IK Multimedia continues their wave of innovation with the release of iRig 2, an analog guitar interface for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and select Android users. iRig 2 adds an adjustable input gain control, 1/4″ output, and a new direct passthrough mode, making it a worthy successor to the original iRig from 2010. IK’s ability to add these new features while maintaining the same affordable price make the iRig 2 a must-have for any musician interested in mobile music production.
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I nominate iKlip Grip from IK Multimedia for Most Innovative and Versatile iPhone/iPod Accessory of 2015. iKlip Grip is four products in one package at a reasonable price: table top tripod, selfie stick, extension handle, and tripod adapter, in order of probable usage. As a bonus, a Bluetooth remote control shutter release is provided.
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Thunderbolt is probably the most interesting technology that came to our Macintoshes in recent years. Since I bought a 15″ MacBook Pro with retina display, I have been following the market for Thunderbolt docks. In the first years, they were slow to come to market. Then, with Thunderbolt 2 released, they removed some ports. OWC has a new accessory that has Thunderbolt 2 connectivity with a FireWire port: the OWC Thunderbolt 2 Dock.
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We are now entering the summer driving season and it is time to reassess our automotive safety. Macally is ready to help with their mCupXL. This is a mount that sits in a cup holder in your car and secures a phone or even a small GPS unit. This item does it right.
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This high quality compact and versatile iOS Lightning port microphone is much better than the built-in mic on Apple’s iOS equipment. Recordings are clear and crisp. Audio fidelity is very impressive at all sound levels. A turn knob on the side of the unit adjusts input volume. This microphone works with all Apple and third party iOS recording apps. Thick-edged iDevice cases may obstruct the Lightning tip’s insertion.
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I continue to use Creative’s Sound Blaster SR20 Roar Wireless Speaker daily for personal listening and music teaching. It is the best one piece speaker I have ever heard for the combination of clarity, volume, and price. I recommend it to my students and friends. Many of them purchase it, and they are immediately amazed at how good it sounds at all volume levels.
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This little giant is the easiest external wireless speaker in the world to use with your iPhone, iPod touch, or other compatible audio source equipment. Charge the lightweight speaker using the included USB micro cable with your iOS or other charger unit and switch on the speaker’s power. Place your iWhatever in Touch Mini Boombox Speaker’s slot, and either stand the combo pair upright or lay them down on your table or desk or dresser or night stand. Done.
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Creative’s new Muvo Mini go-anywhere speaker is the best new audio product MyMac has reviewed so far this year. It looks good, sounds great, has decent Bluetooth wireless range, and is water resistant. You can take a shower with Muvo, bring it when you go camping, and use it everywhere you want full spectrum personal audio. The low price is remarkable, and four colors are available.
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Bamboo Bluetooth Keyboard Impecca $100 Available in four colorful combinations, this exceptional Bluetooth wireless keyboard from Impecca adds style and renewable materials to the
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RIVA Turbo X Premium Portable Bluetooth Speaker is the size of a small loaf of bread, but weighs a lot more and sounds great. Its rectangular edges are rounded and contoured, with magnificent attention to detail in the physical product. Design is stellar, and functionality is effortless. The unit is available in either all black or all white.
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Audioengine’s new B2 Bluetooth Speaker is the best single-cabinet AC powered speaker you have never heard, with the best Bluetooth range you have never experienced. B2’s design is as retro classic as its engineering is advanced. Two powerful speakers are shielded and mounted in a natural wood cabinet that is available in three finishes. Audio output is studio reference quality for flat frequency response, and maximum volume will soon shake your windows and rattle your walls.
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Mio’s ALPHA is a stylish, rugged, easy to use fitness watch that is as versatile as it is light weight. Within seconds of opening its carton you will be charging its battery via the dedicated, custom USB cable, and within hours you will be using this attractive watch to its optimum capability.
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The Biologic Bike Mount Weathercase allows you to safely carry and view your iPhone on your bike’s handlebars. If you already have your iPhone in a case, you’ll have to remove it. My iPhone 5S lives in an Otterbox case that is too large to fit into the zippered Biologic case.
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Remember when we all had clock radios beside our beds? The iPhone has all but replaced the need for these nearly quaint devices. iHome has just introduced a product that updates the old standby: a bedside radio that charges your iPhone and/or your iPad while you sleep.
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This versatile and compact one-piece speaker from iHome Audio has the potential to be a holiday and summertime success, in spite of a few unfortunate design elements. Sound performance is acceptably loud and midrange-focused for personal or small group indoor and outdoor listening.
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This innovative and versatile new video adapter falls into the category of Where have you been all my life, and where were you when I really needed you? In five minutes you can unpack its three component pieces, download the necessary free software, and be viewing your Mac’s content on an external display that has either an HDMI or DVI interface.
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The Missing Manual series, of course, aims to fill gaps that many pieces of software (may) leave by having no – or an inadequate – manual. iMovie The Missing Manual (OReilly) looks at Apples venerable movie editing software.
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Bluetooth audio has arrived for serious music listeners. Connect Audioengine’s new B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver to your home stereo unit or other system and enjoy the best wireless music signal available. Use your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Macintosh to stream audio to B1. Your music never sounded this good before B1.
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I have been running and working out for many years now and since the advent of portable electronic devices, the one pet peeve that I’ve had is that I have never really found a set of headphones that will work properly once I’ve started to sweat during the workout. Apple’s earbuds or any major brand in-ear headphones always seem to have the same issue; sooner or later my sweat will cause one side or the other of the in-ear headphone to stop working properly until I’ve dried it out. So when BlueAnt said that they had a waterproof bluetooth headphone, I knew that I had to give them a try.
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Avid has received a lot of criticism from Sibelius users of late. Two years ago the Finsbury Park, London, HQ of the Sibelius development team was closed, many developers laid off, and the suites coding and maintenance operation relocated to the Ukraine. Rumors of serious financial trouble circulated and the company’s Vice President, CFO and CTO resigned. Yet the market-leading score-writing software did not disappear as some both predicted and feared. In fact, a new version has recently been released; here Sibelius 7.5.1 (a significant further milestone release for bug fixes and maintenance) is examined. Its found to be as good as ever.
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