Tickle the Woogie 2, and the characters laugh; shake it and they get dizzy. It can also repeat words and phrases – with the option to turn that feature off, if you’re getting sick of the parroting – and if you leave it alone the characters fall asleep.

As before, the soft-stuffed furry legs make the iPhone easy to prop up for a child to tap at, and a clear plastic window gives the touchscreen some protection while still including headphone socket access. You can download the Woogie app free here [iTunes link].

The original Woogie was a fond favorite of Avi Greengart, appearing in two successive last-minute holiday gift guides. The new Woogie 2 is available for order now, in blue or pink, priced at $19.99.

Of course, Griffin would advise aiming away from the delicate facial areas while staging dogfights, but since we’ve never liked the look of you anyway we’ll say go straight ahead. As before, the ‘copter is controlled by an infrared-toting Flight Deck module that plugs into the headphone socket of your iOS or Android device.

Install the app and then on-screen controls or accelerometer tilting navigate the chopper around. The now-common twin rotor design means stability is a whole lot greater than helicopters of old, and you can store up to three flight plans for repetition later; there’s also an automatic landing option, if you haven’t already crashed into a wall by that stage.

The Griffin HELO TC Assault will go on sale in Q2, priced at $59.99.

Outputs for this device include Spring-loaded right and left channel connectors as well as an RCA subwoofer connector. Sensitivity can be bumped up to 0.34 dBFS for 20 watts when the volume control is set to max. Power is up at 20 watts per channel into 8 ohms @0.08% THD with both channels driven. Signal to noise ratio is 95 decibels and crosstalk is -71 decibels. If all that makes sense to you – continue on!

You’ve also got some lovely subwoofer output with both left and right sub-bass audio and autoswitching when your powered subwoofer is detected. Your high-pass filter is 80 Hz 2nd order Linkwitz-Riley applied to L+R channels and your low-pass filter is 80 Hz 2nd order Linkwitz-Riley applied to subwoofer output. Plug it in and get your wireless audio on.

The remote control is basically a sled into which your iPhone or iPod touch slots, hooked up via the headphone socket. That means you could also use it – though not dock it with – your iPad; Griffin has released the remote app as a free download in the App Store. The remote sled asks for four AAA batteries, while the chopper itself recharges via USB; a single charge is good for around eight minutes of flight, and you can save up to three routes via the app so as to repeat them later on.

The Griffin HELO TC is on sale now, and comes complete with spare rotor blades just in case you’re a klutz. Up to three can be flown simultaneously, thanks to support for three different infrared signal sets that won’t confuse everybody else’s helicopter.

This one effects pedal will work with all your 80′s cover band instruments. The StompBox was made to work with the Frontier Design iShred LIVE app. The StompBox and the app together allow the player to change effects using their feet without taking hands off the instrument. The app allows each of the four switches on the StompBox to be assigned to different effects.

The StompBox ships with the Griffin GuitarConnect cable to allow the instrument, headphones, and the iPhone to be connected at once. The cable is a meter long. The StompBox can also be programmed to work with Qscript, the Griffin teleprompter app for iPad. The StompBox is available right now for $99.99 in Apple Retail Stores and directly from Griffin.

Intended for indoor use only, the Helo TC comes with a “flight deck module” which is basically an IR dock for your iPhone. That converts the output from the app into IR control signals which the helicopter responds to, either using various on-screen joysticks and controls or – thanks to the accelerometers – with tilt-to-fly, shifting the orientation of the handset to move the chopper.

Flight time from a full charge – via USB – is around eight minutes, and there are five LEDs mounted on the Helo TC for daring night-time raids. Happily the main and tail rotors are replaceable, for the inevitable post-crash recovery, while the flight deck module uses four AAA batteries rather than sucking down your iPhone’s charge.

It’s not the first time we’ve seen iOS devices used to remotely-control a flying toy: Parrot’s AR.Drone was the must-have quadricopter of 2010. However, whereas the AR.Drone was a hefty $300 at launch, the Griffin is considerably cheaper. You don’t get WiFi control or streaming video, but you can store up to three pre-programmed flight plans in the app and have the ‘copter repeat them later. Griffin tells us to expect the Helo TC to hit the market in time for Christmas 2011.

The ColorStudio HD for iPad app works with the Griffin iMarker stylus like a digital coloring book. It includes over 30 animated and interactive coloring pages that react while being colored. The app can also detect whether a stylus or a finger is touching the screen so that kids will have to keep their fingers off the screen to prevent mucking up their creations.

