Is Apple planning to add a camera to the next-gen iPod nano? According to the images shared by Apple.pro, they might be. According to the post, the photographed nano prototype features the same compact square case, but with a noticeable hole at the back that’s filled with a mobile camera’s bits and pieces.

The design reportedly ran into some issues though. It features a1.3MP cam that’s said to be prone to taking overexposed photos, while a 2MP camera that was tested also proved to come up with below-standard images.

While it’s not impossible for Apple to experiment with such designs, it doesn’t make sense to add a camera to the next nano. Anyone who rocks a nano is likely to also be packing a mobile phone, and today’s average phone cam should be better than whatever they can fit into the nano’s tight frame. Adding the ability to take photos would also take up an already-limited storage space, not to mention the added cost that could push the price enough to make it impractical to choose over the iPod touch. And besides, that screen is simply too small to appreciate photos.

For all we know, this is just one of the prototypes that just wasn’t good enough to make it to production. If we had to choose a feature for the next nano, we’d rather they find a way to add Bluetooth for use with wireless headphones. That way, wearing it as a wristwatch wouldn’t make it too awkward with a headphone cable running from our wrists to our ears.

[via MIC Gadget]

Besides the compact dimensions and the wireless connectivity, the Mini Boombox also features an internal battery (it charges via USB) that’s listed to give up to 10 hours of playback, and snazzy backlit touch-sensitive controls on top. For the “boom,” the kit also comes with stereo speakers built with a “specially designed“ acoustic chamber that gives it enhanced bass, as well as a built-in mic for use as a speakerphone.

The Mini Boombox also comes with a standard 3.5mm audio input that’ll let you hook up non-BT devices to the speaker.

Logitech didn’t announce specific launch dates – only mentioning availability in the US and Europe in November – but it’s currently up for pre-orders on their site and on Amazon for $99.99.

Press release:

Logitech Mini Boombox Brings Great Sound Wherever You Go

Mobile Speaker-and-Speakerphone Combo Lets you Rock Out and Make Calls from Bluetooth-Enabled Devices

FREMONT, Calif. — Nov. 2, 2011 — Today Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) unveiled the Logitech® Mini Boombox, a compact sound system for music, movies, games and calls that pairs easily with smartphones, tablets and other Bluetooth®-enabled devices.

The Logitech Mini Boombox may be small, but it’s big on performance. It features a specially designed acoustic chamber that lets you enjoy great sound with enhanced bass, and the handy speakerphone with built-in mic gives you clear calls in the office, in the car or in the back yard. It’s great for phone calls or video chats – alone or with a group.

“The Logitech Mini Boombox rises to the occasion to bring an immersive sound experience wherever you go,” said Azmat Ali, vice president of tablets and mobile for Logitech. “Now that mobile devices also act as cinemas, concert stages, game consoles, and conference centers, people want sound quality to match – and the Logitech Mini Boombox delivers.”

The Logitech Mini Boombox pairs easily with popular smartphones, tablets and other devices that support Bluetooth® Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), and works with phones that support Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP 1.5). It features an internal battery that charges over USB – so you never need to worry about replacing batteries – and it stays powered for up to ten hours, depending on usage and environmental settings. That’s long enough to share all of your favorite playlists or stay up all night chatting on the phone. And with a backlit touch control panel, you can easily control it night or day.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech Mini Boombox is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in November, for a suggested retail price of $99.99. For more information please visit www.logitech.com or our blog.

The three new audio kits includes the STZ-D10S-L Solo, STZ-D10T-G Duo and STZ-D10Z-R Crew, all of which rock the same unique dancer-designed features. Tempo Control will let you adjust the tempo without changing the song’s pitch (so you can speed up the track without it ending up sounding like a chipmunk song), Dance Cue lets you set a point in a song that you can go back to instantly, DJ Mix automatically puts together song mixes by genre, Dance Boost will boost the highs and lows (the high-hats and bass drum) to help you find the beat, and an Auto Battle Mode creates battle tracks with a countdown and voice prompts.

All three models come with a compact wireless remote and 4GB of built-in memory for storing songs, but come with different speaker configurations. The $300 Solo and $350 Duo sports a pair of 2.5W speakers, while the $500 Crew is powered by two 10W speakers and a 20W subwoofer.

Check out Pioneer’s page for the Steez lineup to get the lowdown (we’re not trying to talk “street” here… the page really says “lowdown”). The page also has the following video embedded, which is apparently from a Steez promo tour. It doesn’t show any of the Steez kits, but it has a really entertaining performance, if you like watching dudes with rubbery joints.

For active, outdoorsy-types, the MOTOACTV features GPS tracking as well as ANT+ and Bluetooth 4.0 support for pairing it up with sensors such as heart rate monitors. Like the nano that features Nike+, Motorola’s player tracks a runner’s distance, speed and time, but goes a little farther with heart rate and calorie information. The player syncs up with motoactv.com for tracking stats and routes to give you an idea about your progress. The music player also has a feature that lets it “learn what tunes motivate you”, or basically tracks what songs make you run faster, which it then compiles into an automated “pump-you-up” playlist.

