August 2006 Archives

It was going to happen sooner or later – a cap capable of carrying an iPod and ensuring no pesky wires dangling about the user's head.

The iSoundCap does all that and most importantly does it relatively stylishly.

Yes, users are still wearing a hat with an iPod stuck to it, so it's never going to be exactly haute couture, but it is an ideal solution for iPod users who like to listen to music while jogging, at the gym and so forth.

Karl Foust, CEO of iSoundCap Inc., said: "Because of this growth in MP3 player sales and specifically the iPod, a whole new multi-billion dollar industry has been started in MP3 accessories.

"iSoundCap plans to capitalise on this by providing a stylish but very functional accessory."

Designed for the iPod nano and shuffle, the iSoundCap comes in either black or white, with a quite cool 'tribal' style design in the contrasting colour.

Retailing for a quite reasonable £5, the iSoundCap is available online.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

The new Power Box iPod dock from Bosch looks more bizarre than anything else, but is billed as a "tough" iPod dock, for those who need something a big more rugged than the everyday dock.

Bosch says the Power Box "allows you to listen to your favourite music on the jobsite, while charging your iPod without cables, plugs and wires."

One of the most bizarre things about the Power Box is it's "roll cage", made of aluminium and plastic, the other is that users have to buy the iPod dock component separately.

Bosch, better known for making tools than music devices, boasts that it's Power Box can survive a ten-foot drop – they don't say whether an attached iPod would make it through such a drop unscathed.

However for multi-functionality, Bosch does seem to have covered all the bases, including a CD player and radio.

The Power Box itself retails for about £80, with the dock connector itself costing an extra £20.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

Proud owners of the specialised U2 edition of the iPod can now protect their pride and joy in a luxurious wooden case from Miniot.

Miniot has been producing iWoods for some time, but the iWood Red, made from padouk wood which gives it a distinctly crimson sheen, is perhaps their classiest looking production to date.

Though it is directed at the U2 edition of the iPod , obviously the iWood Red can be used with any style iPod and like the iWoods, comes with a customised monogram of the customer's choice and two lines of text.

Both the headphone dock and dock connector are accessible through ports in the case and almost invisible hinges work with an ingenious magnetised locking system.

Retailing for about £40, the iWood Red is available online.

Padouk wood is from the Pterocarpus indicus family of trees, native to South East Asia, which are identifiable from their reddish wood and elevated crowns.

Miniot also makes cases for the iPod nano and iPod 5G.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

People are more concerned about the welfare of their Apple iPod than they are over their passports, according to government research.

A new study reveals that iPods, mobile phones and jewellery are stowed away more securely than passports, which are of 'real value'.

Around 28 per cent of adults lock away their iPods when compared to the 22 per cent of people who lock away their passports, states the research.

Brendan Herdan, executive director of the Identity and Passport Service, warmed consumers: "Passports are often not seen as valuable so get left on a sideboard or put in a file. However, to a thief they are far more valuable than many gadgets and are likely to get stolen in a burglary if not securely locked away."

The news highlights the importance people place on their digital players, with many acting to ensure thieves don't get their hands on their beloved machines.

Last year a mother in the US managed to track down a thief who burgled her home, after she saw her stolen iPod on sale on eBay.

Karen Todd, a US Census Bureau computer programmer, was able to easily spot her personally inscribed player on the auction site, which led to the guilty thief being charged with 12 counts of burglary.

Ms Todd told the Washington Post that she "was shocked and almost in tears," when she saw her iPod on sale. She said: "I was like, 'That's mine! That's mine!' I was just floored."

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

A disagreement between two Chicago schoolgirls over a missing iPod ended up in a courtroom battle this week.

Melanie McCarthy, mother of Shannon Derrik, aged 14, sued Stephanie Eick, also 14, over a missing iPod nano.

Shannon is alleged to have lent her friend the iPod nano on the first day of school in June. Stephanie says she returned the iPod to Shannon's desk after listening to a few songs – Shannon disagrees.

The argument escalated and soon enough, both girls and their mothers ended up in court.

Stephanie's father, Stephen Eick, insists that his daughter returned the iPod and says he is surprised at how the disagreement has gotten out of control.

He told The Daily Herald: "When someone goes after your daughter, you respond aggressively. We're still flabbergasted at the whole thing."

Judge Dorothy French dismissed the original case on Monday saying they saying that it was legally insufficient, however a new suit was filed moments later.

The case will be heard again on September 21st, with Ms McCarthy commenting: "If we lose, it's not the end of the world. I know there's more important things, but I want my daughter to know that if you feel you've been wronged, you should always stick up for yourself."