Griffin is now shipping the bundled package of the Crayola’s ColorStudio HD along with the iMarker stylus for $29.99. The app itself can actually be downloaded for free from the App Store. Updates will continue to add new sets of coloring pages to the app.

[via CNET]

The hardware device is a small gadget that sits on your coffee table so you don’t need any accessories hanging off your iPhone or other device. The hardware converts the Bluetooth signals of your iOS device into IR signals that the entertainment system in your living room can understand. The Beacon connects to the Dijit Universal Remote App.

Once the app is installed, the iOS device can then change channels, volume, inputs, program your DVR and more. The app also has a learning feature just in case you have a component that isn’t in the library. The app will also support activities for changing inputs with the press of one digital button. The Beacon is powered by four AA batteries needing no cables and is designed to sit on a coffee table. Beacon is shipping now for $89.99 and can be purchased in Apple Stores.

The app itself is provided by Dijit, and comes with a library of IR codes for different TVs, STBs, A/V receivers and more. It’ll also learn new codes if you’ve got some particularly unusual hardware.

Griffin reckon the Beacon unit itself will last for up to two months on a set of four AA batteries. It’ll go on sale later in 2011, priced at $79.99.

Press Release:

Griffin and Dijit Turn Your Mobile Device into a Universal Remote

Beacon Universal Remote controls an entire entertainment system from a mobile device.

Nashville, TN — January 5, 2011 — Griffin Technology, maker of innovations for everyday life, has partnered with software developer Dijit to turn your favorite iOS or smartphone device into a Universal Remote Control. Beacon allows fingertip control of your entire entertainment system, thanks to hardware and app integration from Griffin and Dijit. The system will be available for demonstration during CES, beginning January 6th, in the Griffin booth, iLounge Pavilion — North Hall #4727, and in the Dijit booth, iLounge Pavilion — North Hall #4137.

“Beacon allows control over the entire home theater setup, all from a pocket-sized device,” said Matt Brown, Director of Product Development at Griffin. “Together with Dijit, we have created a powerful tool that really simplifies the entertainment experience by providing a customized program guide for all of your content in the home.”

“Our partnership with Griffin Technology is making it possible for consumers to easily control their entertainment content from any iOS or smartphone device,” said Maksim Ioffe, Founder and CEO of Dijit. “The Beacon brings flawless fingertip search and discovery of all of your entertainment content all from your smartphone.”

Beacon turns an iOS or smartphone device into a handy, easy-to-use remote for home entertainment systems by converting Bluetooth signals from your device to the infrared commands your components are expecting. Beacon pairs your iOS device or smartphone with Dijit’s Universal Remote App, putting complete control of your home entertainment center in the palm of your hand. There are no bulky cases or dongles, no messy wires or cables.

Setup and pairing is simple. Paired with Beacon via Bluetooth, your smartphone is just a few taps away from using Dijit’s intuitive Programming Guide. Your Multi-Touch or touch screen display is the remote. You can change channels, volume, input, program your DVR, and lots, lots more.

The Dijit app uses a constantly updated device code library to make setting up controls for your TV, set-top box, sound system, media players and more simple and intuitive. For components not yet included in Dijit’s library, the app also includes an integrated learning feature.

Key Features:

Wireless universal audio/video controller for iOS and other smartphone platforms
Low-profile component designed to blend unobtrusively with any decor on your coffee table
Use your iOS or smartphone device as a powerful universal remote control, without dongles or cases
Converts Bluetooth signals from your iOS or smartphone device to infrared signals required to control AV components
For use with Dijit’s Universal Remote app, a free download from the App Store
No wires or power cables; runs up to two months on 4 AA batteries
Pricing and Availability
Beacon, $79.99, will be available May 2011.

R3 Media Network

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And that’s exactly what the company has done. They called the Slap, and it incorporates the best part of the Slap bracelet and the iPod Nano, and combines them into a beautiful gadget. Of course, Griffin is a pretty common name when it comes to Apple related accessories, so it’s good to see that a company like this is providing the product. And, as you should expect, there’s not just one color to choose from for the Slap bracelet — there’s many to choose form, including black, yellow, red, and green.

What’s better, though, is that the Slap is actually available right now, and you can buy one for yourself, or for everyone you know, for only $24.

[via DVICE]

Griffin has unveiled a new mount for the iPad called the Cabinet Mount for iPad that is designed to hide the tablet away under a cabinet for you to use in the kitchen or anywhere else you have a cabinet. The mount swivels and has bracket grips specifically design to keep the iPad safe and secure.

