Natural Acoustic iPhone Amplifier

 

The Natural Acoustic iPhone Amplifier is a remarkable example of  Italian design that combines aesthetic beauty with classic handcrafted porcelain materials and at the same time, bridges a previous “time gone by” generation of passive acoustic technology with the newest generation of modern technology.

The Acoustic iPhone Amplifier is a passive ceramic amplifier manufactured in Italy designed to amplify the music from an iPhone or iPod. It works on the same resonant acoustic principle as the old-fashioned Victrola phonographs. Now there’s some imagery from the past.

In exquisite Italian fashion, the amplifier is handcrafted of slip-cast ceramic fired in Vincenza. Located in the north-eastern Italy, Vincenza has been distinguished since the 18th century for traditional high-quality ceramics that have been compared to the finest Chinese porcelain. The porcelain is  made from clay that comes from Montelupo Fiorentino. This area in Tuscany has been the focal point of Italian ceramics production going all the way back to the Renaissance period.

The curvature of the ceramic horn creates a passive audio amplifier that augments the resonant tones emanating from the iPhone speaker. The passive acoustic amplifier doesn’t require any auxiliary power or external speakers, this is purely a natural acoustic function. You simply place your iPhone or iPod in the cradle of the ceramic horn. And the beautifully crafted walnut base supports the ceramic horn with minimal contact for optimal acoustic performance.

Natural Ceramic Acoustic iPhone Amplifier Demonstration

 

Because the technology is purely acoustic (no electronic interface), iPhone compatibility is not an issue. This beautiful ceramic acoustic iPhone amplifier will work with all iPhone and iPod versions including iPhone 4, 4S, 3G, 3GS, iPhone, iPod touch 1-4th Gen, and the iPod touch with cover. The dimensions of the acoustic iPhone amplifier are 17 3/4 inches in length, by 12 1/2 inches in width by 13 1/4 inches in height, and weighs 5 1/2 pounds.

As much a beautiful work of art and conversation piece, the Natural Acoustic iPhone Amplifier will make an exquisite and unique addition to your home.

Available: Hammacher

Price: $329.95

Apple Mac Users Hit With The Flashback Virus (Trojan Actually)

 

 

Mac users have been hit recently by the Flashback trojan. I was thinking this Flashback trojan malware might perform some sort of retro wizardry that morphs your Mac back into an Apple 1, the first Apple computer that Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak created in the garage of their Los Altos home back in 1976.

Not that kind of flashback? OK, maybe a stretch But hey, this is a gadget site, I had to tie in a gadget somehow … and besides, the Apple 1 is pretty cool, don’t you think?

Computer malware has primarily been the scourge of Windows based PCs. You don’t often hear about Apple computers and Macs having a problem with computer viruses and malware. In fact, Apple users will often site the superior security and safety of Apple computers as one of the preferred advantages over Microsoft Windows and PCs.

Admittedly, the malicious creators of computer malware have historically focused their efforts toward Windows based PCs with a much larger user footprint out there. After all, the goal of a someone who creates a computer virus is to impact as many people as possible, so they go where the numbers are. Apple computers have only accounted for about 10% of the computers out there, although that number is climbing with the advent of iPads and the increasing popularity of Apple products.

But Apple computers are not impervious to malware. It is possible to create a Mac virus, and we’ve seen a bit more Mac malware activity recently. With the latest being this Flashback trojan. Officially called BackDoor.Flashback.39, the Mac trojan exploit originally started as a phony Adobe Flash player installer that surfaced sometime last September (2011).

In its first incarnation, Flashback was pretty harmless and easy enough to avoid. But the trojan has evolved into a more serious threat by exploiting unpatched security holes in Java which Apple has now addressed. The Flashback trojan is estimated to have infected more than 600,000 Mac computers worldwide, with most of the impact in the U.S and Canada.

 Tools to check for the Flashback Trojan on your Mac

• Online Tool from Dr. Web to check if you’ve been infected with Backdoor.Flashback.39
• FlasbackChecker from GitHub is a program you can install to check for the Flashback trojan.

How to remove the Flashback Trojan from your Mac

• CNET has provided this step-by-step guide that explains how to remove Backdoor.Flashback.39
• Flashback removal instructions from Finnish security company F-Secure.

Computer  viruses, trojans and worms are no fun. And while malware may be the familiar, almost daily occurrence for Windows PC users, it looks like Apple and Mac users will likely see more of the same in the future as well.

The Solar Powered iPad Cover

 

Here’s a new innovative iPad cover that harnesses solar powered technology to provide up to ten days of iPad2 usage without the need for a battery charge. The Solar Powered iPad Cover uses the latest photovoltaic ink technology to convert both indoor and outdoor light into electricity.

The solar powered iPad cover is equipped with a built-in battery. The combined solar charging panel along with the integrated battery work in tandem to enable you to use your iPad2 for as long as ten days without needing a charge.

