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The Phonofone III is the third iteration of a completely passive, non-electric ceramic amplifer designed specifically for the iPhone. (Check out our previously posted Koostik for a similar product done in wood). Using only clever acoustics, the iPhone’s volume is amplified up to four times. The Phonofone is handmade in Canada and only available in limited quantities. For such a unique and handmade product I would naturally assume it would adorn quite a lavish price tag, but it is actually quite reasonable. I’ve never seen any of these in person so if there any readers out there who can vouch for the sound quality please chime in with comments.

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Hmm, this is pretty neat. Using natural acoustics (specially designed sound channels), this dock amplifies the iPhone’s built in speaker by 2 to 4 times. While not intended to replace electronic amplifiers, the size and style might suit your needs for low to medium volume music. All of the external buttons and controls of the phone are easily accessible while the phone is docked and there’s several different wood bodies to choose from.

To learn more, visit koostik.com.

You might have heard of the Buddha Machine, but do you own one? The Buddha Machine is a small plastic box that plays ambient loops, sort of like an AM radio except with specific tracks. Music that comes from the Buddha Machine is intended to provide calm and inspiration for our fast-paced lives, and can be experienced through the built-in speaker or through headphones. Also, there’s a an iPhone app if you’d prefer it on your phone or iPod. See the youtube video below if you’re curious to see it in action before buying.

To learn more, visit FM3.
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Continuing their line of energy-saving products as part of their Conserve line, Belkin recently released the Insight, a plug-in energy monitor that will track electricity consumption of any device plugged into it (wattage), carbon dioxide produced, as well as the actual monetary cost of energy usage. Definitely useful for the gadgets you leave on all day like your computer, but it will also aid in finding and keeping tabs on the not-so-obvious devices that draw power unbeknownst to you.
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Why yes, that is one Big Ass Fan. There’s no doubt in my mind it packs a punch in air circulation, because it’s huuuge. 12 feet diameter huge. While most of the pictures of these fans are shown in large retail spaces, I thought this shot of Wayne Coyne’s (of the Flaming Lips) living room really gives you the correct sense of proportion. Now, whether you need something this big or not is completely up to you, but if you’re curious to hear Wayne and his wife’s thoughts on how their Big Ass Fan is perfect (plus some images of their interesting home), see below or on youtube.

Shown above: Element Fan, approx. 12′ diameter
Backed by a 100%, non-prorated 10 year warranty.
Price available upon request.

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Bluelounge, a company that is completely obsessed with organizing your electronics and workspace, has recently released a smaller version of their popular Cablebox, appopriately named the Cablebox Mini. Plug in your gadgets to the provided 4-socket powerstrip and close the lid. The sight of power adapaters and messy cables will be replaced with a clean, minimalist box. And if you get any of the bright colors, it might actually become a focal point in your room.

Dimensions: 9.3 x 4.6 x 5.2in
Material: fire retardant plastic

Colors: White, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Pink
Includes UL listed 4-socket surge protector
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Hmm. This slim profile speaker system is a result of Philippe Starck and Parrot, a Paris-based wireless device company. Able to stream music directly from any Blutooth enabled device (phone, computer, etc), the Zikmu transmits 360 degrees of immersive sound while allowing for portability not usually found within the home sound systems market. A docking station is built into one of the two columns, giving you an option to charge your device while listening to your music.
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I swear, make a music player with an iPod dock, paint it shiny black (and keep it minimal) and you have yourself a willing audience waiting to send you money. It always helps if it sounds good, of course. There’s a bunch of Sonoro Systems on sale through Gilt Groupe, so if you’re one of those willing, you might want to take a look.

Eklipse Music System, $499.00 $365.00

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, to the new eco-smart AM/FM radio from Elium Studio. Two minutes of hand winding gives you half an hour of listening and it can also be used as an MP3 amplifier. Maize bio-plastic and bamboo covering gives a nice matte finish.

Rechargeable on AC adaptor (not included).
Designed by Elium Studio, Pierre Garner, Elise Berthier, 2010
5.5″ x 3.7″ x 1.8″

Fancy a ‘fancier’ charging valet? Not sure if the more decorative style will suit you or not, but it’s definitely an alternative to the boxier/sleek versions we normally show.

5.4″ L x 6.2″ W x 13.4″ D

I swear by my Lacie Firewire Speakers. They’re self-powered, sound good, and look like little smoke stacks. I won’t think twice about buying another set if they ever break. But this new, updated version looks very tempting:
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Too cute. Not only do I eat pork, but I think they’re totally adorable as inanimate objects. Conflict of interest with earthy-crunchy types? Maybe, but I’d rather this than a talking carrot. Barry White’s “Never, Never Gonna Give You Up” just took on new meaning.

Material: Ceramic
Designer: Idea
Dimensions: 3.5 x 7.25 x 4 inches
Available in black, white, and gold

If you’ve got entirely too much plastic and metal in your life, maybe this handmade cedar charger will help. The naturally scented cedar log disguises a working iPhone/iPod docking station and connects to your computer via USB.

handmade of cedar….looks, feels and smells amazing! compatible with all iphones and all ipod devices(except shuffle). The docking stations use a standard USB plug, so it can be used to charge and sync with a computer. If it is for an iPhone, it came with an adapter to plug into the wall for charging.

Price depends on size, each is made to order.

[via The Green Head]

I’ve fallen in love with the Powermat. Maybe it’s because I was born under the Aquarius zodiac and as a result I’m weak in the knees for new gadgets, but nevertheless this charger is a fun glimpse into the future. The Powermat is a small plate that uses magnetic induction to wirelessly charge your gadgets: iPhone, BlackBerry, etc. Simply add a receiver to your gadget… if it’s a BlackBerry, it means a new battery door. Using a Miniot case for your Apple gadget? Add the Powermat univeral dock. Imagine stopping by your favorite coffee/hot chocolate shop and laying your phone down on the counter; as you sip, the counter powers your phone. This technology can be implanted into any surface, so just imagine what it means for the future of decorating and industrial design on the whole!

Also available in a foldable travel version.

Hmm, you might want to consider the new ANDREA as a possible choice for an air filter for your home. It purifies the air by utilizing plants… sounds good, right? (If you have a green thumb, that is.)

Andrea is a revolutionary new air purifier engineered to significantly improve the air filtration capacity of natural plants. This living filter accelerates the removal of harmful VOC’s and toxins through the active infrastructure system of a plant to continuously clean and oxygenate the rooms in your home or office. Andrea naturally purifies air by drawing it in with a whisper quiet fan to propel it through the leaves and root system of a plant, then out through the water and soil filtration and back into the room. Works with any household plant. Ozone free operation. No replaceable filters.

Invented by designer Mathieu Lehanneur with David Edwards.
12.2 x 12.2 x 16.2 inches