For everyone else’s everyday use, it’s also a pretty handy mobile accessory. Besides the basic music-playing capabilities, the MOTOACTV can also pair with an Android phone for taking calls or reading text messages, letting you leave your phone in your pack.

The rest of the features include an FM radio, a battery that’s listed to last up to 10 hours (with the GPS off), as well as 8 or 16GB of storage.

The MOTOACTV is now up for pre-orders, but is due out on November 6th starting at $249 for the 8GB and $299 for 16GB.

Apple also used the “Let’s talk iPhone” event to announce updates to the iPod touch and iPod nano. What’s on tap for the world’s most popular line of music players? Nothing big, really. For the iPod touch, they announced lower prices and a new white variant, while the iPod nano got a number of interface tweaks along with lower prices.

For a more pocket-friendly intro to iOS, the 8GB iPod touch will now start at $199 (down from $229), but will keep the same price points for the 32GB ($299) and 64GB ($399) versions.

The iPod nano’s updates includes improvements to the Nike+ feature, giving it an interface with larger icons for easier on-the-go operation. The built-in Nike+ tech also got really simplified. You don’t have to pick up an extra adapter for tracking steps, distance or calories anymore. And for the people who rock the nano as a wristwatch, Apple has something for you too: they’re adding 16 new watch faces for you to use, including classic and chrono styles, as well as Mickey and Minnie Mouse watch faces with moving hands.

The iPod nano is still available in seven colors but with a lower price, costing $129 for 8GB and $149 for 16GB.

Specifically, here’s what the OnStage iBT brings to the table: it’s listed to work with iPhones, iPads and iPods (we’re assuming that’s what the “i” in the name’s for), and connects to devices using Bluetooth (“BT”), but it should be able to connect to any other Bluetooth devices, such as Android phones, tablets or laptops that support A2DP and AVRCP BT profiles. It’s still clearly designed to target iPad owners though; the adjustable iPad stand that it comes packaged with is kind of a giveaway.

For sound, the OnTour iBT packs in four Odysset full-range neodymium transducers with computer-optimized DSP equalization that’s arranged to give you a “360-degree sound”. As a bonus, this kit wasn’t just designed for entertainment. It also comes with a built-in microphone that lets it function as a speakerphone.

To keep it travel-friendly, the UFO-looking speaker weighs a bit more than a pound, measures 6.5 inches across and is only around 1.6 inches thick. It can be powered by four AA batteries (listed to last up to 5 hours of playback at full volume) for the times that you can’t find a wall socket to plug into, but it still comes bundled with an AC power cord though, so you can still plug in. While it doesn’t come with a 30-pin dock connector, it comes with a USB port that you can use to charge another mobile device when it’s plugged to an AC socket.

Certainly looks like a well-specced kit if you’re into quality mobile audio (who isn’t?). Unfortunately, the premium kit won’t come cheap. It’s available now for $199.99.

For portability’s sake, the dock also comes with a rechargeable lithium ion battery that’s listed to last for up to seven hours of playback. The speaker dock’s slim frame also houses a pair of 2-inch drivers for a “full stereo sound,” but if the stock sound levels aren’t enough, Altec Lansing also launched a couple of free iOS apps that you can use with it. Like any other standard multimedia speaker kit, the iMT630 also comes with a 3.5mm audio jack for plugging in other non-iOS audio sources.

Music Mood basically loads a seven-band graphic equalizer onto your iOS device, letting you tweak the sound manually or by using a number of available preset options. The Music Mood app also comes with something called an “Ambient Sound library,” which will let you play a number of “serene sounds,” in case looping background noises such as “a crackling fireplace, a calming river stream, a relaxing beach or a mountain breeze” rocks your boat.

The Alarm Rock app gives your iOS device-and-speaker dock combo a customizable alarm clock that can be set to wake you up with your favored audio clips and songs. Working as your basic clock, the app also displays the time on an iPhone or iPod touch as well as a snooze button.

The Altec Lansing inMotion iMT630 is available in red, blue and black for $150.

Press Release:

ALTEC LANSING’S NEW iMT630 ULTRA-PORTABLE SPEAKER: ON-THE-GO STYLE FOR iPHONE & iPOD USERS

The New inMotion iMT630 Provides High Quality Sound and High Impact Style for iPhone and iPod Users

SAN DIEGO, CA – September 14, 2011 – Today, audio innovator Altec Lansing introduced the new inMotion® iMT630 Classic and Sport speaker systems for iPhone and iPod. The inMotion iMT630 Classic and Sport speakers are ultra-portable audio solutions for consumers who want to accessorize their active lifestyle while enjoying great sound quality. With a rechargeable battery, the iMT630 travels easily, whether it’s from room to room or to the beach for a family vacation. From looking good to sounding good, the iMT630 never misses a beat, standing out and delivering amazing audio quality wherever life takes it.

