Dock is an iPhone app that acts as as screensaver of information when your iPhone is not in use. While your iPhone is docked at your desk, Dock will scroll through weather, RSS, Twitter, Facebook, Clock and Stock widgets.

Dock is a very simple and easy to use app. You can either have Dock scroll through the information in one widget (like tweets from Twitter), or you can have Dock randomly scroll through information from all the widgets you've selected. If you are interested in something that scrolls by, tapping it will give you more options. For example, you can enlarge photos, reply to tweets, "like" Facebook photos and comment on them, and more.

In Settings, you can choose to have the information scroll by every 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 seconds and mark which widgets you want active. You can also adjust the refresh rate of each widget, but unfortunately, the fastest refresh rate for Facebook and Twitter is 5 minutes. I'd like to see that reduced down to at least a minute.

My other little complaint is that Dock doesn't include a light colored theme. I have never been a fan of light-on-dark color schemes because it hurts my eyes and makes me squint (I have very sensitive eyes).

The Good

• A great way to use your iPhone when you're not really using it
• Information is displayed big and is easy to read
• Can post status to Facebook and tweets to Twitter

The Bad

• No light colored theme. Only white-on-black.
• Slow refresh rates

The Conclusion

Dock turns your iPhone into a fantastic little utility while it's docked. It runs great and displays information nice and big so that it's easy to read.

$1.99 - Download Now

On one hand it's a bold move, dumping something everyone's familiar with for something new, which is very typically Apple. On the other hand, it's not dumping it for something really, truly new, like Palm-style inductive wireless charging.

While a lot of accessories would continue to work as long as they or Apple provided an adapter, some might not, and then you'd have to buy them again. And if you have a lot of accessories or even cables, it's either impractical to get an adapter for each one, or annoying to keep having to switch the adapter.

Rene laid out a good case for why Apple could be getting ready to pull the trigger on a smaller dock connector, so now we want to hear what you think about it. Do you want Apple to ditch the current dock? Pro or con or couldn't care less?

When I was asked to compile a list of my most used accessories of 2011, I looked around and discovered -- I don't use that many accessories. That made my list much easier to compile. So here is a list of the accessories that I actually do use.

Glif

As a YouTuber, I make videos on a regular basis. Following the old saying 'The best camera is the one you have on you', this is mostly my iPhone 4. The problem with iPhone is that you can't mount it on to a tripod. The Glif is a moulded piece of rubber that fits tightly around the iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S, and screws into any standard tripod, making it ideal for shooting those still shots. It also doubles as a stand in both portrait and landscape modes.

• $19.50 - Amazon link

Smart Cover for iPad 2

I love my Smart Cover. It's got a gorgeous design, its simple to attach and detach from the iPad and, for a thin cover, its surprisingly functional. I usually have my iPad stood up in "writing" mode, for editing articles, and scripts on the fly, but when I just want to sit back, relax and enjoy some TV or a film, Its literally a small flip away.

It's simple, it's sleek and it comes in colors.

• $39.99 to $69.99 - Amazon link

Apple iPhone 4 Dock

If the iPhone 4 isn't in my pocket, or in my hand, then its sat in its dock on my desk or bedside table where it'll charge and connect to iTunes via Wifi, to ensure that that all my music, apps and podcasts are up to date.

• $23.99 - Amazon link

My list of most used accessories for 2011 is rather short, but these accessories are real gems. I like to keep things nice and simple to help with productivity, and these accessories fit the bill perfectly. I don't like the wiz-bang accessories that add flash, but rather like to stick to items that add to the functionality of my iPhone or iPad. Here are a few of my favorites.

RAM windshield mounting system for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S

The RAM windshield suction mount is the best car mount that money can buy. I've been through a handful of car and windshield mounts, and nothing has come close to the RAM mount thus far. Its unique suction lock delivers a full and sturdy lock to the windshield with no play whatsoever.

This is the perfect mount for anyone looking to use their iPhone as a GPS system. Because of the sturdy design, even the roughest of terrain won't be a match for the RAM mount. I've been off road with this thing a number of times, and not only does it stay in place, it doesn't wiggle one bit!

