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NAMM: Apogee updates USB interfaces with iPad support, Mackie launches 8-channel iPad mixer

Apogee-iPad-NAMM-2013Today is the first official day of NAMM in Anaheim, and we are already started to see a few Apple-related products pop up. The most interesting is the new lineup of interfaces from Apogee, including updated One, Duet, and Quartet models that all include new features, specs, and iPad compatibility with support for any Core Audio app. iPad compatibility comes thanks to Apogee’s new Maestro app:

Apogee’s new free Maestro app for iOS brings total hardware control to iPad. Designed to create a seamless transition between Mac and iOS, Maestro’s design was customized for each device; iPhone, iPad and Mac, ensuring an intuitive user interface across every platform. The app includes all the same essential functions available on the Mac including low latency monitoring. Maestro can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store on your iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad.

Starting with the One, the refreshed USB interface now features two inputs, the ability charge your iOS device, Apogee’s Maestro control iOS app, optional battery power, and updated mic preamps and AD/DA converters. It also includes a built-in mic and breakout cable to connect a 1/4-inch cable or XLR. One will be available in March for $349.

The new Duet, a four output, two-input USB interface has been given a refresh, and, like the One, it now includes a USB port for device charging and iOS connectivity. It also works with Apogee’s new Maestro iOS app, and it includes a full-color OLED display like previous versions. It will be available in February for $595. It also includes a breakout cable for XLR and 1/4-inch connections.

Lastly, Apogee is updating its 4 IN x 8 Out USB Quartet interface to take advantage of Maestro control software for iOS and Mac and offer full iPad compatibility. The refreshed Quartet will be available in February for $1,295, and a firmware update will bring iOS support to existing users at the same time.

The One, like the other updated Apogee interfaces, comes with a 30-pin cable, so you’ll need an adapter for Lightning devices.

Another iOS-related highlight from NAMM: Mackie’s new DL806 8-channel digital mixer for iPad (pictured below). It is available now for $799:

Mackie_DL806_8_Channel_Digital_Mixer

(Apogee via mi-pro.co.uk)

Holiday Shopping Guide: Every single great Lightning accessory we could find

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With Apple’s latest MFi summit taking place earlier this month to school accessory makers on adopting Apple’s new smaller Lightning connector standard, many accessories from reputable companies are quickly starting to roll out. Unfortunately, the delay in getting the new standard out to third-party accessory manufacturers means many well-known companies might not get a product on the market in time for the holidays. Some that have released products are unable to keep up with demand and ship before the Dec 25.

For those of you looking for a Lightning dock, car chargers, adapter, or any other accessory before the holidays, we put together a guide to all the Lightning accessories currently available to order.

Many of the products below are also discounted for Black Friday and through the weekend:
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Deohako iPad case brings a versatile connection system for third-party attachments

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LUm-1znEKd0]

Available through a campaign on newly launched crowd-funding website Makerlaunch, the Deohako is an iPad case with a built-in connection system for connecting various peripherals and attachments quickly and easily to the device. Its available for iPad 3, iPad 4, and iPad mini starting at $60. The first preorders will ship mid-December.

There are literally thousands of ways to use the Deohako iPad System at work but here are a few of my favorites. Click the Deohako Case inside of a notebook and throw in your bag. Use the Joby GorillaPod Zoom bendable Tripod to install the iPad on the back of a car seat hours of entertainment. Use the rigid suction cup to attach the iPad mini to the front windshield and use as a GPS device. Attach the adjustable clamp to a stroller and listen to your favorite audiobook while walking around town.

The Deohako combination kit includes the:

  • Deohako Case
  • Wall Mount
  • Adjustable Clamp
  • Bendable Suction Cup
  • Rigid Suction Cup
  • Joby Gorilla Pod Zoom Bendable Trip
  • Twist and click Notebook

Review: iPhoneography series: iPhone Swivl and Lens Dial

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Swivl and Lens Dial

As part of 9to5Mac’s ongoing iPhoneography gear series for the holiday season, we looked at a slew of iPhone 5-compatible accessories, but some of you may still own the iPhone 4S or older, so we got our hands on the Swivl for iPhone 5/4S/4 and the Lens Dial for iPhone 4S/4.

First of all: Yes, iPhoneography is an actual name (it even has a Wikipedia page). It essentially, as one might guess, involves shooting and processing with an iOS device. Photojojo.com offers an impressive, mouth-watering catalog of photography and videography gear for the iPhone 5 and older generations, so we decided to take some of the website’s hottest accessories for a spin. And, over the next few weeks, we will continue to test and review only what’s best for helping creative folks step up their iPhoneography game.

Check out a hands-on review of the Swivl and Lens Dial below: 


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JBL launches first Lightning speaker docks, Belkin announces new iPad mini keyboard folio

A few new accessories launched today for Apple’s newest iOS devices. First, JBL announced new Lightning connector speaker docks for iPhone and iPad including the new $99 JBL OnBeat Micro and $199 JBL Venue LT (pictured above). The larger of the two docks supports Lightning iPads, iPhone 5, and iPod touch, while the smaller less-expensive model only supports iPhone 5 and the new iPods.

