For millions of years, people have been listening to music. But now, thanks to new technology, they can actually make music as well. At CES, I came across a few items that made my inner musician geek out, including a self-tuning guitar and a pretty sweet drum synth pad, plus a couple of new recording gadgets for capturing your awful performances of “She Bangs” on the go. Pics and stuff after the jump. → Read More
We’ve been talking about Wireless HD and how it’s one of the things CES is all about, and Belkin showed me their new FlyWire Wireless HD solution, and it’s pretty sweet. It’s a combo of a transmitter that also acts as a media switcher and a single wireless receiver. The audio and video is sent wirelessly at resolutions up to 1080p to the receiver, where it connects to your HDTV via HDMI. You can see the various inputs in the photo after the jump. Belkin had a movie playing in HD-DVD (what!?) across the room with the set-up, and I have to say it looked as if it was coming off HDMI. No stutter, no distortion, no snow. If you’re trying to cut down on cable clutter, it’s worth looking at FlyWire. → Read More
Belkin makes a lot of great products. Belkin also makes a lot of questionable products. The Mouse Trap is a perfect example of the latter. Maybe it’s because I haven’t used a mouse pad in years, but I don’t see the point of having a special pouch to transport your mouse in when there’s a huge crease after you’ve unzipped it. Whatever, though, I’m sure someone out there wants it and will buy it. It’s only $12 and comes in other colors. Product Page [photopress:IMGP4438.JPG,thumb,pp_image] → Read More
http://progressive.playstream.com/playstream/progressive/flashplayers/FLVPlayer.swf Musicians, listen up. Making a good demo is key, and many do it digitally, as they should. This Tune Studio, along with your iPod, makes it way easy. The audio in the video above is hard to hear, but basically this violinish band is recording their performance using one of these (it was just off stage). You can start off your home studio for $249 this spring. → Read More
Hands down, one of the coolest things I’ve seen at CES so far this week is the Belkin Podcast Studio. It’s a handheld unit that you attach your iPod to. Using a pair of swiveling integrated microphones on each side, the device records what they hear in stereo as an uncompressed WAV on to the iPod. You can even control the pitch and volume, as well as the stereo balance. Besides the integrated mics, the Podcast Studio has dual XLR and 1/4-inch microphone jacks at the top, so you can use your own high-end gear. It’s not for everyone, but the idea impresses. → Read More
Y-jacks are so 20th century; you need a brightly colored, star-shaped megahub so all your fellow tweens can hear what you’re listening to and bob their heads in unison. It’s actually a cool little device, I’d love to have it for watching videos with friends at a coffee shop, or for editing video in a bar (yes, I do that). It’s also got the added bonus of having multiple inputs, so you can make your own hideous mashups. For $20, I expect mashups. Belkin Rockstar [iLounge] → Read More
I am, oh, so very jaded. I almost passed up this little trinket from Belkin because I figured everyone and their mom’s rig had Bluetooth, but they don’t. In the rare case that your desktop or notebook is sans Bluetooth and you happen to be an avid photographer with that 2-megapixel camera on your phone and you’re looking for an easy way to upload to your rig then look no further. The Bluetooth USB Adapter with KODAK Picture Upload Technology takes the worry and hassle out of the equation and acts as the liaison. It also works with other Bluetooth enabled devices like printers, headphones and PDAs. Fabulous. It retails for $50, but it’s currently out of stock. Product Page → Read More
False alarm. It’s certainly not groundbreaking, but it does clean up the clutter and takes care of that one HDMI slot problem. Luckily for me, my roommate’s Vizio has two HDMI ports, though I only use one for the 360 Elite. The HDMI 2-to-1 Video Switch does what’d you’d expect it to, which is what now, class? That’s right. It allows you to hook up two HD devices to your HDTV via a single HDMI or DVI connection. It’s available now for $49.99. Press Release → Read More
This is a gaming controller? If you say so, Belkin. With renewed vigor for computer gaming, Belkin has announced the USB powered n52te SpeedPad that’s a combination of hardware and software aimed at first-person shooter, online RGP and real-time strategy enthusiasts. There are 15 programmable buttons that are setup via software from Razer and saved to the onboard memory where you can switch on the fly among three profiles. We know the hardcore PC gamers live in the basement of their parent’s house so it’s nice that Belkin acknowledged that with a backlit keypad and scroll wheel. Because you will undoubtedly be straining yourself there’s a soft wrist pad as well as an eight-way directional pad. Pick one up in November if you’re in the US, Europe, Korea or Australia for about $70 USD. If you’re Canadian, residing elsewhere in Asia or South America then you’ll have to wait till February. → Read More
Belkin continues to move ahead with its TuneCast line of FM transmitters for DAPs. The TuneCast 3 shares much, if not all, of its features with the TuneCast II: broadcast to any unused FM station, auto power save, compatible with all iPods and other DAPs, etc. Obviously they look different and I’d have to say that the TuneCast 3 looks much better, especially the display. It’s more readable, even more so in low light situations. In my experience with these FM transmitters, you really need to be in a remote area if you want it to work as advertised. Try using these in radio-heavy places like New York and Los Angeles and you’ll be putting up with more static than you’d care to. Product Page [Belkin via Electronista] → Read More
A few months back I reviewed a little product called the Lapinator. It was a simple product made from 3M Thinsulate. The premise was simple, when using your laptop, the Lapinator was positioned between yourself and your machine. In addition to providing cushioning, it prevented your crotch from erupting into flames under the heat of your laptop. → Read More
