The iPod Mini is an outdated model, so it’s only fitting that Jozaeh’s MP3 player is encased in the wood of a stately old Australian red cedar tree. Camphor Laurel comprises the click wheel, and brass plates and screws hold everything together. Says the creator: “I was given a new iPod Mini for Christmas and I just couldn’t leave my trusty old mini to sit unused somewhere.” Sounds like it was his first stab at a wooden iPod mod, and we say he did an admirable job. Sadly, it’s only a matter of time before the battery kicks the bucket and this wooden iPod becomes a true antique. [Flickr via BB Gadgets]
Apple’s newest iPod shuffle doesn’t just play your tunes, it also talks to you. The device has a new “VoiceOver” function that will tell you the name of the song you’re listening to as well as the artist name. You can also get it to read you what tracks are coming up in your playlist (since the shuffle doesn’t have a display screen). The 4GB music player is so small now that all its controls are located in the earbud cord (which will definitely create an issue if you like to rock other headphones or lose yours). At $80, the player is pretty reasonably priced; we’re definitely thinking about picking one up- what do you think about the new shuffles? [via Wired]
If you’re looking for an iPod speaker system for your girlfriend or child, this one might be a winner. This cute and cuddly teddy bear is actually an iPod speaker system in disguise. The system in concealed in the plush bear (so you don’t see ugly speakers) and you can connect your iPod to it via a USB cord, much like when you connect your phone to your computer. The bear runs on batteries (that hopefully aren’t charging your iPod) and runs $38, which could make it a reasonably affordable gift option. What animals would you like to see a speaker system built in? We’re thinking a dragon or snake option might be pretty cool. [via DVICE]
Onkyo has released two new pretty cool looking iPod speaker systems. The X-T2CR has a CD player, and the X-T2 plays MDs. Both of the systems have built-in iPod docks that will allow you to connect any generation iPod to them for playback. The systems also have AM and FFM radio tuners, and A-OMF Cone and 8cm driver units for the speakers. These look to be a little more stylish than your traditional iPod speaker deck, and would work well in a living room as opposed to the dorm room look we typically see. While we might be a little tired of iPod dock news, this one stands above those we’ve seen in some time. [via AkibaharaNews]
As if iPod needed a latent endorsement over competitor Zune–watch this thief make away with every valuable on the desk while tossing the Zune back. At least he got an extra pair of earbuds out of it. [Slippery Brick]
Nowadays iPod docks area dime a dozen– you find them everywhere in most every shape and size. This iPod dock concept from NOCS caught our eye however because it definitely takes a new look at how iPod docks are designed. The dock is essentially a tall speaker tower with three built-in speakers. Your iPod attaches to the top of the device, and there are controls at the top (as well as a remote control we hope) for you to control your musical selections. While it seems like an obvious design choice, this is actually pretty innovative. We’re sold, we can only hope this one hits production. [IndustrialDesign]
Looks like Apple’s doing a little housecleaning. DealNews has some killer Refurbished deals on most iPod models, including the Shuffle and Nano. Discounts can also be found for the 160GM Classic and the 8GB, 16GB and 32GB Touch models. Hit the jump for some other cheap deals.
Refurbished Apple iPod MP3 Players from $39 + $4 shipping
Ever think to yourself: “Boy, my sound system really isn’t creepy enough”? If so, you’re in for a great surprise– and a swift, decisive disappointment. These Audiomatryoshka iPod speakers that look like a small family of drones in secret cahoots to eat your face in the middle of the night, are merely a concept and won’t be helping you pimp your dock anytime soon. Whether you’re afraid or eerily attracted to these unique speakers, you can’t help but stare. They were created as a working interpretation of Matryoshkas (Russian nesting dolls) by Russian designer Alex Mamontoff. Wonder how the sound quality is? [Geeky Gadgets]
Word on the street is that Apple is working on creating a new larger screen iPod Touch. The device, which is rumored, to be released in fall 2009 would have a 7-9inch screen, making it more a tablet PC than an iPod.
Rumors of a Mac tablet have been swirling for years, it wouldn’t be completely out of the question for Apple to create one – and use the design on their popular iPod Touch as a template for it. Apple has been supposedly watching the market to see if their could be a widespread demand for a tablet-like device from Apple- we’re not exactly sure there is. What do you think? Would you buy an Apple tablet? Or any tablet PC for that matter? [via CNET]
