Mobile Monitor Technologies (http://www.mmt2.com) has introduced Monitor2Go, which extends the share, work, and watch capabilities of portable displays beyond notebooks and computers across the universe of mobile devices. It will be available in the second quarter of the year with a list price under US$300. Monitor2Go is a 15.6-inch LCD LED-backlit display that boasts a 1600x900 HD+ screen that not only extends the displays of USB enabled notebooks and computer, it also mirrors the displays of Apple devices (iPad, iPhone and iPod) and HDMI compatible smart phones and tablets, as well as carries, protects, and locks the iPad2. The patent-pending Monitor2Go is constructed in sleek and rugged aluminum. It's designed specifically to house, lock, and transport the iPad 2 as well as work with other mobile devices.

Digiarty Software has released Air Playit (http://www.airplayit.com) for Android devices. Powered with advanced video streaming method and CUDA, the free app helps users stream playback their music and video libraries from Macs and PCs via WiFi, 3G or 4G network. The folks at Digiarty says 320 different video audio formats are supported for streaming to Android phones. The app is also available for iOS devices in the Apple App Store.

Newer Technology (http://www.newertech.com) has announced the miniStack Max, the latest version of its quad-interface powered hub storage solution. Offering plug and play with Macs or PCs, thanks to five interfaces -- USB 3.0, USB 2.0, FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and eSATA -- the miniStack Max is the only four-in-one storage, data access, connectivity solution on the market, according to the folks at NewerTech. In addition to adding an optical drive and an integrated SD card reader to its time-proven design, the latest miniStack is now available with an expanded storage capacity of up to 4TB. Offered in 0GB Kits and complete solutions with capacities ranging from 500GB to 4.0TB, Newer Technology’s miniStack Max and miniStack (hard drive only model) will be available from Newer Technology’s exclusive distributor, Other World Computing (http://www.owc.com) and through the retail channel by late March. Pricing hasn't been announced.

XtremeMac (http://www.xtrememac.com) has unveiled three new charging docks -- the InCharge Duo Plus, InCharge X3 and InCharge X5. They're due for release in the first quarter of the year; pricing hasn't been announced. Each multi-dock charger provides 10 watts per dock for simultaneous charging of any combination of iPod, iPhone or iPad -- up to five at a time with InCharge X5 charger. The InCharge Duo Plus is able to charge any two iPod, iPhone or iPad devices while the InCharge X3 charges any three devices and the InCharge X5 charges up to five devices simultaneously.  The case-friendly charging docks feature an adjustable rear support to accommodate various device depths. Additional features include rubber feet to provide a stable platform and bi-color LED charging status indicators.

MacLab has updated Text Cleaner (http://textcleaner.com) for Mac OS X (10.41 or higher) to version 3.5. The upgrade adds compatibility for Adobe Indesign and InCopy CS3 through CS5.5 as well as Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion"). Text Cleaner works with the Mac clipboard copy and paste, text files, QuarkXPress, InDesign and inCopy. It's used by graphic designers, editors and web designers to reduce text cleanup time. Text Cleaner 3.5 costs US$89. Upgrades from previous versions are $49.

Lemke Software has updated Graphic Converter (http://www.lemkesoft.com/index.html), an image editing tool for Mac OS X, to version 7.6. The new version add a highlights and shadows function, color balance and more. GraphicConverter converts pictures to different formats and has tools for picture manipulation. With it you can import about 200 graphic file formats and export approximately 80 graphic file formats. It's a Universal Binary product, so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. GraphicConverter costs US$39.95 Site licenses are also available. It requires Mac OS 10.5 or later. Version 7.6 is a free update for registered users of version 7.x.

Graphic Node has introduced Video Shorts, their new multimedia collection. Video Shorts contains 20 video clips with specific text and music arrangement as well as 20 video backgrounds for various occasions. The clips are short, and be looped to create much longer sequences. This new collection can serve as a tool for users of Apple's iMovie and other programs that support the .mov format. Video Shorts costs US$9.99. Users can view samples of the clips and purchase Video Shorts on the Graphic Node website (http://graphicnode.com/). The collection is also available on the Mac App Store.

