August 29, 2008
Sony intros car audio with direct iPod links
Sony today revamped its Xplod car stereo head-end units with its first truly iPod-aware models. The GT630UI, GT430IP, GT330 and GT130 all have a USB connection that allows iPods and (for the GT630UI) iPhones to be controlled and charged through the stereo's own interface rather than the player itself. The same support also allows other MP3 players to be recognized through the digital link.
All three also mark the introduction of a scan technology dubbed ZAPPIN that Sony says will do for digital content what auto-scanning does for radios; using the option plays samples of each track in a given piece of the listener's library to give them a taste of songs and allow playing it by ear rather than text descriptions.
Every iPod-ready Xplod has an aux-in jack to support most minijack-sporting audio devices and will be available sometime in September.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:30 AM
August 28, 2008
iPhone and iPod comic books on the way
iVerse Media says that digital comics from established comic book professionals and studios are coming soon to the iPhone and iPod Touch, all thanks to its iVerse Comic Reader software. The programme can be used to create comics for the two devices, and the company is asking for submissions from comic book hopefuls as well as established pros.
“Creators and studios will be able to set the final prices on their titles, but we're expecting most standard-length titles to be around $.99 (50p), and we're encouraging creators to give away the first issues of their titles to allow new readers who may not be familiar with comics, but are iPhone or iPod Touch owners, to give comics on the devices a try," said iVerse Media owner Michael Murphey.
"With Digital Comics on the iPhone/iPod Touch we have access to a world wide audience, no printing costs or print run minimums, and it doesn't take three months to get the title from the catalogue to on sale in a store.”
Posted by ipodworld at 10:05 AM
August 27, 2008
American Universities distribute free iPods
Every spring, universities across America attempt to attract students with enticing offers, but there may be one method that gets the job done quicker: free iPhones and iPod touches.
Abilene Christian University became the first university to give away the free Apple products to incoming freshmen, with the University of Maryland following suit and Stanford University exploring similar possibilities. Students have just had the iPods for a week, so data on the method's success are still being measured, said William Rankin, ACU associate English professor and co-director of Mobile Learning Research.
Rankin said the iPhone and iPod touch have the potential to be important teaching tools that will facilitate learning inside and outside of the classroom. Students can receive university updates, check class assignments and complete in-class quizzes with the devices.
Posted by ipodworld at 10:37 AM
August 26, 2008
Sony Unveils Wireless Multi-Room Audio System for iPod Players
Sony today took the wraps off its new wireless, multi-room audio system for listening to iPod players.
The new S-AIRPLAY system features Sony's S-Airtechnology, which provides a practical, wireless multi-room solution without complicated setup requirements. Wireless audio can be transmitted from the system's main docking station in one room to various rooms throughout the home -- up to nearly 164 feet -- simply by plugging a separate S-Air wireless speaker into a power outlet.
"This technology makes it easy to listen to music from a compatible iPod without carrying it from room to room," said Andrew Sivori, director of marketing in the personal audio group at Sony Electronics' Digital Imaging and Audio Division. "It's an easy, inexpensive way to get multi-room audio without professional installation."
Equipped with an AM/FM tuner, the S-AIRPLAY system's dual source feature lets users listen to music from the iPod player or from a radio station. Listeners in one room can hear their favourite radio station, while listeners in another room can enjoy music from the iPod at the same time.
Posted by ipodworld at 10:24 AM