New iPods Cue Accessories Scramble

By Lisa Johnston On Sep 21 2009 - 6:00am

When Apple announced the latest versions of its iPod (see p. 4), accessories manufacturers immediately followed with cases and other accessories for the updated devices.

Here is a roundup of the most recent offerings to the category:

Griffin Technology introduced a headphone control adapter that features VoiceOver support. Griffin said it was the first such device officially compatible with the new Nano model.

The headphone control adapter is engineered to work “seamlessly” with the fifth-generation Nano and third-gen Shuffle. It’s designed to connect the user’s headphones with any compatible iPod, and, using VoiceOver, enables him to hear artist, track and playlist information. The adapter also works as an inline remote control, Griffin said.

Suggested retail is $19.99. It will be available this fall.

Griffin also announced a variety of cases for the new Nanos. The Outfit is a hard-shell, polycarbonate shell with the company’s EasyDock design. Suggested retail is $24.99.

The company also updated its iClear and FlexGrip cases to outfit the new Nanos, including the iClear ($19.99), iClear Sketch ($24.99), iClear Shade ($24.99) and iClear with clip and armband ($29.99). All of the iClear cases are designed to provide full access to the device’s controls, dock connector and headphone jack. The FlexGrip case has a $19.99 suggested retail.

As with the headphone control adapter, all of these cases will be available in the fall.

Belkin introduced new cases not only for the new Nanos, but also for the new iPod Touches and Classics.

Select styles were scheduled to be available in mid-September, with other styles made available through late November.

Belkin’s additions include:

• Grip Vue for the Nano ($19.99) and Touch ($24.99);

• FastFit for the Nano and Touch, both $29.99;

• Hand Band for the Nano, $24.99;

• Grip Ergo with hand strap for the Touch, $24.99;

• Grip Pulse for the Nano ($24.99) and Touch ($29.99);

• Grip Pulse Duo for the Nano, Touch and Classic, all $19.99;

• Clear for the Nano ($24.99), Touch ($29.99) and Classic ($29.99);

• Hue 3pc for the Nano and Touch, $29.99;

• Hue 2pc for the Nano and Touch, $19.99;

• Halo for the Touch, $29.99;

• Micra Flex for the Touch, $24.99;

• leather sleeve with clip for the Nano, Touch and Classic, all $24.99; and

• leather folio for the Nano ($24.99), Touch ($29.99) and Classic ($29.99).

Scosche said it had updated its KickBack case for the latest generation of the Nano. The KickBack N5 is a polycarbonate and rubber hybrid cases with an open-face design that includes an ultra-clear screen protector. The case features a provision for the Nano’s new video camera. It also has an integrated kickstand for widescreen viewing and traction nubs that provide grip on flat surfaces, the company said.

The case alone is priced at a $24.99 suggested retail; when paired with a black silicone case and billed as the SwitchKase combo pack, it retails for $29.99. Both are currently available at Scosche’s Web site and are scheduled to be sold through retailers this fall.

Also introducing new cases for the music players was iLuv. The company announced several new lines for the fifth-gen Nano and the Touch. The iCC306 series ($24.99) features graphics of notable landscapes from Paris, Sydney, London and New York, displayed on clear plastic.

The iCC303 silicone cases ($14.99) sport a flame pattern, while the iCC204 clear plastic cases ($19.99) have a video camera graphic.

Other additions include the iCC213 armband for the new Nano, $24.99; iCC604 Game Grip silicone case for the Touch, $19.99; and iCC610 TPU case with a flame pattern for the Touch, $19.99.

All of the iLuv cases are currently available.

Vers, the manufacturer of wood sound systems, announced it is entering the iPod case market with its line of handcrafted wooden cases. The cases — offered in cherry, walnut and bamboo — are designed to be “environmentally thoughtful” protection for the music players and phones.

“We’ve had a very enthusiastic response from our customers to both our Vers 2X and Vers 1.5R wood sound systems. Wood cases are a natural next step,” said David Laituri, product designer and co-founder of Vers, in a statement.

“Wood is a wonderful feeling, natural material, and every case has its own unique character. The real surprise is just how tough wood is, particularly Bamboo; it far exceeds that of any plastic. It looks great, offers superior protection and is the most renewable resource on the planet — you can’t ask for more.”

Laituri added that for each tree used in Vers case production, 100 are re-planted through the company’s partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and the U.S. Forestry Service to re-forest parklands damaged by fire and other natural disasters.

iPhone, Touch and Classic cases retail for a suggested $39.99, with Nano cases retailing for $34.99.

iSkin said it would have new cases for the fifth-gen Nanos, but it did not provide further details.