At this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Concord Electronics launched the Keystone ECO MarineCase (http://www.concordkeystone.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=888), a waterproof case made specifically for the iPhone 4S/4. It's available in black or white and costs US$39.99. Enclosing the iPhone in the MarineCase allows consumers to capture images and video underwater, as well as playback, email, text data, use apps, and more without leaving the water, according to the folks at Concord Electronics. It fully encases the iPhone, keeping it safe and dry at depths up to 20 feet underwater. The clear protective silicon cover of the MarineCase supports full iPhone screen and call functionality and is designed for swimmers, skiers, kayakers, white water rafters, snowboarders, boaters, fisherman, or any iPhone users who expose their phones to environments that prone to contact with water. The case also protects the iPhone from snow, rain, dust and sand. The MarineCase is an IPX8...

At this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, XtremeMac (http://www.xtrememac.com) has unveiled the Tango TT, an app-enhanced, audio and charging dock for the iPod, iPhone and iPad. It will go on sale this summer; pricing hasn't been announced. The Tango TT features a 30-pin dock connector designed to allow the iOS device to be oriented in landscape or portrait mode. It also sports a sliding back support construction that raises and lowers the iOS device for multiple viewing angles. Additionally, it offers multi-directional speakers and a line-in jack for use with other MP3 players.   With an integrated hardware app that will be available at the Apple App Store, the Tango TT also doubles as a digital photo frame that users can customize with pictures, album art and social media feeds from Facebook and Twitter. An additional remote app turns an iOS device into a virtual remote controller able to play/pause music and control the previous and next track.

BodyGuardz (http://www.bodyguardz.com) has announced customization technology that lets iPhone 4/4S users personalize their devices by creating an "infinite" number of designs that can be printed on the back of BodyGuardz’s The multi-piece mykase uses a patent-pending system of interchangeable plates, which includes a base (comprised of interlocking back-and-side and bottom pieces) as well as additional back plates. Users can select from nine solid color options for the back plates, and in addition, will now be able to create a one-of-a-kind back plate that showcases their own designs, artwork -- even pictures, says Kirk Feller, CEO and president of BodyGuardz. Combined with a base that offers complete coverage, the mykase personalized back plate serves as a reinforced layer of protection. It's easy to put on and remove, providing secure coverage that is designed not to come apart even when dropped, adds Feller. Customers can order mykase (US$29.95) now and customize back plates ($19...

The Fair Labor Association says Apple will join the FLA as a Participating Company, effective immediately. The FLA will independently assess facilities in Apple's supply chain and report detailed findings on the FLA website. Apple becomes the first technology company to join the Association as a Participating Company. FLA Participating Companies agree to uphold the FLA Workplace Code of Conduct throughout their supply chains and commit to the FLA's Principles of Fair Labor and Responsible Sourcing. In 2011, the FLA worked with Apple to assess the impact of Apple's training programs which help raise awareness of labor rights and standards among workers in its supply chain. Like all new affiliates, Apple will align its compliance program with FLA obligations within the next two years. "We found that Apple takes supplier responsibility seriously and we look forward to their participation in the Fair Labor Association," says Auret van Heerden, FLA's president and CEO. "We welcome Apple's...

Apple postponed sales of its iPhone 4S in its mainland China stores Friday after angry customers threw eggs at the company's flagship Beijing store when it didn't open at 7 a.m., as scheduled, reports the "Associated Press" (http://macte.ch/NNHQS). Hundreds of people had waited overnight in freezing weather at the store in the Sanlitun district on Beijing's east side for a chance to buy the Apple smartphone, the article adds. Apple said it canceled the opening due to safety concerns about the crowd. The company further says that the iPhone 4S will not be sold at its mainland China stores for the time being to protect the safety of customers and employees, notes the "AP." However, the smartphone will still will be sold online and through its local carrier. Apple should consider launching its products earlier in China, and expand its online distribution there, if it wants to avoid incidents, analysts told "PC World" (http://macte.ch/GmqvB). "(Chinese consumers) want to have the gadget...

Pure (http://www.pure.com/us/) has announced the US$329 Contour 200i Air, a wireless audio system with Apple AirPlay that allows the user to play their music wirelessly via a Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch without the need to dock the device. It will be available in March. AirPlay enables iTunes users to play their music library, hosted on a Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone or iPod touch on any AirPlay-enabled device. If the user has more than one AirPlay-enabled device, the user can control and run a multiroom music environment from a Mac or PC running iTunes. The Pure Contour 200i Air not only supports wireless streaming, but also includes a dock for iPad, iPhone and iPod for charging as well as music playback. It connects to the user’s home network via Ethernet or WiFi, and produces 36W RMS of digital quality sound. 
The Contour 200i Air also serves as a companion to the free Pure Lounge app that enables access to Internet radio stations, on demand content (podcasts and listen again...

