Griffin’s original AirCurve, the amplifier that docks and increases the iPod/iPhone’s volume has now been updated for the iPhone 4 and it increases music by 10dB louder. It doesn’t sit the iPhone in the docked position, instead it just rests inside.

It also now has a metal kickstand for holding it vertically or horizontally. You’ll also be glad to know that the price hasn’t changed either as it will cost you just $20.

The European Commission has set volume limits for MP3 players in all European Union member states. This means that your Zune HD or other mp3 player will not be allowed to output anything louder than 80 decibels under the default settings.

Officials argue that the limits are necessary since devices can play music at levels loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage and they do so without warning listeners. The EU mandate will still allow users to override the settings as long as they’re informed about the possible consequences.

It’s a common problem. You have your headphones on and you’re in a crowd, but the music is drowned out by the crowd. Well, check this out. This Apple patent takes a look at dynamic volume adjustment that is based on your surroundings, not your music.

Looks like a sound sensor would detect the ambient noise and adjust itself based on the situation. The system wouldn’t force you to keep it at it’s own preferences and would take into account the user’s own choices for volume when setting the sound level. Interestingly, the patent application was first filed shortly after the launch of the original iPhone. Obviously Apple isn’t using it to date, but they already use ambient sensors to detect light for the displays on the iPhone, iPod touch etc.

The problem with the Radio City Valve Radio, aside from the fact that it doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, is that they just kinda slapped a bunch of stuff together and then went so far as to have a plaque on the front that says “Radio City”. Yeah, we’re going to Radio city. Not.

I’m pretty sure the glass or plastic tubes do nothing except emit that faint light you see. And am I seeing this right? It looks like they just went crazy and threw a heatsink behind them for pure kicks. Only our friends in China could show such a lack of style. I mean, the whole deal just looks unfinished and very toy-like.