The dock has dual 1.6-inch stereo speakers for mid and high range sounds. The bass is delivered by a 3-inch subwoofer promising power and deep bass. This may be a great dock for music and movie fans. The dock has 10W and 2.1 amps of charging power, and the stand tilts for additional comfort. That means it will charge and play from your iPad at the same time.

The docking station comes with adapters that have to be swapped to use the iPad or iPad 2, depending on which you own. The dock is available right now directly from Scosche for $149.99. This nice dock would also be very useful if you like to use your iPad as a second screen at your computer.

CellControl is a system that has a hardware dongle that plugs into the OBD-II port under the dash on cars that has been there for years. If your ride is newer than 1996, you should have the port. You plug in the hardware dongle and install software on the phone the person in the car uses. The dongle senses when the car is moving and activates the software on the phone.

That software will block anything you deem unsafe like texting, voice calls, email, and more. This might be a good way to block workers from driving and talking as well for a company running a vehicle fleet. The cellControl device is available now for $129.95. The software required for the system is available for Android 2.1 and above, all BlackBerry 4.5 and above, all Windows Mobile 5 & 6, all Symbian S60 (3rd Edition) and select Brew and BREWMP systems. Note the lack of iPhone support and the mobile phone must have a data plan to use the software.

The over-ear model features 40mm drivers with precision-wound copper voice coils and rare-earth neodymium magnets. The ear pads are made from memory foam that conforms to each user’s ears when warmed. The headphone can also fold to fit into a travel pouch and they come with two gold-plated audio cables, a case, a gold-plated 3.5mm quarter-inch adapter, a computer adapter, and a clothing clip.

The earbud model features a bi-hybrid motor structure with a 10.7mm dynamic driver for low frequency reproduction and 6.3mm balanced armature drivers for mid and high frequencies. The soft ear cushions are made with hypoallergenic silicone.

Available now, both models come in either white or black and are iPod/iPhone-certified. Beyond listening to music, you can also answer and end calls, skip tracks, and adjust volume thanks to Scosche’s tapLINE III control surface and mic. The over-ear model is priced at $230, while the in-ear model is $250. For more details, visit the product page here.

[via iPodNN]

The data the sensor detects is shared with an app running on the phone. The sensor also can also be used as a radiation alarm without being connected to the iPhone. The standalone sensor requires one AA battery for operating and will run for 96 hours. The associated app is called radTEST app and shows radiation in safe (green), elevated (yellow), and dangerous (red) levels. It also offers a digital display to show the exact radiation levels.

The level readings can also be shared using Facebook, Twitter, and Google Maps to scare your paranoid friends. The device will sell for $329.99 and will be offered in Tokyo starting in September. Scosche also notes that it will donate $10 for each unit sold to a group of charities that are helping the Japanese victims of the earthquake and tsunami.

[via Scosche]

The boomCAN ships with an audio cable for connecting to any device with the 3.5mm port and a USB charging cable. The speaker is 2.5-inches tall and 2-inches wide making it compact and easy to take on the road with you. The housing of the speaker is made from rugged aluminum for good looks and to make the speaker more rugged.

The boomCAN has 35mm drivers inside and has an audio output to allow you to connect to more speakers for additional sound. Scosche says that the speaker is slightly larger than a film canister. The boomCAN can be purchased now for $24.99. This sounds like a good way to listen to your music or movie with a group of people.

The app will keep track of pulse, calories burned, distance, speed, pace, and it stores past workouts for comparison. The armband replaces the bulky and uncomfortable chest strap that many pulse monitors use. It has a pair of LEDs and a photo sensor to detect changes in blood pressure allowing it to monitor the pulse accurately. It also has an integrated accelerometer to adjust for movement for accurate readings and to measure the calories burned.

A rechargeable battery that is good for five hours of continuous use powers the strap. The battery charges via a USB cable and the strap comes in small, medium, and large sizes. The myTREK is available right now and sells for $129.99. The app is on the App Store at no charge.

The cable is called the sneakPEEK auto in-car AV cable for iPad, iPhone, and iPod. The cable will work with any of those iOS devices with a docking port. The cable will shoot audio and video out to your car and is 9-feet long. That means that you should be able to use the thing in the back seat if the inputs are in the front.

