Blue Mikey Digital Microphone

Blue introduces Mikey Digital

 for Lightning-based iOS devices

 

Based on the popular 30-pin version, the Mikey includes line-in and USB pass through charging.

  The perfect tool for mobile recording, Mikey Digital is an ultra-compact stereo microphone that connects directly to iPhone or iPad to capture pristine audio for video, voice or music using your favorite audio or video application. Featuring two custom-tuned condenser capsules, check out how Mikey Digital captures everything from live music to mobile podcasts to video and more!

  A little less than two years after it introduced its first digital 30-pin attachable microphone for the iPhone and other iOS devices, Blue Microphones is finally bringing out a Lightning-based version that works natively with the iPhone 5 and later models such as the iPhone 5s and Retina iPad mini. The new Mikey Digital includes two condenser microphones -- identical to the ones used in its popular Yeti and Snowball microphones -- and thanks to its reversible Lightning connector is now able to pointed either forwards or backwards.

  From the initial release notes, the $100 Lightning Mikey Digital carries over all the same features that made the 30-pin unit a hit with podcasters, mobile news reporters, concert-goers, iPhone videographers and musicians. The device can handle sound up to 130dB, and can be set to automatically protect recordings from distortion (or gain can be set manually as desired). It can tilt up to 230 degrees, features a clipping indicator to help users set ideal levels manually, and features a rare eighth-inch stereo line-in input for external mic sources, instruments or mixing boards for DJs.

  The microphone itself contains a discrete mic preamp and CD-quality A/D converter, allowing users to record 44.1Khz/16-bit audio to the iOS device it is attached to. The previous 30-pin version worked with the iPhone 5 and later using Apple's own Lightning adapter, but having a native solution reduces bulk and increases portability. The unit weighs just three ounces, and measures 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.5 inches. It is recognized as the default mic input automatically for almost any recording application except the Phone app or FaceTime.

  Mikey Digital also features a USB pass through connection so that users can charge the device while still using it, useful for long recording sessions. The microphone is available from Amazon and Sweetwater Sound now, and will be coming to Future Shop and Best Buy in Canada, Maplins in the UK and other authorized Blue retailers in the near future.

Pop Video Turns iPhone into a Projector

Pop Video 

Turns iPhone into a Projector

  This very unique case design clips onto your iPhone and projects an extremely high resolution image.  I have seen many of these devices and the clarity usually remains a difficult task to adjust.

  Looking into the future, concept artists often equip their dream iPhones with built-in pico projectors. That feature probably isn't coming to an iPhone anytime soon, but Micron Technology's upcoming $99Pop Video pico projector accessory may be the next best thing.

  The key feature here is the 30-pin connector that allows you to dock your iPhone or iPod, forming one compact unit. While some of the larger pico projectors like the BenQ Joybee GP2 have an integrated dock, the Pop Video is designed to be much more portable, fitting into a pocket when not in use.

Brookstone's competing Pocket Projector for iPhone 4 costs $229 (click to enlarge).Brookstone

  Brookstone is offering up a similarly styled pico projector that's simply called the Pocket Projector for iPhone 4, but its native resolution is lower (640 x 360 pixels) than the Pop Video's (960 x 540 pixels) and the Brookstone accessory costs $229.

  I've listed the Pop Video's main specs below, but some specs are missing and questions remain. For instance, I didn't see a listing for brightness -- the Brookstone unit is a 15 lumens projector, which just isn't all that bright.

  I presume the Pop Video is somewhere in that range but no number is given (I'll add it to the post when I get it). The Micron projector also doesn't appear to have a built-in speaker like the Brookstone unit does but I haven't been able to verify that. I doubt Brookstone's integrated speaker is much better than the iPhone's internal speaker, but it's worth talking about sound with these tiny projectors because it's more important than you think. Putting up a big image on the wall with tiny sound just doesn't cut it.

• Dimensions: 4.4 inches x 1.8 inches x .6 inch (HWD)
• Weight: 3.5 ounces (97g)
• Input: 30-pin dock connector
• Video Output: qHD (960 x 540 pixel resolution)
• Battery: Built-in Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• Playtime: Up to two hours with full battery charge
• Charging: Micro-USB charging (1.2 compliant)
• Charge time: About 4 hours
• iOS version: 5.0 and greater
• Compatible with iPhone 4/4S and gen-3 and 4 iPod Touch
• Price: $99 (available for preorder now)

 As for the light engine inside the Pop Video, Micron apparently uses something called FLCOS micro-display technology, which is cheaper to produce and allegedly more energy efficient. Chances are the Pop Video can project a passable image at fairly large sizes, but you'll need to project in a dark room for best results (as the manual states) and I don't expect to be wowed.

  All that said, this is definitely a big step in the right direction for the pico projector market -- both in terms of price point and form factor. The killer app for these types of projectors has always been tighter integration with the iPhone (and other smartphones eventually) that makes it much easier to project without attaching any kluge cables. To that end, the projector is designed to be used with a free app that allows you to tweak the projector settings and more importantly, projector more content directly from your iPhone, including Web pages, Facebook, and videos downloaded from iTunes or iTunes U that are not MPEG 3 protected. At least that's what the description for the app claims.

  When I get my hands on a unit I'll let you know just how good the image is. As I said, it's unclear when the Pop Video will ship, but hopefully it will be within the next few months, if not sooner.