The mount can be placed on the front, side, or under a cabinet and the installation is easy with all the hardware and instructions for installation included. The arm rotates 360-degrees around and front to back 90-degrees. You can pick one up from Griffin now for $69.99. This would be a great mount for a desk with a hutch if you use the iPad as a second monitor for your notebook or desktop.

A new case from Griffin has debuted called the Woogie. It looks like a flower that is green and has six little arms. In the middle of the stuffed animal looking case is a plastic covered pouch where you can put the iPhone or touch in for protection.

The little case has a speaker built-in as well and gets power from a pair of AAA batteries that are included. The soft stuffed animal design should do a great job of padding the iPhone if the child drops the thing. You can get the Woogie for $19.99 right now.

The dock is called the PartyDock and it has four wireless controllers that can be used with compatibly PartyDock games. The dock will have a free app that has three of the mini games to get folks started. Those games are apparently called Midway Motors, Fishing Frenzy, and Flippin’ Frogs.

There will be more games that come later and presumably, some of them will be paid apps. The dock can also be hooked to an external monitor if you are wondering how exactly four people will crowd around that small iPhone screen. The good news is that the dock will also work with the iPad as well. The price and launch date of the device is unknown.

Apple Bumper

The Cupertino company’s own case for the iPhone 4 is more accurately a rubber band that fits around the outer edge and gives some degree of knock protection while leaving the front and rear of the smartphone open.  Button and switch access is preserved, as is the headphone port and dock connector.  Buying one yourself would normally cost $29.

Belkin Shield Micra

The Shield Micra is a thin, skin-like case that adds little bulk to the iPhone 4.  It has cut-out holes for the controls, headphones socket and dock connector, together with the camera on the back.  It would normally retail for $25.

Griffin Reveal Etch

The Griffin Reveal Etch for iPhone 4 is another skin-style case, with rubberized edges and a hard polycarbonate back panel.  It too has cut-outs for the controls and ports, and adds 1.6mm to all the dimensions of the Apple smartphone.  It would normally retail for $29.99.

Griffin Motif

The Motif is made from a smoked polyurethane plastic that’s stiffer than a regular silicone case but more flexible than the polycarbonate back panel on the Griffin Reveal Etch.  It has a smooth finish and is scuff resistant, and includes cut-outs for the controls and ports.  It would normally retail for $19.99.

Incase Snap Case

The Incase Snap case for iPhone 4 is yet to get a product page on the company’s site, but judging by the existing iPhone 3GS/3G version it’s a simple clip on transparent back cover that protects the rear and edges of the handset.  That leaves the front and controls open, together with the ports.  We’re expecting it to retail for around $24.95.

Speck Fitted

The Speck Fitted case for iPhone 4 is another hard case, this time with a soft-touch coating.  It comes in two sections, front and rear, with the smartphone sandwiched in-between.  It retails for $29.95.

Speck Pixelskin HD

The Speck Pixelskin HD is a rubberized case which stretches to fit over the iPhone 4.  It has cut-outs for the ports and buttons, push-through volume controls and a repeating pixel pattern on the back with contrasting matte and gloss black plastic.  It retails for $29.95.

So, there are your choices: which will you go for?  Let us know in the comments!

The app follows word earlier today that Apple had begun refunding those who bought a Bumper through the official Apple Store online, with money automatically being returned to the payment method initially used (and including shipping and taxes).  However that does mean that those iPhone 4 owners won’t be able to choose a second case under Apple’s scheme, only get a refund for the Bumper they’ve already bought.

Right now there are only black cases available, and aside from the official Bumper you can take your pick from the Belkin Shield Micra, Griffin Motif, Griffin Reveal, Incase Snap Case, Speck Fitted and Speck PixelSkin HD.  Expected delivery time is three to five weeks, and the app checks your handset’s IMEI number so that you can’t get more than one.

In order to qualify, you need to have bought your iPhone 4 before September 30th (obviously that’s not a problem right now); however, if you bought it prior to July 23rd 2010 you need to apply for your free case no later than August 22nd.  Everyone else has 30 days from the point of purchase to apply.  You can download the app here [iTunes link].