The cable has all-metal barrel connectors, gold plated RCA connectors, and a 10W charging circuit. That charge circuit will charge the iPad. The cable is available right now and will cost you $74.99. This could be the perfect way to shoot Netflix out to your car entertainment system for long summer roadtrips.

The only downside to having a battery that has a USB port is that you need to take your charge cables with you to charge. According to Scosche, a dead iPhone 4 can be charged 2.6 times on a fully charged goBAT II. The battery has enough oomph to charge the iPad more than halfway as well.

One of the USB ports on the device has 2.1 amps and the other is a 1-amp port. The time to charge the battery inside the sleek little goBAT II is 6-8 hours. You can order one up right now directly from Scosche for $89.99.

The small cable made it easy to take one with you everywhere so you were never caught out without a charge. The flipSYNC II cable shown off at CES 2011 is very similar looking and comes in version for Apple gear and one for micro and mini USB gear as well.

The big difference between the new flipSYNC II and the original flipSYNC is the new second version has a full size USB connector without making it dramatically larger. Either of the flipSYNC II modes is available for $19.99 with Apple.com selling the iPod version directly.

Interestingly, Afonso was apparently told by Scosche that the decision was “due to legality issues that we had run in to”; however, Scosche’s PR team tells SlashGear there were no legal issues involved. We’ve waiting on a full official comment from the company, and will update when we get it.

What it’s looking like, however, is that the only way for iPad users to get a still/video camera on their Apple tablet is to wait for the second-gen model, expected to arrive later in 2011 complete with an integrated camera. The iClops was also billed as operating with the iPod touch, adding image and video support to versions of the Apple PMP that lacked camera functionality.

The case is made from polycarbonate and has shock resistant rubber in the build as well. The case has two levels with one propping the iPad up high for viewing the screen, and the other with a lesser angle that is for comfortable typing.

The case is only offered in white/gray colors. It makes the iPad look like the preferred tablet for Storm Troopers. The kickback P1 sells for $59.99 and is in stock right now for shipment. This will make a good case for the business type that does all sorts of stuff with their iPad.

The cases range from the $44.99 folIO case in different textures like leather or carbon fiber to simple silicone sleeves in all sorts of bright colors for $24.99. Scosche also has privacy films for the screen and screen protectors to keep scratches at bay.

Those screen films sell for $19.99 in clear or anti-glare satin and the privacy film is $39.99. Scosche’s goBat, revive II car charger, and revive II dual USB home charger are all usable with the Galaxy Tab as well. You can order up the accessories right now.

The iClops has an autofocus lens, pivoting mount and can take 2.1-megapixel stills or shoot VGA-quality video; it can stream video at 15fps, and has a built-in microphone.  There’ll be a companion video recording app in the App Store when the iClops arrives in March 2011 for around $130, though it’s not yet clear whether Face Time will be supported.  Scosche also apparently plans to run a competition to name the iClops.

Meanwhile the Optoma Neo-i pico-projector is a desktop iPhone/iPod dock with stereo 8W speakers and a 50 lumens projector on the back capable of 854 x 480 16:9 aspect video.  There’s also HDMI, VGA and composite inputs, for using the Neo-i with external sources, together with an audio output and an optional $40 iPad connector kit.  There’s also talk of potential battery power, though we won’t know for sure until its official debut later this month, priced at around $450.

[via PicoProjector-Info]

The cable is shipping right now for $59.99 and has the standard Apple docking connector on one end and six RCA jacks on the other for you to use for whatever connectivity method floats your boat. As you can figure out on your own, the cable will support any Apple gadget that has a standard docking port on the bottom.

The docking connector also has a little micro USB port on it so that you can plug in an included USB AC adapter allowing you to play content back on your TV while you charge your device. This will be perfect for streaming some Netflix to your TV or using Hulu Plus.

The device can be paired to any Bluetooth phone and sends the audio from your calls over the car stereo system. If your radio in the car lacks an aux input on the dash, but has one in the center console of the car the motorMOUTH also ships with an extension cable to move the mic out of the console so you can use the system.

