Interestingly, the dock is designed to hook up not only with Samsung’s Galaxy devices or Android mobiles – it also comes with support for iOS devices for docking Apple’s iPhone, iPods and even the iPad with a standard 3.5mm line-in or USB connection. The dock also comes with support for wireless streaming including Apple’s AirPlay, Samsung’s AllShare DLNA connection and Bluetooth.

Samsung will also be offering a more basic model, the DA-E670, which won’t come with a vacuum tube (or the high price tag that usually goes with anything with vacuum tube amps). The dock instead pumps out 40W of power through 2.1 speakers, but also supports AirPlay, DLNA and Bluetooth connectivity.

Pricing and release info hasn’t been announced, but we’ll know more for sure once CES rolls around.

After announcing that they’ll be showing off a 55-inch OLED TV at CES in Las Vegas next week, LG has described another huge screen in store for the trade show: an 84-inch 3D LCD TV. It’s not just huge and it won’t just give you 3D goodness (via passive Cinema 3D glasses) – this thing is crisp, thanks to a 3840 x 2160 resolution that packs in four times the pixels of your usual 1080p HDTV.

Of course, there’s not much content to be had out there to take advantage of such a resolution so we’re not sure about the demand for 4k TV sets (or if anyone aside from gajillionaires will be able to score one), but hey – if they ever do create 4k content and you happen to need a gargantuan TV to fill out your hugely empty living room, you can check if this is what you need at CES.

If you just splurged a serious amount of cash this season for a new home entertainment center that centers on a 3D TV – and a few pairs of generic 3D TV glasses to watch it with – then you’re going to want to look into this. LG has announced that they’ll be coming out with a new collection of 3D glasses. They’ll probably work just like the ones you already have (more or less), but the new line promises to be lighter and more comfortable to wear and look less goofy, with clean frames and curved lenses, designs that you can probably get away with outside on a sunny day, and a pair designed by designer Alain Mikli. LG’s official press release after the break.

Press release:

SEOUL, Dec. 26, 2011 -– LG Electronics (LG) announced today that its newest collection of 3D glasses, including a pair designed by renowned eyewear designer Alain Mikli, will be introduced in the first quarter of 2012. The new 3D glasses — the F310, the clip-on F320 and the Alain Mikli F360 — are lighter and more comfortable to wear while upgraded design features such as curved lenses and clean frame structure have transitioned 3D glasses from burdensome requirements to stylish fashion accessories.

“Compared to active shutter glasses, LG’s 3D glasses are far more comfortable to wear and much more affordable, making it possible for large groups and entire families to watch 3D programs and movies together,” said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of the LG Home Entertainment Company. “LG is addressing two of the biggest barriers to 3D acceptance head-on and we’re confident consumers will react favorably to our strategy in the coming year.”

The F310 is characterized by a distinctive design that combines soft lines within a slim frame. Unlike many previous 3D glasses, the lenses have been curved to better accommodate the shape of the wearer’s face, as well as to improve the overall CINEMA 3D viewing experience. The F310 weighs a mere 13.5 grams, making it 20 percent lighter than LG’s previous design.

Another new item for 2012 includes the clip-on F320. Clip-on 3D glasses are unique to 3D TVs based on Film Patterned Retarder (FPR) technology, which is at the heart of CINEMA 3D TV. Compared to the previous generation clip-on 3D glasses, the F320 weighs 25 percent less at 5.5 grams.

Developed in collaboration with Alain Mikli, the F360’s half-rim frame design is sportier and only weighs 16 grams. The lenses of the F360 have been curved and cover most of the wearer’s face, deepening the immersive CINEMA 3D experience. The stylish F360, as well as all 3D glasses from LG, can also worn in theaters showing 3D movies since both CINEMA 3D and theaters utilize the same FPR and RealD technologies.

LG’s share of the global 3D TV market increased from 7.6 percent during the first quarter of 2011 to 14 percent by September. FPR’s unobtrusive technology played a key role in the company’s success in 3D TVs, as uncomfortable and expensive glasses have been identified in numerous studies as being the number one reason consumers have been reluctant to adopt 3D in the home.

LG plans to continue the success it saw this year by sponsoring a series of 3D film and gaming events in 2012 in order to introduce the CINEMA 3D experience to thousands of participants and visitors.

LG has just unveiled a 55-inch OLED (organic light-emitting diode) TV, which sets the record for rocking the world’s largest OLED TV screen. The particular set they’ve unveiled is just a prototype to show off what you can do with an oxide thin-film transistor instead of the usual polysilicon used on smaller OLED screens – basically, it’s LG’s way of upping the screen size without raising the price (or at least not too much).

