Case Makers Focused On iPad, Smartphones

By TWICE Staff On Jun 20 2011 - 4:01am

NEW YORK – Accessories suppliers are always on the lookout for the next big device, constantly having to alter their product portfolios at a moment’s notice to keep up with industry hardware trends.

Second- and third-quarter introductions from leading suppliers, for the most part, mirror the two biggest growth categories in the market today: tablets (namely the iPad) and smartphones.

Following is a small sampling of recent offerings to hit the market.

 

 

Tablet For Elderly Well-Being On The Way

By John Laposky On Jul 5 2011 - 4:01am

SAN DIEGO — Independa has entered the beta testing phase of its Angela tablet device, designed to remotely monitor the health of elderly care recipients while engaging them with social interaction through games, video chat, email and social-networking capabilities.

The Angela tablet integrates Independa’s existing health and well-being monitoring service, introduced at International CES in January, and adds a social-engagement suite tied to the design of the tablet’s interface.

Jasco Debuts GE LCD Remote

By Lisa Johnston On Jul 5 2011 - 4:01am

OKLAHOMA CITY — Jasco introduced a new GE-branded remote last week.

The GE universal LCD remote ($29.99 suggested retail) is designed to replace up to eight other remotes. Features include an easy-to-read blue LCD screen, colored ABCD buttons and a backlit number pad.

iHealth BP Monitor Begins Rollout To CE Retail Channels

By John Laposky On Jul 5 2011 - 4:01am

NEW YORK — iHealth Lab has inked national distribution deals for its home blood-pressure monitoring system for Apple devices.

Headphone Sales Continue To Rise On All Fronts

By Lisa Johnston On Jul 18 2011 - 4:01am

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — Headphones sales in all of its iterations — on-ear, in-ear and over-ear — have risen for both units and dollars in the past three years, including a dramatic 33 percent jump from last year.

According to data provided to TWICE by The NPD Group, based here, unit sales of headphones from January through May of this year rose 13 percent when compared with the same period last year. Dollar sales rose 33 percent year over year, besting the prior year’s 23 percent uptick.

Accessories Briefs

By TWICE Staff On Jul 18 2011 - 4:01am

Digipower Ships Camera Charging Line

AVENEL, N.J. — Digipower has introduced a line of travel chargers that are compatible with every digital camera made by a specific brand.

The TC-55 digital camera charger series has a brand-specific model for Canon, Casio, Fuji, Kodak, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony digicams.

The series features IntelliCharge technology developed by Digipower that eliminates the need for different trays and contact point adjustments.

Fretlight Eyes CE Retail Channel For Learning Guitars

By Doug Olenick On May 2 2011 - 4:01am

NEW YORK – Fretlight Guitar will introduce acoustic and bass versions of its teaching guitars later this year as the company looks to expand its direct business into retail.

The company, founded by Rusty Shaffer in 1989, said the new instruments will join the five electric guitars now on the market. The acoustic model will ship in September with the bass following in December.

External Storage For Tablet PCs Coming Online

By Doug Olenick On May 23 2011 - 4:01am

SCOTTS VALLEY, CALIF. – The need for additional storage capacity in iPads and Android tablets is opening a new niche for storage vendors.

Seagate recently released the latest edition of its GoFlex line, the Satellite geared toward the iPad/Android tablet PC market.

Hitachi GST, which was purchased by Western Digital, announced its intention of entering the market next month.

HP Introduces 1st Wi-Fi Mouse

By MCN Staff On May 23 2011 - 4:01am

PALO ALTO, CALIF. – Hewlett-Packard announced several PC accessories, including a Wi-Fi mouse.

The Wi-Fi Mobile Mouse, $49, directly connects to the computer without the need for a USB dongle, the company said. The mouse has five customizable buttons that can be set to handle certain shortcuts and a scroll wheel. The battery will last about nine months, twice what is normally received from a Bluetooth version, the company said.

Accessories Briefs

By MCN Staff On May 23 2011 - 4:01am

NAXA Unveils Google TV Device

VERNON, CALIF. – NAXA Electronics has introduced its NGT-20 Google Internet Device. This product converts most standard LCD or LED televisions of any size into an Internet TV powered by Google’s Android 2.2 OS

The NGT-20 has Wi-Fi capability, features a microSD micro card slot, USB, SATA and Ethernet HDMI inputs and comes with a remote control that has a full computer keyboard and 2.5-inch LCD screen.

The NGT-20 has a suggested retail of $199.95 and will ship in early June.