• $33.99 -- Amazon Link

Twelve South BookBook Case for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S

Want to look cool while geeking out at the same time? With BookBook for iPhone, you can! I've had the BookBook case for my iPhone 4 for about half a year now, and the head-turns and double-takes haven't stopped yet. By design, the BookBook case looks more like a small poetry book. So, by nature it looks as if you're diving deep into a good poem or novel, when in reality you've just been playing Angry Birds. Great camouflage.

• $49.99 -- Amazon Link

Marware CEO Hybrid case for iPad 2

• $26.99 -- Amazon Link

iHome is working on bringing three new iPhone docks to its already large portfolio of accessories. The new docks are set to be revealed at CES 2012 which starts next week. Three models will be introduced in total; one will even include AirPlay.

• iW4 AirPlay Wireless 20 Watts Bedside Speaker System for iPad/iPhone/iPod: making its alarm clock speaker system debut, AirPlay utilizes the home WiFi network to deliver more flexibility than ever before. Easily stream your entire iTunes library over the network to listen, sleep or wake to your favorite tunes. The iW4 is expected to retail for $269.99.
• iP18 LED Color Changing Dual Alarm Clock Speaker System for iPhone and iPod: a little bit of color goes a long way with this ultra-modern and stylish alarm clock speaker solution. Now with a smaller footprint and new cube design, this app-friendly Glowtunes offering has big features including four color-changing modes, Reson8 speaker chamber technology, one-touch clock sync and more. The iP18 is expected to retail for $69.99.
• iD50 App-Enhanced Bluetooth Alarm Clock Radio Speakerphone for iPad/iPhone/iPod with AM/FM Presets: the alarm clock you’d expect to see on James Bond’s nightstand, but with a price tag that makes it realistic for non secret agents to own. The iD50 is strong in the features department and has a smooth finish that will stir you to wake rather than shake you. The iD50 is expected to retail for $169.99.

The bad news is that these new docks will not be available to buy until later in the year. That’s as good as it gets on the release information for now. We will let you know as soon as we find out anymore.

Source: Business Wire

BEHRINGER sent us a release about their latest creation -- the world’s biggest and most powerful iPhone dock. The dock, which it has appropriately named iNuke stands at over eight feet wide, four feet tall and weighs in at a massive 700 pounds. The sound output from this beast is said to be around 10,000 watts.

It has been purpose built for BEHRINGER stand at CES 2012 at a staggering cost of $30,000. Yes, that makes it a publicity stunt, and yes it seems to have worked. Unfortunately, that also means the iNuke will not be available for sale.

So, if you want to see it in the flesh, make sure you visit BEHRINGER stand. If you just want to hear it, it probably won’t matter where you are; especially if it goes to 11.

A portable and easy-to-use device, EyeTV Mobile connects directly to the iPad and does not require an Internet connection. The EyeTV Mobile app, available for free at the App Store, offers a full range of TV viewing features including pause, rewind and record. The integrated EPG lets users view up to 7 days of detailed programme guide information and send recommendations to friends by email. EyeTV Mobile is available immediately at a price of 99.95 Euro.

Source: Elgato

When placed in the dock, your iPhone or iPod Touch will be charged, but also automatically backed up. The backup is for photographs and contacts only. Unfortunately you cannot backup any applications, music, video, SMS, Email etc. To enable the backup process, you also need an app from the App Store called SuperHero which is free. The app launches automatically when you place your device in the dock. The dock is connected directly to a power outlet and has no facility to connect to a Mac or PC should you want to sync to iTunes.

The included 4GB SD card can be replaced with a larger capacity card should you need more storage for your photos and contacts; also more than one device can be backed up to the same SD card.

The Iomega SuperHero should be available worldwide later this month for around $70 and is compatible with iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4 as well the 2nd generation iPod Touch and above.

Can you see yourself using a dock like this? Is it too limited as a backup solution? Let us know in the comments!

[cnet]

The Otter Box Commuter Series for iPad may just be the ultimate in rugged cases. I know, that is a bold statement, but I am really that impressed. What separates this case from the competition is that is clearly engineered by people who like their iPads and want them protected. You get a low-profile case with a lot of extras. Like many iPad cases on the market, the Commuter is a three-layered system...