Featuring a contrast ratio of 100,000:1, the “ultra definition” screen also promises a lower error rate and clearer picture with more colors compared to standard LCD screens, while the OLED tech makes ultraslim designs possible. The prototype measures only 5mm thick, making it slimmer than a standard pen.

Since it’s still a prototype, this TV doesn’t have pricing or release info yet, but they’ll be showing this one off at CES 2012 in Vegas, but they’re probably working on a promised consumer model for mid-2012.

[via Engadget]

It does feature support for motion controls though, with sensors that track movement for performing more advanced tasks. It’s said to respond to voice controls and motion gestures – such as drawing a “V” to take you to videos – to keep it simple and intuitive.

LG is expected to to unveil the remote – along with new TVs that support it – during CES 2012.

[via Electronista]

If you’re racking your brains thinking of a gift for that guy you know who already has everything, here’s an idea: the Megaphone is a passive amplifier for the iPhone that works as advertised, but is really more beautiful than it sounds.

Made by Italian design studio en&is, the Megaphone simply takes the form of a classic horn with a slot at the small end for fitting an iPhone in. No power, no electronics, just a really big, really interesting ceramic horn that sits on a custom-made, hand-crafted wooden stand.

The sound quality is about as retro as you’d expect – we’re not talking about powered hi-fi speakers and digital audio filters on this thing here, but this is as unique as you get in terms of tastefully-designed oddities you really have no use for but want anyway. At the very least, we’re willing to bet that your friend has nothing like this in his living room.

The Megaphone starts at €399 for the ceramic black and white versions, while the gold-plated version tops out at €599.

[via TUAW]

Highlights for the dock includes Bluetooth connectivity with A2DP and AVRCP, which allows it to hook up with audio sources – such as Android devices and laptops – wirelessly. The OnBeat Xtreme supports FaceTime video calls (as well as normal phone calls, working as a wireless speakerphone), thanks to a built-in microphone and noise-cancellation tech.

The kit also sports a regular 3.5mm aux-in connection for hooking up other audio sources, a composite cable for porting video to a TV, and comes with an RF remote for controlling it from up to 30 feet away.

The OnBeat Xtreme sports JBL’s Ridge tweeters and Hercules woofers with DSP equalization that pumps out 30 watts of crisp audio, packed behind JBL’s Weave design to make it look as good as it sounds.

It’s now available for $500.

Yeah, it sounds a little bit rich for a speaker dock, but see, it’s not just a speaker dock. It’s actually a compact, one-piece component system that houses a CD player and FM tuner that also comes with a universal iPod/iPhone dock. The $690 price tag still sounds a bit much for a CD player and dock, but hey, it’s a Harman Kardon kit. One that packs in a pair of 30W speakers, in case you forgot.

Besides the dock, FM Tuner and CD player, the MS 150 also has a number of minor extras built-in. It comes with two 3.5mm headphone jacks for plugging in with a friend (or for connecting it to an even bigger speakers), a 3.5mm input for hooking up from other non-iPhone/iPod audio sources, as well as Composite and S-Video output ports for connecting it to a TV if you want to port photos and videos to a TV. Other basics include a sleep timer and alarm function, as well as RDS that gives you info on what song’s being played on FM.

Sharp has introduced the Aquos Quattron LC-80LE632U, a huge 80-inch TV that’s being tagged as the ‘largest commercially-available LED TV’, which would be perfect for fitting into ‘the world’s emptiest living room wall.’ The TV sports an LED-lit, 1080p LCD TV panel and Wi-fi connectivity, giving you access to Netflix, CinemaNow and Vudu straight out of the predictably huge box it ships in.

Besides the really large screen, what else is there to expect from a screen that stretches (diagonally) to 6.5 feet? More of the usual, really. The LC-80LE632U is listed to offer a 6,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and a 120Hz screen for handling smooth action… smoothly, as well as a pair of USB ports for playing media straight from a flash drive. Basically nothing much more than what you’d get from a high-end 55-incher, but you have to realize that you’re getting a screen area that’s more than double the screen real estate of an already-huge 55-inch display.

It also supports Sharp’s Aquos Advantage Live feature, which will let you connect, set up, and tune the TV remotely via the internet.

The Sharp LC-80LE632U goes on sale in October for $5,500.

Looking for a better way to control your home entertainment system? Logitech has something for that – they’ve actually been serving universal Harmony remotes for years. But if you already own a smart device, say, an iPad, iPhone or Android device, then you don’t have to splurge on a separate remote anymore. They’ve just announced the Harmony Link, a tiny adapter that acts as a WLAN-to-infrared bridge, letting your iPad (or iPhone/ iPod touch/ Android device) control your home entertainment system.

