera, FM radio, 512MB of memory, and email, so offer nothing new, but it does look great, and should please those after a decent music phone.

I’ve just posted a lengthy article wondering whether Sony Ericsson is in decline, as it’s phones’ features are being left behind by its competitors, and the W580i does nothing to address that. That said, it really looks the business, so if looks and great sound-quality

are what you’re after, you could do worse.

Full details and pictures of the Sony Ericsson W580i after the jump.

Desktop LCD Flat Panel TV & DVD Player All-in-One

The Desktop LCD Flat Panel TV is no more than 3-inch thick with the DVD payer side-mounted, and includes a compact swivel base. It features a small screen measuring only 8-inch.

Other features include a remote control and AC adapter, and a SD/MMC slot for memory cards for you to view slide shows of your favorite photos.

Retro iPod Alarm Clock

The Retro iPod Alarm Clock is a sleek dock/speaker system/waker-upper looks like a modern alarm clocks.  But closer inspection reveals that it comes with 360° 3W omni speakers, and the clock itself is a dock for your iPod.

The Retro iPod Alarm Clock also features a snooze function, so you can doze away for an extra minutes. There is a large chrome knob that lets you adjust the volume.

This alarm clock is powered via an AC adaptor, so it charges your iPod as you sleep. It even tells your iPod to switch to clock mode the second you pop it in. What’s more, the great sounding speakers allow you to listen to your iPod in bed without earphones.

The Retro iPod alarm clock is ideal for iPod owners who hate the normal bells and beeps.

iTower Omega Speakers For iPods

The iTower Omega comes with a quartet of speakers and a couple of subwoofers, all lined up along its body. At the top of its head lies a universal iPod dock for you to place your favorite MP3 player.

The iTower Omega is available for $300.

SoundGate Concept PC Excites Musicians

SoundGate Tablet PC is UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC) that is specially designed for musicians by Nicolas Gonzalez Garrido. It comes with preloaded software tools that facilitate individuals to record playing sessions, transcribe their music, write out their next single, insert tutor lessons and live playing with onscreen timing and metronome.

This delightful micro machine features a 10″ touchscreen LCD screen and a full QWERTY flip keyboard that is sufficient for writing lyrics on. It also features playback/record buttons on top and volume knobs inside. Furthermore, a special stand lets you prop the tablet in front of you for on-stage performances!

Standard I/O ports include headphones jack, RCA, USB, XLR, 6.3 mm audio jack, LAN/Magic and integrated optical drive. Special music functions include a jog-dial with two soft keys and another two buttons for choosing different effects to apply to the songs and controlling the intensity of that effect. Currently, the SoundGate is only a concept but based on its design, I can see a winner with the non-music crowd too!

Archos 204 Portable Media Player

Archos will soon be adding a new budget-priced model to their line up, the 204. It hasn’t been announced on their website yet but GenerationMP3 is hosting a PDF of the press release HERE.

If it looks familiar, that’s because the 204 is using the same basic design as the Gmini XS 200 series from a couple of years ago. This time around it gets an OLED color screen instead of a greyscale LCD, but otherwise the feature-set is pretty much the same. The 204 plays your basic audio formats (MP3, WMA) and can display photos (JPEG). No FM radio, no video, and no WiFi. Just a very small and affordable digital audio player. As with the Gmini XS, the 204 is based on a 20gb Hitachi hard drive.

MSRP is expected to start at 179 Euro ($235 USD) - in Spain, at least (the press release is from Barcelona). That seems kind of pricey for those of us in the USA, where you can get an iPod Video, Zune, or Creative ZVM for the same amount. But we have it good here, as DAPs can be quite a bit more expensive in parts of the EU due to crazy VAT taxes. If Archos decides to bring the 204 to North America, the price would likely be under $200.

Tune-In Bed With Built-In Speakers

This is an innovation and a good idea, built-in speakers on beds. The Tune-In Bed incorporates two speakers on each side of the bed that measures 4-inch each (speaker), there isn’t any information about the precise sound power this bed can offer. However, the Tune-In Bed can only work with mp3 players or any other audio devices that have the headjack.

There are 3 different models you can chose with different colors like light green, sun valley honey and ice blue.

• twin bed - $699.00
• full bed - $899.00
• queen bed - $999.00