MacPaw, the group behind applications like CleanMyMac has announced its newest project, Gemini. Not much has been released about it so far, but a lot more will come soon. Check out it’s pre-launch page here.

Libratone is a Danish company known for creating premium AirPlay-ready speakers. After hearing how these speakers sound, I am already picking out which speaker to purchase. The price-tag, however might pose a problem for some. The company’s smaller speaker goes for $699.95 while the larger speaker is $1,299.95 (Apple Store link). If the price-tag isn’t a deal-breaker, I fully recommend checking these out!

Otterbox only released one new product at CES this year, a case alongside partner-in-crime LIVESTRONG. The case is an altered Commuter Series and will be sold exclusively at RadioShack and OtterBox.com.

Ferrari announced its new audio line in partnership with Logic3. More details here.

OWC announced a few new products this year at CES. Many if not most of the new released had to do with the technical side of things as well as with storage-related products.

OWC’s Newer Technology Power2U is a great way to charge your i-device without the charging box. It retails for $27.99.

The company’s new miniStack Max brings the optical drive back to the Mac mini as well as extra storage and ports. It will be out soon.

Basis looks like a great new health-related gizmo. Unfortunately even those at CES wouldn’t share its release date.

Case-Mate released countless new case designs and styles. Check out its lineup here.

XtremeMac’s new lineup looks great!

Kanex’s new Sydnee is an interesting take on the charging station. It’s expensive, too at $150.

BlueLounge was present at the show to flaunt it’s impressively beautiful lineup. Too bad some of its newer products were still under wrap!

AViiQ is continuing its mobile push. It’s products at the show, though were just non-working prototypes. Expect more on them later this year.

LG’s impressively awesome 3D setup. Glasses needed.

WeSC (WeAretheSuperlativeConspiracy) had a rather interesting setup. Looked great, though!

Urbanears had a ton of products on display. One (above) uses a metal band and magnets to create a fully-adjustable pair of slim over-the-ear headphones.

50 was present! Too bad he was also surrounded.

Skullcandy’s meeting rooms were by far the best looking in the show. To put it simply: stunning.

iFrogz is entering the gaming market with its Caliber headphones.

Samsung’s new TVs were beyond impressive. However, based on the word on the street, the price-tag is makes it unobtainable for most of us.

Sony had a lot of Playstation-related goods out. Nothing big elsewhere, though.

I really did enjoy taking a peak at Mercedes-Benz’ cars. Too bad the 100k+ price is going to stop me from buying one!

Panasonic’s was pretty blue. Sadly, it released no big products.

This is a new one for me. A Bob Marley brand.

CES this year was a blast. The products were amazing, booths were stunning, and crowds –for me at least– weren’t hard to handle. One booth, however, was the most memorable: Hub Innovations’. Not only were the people running it an amazing bunch, but so were the products. A prime example of this is from the closing day (Friday) of the convention at 4:30, a half hour past the show’s end. Many booths by that time had been taken down, Ferrari’s which had been being displayed were driving out and the carpet walkways were being torn up, however Hub Innovations’ booth was going strong and still gathering a crowd.

The most popular product appeared to be the company’s REV360, a soft iPad 2 case with a rotating hand strap on the rear. The cases cost $60 and are a great investment for those who frequently share an iPad’s screen (with colleagues, friends, ex-friends, etc). Check it out here.

Another pretty unique product at the Hub booth was its Couture Case, a Diddy-worthy, blinged out iPhone case available in three styles: Classic, Pretty Girl, and Punx. Best of all, the ‘bling’ is all placed by hand in Oregon! Price-wise, the Couture retails for $80 (link).

My personal favorite product at the booth was the company’s PRIZM stands, a transforming set of stands which can hold nearly any tablet or phone (two models). The PRIZM is actually comprised of two flat pieces of aluminum which slide together creating a stand. At $30 for the larger version and $25 for the smaller variant, the PRIZM makes the ultimate gift (link).

If it isn’t already, be sure to put Hub Innovations on your radar. A lot more is to come from this group which will interest even the blandest of people.

At CES, a variety of products are announced from TVs to Cameras to cases. However, it seems child-related items are not nearly as frequent at the show. This year, Griffin went against the grain announcing a variety of new products including a large number aimed at children. Aside from its kid-friendly releases, Griffin also announced a few products aimed at audiophiles. I was given the chance to take a look at some of the company’s new products. A quick rundown follows…

Griffin’s Woogie 2 was announced at CES as “the original huggable case for iPhone and iPod touch.” Woogie, in partnership with the Woogie App for iPhone and iPod touch, features an interactive personality.