This review is brought to you by CNET

iPhone Video Projector

iPhone Video Projector

  The iPhone is great for taking videos and watching them if you’re by yourself. But if you wanted to share your videos with a group of people, you either have to play the “pass the phone around game” or upload them to a computer (which is still less than ideal). Hammacher has a solution with The iPhone Video Projector, an LED illuminated projection system that projects videos on a wall or screen up to 18 feet away. The system can project an image up to 110″ diagonal, which is huge!

  But if you’re going to be sharing videos with a group of people you’re going to want bigger sound than what comes out of the iPhone’s tiny speaker. No worries because this projector system also has a pair of 3 watt drivers with an on-board dual 7 watt amplifier to give you crisp robust sound. The manual focus projector has a 30,000 hour lifespan on it’s 800 lumens LED bulb. Supports most iPhone and iPod touch models and includes a remote control. Buy it for $299 at Hammacher .

This review is brought to you by craziestgadgets.com

How the Iphone Wireless Charger (Powermat) Works

How the Iphone Wireless Charger

 (Powermat) Works

  This video demonstrates one of the coolest pieces of technology to hit the shelves in a while.  Although many companies have now duplicated this technology in any number of ways, Powermat was the originator in the US marketplace and has sold millions of devices.  This video dissects the incredible device and shows you just what makes this great piece of technology tick.

iPhone accessories at 80% off

In my continued search to save you time and money, we celebrate savings at 80% off today. I've collected thousands of your requests of the past month for iPhone charging cables, connectors and docks. I told many of you to wait for today as I expected a sale that has finally dropped.

A quick word of caution, despite a ton of stock, at these prices the deals below could sell-out quickly. I can't control that so make your move quickly if you need to load up.

You'll find all of that information below. Want more deals? Follow @MattGranite on Twitter.

Watch this hands-on video of the tangle-free accessories I tested.

We do not receive any financial compensation from any deal or for mentioning any store. The only purpose of this series is to save you money!

79% Off iPhone Charging/Sync Dock + Free Shipping
Was: $32.99
Now: $6.99
**Compatible with iPhone 5, 5c and 5s only.

81% Off 10ft Tangle Free iPhone Charge Cables + Free Shipping
Was: $29.99
Now: $5.49
**Compatible with iPhone 5, 5c and 5s, iPod Touch 5 and iPod Nano 7 only.

83% Off Incase Pro Snap Case + Free Shipping
Was: $29.99
Now: $4.99
**Compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4s and iPhone 5 only.

81% Off iPhone Sportsband Cases + Free Shipping
Was: $29.99
Now: $5.49

Razer Junglecat iPhone game controller

  Razer has introduced Junglecat ($100), a game controller for iPhone 5/5s. The Junglecat is a sliding keyboard built into an iPhone case — it slides out from under the case with a d-pad, pause button, four action buttons and two bumper buttons. A Junglecat companion app lets users remap the buttons, adjust button pressure sensitivity, and store personalized profiles.

The case includes front ports for audio, as well as open access to the iPhone’s ports and buttons, though the camera is blocked when the controller tray isn’t out. Razer Junglecat comes in black and white and is available now.

Apple plans Lightning cable MFi headphones

  Apple has added a specification to its Made For iPhone/iPad/iPod program allowing manufacturers to create headphones with Lightning connectors, rather than traditional 3.5mm headphone plugs, according to a new report from 9to5Mac. While not currently supported by iOS devices, Lightning headphone support will be enabled in a future software update. According to the report, the Lightning standard will allow for stereo 48 kHz digital audio output from iOS devices, and mono 48 kHz input for integrated microphone support, though the actual sound quality will depend considerably on superior headphone and microphone components. It will also allow power to transfer between the headphones and the iOS device in both directions, which could eliminate batteries in noise-cancelling headphones, and enable other headphones to add backup power to the connected device.

  The report also states there will be two configurations: Standard Lightning Headphones, and Advanced Lightning Headphones. The former “are described by Apple as using minimum components when paired with a digital-to-analog converter supported by the Lightning Headphone Module,” while the latter use a digital signal processor and digital/analog converter, and allow for “digital audio processing features like active noise cancellation.” Lightning headphones would likely be physically incompatible with non-Apple devices, as well as Mac computers, unless Apple adds Lightning ports to Macs.

Top 10 iPhone Gadgets 2014

This informative video displays some cool new gadgets for the iPhone in 2014.  From desk phone rigs, to projectors, to thermometers and more.  These gadgets are some of the coolest designs for iPhones in a long time.  They even have a thermal imaging camera.  Feel free to comment below or to follow the link at the bottom of the page for great iPhone accessories.

Click Here for iPhone Accessories

iQi Mobile Wireless Charging

iQi Mobile Wireless Charging

  Introducing the amazing iQi Mobile Wireless charging station.  Pronounced "I-Chi", this incredible device attaches to your phone or mobile device and charges the device on the provided pad.  No more fumbling for wires or having to disconnect and reconnect just to answer the phone.  The device uses a simple card which fits perfectly underneath your soft phone case and is attached to the charging socket at the bottom of the phone.  Then, just drop it on the pad and Voila!  your device begins to charge.  Please follow the video above for details.  If you are in need of a soft case for your iPhone since this does not fit very well with many hard cases, then please feel free to follow the link below for our selection of soft cases.

Click Here for 

iPhone Soft Cases