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Microsoft Adds Windows 8 Mice

Doug Olenick — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:27:22 +0000

Redmond, Wash. — Microsoft unveiled a pair of new mice designed to work with its Windows 8 operating system.

The Sculpt Comfort will ship next month.

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Redmond, Wash. — Microsoft unveiled a pair of new mice designed to work with its Windows 8 operating system.

The Sculpt Mobile wireless mouse features a dedicated button to access the Start screen, decorated with a blue Windows logo. The mouse also has four-way scrolling and BlueTrack technology for tracking on nearly any surface.

It’s shipping this month for a $29.95 suggested retail.

The second mouse, the Sculpt Comfort mouse, also features dedicated Start screen access, but it uses a touch-sensitive button located near the thumb placement. Users can press the center of the tab to switch between a current app and the Start screen, or swipe the tab up or down to manage all open apps, Microsoft said. The mouse also has four-way scrolling.

While the Sculpt Mobile uses wireless USB technology, the Sculpt Comfort connects via Bluetooth.

It will ship in June for a $39.95 suggested retail.

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May 24 2013 - 11:24am

Turtle Beach To Team With Microsoft For Xbox One Headsets

Doug Olenick — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:50:11 +0000

Valhalla, N.Y. — Turtle Beach announced it is teaming with Microsoft to create headsets designed specifically for the Xbox One.

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Valhalla, N.Y. — Turtle Beach announced it is teaming with Microsoft to create headsets designed specifically for the Xbox One.

Products details weren’t available, but Turtle Beach said it “will be among the first to market with Microsoft-licensed gaming headsets for the Xbox One. A spokeswoman told TWICE details will be announced during E3 in June.

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May 24 2013 - 10:48am

Phorus Offers Dads & Grads Bundles

Doug Olenick — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:31:18 +0000

Calabasas, Calif. — Phorus is running a Dads and Grads special on its PS1 speaker and PR1 receiver.

The PS1 (left) and PS3

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Calabasas, Calif. — Phorus is running a Dads and Grads special on its PS1 speaker and PR1 receiver.

The Phorus audio products (bundled as a wireless speaker, receiver and an app) are designed to turn any Android device into a whole-home audio hub.

On a stand-alone basis, the PS1 speaker retails for $199, and the PR1 receiver retails for $149. The Dads and Grads promotional discounts, which run until June 16 and only on the Phorus website, are as follows:

• two PS1 speakers and one Phorus PR1 receiver, $399;

• two PS1 speakers, $349; and

• one PS1 speaker and one PR1 receiver, $299.

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May 23 2013 - 1:29pm

OtterBox Acquires LifeProof

Doug Olenick — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:30:16 +0000

Fort Collins, Colo. – OtterBox has acquired LifeProof, a primary competitor in the protective case market.

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Fort Collins, Colo. – OtterBox has acquired LifeProof, a primary competitor in the protective case market.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Diego, LifeProof specializes in waterproof, shock-proof hardshell cases for Apple’s iPhones and iPads.

The company sells through consumer and enterprise channels.

“Over the next 30 days, OtterBox will begin incorporating the LifeProof brand into the OtterBox family. More information about product availability and alignment will be determined at the completion of the integration,” read an OtterBox statement.

OtterBox has its own lines of protective cases for Apple products, as well as cases and accessories for devices marketed by Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Blackberry, Boost Mobile, Google, HTC, LG, Motorola, Nokia and Samsung.

OtterBox employs approximately 650 people worldwide. LifeProof employs approximately 250 people, “who are now members of the OtterBox family and will remain in their San Diego location for the foreseeable future,” Otterbox said.

“The joining of OtterBox and LifeProof is a way to combine two great brands and provide customers with even more great products, services and choices for smartphone accessories,” OtterBox CEO Brian Thomas said. “Our strategy is to utilize our combined brand momentum and world-class talent to create a great customer experience that generates OtterBox brand ambassadors for life,” he added.

OtterBox is a family-owned business founded in 1998.

