Luckily, manufacturer Rihanna is working on this $100 kitchen scale due out next year, complete with an iPod dock and 2W speaker (the speaker is hidden under the glass platform). Your iPod shows you the song while a black and white LCD displays the weights. I mean, does life get any better than this? [ADE via gizmag via UberGizmo]

I also don't care because it just looks perfect as an iPod dock, using a "10-watt solid-state amplifier and a high quality Blaupunkt 5 1/4" coaxial loudspeaker with a massive ceramic magnet." [Pete Verrando via Retrothing]

The thing has a 9-inch display, SD slot, 4GB of internal memory and USB connectivity. It'll be $300, which is expensive enough that you might want to get a photo frame, iPod dock and speakers separately. Those components will probably perform better than this all-in-one anyway. [Pr Newswire via Engadget]

According to Stuff.tv, the $380 Heritage is well-built and produces sound far better than what you'd expect from a gadget looking as old as my parents. If you feel like spending nearly $400 on a nice bedside companion then this could definitely satisfy your inner 60's child. I'm just plain gonna focus on keeping mine outta trouble. [Stuff.tv via Engadget via Unplggd]

Imagining writing on it aside, the Table of Sound is a neat idea with both wired and wireless docking options, but I think I'll still do with mounting my speakers in corners. [wondering boys via designboom via Dvice]

SHARPÒ INTRODUCES TWO NEW ULTRA-PORTABLE
IPOD® DOCKING SYSTEMS
High-fidelity Sound and Convenience in an Elegant, Handheld Design

ATLANTA, September 10, 2009 – Sharp today introduces two new iPodÒ docking systems for headphone-free music on the go. The DK-AP8P and DK-AP7P allow users to play music directly from any iPod or iPhoneÒ while simultaneously recharging the unit. Weighing less than 1.6 lbs, these 2.1-channel units feature premium sound quality, a long battery life and an ultra-portable design. An IR wireless touch panel remote control on the DK-AP8P adds flexibility and convenience, acting as a magnetic cover when not in use, while the DK-AP7P folds shut – protecting the units from damage during travel.

"As the popularity of digital music devices continues to grow, so does the desire for consumers to share their vast digital music libraries, whether traveling, in their backyard or in the comfort of the home," said Sean McBride, senior product marketing manager, audio, Entertainment Products Division, Sharp. "The introduction of the DK-AP8P and DK-AP7P strengthens Sharp's lineup of portable iPod audio systems and gives users the ultimate ease and convenience of high-quality music on the go, with an extremely small footprint."

The DK-AP8P and DK-AP7P join Sharp's existing lineup of iPod audio systems, including the DK-AP7N and DK-CL6N.

DK-AP8P and DK-AP7P

These small, yet powerful, made for iPod audio systems also work with iPhone and feature an ultra-portable design that folds closed for safekeeping when on the go (the DK-AP8P has a magnetic cover). A 2.1-channel speaker system houses all of the necessary components for an enjoyable listening experience, including the main drivers and subwoofer. With approximately six hours of battery operation and an AC adapter and soft carry bag included, these models are truly a portable solution to enjoying high-quality audio from any location.

The iPod terminal allows the user to charge and play music directly from any iPod or iPhone through the unit's full-range bass reflex speakers with HDSS™ (high-definition sound standard) sound technology. For optimum sound, the units offer ESound, a digital signal processing technology that improves the quality of compressed digital music. By enhancing the sound frequency and increasing the sound pressure, ESound mode corrects deterioration to the sound quality that plagues most compressed music. Both models also include a video output so that when connected to a TV, users can enjoy their favorite iPod videos and photos on a larger screen. Additionally, each unit features a 3.5mm stereo audio input for use with other audio MP3 players or PC audio for increased versatility.

The DK-AP8P and DK-AP7P feature a piano black finish. The current DK-AP7N is available in two eye-catching color combinations, sporting a glossy black body with either white or red accents.