“Consumer electronics are an extension of our own unique taste, and the inMotion iMT630 syncs the listener’s personality to his or her lifestyle. It is the perfect marriage of form and function, whether it remains stationary as part of a room’s décor or moves with the party to keep the fun going,” said Steve Schlangen, Altec Lansing Senior Product Manager. “By incorporating our engineering audio excellence into a thoughtful portable design, the iMT630 becomes more than a dock for your iPhone or iPod; it becomes a personal accessory to life.”

Despite its small footprint, the iMT630 pumps out clear and accurate sound even at maximum volume. Whether relaxing at home or playing outside, users can enjoy precision audio clarity and crisp bass delivered through dual 2-inch drivers for a full stereo experience. Proving that style does not have to be sacrificed for performance, the iMT630 features fluid aesthetics with rounded corners and is available in three distinct colors to please any personal preference: the inMotion iMT630 Classic comes in timeless black while the inMotion iMT630 Sport packs a colorful punch in red or teal.

Seamlessly adapting to a user’s active lifestyle, the compact and portable iMT630 easily moves from room to room with the user. The rechargeable Lithium Ion battery allows users to enjoy their music away from the outlet for nearly seven hours. The included wireless remote can control the music from across the room and has its own magnetic storage space, so it never gets misplaced. Consumers can also access their music through the onboard controls. Whether listening to music with the family or entertaining the neighbors on the patio, the iMT630 lets others indulge in their favorite music by connecting their device via the auxiliary input jack.

App Enhancement:
Users can enhance their experience with the iMT630 by utilizing Altec Lansing’s iOS apps, including the Music Mood App and the Alarm Rock App. With Music Mood’s Graphic Equalizer (EQ), users can customize their sound for a more enjoyable listening experience. From basic and preset options to a more advanced seven-band graphic EQ, customized sound can be saved and accessed at the user’s discretion. Also included within the Music Mood App is the Ambient Sound library which allows users to relax to a number of serene sounds, including a crackling fireplace, a calming river stream, a relaxing beach or a mountain breeze.

The Alarm Rock App acts as a full-featured digital alarm clock complete with time display and an oversized snooze button. Users can choose to wake or sleep to their favorite audio files and songs, while enjoying a fully customizable interface to match even the most eclectic tastes.

Availability and Pricing
Altec Lansing’s iMT630 is available now at www.alteclansing.com, Best Buy and select consumer electronic retailers for $149.95 MSRP.

The iMT630 is compatible with iPod touch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation), iPod classic, iPod nano (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th generation), iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G and iPhone.

The Music Mood and Alarm Rock Apps are available for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at Apple iTunes.

Okay, maybe the Xoom didn’t pan out as a good iPad rival, but a survey revealed that Motorola is working on a new device that looks set to rival the iPod nano and GPS-equipped Nike+ Sportwatch. We don’t know exactly what it’s called yet (according to the survey, it could be named the “MotoActive”), but it’s going to target the gadgety-fitness crowd for sure. According to the description sent to Engadget, the device is an “all-in-one fitness and music personal fitness device,” so yeah, if you’re into fitness, or personal fitness even, this one’s for you.

Save for the inclusion of GPS, the tip was a little short on specs. The source did mention a “smart music player” feature though, which reportedly compiles a list of songs that’ll make you sweat the most. We’re not sure exactly how it’s going to do that, but C&C Music Factory’s Gonna Make You Sweat is probably a good start. Other reported features include wireless syncing to a PC or Android devices for pulling your workout data.

The tip didn’t include pricing and availability info.

[via Engadget]

The player is designed to be water-resistant – or at least resistant enough to handle sweaty workouts – and light enough to be worn comfortably while running. Loading up the player’s 2GB or 4GB capacities with audio files can done via drag-and-drops through iTunes, Windows Media Player or Rhapsody. It connects to a PC via USB, which it also uses to charge its built-in battery.

The W260 also features Sony’s quick charge feature that’s listed to give you an hour of playback on a three-minute charge, or up to 11 hours of playback on a full battery.

The player is due out in August, starting at $60 for the 2GB player and $80 for the 4GB version.

The new Kaboom packs in 8cm full-range speakers and a pair of 13cm Super Woofers for 40 Watts of total Kaboom-worthy power, a CD player that can play MP3 and WMA files burned on a disc, an FM tuner, and an auxiliary input to let you plug in other audio sources. A composite connection at the back will also let you plug it into a TV for porting out video from an iPod or iPhone.

The new Kaboom costs $300, and comes bundled with a remote, and shoulder strap for taking it outdoors. (For outdoor purposes, the boombox also works on ten D batteries).