The iMuffs MB210 by Wi-Gear are multi-functional headphones for the iPod Nano, iPod Video (5G), iPod Mini, iPod (3G) and iPod (4G). Wi-Gear has set out to “cut the cord” with this headset. Although not specifically designed for other devices, you can also use these headphones with the iPhone, Bluetooth enabled mobile phones and properly equipped computers.
The behind-the-neck headphones are surprisingly lightweight and flexible to reduce ear fatigue. The iMuffs hold very well whether you’re enjoying music around the house or going for a brief jog. The positioning of the headphones gives more direct, clear bass tones with less sound loss. Designed with the right-handed population in mind, the right earpiece has a convenient volume control as well as pause, forward and backward navigation controls.
Powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer 550mAh battery, the iMuffs claim to give users up to 20 hours of continuous playback. We found the actual time to be more in the 16 to 18 hour range, which is still not bad. Recharging the battery is made easy by virtue of the standard micro USB port.
Connecting your iPod is very simple, just plug it in and turn it on. The navigation buttons are very responsive to touch and quite easy to press making it impossible to lay down on your right side while listening to music. The iMuffs also connect to the iPhone as well as other Bluetooth 2.0 enabled mobile phones. The integrated Bluetooth supports the A2DP, AVRCP, HFP and HSP profiles. You can also use this headset to place calls without the use of the handset itself. We were able to use the iPhone via Bluetooth to place calls, but the Bluetooth dongle is needed to actually listen to music.
Audio playback as well as call quality are both about average. We were able to listen to music within a close proximity to the actual device with little to no interference. When you go into another room, or put a large object between your and your music device you will almost always here static until in direct sight of your device, but that is to be expected from most Bluetooth devices.
The iMuffs have a 20Hz - 20kHz frequency range, which is much better than a lot of headphones today. However their use of Bluetooth wireless means sound quality undergoes compression and, as such, these aren’t the wireless cans for audiophiles (who would do better looking at Sleek Audio’s W-1 system). The headphones reach up to 40 feet away, making them perfect for doing work around the house or hitting the gym. They also use Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), allowing incoming calls to interrupt music. Without A2DP users would need two separate headsets, one for music and one for Bluetooth calling. While noise-canceling technology is present in the iMuffs, it is very limited and by no means advanced. In locations where there is moderate background noise, the headphones phase out noise pretty well. However in situations where there are high noise levels, the noise cancelation fails to perform very well.
If the iMuffs sound like a perfect holiday gift, even for yourself, you may now order them directly from Wi-Gear for $149.99.
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Written by Shawn Brown on December 2nd, 2008 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Accessories and Feature and Headphones and SlashGear Reviews and Stereo headset and archive and bluetooth and iPhone and iPod and iPod Touch and iphone 3G.
The in-ear headphones Steve Jobs announced back in September have finally gone on sale, complete with a $79 price-tag. Showing in the Apple store as shipping in 7-10 days, the headset not only includes the in-ear stereo buds but an in-line microphone and “control capsule” that allows you to adjust volume, play and pause music, and skip between tracks.
However, while they’d seem the ideal partner for the iPhone, in actual fact the headphones aren’t compatible with the Apple cellphone. More accurately, while they’ll play music, the controls and microphone won’t function. They’re only intended for the iPod nano (4th generation), iPod classic (120GB) and iPod touch (2nd generation).
Three silicone ear-tips are included, just in case you have outlandishly large or small ear-canals, and the drivers themselves are protected from aural filth by removable mesh grills. Two replacement grills are included, just in case the filth really is caked on. Apple also include a carry case.
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Written by Chris Davies on December 2nd, 2008 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Accessories and Apple and Headphones and Stereo headset and archive and iPod.
Handheld Games Corp’s CEO Thomas Fessler is reporting subtle differences between old and new models of both the iPhone and iPod Touch as far as 3D gaming is concerned. In an interview with Touch Arcade, Fessler says the performance of their 3D game TouchSports Tennis “is noticeably different across models.”
These noticeable differences spring from the fact that Fessler and Co. tried to achieve consistent performance on all devices running mobile OS X, the platform for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Add to that the fact that the game provides very good 3D renderings, and you’re sure to see some slight differences due to the fact that all models aren’t necessarily packing exactly the same hardware.
