Android docks are finally coming into their own in a big way. As someone who has a love/hate relationship with alarm clocks (doesn’t everybody?), a dock that can double as an alarm clock, completely controlled by the phone…that’s the future. The phone is the center of our world, and everything else plays around it. The bedroom clock may be the first serious step in that direction, and the Philips Fidelio AS111 Android Dock is a brilliant  step forward.

The AS111 is a very succinct, simple device. It has a MicroUSB connector for Android smartphones, though will charge any device with a MicroUSB port. It connects to devices via Bluetooth, and only Bluetooth. Android does not currently support audio out through USB, but all Philips Android docks do, so when Android does support it, the AS111 will be ready (after a firmware update to the hardware).

It has a round base with a clock on the front, speakers on the top, and little else. On the back there’s an AUX-in port for wired audio playback. When connected to a device via Bluetooth, the media buttons on the top can control music playback (play, pause, next and previous track). There’s also a button to turn on and off phone charging, which some users will find very attractive for conserving energy. Finally, there’s a night light on the underbelly of the dock. It has a slight orange hue and is very calm and pleasant. The brightness of the clock LED can also be adjusted.

Setup and installation is very easy. The dock works off of the software, so once the Fidelio app is downloaded, just connect the dock to your phone and the rest happens automatically. The clock will set its time based on your phone’s time.

I’ve used the AS111 for over a month and it is an exceptional device. I’m very satisfied with using it day in and day out. The stereo speakers aren’t all that powerful, but as a clock they don’t need to be. If I listen to music in the bedroom, it’s quiet anyways. Even with just 4W of power, I am satisfied with the quality of audio. Obviously bass is lacking, so you psychopaths who listen to Skrillex before clocking out won’t find this dock too appealing. Everyone else will.

All clock features are controlled through the free Fidelio app. As I discussed in the Philips Fidelio DS8550 Speaker Dock review, the software is okay and improving, though on Android compared to iPhone there are some major differences that both improve and can be a bit of a nuisance. Because it isn’t limited by Apple’s restrictions, alarms set will automatically enable when connecting to the dock (by activating the Fidelio app). This sounds great, but unfortunately it does this any time the phone is connected to any charger. If you only charge with this dock, the then’s fine, but if like most Android users you charge either more than once a day or connect to a computer, the Fidelio app starting every time the phone gets power is annoying. This feature can be turned off, but even after I turned it off it kept starting the app when connecting to a power source. Turning it off would also require starting the app every night if you want to use the dock as an alarm clock.

Otherwise the software is good, but messier than the iOS version. It’s slower than it should be and a little clunkier. While writing this review, I found another firmware update, which does speed up the app and clean some of the minor nags I found. It’s better, but still not as good as the iOS version.

The Fidelio AS111 dock on its own is excellent, the best I’ve seen to date. It has a proper balance of size, build quality, looks, and power. The software may need a little work, and perhaps some adjustments from Google, but all in all I highly recommend the AS111.

Editor’s Rating:

4.5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Bottom Line: A great Android dock that replaces typical alarm clocks and clock radios.

Pros:

• Solid audio quality
• Simple, intuitive, and sleek design
• The hardware has everything users can desire from a clock

Belkin is targeting the latest generation of Macbook owners with an autumn release of the Thunderbolt Express Dock.  We took a brief look at it at CES 2012 and we were impressed to say the least.  The finish and weight of the device is something we relish to hold in our hands again.  The dock itself jacks into your lappy via Thunderbolt and supports Gigabit Ethernet, 3x USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire 800 port, a 3.5mm headphone jack and two thunderbolt ports  (one upstream and one downstream) for daisy chaining other devices.  But that’s not what we really loved about this dock.  In addition to all of these wonderful ports you’ll also found an HDMI port, allowing you to easily connect your Macbook Air to not just an LCD monitor, but a LCD or Plasma TV.

There is one small caveat, though.  It will cost $299 when it launches later this year.

There’s nothing quite like a new spin on an old product.  And arriving just in time before the year’s end is Edifier’s Tick Tock clock.

While it may appear to be your old school alarm clock, it’s anything but.  Those would be bells perched up top are in fact 360 degree firing, 1.5-inch full range speakers.  We can’t make any promises in terms of sound quality, but we’re willing to bet that the sound from this 7 watt powered bed side companion produces anything but full and rich audio.  But come on, would you really buy this for that purpose?