• Layer 1:  Self-adhering clear protective film (Cleaning cloth and installation card included)
• Layer 2:  Durable silicone mid-layer
• Layer 3:  One piece custom molded polycarbonate shell

Upon removing the case from its packaging, you are presented with a flip-out installation guide that includes your cleaning cloth, screen protector and applicator. After reading the instructions (yes, believe it or not there is a RIGHT way to put this thing on) I was ready to rock and roll. My first attempt failed as the bottom right corner did not properly get placed in the outer shell appropriately. No problem though, on attempt number two, I was successful.

Once you have placed the Commuter case on the iPad, it is very well protected. You have solid polycarbonate protection on the back, top, bottom and sides. There are grooves in the underlying silicone to prevent them from sliding out of place which is nice. In other models of this type, the silicone would sometimes move after putting the case together and would require some adjustment (I did not identify this as a problem till I put on this case).

You have access to all of your openings: Speaker on the bottom, volume rocker, mute switch (previously known as  rotation lock), power button and headphone jack. The headphone jack has additional protection via a silicone plug built into the case. On the bottom of the case there is a hole cut into the back that allows the Apple logo to proudly display.

Now, here is one of the more compelling reasons to get this case. Because of it's design, it really isn't meant to come off frequently. That is a bit of a disappointment to someone like me who uses the iPad Dock and the Keyboard Dock. Well, my prayers have been answered and the Commuter has a removable plate in the back that allows access to a dock! It is easily removed and placed back again. As a matter of fact, I am typing this review on my iPad in the Keyboard Dock with the Otter Box Commuter in place!

Overall, the Otter Box Commuter Series for iPad is a perfect on-the-go accessory for everyday handheld technology. It doesn't get in the way (literally with the dock plate on the back) and you have piece of mind knowing that your iPad is safe and secure. It's available from the TiPb iPad Accessory Store.

Pros

• Very well protected without compromise to style or bulkiness
• included, quality cleaning cloth and screen protector, plus applicator
• OMG YOU CAN DOCK YOUR IPAD WHILE IN THE CASE!

Cons

• The silicone is a lint-magnet (note attached photos)
• What's wrong with a little color? Only available in black

Pure has announced the i-20, an iPod and iPhone dock able to connect to your home A/V system and transfer audio as well as video to your existing setup. A well known UK manufacturer of high-end DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) radios, Pure's dock offers audio that can be output in digital (toslink, digital coaxial) or analogue formats. Analogue sound quality is said to be delivered flawlessly via the in-built DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter).

The i-20 also has the ability to deliver video directly to your TV from your iPod or iPhone. Pure claim that the  i-20 is the only digital iPod dock available that supports all popular analogue video formats. (component, S-Video and composite).

Whilst in the dock, the i-20 will also charge your device and comes complete with a power adapter and infra-red remote controller.

The dock is available now in the UK at a price of £74.99 ($120). Anyone interested in adding it to their setup?

[Pure]

On Monday, Optoma, introduced a new iPhone/iPod dock to add to their line of pico projectors. They showed off their new model titled the Neo-i which will allow you to display your videos at a resolution of 854x480 and support images of up to 120 inches. Another interesting feature is this will support any app that has TV out capabilities, such as Netflix.

To fully take advantage of this unit you will need to be in a fairly dark room and ensure you have ample room between the wall/screen you are using and the projector. You will also be able to output 16W of stereo audio. Included are HDMI and VGA inputs for you to plug your computer or even your brand new Apple TV!

The Neo-i is set to debut in mid-December for a price tag of $449. Will the Neo-i be on your Christmas wish-list or are you content with using AirPlay or wires to get the job done for your video needs?

[ iPodNN ]

One of our readers let us know his Apple iPhone 4 dock just arrived and sent along some pictures to show the still dock-less among us just what it looks like.

Check them out after the jump, and if you nabbed one as well, let us know how it's working for you.

Picking up the iPad I was tasked with deciding the most useful accessory for the iPad. For me, that accessory was the iPad Dock. I just couldn't fathom the iPad just laying on my desk, I needed a place to set my iPad as well as take advantage of the other features it allowed me to display.