The case continues.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

Griffin technology is to launch a new carrying case for Apple's iPod stereo, called the Hi-Way.

Billed as a stylish yet practical way of transporting the iPod Hi-Fi, it boasts a highly durable ballistic Nylon shell that's useful for protecting stereos against prangs, knocks, bumps and scratches.

Manufacturers say the case fits the Hi-fi like a glove and one look at the case will reveal that it combines comfort with style, featuring a smart black lining that will complement most looks.

Griffin says: "Hi-Way includes lots of pockets and compartments for storing and organising all your iPod cables and accessories, so you can keep everything your iPod needs all in one place.

"The padded adjustable shoulder strap makes toting Hi-Way a breeze and the tough rubberised base and raised non-skid feet keep out grit and moisture."

Users can access their Hi-Way through a front flap that reveals the docking station, while keeping the stereo safe behind a wire mesh.

"The music gets out, but dirt and sand can’t get in," as Griffin says.

Hi-Way cases can be bought now and retail for £32.95.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

iPod users in need of some spiritual guidance may be pleased to hear they can now download Christian sermons onto their digital players.

Having observed that there was a "church on almost every corner" in Orlando, Florida, Pastor Andrea Bailey decided to extend her faith to the digital world.

And though her website Cyberpastor.com, which allows daily video sermons to be downloaded to an iPod , is still in development, its audience is already growing rapidly.

Website WMCMedia reports that: Religious podcasts, or "godcasts," are one of the fastest-growing genres of podcasting. Ministries such as Cyberpastor.com are using the internet and podcasting exclusively to get their message out to the masses.

"Traditional churches are also finding they can put the Sunday sermon in the pockets of their congregation members to take with them all week long."

Recent podcasts available for download included Hurting for Religion, Is Religion Good? and Religion or Relationship?.

Cyberpastor.com joins other similar sites in the US such as SermonCast and GodCast1000.com, which collectively serve around 10,000 listeners a week.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

Axio, which first gained renown for its hard-shell backpacks, has delved into the world of iPods by releasing a range of cases for the iPod nano and the fifth generation iPod .

The Axio Thump, for the iPod nano, is made from textured silicone with rather oversized bumpers down each side and a clear silicone screen.

Everyone will be able to find the right colour for their personal tastes, with the Thump coming in blue, light blue, green, pink, orange, red, black and white.

Dubbed the Axio Deluxe, the case for the fifth generation iPod is sleeker, featuring a polycarbonate body that can come with or without graphics.

Deluxe owners have the choice of Digi-Camo, Hibiscus Flower, Rockin' Stars & Hearts, Robot, or plain black and white.

Of the Thump, Axio states: "Made from premium materials these California-style cases stand out from the rest."

Retailing for approximately £10 the Thump is available online, as is the Deluxe, which retails for a slightly more expensive £15.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

Speaker company Logitech has announced the debut of the AudioStation, it's cutting edge new speaker system for the iPod .

As the largest, loudest and most expensive stereo system for the iPod that Logitech has released to date, the AudioStation is somewhat of a flagship for the company.

With 1-inch high definition soft dome tweeters and 4-inch woofers, the AudioStation makes every inch of its size felt.

Jef Holove, vice president of product marketing for Logitech's audio business, said: "With the AudioStation, we are redefining the premium iPod speaker category.

"Nothing else delivers this level of full, balanced acoustic performance, the cutting-edge design, and the unanticipated extras — like digital AM/FM radio and touch-sensitive controls. It's a sophisticated and complete stereo system for any room in the house."

Coming with an advanced remote and featuring a large LCD which displays information on the song track or radio station, the AudioStation is easy enough for even the biggest technophobe.

Retailing for approximately £150, the AudioStation is available online.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

The most noticeable thing about the Computer Rock iPod cover is the picture of the 1984 Macintosh computer on the front of it.

Instantly recognizable as one of the first practical home PC's to come out, the 1984 Mac evokes a different time, when computer technology was still in its infancy and decidedly slow and clunky.

The case itself however, made by gerbera designs, is modern, cool, protective and can be used with all iPod models, including the video and nano.

Reinforced fabric, foam padding, clear plastic casing and a tough lining make this iPod case a practical accessory, rather than just a cool novelty (which it is as well).

Founded in 2003, gerbera is an independent accessory maker, which hand makes everything from purses to – obviously – iPod cases.

The company also allows customers to specify the designs they would like on their case.

Retailing for approximately £15 the Computer Rock iPod cover is available online.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

It's safe to say that the designers of the iGroove Panty had a certain demographic – namely young women – in mind when they came up with this innovative new way to wear an iPod .