The mic on the device has DSP noise cancellation tech built-in and it has a “Y” adapter that allows you to use the motorMOUTH II and still connect your iPod or other audio device to the aux input at the same time. The device sells for $79.99 and is available right now.

Bluetooth Class 1 is used, for up to 100 foot range, and the microphone itself has noise-cancellation DSP and remote control buttons to start and stop the camcorder recording.  The rechargeable battery is good for up to 4hrs use, and will be in stores in mid-December priced at $99.99.

Press Release:

Scosche Designs freedomMIC™ Lavaliere Mic for new Flip UltraHD 2HR Video Camera

The new mic is the company’s first Designed for Flip Certified product

Oxnard, CA, – September 21, 2010 – Scosche Industries, an award-winning innovator of iPad, iPhone, iPod and now Flip video camera accessories, is proud to announce its first Designed for Flip certified products – freedomMIC™ lavaliere mic for the Flip UltraHD 2 HR/8 GB video camera. The Scosche freedomMIC receiver plugs directly into the UltraHD’s FlipPort™, which will come standard on all future flip video camera models, to provide users with the ability to wirelessly record high quality audio to accompany the Flip’s HD recording capabilities.

The freedomMIC features a high performance condenser microphone with DSP noise cancellation. Users can also wirelessly control record and stop functions remotely from the microphone/transmitter. The wireless system operates on Bluetooth Class 1 technology and provides up to 100 feet of wireless range. The complete system features the wireless transmitter and the microphone that that clips directly to the subject.

The freedomMIC is powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries in both transmitter and receiver, which provide up to 4 hours of recording time. The receiver also features a pass-through tripod mount for securing the receiver to the camera and retaining the ability to use a tripod.

The Designed for Flip initiative teams Flip Video with leading companies in multiple product segments to provide a wide selection of general purpose and specialized products for both current and future Flip video cameras.

The freedomMIC will be available at scosche.com and from retailers that sell the new Flip cameras that feature the new FlipPort line in mid to late December 2010 for $99.99 MSRP.

Scosche has unveiled a cool new case for the iPad that will protect it from bumps and scratches and helps the user to prop the iPad in a more comfortable position for working on whatever it is the user wants to do. The iPad case is called the foldIO and it adds little bulk to the device.

The foldIO props the iPad in several different positions so that the user can get a comfortable angle for typing, video watching and other tasks. The case can be purchased now for $49.99 and it comes in carbon fiber and leather textures.

We have talked a bit about the reVIVE II for the car and home before with the dual USB ports offering power for your iPad and your iPhone from your DC or AC outlet. For some reason when we first heard of them back in April they never shipped.

The home and car versions of the reVIVE II sport a pair of USB ports that plug into your AC outlet at home or the DC outlet in your car. One of the USB ports on the chargers has a 2.1 amp USB port for your iPad and the other port is a 1-amp version for your iPhone or other gadgets. The car version of the charger is $24.99 and the home version is $29.99. Scosche is offering them for sale right now.

In the box are the IDR655m earphones themselves, a choice of single- and double-flanged silicone earbuds in three sizes, a clip to pin the cable to your shirt or coat, and a travel pouch for when they’re not plugged into your iPhone. There’s a standard 3.5mm plug, so the audio and microphone will potentially work on non-iPhone handsets, but you probably won’t get the extra control functions Scosche bake in.

That’s a shame, as tapLINE II is half of what makes the IDR655m earphones special. The in-line control block has buttons for volume and play/pause or answering calls, but double-clicking the middle button skips the track forward and triple-clicking flicks back to the previous track. Holding the button down triggers VoiceOver voice control. The microphone is separate from the controller section, which means it can be closer to your mouth while leaving the buttons within easier reach.

Comfort-wise, the IDR655m’s are far easier on the ears than Apple’s regular buds. The silicone tips are on the right side of tenacious, without gripping painfully, and they’re light enough to wear while jogging and still be free from the fear that they’ll be tugged out. Scosche has used a flatter, nylon-wrapped cable that is more resilient to tangling, so it’s possible to whip them out of the pouch and be listening in seconds rather than having to spend five minutes unknotting them.