DK-CL6N

With this clock radio music system made for iPod, users can wake up to their favorite playlists, direct from any iPod or iPhone (in airplane mode). The DK-CL6N charges and plays music from the docked iPod or iPhone (in airplane mode) with high-quality sound through the system's 4 watt, 2.0-channel audio speaker system. The alarm clock function includes a sleep timer with snooze and dual alarms for ultimate convenience. An AM/FM tuner allows users to program up to 10 favorite radio stations. The unit also features an electronic equalizer that customizes sound based on the music genre and has a five-step mode to accurately adjust the sound for any type of music.

The DK-CL6N is designed for the home or dorm room, featuring a compact design with a blue illuminated clock display. The unit also supports MP3 music players as well as streams video files from iPod video via the video output jack to the television.

All models feature low power consumption and comply with Energy StarÒ standards.
Pricing and availability

* The DK-AP8P will be available in September for a for a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $189.99
* The DK-AP7P will be available in September for an MSRP of $129.99

[Sharp]

Sony's ICF-CL75iP alarm clock has a 7-inch WVGA screen, 1GB of internal storage (and a USB port for more), a retractable iPod dock and an FM radio. It seems kind of excessive to have an extra screen when an iPod or iPhone is sitting right there, but as it plays video too (MP4, Motion JPEG and AVI), maybe you'd like to wake up to a video instead. It's available for pre-order now from SonyStyle Canada for $200 CAD (about $180 USD at the moment), shipping October 1st. [Sony Insider via Engadget]

The Rundown

The P1 is an iPod/iPhone dock. You put in your iPod, it'll back it up with speakers (2x 4" honeycomb woofers and 2x 1" silk dome tweeters, to be exact). Plus there's a Bongiovi Acoustics Digital Power Station (a glowing B button) that promises to be the "first 100% active digital signal processor on a consumer electronic product." Huh. OK then.

The Performance

How does it all sound? I'm torn. Sometimes I'm impressed (like by some respectable mids and occasionally tight/brilliant lows), and others I'm completely underwhelmed (like by perpetually thin drums and an over-emphasis on re-verb that oft-creates an artificial echo.)
And as for that glowing B button, my opinion changed by the song—but I'm guessing that's more because it artificially tweaked the balance than did anything spectacular to the audio quality. Standard pop music sometimes projects better from the speakers, but Sgt Pepper, for instance, becomes a murky mess when you hit that tempting blue button.

Overall the iP1 sounds fine—like a $300 iPod dock—though I wouldn't fist pump the purchase on sound quality alone, unless I was also smitten with the P1's design-forward, smoked acrylic frame. If you like how the iP1 looks and desire an iPod dock, then by all means, go for it. But, and I don't claim to have listened to every competitor's current-gen systems, I trust that manufacturers like JBL, Logitech and Altec Lansing can more than compete in this price range. Because their last gen models certainly did.
My bigger point is that in 2009 (a phrase we will inevitably laugh at in 2010 and beyond, I know), I'm looking for late bloomers like iHome to work a little harder for my love and loyalty (and oh yeah, MONEY).

The Bitching

So why can't the P1...

• Mic/Amplify/Work In Any Way With speakerphone calls?
• Connect to the iPhone through a custom app (EQ display, etc)?
• Dial a number through its oversized remote?
• Output video through HDMI instead of component?
• Support A2DP audio streams (no dock needed)?
• Floor me with sound quality?

The iP1 is just one of countless premium iPod docks, so it's a bit unfair to single it out...but why doesn't it do more? Even the $100-cheaper iHome iP47 supports a third of the stuff on the list above.

I don't want 1000 functions that I don't need, and I'm not asking it to decode the human genome. I want practical, invisible, attainable utility that I can appreciate on a daily basis.

You know, for $300, in grand old 2009.


Unique design

Respectable sound quality

Bongiovi DPS is nothing particularly special

Barebones functionality—cheaper iHome products have more features

For those that require more of a jolt, the alarm also comes with four preset nature sounds and an iPod/iPhone dock to add some aural stimulation.
The Wake-up Light isn't just good for getting out of bed, but can help users drift off to sleep as well; there is "dusk simulation" mode that gradually dims the light and sounds to send users to the dream world. The Wake-up Light ships on August 22, but it can be pre-ordered now for $199. [Geeky Gadgets]

It's got an auxiliary jack for other audio inputs, a nice little OLED screen to display the time and track information, and of course comes with a nice enough remote control. But $550 seems like a sort of outrageous price for such pedestrian technology, fancy package or not. It'll be available soon, if you're a gazillionaire who likes shiny things. [Oh Gizmo!]

