Sadly (very, very sadly, in fact), this isn't the first device we've seen that poorly attempts to mix your iPod into a karaoke-type device, which probably means you'll be glancing right over it. Memorex's recently released SingStand MKS-SS1 Microphone and Speaker System was apprehended and photographed by the iPod fanatics at iLounge, and while the powered speaker base, auxiliary input for an additional microphone / instrument and the audio controls were swell, the lackluster iPod integration sort of left the critic wondering why Cupertino's darling was even associated. And seriously, are you really considering spending $70 on this with Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Band 2 widely available and able to satisfy your off-key singing desires? No, no you are not.

Anytime we hear the words "incompatible" and "music game" mixed into the same sentence, we typically can't resist the onset of a bitter beer face. That being true, we can't say we're too terribly bummed about this one, particularly since we highly doubt Microsoft's Lips will have the same following as Rock Band and / or Guitar Hero: World Tour. At any rate, you should probably know that the accelerometer-packin' Lips microphone will not work with RB nor GH at launch, though creator Keiichi Yano of Inis did confess that compatibility was theoretically possible with future patches. 'Course, we doubt anyone will spend time on said patches unless Lips moves like a billion copies this winter, but we suppose anything is possible with a snap of the fingers and a pinch of pixie dust.

[Via Joystiq]

We pretty much knew it was coming, but Microsoft just officially announced the Lips karaoke game official. Just like we'd heard, the singalong title will come with a motion-sensitive mic that lights up in time to your voice. The game interface is somewhat similar to Rock Band or Singstar, where you have to hit various pitches accurately to rack up points -- but in addition to the game content, you'll be able to sing along to your own music off a Zune or iPod.

We're not entirely sure what to make of this, but Gamekyo has some shots of an Xbox 360 wireless microphone rumored to be shipping alongside a Microsoft karaoke game called Lips. Yeah, Lips -- there's even box art, if you don't believe us. The wireless mic looks pretty much like any other wireless mic, except that it has glowing LEDs up the base that "pulse to the rhythm of your voice." Yeah, sure, but can it feel the beat of the rhythm of the night? Expect to see this one pop up next week at E3. Bonus Debarge video after the break.

[Via Joystiq]

Sometimes it's best to not ask why. In the case of the Tomy Hi-Kara, which they claim is the world's smallest karaoke machine (unless others have something to say about it), we will simply list off some specifications and dimensions then allow you to judge amongst yourselves, because, really, yeah. The Hi-Kara measures just 2.75 x 2.75 x 2.75-inches in a cube format with a 2.4-inch screen that displays lyrics and happy fun animations. You have to download songs onto a proprietary cartridge from the Hi-Kara website. Finally, a headset / microphone serves microphone and listening duties for up to two people. It comes in white and pink. There you have it. We'll be over here.

The venerable PlayStation 2 just turned seven years old, and getting all dressed up for the occasion -- that hot Ceramic White slim PS2 Singstar bundle we saw a while back should be hitting stores this weekend, with availability everywhere by November 4, according to Sony's PlayStation Blog. The $150 bundle includes Singstar Pop, a matching white DualShock 2, and two microphones -- just the thing to spice up those holiday parties.
Read -- Singstar bundle info on the PlayStation Blog
Read -- PS2 turns seven

We know, you're probably on your third USB hub by now, but even if this forces you to purchase an entirely new machine in order to cram one more USB-powered whatchamacallit into it, it's simply a must. Meet Tengu, the USB lip syncer that politely sits beside your machine until it gets wind of nearby tunes, after which its face lights up and the digital mouth begins to try its best at matching the words coming from your speakers. Unsurprisingly, the design will reportedly be manufactured by none other than Solid Alliance, and while it's hard to realize how awe-inspiring this thing is in just the picture above, click on through for a video demonstration you won't soon forget.

[Via EverythingUSB]

Looking for that perfect Christmas in July gift for your favorite kiddo? The exorbitantly-named "It's Outrageous!" company has dolled out just the thing with its laughable, albeit well-featured i-Sing microphone. This device may sport all of the tell-tale signs of a good toy gone bad, but this karaoke enabler actually plays back MP3s and digitally removes the vocalist in order for you, er, your child to belt out the lyrics without being forced to out-sing the professional. Additionally, users can insert lyrics via the built-in software so they can read them back on the integrated LCD, and while you won't stuff too many jams onto 512MB of internal storage, parents can shove in an SD card for extra space if necessary. Hey, for $120, this seems to be a no brainer for your little diva. Check the video after the break.

