Gizmodo: lanyard

Apple Patents Show Shuffle-Esque Remote Control, Other Goodies

Haroon Malik — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:18:00 EST

Apple has just walked home with six new patents, one of which details an iPod shuffle-like remote control. The image may not tell us much, but a reverse side clip is clearly visible, as is some form of circular control, which could be a scroll wheel or four way control pad. The iPhone comes with a basic in-line remote; could this be a more sophisticated offering? The other four patents described the following. Update: These products do not seem to be bringing anything new. The lanyard looks to be an iPod nano peripheral; both iPod shuffle iterations indicate the current model, and the remote has a striking similarity to the current iPod remote control, with integrated FM radio. The image technology may still be a note worthy patent acquisition.

A lanyard design, two iPod shuffle variations and a technology that allows production of smooth motion compensated frames by combining multiple interpolation results. Information is scant beyond that, but we do know the remote control patent was filed back in March 2007, and has just now been cleared. Bearing that in mind, the idea may have made it to the scrap heap, but we shall watch this space nonetheless. [ipodnn via Mactropolis]

Apple Succeeds in Patenting the ... Lanyard

Travis Hudson — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 14:19:19 EST

Yes, Apple, the kings of patent whoredom, have successfully patented the lanyard, or "Ornamental Harness" as they call it. This essentially looks like a Wiimote strap with a male iPod dock connector on the bottom, but to be honest, that would work. Exspect this accessory to show up on the Apple Store soon (and yes, it will likely be overpriced to hell). –Travis Hudson

Patent [Via Gadget Lab]

Griffin TuneBuds Hands-On

Charlie White — Fri, 26 May 2006 12:03:39 EDT

When Griffin introduced its TuneBuds for nano ($34.99), a lanyard that competes directly with Apple's iPod nano lanyard that costs $15 more, our interest was piqued. After 24 hours of intense listening to all different kinds of music and talk, we can only say that the TuneBuds don't sound quite as good as the Apple version, but the difference is subtle. The TuneBuds sound a little tinny and slightly hollow compared to the Apple phones, but that difference is far overshadowed by the sound isolation from its in-ear style phones, as opposed to Apple's earbud-style drivers.

TuneBuds aren't adjustable—the Apple lanyard phones are—but we noticed that the TuneBuds' necklace length is just about perfect for easy usability anyway. A plus for the style-conscious: TuneBuds are available in either black or white to perfectly match that nano.

TuneBuds have solid-sounding bass and crisp highs even when playing sub-standard-fidelity mp3s, and the difference in sound between them and the Apple lanyard doesn't justify the $15 difference in price. Overall, we give the Griffin TuneBuds for nano a big thumbs-up. – Charlie White

Full review: Griffin TuneBuds Lanyard for iPod nano [Consumer Electronics Net]

Griffin TuneBuds nano

Charlie White — Wed, 24 May 2006 12:47:15 EDT

Griffin takes direct aim at Apple's nano in-ear lanyard headphones with its TuneBuds nano, a $34.99 knockoff of the outrageously overpriced ($49) Apple product. Although this is not the first attempt to knock those pricey earpieces off their precarious perch, these TuneBuds use the same idea as the Apple lanyard with their audio cables that are integrated into the lanyard, but take the concept a step further with the in-ear style sound-isolating earbuds.

Since we're partial to the black nano, we're really digging the black color of this product as well. You can choose them in white, too, but we're warning you: nothing says "mug me" quite as conspicuously as a white pair of iPod earphones dangling from your ears.

Plus, we're already using some of Griffin's excellent EarJams to get that in-ear sound with the stock iPod buds anyway, so this innovation will be welcome. We'll give these a listen and let you know how they sound.

Product Page [Griffin]