Brand: MacNews

Solar Media Player combines a speaker with a charging case

Secur Products has released the US$49.99 Solar Media Player (www.securproducts.com), a zippered speaker with a built-in solar panel, to protect and charge phones in any outdoor situation without missing a beat.

To use you unzip the Solar Media Player, connect a phone or MP3 player, zip it closed and the Solar Media Player will simultaneously function as a speaker and solar phone charger. It’s rainproof, dust proof and shock proof. Once a smartphone or MP3 player is safely stowed inside, it will be protected from the elements and accidents.

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AAS releases Raw sound bank for Ultra Analog VA-2 and AAS Player plug-ins

Applied Acoustics Systems (www.applied-acoustics.com) has released the Raw sound bank for the Ultra Analog VA-2 synthesizer and AAS Player plug-ins in collaboration with artist and sound designer Andre Ettema.

This collection of 100 signature presets is divided into six categories: Bass, Effect, Keys, Leads, Movers, and Pads. The regular price is US$39. However, until March 17, the Raw sound bank is available at the special introductory price of US$29.

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IBM helps developers design mobile apps for people with disabilities

IBM researchers have created a new tool for iOS and Android mobile applications expected to potentially benefit as many as one billion people with disabilities worldwide, including those who are vision and hearing impaired, as well as the elderly. The new Mobile Accessibility Checker (http://tinyurl.com/qccdd37) is an automated test to help strengthen the accessibility features of mobile applications, says Frances West, IBM’s chief accessibility officer.

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