In terms of other specs, all versions of the Tick Tock boast an AUX input, meaning you can playback audio from any compatible device, as well as an LCD screen for viewing the time and tuning in a radio station.  There are three models to choose from, which includes a version with a 30-pin dock for your iPhone or iPod Touch, a Bluetooth version for wireless audio playback or one that ships with an SD card slot.  And while all of them sport an AUX and USB input, none of the models sports all two or all three aforementioned features.  In other words, the Dock version doesn’t include Bluetooth and viceversa. A bit weak if you ask us, but perhaps it’s all in the name of cost.

And speaking of which, they start at $69.99.

Philips line of Fidelio speakers continues to expand.  Last week the company introduced the SoundRing with Airplay.  Two versions will be available when it goes on sale later this year, but both promise natural and immersive sound that fires in all directions.

Under the hood are a central bass sound pipe and four high definition drivers – two front-firing and two side-firing.  The DS3880W incorpates a a 5-hour rechargeable battery and iPhone dock, while the DS3800W uses the same speaker setup, but lacks a built-in rechargeable battery.  Total power caps out at 16 watts and a 5-band equalizer is on board, which can be accessed using their compatible Fidelio iPhone app.

Since both models feature Apple’s Airplay technology, you’ll be able to stream tunes from any iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or PC with a wireless signal.  Alternatively, there is an AUX input for non-compatible devices. Included is a remote that complements the design of the SoundRing, allowing you to change tracks and volume from afar.

No word on a price or a launch date.

Yup, this is yet another dock to charge your iPhone or iPod.  Technically it’s not compatible with the iPad, probably due to weight concern, but if you get one you’re more than welcome to try it out.  Just don’t blame us if your tablet takes a nose dive.  Putting aside its one shortcoming, the MiniDock from Bluelounge might have a worth while place in your arsenal of iPhone accessories.

Charge your iPhone in the kitchen?  Ever spill anything?  See where we’re going with this?  It will keep your precious iOS device off the counter and away from spilled water, sauces and whatever might seep its way into your handset.  The same could be said for those of you that spend a fair bit of time in a hotel room and find yourself plugging your iPhone into the socket, only to leave it on the floor, in harm’s (foot’s) way.

It’s small and light weight, so it won’t weigh down your already overstuffed bag.  They don’t include an AC plug, so you’ll need to use the one provided with your device, but logic tells us that’s why it costs just $19.95, before shipping and handling of course.

They sell 3 different versions.  One for the UK, one for the US and one for the EU.  They don’t make any guarantee that it will be compatible with a bumper or case, but nor do they say it won’t work.

We don’t know why, but plugging in the iPhone into a computer to back up contacts and other media is a drag to say the least.  However, plugging in your iPhone to charge the device is a must and a no brainer.  Enter iOmega’s Superhero Backup dock.  It’s a dock that charges your iPhone and simultaneously backs up contacts and photos to an SD card using an accompanying app.  It ships with a 4GB SD card, but if you so choose you can add a larger one.  During our initial use, contacts synced within minutes, but 1MB photos took about 30 seconds each, which is incredulously slow.  But keep in mind it’s a worthy over night process while your phone charges.

We should have a full review up shortly.

The prospect of yet another docking device built specifically for an Apple product, is, well, a bit of a Debbie downer in the tech deparment.  But alas, JBL has yet again stuck us with such a product.

It’s called the OnBeat loudspeaker docking station.  It’s compatible with your iPad, iPhone and iPod and blasts audio through its dual Phoenix full-range transducers with computer-optimized DSP equalization.  Unlike Altec Lansing’s Octiv Stage dock, they’ve included a composite video out for watching content on a connected big screen, though with that hookup you won’t be able to enjoy any HD goodness.  There is however an included infrared remote control so you won’t have to remove your rear from the couch.

All this for $149.95 next month, but not a a mention of Airplay or if it will be compatible with the latest, or now oldest iPad, though we’d assume they designed it with both in mind.

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If you own an iPad, one big question is how do you use it? For mostly email checking and web browsing? Perhaps light typing and work? Or moderate to heavy tasks such as picture editing, office tools and more? Thanks to over 10,000 apps available solely for the iPad, it can really do just about anything you need.

But once again, the question is how do you use your iPad?