RFA Brands has launched the Powerbag line at this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Integrated into every Powerbag is an universal smart-charging system, which powers mobile devices that can be charged using a USB cable, including iPad, iPhone, iPod and most leading smartphones, MP3 players, tablets, eReaders, Bluetooth headsets and more, right in the bag. Powerbag comes with a built-in, lightweight, rechargeable and removable battery for "charge on the go" capability (3000 mAh, 6000 mAh or 9000 mAh batteries available), says Ron Ferber, president of RFA Brands. Plug your Powerbag into any standard wall outlet with the included AC adapter to recharge the internal battery. You can connect up to four mobile devices at a time using the included pre-routed connectors (one micro, one mini, one Apple) and one USB port inside every Powerbag. Keep devices connected or plug-in when you need more power. The Powerbag smart-charging system will automatically detect the connected...

iTwin (http://www.itwin.com) -- the company that created iTwin, a "limitless" secure USB device for remote file access -- has announced its new iTwin Multi functionality. This free iTwin upgrade enables users to share files stored on a computer with multiple people at the same time. With iTwin Multi, multiple users and workgroups can connect multiple iTwins to the same computer to remotely access, edit and share files, without the headaches associated with email, VPN, or remote access software, according to Lux Anantharaman, co-founder and CEO of iTwin. For example, using iTwin Multi, field sales reps can remotely download or upload the latest confidential client contracts and proposals, he adds. Similarly, small businesses such as CPA firms can securely share large accounting files and other sensitive data with multiple clients.   iTwin provides two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption. Comprising two identical parts, iTwin can be used on any Internet-connected computer...

FirmTek (http://www.firmtek.com) has announced the miniSwap/ES, which the company says is an "industry first and perfect for solid state drives (SSD) and 2.5" Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives." The trayless, dual-bay miniSwap/ES was created to provide 2.5-inch storage devices with SATA 6G bandwidth, simple disk mounting, quiet operation and user selectable digital power modes that support auto-on or manual power-on in the case of a power disconnect. The miniSwap/ES can be integrated as a portable on-the-go 2.5-inch, dual-bay enclosure, or as a space saving, trayless 2.5-inch desktop drive mounting station. Multiple miniSwap/ES enclosures can be cascaded to provide advanced RAID performance, expanded capacity and simple or complex storage configurations. The miniSwap/ES incorporates a backplane design with no internal cabling that helps to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and improve convective cooling. It supports 2.5-inch Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives and solid state drives (...

Benzitech (http://www.benzitech.com/) has announced its new line of waterproof cases for smartphones and tablet computers, as well as new battery charging cases for the iPhone and iPad. The iDry waterproof cases create an airtight seal to protect all makes and models of smartphones and tablets from everything from rainfall to being submerged 30 feet underwater. The cases float on water and feature secured waterproof ear buds, armbands and neck straps for use during more strenuous activities. Users can operate their devices’ touchscreens, listen to music and even make or receive phone calls without opening the cases. Benzitech has also introduced two iPhone battery charging cases. The Slider iPhone battery charging case features a 2200 mAh battery that can purportedly double the battery life of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. The slim design maintains the iPhone’s profile and can be attached or removed. The Slider comes equipped with a LED power state indicator. The iWrap is a genuine...

Other World Computing (http://www.macsales.com) has expanded its OWC Mercury Elite Pro mini line to include what is says is the industry’s first eSATA 6G and bus-powered USB 3.0 portable external drive. Available in 13 different hard drive or OWC Mercury SSD-equipped capacity configurations up to 1.5TB, the new USB 3.0/2.0 and eSATA 6G "triple interface" model delivers up to 600MB/s data rate storage/backup performance to Mac and PC users in a plug 'n play mobile footprint. . The Mercury Elite pro mini measures 5.5 x 3.8 x 1.1 inches. Because it’s bus-powered, it doesn’t require an AC adapter. The Mercury Elite Pro mini USB 3.0 and eSATA 6G model is available immediately in capacities ranging from 0GB Kits from US$64.99, hard drive configurations up to 1.5TB from $114.99, and OWC Mercury 6G SSD based solutions up to 480GB from $159.99. They come ready for plug and play with all interface connecting cables.

