Griffin Technology has introduced several new and updated iPod and iPhone accessories for early 2008. The iTrip AutoPilot with SmartScan is a FM transmitter for the iPod and iPhone. It features music playback controls on the charging stem, RDS technology to show song information on RDS-enabled car radio displays, the SmartScan feature that automatically finds the three best FM frequencies, and also charges the attached iPod or iPhone.

Electric car manufacturer ZAP has announced plans to show a “Made for iPod” car next week at Macworld Expo in San Francisco. The company said it will be designing its cars to include a head unit made for the iPod that will play music through the car speaker system as well as recharge using the ZAP Recharge-It-All made for iPod battery system. The first cars equipped with this technology are expected to be available later this year, and ZAP says it has plans to include the technology in all its cars. “Apple is making some of the most popular consumer products on the market today,” said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. “A ZAP electric car made for iPod joins an important trend happening throughout the automotive industry to give car-buyers more amenities. So many bring their iPods with them wherever they go that having the capability to listen to and recharge them in your car can only attract more customers.” Previously, the company had announced that it will debut its new iZAP line of iPod mobile rechargers at the show. According to the company, the line will use “advanced lithium battery storage and charge control technology to power or boost the battery life of the iPod.”

Tekkeon has introduced the NavDock, a new Home Media Center with on-screen iPod navigation. In addition to the integrated iPod dock and support for the iPod nano (with video) and iPod classic, the NavDock also features a 16-button wide angle infrared remote with a five-way navigation pad and quick keys that jump directly to the Videos, Photos, Music or Settings menus, and the ability to charge the iPod whether the unit is on or off. "With NavDock, we wanted users to have virtually complete on-TV control of their iPods," says Jerry Yang, president of Tekkeon. "Rather than just provide minimal access to some of the iPod menus, NavDock enables users to take advantage of commonly used features, like lyrics and equalizer, all with the NavDock remote." The Tekkeon NavDock is available now and sells for $130.

Sony has introduced two new Made for iPod shelf systems featuring integrated iPod docks and Bluetooth connectivity. The CMT-BX20i and CMT-BX50BTi systems feature gloss black finishes and florescent displays. The iPod menu and system features can be accessed with the remote control, while the system charges the device. "We are continuing to evolve our shelf system offerings to reflect consumer listening habits," said Andrew Sivori, director of personal audio marketing in the Digital Audio and Imaging Division at Sony Electronics.

Panasonic has introduced several new iPod-docking home theater systems, including the $300 SC-PT660, $400 SC-PT760, the $500 SC-PT960, and the flagship model, the SC-BT100 home theater in a box (HTiB) system featuring an integrated Blu-ray disc player. All four systems are Made for iPod certified and can play music or video through the home theater system, display audio tracks and menus on the TV screen and operate the iPod with the supplied remote control, and can also recharge the iPod while docked. Other features of the SC-BT100 include a SD Memory Card slot, wireless rear speakers, HDMI output, a Kelton-design subwoofer, and the ability to upgrade to 7.1-channel sound with the purchase of two side speakers and a wireless transceiver.

Creative has revealed its Xdock HD, a new iPod dock designed for use with a home theater system. Optimally, the Xdock HD connects to a home theater system via HDMI, or it can be connected with component or composite for video and analog line-out or optical line-out for audio. The Xdock can upconvert iPod video to either 720p or 1080i, and also features the ability to output DTS surround sound as well as the ability to wirelessly play music through the company's X-Fi Wireless Receivers. "We designed the Xdock HD so that all the movies, music and photos that you carry with you on your iPod can be experienced in HD in your home," said Steve Erickson, VP of audio for Creative. "The Xdock HD transforms your iPod from a portable device into a high-quality HD entertainment system." Other features include a wireless remote, on-screen menus for iPod navigation, X-Fi Crystalizer and X-Fi CMSS-3D technologies, and one included X-Fi Wireless Receiver. The Creative Xdock HD will be available this spring and will sell for $400.

U.K.-based audio equipment manufacturer Tannoy has introduced its i30 iPod sound system to the US market. The i30's buttonless design leaves all control to the included IR remote, and features an integrated Universal iPod Dock with included adapters for iPod mini, nano, nano 2G, iPod 5G, and iPhone, an auxiliary input, a USB port for syncing, two 4-inch iCT (inductive coupling technology) drives, a 50-watt amp, and a Digital Sound Processor (DSP) for optimal sound quality. The Tannoy i30 will sell for $400; the release date has yet to be announced.

iFrogz has unveiled its new Thumpz, a 100-percent silicone iPod nano (with video) case with a built-in speaker. Thumpz utilizes a passive speaker technology to offer playback without extra batteries, simply connecting to the nano's headphone jack inside the case. Other features include an earphone port at the bottom of the case, which disables the speakers when earphones are connected, and access to the iPod's Click Wheel. Scott Huskinson, CEO and owner of iFrogz said, "This case stands out from the millions of iPod cases as it is the perfect iPod accessory you can see and hear. We feel this is the most exciting case we have ever introduced." Thumpz for iPod nano is available in a variety of colors and is available now for $25; iFrogz has also said that Thumpz will also be available for the iPod classic and incorporated into the Tadpole case at a future date.

JBL has unveiled a slew of new speaker systems for the iPod, including an HD Radio-equipped clock radio and an iPhone-compatible On Stage system. JBL's On Stage 200ID and 400ID systems are the latest in the company's On Stage line, offering built-in Universal Docks, the OnePoint design with a USB 2.0 cable for syncing, line input for other audio devices, and included remote controls. The On Stage 200ID offers iPhone compatibility and two 10-watt Phoenix transducers, while the 400ID lacks iPhone compatibility, but offers four 15-watt Odyssey transducers and a 30-watt Atlas subwoofer. In addition, both models feature the ability to charge docked iPods (and iPhones, on the 200ID), even when the unit is turned off. The JBL On Stage 200ID system will sell for $150 and is expected in stores in February, while the JBL On Stage 400ID will sell for $250, and should be available in March.

Belkin has introduced several new accessories for the iPod and iPhone, including the RockStar headphone hub, and the new TuneBase FM and TuneCast Auto. The RockStar is a unique hub that connects a combination of MP3 players and headphones for sharing music with others. It features five ports for attaching headphones or MP3 players, one hard-wired connection for an MP3 player, an Included cable to attach another MP3 player, and users can control mixes and fade-ins and -outs via the normal controls of each MP3 player. The RockStar will be available in March and will sell for $20.