The dock comes by itself, no USB cable or charger; you just get the basics. The footprint is larger than the iPhone dock since the iPad is substantially heavier. The bottom of the dock has the typical "sticky" finish so it does not budge from its place. I would estimate the angle of the dock to be approximately 60 degrees so it is not exactly upright, but close. The back of the dock has the standard 30-pin connector. You can use the USB cable and charger included with the iPad to plug into the wall or computer for charging. You also have a Line Out to plug into a stereo tuner.

Once you have placed the iPad securely in the dock, it has the familiar green charging battery graphic. If enabled in Settings, you have the new picture frame button that turns the iPad into a beautiful digital photo showcase with animated slideshows.

If you don't want your iPad just laying on your desk, you can't go wrong with the iPad Dock. Oh, and don't forget, the dock just might come in handy when you start typing with the Apple Bluetooth keyboard...

Pictures and video after the break!

YouTube link

Not content with simply introducing a new iPad device, Steve Jobs has announced some accessories to go along with it including:

[Updated with pricing via Ars]

• $39 Standard dock, nothing to see here!
• $69 Dock connected to an Apple keyboard (can iPhone has one?)
• Apple's Bluetooth Keyboard will also work with iPad (again, iPhone please?)
• $39 case with a cover that can be flipped over like a stand for typing or viewing (two angles)
• A cable for use with projectors (iWork intended).
• A camera kit to download photos to iPad over USB

We're hoping for a nice fat video out cable as well, okay Apple?

In the ever-envigorating game of "What's That Apple Patent for Anyway?" this time we get a look at a multi-touch click-wheel iTablet, a way to remotely control your Mac from your

First up, an un-thin looking iTablet-style device with a retro click-wheel but an even more interesting backstory, according to 9to5mac, as:

One of the patent applicants for Apple is a one Dr. Carlin Vieri. He's no longer with Apple (hel left just over a year ago). He happens to be the VP of Engineering for [rumored Apple iTablet screen supplier] Pixel Qi right now.

Second, a patent to allow the iPhone to remotely control your Mac either via gestures, specialized on-screen buttons, and/or Voice Control, as well as support for peripherals like printers. PatentlyApple has the goods, but from the sounds of it, you could email that new PDF home, launching Preview, deleting some pages, then sending it to the printer so it's waiting, warm and ready when you get in door.

Last, PatentlyApple also shows off a new kind of universal dock. It employs an elastic, spongy material that can morph into the shape of any iPod or iPhone, past, present, or future. Yes folks, it might just make the dock insert extinct.

As always, there's no telling when, if ever, Apple will make use any of these patents in ant consumer-facing product. But it's fun to watch.

UPDATE: Engadget is reporting micro-USB vs. the BBC's mini-USB. Also, that Apple, among others, is backing the standard.

ORIGINAL: We've discussed this before, but now it looks like Europe has gone ahead and done it. Mini-USB is going to be the "one size fits all" universal charging standard for phones. The caveat:

The deal isn't legally binding though and, at this stage, is only voluntary.

Translation: Apple's 30-pin dock connector likely isn't going any place, any time soon.

Are we happy about this? Are we wondering why it wasn't micro-USB? Or do we really not care one way or another about it at this point?

[via the BBC, thanks sambell for the tip!]

The Case-Mate Dockster Leather Case for iPhone 3G is available and can be purchased in iMore Store for $34.95. If you are looking for a case that is slim and dockable, then this case might be for you. Let's see how it measures up after the break!

Design

Daily Use

Placing the case on your iPhone could not be any easier; simply slide the top end on, then slide the bottom end. There are no buttons to snap, no clips to latch; they just slide together easily. Once the two pieces of the car are together, they are secure. I did not have to worry about one side slipping or falling off. The other benefit of this case is it adds a little extra grip too without become too think. The leather feels really nice in your hands and solid plastic frame adds piece of mind if it is dropped.

Docking the iPhone is easy, simply slip off the bottom end and yo are in business. I was very surprised at how easy it was to do.