Unfortunately, that braided cable has a frustrating side-effect that rears its head whenever you’re moving. As it rubs against itself – and your clothes or bag – it sends vibrations all the way up and into your ears, and can prove seriously distracting if you’re listening to quieter music. It’s a shame, since the audio quality in general is decent: we wouldn’t argue with some extra bass, certainly, but the mid-range is pleasingly spaced and the trebles have the sort of sparkle you’d normally spend in the mid-$100s to achieve. Tweaking the iPhone’s EQ to over-emphasise the bass left things muddy: thumping, yes, but lacking definition.

In-call performance is also strong, with callers reporting clear audio from the IDR655m’s microphone. The earbuds do a decent job of cutting out environmental noise, too, though there’s no active noise cancellation.

At their full MRSP we’d be reserved in our enthusiasm about the Scosche IDR655 earphones; the market at the $100-mark is hotly contested, after all. Under $50, however, and they’re a far more tempting prospect. There are certainly earphones with better audio quality – particularly at the bass end – but you’re looking at nigh-on double the price for them, and in terms of the difference in performance above and beyond the standard Apple headset it’s night and day. The noise from the woven cord is worth bearing in mind if you generally listen to quieter, acoustic or classical music, mind. Still, for most iPhone owners it’s a decent upgrade and makes a world of difference from the out-of-the-box experience.

If you don’t recall, the flipSYNC is a small device that fits on the keychain and is about the size of a keyless entry key fob. Inside the device is a USB cable that allows you to charge and sync all manner of devices. Scosche makes two versions of the device with one for the iPhone/iPod and one for devices with mini and micro USB connections.

Both of the flipSYNC models are now shipping for $19.99 each. You can pick the devices up in Best Buy stores or online. The flipSYNC is an easy way to keep a charge and sync cable on you at all times.

Scosche has now announced that the IDR655m headphones are shipping along with three other sets including the IDR355m, IDR355md, and IDR305m. The 655m are the high-end headphones with 11mm drivers and multiple ear tips for a comfortable fit. They will sell for $99.95 and are available now.

All of the headphones have the tapLINE II Remote and Mic that allows for easier control over music and phone calls with a mic close to the users lips. The 355m and 355md have the same silicon inserts as the 655 and come with changeable color caps for a custom look. The 355m will sell for $54.99, the 355md will sell for $54.99 and the 305 will sell for $39.95 exclusively at Apple retail stores.

The Best of R3 Media

The Motorola Shadow Shows up Again: And this time it passed through the WiFi Alliance, gaining itself a pretty fantastic specifications and paperwork. While there’s still a bunch of speculation going on about what the Shadow even is, with some saying it’s the Nexus Two, others might be more comfortable saying it’s the Droid 2. Whatever it is, with a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen and a full, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, we’d be happy with whatever it’s called. [via Android Community]

Scosche In-Vehicle Car Mount is Awesome: We know you want to be a police officer, without having all that responsibility. So, what better way to make it look like you’re one than to have your iPad on an in-vehicle mount, positioned right next to you for quick, easy access. With the iPad 3G now available, you’ll be able to use navigation software like never before. And yes, that is pretty exciting. There’s a video of the mount in action, which we think you should definitely check out. [via Everything iPad]

Nokia CEO May be Let Go Due to Low Numbers: Apparently, 2010 was supposed to be the year of growth, especially when it comes to money. That memo apparently passed Nokia, because shareholders are not very happy right now. And, in their frustration, they may be ready to take it out on Nokia’s CEO, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo. According to a recent report, he may be on the way out, unless he can assuage the shareholders into thinking that he has an iPhone-killer in the works for this holiday season. Think he can do it? [via SlashPhone]

The Dredge Net

BlackBerry 9630 Tour Now With Free Push-To-Talk, Forever: Yep, that’s right. Apparently the whole Push-to-Talk thing didn’t fly over all that well for current Tour owners. Whether that’s because they didn’t know the feature existed, or they didn’t want to pay for it, who knows. Whatever the case may be, Verizon Wireless has decided to make it free, for the life of your phone. So, as long as you add the service before June 30th of this year, you’ll get in on the great deal. Nothing beats instant communication, right? [via unwired view]

