Accessories Briefs

By TWICE Staff On Jun 6 2011 - 4:01am

WallWizard Taps 5 New Independent Sales Firms

City of Industry, Calif. — TV mount supplier Wall- Wizard announcied the appointment of two distributors and three sales agents who will represent the WallWizard brand in Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, India, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, expanding the company’s global reach.

The following firms and reps have been appointed: - Nick Libertone of Australia’s Convergent Technologies; Aditya Gupta of India’s The Soundsmiths; Michael Holm Nielsen, Holmes ApS, for Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway; Teo de Lange of TST International Consulting Services in The Netherlands ; and in Brazil, Carlos Rocha of Samurai Industria de Produtos Eletronicos.

Of the recent additions to the company’s independent sales force, WallWizard general manager Abe Chavez stated, “The addition of these new international channel partners proves that the WallWizard Product Line has global appeal. Furthermore, it allows our company to remain true to our corporate mission, which is to deliver unique and innovative TV mounting solutions for dealers, integrators and retailers worldwide.”

iLuv Debuts iPad 2 Case With Bluetooth Keyboard PORT

WASHINGTON, N.Y. — iLuv Creative Technology has introduced its iCK826 Professional Case for iPad 2 with removable Bluetooth keyboard.

The leatherette case combines a number of innovative features designed specifically for professional users.

The iCK826’s sports a removable Bluetooth keyboard designed so that the keys react and respond to the user’s touch in the same tactile manner as a traditional computer keyboard, providing a typing experience that is familiar to the user and completely different than that of typing on the device’s touchscreen display.

“There is no doubt that the iPad products have changed the game in mobile computing,” said Pia Chon, marketing director at iLuv. “The iCK826 adds tremendous value to an already amazing device by making it just as easy to create documents and media as it is to consume them on an iPad. This will make the iPad a much more powerful and versatile device for many consumers, particularly those who prefer to type on a traditional physical keyboard.”

The iCK826’s keyboard includes a micro USB port for charging of the internal battery that will last up to 30 days on a single charge. Secured with four Velcro strips sewn into the leatherette case, the Bluetooth keyboard can be easily removed.

It also has a retractable kickstand, a leatherette closure with chrome accents that, when set in the open position, rotates out of the way of the screen.

The inside of the case is lined with a micro suede inner lining to protect the back of the iPad 2 from scratches.

Designed specifically for the iPad 2, The Professional case features openings for the front and back cameras as well as a cutout for the iPad 2’s speaker so not to inhibit sound

The iCK826 is currently available at select iLuv retailers for $129.99.

V-MODA, HBO Team For “True Blood” Headphones

Hollywood, Calif. – V-MODA and HBO have inked a licensing deal to bring to market a collection of headphones that embodies the spirit of the award-winning HBO vampire series, True Blood.

Scheduled to launch this summer, the “V-MODA for True Blood” collection offers six models ranging from ear buds to headphones, including a brand new style specifically crafted for the line.

V-MODA is touting the headphone line’s “almost immortal durability made possible by the company’s MaterialEDGE military-tough testing processes and over four years of quality engineering. The product line’s timeless materials – metal plates, Kevlar-reinforced cables and luxurious fabrics – ensure functionality that, like True Blood’s vampires, can span years without signs of deterioration. And most importantly, each product has been masterfully tuned alongside legendary musicians, producers and DJs to deliver “supernatural” sound.”

“The fantastical world of True Blood speaks to the vision and values of the V-MODA Tribe,” said chieh visionary officer and DJ Val Kolton. “Our products have been carefully crafted for those whose style and sophistication have evolved through the ages. With each season, more and more people have found it impossible to resist the allure of True Blood and we think the same will be true of the new “V-MODA for True Blood” line. Like the show, it’s boldly seductive.”

“Music is a very integral part of the story telling for all of our programming, especially True Blood,” stated James Costos, HBO’s licensing and retailing VP. “So it made sense for us to partner with V-MODA which is an extremely forward-thinking music accessories company. In addition, their brand mirrors the edgy, provocative qualities that are so closely associated with the show.”