Simply put, this compact adapter turns your smart device into a snazzy universal remote. A free Harmony Link App gives iOS and Android users the ability to do what the original remote does. For using it on touchscreen devices, the app can be set to turn swipes and taps into quick functions, such as play/pause or controlling the volume. The Harmony Link is also capable of “learning” commands from other remotes, giving you access to more functions past the basics, but Logitech already lists it to work with more than 5,000 brands (with more added every day).

The Harmony Link can be used to control up to eight home-entertainment devices using multiple smart devices, but it works best with an iPad. The Harmony Link App for iPad lets users set a personalized schedule of favorite shows, channels and genres, or just check out what’s on, thanks to Logitech’s partnership with Rovi.

The Logitech Harmony Link will be available in October for $99.99, along with the accompanying iOS and Android apps.

Press release:

Logitech Harmony Link to Enable One-Touch Control of Home Entertainment System from iPad

Harmony Link Also Transforms iPhone, iPod touch and Android Smartphones into Full-Featured Remote Control

FREMONT, Calif. — September 20, 2011 — With thousands of TV channels and seemingly unlimited choice of shows and movies, getting to the content you are looking for is often a challenge as you navigate among programming guides and juggle multiple remotes to control your home entertainment system. With this in mind, today Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) unveiled Logitech Harmony® Link, a small device designed to fit in next to your TV and media electronics and communicate over Wi-Fi® with the free Logitech Harmony Link App for iPad®. After setup, the  Logitech Harmony Link and the Logitech Harmony Link App work together to let iPad users browse a personalized schedule of their favorite shows, channels and genres to find something good to watch and – with one touch – turn on all the right devices and tune to the right channel.

“Logitech Harmony Link extends our vision of removing barriers between people and their entertainment by replacing the clutter and confusion of multiple remotes and different program guides with a single intuitive touch interface,” said Ashish Arora, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s Digital Home Group. “Our research revealed that many iPad owners are using their iPad on the sofa while watching TV, many of them seeking ways to find out what shows are on. We set out to make this experience easier. Using Logitech Harmony Link and the Harmony Link App, iPad users can browse for what is on television, and with one touch of “watch now” icon next to the show of their choice, they can automatically turn on their TV and other electronics, and tune directly to the show they want to watch.”

Logitech Harmony Link delivers more than just a personalized program guide to iPad users. By leveraging Logitech Harmony technology, it offers the activity- and device-based control provided by the award-winning line of Logitech Harmony Advanced Universal Remotes. Just select what you want to do, such as “Watch a Movie” or “Listen to Music,” and Harmony Link automatically switches your devices to the right settings – meaning you won’t be fumbling with multiple remotes or manually switching inputs anymore.

Control from Your iPad

The Logitech Harmony Link connects to your existing home wireless network to receive Wi-Fi signals from the Harmony Link App and turns them into IR commands that home-entertainment devices can understand. Harmony Link can control up to eight devices, is compact (about the size of a hockey puck) and was designed to integrate neatly and discreetly with your home entertainment system. Harmony Link includes an IR mini-blaster accessory so you can control entertainment devices both inside and outside of a closed entertainment cabinet.

And because the Harmony Link App transforms simple swipes and taps into useful actions, such as volume control and video playback, you can stay in control of your entertainment without taking your eyes off whatever you’re watching on your big screen.

Harmony Link can even connect with more than one iPad at a time, letting multiple family members use their own iPad – with their own set of favorite channels – rather than fighting over a single remote.

Turn Your Smartphone into a Remote Control

The remote control functionality of Logitech Harmony Link also works with the iPhone® or iPod touch® as well as with Android smartphones. Initially, smartphones will not receive personalized program guides from the downloadable App; however, Harmony Link will deliver complete activity-based control over up to eight devices in your entertainment system. Now you can essentially turn your smartphone into a great universal remote.

Program Information Provided by Rovi

Logitech has teamed with Rovi Corporation to provide program information behind its free Harmony Link App. An important element to entertainment discovery, Rovi data includes show synopses, movie overviews, and images to give you an in-depth and visually rich experience as you navigate through entertainment content and connect to your television guide.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech Harmony Link is expected to be available in the U.S. in October for a suggested retail price of $99.99. The Harmony Link App for iOS tablets and smartphones and the Harmony Link App for Android smartphones are expected to be available as free downloads in October from the iTunes App Store and Android Market, respectively. For more information please visit www.logitech.com or our blog.

About Logitech

Logitech is a world leader in products that connect people to the digital experiences they care about. Spanning multiple computing, communication and entertainment platforms, Logitech’s combined hardware and software enable or enhance digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, audio and video communication over the Internet, video security and home-entertainment control. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

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Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are registered in Switzerland and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information about Logitech and its products, visit the company’s website at www.logitech.com.