Hasta La Gadget!

We know you’ve been waiting on pins and needles, and at long last, the gap between announcement and “now shipping” has been closed. IK Multimedia has just revealed that its AmpliTube iRig adapter is shipping, enabling iPod touch, iPad and iPhone users to jack their guitar or bass directly into their iDevice and access all sorts of effects. From there, users can pipe the audio to a pair of headphones or a guitar amp, theoretically allowing your handheld to supplant your mess of pedals. We’re also told that the iRig can be used with line level signal sources such as synthesizers, keyboards or mixing consoles, so there’s that. It’s available as we speak for $39.99 (or €29.99 overseas), and users can expect an iPad-specific version of the AmpliTube app to be released in the near future.

Continue reading IK Multimedia ships AmpliTube iRig iPhone interface adapter

IK Multimedia ships AmpliTube iRig iPhone interface adapter originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So you’ve got a nice secure thumbdrive, but did you ever think to lock its port? Engineers at the Royal Military College of Canada say the plug and play functionality built into most computers automatically trusts whatever’s plugged into the USB slot. That doesn’t just go for flash drives left out on the street, but all manner of other peripherals as well, as the trio of triumphant researchers demonstrated when they (presumably) infiltrated colleagues’ offices with a totally sweet spy keyboard. That particular device flashed an LED or made the mark’s sound card warble to covertly transmit stolen data, but such exotic methods are reportedly not required — so you’ve yet another reason to cringe when your coworker trots out his Humping Dog.

Researchers say any USB peripheral could steal your data, even a coffee-cup warmer originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 05:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Art Lebedev doesn’t have a fantastic track record when it comes to timing, but we’ll be damned if those boutique devices don’t look hot when they hit the scene — just check out this first render of the Optimus Popularis keyboard, which the studio informs us will still (despite years in the making) cost less than $1000 when it eventually arrives. We’re loving the new chiclet keys with typewriter spacing, even as we mourn the loss of a dedicated numpad in favor of industrial design — though Art Leb says a press of the FN key will remedy that issue. When every button has a screen built into it, you can put that ten-key wherever you want, right?

Optimus Popularis keyboard finally pictured, still on track for sub-$1000 release originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japan tends to be on the weird side of any coin, and The Fingerist does nothing to undermine that reputation. This accessory for the iPhone and iPod touch was conceived at a “mutton BBQ restaurant” when one dude said to another that he needed an amp for his guitar app. Lo and behold, after an apparently successful CES appearance, the axe-imitating speaker thingie — replete with a guitar strap and line-out to jack into real amplifiers — is now on sale for ¥14,800 (or $150 for the rest of us). We can’t wrap our minds around such an expense just for the privilege of fingering our touchscreens, but then you can make some pretty sweet music using these things (video evidence after the break).

Continue reading The Fingerist finds fame, retail opportunities in Japan (video)

The Fingerist finds fame, retail opportunities in Japan (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Etymotic unveiled a number of new headsets and headphones this week, along with a new program where buyers can have the in-ear tips for their Etymotic headphones custom molded and fitted to their ears. The new Etymotic MC3 and M5 in-ear earphones both bring superior audio quality to a colorful set of earbuds. The MC3 comes with an in-line control pod and noise-isolating microphone that allows you to adjust the volume when you’re listening to music or take phone calls. Both models are polished aluminum and come in black, red, blue, and green. The MC3 and its included headset retails for $99, and the M5 earphones retail for $79.

Etymotic also unveiled the $179 hf3 in-ear headset, which is a step up from the MC-series. It also comes in three colors and will work with any device with a 3.5-mm audio jack, but is designed for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. The h3 also features a noise-isolating microphone and three-button control pod that’s in-line with the audio cable.

If you prefer wireless headsets, the new etyBLU2 Bluetooth headset will run you $129, and features a noise-isolating boom microphone strip that attaches to the headset, unlike other so-called “cheekbone” Bluetooth headsets. It also uses Etymotic’s interchangeable fitted eartips for maximum comfort and noise isolation for call clarity.

In addition to the new line of earphones and headsets, Etymotic also announced a new program for all of its products where buyers can sign up for a voucher to see an audiologist to be fitted for custom eartips that match their ears for free. Once your custom fitting is complete, the audiologist will send your ear impressions to a lab where your impressions will become custom-molded, Etymotic-compatible eartips. Each set of custom eartips will be $100 and carry a 1-year warranty. The program begins on July 1, and buyers of any qualifying Etymotic product can participate.