The SF-based designer found the speaker horn at an antique store, carved out slots for the horn and iPod, and installed a channel to carry sound between the speaker and MP3 player. With the multitude of really mediocre iPod docks out there, it's great to see someone create something so unique out of their own garage. [BoingBoing Gadgets]

Other than its atypical shape complete with speakers in its eyes and a subwoofer in its butt, the $90 iBoo features no extraordinary functions. But wouldn't it be great if the little ghost blinked white and blue sometimes? And maybe like, it could be edible only during those fleeting moments?

Boy, with the proper imaginary components, this iBoo could really be something! [Speakal]

This iPhone/iPod touch mod uses a readily-available airsickness bag to hold your video player hands-free. Amazing, we know, but things only get better from there. As the bag is simply tucked into one's tray table, its height can be adjusted to achieve the optimum viewing angle. Let's see you do that with cardboard, terrorists! [hodenmumps via Random Good Stuff]

Turn the speaker dock on and the iPanda's little smiley mouth will light up. Use the included remote, and it'll blink at you. Besides being able to dock your iPhones and iPods, it also comes with a standard 3.5mm input jack. The cost for adding a little panda-monium to your pad: $140. [Speakal]

"He could eat human waste," an exec offered.
"We'll give him a flesh eating disease," someone else said. "You know, like, another one."

But after weeks of tireless deliberation, the group decided that ripping out Spongebob's eyeballs and placing them on the table to jiggle around while playing music would go far enough. The excrement toys would be better suited for next year's line of bathroom products anyway.
If you still insist on buying your little one the Spongebob Squarepants iPod Dock, it's $40 at the Nickelodeon shop. [Nickelodeon via GearLog]

David Wiener Ventures Introduces the Art.Suono Wireless, Music Enhancing System with iPod Dock

Luxurious Music Transmitter/Receiver Boasts First Consumer Use of APHEX Technology
PARK CITY, Utah —(Business Wire)— Sep. 19, 2008 David Wiener Ventures (DWV), an internationally acclaimed design house developing exclusive products under the DWV and Ferrari brands, introduces the Art.Suono Wireless Music Transmission System and iPod Dock. The second offering of the David Wiener Collection (DWC), Art.Suono is a limited edition, luxury product that is iPod-compatible, and both an innovative audio instrument and elegant sculpture.

Art.Suono's proprietary wireless transmission technology allows users to transmit ANY audio source — including iPods, computers, CD players, MP3 players and satellite radio — to ANY audio system. It provides the ultimate performance and user experience, offering extreme quality, exceptional construction and a level of detailing rarely found in consumer products.

The Art.Suono also incorporates an astounding acoustic technology developed for the recording industry and used by top recording artists and engineers like Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor and Paul McCartney in mastering their albums. Art.Suono's proprietary DWC-APHEX circuitry, developed by APHEX Systems for DWV, and used for the first time in a consumer product, makes recorded music more "alive."

It restores the harmonics lost in compressed music files and provides an incredible sense of spaciousness and clarity so each instrument and voice is clear and distinct. At the same time, it optimizes bass frequency response, providing deeper, more resonant bass with the fullness, richness and depth that makes any audio system sound more powerful.

A luxury lifestyle product, the Art.Suono is also engagingly practical. Additional features include docking and charging for any model iPod, an "Engine Start" button, a "Shift" input signal switch, a concealed input signal jack, LED indicators, and a convenient volume control. Its five pounds of machined aluminum, carbon fiber accents, and fine detailing make Art.Suono the most sonically exciting compact music transmission system yet created. The included Art.Suono receiver, also in machined aluminum, may be displayed or hidden. Each Art.Suono powers up to two receivers so that multiple music systems may be used in a home or office.

The Art.Suono will be available October 2008, exclusively from David Wiener Collection authorized resellers worldwide at a suggested price of $1,499.