Ogg Theora Could Violate Video Patents: Jobs believes in open source projects, and he wants to make sure that it gets handled the right way. In that regard, he has addressed the Free Software Foundation of Europe in hopes to prevent them from using Ogg Theora, because it could indeed violate patents, and therefore lead to a lawsuit. He points out that despite the fact a video codec may be open source, like H.264, there’s still patents involved in the software. Ogg Theora could step on more toes than necessary, and Apple wants to avoid this. Of course, he then wants the Free Software Foundation to incorporate H.264, but that’s not surprising to anyone, right? [via Electronista]

Motorola RAZR3 Might Have Been Worth it, Maybe: There’s no telling in any real capacity whether or not the Motorola RAZR3 would have actually been worth anyone’s time, but from the video we saw earlier today, and these shiny new pictures, we might be willing to admit that we could have been excited about this bad boy. Especially considering it would have featured WiFi, GPS, 3G connectivity, and Symbian UIQ. Very interesting features for a phone that doesn’t exist anymore. Alas, we didn’t know you. [via Boy Genius Report]

Scosche introduced their reVIVE II accessories a few days after the launch of the iPad, but as the communication grew around the lack of charging via PC USB ports, there’s never been more of a reason to showcase them here. With a wall charger and a car charger to choose from, you’ll probably be fully covered if you buy both (despite the fact Apple happily includes an AC plug for you, in the box). Both chargers come with two USB ports, one of which is of the higher powered sort, so that you can actually charge your iPad while on the go. The other port is for every other mobile device that you can charge with a USB cable.

So, if you’ve been staring at that whole “Not Charging” logo at the top-right of your iPad while you’re syncing your new tablet to iTunes and you’re teeth can’t stand the grinding anymore, go ahead and pick up these two accessories. You can order both of them right now: the home charger will cost you $29.99, while the car charger will pull a cool $24.99 out of your wallet. You decide whether or not that’s too expensive.

[via Hot Hardware]

Scosche has announced a new updated version of the revive II dual USB charger with version for the car and versions for the home. The new chargers are optimized for charging things like your iPhone and the iPad at once.

The new versions have dual USB ports with one port offering 1 Amp and the other offering 2.1 Amp. The iPad will charge when plugged into either port, but the fastest charging for the iPad is with the 2.1 Amp port. The car version will sell for $24.99 and the home version will cost $29.99 with both shipping in late spring.

This little gadgets are power inverters that lets you juice your netbook or notebook up and use it in the car from a DC power source. The netbook Power line includes a 100W inVERT unit, 50W netVOLT unit, and a 40W netVOLT. Scosche also has a cool new skyCASTER wireless RF headphone set that uses USB to transmit sound from your Pc with no cables with up to 100-foot transmission range.

Other products include a netbook connect line of great that offers a low profile Bluetooth USB adapter not much larger than those nano transceivers common on mice today. The thing adds Bluetooth to netbooks and notebooks lacking it.

Once the 1,500mAh battery is charged, Scosche reckon you’ll have enough to rejuice a normal cellphone twice; it also comes with adapter tips for Blackberry, iPhone, iPod and PSP.  If you want to use it as a regular external battery then you can recharge it via a USB connection, too, though then the environment will cry.  It’s on sale now for $29.99.

Press Release:

Scosche Launches solBAT II – Solar Powered Back up Battery and Charging Device

solBAT II is available now

Oxnard, CA – February 3, 2009 – Scosche Industries, an award-winning innovator of iPod and iPhone accessories, announces the availability of its solBAT II – solar powered charger and battery backup. The solBAT II works with almost any handheld device that can be charged via a USB cable and feature’s a simple two light indicator that lets users know when the solBAT II it is charging from the sun or a USB cable (red), and when it is passing that stored energy to a handheld (green) like a Blackberry, iPhone, iPod, or PSP.

“The solBAT II is a great way to charge your devices using the free, renewable power of the sun,” said Kas Alves, executive vice president of Scosche Industries. “It is the perfect accessory for powering outdoor adventures or can keep your iPhone topped off while you watch your favorite movie on a long flight.”