The iPad cover also serves as a protective case and is perfect for travel and when you’re on the go. The cover’s built-in stainless steel stand allows you to pace your iPad2 at an optimal 15 degree angle for typing or watching movies. The solar powered iPad cover is also equipped with a standard USB port that allows connect and charge smartphones, MP3 players or Bluethooth headsets.

And iPad case is also equipped with an HDMI output that lets you connect your iPad2 to an HDTV. The USB and HDMI cables are not included.

The Solar Powered iPad Cover is fully compatible with both the iPad2 and the newest iPad3. Dimensions are 11 inches long by 8  inches wide and 1 inch deep. The iPad cover weighs 1 1/2 pounds.

Protect your iPad with the advanced Solar Powered iPad Cover and enjoy the smart and eco-friendly performance of up to 10 days of operation without the need to charge your iPad.

Available: Hammacher

Price: $199.95

iHome iW1 AirPlay Wireless Stereo Speaker System

 

For so many music enthusiasts, one of the biggest attractions to the iPod, iPhone and iPad is the easy and convenient way to collect and enjoy virtually any kind of music through iTunes. And today for so many folks, they turn to their iPod or iPhone exclusively to listen to their favorite music. If most or all of the music you enjoy is through your iPod, iPhone or iPad, what happens if you’d like to listen to your music throughout the house? Now you can easily stream your music to any room of the house wirelessly with the iHome iW1 AirPlay Wireless Stereo Speaker System.

The iHome iW1 AirPlay Wireless Stereo Speaker System is a super convenient and ideal audio solution for iTunes, iPhone and iPod owners that leverages the latest technology from Apple to stream your music throughout the house. With Apple’s AirPlay wireless audio streaming technology, you can play your favorite music anywhere in the house using your home Wi-Fi network.

iHome iW1 AirPlay Wireless Stereo Speaker System Features

• AirPlay wireless audio streaming over Wi-Fi networks
• iHome iW1 AirPlay is certified for 802.11b and 802.11g Wi-Fi network technologies. AirPlay is a built-in feature with Apple devices that enables users to stream audio wirelessly from their iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and iTunes. AirPlay works wherever there is a Wi-Fi network.
• Simple, easy and quick wireless setup with the iHome application technology.
• Convenient and simple network setup and custom device naming using iHome Connect, a FREE app available on the iTunes app store (available for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch).
• Attractive, sleek design will look great in any room of the house.
• Includes a handheld IR remote to control the streaming of your music from a distance. The IR remote and the speaker control panel supports play/pause, next track, previous track, and the volume control on your iPad, iPhone, iPod touch.
• Rechargeable battery with charging base and carrying handle for use anywhere at home, in-doors and outside.
• You can also recharge the battery by connecting to your iPod or iPhone through the USB port using the included USB cable.
• Includes an aux-in input as well. You can connect any music device with the analog 3.5mm stereo auxiliary input.
• Real-time high-fidelity audio signal enhancing technology. Digital signal processing extends the audio bandwidth effectively improves brightness, clarity and presence as well as delivers deeper and more resonant bass.

If you’ve been looking for a simple way to enjoy your iTunes music collection from anywhere in your house, you’ll want to try the iHome iW1 AirPlay Wireless Stereo Speaker System.

Available: Buy.com

Price: $299.00

The Virtual Laser-Generated Keyboard

 

iPads and iPhones are wonderful devices that have achieved enormous popularity. But while these devices strive for perfection, they do leave a bit to be desired for those of us that sorely miss the keyboard. If you’re like so many users that really do prefer a keyboard when you have to get some serious work done, then have a look at this cutting-edge new innovative keyboard device for the iPad and iPhone as well as Android Phones.

The Virtual Laser-Generated Keyboard is the latest keyboard invention that projects a laser-generated keyboard image onto any flat, opaque surface. A Class II laser draws a full-size 9 3/4 inch wide by 4 inch high keyboard and renders 3/4 inch square keys with a bit of drop shadow for visual depth.

The Virtual Laser-Generated Keyboard has an optical sensor that detects your finger placement at different locations on the keyboard in three dimensions. And an infrared horizontal plane is projected just millimeters above the surface which detects the actual contact your finger makes with the keys when the infrared plane is interrupted.

The virtual keyboard device translates the detected key strokes into the appropriate character code and sends to your iPhone, iPad or Android device via the Bluetooth radio interface, so no wires or cables needed.

The Virtual Laser-Generated Keyboard can keep pace with even the fastest typists, able to track typing speeds up to 400 characters per minute.  The rechargeable battery provides up to 2 1/2 hours of typing from a 1 1/2 hour charge using the included USB/AC adapter.  The virtual keyboard device dimensions are 3 inches high by 1 1/2 inches wide by 1 1/4″ deep, and a light weight 2 1/2 oz.

Available: Hammacher

Price: $199.95