Belkin’s Thunderstorm handheld home thter now available for iPad 4

Accessory maker Belkin back at January’s CES 2013 unveiled a handheld home thter system for ’s iPad, theThunderstorm. The amplifiion system docks your iPad with integrated front-facing spkers and air channels for the powerful bass sounds. The spker case was initially limited to older 30-pin iPad 2 and third-eration iPad devices. Today,Belkin announcedThunderstorm availability for iPads outfitted with Lightning I/O, namely the iPad 4…The Thunderstorm for iPad 4 is a“truly portable spker case that smlessly integrates with the iPad 4 to crte a unified experience whether you are at home or on the go”.Check out the promo of the 30-pin version.The $199.99 ($156 on Amazon) MFi-certified Lightning version ftures low-distortion, high-efficiency amplifier, integrated front-facing stereo spkers in landscape orientation (perfect for watching on the go) and ported spkers for rich bass and depth.The mobile spker technology is powered byAudifi.Its magnetically attached folding soft cover allows for multiple stand configurations. Of course, there are holes for the iPad’s rr camera, hdset jack, microphone, spker, charging, lock switch, volume control and mute/rotation lock toggle.A dediedfree appprovides extended control of the spker case, including different soundscape presets. The software was recently updated with the ability toautomatically maintain the left and right channel audio output even when the Thunderstorm is turned upside down.Unlike the 3o-pin variant, however, the Lightning edition hasan updated chassis that integrates a new Sound Mode button letting you cycle between four different sound mode options: music, moving, gaming and conference callThe new conference call mode enhances voice frequencies when using Skype’s VoIP calling service. Previously only available through the Thunderstorm app, the Sound Mode button ftures an audible voiceover that informs users of the sound mode setting.The device is available in select retail loions, throughBelkin’s web store, oron Amazonfor $40 cer.If you buy it, Belkin will throw in a free month of Hulu Plus for new subscribers.