John Sisler

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There are so many USB charging options available these days — from solar chargers to wall hubs to portable chargers. But, iPods always required their own proprietary plugs and chargers. SendStation has come up with a very handy option.

The PocketDock Line Out Mini USB (that’s a mouthful) plugs into the iPod connection and combines a mini USB output and a line-level output so you can plug the iPod into a home stereo or powered speaker system. It’s smaller than previous versions, and is the same size as a typical iPod plug. The $30 adapter comes ready to go with a set of cables and it’s Made for iPod certified. Not a bad price to be able to use one set of cables to charge all your portable devices.

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A group of Japanese researchers from the Veda International Robot Research and Development Centre have unveiled a vehicle they hope will become the next generation wheelchair for the country’s rapidly aging population.

Dubbed the Rodem, the vehicle is designed to allow users to easily slide off and onto its seat, thus making it easier for the elderly and injured to move around without the aid of a nurse. No commercial release date or price has been announced, but the group, which includes robot maker Tmsuk Co., plans to upgrade the prototype with a more robotically enhanced version in the future.

Via Physorg

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Continuing the trend of using the iPhone as an everything gadget, Sirius XM today unveiled its in-car XM SkyDock that turns your iPhone or iPod Touch into a satellite radio. Why would you want this new toy instead of just downloading the Sirius XM iPhone app that will bring you the company’s programming over 3G or Wi-Fi? Read on.