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New Android Tablet Shows Off Flash and Adobe AIR: And, according to the report, it does it so well that some would consider it “flawless.” Yep, Flash running on a mobile device “flawlessly.” We’re pretty shocked too, but we’ll have to take it for what it’s worth, because we can hope beyond hope that this is true. After all, we want the best kind of video player on our handsets, mobile devices, and tablets, and if Adobe thinks they can accomplish that, then by all means. The article states that there isn’t much information to go on, other than this is a prototype, and so far, that’s about as far as it’s gone in development. There’s a video at AC, so you should check it out and see all that flawless goodness for yourself. [via Android Community]

Griffin Jumper iPad Sleeve Gets Reviewed: The market for iPad accessories is pretty huge, and of course we’re not surprised to see all sorts of variations out there. The Griffin Jumper iPad Sleeve is definitely a different take on something kind of old, and we’d be lying if we didn’t say that’s a bit refreshing. But, the case itself is a bit too tight for the iPad, which proves a bit annoying when you’re trying to put the tablet in, or remove it for usage. The sleeve itself looks great, though, and that has to count for something. [via Everything iPad]

Sprint HTC Hero Getting Android 2.1 on May 7th: Here’s another leaked image from a major reseller. This time around it’s Best Buy, and it’s talking about the major upgrade to the HTC Hero for the Sprint network. It’s a ROM upgrade, so that could only mean (if it’s “major” enough), that the device is finally getting Android 2.1. But, then again, this is just another leak in a laundry list of leaks, so try not to hold your breath for too long. [via SlashPhone]

The Drege Net

Clearwire Promises Clear-Branded Samsung and HTC Devices: Pretty interesting stuff here. Clear today, during one of their financial calls, outed the future existence of self-branded Samsung and HTC-manufactured devices, all sporting the 4G technology Clear is so known for. The devices are expected to be released by the end of 2010, so there’s definitely a few months in between now and then for the company to fine tune whatever it is they’re working on. It describes the Sammy as an Android-based 3G/4G/WiFi device, which is optimized for heavy video and video communications use. However, the HTC device doesn’t say whether or not it’s an Android-powered handset. So, maybe Windows Phone 7, then? That’s all the information that Clear provided, but we’ll definitely be keeping our eyes and ears open for more on this very tantalizing story. [via Clearwire]

A New Sub-Orbital Spaceship for the Rich: When you become rich, one of the first things you want to do is take a trip to space, right? Of course you do! After all, you’re rich and you have nothing better to do (like earn that money). So, thanks to Dassault Aviation, that dream is one more step to becoming a reality. They want to give civilians the opportunity to travel up to space, and feel what three minutes of weightlessness feels like at 62 miles above the surface of the planet. Yep, that’s right at the edge of space. Pretty fantastic, right? No word on pricing quite yet, but, hey, you should just start saving. [via DVICE]

AT&T Refutes Claims of Staggering Dropped Calls: Earlier this afternoon, a report from ChangeWave stated that AT&T was reaching a record high of 4.5 percent of dropped calls on its network. However, this little report only covered about a couple thousand people, over a short amount of time. According to AT&T, who is basing their refuted claims on another report filed by a third-party analyst group called GWS, they are in a dead-heat race with the leader of fewest dropped called (believed to be Verizon Wireless), and that this claim of 4.5 percent is hogwash. The GWS study is definitely more tangible and believable, if only for the reason that it covered “millions” of people, and not just thousands. So, what do you think? [via Electronista]

Protecting that 9.7-inch multitouch display is likely to be a top priority for new iPad owners, so we’re guessing screen protector companies will do pretty good business.  Griffin’s adheres via static and has a matte finish.  There’s also a FlexGrip silicone case with cut-outs for the ports and buttons.

If a more traditional case is more to your liking, Griffin have three: a neoprene sleeve called the Jumper for those with surfing affectations, and then two Elan cases.  One is folio-style, like Apple’s own official iPad case, while the other is a slipcover.  No word on pricing, but we expect Griffin will reveal all closer to the iPad itself going on sale.

Constructed from the scroll-wheel from a PS/2 or USB mouse, a remote control car wheel and tire, and a small project box, the Powerfake basically replaces Griffin’s mechanism with a standard mouse scroll mechanism.  It’s up to you how glamorous you then make it, either leaving it relatively bare like the one in the picture above, or dressing it up with a chromed dial.

Full instructions are in the MAKE PDF, available to download here [PDF link], and depending on what you have lying around the house or garage, it should be a relatively cheap hack too.  Anyone planning on attempting this over the weekend?

Front mounted slots take Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, SD, xD and CF cards, while around the back there are two USB ports. An included AC adapter powers not only the card reader and recharges the iPod (or iPhone) but means the USB ports are powered too; useful for external drives that like to sup from your bus power.

The Simplifi is available priced at $69.99 direct from Griffin. That’s a little more than Apple charge for their official dock ($49) but then again they don’t give you the powered hub or card reader.