This week at iLounge: Wireless iPod speaker systems are still in their earliest days, and the IntelliTouch EOS Wireless Speaker Core System is an example of why. Uniquely loaded with two sets of speakers — one wired to an iPod dock, one wireless — the only major issues this $300 setup had were so-so sound quality and aesthetics. We also updated our reviews of two Monster Cable accessories: the Monster iSplitter 200 saw an update to make it physically compatible with the iPhone, but it remains a better-than-average headphone splitter. The Monster iCarPlay Cassette Adapter for iPod/iPhone saw a similarly small update.
Most important this week were our hands-on First Looks at over 25 new iPhone accessories, including the Elan Snap-In case for iPhone from Griffin Technology, the Sena Cases Vertical Pouch for Apple iPhone, the ToughSkin for iPhone from Speck Products, BoxWave’s Designio Open Screen Leather Sleeve for iPhone, and the ShieldZone Front Shield for Apple iPhone. There were many, many others, and we’re adding more to iLounge all the time. Of course, we didn’t forget the iPod either, and took our time checking out the Belkin Power Dock AV, the surprisingly interesting display remote EWOO from Zicplay, and a final version of the super car kit from Harman Kardon, Drive + Play 2.
In The News: iTunes news was huge this week. Apple debuted a new iTunes commercial this week starring Sir Paul McCartney, and has been populating the iTunes Store with every reference possible to members of the Beatles save their official albums. iTunes continued its march towards world dominance by supplanting Sony’s Mora download service as the go-to music vendor for Yahoo Music Japan, the country’s biggest web portal, and planning to offer links to its music through Europe’s popular Bebo social networking site. Apple also announced iTunes Festival London as a series of sponsored music events in the U.K. in July, with free tickets given away by Apple, and sessions available through the iTunes Store.
In Apple TV and iPhone News:
There wasn’t much to report this week on the Apple TV front, but iPhone details are coming in fast and furious. Even though we’re all marking our calendars for June 29, we still have some unanswered questions regarding the iPhone, and we examine the five biggest — contract pricing, phone service quality, the device’s battery, possible first-revision glitches, and the on-screen keyboard — and answer with our best guesses. To some it was a huge disappointment, and to some it seemed like a sensible compromise, but no matter what your personal view is, the news that third-party iPhone development will be restricted to Web 2.0 apps was certainly the biggest news of the week. In fact, we’re already starting to see iPhone Web Apps, two weeks away from launch. AT&T’s internal iPhone Sales Training Workbook found its way onto the internet, and revealed small details of the phone, such as the fact that the device will have both speakphone and vibration functionality, but lacks MMS and IM support. The Wall Street Journal’s Walt Mossberg was gifted with an early review iPhone by Apple, and managed not to get mugged (yet), but demand for the unreleased device is strong. Apple has sent out some tips to help you get ready, but expect some long lines leading up to the 6:00 p.m. local time launch.