 

Belkin also announced a new accessory for the iPad mini today, an $80 folio with built-in Bluetooth keyboard. The company also claimed up to 155 hours of active battery life, and it is including a USB-to-mini-USB cable for charging. A nice touch is the ability to remove the keyboard, allowing you to comfortably position it anywhere you’d like. Earlier this month, the company also announced a new car charger kit for iOS devices with Lightning connectors.

Product Highlights:

Belkin Portable Keyboard Case for iPad mini (F5L145) – $79.99

  • Well-spaced keys with tactile feedback for accurate typing
  • Shortcut keys for easy media control
  • Connects to iPad mini via Bluetooth
  • Durable exterior and soft inner lining
  • Removable keyboard for more comfortable, convenient typing angles
  • Keyboard folds flat when not in use, making it ideal for on the go
  • 155 hours active battery life
  • Includes USB-to-mini-USB cable for easy recharging
  • Camera-lens cutout

The JBL OnBeat Micro ($99)

  • ·         Compact speaker dock for the iPhone 5, iPod touch 5th generation and iPod nano 7th generation packs a serious audio punch – also charges
  • ·         Built-in Lightning docking connector
  • ·         JBL® full-range transducers
  • ·         Fully digital signal path with digital signal processing
  • ·         Battery and AC power
  • ·         USB port
  • ·         1/8-inch (3.5mm) stereo input
  • ·         Compact and portable design

The JBL OnBeat Venue LT ($199)

  • ·         Ideal for iPad Mini, iPad with Lightning connector and iPhone5
  • ·         Hidden Lightning Dock Connector behind the JBL logo
  • ·         HARMAN’s exclusive TrueStream Bluetooth technology can connect to up to eight devices
  • ·         JBL two full-range transducers + two tweeters
  • ·         Slipstream port technology for great-sounding bass with low distortion
  • ·         User Friendly EQ settings
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Bodyguardz, Apple device protection: 50 percent promo codes & iPad mini case giveaway

From 9to5Toys.com:

We are pleased to bring the 9to5 readers some great promos and giveaways from Bodyguardz, one of our favorite Apple device accessory makers. Bodyguardz just
celebrated their 10th year of creating some of the best cases, skins, and more for your favorite Apple devices. One of our favorite Bodyguardz products is the “Pure Glass Screen Protector,” for iPhone 5. This protector is “made from a special chemically-tempered glass exceeding the hardness of steel,” and we absolutely love the feel of it. Bodyguardz offers protection for your iPad, iPhone, Mac, iPod and more.

From today until Sunday evening, all of our readers can enjoy a 15 percent sitewide discount with promo code “9TO5”.

We are also giving away three 50 percent off one time use promo codes and an iPad mini Garrison Premium Folio Case to four random commenters on this post. So if you want to win a 50 percent promo code or the iPad mini case, be sure to leave a comment on this post.

Update 11/4/2012:  Winners announced!  The three 9to5 community members to win the 50% promo codes are: BeyondtheTech, TerrierWhoTravels, FiveOhFour.  The winner of the free iPad mini case is Brady Haws!  If you are a winner be sure to check your private message inbox for your promo code.  Thanks to everyone who commented!  Everyone else can still use the 15% promo code, “9TO5”, tonight!

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Awesome cartoon-like gadget bags now shipping, prices start at $79 [Gallery]

This is not a cartoon bag. Seriously.

JumpFromPaper (perfect name, eh?) offers a line of handbags, profile bags, carrying pouches, etc., which look colorful and two-dimensional, and will hold an iPad, MacBook or just about anything else.

So, where did the idea come from?:

JumpFromPaper™ is a playful and innovative line of bags created by Taipei-based design duo, Chay Su and Rika Lin.

One cozy afternoon, the two girls were chatting, when they got to sketching their dream designer bag. A surprising idea popped up – “How amazing it would be if a two-dimensional hand-drawn illustration could come to life as a real bag!” They explored every possibility, rendering fantasy handbags in perspective, and giving birth to JumpFromPaper™.

Each bag boasts a cartoon-like outline and vivid colors that are sure to mess with folks’ eyes. Prices range from $79 to $129, and the Tropical Fish bag (top), in particular, is a gadget-targeted carrier sporting a slim, striped design with polyester fabric for just $79:

Topical Fish is your new protector for your gadgets. This carry pouch perfectly holds your netbook, iPad/tablet, or whatever other accessories you need for a day in the office or fun in the sun. Are they real? Yes they’re real. Although slim in appearance, each JumpFromPaper™ bag has a roomy interior to accommodate an iPad/tablet, book, magazines, and your everyday accessories. A zipper bottom expands the bag for extra room.

Pre-ordered Tropical Fish bags began shipping Aug. 27, and we hope to get our hands on a review unit soon. Check out JumpFromPaper to see what else the brand offers.

The full press release is below.


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CES 2012: Vertical MacBook Air dock, Griffin’s Twenty amp for AirPlay, D-Link cloud routers, and more

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CES 2012 officially kicks off today despite a ton of announcements from just about every major company in the days leading up to the event. We already gave you a peek at Thunderbolt enabled external drives from Western Digital, Hitachi and Seagate, and we showed you new accessories and hardware from LaCie, Belkin, and Elgato. Today, we bring you some of the newest accessories and peripherals shown off and announced in Las Vegas. Among them: A vertical dock for MacBook Air, an amp enabling Airplay playback on non-powered speakers, and a new lineup of cloud routers and cameras from Dlink.


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