Thanks to Apple (for sending a review unit and letting me keep it for so long), I’ve had the opportunity to test out the iPad Keyboard Dock (MC533LL/A) for four months. Most product reviews don’t work that way. We want to test it out and get a review up ASAP. But as Gadget Review is undergoing sweeping changes, some leniency has been made with when reviews go up, at least for the time being. And oh what a difference a few months makes.

The Keyboard Dock is fantastic. It feels good, it looks good when plugged into an iPad, and it works great.

The keys are higher profile (deeper) than those on Apple’s Wireless Keyboard, which provides a uniquely better typing experience than the latter, more popular Bluetooth keyboard. The Keyboard Dock, made specifically and solely for the iPad, feels great to type on. While I described how good the Wireless Keyboard feels, the iPad Keyboard Dock is even better, thanks to springier keys.

As a dock, the Keyboard Dock connects to an iPad via Apple’s 30-pin connector, the same found on every iPod and iPhone. The iPad slides right in and sits firmly in place, mostly due to the iPad’s weight. To use the Keyboard Dock with the iPad, the iPad must stay in portrait, which is a shame. Today’s proliferation of widescreens makes typing on a vertically long screen odd, even if actual writing is done in portrait on paper.

That said, the Keyboard Dock doesn’t take into account iPad owners who protect their iPad’s with cases. A case on the iPad, such as Apple’s own official iPad case, prohibits connecting the two devices. While for the first month of testing the Keyboard Dock I wasn’t using a case, the latter three I did. Removing the case is already difficult, and doing so just to plug into the keyboard seems ludicrous when one can just as easily use a Bluetooth keyboard instead, and keep the iPad in its case, in either portrait or landscape mode.

In effect, the iPad Keyboard Dock’s greatest competition is Apple’s own Wireless Keyboard.

What stands tallest against this fierce competitor are dedicated iPad keys. Instead of standardized function keys on the Keyboard Dock (F1, F2, etc.), the Keyboard dock uses very specific functions, with icons that each feature an image of the respective key. These functions include returning home, spotlight search, changing the brightness settings, starting a picture slideshow, media and volume controls, and a lock function. Using these keys while on the iPad is so easy and intuitive that it often becomes a burden to use the Wireless Keyboard in its place.

In fact, after using the iPad Keyboard Dock significantly, using the Wireless Keyboard becomes a burden because these functions keys aren’t available, though perhaps they should be in subsequent releases.

The Keyboard Dock also requires no power to function, simply the iPad. If, like me, you find yourself charging your iPad only once or twice a week, it may feel superfluous to always charge it, and the Keyboard Dock is no exception. Apple smartly made the Keyboard Dock draw power from the iPad itself, so it requires no power source to type, nor any cables to clutter your workspace.

That doesn’t mean it’s convenient to move the Keyboard Dock. In a household, sure, moving it from room to room is fine. But you cannot type with it on your lap, because the weight distribution is such that it wouldn’t stay upright. It’s a shame that the dock was designed solely for a desk. As for traveling abroad, it’s too large to fit in a bag and heavy too. The back panel sticks out too much, and was clearly not made for such. Better to stick with the Wireless Keyboard away from the home.

An unforeseen bonus for iPhone and iPod Touch owners is that the keyboard works with all iOS devices. Naturally, Apple doesn’t support the iPhone or iPod Touch with the iPad Keyboard Dock, and at times error messages will appear saying that the hardware is not suitable. Nonetheless, it works, and quite well, both for charging and typing. Typing quick notes on my phone before leaving for some engagement is always better on a real keyboard, and using the Keyboard Dock speeds up matters tremendously.

Ironically, the lack of usability with the iPad Keyboard Dock is greatest limitation. For $70, it seems reasonable to expect that it would at least function as a standard keyboard on a Mac, but no. This is a one-trick pony, which is a shame considering it is a more comfortable typing experience than the Wireless Keyboard.

In spite of this, what really makes the iPad Keyboard Dock so great is that it brings back that feel of a typewriter. Perhaps not noisy or old-fashioned, but simple, to the point, and all about typing. Sure, it’s limited, but that is intentional. When you set your iPad in this dock, the world can disappear. You can type in peace, on a great keyboard, on this generation’s typewriter. Pages takes the place of paper and ink ribbons, and the keyboard does the rest. The distractions so often associated with today’s computing is greatly lessened, in part due to the iPad’s software design, and this keyboard exploits that. The iPad Keyboard Dock makes typing simple again.

