Gizmodo: cradle

Sony Announces PSP Cradle

Mark Wilson — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 08:07:17 EST

In retrospect, it's surprising this didn't happen sooner—Sony has announced the PSP Cradle for Japan. Meant to take full advantage of their 1seg tuning abilities, the cradle allows users to do the normal cradle shtick (charging the unit while outputting to the television, plus getting an IR remote). Arriving April 24th, the cradle with A/V cables will cost $62, while the cradle without will run $46. Yes, it seems a tad pricey, but Sony knows that the cradle addicts among us will just have to get one. [kotaku]

iRiver Clix Docking, Speaker Cradle

Travis Hudson — Thu, 10 May 2007 13:15:39 EDT

Well, I'll bite my tongue and stand corrected. I've been playing with the Clix for a couple weeks now and one of my main complaints is the lack of accessories, like this cradle, because of the Clix's odd form factor. I guess I was wrong again, because here is an official cradle from the people at iRiver for the Clix. It is fairly intuitive design because it has the ability to sit upright and dock to a PC via USB, but it can also dock to the audio jack and lay on its side and pump out the tunes via a speaker. This speaker/cradle/dock/thing should be available May 15 for a very nice $30.

If you haven't already, check out my unboxing and video walk-through of the second generation iRiver Clix. –Travis Hudson

iRiver presents the Clix Cradle [Akihabara]

Wireless Docking for iPhone, iPod Coming?

Charlie White — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 09:25:21 EST

In yesterday's patent application Apple filed for its multi-orientation docking station for the iPhone, there was even more tantalizing information: Apple may be preparing wireless docking for its iPhones, iPods and other devices. The technique will use voodoo called induction, and involves hiding coils underneath the surface of a device and its cradle, with the ability to wirelessly transfer data and power.

Here's the evidence:

From the patent application:

"The inductive coils are typically hidden from view behind the housings of each device and therefore they are more aesthetically pleasing than electrical contacts, which need to be exposed in order to operate effectively... Furthermore, inductively based systems are more robust than electrical contacts. For example, there are no contacts to wear out and/or oxidize."

We saw similar technology at CES demonstrated by Fulton Innovation with eCoupled, using inductive coupling to transfer power across thin air. Even though Apple mentioned a similar technique in its patent application, this part of the equation already exists. Expect to see this wireless juju showing up on Apple products and many others in the near future. – Charlie White

Apple may turn to induction for iPod docking, charging [Apple Insider]

Monaco Sidekick 3 Dock: A Little Bit Convenient, A Little Bit Lame

Travis Hudson — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 11:56:11 EST

The Monaco Sidekick 3 cradle is convenient because it will charge your SK3 and an extra battery without fumbling with cables, but it is also a little lame because that is all the Monaco dock really does. Sure it includes a USB port to transfer files to your PC, but most syncing with the SK3 is done wireless via T-Mobile's website so the USB cable isn't as useful as thought. The HipTop3 folks like the dock because it holds the SK3 vertically, therefore eliminating the horrible task for having to pick up your phone to see the IM, SMS or call. At least it is a cheap: $20. –Travis Hudson

Monaco Sidekick 3 Cradle [Hiptop3]