On Tuesday, battery maker Energizer announced this is would be bringing its Energi To Go power systems to dock-connecting iPods this fall.
According to Engadget, the Energi To Go Portable Power for iPod will be powered by a pair of AA batteries, sport a “flip design” that allows it to double as a stand and will feature a “patented intelligent control chip that maximizes power transfer to the iPod.”
Energizer has stated that the Energi To Go system will be able to provide “more than 46 hours” of power to an iPod Nano and “more than 32 hours” of power for an iPod video.
The device will retail for US$29.99 and include the charger as well as two complimentary Energizer e2 lithium AA batteries upon its release.
And no matter how well the device works, I still love that bunny…
If you have any ideas or feedback, let us know in the comments or forums.

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Rob’s iPod nano Timeline:

September 7, 2005- In an event at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, Steve Jobs introduces the iPod nano and the Motorola ROCKR to the world. Later that day, I drive to the Apple Store at King of Prussia and grab a black 8GB nano. My life is forever changed.

February, 2007 – After more than a year of heavy use, my nano has lost some of its original battery capacity (Apple claimed 14 hours) but is still providing several hours of enjoyment on a single charge.

July, 2007 – My nano’s battery is showing signs of failing as it now only lasts for a couple of hours on a fresh charge and will die overnight if left unplugged.

August, 2007 – I search online for iPod batteries and convince myself that I can do the surgery after seeing a very thorough instructional video from Newer Technology.

Click on the headline to read more about Rob’s battery installation…

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Albeit Apple’s next generation iPod may be about a month away from release, the new model could feature some interesting changes. According to , which cites “sources at Taiwan-based component makers,” the “new iPod video” will incorporate 16 gigabytes of NAND flash memory.
The report also states that concerns are present that, in addition to the incorporation of NAND flash memory in the new iPod as well as a recent power outage experienced by Samsung Electronics’ fabrication facilities, component makers have expressed concern regarding the overall NAND flash supply.
Apple’s current generation of video ipods is among the last of the firm’s devices to employ a 1.8″ hard disk drive. Since its introduction of the iPod Nano in 2005, Apple has shifted the memory base of its handheld devices to solid-state NAND flash memory. The new design would allow for increased durability in the iPod, remove moving parts from the unit, pave the way for smaller form factors and allow for a longer battery life.
The DigiTimes report makes no mention as to whether the 16 gigabyte video iPod would include a touch-screen interface similar to the iPhone’s.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available and we’ll be covering the Apple product release as closely as possible today.
If you have any ideas or thoughts on this, let us know in the comments or forums.

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Following Nike‘s lead, watch manufacturer Timex has announced their own iPod accessory, an advanced sports watch called the iControl that operates as a wireless operating device for the iPod and is compatible with the iPhone when the handset is set to airplane mode.
According to Macworld UK, the iControl boasts features as a 50-lap memory recall chronograph, multi-mode countdown time, two interval timers and three different alarms. The iControl can also perform functions such as playing and pausing music, adjusting volume and tracking forward and backward along the iPod’s play list.
The iControl is part of Timex’s Ironman collection of sports watches and also features a night light, three year battery life and water resistance up to 100 meters. Timex has announced that the device is now available in the United States from Timex and Apple, retails for US$125 and is available in gray, black, pink, blue, orange and green.
Have your own two cents on this? Let us know what you think over in the comments and forums.

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Getting back to the iPod, Compeq Manufacturing has apparently signed a contract to produce circuit boards for future Apple iPods.
According to DigiTimes, which cites sources close to the deal, the Taiwanese manufacturer will begin ramping up production of rigid-flex PCBs in August and commence full-scale production come September.
The company is also said to have been validated to produce both the boards and some of the interconnecting parts in the iPhone, adding the firm to a short list of companies that can be used for expanded iPhone production or as a backup should the need arise.
Click the jump for the full story…

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Andrew Bilicki passed along this link to a unique new iPod speaker setup that is completely passive and uses no electricity. It simply amplifies the sound coming out of your iPod earbud with and old school horn. Cool!

Through passive amplification alone, These unique pieces instantly transform any personal music player + earbuds into a sculptural audio console.

Without the use of external power or batteries, the Phonofone inventively exploits the virtues of horn acoustics to boost the audio output of standard earphones to up to 55 decibles* (or roughly the maximum volume of laptop speakers)

Upon connecting active earphones to the Phonofone their trebly buzzing is instantly and profoundly transformed into a warm, rich and resonant sound.

Science & Sons – Products

technorati tags:ipod, speaker, accessory

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On Monday, accessory outfitter iLuv announced that it had released the i604, a new line of silicone cases designed for the iPod with video that also offer built-in backup batteries.
According to MacNN, the battery’s manufacturer, easyishop, claims thebattery can almost double the iPod’s standard battery life to a duration of about 42 hours. The case is also designed to allow a cable to pass through without the need to remove it as well as full access to the Click Wheel, headphone jack and Hold switch.
The i604 retails for US$64.99 and is available in black and white and also ships with a USB power adapter for the unit.

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This may not be next on your shopping list, but it could be interesting:
Italian fashion company Ermenegildo Zegna Holditalia SpA (Zegna) recently demonstrated the Solar JKT, an outdoor jacket lined with wearable electronics such as two solar modules in the coat’s collar that can turn solar energy into electricity. According to Playlist, the stored electricity is then routed by conductive textile cables to a buffer battery which can be used to charge a device or store power.
The battery, which measures 70 millimeters by 60 millimeters by 13 millimeters, weight about 100 grams and requires about four to eight hours to load. Once full, a device such as a mobile phone or iPod can be charged in less than four hours through a five volt connection for USB devices and a six volt connection for mobile phones.
The jacket is currently being developed by Interactive Wear AG and Innovative Solarprodukte GmbH (Solarc).
No details have emerged as to pricing and availability, but the Solar JKT coat is expected within the second quarter of 2008.

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We’ve arguably reached an apex of technology – and an iPod Shuffle case that can also open your beer on a sunny day more or less proves it.
According to the guys over at The Unofficial Apple Weblog, accessory maker Mophie has pulled this off. The Bevy” is a combination bottle opener, earbud wrap and key chain, wrapping a second generation iPod Shuffle in a hard plastic case which then attaches to your key chain.
The unit exposes the headphone port and navigation controls while sporting a bottle opener on its underside. The Bevy retails for US$15.00 plus shipping and handling.

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The guys over at The Unofficial Apple Weblog have pointed out yet another pretty cool thing. The iWay is a small device that connects an SD card to an iPod and allows its images to be displayed on the iPod’s screen. Pretty cool idea and the iPod’s screen tends to be brighter and clearer on average than that found on a digital camera.
The iWay retails for US$69.95 and is available in black and white. Certain specifications must be met and the iWay currently only functions with the 30, 60 and 80 gigabyte iPod Video units.
If you’ve tried one of these or a similar device, let us know.

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