PowerSkin (http://www.powerskin.com) has announced new portable power solutions for iOS and other devices at this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The new, US$69.99 SolarCharge boasts 1000 mAh of power and extends talk time on all types of smartphones (as well as the iPod touch) up to 350 minutes. It's composed of a one-piece plastic housing, which is then wrapped in a shock-absorbent, silicone skin to provide ultimate protection for the charger The $24.99 KeyCharge packs 750 mAh and extends talk time up to 90 minutes on most smartphones. It attaches to key chains and provides a quick boost of power. Both the SolarCharge and KeyCharge will be available in a blue rubberized skin with LED lights indicating the amount of battery levels left.

Scoshe Industries (http://www.scosche.com) has announced three new additions to the REALM by Scosche line of headphones, all of which work with the free tuneQ equalizer app for the iPhone and iPod touch.  tuneQ is a graphic equalizer app that allows users to adjust the low, mid and high frequencies of songs in a visual display. Scosche has added reference grade Bluetooth headphones, the RH656md, on ear headphones, and IDR676md earphones to the REALM line. The new Bluetooth headphones boast a wireless range of up to 33 feet and an integrated control surface allowing users to play, pause, skip tracks and control volume directly from the headphones. Like the original REALM over-ear headphones, the new Bluetooth model and the RH656md on ear headphones are powered by 40mm drivers and feature copper voice coils and neodymium magnets. They also sport genuine leather ear cushions with memory foam. The new REALM IDR676md earphones are Scosche’s first to feature an integrated bass contour...

Taskfabrice (http://www.taskfabric.com/) has released Organize for Mac OS X and Windows. It's a personal task management app designed with business users in mind. Contacts supports such organizational methods as GTD (Getting Things Done), Contexts, RACI or AID. It includes review features (i.e. by date, context or with the Project Dashboard) and lets you use Cloud Sync (Internet) or Wi-Fi to synchronize with Organize on another Mac, Windows, iPhone and iPad. Organize for Mac and Windows is available immediately as download from our web site http://www.taskfabric.com/. Registration is US$39.95. On the Mac it requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later.

Apple bought Anobit Technologies for about US$390 million, paying below the price sought by the Israeli maker of flash storage technology, reports "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/DqVZ5), quoting unnamed "people familiar with the purchase." The article says negotiations continued for more than two weeks after Israel’s "Calcalist" newspaper reported Dec. 20 that Apple bought Herzliya-based Anobit for as much as $500 million. Apple finally signed the agreement Jan. 6 to buy the Israeli company, according to "Bloomberg," attributing the info to "two Anobit shareholders, who spoke on condition of anonymity because Apple didn’t want details disclosed." Anobit has developed a chip that enhances flash drive performance through signal processing, the article adds. The chip is already incorporated in Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPad and the MacBook Air. "The Calcalist" says Apple is interested in Anobit's technology to increase and enhance the memory volume and performance of its devices....

Apple is now the number three computer vendor in the U.S. -- and that's not even counting iPads in computer sales. It's Macs only. According to the Garnter research group (http://www.gartner.com) Apple has 11.6% market share as of the quarter quarter of 2011. That compares to 9% for the year-ago period, a growth of 20.7% year-over-year. Apple enjoyed the strongest growth among the top five vendors. The only computer vendors ahead of Apple in the U.S. are HP with 23.1% market share and Dell with 22.4% market share. And those stats are down 26.1% and 4.5% respectively year-over-year. According to the IDC research group (http://www.idc.com) the Mac has 10.92% of the computer market as of the fourth quarter of 2011. That compares to 8.63% for the fourth quarter of 2011 for year-over-year growth of 18%. Per IDC, the computer vendors ahead of Apple in the U.S. are HP with 23.02% market share and Dell with 22.44% market share. And those stats are down 25.30% and 4.7% respectively year-over-...

Kingston Digital (http://www.kingston.com) has announced an array of portable Flash memory based solutions designed for the growing number of thin notebook, tablet and smartphone users. In addition, the Kingston Wi-Drive (pictured) offers wireless memory expansion for tablets and smartphones such as the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The Kingston Wi-Drive, a portable, wireless storage device for iOS devices and the Kindle Fire, will be available in a 64GB capacity in the first quarter of 202. The device -- which has built-in Wi-Fi -- allows users to view photos or documents, stream movies and listen to music without relying on Internet access or cloud-based technology. It will be available in 16GB and 32GB capacities; pricing hasn't been announced. The DataTraveler SE9 (DTSE9) USB Flash Drive comes in a sleek metal case that features a large built-in key ring for attachment to a backpack, briefcase, purse or keychain. It's available in 8GB and 16GB capacities. The DataTraveler Micro is...