Conclusion

Pros:

• It is dockable!
• Attractive leather finish
• Sturdy plastic supportive frame
• Thin
• All ports are very easily accessible

Cons:

• I really can't find any pertinent negatives with this case
• A variety of colors, currently black-only

TiPb's Rating:

Apple patents are strange and mysterious things. Like sums over futures, they give us a peek at thousands of strands of potentiality, but no clue about eventuality. In other words, Apple patents tons of stuff, most of which we never see in actual consumer products. Some of these, however, are pretty interesting looking. The Register says:

One of the applications describes a "host machine" - looking much like an iMac in the accompanying drawings - that has battery-charging slots built into its body.

A second describes how the host machine could communicate wirelessly with mobile devices to monitor their battery power, notify users when it was time for a charge, and talk with other host machines about the state of the batteries it's servicing.

A third describes a "intelligent universal rechargeable batteries" with pop-off end-caps that allow "battery chemicals" to be swapped out when they've reached the end of their productive lives.

The Black&Decker approach of one-battery-to-charge-them-all seems so un-Apple, but it would be convenient to a large segment of handy consumers. TiPb also recalls a previous patent that showed a MacBook docking into an iMac, so why not go from broke, Apple, and give us the iPhone to MacBook to iMac "Russian Doll" gadget? Check out the full article, linked above, for all the details, and let us know which, if any, tempt you.

(Thanks to Phil, news editor over at sibling site WMExperts for the tip!)

Peeved that your iPhone 3G didn't come with a dock? Annoyed that the dock is just too, plain? Well, if you want to add some color, creativity, and character, there probably isn't anything better than a Steve Jobs Dock! The detail is amazing, the color is accurate, and the Steve Jobs Keynote pose is downright hilarious. Not to mention, it's a bobblehead that works with both original iPhone and the iPhone 3G.

What would be even cooler is if you could rig Steve Jobs the Bobblehead to say "Boom" every time you insert your iPhone into the dock.

ReadVia

The iPhone 3G does not come with a dock, instead you need to buy it separately for $29.99. The bummer of it is that the dock that came with the 1st gen iPhone is incompatible with the 3G dock. The other bummer for some folks could possibly be that the 3G dock also doesn't work with the original iPhone either.

In any case -- it's a dock. It has the same outputs (USB and Audio) and the same basic shape as the original dock, although it is a bit nicer in spots. Namely: it doesn't wrap as far around the sides of the iPhone, so it has an overall cleaner look. The phone does sit a bit too vertically for my tastes, but that's a fairly subjective thing.

Still, for an extra 29 bucks there's more we'd like to see here. An included USB cable and AC adapter for two. An IR port so it might be able to support an Apple Remote for three.

So all in all: boo-urns on Apple for no longer including it and boo-urns for charging $29 for it, $19 would be much more appropriate. Gallery after the break!

figure 1:component video cable support

It looks like the Composite AV cable and Component AV cable both officially support the iPhone. This is definitely an exciting new development.

figure 2: composite video cable support

Maybe you've heard of ill-fated Microsoft iLoo. Well, someone took at Atech took that idea and ran with it, like they were afraid someone would take it away from them. Anyone want to make bets whether they made a profit on this one? Can we dream for a 'works with iPhone' sticker on this must-have accessory? [via camarochris]

UPDATED 06/25/2007 10:00a: there's now proof that Apple has at least been thinking about it.

Someone just passed on a rumor to me -- Belkin may have exclusivity on the Dock charging port on the iPhone. My secondhand source indicated that there's a chip in the iPhone dock, and the iPhone will charge only if a corresponding chip is present on the charger.

The big question with this rumor is exactly how exclusive it is (oh yeah, and exactly how true it is) -- I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that Apple's charger would charge just fine too. Anyway, if this rumor is true (I should mention again that this is just a rumor), odds are decent that it's to get people to actually license the dock connector, instead of, well you know, stealing it. One of those DMCA-to-the-rescue-by-lawsuit type things.

At any rate, if it is true, it's crazy and unprecedented. What about other huge iPod accessory manufacturers, for example Griffin?

This is possibly a picture of the iPhone dock that will be available at AT&T or Apple stores. There may be a variant that allows you to charge the eventual Apple Bluetooth Headset as well, details are still sketchy at this point.