iLuv does HD radio, with or without the iPod

Everyone knows that there are virtually no products designed to work with the iPod, so iLuv has bravely decide to step in and fill the gaping void with an HD radio that includes a built-in dock for the media player. The i169 stereo can function as an alarm clock as well as receive HD transmissions, displaying song information and other data, though it looks fairly uninspired considering all the competition out there.

iLuv has made yet another bold move and produced a version that has no iPod dock whatsoever, providing the same functions as its sibling without the media player. The i168 does include a 3.5mm jack to plug one in, however, so you won't have to go cold turkey.

Via CNET Crave

A wide (and delicious) world of cell phone dangles

A trip over to the Japanese Web site Strapya-world.com is always entertaining. The sheer variety of cell phone dangles is mind-blowing with everything from tiny vacuum cleaners called Henry to the expected Hello Kitty characters. The food section is particularly interesting with dangles representing just above every aspect of eating including breakfast, dessert, and drinks. Best of all, the site includes both international and Japanese food. In the latter category, we told you already about the sushi dangles, but today I found miniature bowls of udon. Maybe like udon itself they can be a great way to pass a cold, rainy day. The udon dangle is US$4.15.

While the oddest dangle on Strapya remains the "unko" dangle, my new favorite is the little Shinkansen (bullet trains). Not that I'd buy a cell phone dangle, but I think they're cute just the same. I'm also a fan if the Lego-like USB drive.

Via CNET Crave

High-end CD player or UFO sighting?

If you're a company that makes equipment for a medium facing extinction, it's probably not a bad idea to keep trying something different with your wares. One way is unusual designs--and in that category, Shanling excels.

The Chinese company specializes in CD players that have unique looks, specs, and characteristics, as evidenced by its tube- amplifying "MC-30 Music Center" and other models. Its latest offering is no exception: The CD-T300 Pro has four amplification valves, two remote controls, and gold-plated tube legs. But the most striking thing about it is the way it looks.

Boasting what Lussorian calls a "funky science-fiction styling," this beast is made of aluminum alloy and weighs more than 10.8kg. It emits a blue glow when touched, giving it the look of a UFO. Which, by the way, is particularly appropriate for an item with a stratospheric price of US$12,000.

Via CNET Crave

Wi-Fi wristwatch for discreet poaching

If you're one of those Wi-Fi moochers who's always looking for a discreet way to score a free connection, this gadget may be a perfect solution. Rather than having to boorishly whip out a obvious detector, you can pretend to be checking the time while surreptitiously looking for the nearest hot spot on a "Wi-Fi Detecting Watch."

This handy gadget promises to detect signals within a radius of more than 100 yards--an American-style football field--while featuring a full complement of wristwatch features such as a chronograph, alarm, calendar, and water resistance up to 328 feet. The best part for all concerned: It means you can finally throw that Wi-Fi detector shirt in the wash.

Via CNET Crave

Sony's new high-end PC speaker

Pity the desktop music lover. While loudspeakers for full stereo systems get more outrageous by the day, the PC is often humored with novelty items of dubious aural or aesthetic value.

Sony seems to be trying to address those issues at least on the European market with its SRSZX1, which it describes as a "unique high-end 2.0 speaker" for PCs that matches the performance of larger systems. The compact unit yields 40 watts of sound and includes noise-reduction technology while making something of a fashion statement at the same time, encased in "aluminum extrusion molding."

If that's not enough, Sony touts something called "Turbo Shift" technology that "changes low frequency bass range previously inaudible by human ears to a range that can be heard for increased bass." So now you and your dog can enjoy music together as never before. We have no idea what any of this means, but it's got to be better than other desktop alternatives.

Via CNET Crave

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