The XDR-S10HDiP a tabletop HD Radio with an iTunes tagging service. If you enjoy a song you hear on the airwaves, tag it for future download onto your iPod. Yours for $180.

The SRS-GU10iP is for fancy people. You can tell by the piano black wood finish and the lack of other more technical details. It retails for $150.

SONY DEBUTS IPOD AND iPHONE COMPATIBLE BOOMBOX, HD RADIO WITH iTUNES
TAGGING, CD CLOCK RADIO AND DOCKING SPEAKER

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 19, 2008 - Sony today is taking the wraps off four
audio products that work with current dockable iPod(r) and iPhone(tm)
devices.
The new CD clock radio (model ICF-CD3iP), boombox (model ZS-S4iP), table
top HD Radio(tm) with iTunes Tagging (model XDR-S10HDiP), and docking
speaker (model SRS-GU10iP) let you enjoy music from either iPod or
iPhone. All four products are part of the Made for iPod and Works with
iPhone programs.
Rise and Shine
The ICF-CD3iP device is Sony's first CD clock radio with a
hidden dock for iPod and iPhone devices. It gives users multi-function
flexibility that enables them to listen, wake and fall asleep to their
iPhone or iPod, CDs or radio in the form of a small footprint.
Featuring a large, highly visible liquid crystal display, this clock
radio charges both iPod and iPhone devices. It also includes a remote
control that provides full access to the menu of music functions. It
has a compact, vertical "floating" design that hides the docking
station, offers CD R/RW playback, and has an AM/FM digital tuner.
Tunes On The Go
For iPod and iPhone users who want to experience their music out loud,
Sony is introducing its first boombox that works with both devices. The
ZS-S4iP boombox adds iPhone compatibility and enhanced sound quality
through its Mega Bass(r) Sound system.
The dock on this new boombox secures and charges your iPod or iPhone
while on the go, and features a removable cover so you can directly
control iPod touch and iPhone. A wireless remote allows full menu
control for your CD, radio and the music function of iPod or iPhone.
The unit also offers 20 AM and 10 FM radio presets.
HD Radio for Your Ears
The XDR-S10HDiP is Sony's first HD Radio with iTunes Tagging that is
compatible with the newest generation of 3G iPhone devices, as well as
iPod players. It solves a need for those who want to experience their
music out loud, with rich bass and simulated surround sound.
This new product also charges your device while providing the benefits
of HD Radio, including multi-casting (which offers new FM channels, more
music, news and sports) and clear, crisp sound - all subscription free.
The radio also includes iTunes Tagging, which lets you tag the songs you
like on the radio, for future download to your iPod player. It also
features auxiliary input, as well as 20 AM and FM radio presets.
Dock Me Up
Sony's elegantly designed SRS-GU10iP docking speaker offers high quality
audio and a piano black wood finish. Unlike most docking speakers for
iPod players, this new speaker system is compatible with the newest
generation of 3G iPhone devices as well.
The system also features bass sound and a remote commander for
convenient access. It charges both the iPod and iPhone units, includes
an auxiliary input, and supports AC/DC operation (batteries not
included).
Pricing and Availability
The ZS-S4iP boombox will be available in October for about $100 in black
and white. The ICF-CD3iP CD clock radio will be available later this
month for about $100.
The XDR-S10HDiP HD table radio will also be available this month for
about $180, as will the SRS-GU10iP Sony iPhone/iPod docking speaker for
about $150.
Pre-orders for all four products are now being accepted at
www.sonystyle.com . The ZS-S4iP boombox,
ICF-CD3iP CD clock radio and SRS-GU10iP docking speaker will be
available at Sony Style stores across the county. All four products will
be available online at www.sonystyle.com ,
at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

SI mentions the fact that it has an iPod/iPhone remote, and that its alarm can co-exist with iPhone/iPod alarms; I don't believe that's a first, but it's a good thing to hear. By the looks of it, that iPod dock slides out, too, a nice thing for those who might not care for iStuff. If the round face hasn't tipped you off already, it's also a CD player with MP3-CD playback, and it has a line in, in case you still want to patch in your 120GB Zune. What? Sony still makes MP3 players? Huh. [Sony Insider via iPodNN]