The solBAT II’s lithium ion battery has a capacity of 1500mA and an output of 5V, allowing it to charge USB powered devices at the same rate as a wall charger. The solBAT II features a windshield mount and a universal carabineer mount making it easy to soak up the sun’s clean energy. When fully powered a solBAT II will charge a typical cellular up to two times, making it a great battery backup to keep in the car or a bag in case of emergency when traveling.

Recently Scosche partnered with Business Mobility Systems to provide volunteering doctors in Haiti with a means of communication. With the power grid in Port-AU-Prince out of commission the doctors used the solBAT II’s to keep their smartphones powered up.

“With all the different technologies we used to make this communication solution work, one of the most important aspects or components were the solBAT II solar powered backup batteries,” said Art Hale Chief Technology Officer, Business Mobility Systems.

The solBAT is available now on Scosche.com and at select retail locations throughout the US for $29.99. For additional information and to order the solBAT II now please visit www.scosche.com.

The company will be unveiling a new set of earphones called the IDR655m earphones with tapLINE II Remote and Mic. The noise cancelling earphones have 11mm drivers and are designed for the iPhone. Scosche will also be showing off its reviveLITE II case that charges the iPod or iPhone and has a built-in flashlight.

The tapStick will also be unveiled in a new version with a clear polycarbonate case to let the color of your iPod shuffle G3 shine through. The final item being shown off is a new flipSYNC cable that is in a keychain that is sized like a car alarm remote and has a charge and sync cable inside.

There’s also a little cut-out for the iPod’s new video camera and microphone, together with holes for the dock connector and headphones.  That means you can use all the functionality – including transferring off footage to your PC or Mac – without needing to fiddle the case open.

Finally there are “traction nubs”, which aren’t quite as exciting as they sound; in fact, they just stop the nano from sliding around on a table.  The Scosche kickBACK n5 is priced at $24.99 and available now; meanwhile the company also offers a bundle – of the kickBACK n5 and a black silicone skin – for the iPod nano 5G, priced at $29.99.

The device is small enough to not cause any kind of distractions while you’re driving, but big enough that you’ll know it’s there when you get a phone call. It’s almost ridiculously easy to install, considering the device comes with both visor and windshield mounting options. It also provides voice-announced caller ID, so that you aren’t looking all over the place for your phone when you get a phone call.

And for those times you’re driving at night, it comes with a standard USB charging cable in the box, as well as a car adapter as well. We can’t stress enough how safety while driving is paramount, and it is good to see companies like Scosche doing their part to make sure it is a bit safer out there. Remember, you have voicemail for a reason, and your text messages will be there when you stop driving. You can pick up the SolCHAT at Best Buy right now for $89.99, or directly from the manufacturer’s website for an additional ten dollars.

[via Scosche]

A remote and mic are built-in, which allows you to skip songs, adjust volume, talk on the phone and more. If you have an iPhone 3GS or an iPod shuffle, you’ll be able to use VoiceOver and Voice Control as well.

These headphones are eye-catching since six pairs of colored caps come with them, in varieties including green, orange, blue, pink, silver and white. You can get the IDR350M headphones now for $49.99.

Press Release

Oxnard, CA – July 30, 2009 – Scosche Industries, an award-winning innovator of mobile electronics and iPod accessories, today announced availability of the new “Works With iPhone” and “Made for iPod” certified IDR350M (Increased Dynamic Range) noise isolating earphones for the iPhone 3GS, iPod shuffle (Gen 3), iPod touch (Gen 2), iPod nano (Gen 4) and iPod classic 120GB.

The IDR350Ms feature Scosche’s integrated tapLINE control technology that allows users to play/pause, adjust volume, skip tracks, navigate playlists, record voice memos, activate the voice control feature, and answer/end calls without having to take their iPod or iPhone out of their pocket or bag. This functionality is particularly useful for iPod shuffle Gen 3 users given that model’s lack of control buttons.

The earphones compatibility with Apple’s new Voice Control Technology allows iPhone 3GS users to speak the name of a contact or say a phone number to place a call. IDR350M users can say the name of a song to play a specific track, ask the iPhone what song is playing, or even ask the iPhone to play similar songs with the Scosche earphones.