The app brings Woogie to life with 10 unique faces activated by a variety of actions, such as laughter when the Woogie is tickled, dizziness when the Woogie is shaken, the ability to repeat words and phrases spoken to it, and the tendency to fall asleep when left alone.

If only Woogie was available this past holiday season. It really looks like a lovable toy!

Alongside Crayola, Griffin created MyPhones which are available in two styles: earbuds and headphones. Both pairs have built-­in volume-­limiting circuitry designed to keep the sound pressure down to levels safe enough for young ears. Further, both products are durable enough to be used with children. The earbuds will be available this spring for  $14.99 alongside the headphones at  $24.99.

Griffin also released the HELO TC Assault, an iOS/Android controlled, helicopter –with real firing missiles– which appeals to the child in all of us. It works in part by an included Flight Deck module through the headphone jack of any iOS or Android device and HELO TC Assault app. To be honest, this would be the ultimate office toy. It’ll be available for $59.99 this spring from Girffin’s website. A non-missle-loaded copter will be available later this month from Griffin for $49.99.

Combining both audio and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) recording into one compact device, the StudioConnect for iPad is Griffin’s new tool for musicians. StudioConnect takes recording music on the iPad to a whole new level allowing aspiring musicians to produce (relatively) professional sounding recordings easily. StudioConnect will be available in February for $149.99 from Griffin’s site.

From what I was told at the show, Twenty  is Griffin’s pride and joy of 2012. Through a low-­profile digital amplifier, Twenty brings Apple Lossless sound from iTunes or any other AirPlay-­enabled app (Pandora, Spotify, last.fm, etc.) to the user’s speakers. The device will come equipped with a power connection and mount for Airport Express and feature a 2.1 channel sound system with 20 watts output per channel and also support a powered subwoofer with an automatic active crossover at 80 Hz. The price and release date are still unknown.

Out of all the booths at CES, Griffin’s was one of my favorites. The products all look fantastic, especially the Twenty which I hope to get my hands on later this year.

I am not going to try and fool anyone by saying I am a car fanatic. To put it frankly, I know just as much about cars as I do Windows PCs. Nevertheless, I refuse to pass an opportunity to take pictures of things which are truly inspiring. A Mercedes-Benz photoshoot follows…

Moshi, a very simplistic and well known company in the Apple realm was in attendance at CES. At the show, the company announced a few new products including two new earphones, the Clarus and Vortex Pro, as well as Luna, a new wired keyboard.

With its steel alloy construction and DynaDuo two-way drivers, the Clarus is Moshi’s creme de la creme of its audio line. At $200, it has a price to fit.

Moshi Audio originally began with the Moonrock and Vortex. Now, the company has released the Vortex Pro, a new set of earphones featuring “high definition” drivers, a braided cable, and steel construction. Pricing on this will be available shortly, though it certainly will/should be under the $200 price tag of the Clarus.

Another new addition to Moshi’s lineup is its Luna keyboard which features laser-etched keys, Windows & Mac support, and an ergonomic design. Pricing on this, too will be available soon.

Moshi has always been one of our favorite Apple-focused companies and, with all its new additions, we love it even more.

When I was roaming the show, many companies were showing off one or two new products. XtremeMac, however, was introducing countless, including two new speakers, one being a Jambox-esque system and the other being a larger iPad compatible system. The company also announced multiple new iOS cases, stylish new carrying pouches (for both iOS devices and MacBooks), and matte MacBook hard-shells. Reviews will come alongside launches of the new products. Till then, some photos follow…

XtremeMac’s new products are really something to take note of. Check out its current lineup here.

Skech, a company which began in 2003 has been attending CES for the past couple of years. Each time, it’s booth gets better and better. This year, Sketch had one of the better looking booths at CES –or at least in the iLounge pavilion. Skech had some exciting new (some relatively new, others new for CES) cases to show off.

One of these cases is the Blueboard, a folio case with a wireless typing pad that magnetically attaches and detaches instantaneously. The keyboard is very similar to Apple’s chiclet counterpart, though from my use, I still prefer Apple’s. According to one of the representatives, the reason behind the detachable keyboard is for those who mirror the iPad to a TV as well as those who wouldn’t always want the keyboard.

Another interesting case at the Skech booth is the Porter, another folio-esque case. The different feature about it is that when you put the case into a position for typing, it bounces. According to someone at the booth, this was designed so that the user gets “feedback” while typing.