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May 23 2013 - 9:28am

iLuv Ships MultiCharger-X For Enterprise

Doug Olenick — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:54:53 +0000

Port Washington, N.Y. — iLuv Creative Technology has begun shipping its 10-bay iPad sync and charger for a $799 suggested retail.

The MultiCharger-X can charge and sync up to 10 iPads at once.

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Port Washington, N.Y. — iLuv Creative Technology has begun shipping its 10-bay iPad sync and charger for a $799 suggested retail.

The MultiCharger-X (iAD910) is designed for schools and offices and can be daisychained with other models to sync up to 30 iPads. Features include rounded corners for safety, handles and optional attachable wheels for portability, and a locking door with two included keys. It has individual three-color LED indicator lights.

Users can sync data, menus and updates across multiple iPad devices, iLuv said. It will work with Lightning and 30-pin iPads.

“iLuv is excited to announce that our first-ever accessory specifically geared towards the enterprise customer, the MultiCharger-X, is now available,” said Jason Park, iLuv marketing manager, in a statement. “Tablet use in enterprises, including small businesses, restaurants and medical offices has seen tremendous growth in recent years. MultiCharger-X makes it easy for these businesses to charge and sync multiple iPad devices, ensuring that all information and records are readily available and always accessible whenever needed.”

Additional accessories for MultiCharger-X can be purchased at iLuv.com, including caster wheels with brakes, 30-pin cable bundles and Lightning cable bundles. It comes in several colors

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May 22 2013 - 3:53pm

Beyond The Devices: Accessories Suppliers Stake CTIA Claim

Doug Olenick — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:23:30 +0000

CTIA 2013 Las Vegas — CTIA 2013 is not just for hardware.

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CTIA 2013 Las Vegas — CTIA 2013 is not just for hardware.

Accessories suppliers occupy a large percentage of the exhibition space here and can offer retailers high-margin add-on dollars to each and every smartphone or mobile device sale.

Here is a rundown of some of the recent and imminent accessories introductions to the mobile market.

BodyGuardz is showing it newest iPhone 5 case, (Right) the Guardian, which combines a clamshell-designed case made from a bullet-proof form of polycarbonate material with an impact-resistant ScreenGuardz Pure Premium Glass Screen Protector.

Bracketron is at CTIA 2013 to debut its portable rotating Twist & Charge USB charger, which adds USB charging to any AC outlet while freeing up the outlet in which it is plugged. The Twist & Charge features one surge-protected USB outlet that rotates up to 270 degrees, giving users an extra AC outlet. It will be available for purchase on June 19 for $17.95 on Bracketron's website. Retail distribution will follow.

Creative Technology’s colorful new Creative Hitz headsets include an in-line microphone, onboard call control and audio playback controls, neodymium drivers for high frequencies and deep bass, gold-plated 3.5mm plugs and flat, tangle-free cables. They are available in a variety of colors and driver sizes and feature ergonomically designed head band padding and ear pads. Prices range from $29.99 to $69.99.

Divoom’s IFIT-1 mobile/tablet speaker is a portable hi-fi speaker with a sliding stand to accommodate most smartphones and tablets. Its built-in rechargeable 300 mAh battery powers up to six hours of audio playback, and the stand integrates a cone design speaker system with 2-inch drivers that deliver a 360-degree sound field.

Escort is taking part in several off-site events during CTIA and has its recently launched StickyCup windshield mount on display. The StickyCup, which is currently available for a $24.99 suggested retail, features a “semi-sticky” gel ring on the cup surface to adhere to the windshield, and has a rotating knob to adjust the bracket’s angle. It’s designed to work with Escort’s radar detectors and select Beltronics models.

Griffin Technology is showing new models of some of its most popular cases newly designed for the Galaxy S III and S4 and Blackberry Q10 and Z10 smartphones. New models of the Survivor, Survivor Skin, Survivor Slim, Reveal, iClear, Midtown Wallet and Holster lines are on display, along with a Trainer armband for the gym and a new Survivor + Catalyst waterproof case for the iPhone 5, which began shipping on Tuesday.

iWalk is showcasing its newest lineup of consumer solutions during CTIA 2013, including what it called “the industry’s largest selection of backup batteries featuring Apple’s Lightning connector.” At the high end is the Extreme 10000 Duo, which is capable of rapidly charging two 2.1-amp tablets at the same time with a whopping 10,000 mAh of extra power. It includes an integrated LED flashlight and an LED power-level indicator.

