V-Moda Vibe Duos updated with call answer/hang-up button

Posted by Sparky Categories: Accessories, Apple, Smartphones, Music, Portable Audio / Video,

We recently reviewed the V-Moda Vibe Duo headset for the Apple’s iPhone and were quite impressed. Aside from a faulty pair of earbuds our biggest complaint was the lack of a button on the microphone to enable answering of calls and pausing of music. It sounds like V-Moda has listened and they just announced the 2nd generation Vibe Duo which will feature the same button as Apple’s stock iPhone earbuds. The 2nd generation Vibe Duos promise the same spectacular sound quality, luxurious cloth wrapped cables, and comfortable design.

It looks like the new version will drop at the same $99 price tag. If you have been considering a pair of these fabulous earbuds it might be worth it to wait a few weeks for the new ones to show up in stores.

Read More | V-Moda press release

Bevy Protects shuffles

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Apple, Portable Audio / Video,

Protect your iPod shuffle with this original Bevy case that also allows you to wrap up your earbuds, carry your keys and, after removal of your PMP, pop the top off a brew. The Bevy was awarded the 2007 MacWorld design contest, leading us to believe that Mac people cannot do without their Heinekens (just kidding.) The gadget is temporarily out of stock, but you can pre-order for the next batch at Firebox at a price of $14.95.

(Thanks, Jennifer)

Read More | Firebox

Canon Can Create Christmas Cards

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Cameras, Misc. Tech,

Canon has revealed its latest compact photo printer. The SELPHY ES2 is basic white on the outside, but inside has a few new capabilities. It comes with 16 templates for postcard-size images, nine clip art stamps, and imaging effects. The printer will make 2 x 3 and 4 x 6-inch photos in both color and black and white. The SELPHY is available at a price of $199.99, just in time for you to create your own Christmas cards if you plan on sitting on Santa’s lap at the mall.

Read More | U.S.A. Canon

Meowlingual Cat Translation Device is Purr Fun

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, Misc. Tech, Toys,

As a cat owner, this writer has wished many times that her beloved cat Woody could talk, if only to explain a lot of his

idiosyncracies. If you’re a cat owner, you’ve no doubt wished the same. Well, the folks at Takara Tomy are having fun with the concept by introducing the Meowlingual Cat Translation Device. Like it’s successful predecessor, the Bowlingual Dog Translator (yes, we’re serious), it’s basically a toy that, when held up to your fave feline, “interprets” whatever he/she is meow-ing to you. The “translation” (such as “I can’t stand it”), is then displayed on its screen. It’s all good, silly fun, and a great gift for cat owners. The device will be released in Japan this November, no word on a stateside release. But at 8,800 yen (approx. $74 USD), we think the faux translator’s a tad expensive, so we’ll continue to wait for someone to invent a real one.

Read More | Takara Tomy

The 45 nano: Audio Cassettes Transformed into iPod nano Cases

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, Apple, Misc. Tech, Portable Audio / Video,

We love it when retro tech collides with new school gadgetry, such as the Boombox Bag. Now comes the “45 nano” from Contexture. Despite its name, an audio cassette (not a “45” vinyl single) is hallowed out on one side and fitted with plastic casing, with openings for the click wheel, headphones and AC adapter/charging dock. The other side still looks like an audio tape. Currently, the 45 nano is for 1st and 2nd Gen nanos, but Contexture is currently working on a version for the newest 3rd gen iPod nano. Available for $45 USD.

Read More | 45 iPod Cases via Retro to Go

The “Take Charge” Bag Organizes Your Gadgets

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, PC / Laptop,

If you’re a gadget geek, chances are you’re overrun with a seemingly endless amount of AC adapters (and wires, headphones, storage cards, wireless keyboards and gotta-have-it accessories). If you’re the type that needs all this when traveling, we suggest the aptly-named “Take Charge” bag, with compartments to keep all your chargers gadget swag in one convenient location. The tote measures 10 ½“L x 3”H x 4”H and is reasonably priced at $12 USD. If you’re looking at the accompanying photo and saying “Gee, I could’ve invented that myself,” you’re not alone, my friend.

Read More | Think Geek via Geek Sugar

Vaja iVolution Top SP Flip Holster for the iPhone reviewed

Posted by Sparky Categories: Accessories, Apple, Smartphones, Design, Portable Audio / Video, Product Reviews,

Surrounding the release of Apple‘s iPhone there was a flurry excitement surrounding various cases to protect and showcase a consumer’s shiny new obsession. A number of cases including simple cloth slipcovers, protective rubber enclosures, and elaborate leather constructions flooded onto the market, each with different plusses and minuses.

Gear Live has previously reviewed several of the high-end leather cases by Argentinean case manufacturer Vaja, and given our extremely positive experiences in the past, we jumped at the opportunity to check out their new iVolution line of iPhone cases. The iVolution line has a number of different styles of cases and holsters, and we selected the fully-enclosed protection offered by the iVolution Top SP Holster. Click through the jump for the full in-depth review.

Click to continue reading Vaja iVolution Top SP Flip Holster for the iPhone reviewed

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Behold the Sandwich-shaped Lunch Box

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Storage,

We recently told you about the Banana Guard, a plastic storage case that protects the squishy yellow fruit. What better to go with it than the self-explanatory Sandwich Shaped Lunch Box? Fortunately, the large plastic case not only holds your ham on wheat, but is big enough to hold chips and dessert too. Now if we can only find a plastic “Juice Box-Shaped Juice Box Holder”, our life would be so complete. Available for approx. $18 USD.

Read More | Loads More Stuff via Nerd Approved

New Wii Cases Inspired by Ninjas

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Video Games, Videos,

Want to dress up your Wii? Talismoon has come up with a series of Evolve cases to prove you have the coolest look, even if you aren’t the best player on the block. The collection includes 8 designs and carries the fancy titles of Abyss, Black Katana, Blue Boshido, Green Tanto, Pink Geisha, Red Ronin, Silver Shuriken, and Stealth Assassin. Each cover is $39.95 and features a rear access panel, removable door, and slot color selection. The company is so jazzed about their product that they even created this animated short to sell the cases. Pretty nifty, but you don’t get to see the product until the last few seconds.

Read More | Talismoon

Jetstream Has Cordless Earphones

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Music, Portable Audio / Video,

Look, Ma, no more cords. RCA is banking on their new Jetstream, a 1 GB MP3 player that comes with FM tuner/record with 20 presets and wireless earphones, to make it to your wishlist this Holiday season. The S2501’s coverage is about 30 feet so when your boss tells you not to play your music during working hours he/she won’t know you have stashed the PMP in a drawer and are secretly listening to “Born to Be Wild” while waiting for the clock to strike 5:00. Look for the Jetstream’s release to be sometime this month at a cost of ~$139.00.

Read More | Ubergizmo