Probably the most innovative new product from Skech this year is its Trax iPhone 4/S cases which are actually made from recycled bike tires. Due to this, every case has a different pattern on its casing due to all the different skid-marks. Further, the case also features a fold-over design with pockets for licenses, credit cards, etc.

Up till this week, Skech was not a company I’d keep a keen eye on, however after seeing these new products, it is definitely a contender when it comes to cases.

Ferrari and  Logic3 have partnered to create a wide collection of new audio products including earphones, headphones and speaker docks. Through the collaboration, Ferrari has brought its iconic design to pair with Logic3′s audio performance.

There are two styles of audio products available in the series: The Ferrari Cavallino Collection features a design influenced by the emotive driving experience of Ferrari’s iconic GT road cars and the Scuderia Ferrari Collection which was inspired by the competition, speed, and technological innovation of the Ferrari F1 team.

The new products follow (as per Ferrari and  Logic3′s press release):

Speaker Docks:

• The Cavallino GT1 is a unique Speaker Dock which creates a rich & powerful audio experience through a market-­‐leading 250W RMS Class HD AMP in a Multi Speaker Unit with a 6.5” (165mm) Subwoofer. In addition to an Apple dock connector, the GT1 also features wireless Bluetooth connectivity for Android and Windows-­‐based devices.
• The Cavallino GT1 Air offers the same specification as the Cavallino GT1, but with the addition of Apple AirPlay wireless technology.
• The Scuderia FS1 is a 2.1 Speaker Dock offering 120W RMS Class HD Amp with Twin Passive Bass Radiators. Wireless Bluetooth connectivity grants access for Apple, Android & Windows devices along with a specific dock connector for Apple devices.
• The Scuderia FS1 Air offers the same specification as the Scuderia FS1, but with the addition of Apple AirPlay wireless technology.

Headphones and Earphones:

The Ferrari Cavallino Headphones and Earphones deliver a premium audio experience coupled with sumptuous comfort. With a focus on fine materials and detail, the collection is available in the following formats:
• The T350 Over-­‐Ear Headphones, which include active noise cancelling (ANC) technology
• The T250 On-­‐Ear Headphones
• The G150 & T150 Earphones, which feature TFAT and noise isolating technology


The Scuderia Ferrari Headphones and Earphones offer sleek design and high-­‐quality audio, accompanied by superior comfort level in and on the ears. Mirroring Ferrari’s F1 focus, the whole collection is available in the following formats:

• The R300 Over-­‐Ear Headphones, which offer active noise cancellation (ANC) technology
• The R200 and P200 On-­‐Ear Headphones
• The S100 and R100 Earphones, which feature TFAT and noise isolating technology

More information on the new audio line can be found at Logic3′s website here.

Incase is one of, if not the most well known makers of portable electronic cases and packs. In fact, the name has been fortunate enough to be associated with legends like Andy Warhol through the creation of products decorated with artist’s work and designs. One of Incase’s most popular cases which has existed since the original iPhone is its slider case, a two-piece slim protective cover the iPhone and iPod touch.

I purchased my first Slider for my iPhone 3GS in a matte black and loved it. For my iPhone 4S, however, I purchased a glossy white Slider to match the device’s front and rear. It, unfortunately, is another story.

Incase’s Slider is by far the most well known iPhone case to date; in fact, cheaper knockoffs of the Slider can usually be found within feet of the Apple Store in most malls. The case comes in two parts: a main piece (larger of the two) which protects the top and most of the sides, and the bottom piece which connects with its counterpart to fully surround the device. A rim surrounding the screen is ample enough to protect the device from being sat upside down on a table or even dropped –at least from average heights.

Currently, Incase offers multiple finishes and printed designs for its ever-popular Slider cases. As I mentioned prior, the Slider I purchased was a glossy white. This gloss is what ruined the case for me. The Slider’s design is wonderful, it is aesthetically pleasing, and is capable of protecting my phone from everyday drops and bumps. It is just that most of said drops and bumps were being caused by how slick the case was. Not only did I run into issues with the case sliding from my hands, but also the case would tend to fall out of my pocket in the car or in a chair (with my Apple Bumper, this never occurred). I’d really be surprised if this case wouldn’t make a great replacement for an air hockey puck, actually!

I would not recommend buying Incase’s glossy Slider case, rather I would look into its Pro Slider cases which features a rubberized bumper (grip) or even its Snap cases which too feature a matte finish. Incase’s Slider case is available for $35 from its store.

Note: I personally still use Apple’s Bumper case in part with both front and rear protective films.