The Week in iOS Accessories: CES-stravaganza, Part 1

It’s early January, which means it’s time for the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Which also means plenty of new iOS accessories are being announced (if not yet actually shipping). Here’s our first batch of interesting new gear.

The $200 StudioConnect HD is a high-definition recording deck for “serious producers and musicians,” but one that puts the iPad at the center of the recording process. It works in conjunction with top-notch recording apps such as Auria, GarageBand, LogicPro X, and JamUp. It’s compatible with both Macs and iOS devices, and it goes on sale in March.

The $200 LaCie Fuel adds 1 TB of storage to your iPad by providing what’s essentially a Wi-Fi NAS for your iOS devices. Specifically, it provides up to five devices with easy access to up to 500 movies, 160,000 songs, or 190,000 photos. The Fuel can even work if you’re off the grid, since it generates its own Wi-Fi network and includes a 10-hour built-in battery.

Lepow has introduced the new Austin Powers-loving Mod Bluetooth speaker, which hearkens back to the swinging 60s while containing the latest technologies. It features four sound modes—normal, rock, classic, and vocals—and a 6000mAh battery that provides up to eight hours of playback between charges. The Mod will be available for purchase in the first quarter of 2014; however, Lepow hasn’t yet announced pricing information.

Sanus is introducing the $100 VTM21, a four-in-one stand for the iPad Air. The kit includes a MagFit iPad case, an articulated arm, and a detachable stand. When placed on the arm, the iPad can pivot 360 degrees, or pushed and pulled into place to allow for comfortable hands-free viewing of the tablet. The MagFit case will also be available as a $30 standalone item; the VTM21 kit will be available for purchase in March.

Scosche has introduced four new MagicMount products at CES 2014: the $20 MagicMount for mounting mobile devices on car dashes; the $25 MagicMount Window for mounting devices on the inside of your car’s windshield; the $15 MagicMount Surface to lock a device in place on a flat surface; and the $30 MagicMount Power (shown) for mounting and charging devices using your vehicle’s accessory-power jack.

The $100 BoomBottle H20 is an updated version of the company’s rugged, waterproof, wireless speaker that provides up to eight hours of continuous Bluetooth playback between charges. Its little sibling is the $60 BoomBottle Mini, which offers smaller sound (using a 40 mm driver, compared to 50 mm for the H20) for a shorter time (five hours of playback), but is also a bit more portable.

The $100 RP One is billed as the first gaming controller compatible with all iOS 7 devices. The controller provides up to 10 hours of wireless gameplay, as well as a variety of pro-style gaming features, including an ergonomic design. The device hits the market in mid-2014.

This accessory maker has announwed three new products: the $99 Pocket Kick, a portable Bluetooth speaker that offers up to 10 hours of playback time; the $69 Sound Rise, a Bluetooth-enabled bedroom clock and speaker dock for the iPhone; and the $119 Double Spot, a wireless home speaker system featuring “mid-century modern design inspiration.” The first two products will be available this coming spring; the last in summer.

The $70 Lumen LED App Enabled Smart Bulb is a light bulb that works in any standard light socket, but one that can be controlled from your iPhone. You can switch among a variety of modes ranging from “party” to “romance” to “relaxation.” A wake mode can automatically, and gradually, brighten a room over the course of 15 minutes.