Among Kensington’s broad line of CTIA offerings is the Evap Wet Electronics Rescue Pouch. It contains a unique drying agent that removes the moisture from accidentally submerged electronics, preventing permanent damage. It has a suggested retail of $19.99.

MapiCases is exhibiting its 2013 line of authentic Turkish leather smartphone and tablet cases and previewing new colors and models scheduled to launch this summer. Among the new offerings coming is the Nais (pictured), created for the BlackBerry Z10, which includes a rotating belt clip. Also on display: the Milano for iPad Mini which includes a zip closure on three sides and two sculpted ID-sized storage pockets; and the Orion for iPad or iPhone, which offers full cover protection and multiple viewing stand options.

Mophie announced the availability of its most powerful Juice Pack battery case for the iPhone 5, the Juice Pack Plus. The case is said to double the usage time of the iPhone 5 with a 2,100 mAh battery. The case's dual-injected sleeve is engineered with a shockproof band and anti- scratch guides to help buffer the impact of drops and falls. It retails for $120 and comes in three colors, monochromatic soft touch black, glossy white and metallic red, in collaboration with the Product (RED) charity endeavor.

Pong Research announced its new Gold Reveal smartphone case with a proprietary gold-plated antenna that disperses non-ionizing radiation away from a phone user's head and body. Pong products were proven to reduce radiation exposure by two independent facilities, CETECOM and RF Exposure Labs, both accredited by the Federal Communications Commission and certified to U.S., Canadian, European, and Australian standards for mobile devices. The Gold Reveal is now available for iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S III, with both classic and rugged versions. Cases for additional smartphone models, including the iPad, iPad Mini and Samsung Galaxy S4, are available for pre-order at PongResearch.com.

Powerocks is exhibiting its new Super Magicstick line of portable power banks to charge devices on the go. The chargers provide 2,800 mAh of power in a compact package for two full emergency charges for smartphones or tablets. A smart LED indicator shows remaining capacity and charging status, turning red when charging and blue when fully charged. They measure 3.4 inches by 0.86 inches and are available in silver, red, black, blue, golden and purple, as well as textural finishes in Red Crocodile, Yellow Leopard, Blue Leopard, Grey Leopard, Grey Paisley Lace and Black Paisley Lace. Pricing begins at $34.99.

Seidio has extended its Obex waterproof case line to the Samsung Galaxy S4. Obex (Latin for barrier) is a polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane impact-proof case that meets the military standard for drop protection and exceeds the IP68 rating for underwater submergence. The new version was revamped and redesigned to be slimmer, easier to install and remove, and maintain the sound quality of the device’s speakers and microphone, Seidio said. It will be available in Q3 for $79.95. There are existing Obex models for the Apple iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3.

SuperTooth launched its new NFC-enabled, Bluetooth over-the-ear Freedom headphones with nearfield communication (NFC) pairing, allowing consumers to touch their NFC-enabled device to the headphones to pair. They feature 40mm drivers, support the AptX codec for wireless audio streaming, and boast of up to 15 hours of battery life on a full charge. The Freedom also supports AVRCP so users can control the play/pause/volume up/down/next/previous track functions directly from the headphones. The Freedom will be available in white, black and blue for a suggested $149 beginning this summer.

Ventev’s Powercase line of battery cases provide an additional 6-8 hours of talk time for the iPhone 5. The unique charging port design allows uninhibited access to the device’s 3.5mm jack enabling most headsets to fit without an adapter. The six-hour Powercase 1500 (1,500 mAh and eight-hour Powercase 2000 (2,000 mAh) are two-piece cases featuring Ventev Mobile’s signature soft-touch finish, while the device buttons remain fully functional through the case. The Powercase boasts an LED battery level indicator and micro USB charging port. An on/off switch enables users to control when the device is being recharged and current protection prevents overcharging.

Wilson Electronics announced a new marine initiative with the development of a signal booster kit that improves cellular coverage for boaters on inland and near-shore waterways. The Marine Signal Booster Kit (model 841246) pairs Wilson’s AG SOHO 60 signal booster with its marine antenna, and includes all cables and components needed to complete and install the system. It supports all carriers and all generations of CDMA, TDMA, GSM, and 3G networks. It does not support Nextel/iDen, Verizon 4G LTE and AT&T 4G LTE/AWS. The kit retails for $400.

zNitro is exhibiting a broad line of protective accessories and device cases, with demonstrations by Z2, the fighting robot, who is performing kicks and dropping elbows onto devices protected by zNitro products. Among the new products are new and improved Nitro Glass screen protectors for popular smartphones and tablets. Now with an “oleophobic” and hydrophobic coating, the hammer-tested and tempered-glass screen protectors resist fingerprints and smudges and have a hardness rating of 8H on a scale of 10, the company said.

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May 21 2013 - 2:17pm

Bracketron Debuts Charger, Car Mount At CTIA

Doug Olenick — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:45:07 +0000

CTIA 2013 Las Vegas — Bracketron is at CTIA 2013 to debut its portable rotating Twist & Charge USB charger, which adds USB charging to any AC outlet while freeing up the outlet in which it is plugged.

Bracketron’s Twist & Charge

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CTIA 2013 Las Vegas — Bracketron is at CTIA 2013 to debut its portable rotating Twist & Charge USB charger, which adds USB charging to any AC outlet while freeing up the outlet in which it is plugged.

The Twist & Charge features one surge-protected USB outlet that rotates up to 270 degrees, giving users an extra AC outlet. It will be available for purchase on June 19 for $17.95 on Bracketron's website. Retail distribution will follow.

In addition to the Twist & Charge, Bracketron is exhibiting its full line of smartphone and tablet mounts for the car.

New auto mounts are highlighted by the Mi-T Grip, which features a Temporbond technology that allows it to be mounted to both the dash and window with a rotating head grip that holds devices with or without a case in portrait and landscape modes, and allows full access to device controls. The suction mount is infused with a polyurethane ring that allows it to attach to most hard or textured surfaces in a car, boat or home.

The Mi-T Grip is available for $29.95 at Best Buy and Bracketron.com, and is coming soon to additional retailers.

Bracketron is in CTIA booth 1526.

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May 21 2013 - 10:44am

Voxx Accessories Adds Speakers, Headphones

Doug Olenick — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:22:31 +0000

CTIA 2013 Las Vegas — Voxx Accessories came to the CTIA convention to expand its 808 series of headphones and tabletop speakers and announce an availability date for its tabletop Soundboard speaker.

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CTIA 2013 Las Vegas — Voxx Accessories came to the CTIA convention to expand its 808 series of headphones and tabletop speakers and announce an availability date for its tabletop Soundboard speaker.

The $29-suggested Soundboard speaker, available in August, is the company’s first speaker with Soundflow technology, which lets users place a smartphone or MP3 player on a pad on top of the device to amplify the portable device’s sound. The intent is to simplify operation by eliminating the need for Bluetooth pairing.

The Soundboard will be available in three color schemes. One features white top, chrome trim and black bottom. The second features wood-grain top, chrome trim and black bottom, and the third features matte black top, lime green trim and black bottom.

The Soundboard speakers have 2-watt output, dual-ported audio design, volume controls and a 3.5mm audio-in jack. It runs on household AC or three AA batteries.

In its 808 series, the company introduced three new products: the $59-suggested 808 Drift on-ear headphones, $59 808 EQ ear buds, and $39 808 Canz wireless Bluetooth speakers.

The 808 series is positioned as delivering high-performance sound “without the outrageous price,” said David Geise, president of Voxx Accessories.

The Drift on-ear headphones feature 36mm drivers, foldable design, rotating ear cups with soft form-fitting padding, and a tangle-free cable. They’re available in black or red.

The 808 EQ ear buds feature compact metal housing, spiral-support ear tips, in-line mic with control switch, and 9.2mm dynamic transducers said to provide deep bass. They will be available in September in black or red. The ear buds come with no-tangle rayon-braided OFC cable, three sizes of spiral-supported ear tips, and a carrying case.

The 808 Canz wireless Bluetooth speaker, available in August, features 2-watt output and rechargeable lithium-polymer battery providing six hours of playtime at normal volume. It also features Bluetooth v2.1, pairing button and LED pairing indicator, USB charging cable, and an aux cable for connection to the speaker’s 3.5mm aux input. It will be available in red, blue or silver.

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May 21 2013 - 9:21am

U.S., European Wireless Power Giants Merge

John Laposky — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:04:34 +0000

New York — The largest wireless power provider in the U.S., Powermat, and Europe's largest, PowerKiss, today announced a merger.

A Powermat 3-device wireless charger

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New York — The largest wireless power providers in the U.S. and Europe today announced a merger.

Powermat, which markets wireless device-charging solutions in the U.S. under the Duracell Powermat brand, and PowerKiss, Europe's market leader, have entered into a definitive agreement to combine their companies under the Powermat Technologies umbrella.

Financial terms of the deal were not announced.

Both companies have committed to support the recently launched Power Matters Alliance (PMA) and its Power 2.0 technology standard, dubbed "the Internet of electricity." Other backers of the technology include AT&T, General Motors and Procter & Gamble, among others.

The PMA, which formally launched in March, is chaired by Google's chief Internet evangelist Vint Cerf.

“The PMA is dedicated to the idea that it may be possible to do for electricity what the Internet has done for information,” said Cerf. “The PMA’s recipe for delivering power wirelessly creates a vision of a new world in which power and information become parts of a whole. We are happy to invite interested prospective members to take part in shaping this new era of intelligent wireless power.”

Powermat has deployed more 1,500 wireless charging spots in the U.S. in places such as airports, coffee shops, malls and arenas. In Europe, PowerKiss has overseen the installation of more than 1,000 charging spots in airports, hotels and cafés, and recently announced wireless charging at select McDonald’s Europe locations.

By combining forces, the two companies "aim to enable a consistent wireless charging experience for mobile people across the globe."

“With our on-the-go lifestyles, keeping our devices powered and ready at all times has become the biggest unmet consumer need, said Ran Poliakine, CEO of Powermat. “Uniting forces behind a common standard ensures that consumers will be able to avail themselves of the widest possible ecosystem of public places where they can recharge. Very soon consumers will be able to access wireless power seamlessly as they move between home, office, coffee shop, car and airport. PowerKiss shares our dream of a wireless world, and has the creativity and exceptional capabilities needed to help transform this dream into reality.”

“PowerKiss recently became members of the PMA, enticed by its unique digital-layer, remote-management capability and remarkable industry momentum. Today we are going ‘all-in’ and are very excited to combine forces with Powermat,” said Mats Wolontis, CEO of PowerKiss. “Powermat has excellent knowhow in this industry and the drive to make things happen. Our two companies have a remarkably similar vision for wireless power, and have labored in parallel to make it a reality. Along the way we made different and incompatible technological choices, and this is exactly the right time to resolve these. From now on we will operate as one company, one powerhouse deploying a common technology and supporting one single standard. We can’t wait to show the world what we can do together.”

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May 21 2013 - 8:59am

U.S., European Wireless Power Powers Merge

Doug Olenick — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:20:53 +0000

New York — The largest wireless power providers in the U.S. and Europe today announced a merger.

Duracell Powermat’s three-device wireless charger

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New York — The largest wireless power providers in the U.S. and Europe today announced a merger.

Financial terms of the deal were not announced.

The PMA, which formally launched in March, is chaired by Google's chief Internet evangelist Vint Cerf.

By combining forces, the two companies "aim to enable a consistent wireless charging experience for mobile people across the globe."

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May 21 2013 - 8:18am