[Via PlayerBites]

It looks like Apple is on a roll with its latest round patent applications. Hot on the heels of the recently seen illuminated touchpad and Home on iPod filings, comes two new applications that should have only the fiercest of fanboys excited. First up is a technology which the Cupertino camp calls "Dynamic lyrics display for portable media devices," or as we would describe it -- karaoke on your iPod. Nothing really groundbreaking here: obviously lyrics would be displayed while you belted out your favorite Pat Benatar song, which is pretty unexciting and definitely unoriginal. Patent number two seems a bit more promising, as it addresses the possibility of using your iPod or other "portable media player" as a wireless remote for your PC or media center, thus allowing you easier access to your Best of the 80's collection. Of course, this would require a wireless iPod, which doesn't exist, although we understand those new iPhone things have some kind of wireless capability...

[Via Unwired View]

Read -- Dynamic lyrics display for portable media devices
Read -- Portable media player as a low power remote control and method thereof

How were we to know that karaoke would become the next must-have feature in Korean do-it-all navigation devices? Thinkware's 7-inch iNAVI G1, which we spotted a few weeks ago, does all that you would expect of such a GPS unit, like picture-in-picture T-DMB, MP3 / video playback, and games, but the "Digioke" feature for road trip singalongs really makes this one a winner in our book. There's a 2GB version for 549,000 KRW ($598 US) and a 4GB flavor for 599,000 KRW ($652 US). Hit up the read link for a few more flesh and blood pictures, but that's about as close as you're going to get to this thing unless you're planning a trip to South Korea sometime soon.

It was barely a month ago that Creative pelted the market with its Zen Stone, and now they're rolling out a re-upped and revamped version known as the Zen Stone Plus. While pretty much keeping the form factor the same, Creative has added a blue OLED screen, FM tuner, karaoke mode, and a stopwatch. The capacity has been increased to 2GB, doubling the original Stone's, but the color choices remain the same. Price and release date haven't been mentioned, but you'll know as soon as we do.

Update: For what it's worth, Impress tells us that the 2GB Stone Plus will hit Japan Saturday for ¥9,800 which translates to a tax-inclusive price of about $79.

[Via epiZENter]

If you don't see the need for karaoke in a DAP then you're obviously living outside of this "continent oriented" player. The CA-K7 from Japan's Digital Cowboy packs 1GB of flash, an integrated microphone, and a proprietary jack on the bottom for connecting an external mic, TV, and home audio system. It also packs enough vocal manipulation tweaks to give you a shot at fronting Jane's Addiction. Of course, it also functions as a portable player with an integrated FM tuner and support for MP3, WMA, and OGG audio at up to 12 hours per charge. Rolling out in Japan and vicinity on May 31st for ¥14,800 or about $122. Check another picture after the break.

[Via Impress]

We're not going to lie -- we're pretty dang awesome at karaoke. Unfortunately, our superstardom is often hampered by ghetto setups in the various K-town karaoke bars we frequent, so we don't always get our chance to shine. IBM and Xing have joined forces to help solve this problem, and came up with the Kyoku NAVIs and NAVI II wireless controllers, which allow you to search through thousands of songs right from the device, without having to lug out those lame songbooks. The device can operate in Japanese, Chinese, Korean and English, and can even be used to order food and drinks from the bar while you're busy singing your heart out to top 40 hits of the 80's and 90's. The controllers are WiFi based, and can search the IBM-powered song databases in all sorts of nifty ways. They'll be headed to Japan this November, so if you've really got to get your song on, and aren't looking forward to flipping through a 3-ring binder to track down that certain Bowie fave, you might want to head over before you miss all the fun.

While mixin' it up iPod-style has certainly been done before, MusicJam is looking to combine the simplest of mixer functions with a karaoke machine in its aptly-named iPod Mixer. Essentially, this device allows you to add your own vocals and guitar riffs to the tune currently playing on your iPod, which could definitely bring out the "one man band" in any musician. The mixer sports an iPod dock (presumably compatible with the iPod with video only), microphone / guitar inputs, volume sliders, tone / distortion controls, RCA outputs, and even attempts to replicate that on-stage allure by touting echo / sustain options for your vocs. The company also throws in a microphone, mic clamp, and cabling to get you warmed up, and includes "KaraokeVideos" software to turn any jam into an iPod-compatible karaoke vid. While the quality here is certainly questionable, it looks to be a solid addition to your Korg-infused Les Paul, and hey, getting you fully prepped for that karaoke circuit will only set you back $229.

[Via iLounge]