Target, via Amazon has the Apple iPad Keyboard Dock for about $76 including shipping.

Looking like some type of space age Event Horizon or Stargate style speaker dock, the TEAC SR-LUXi is now in its 2nd iteration that supports all things iPod Touch and iPhone this time around.  The SR-LUXi has a LED lamp that is meant to be used as a bedside dock and it also has a sleep timer, AM/FM radio, and alarm.  The speaker size is small, as you could guess from the picture so I’m not sure how good this thing could sound.

No word yet on price or availability and beyond the cool aesthetics, this seems like a very outdated speaker dock.

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Fact:  Most iPhone cases won’t dock.  It’s always a good thing to take your case off every once in a while and give it a good cleaning, but that’s generally less than you have to dock your iPhone.  The Dock-IN-Case From Made2Dock helps solve that problem.  Made in the USA from CNC machined aluminum, the Dock-IN-Case allows you to choose from a variety of molds of popular iPhone cases in order to insure a snug fit.

From the dock is a USB cable that will allow you to sync or charge and the base of the dock is made from neoprene so no scratching will be had.  Several styles are available and they even make one that you can install in your desk.  Prices vary from $29.99 to $59.99.  Cool!

[via TheGadgeteer]

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Now that song can really make you wet!  We’ve all seen that awesome scene from Howard Stern’s Private Parts, so I shouldn’t have to reference the opening sentence any further.  The TuneBug Vibe is a vibration device designed to effectively deliver sound from anything it happens to be sitting on.

Compatible with anything that accepts a 3.5mm jack, the TuneBug should be a decent solution for those of you on the go not looking to lug around a bigger pair of actual speakers.  The TuneBug Vibe is on sale now and you can get one for $70.

Sounds…errrr…feels good?

[via Unplggd]

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The Jache (said in my best Sean Connery voice) J6 iPowerSpeaker is a European only dock at the moment and we’ve had the exclusive pleasure of being one of the 1st US sites to review it.  That being said, I was pleasantly surprised to find the J6 to be a competent speaker system from a design and aesthetic standpoint.

Designed to work with most all Apple MP3 players, we did suffer some slight incompatibility when it came to our 3G and 3GS iPhones.  Every time we were offered Airplane Mode but there were sometimes when the phones simply wouldn’t work.   After some futzing about, we were able to get them to work, but we couldn’t figure out why.

Aside from that, I really liked the J6.  It offered a very stripped down but contemporary finish that would compliment most any room and the black wood really helps distinguish the J6 from the herd.  Not one bit tawdry, the J6 could easily join the ranks of other home theater equipment in terms of symmetrical aesthetics.  While most docks out there will try and wow you with their weird shape and bloated appearance, the J6 takes a step back and is the better looking dock for it.  The dock itself folds back up into the unit when not in use, making the J6 that much more flush in its surroundings.

From there, the control scheme is rather simple as well, and I found it really easy to navigate the controls and inputs.  Each input is denoted visually by colored lights that surround the track controls.  When the iPod or iPhone is plugged in you’ll see white LED’s but when you are using the 3.5mm or RCA inputs you’ll see a green or blue LED.  Not essential by any means, but a nice touch nonetheless.  Also of note is that the J6 will charge your iPod/iPhone whether the power is on or off.  Always a nice feature.

The included remote control is small and responsive and my favorite feature is being able to fully navigate through the menus to change songs, artists, and playlists.  The range on the remote was also decent and the buttons were nice and plump to the touch.

From a sound perspective, the J6 sounded best when it was elevated at ear level.  I found that when placed on a counter top it didn’t sound as good, even with the surround sound feature on.  For whatever acoustic difference I was experiencing, be it the nature of my apartment or the dynamics of the speakers, it just sounded a lot better when raised up.  Thanks to the sub woofer encased in the bottom of the unit, the sound reproduction was lush and balanced.  My MP3′s and internet radio such as Last.FM and Pandora all sounded really nice.  The J6 could get pretty loud too.  I’m talking about party loud, without distortion.

The sound overall was pretty standout, rich bass response coupled with shimmering highs and polished mids, I never noticed anything I disliked.  But again, I highly recommend finding a sturdy high rise area for the J6 as it just sounds much better when propped up.