Fessler was quoted as saying:
Our first step to increase fps performance was to introduce hardware dependent levels of detail. Where we can easily display two 1500 polygon tennis players with 32 bones each on the iPod touch 2G and maintain fast and fluid game play, the original iPod touch just chokes, and in some instances so do the iPhones. To speed up the touch, we reduced the players to 800 polygons in farther away moments of gameplay, and are now using 1000 polygon models for close ups, bringing the original iPod touch game play performance level close to that of the iPhone 3G. We’ve taken this approach across the board with great results.
So it seems, the iPhone performs slower than the iPod Touch 2nd generation model when it comes to 3D rendering, but manages to beat the first generation iPod Touch nonetheless. According to their performance levels based on the game TouchSports Tennis, the official rankings are as follows:
- iPod Touch 2nd Generation
- iPhone 3G
- iPhone (original)
- iPod Touch 1st Generation
It’s obvious now that Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch combo stand a good chance of taking a chunk out of the Sony PSP and Nintendo DS Lite’s market share, if only a little. But the real lesson here, though, is that anyone wanting to experience the better part of iPhone gaming shouldn’t be looking at the first generation iPod Touch.
Touch Arcade via MacRumors
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Written by David Gonzales on November 24th, 2008 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on 3d performance and 3d rendering and Apple and Games and Gaming and Wireless and iPhone and iPod and touchsports tennis.
Sure, the name sounds cozy, but iMuffs are not meant to keep your ears warm, which sucks because it is cold outside. But they will let you listen to your iPod Nano, iPod Classic, iPod Photo, iPod Touch, iPod Mini and all 3rd generation iPods without a cable.
Just attach the iMuffs Bluetooth transmitter to your iPod and you’ll be un-tethered. You can control the volume and playback with the headphones themselves, keeping your device safely in your pocket. The built-in battery can be recharged via USB, and they claim a play time of 16 hours. You can get the iMuffs in black or white for $129.99.
[imuffs]
Written by Conner Flynn on November 23rd, 2008 with no comments.
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You were expecting this, weren’t you? The iPhone Dev team have released the new QuickPwn (Win & Mac) and Pwnage (Mac) versions enabling iPhone and iPod Touch 1G users to successfully jailbreak the latest v2.2 firmware. However, the team wants you to be a little cautious before taking the plunge. Mind you this is not the baseband unlock and if you ever want one, you need to install a custom ipsw.
Download links and further info available on their website.
Written by Kunal Gangar on November 23rd, 2008 with no comments.
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Wireless iPod docks are not new, but the trend kind of died out leaving us with many tethered versions. Marantz has one of their own to offer with the IS301, a Lucullan wireless iPod dock that transmits both audio and video and includes a receiver with ports for your home theater. Almost every dock-connecting iPod will work and it also features Bluetooth 2.1 for BT-enabled devices. It should hit Japan in January for about $277. Hopefully the US soon after.
[Impress]
Written by Conner Flynn on November 22nd, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Apple and IS301 and Music and Wireless and dock and iPod and iPod Accessories and marantz.
Princeton presents the Jive Box 2.1 channels boom box with an integrated dock for your Ipod. The manufacturer wants to remind you not to be scared of the 90 watts high power Ipod companion; unlike traditional amplifier, the 3 ways designed speaker system play loud tunes with energy efficient digital amp and will not run up your power bills.
The Jive box houses a 4.9-inch down-firing subwoofer beneath its 7×7×7.6- inch cabinet. An Ipod dock cradle, also functions as your Ipod charger, sits on top on an AM/FM radio console and it’s compatible with 4 generation Ipod, Touch, Mini, Nano and Classic. Three choices of LED light – Red, Blu and Green is selectable to lit up a cross line surrounding the unit.
Below the cradle is a small LCD screen to display playback information from the built-in radio, music source to clock. A wireless remote control comes standard. Multimedia connectivity includes video outputs to external display, a headphone output, USB ports and an auxiliary input for external mp3 player. The Princeton Jive Box will set you back 14,800 yen ($156) and is slated to release from mid December .
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Written by Daniel Lim on November 21st, 2008 with no comments.
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Here’s a little something for smokers who love their gadgets. If you have a spare iPod laying around, you too can be very James Bond like and turn it into a cigarette case.
Basically, just remove the guts and replace said guts with butts. Makes a great conversation piece and your be the life of any party. It can be a secret compartment for anything small, not just cigs. This person came up with the idea when their iPod had an encounter with the pavement and died.
[Tulipsociety]
Written by Conner Flynn on November 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Apple and DIY and case and cigarette and hack and iPod and mod and smoking.
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