The IDR350Ms also give users a chance to customize their earphones with six different interchangeable color caps to match their mood or color coordinate with particular outfit.

The Scosche IDR350M earphones are available now on www.Scosche.com for $49.99 MSRP, and will go on sale at several other fine retailers around the world in the coming weeks.

The tapSTICK acts as both a case and a control panel for the iPod shuffle. You can plug it into the iPod’s headphone jack, which positions volume and track selection buttons right on top of the device for easy access.

This eliminates the need for Apple-specific earbuds, which can be hard on the ears for some. It also allows you to use headphones that just normally wouldn’t work with the headphone jack. It’s comes in black and will be available in July for $29.99.

V-moda described the alternative to the in-line controller having the chip as being a separate remote circuit, demanding a second jack for the controls to plug into.  This would obviously have prevented Apple’s attempts to shrink the iPod shuffle 4GB.

According to Apple, the “control chip” will be legitimately offered by companies that have signed up to its Made for iPod program, which assures customers that third-party products meet Apple’s own specifications.  It also demands a fee from the manufacturers, which is inevitably passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.  Contrary to original speculation, Apple have not used any sort of encryption or DRM in the control chip, and so third-party companies looking to circumnavigate the Made for iPod program could realistically reverse-engineer the chip’s mechanism and release cheaper products with Apple’s blessing.

Of course, the end result remains the same: until third-parties can get their headphones and adapter cables to market, iPod shuffle 4GB buyers are stuck using Apple’s bundled headphones.

The IDR350M, IDR450M and IDR650M are all noise-isolating earphones and allow you to operate the same play, pause, volume, track-skip, playlist navigation and VoiceOver trigger as the standard Apple set.  In addition, a microphone in the control unit allows them to work as a voice memo microphone for the iPod touch, iPod nano and iPod classic 120GB.

If you’ve headphones of your own that you’d prefer to use, Scosche also has an inline-control adapter planned that will let you hook up any set but still have the necessary buttons.  No price tag on that one yet, but the Scosche IDR350M, IDR450M and IDR650M headphones will launch this Spring priced from $49.99 to $99.99.

Press Release:

Scosche Industries Announces Earphones With Increased Dynamic Range Designed For New iPod shuffle

Oxnard, CA., – March 12, 2009 – Scosche Industries (www.scosche.com), an award-winning innovator of mobile electronics and iPod accessories, today announced that it is developing breakthrough earphones with integrated controls for the new third generation iPod shuffle with Apple’s new VoiceOver feature. The new IDR (Increased Dynamic Range) noise isolating earphones will give users the ability to play, pause, adjust volume, skip tracks, navigate playlists and hear the name of the song and artist with the press of a button.

“We are delighted to support the exciting new VoiceOver technology in the 4GB iPod shuffle,” said Kas Alves, executive vice president of Scosche Industries. “Scosche’s focus on innovation means we’re ideally placed to develop new and exciting products like the IDR earphones.”

Scosche is currently developing three earphone models- IDR350M, IDR450M and IDR650M noise isolating earphones that feature an integrated control surface. Users can control play, pause, adjust volume, skip tracks, navigate playlists and hear the name of the song and artist with the third generation iPod shuffle. A miniature microphone built into the back of the control surface allows users to record voice memos on the latest iPod touch, iPod nano and iPod classic 120GB. The IDR (Increased Dynamic Range) series earphones are designed to give users an enhanced listening experience with brilliant highs, silky smooth mids and powerful bass. The headphones are expected to be available this Spring and range in price from $49.99 to $99.99.

Scosche is also developing an inline control adapter kit that allows consumers to use any standard set of headphones and enjoy all of the advanced features of the third generation iPod shuffle. The inline control also allows users to plug their shuffle into any vehicles auxiliary input and maintain full control of the iPod.

The new third generation iPod shuffle with the VoiceOver feature can speak song titles, artists and playlist names. When you want to know the name of the song or artist playing, simply press a button on the conveniently located headphone controls and iPod shuffle tells you the song and artist name. iPod shuffle can even announce status information, such as battery life.