Designed and sold by TheSexySociety.com, a lingerie site, the iGroove Panty consists of a sexy black lace pair of women's panties, with an ingeniously subtle little pocket on the right hip for an iPod nano.

So popular have these become, that TheSexySociety is currently sold out, but is desperately restocking and taking dozens of orders as they do so.

Of the iGroove Panty, the company states: "Perfect for those of us who love to lounge around in sexy undies all day AND have our music!"

Even better, the pocket is removable and can be used to carry a host of other useful items, like money, prophylactics and so forth, limited only by one's imagination.

Retailing for approximately £6, the iGroove Panties are available online.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

The BBC is planning to release a digital radio receiver to be used by iPod and other MP3 players.

Details as to the price of the device and whether or not Apple will be involved in its manufacture are scarce and the BBC is keeping specifics close to its chest.

Ownership of iPod s has doubled since 2003 and 20 per cent of Americans over the age of 12 now own an iPod .

A BBC spokesman said: "We have a duty to make sure digital radio is relevant and clearly portable MP3 players are a massive area of growth."

Rumours that Apple is involved in the process were dismissed by the spokesman as "pure speculation."

The spokesman could also not give any details about when the device might be released, but admitted: "We would like to get something out sooner rather than later."

The plug-in would not only be limited to playing BBC stations and versions for cars and mobile phones may also become available in the future.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

Mira Aroyo of the much-admired electro group Ladytron, has told the Metro which six tracks living in her iPod are her very favourite.

None of the artists or songs selected are anywhere near to being mainstream or pop, with the tracks like Bolton Wanderer by Planningtorock, Transpiralo by Panice and Ave Lucifer by Os Mutantes featuring on the list.

The compelling Bulgarian vocalist also chose Power to the Pixies by Circulus, Lions by Tones on Tail and A Dream Goes On Forever by electronic pioneer Todd Rundgren.

Of A Dream Goes On Forever, Aroyo told the Metro: "It's romantic, summery and has a beautiful melody with interesting synth solos and percussion.

"It was on the Virgin Suicides soundtrack. Rundgren is prolific, producing people such as Patti Smith."

Based in Liverpool, but with their members hailing from Hong Kong, Bulgaria and London, Ladytron, usually categorized as electroclash, has released four successful albums.

Some of their lyrics are penned in Bulgarian by Aroyo.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

When not cracking funnies and making people roll in the aisles, up-and-coming comedian Stephen K Amos is usually listening to his iPod
and today revealed to the Metro his favourite tracks.

For iPod -listeners-about-town Pacific Design has just released the Uptown Clutch, a wallet customised to carry an iPod nano as well as assorted cards, money and so forth.

Made out of a combination of genuine and faux leathers, the Uptown Clutch is urban, but in a slightly classier style that is more Wall Street than Sunset Boulevard.

A handy removable wrist strap, access to the iPod controls via an exterior flap, four card holders and a billfold, make the Uptown Clutch eminently functional as well as good looking.

Pacific Design states: "This revolutionary design merges a beautiful clutch wallet with a convenient iPod nano case.

"Perfect for both students and businesswomen, the Uptown Clutch provides an easy and stylish way to take your music with you."

The Uptown Clutch comes in the extravagantly named colours of rich brown, sky blue, jet black, cherry red and precious pink, retails for about £15 and is available online.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

Jeans giant Levi's are to release a range of jeans specially made to wear with an iPod .

Officially dubbed the RedWire DLX iPod Jeans, the jeans come with a remote control, docking station and a special pocket on the right leg, situated around thigh-level, designed to fit any kind of iPod .

A pair of headphones will even be included with jeans, set to be released some time in autumn.

Of the RedWire jeans, Levi's state: "These new jeans let you take your music on the go by seamlessly integrating the iPod plug and play technology."

The jeans will retail for approximately £100.

While Levis are not the first to integrate the popular iPod technology into clothing, they are the first to attempt to apply it to trousers.

Apple claims that it sold 32 million iPod s last year alone, which equates to one iPod sold every second.

Meanwhile, the iPod accessory market has grown into a billion pound industry.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

Tired of your iPod getting smashed to pieces every time it gets hit by a bullet or mortar fragment?

If this is a reaccurring problem for any iPod users, they may want to invest in one of the new iTank cases recently released.

Constructed from solid aluminium and not for the iPod fashionista, the cases definitely emphasise function over anything else and according to their maker YoTank, can be dropped from a great height with no ill effects.

YoTank states: "These cases are designed to let you take your iPod or other MP3 player along with you while you are snowboarding, skateboarding, rock climbing, or doing other kinds of extreme activities."