The J6 has a lot going for it.  A streamlined visual approached combined with easy controls and a tight sound could only be dampened by one thing.  Price.  From what I’ve gathered online it’s going to cost just over $200 for the J6.  That’s just too much.  It’s a good unit and all, but I hope they can find a way to bring it to the States at a more reasonable retail price.

In the end, the J6 2.1 iPowerSpeaker by Jache is definitely worth your attention if you are in the market for an attractive and great sounding iPod/iPhone or MP3 playing speaker dock.

Pros:

• Contemporary Aesthetic
• Easy to use
• Great sound given orientation

Cons:

• Price
• Iffy iPhone compatibility
• Sound quality depends on room placement

Still searching for that premium iPod speaker dock experience?  Well, perhaps with Philips’ Fidelio DS9000 you won’t have to look any further.  This diminutive system boasts 100 watts of power and a two-way acoustic system with one midrange driver and one tweeter per channel.  And for greater opulence, aside from the wood and metal finish, the Fidelio DS9000 includes a remote and a backlit control panel that lights up using a proximity sensor.  For added functionally Philips has built an iPhone app, though that might deter those with an iPod from investing, unless of course it’s an iPod Touch.

There’s no word on a price or street date at this time.

[via TFTS]

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For sometime now, Datel has been hard at work producing Xbox 360 compatible hard drive components. And yesterday, word slipped out that they’ve built an external SATA hard drive dock called the Space Dock that can expand your Xbox 360′s storage capacity to a near limitless amount.  The dock accepts 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch internal hard drives and connects to your 360′s USB port.  I’m assuming it should mount as if it were the console’s standard hard drive, but may be limited to media files and game back up.  There’s also a PS3 version.

There isn’t a mention of an actual release date, but expect it to cost $40.

[via Maxconsole]

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In what has to be a tonally superior shape, this heart shaped iPod dock could save your ass this Valentine’s Day.  Encompassing your everyday dock like features, there’s not much different here.

You’ve got standard iPhone and iPod compatibility coupled with your typical 3.5mm Aux input and remote control.  The dock will run off of 4 AA batteries or DC charger and the body of the heart is cast from aluminum.  Available now for $39.  Could I have made this post any more boring?

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As products that you jam an iPhone into continue to grow and mutate, the iTamTam from French designers Branex is quite the beastly monstrosity.  Weighing in at just under 11.5 pounds, each iTamTam has four 1.5-inch tweeters with 10W of maximum power handling and a 5.25-inch subwoofer rated at 80W max.  The tweeters are just underneath the seat and the sub woofer is located at the base of the stool.

At first glance I thought this was a cocktail table that docked an iPod.  If it was that, I would have thought it might have been cool  Since it isn’t that, I don’t know what the hell this thing is.  The location of the dock itself is extremely precarious and coupled with the fact that it costs $570, I’m glad I missed this at CES.  Available soon in the US in a variety of colors.

[via Unplggd]

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For those of you that just love iPhone dock news, iLuv had its new App Station on display at CES and it was mildly refreshing amongst the sea of competitors.  The App Station works directly with the iLuv compatible app that turns the display into a giant alarm clock.  The device itself rotates so you can view media either horizontally or vertically and was relatively lightweight.

The App Station also charges your iPhone and runs off either AC power or 6 AA batteries.  All in all, I like the form factor and it would look pretty nice bedside.  I don’t know about the $130 price tag, but the App Station is slated for release in February.

With World Cup 2010 around the corner, it seems like a perfect time to unveil the MiSoccer iPod Dock.  From the makers of the awesome sounding iPig, this dock system is pretty much the same thing with a soccer facelift.  Sporting 2.1 sound, two full-range drivers deliver the stereo sound while a 15 watt sub woofer is at the base of the dock.

Capable of charging all iPod models, there’s no word on whether or not it will accept iPhones minus the GSM interference.  You can pre-order this “goal in one” (boo!!) now for $119.

[via Technabob]

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Wall docks can be pretty convenient placed around the house or used for travel purposes.  Today’s wall dock is from DLO and it sports a clutter free design compatible with the full range of iPods and iPhones.

The wall charger also has a higher output so it effectively takes less time to charge your device.  On sale now for $25

[via TheGadgeteer]

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