Belkin’s N1 Vision wireless router has recently been announced and if you’re the type of supergeek who likes speedometers, bandwidth usage meters, and other various readables, you’re gonna love this router. That is, of course, if you can stomach the $199 it’ll take to buy this thing when it comes out later this month. If you can, you’ll enjoy some drafty 802.11n goodness along with a 3×3 MIMO antenna setup along with multiple SSID’s and wireless security up the ying yang. The LCD screen will even display a Guest SSID, perfect for strangers who may be randomly wandering around your home or business. I’ve been a big fan of Belkin routers in general, thanks in large part to the no-fuss/no CD setup. I’d expect that the N1 Vision should be just as easy to get up and running. All in all, it’s a very sleek looking gadget with a lot of bells and whistles. If Belkin’s able to deliver respectable speed and stability out of this beauty, it might have a big winner on it’s hands. The Belkin N1 Vision will be available later this month for $199. Belkin N1 Vision Router [Belkin.com] → Read More
Belkin just launched their first wave of iPhone accessories in the form of a slim-fit case, an acrylic case, an armband, and a headphone adapter. The Slim-Fit is made of black leather and features a belt clip. It’s perfect for people who are cool enough to own an iPhone, but don’t want to look cool at all. I’ll set you back $29.99. The acrylic case provides less protection/more style with full access to the iPhone ports, buttons, and screen. The belt clip doubles as a “video-viewing stand.” It’s also $29.99. The sport armband enables quick access to joggers who want to wipe their fat, sweaty fingers all over the face of their shiny, new iPhone. Show everyone at the gym that you mean business (if your business is douchebaggery) by wearing your heart on your sleeve. It’s, you guessed it, $29.99. The headphone adapter cost $10.95 and is one of the biggest scams of the cell phone industry. Might as well bend over and buy one if you haven’t already. Apparently, it’s impossible to fit a standard-size headphone jack into 99 percent of cellphones and PDAs. Belkin iPhone Accessories [Belkin.com] → Read More
Today we take a look at Belkin’s new Network USB Hub which claims to be the most easily configured wireless USB hub on the market — you could probably also say it’s the only wireless USB hub on the market. Basically, Belkin’s software tricks your computer into thinking that it’s connected to a printer or peripheral directly while they are actually hooked up to your router. Sneaky! Sounds simple right? Let’s check it out… → Read More
Dirty mouse? You’ve tried scrubbing, bleaching, even burning the dirt away — but nothing seems to work! Introducing Belkin’s Washable Mouse. Take an ordinary mouse, make it water-resistant and slap a $30 price tag on it and you have a mouse that can be cleaned in your the sink. Oh, and it “works on many household surfaces, including upholstery and wood.” The mouse, not the cleaning. And you wouldn’t be caught dead carrying your new Belkin Washable Mouse around in your hands, would you? These days it seems that even ordinary backpacks, purses and backpacks that turn into purses aren’t fit to carry such precious cargo. If only there were some sort of mouse pad-like device that zipped up around your mouse, creating a protective, but flexible satchel. Enter the Belkin Mouse Trap, a mouse-pad like device that zips up around your mouse, creating a protective, but flexible satchel “perfect for moving from your bed to the couch to the dining room table.” My friends, we are living in the golden age of mousing technology. Remember these years forever. New Belkin Washable Mouse Endures Spills and Stays Clean Carry and Store Your Mouse with the Belkin Mouse Trap → Read More
Belkin announced today the availability of four new chargers for iPod. The Power Dock AV allows you to charge via an entertainment center while the Power Dock works through a computer. There is also a Charging Kit for car use and a Power Adapter for wall chargin’. The devices are available now for prices ranging from $24 – $49. Belkin → Read More
Belkin has announced a new network USB hub that conjures up a bit black magic to trick your computer into thinking that it’s directly plugged into all your devices when it really isn’t. The hub works with your existing wireless network and gives you wireless access to all your goods because of a ‘special caching technique that supports high-speed USB devices and their isochronous transfers at full speed.’ Huh? In other words, the latency and diminished transfer speeds you’d typically expect on anything wireless are not a factor here, folks. Five USB ports and the ability to support multiple users for multiple devices at only $129.99 makes me giggle uncontrollably. This will be perfect for CrunchGear HQ. Press Release → Read More
Belkin announced today the launch of two products benefiting the fight against breast cancer. It has pledged 10 percent of the proceeds from a new pink iPod nano Sport Armband and the “Hope” Remix Metal Nano case. Belkin will give a minimum of $100,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The items will be available on May 6 for $30 each. Here is your opportunity to wear pink and not feel like less of man for doing so — because you’re doing it for the ladies. Bonus pic after the drop: → Read More
Belkin has finally made those lame grommet holes in our desks useful with a trio of In-Desk products. Two are USB 2.0 hubs with 4 ports that are either angled or flush depending on your preference. The third In-Desk is an iPod dock that charges and syncs to your PC/Mac and it includes a stereo-in jack. All three grommet hole conversion hubs retail for $39.99 and will be available soon. Product Page [via Everything USB] → Read More
in the mail and today the Internet-communications company goes and drops a new version of the free app for Mac OS X users: Skype 2.5. The beta’s been around since mid-November, but the final version was officially released today. And aside from a slightly updated look, there’s a new birthday reminder feature and the abilities to send SMS messages to any mobile phone in the world and hold conference calls with up to nine other people have been added. Skype 2.5 for Mac → Read More
