Fastmac today announced “U-Connect,” a universal Dock Connector adapter for Apple’s iPod shuffle that allows hundreds of iPod accessories to work with the headphone connector port found in Apple’s 2nd & 3rd Generation iPod shuffles.
The new U-Connect (Universal Dock Connector) Adapter features a headphone plug/connector on one end and a standard 30-pin Dock Connector on the other end that can connect to hundreds of iPod accessories such as FM transmitters, speaker systems, vehicle chargers and more. Fastmac’s U-Connect Adapter is scheduled to ship within 10 days and is available for pre-order from Fastmac for a special introductory price of US$15.95. Each adapter carries a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee .
“Many owners of iPod shuffle also own other iPods and our U-Connect product allows them to re-use the accessories they already have,” said Michael Lowdermilk, Business Development Manager of Fastmac Performance Upgrades, Inc. “U-Connect opens up a world of possibilities for the diminutive iPod shuffle.”
Fastmac’s U-Connect Universal Dock Connector Adapter features a headphone plug/connector on one end and a standard 30-pin Dock Connector on the other end that can connect to hundreds of iPod accessories such as FM transmitters, speaker systems, vehicle chargers and more. Weighing in at less than 7 grams and with dimensions that match those of the iPod shuffle, the U-Connect adapter fits seamlessly with any 2nd or 3rd Generation iPod shuffle. A toggle switch on the back switches the U-Connect between charging mode and playback mode.
Fastmac’s U-Connect Universal Dock Connector Adapter is compatible with all models of the iPod shuffle 2nd & 3rd Generation and is available in white and black colors.
More info here.
I’ve owned the same product made by Girffin for a few months already. Atleast I dont see a difference between the two products.
So I see that it has charging and playback modes, and that it can use in-car chargers. But what about using the in-car direct playback connection kits that all the car manufacturers are installing these days?
My Mini would love to have an iPod its size connected to it instead of its gigantic iPod Photo…
How ’bout making your own USB connector for FREE?! Check this link– saw this on Leo Laporte’s show. Easy, awesome. Here are the notes from his website:
Make your own iPod shuffle cable.
Frank Linhares
Managing Editor, tech.nocr.at
One of the great things about the second generation iPod shuffles is it’s tiny sleek design, too bad the synch cable that comes with it is almost as big and bulky as the shuffle itself. By spending $4 you can build your own tiny iPod shuffle cable.
What you will need:
USB Type A connector
4 Pole 3.5mm Connector
Wire
Soldering Iron
Patience
Connect the shortest length possible of wire between the points listed in the above diagram.
These contact points can be small and quite tricky so take your time with doing so.
Once you have soldered up the contacts use a multimeter to make sure that there are no shorts between the contacts. You want to make sure that no solder has spilled between the contacts, this would be bad and could cause a short and kill your ipod.
Use some heat shrink tubing to clean the whole thing up and make it look professional.