Shipping in time for the show’s fourth season premiere on June 26th, the “V-MODA for True Blood” line will be unveiled and available at select retailers, including V-MODA.com, Amazon.com and the HBO Shop in New York City.

Gemini Debuts FirstMix USB DJ Controller

EDISON, N.J. — Gemini, a division of GCI Technologies, recently unveiled the FirstMix USB DJ controller, designed with two touch-sensitive job wheels.

The FirstMix connects via USB and reportedly enables users to DJ using their iTunes or other music library. It ships with Cross LE DJ software from Mix- Vibes and is also compatible with other DJ software.

Features include the ability to mix songs together, add effects, play music in reverse, adjust bass and treble output, and record a set.

Suggested retail is $79.95.

Tamrac Adds Canada Distribution

TORONTO — Joel Seigel, President and CEO of Gentec International announced an exclusive distribution agreement for Tamrac camera cases and accessories for the Canadian market. Gentec will commence distribution of Tamrac products effective July 1.

“We are very excited about adding this impressive line of products to ouri maging division offerings,” stated Mr. Seigel. “We look forward to bringing Tamrac’s level of international success to the Canadian market.”

“We are pleased to welcome the Gentec team as part of Tamrac’s group of 82 premier international distributors,” stated Ryan Cyr, president of Tamrac. “Their organization and high level of professionalism will certainly complement our product line up.”

Iogear Ships Multi-Link Bluetooth Keyboard

FOOTHILLS RANCH, CALIF. — Iogear said it’s now shipping the Multi-Link Bluetooth keyboard with touchpad (model GKM611B), which allows wireless management of up to six Bluetooth-enabled devices.

The device has a slip-resistant design, and the touchpad comes with left and right mouse buttons. It operates off two AA batteries and weighs 1.9 pounds. Suggested retail is $79.95.

Apptwee Bows Apple Remote App, Dongle

SUNNYVALE, CALIF. — Apptwee has released the RI universal remote control for iPad and iPhone.

The Apptwee RI device, which is priced at $19.99, along with the free app, turns an iPhone or iPad into a remote control that replaces “all other” IR controls, the company said.

The device, which is no larger than a U.S. quarter, plugs into the iPhone or iPad audio jack and can control a database of products currently at 225 popular brands, more than 72 device types, and 845 models of TVs, home entertainment, automation and lighting systems, computers, projectors and other IR-controlled devices.

The RI requires no batteries or charging, weighs a fraction of an ounce, fits in your pocket, can travel anywhere and is simple to use, Apptwee said.

If a call comes in on the iPhone, it can be answered via the speaker mode. Once the call is over, the RI resumes at the last-used remote control user interface, the company said.

The RI is compatible with any Apple iPhone or iPad device that supports OS version 4.2 or higher, including iPhone 3G, 3GS, and 4G, and the iPod Touch 2G and higher. It is currently available at Amazon.com and the RI app is downloadable for free from the Apple App Store.

Verbatim Mouse Adds Xoom Compatibility

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Verbatim announced the compatibility of its ultra-compact Easy Riser Wireless Bluetooth Mouse with the new Motorola Xoom tablet.

Motorola, in conjunction with Google recently released a software update for its tablet, allowing users the ability to add and use a Bluetooth mouse, further expanding the device’s already-impressive functionality. When connected via the XOOM’s Bluetooth option, users can enjoy cord-free convenience for computing on-the-go.

“Xoom users can now experience the portability, convenience and performance Verbatim has to offer. With a simple flick of a switch, the height of the Easy Riser mouse easily can be adjusted,” said Ron Hanafin, Verbatim product manager.

The Easy Riser Bluetooth Wireless Mouse comes with two AAA batteries and can be purchased for $29.99 at Amazon, Fry’s Electronics and B&H Photo.