The iTank cases are available for the iPod nano, video iPod and iPod mini .

The burnished aluminium of the cases, with tough-looking riveting down each side, screams wear and tear.

Made from Lexan, the toughest plastic in the world, the screen aperture, though smaller than on some iPod cases, is more than adequate.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

A new survey has recently discovered that about £39 billion worth of clothes and technology are being paraded around Britain's streets on a daily basis – a staggering £851 per person.

While some might scoff at the idea of walking around with items worth such a sum, many do not realize that the contents of their laptop bag alone could make up most of it.

Unsurprisingly, Londoners carry the most portable valuable items, averaging out at £1,043 each, according to the survey, performed by Zurich Insurance.

Martin Hall, head of home underwriting, said: "Nearly half our respondents were surprised at the value of all of their gadgets and gizmos, having taken time to add them up.

"We carried out this research to remind people that if they're carrying around their laptop, expensive gadgetry, or jewellery, it's a good idea for them to contact their home insurer to see whether they are covered for loss or theft outside the home."

Those aged 55 and over carry the most actual cash on them, the survey found, making sure to have at least £40 on them when going out.

However, having such a valuable amount of goods and cash on one, makes one a much juicier target for thieves and muggers.

Recently the mobile phone industry has pledged that it will soon be able to block the numbers of stolen mobile phones within 48 hours.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

Apple has just completed a ground-breaking new deal that will be most welcome among iPod -owning motorists – by 2007, the majority of US cars being shipped will have iPod integration.

Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Mazda have all signed agreements with Apple to make their autos iPod compatible, it was announced yesterday.

An iPod will be able to be charged and played through the vehicles stereo system and simply stored in the dashboard when not in use.

Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of worldwide iPod poduct marketing, said: "We're delighted that Ford, General Motors and Mazda will support iPod connectivity in nearly all of their new models.

"Now more than 70 percent of 2007-model US automobiles will offer iPod integration, with General Motors alone making it available on all 56 of its models, representing millions of cars and trucks."

The company stated that drivers will be able to use their cars controls to "select their music using artist, album, playlist or shuffle songs, as well as to easily skip between tracks and playlists."

Apple has so far sold 58 million iPod s around the world.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

With the debut of the cutting-edge M602, Altec Lansing has challenged other manufacturers to equal or better its new iPod speaker.

The M602 features four neodymium full-range speakers, dual one inch silk dome tweeters and built in XdB bass enhancement technology.

Basically what all that boils down to is that the speakers look and more importantly sound, great.

Altec Lansing states: "The Altec Lansing M602 powered audio system is the complete package: Striking good looks, plus rich, clear sound from its four custom-designed speakers.

Measuring about the size of a laptop, the M602 makes no bones about not being designed to be portable; it has been designed as an in-house speaker system and certainly looks and sounds like one.

Including a video output so the user can play songs over their TV and a headphone jack for private listening, the M602 caters to most needs.

Retailing for approximately £100, the M602 is available online.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

The iTrax mixing console has been released by Gemeni DJ, a console which features dual docking stations for iPod s and a USB port with dock switch that allows song management on a PC.

Able to be used with video iPod s, the iTrax has a 3-band rotary EQ with gain and cut feature per channel and Master and Record RCA outputs.

Almost anything a DJ could ask for is part of this console, including a replaceable X-Fader and input selections switches.

Of the iTrax, Gemini DJ states: "A strikingly new and refreshing look for your professional DJ setup.

"With their beautiful glossy white and chrome finish and bright red LEDs, you can be sure that you'll be spinning up the club in style with Gemini's iSeries gear."

Gemini DJ is set to release the iTrax 2 at the end of 2006, which will feature touch-sensitive job-wheels and pitch control for beatmixing.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd

For those who use only the best equipment around and are willing to pay for the privilege, the new Shure E500PTH headphones are a must-have.

Music from an iPod probably can't sound any better than over the new E500 headphones and as they retail at about £250, it sure as hell better be the case.

As well as providing sublime sound quality, the E500 earphones also feature the fancy "push-to-hear" capability, which allows the listener to choose between being completely enveloped in the sound emanating from the headphones, or being able to distantly hear the outside world.

Shure states: "Evolved from personal monitor technology road-tested by pro musicians and fine-tuned by Shure engineers, the E500PTH offers unparalleled acoustic accuracy.

"Included sound isolating sleeves block over 90 percent of ambient noise."

The push-to-hear feature works by the user activating the VoicePort microphone, which is tuned to pick up a human voice, thereby enabling a conversation to take place without the user ever having to take out the earphones or stop the music.

Having started shipping in July, the E500 headphones are now available online.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd