December 2004 Archives
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December 31, 2004
Tunewear unveils new iPod accessories
Tokyo-based Tunewear has revealed its latest batch of iPod accessory innovations.
The technological designers unveiled the Prie Hook case series and a number of new Poptune removable wrappers, at a press conference yesterday.
The Prie Hook, an accessory designed to attach an iPod to a belt loop or bag strap, will be compatible with the iPod 4G, photo and mini, and will retail for around £30.
Poptune wrappers, compatible only with the iPod mini, are set to retail at around £5 and come in a variety of patterns including leopard, zebra, polka dot and camouflage.
Both iPod accessories are scheduled for commercial circulation midway through January although an official release date has not been disclosed.
Posted by ipodworld at 12:46 PM
More iPod accessories from Tunewear
Technological manufacturer Tunewear has announced an additional two new products will go on the market during the New Year, following yesterday's unveiling of the Prie Hook and Poptune wrappers for the Apple iPod.
Tunewear, based in Tokyo, is said to now be poised to release the innovative Waterwear case and aluminium clips for Icewear mini cases, totalling four new iPod accessories for the market.
The Waterwear accessories are made of a transparent plastic casing, featuring a silicone circle over the click wheel to operate the iPod without having to remove the case.
The waterproof protective case will also feature an isolator plug, elastic armband and a lanyard and will come in two models, one for the 4G iPod and one for the iPod mini.
The Waterwear case will retail from around £15 as from the end of January, as will Tunewear's other release, aluminium clips for the Icewear case compatible with the iPod mini.
The silver clip has been manufactured to fasten the iPod mini complete with Icewear case to a belt or similar by triggering the clips' steel spring.
Posted by ipodworld at 12:44 PM
Saab sign up iPods
Car manufacturer Saab is installing iPod systems into its new productions, according to reports.
The Mac News technology website has reported that the Swedish manufacturer is following the lead set by BMW and installing iPod integration kits in future models.
The development has not officially been publicised by Saab who has instead listed the setup in its most recent accessories catalogue.
According to reports, the iPodswill be installed in the armrests in Saab 9-3s wired to a steering-wheel control stick.
The news follows the similar collaboration of BMW with Apple iPod which first took place in September this year.
Posted by ipodworld at 12:38 PM
iPod Flash to cut costs
Apple's freshest project, the iPod Flash, is to be retailed at just £50, according to reports released today.
The provisional price tag sets the music player at £150 cheaper than the iPod mini and £250 more economical than a 4G iPod.
The new device will be manufactured in a similar size to the iPod mini and is designed to hang around users' necks.
An energy-efficient flash memory will hold up to 250 songs on the iPod Flash, a step away from the traditional iPod and the iPod mini which both use disk drives and therefore use more battery power in comparison to flash memory.
This absence of disk drives in addition to a lack of screens increases the durability of the iPod Flash tenfold. The macmind.com website went so far as to described the device as "virtually indestructible".
The official unveiling of the Apple flash-based iPod is expected to take place during the first few weeks of January.
Posted by ipodworld at 12:28 PM
Scratch-resistant iPod case unveiled
A new scratch-resistant, plastic iPod case has been unveiled for the Apple iPod Photo and 4G models.
Technology manufacturers Contour Design revealed their latest innovations entitled the Showcase Photo and Showcase 4G at a press conference yesterday.
The cases feature double-injection moulding technology along with shock-absorbing rubber cushions lined inside the casing to secure the fashionable music players in place.
The manufacturers also claim the device is impact-resistant, easily accessible and light-weight improving portability.
The release of these durable iPod cases follows recent reports highlighting the need to exploit this iPod accessory niche.
The Showcase Photo and Showcase 4G cases will be available in black or white colours and are expected to retail from under £20.
Posted by ipodworld at 12:26 PM
Metal iPod covers a solid investment
With the market for iPod accessories becoming ever more saturated with products, it is perhaps a little surprising that the latest alternative iPod cases have been relatively slow in taking off.
Durable metal covers for iPods theoretically appear both practical and stylish, offering allowance for customisation and safety from scratching.
But the metal skins currently on sale have so far failed to magnetise consumers, with the Solid Cover Aluminum Case being typically castigated for its technical impracticalities.
However, this trend could be set to change however with the introduction of the Matias iPod Armor.
The Armor casing provides total protection to your iPod whilst remaining in keeping with iPod's fashionable image.
An advanced friction foam interior also secures the iPod within the case preventing scratches and movements within the shell.
Priced at just over £30, the exceptionally good value Matias iPod Armor could well be set to exploit the metal iPod casing market this festive period.
Posted by ipodworld at 12:24 PM
Apple's stock on the rise again
Apple's stock closed at $65.78 last night almost five per cent higher than its previous level amid rumour of a flash iPod and growing recognition of the iPod's influence on Mac sales.
Stock had risen to $69.57 by the end of November but subsequently fell. However, this latest revelation appears to signal the start of another potential high tide in Apple stock.
JP Morgan Chase analyst Bill Shope said: "While we believe concerns over Apple's valuation are certainly understandable given the stock's rapid rise, we believe expectations for the company's revenue and profit growth may still prove conservative."
Mr Shope announced that his firm now expects next year's earnings to reach $1.69 a share on sales of $12.92 billion, having previously estimated $1.48 on $11.4 billion.
Posted by ipodworld at 12:22 PM
NTECH speakers prove clever option
The new NTECH speakers represent the ideal budget-buyers' sound system.
Although highly versatile, compatible with DVD, TV, CD and PC or Mac systems, the speakers are perfectly suited to the rapid-selling iPod music players.
Aesthetically constant with the iPod, coated in a cool white shade, the speakers also boast excellent bass and sharp clear tonal capacity.
The NTECH speakers are also incredibly good value for money and yet easily outperform many sets in excess of its own modest price tag.
The set comes with a wired remote control and is also compatible with headphones should private listening be desired.
Posted by ipodworld at 12:21 PM
4GB iPod mini "early next year"
Rumours are circulating that Apple is set to release a 5GB iPod mini sometime early next year.
Appleinsider claims the iPod mini will see an approximate 25 per cent storage increase that will allow it to carry 1250 songs.
Mini iPodscurrently on sale offer a 4GB capacity hard drive.
There are also rumours of potential colour alterations and more 'metallic' finishes are, but these remain unconfirmed at this time.
It is believed Apple is being cagey after the original iPod mini was hugely over subscribed leading to supply problems.
"They've learned from past mistakes with the mini," one insider told the website.
Posted by ipodworld at 12:19 PM
iPod heads Apple annual report
The annual figures from Apple computers was dominated by sales figures from iPod devices and the music players' accessories, according to reports.
The announcement revealed sales figures of 4.4 million for the iPod in its fiscal year, an increase of 370 per cent. Total income from iPod sales rose $961 million, 279 per cent, on last year.
Apple spoke of the need for continuation and increasing developments in response to increasing competition in the music device market.
An Apple spokesperson admitted the need existed to: "more effectively (integrate) the entire end-to-end music solution" adding it "may expand the range of its product offerings and intellectual property through licensing and/or acquisition of third-party business and technology."
Apple also revealed sales of iPod services and accessories remained consistent with the increase in overall iPod unit sales for fiscal 2004.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:59 AM
Department stores cotton onto iPods
Department stores are shifting their primary attention back onto high-tech gadgets and accessories, according to reports released today.
Products such as the iPod with its associated array of accessories including skins, headphones and novelty socks, are refocusing the marketing strategies of stores throughout major cities.
The news reverses a decade-old trend of fashion clothing items outselling electronic goods.
Wendy Liebmann, president of WSL Strategic Retail said: "It's a recognition that these new electronics have become the must-haves as opposed to a new sweater.
"Fashion is no longer what I put on my body in terms of fabrics, but it is also what I put on my body in terms of technology."
The news comes after recently-released figures announced iPod sales had risen to 5.74 million, with iPod revenue more than quadrupling from $121 million to $537 million in the same period from last year.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:58 AM
Band Aid 20 available for download
Talks between Apple and the Band Aid charity about the latest single being made available to iPod owners have reached an amicable conclusion.
Resultantly, UK iPod users can now download the song from the iTunes music store.
A spokesperson for Apple said: "Apple is pleased to offer the Band Aid 20 single on the iTunes Music Store to raise funds for the plight of hunger and poverty in Africa.
"Since all songs on iTunes are 79 pence, we've decided to sell it for 79 pence and Apple will donate an additional 70 pence for each downloaded song to the Band Aid Charitable Trust."
There had previously been ongoing price disputes between the two organisations which at one stage looked likely to prevent the single from being made available at all.
Reports suggest that origianlly a pricetag of £1.49 was put on the downloading of the single which sold more than 72,000 copies on its first day of release on Monday, according to sales figures.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:57 AM
In-car touch-screen iPod monitor
Clarion of America has publicised plans to manufacture the iPod industry's first in-dash monitor/DVD combination
Clarion, the inventors of Japan's first car radio over fifty years ago, is targeting February next year as a potential launch date for the proposed VRX755VD.
The device will feature a touch-screen, seven-inch monitor, a clock and various sound enhancements. Playlists and song and artist information will be listed on the screen.
"iPod has revolutionized the way you listen to music by allowing you to take your entire music collection with you anywhere," Stan Ng, Apple's director of iPod product marketing, told MacWorld UK.
"The car is one of the favourite places to listen to music and Clarion's innovative solutions allow music lovers another option for easily listening to iPod in their car," added the director.
The VRX755VD has been awarded with placement on the CES Innovations 2005 Awards Honourees list.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:56 AM
iPod Photo hits the world market
A new version of the ever-popular iPod has been released in Korea.
The iPod Photo was disclosed at a press conference on Tuesday evening by Apple Computer Korea, who indicated the release is specifically marketed to acquire the company a more significant MP3 player market share.
Sohn Hyung-man, the company's CEO, said: "Although Apple's iPod controls 52 per cent of the global market and 65 per cent of the US market, 97 per cent of the Korean market is dominated by the flash-memory-type MP3 players, which Apple does not produce.
"We plan to increase our market share in Korea by 20-fold through aggressive marketing campaigns."
The new model has a vivid colour screen and has the capacity to store and display up to 25,000 photos. The standard iPod music storage capability of 40-gigabytes to 60-gigabytes remains the same as does the iPod battery life.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:54 AM
iBoom hits the streets
iPod users in are snapping up one of the newest accessories, a quirky alternative to iPod headphones.
The iBoom offers iPod owners the opportunity to transform their diminutive digital music players into contemporary versions of the eighties-associated ghettoblaster.
Users slide their iPod into a slot on the device which can then be used to listen either to downloaded tunes or to the machine's integrated FM radio.
All current versions of iPods are compatible with the device with the exception of the iPod Photo.
Accessory maker Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) designed the ghettoblaster which retails at just over £100.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:52 AM
iPod sales sustaining Apple
The continuing success of iPod sales has been hailed as significantly responsible for shares in Apple computer rising by six per cent.
Demand for the music players, in addition to related accessories such as iPod skins, headphones and even socks, has led to UBS and Merrill Lynch both raising their 12-month price targets, according to the Financial Times.
And one reason for this rising value, as phrased by Ben Reitzes, an analyst at UBS, is simply that the iPod appears to have "legs into the holidays and beyond".
Despite market competition from Sony, the iPod currently possesses an 82 per cent domination of the market for hard-disk music players, a figure which looks set to continue.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:22 AM
Alternative iPod headphones proving popular
The latest iPod accessory craze is revolving around the ever-increasing number of alternative iPod headphones, according to an American report.
In attempts to personalise their iPods, consumers are progressively turning their ears to aesthetically and technologically individual headphones.
The report lists the Future Sonic's EARS EM3 in-ear monitors as outselling Grado SR60 traditional-style headphones, but is critical of their size as being 'bulky'.
The Shure E3c Sound Isolating Earphones combine the best of both these sets and at just over £100 is very reasonably priced.
The Shure E3c comes equipped with lightweight headphones containing high-energy micro-speakers and flexible sleeves producing excellent isolation.
The current popularity of these iPod headphones looks set to continue during the festive period in addition to the expected rise in sales of iPod speakers.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:20 AM
JBL On Tour to be a hit
Volumes of the speakers, JBL On Tour, are set to soar after being released on general sale.
Although not made specifically for the iPod, the speakers are easily compatible with iPodsand even share the same aesthetic appearance as their white colleagues.
The speakers have been hailed as one of the best purchases available, combining quality with reasonable prices.
Easy to use touch controls and computer optimised equalisation mean the speakers work perfectly well during transport or whilst stationary.
With great sounding bass and clear defined sound, the small system looks set to be a sure hit this Christmas.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:18 AM
iPod sites attracting most attention
A report has revealed that the increased sales of iPods are turning more and more people towards Apple and iPod related websites.
According to Nielsen/NetRatings, 4.9 million visitors searched sites looking for the latest iPod news for accessories and sales offers.
The report, which examined the week ending November 14, found that iPod sites were almost twice as popular as the next technology sites.
Dell record a second place with 2.7 million visits, whilst HP received 2 million visits.
A spokesperson for the report said: "Men dominated computer sites, with 57 per cent of traffic being male. 35 per cent of visitors had household incomes over $75,000."
The survey also found that visitors spent an average of just over eight minutes viewing content.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:15 AM
Newsagents to sell downloading vouchers
Downlaoding music for your iPod is set to get even easier with a new deal announced by Napster UK and newsagent group TM Retail.
TM Retail has in excess of 1,000 shops, such as McColl's, Martin's, Forbuoys, RS McColl and Dillons, which will now retail Napster music vouchers that can be used online at the Napster downloading site.
The vouchers, which are available now, come in two colour-coded specifications being green vouchers, providing Napster subscription for 2 months costing £20 or 4 months for £35, and blue vouchers, which allow the consumer to download music in groups of 10, 22, and 33, costing £10, £20, and £30, respectively.
Mike Goodwin, TM Retail's general manager, enthused: "This really brings digital music to the mainstream market.
"This is another new offer for our customers, maintaining our presence as the Number One Neighbourhood retailer," Mr Goodwin added.
The development reflects the current rise in sales of portable music players such as the iPod, which is expected to sell 23.5 million units in 2006.
With the increase of digital music into the market, products such as iPod accessories cases and headphones, are similarly expected to proliferate.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:13 AM
iPod scoops award
The iPod has been awarded the Experts' Choice award at the British Interactive Media Association's (BIMA) awards held in Chelsea.
The awards, now in their 20th year, recognize creative excellence in digital media, covering 22 categories including broadband sites, interactive advertising and online relationship marketing.
Specifically, the Experts' Choice award recognises "products, services or initiatives that have influenced the digital sector in the past 12 months."
iPod have produced a growing number of products and initiatives this year including the Newer Tech iPod battery replacement, solar powered chargers, and portable iPod speaker.
Alasdair Scott, BIMA chairman, said: "Apple's iPod is not only a desirable piece of design but a catalyst for change in the music industry and the way consumers accept digital music.
"As a rapidly maturing industry, we have more talent and expertise than ever. Now is the time to benchmark the new and innovative alongside the most creative and effective our industry has to offer," he added.
The iPod beat several other innovations to the award including Sky +, BT rich media, Ofcom, Vodafone live!, and UK Wi-Fi roll-out.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:08 AM
December 29, 2004
iPod sales boost online transactions
The total number of online purchases made this festive period has considerably increased from last year, thanks largely to sales from Apple iPods, figures suggest.
Numbers published by ComScore Networks reveal this year’s total online sales peaked at about £8 billion, up 28 per cent on last year’s figures.
Consumer electronics, computers, and apparel are being accredited for the surge in online transactions with the most popular gift overall officially unveiled as the Apple iPod.
Indeed, such was the demand for the digital music player that numerous online retailers such as Amazon, eBay and independent sites such as iPodWorld, sold their stock well in advance of the festive period.
The PlayStation 2 had expected to take the consumer top spot but sales of iPods eclipsed those of Sony’s game console.
A significant sum reportedly came in from sales of iTunes gift cards which proved to be the most popular item for many online retailers.
Posted by ipodworld at 04:04 PM
December 24, 2004
iPods falling safely
Apple Computer has reportedly applied for permission to commence the design of a safety feature for its iPod music players which would protect the device when falling.
Technology detects the acceleration accompanying a drop and then immediately stops reading and writing to the hard drive.
Apple is said to be applying for a patent now although the application may come unstuck as similar technology is already in use in some products.
"The portable-computing device protects its disk drive by monitoring for such accelerations and operating to avoid usage of the disk drive during periods of acceleration," Apple said in the patent application, which was published earlier this month.
"Through such protection, the likelihood of damage to the disk drive or loss of data stored on the disk drive is able to be substantially reduced."
This news follows several other patent applications by Apple in recent weeks including for video-conferencing and music submitting technology.
Posted by ipodworld at 04:02 PM
iPod success to boost Apple Mac sales
A survey conducted by financial analyst Piper Jaffray has revealed that increasing numbers of iPod owners either currently own Apple Mac, or are looking to replace their PC with a Mac in the very near future.
Figures from the survey revealed that six per cent of iPod users have already made the switch from PC to Mac and that another seven per cent were intending to.
Gene Munster, a Piper Jaffray senior research analyst, announced the news as signifying the beginning of a long-running movement, commenting: "We're in the very early innings of a multi-year trend."
The trend, which has been referred to as iPod's 'halo-effect', could well continue according to Mr Munster although on the provision they maintain their reputation.
"They have got to keep that 'cool factor' going," said Munster. "If they don't, they're in trouble."
The results of this survey come days after the brokerage firm Piper Jaffray earlier this week raised its targets on Apple to $100.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:56 AM
iPod sales expected to rise
By 2008, 100 million Windows users will own iPods, according to a leading Wall Street analyst.
Charles Wolf, a Needham analyst, predicted this dramatic increase in Mac sales will occur following the speculated release of Apple flash-based iPods.
Although Apple have refrained from confirming information about their release, reports have suggested that the new flash-based iPods will be available sometime in late January/early February, which will prove the catalyst for financial success according to Charles Wolf.
Mr Wolf said: "Although we expect hard drive players to capture an increasing share of the portable music player market, flash players should dominate the market through 2006.
"We're forecasting iPod sales of 23.5 million units in 2006," Mr Wolf added before revealing: "Our analysis indicates that the installed base of portable music players could approach 500 million by 2010, equivalent to a seven per cent penetration rate of the worlds population."
Apple stores are set to generate approximately $1.2 billion this year.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:55 AM
Limited black iPod on sale
Despite the existence of various iPod accessories such as differently coloured headphones and alternative cases, the estimated 2 million iPods around the globe essentially all share the monotonous core aesthetic of being white.
This fact is set to change however, with a newly released Apple iPod 4G Click Wheel with 20GB that is going against the grain by being manufactured in black.
This black 4G iPod comes as standard, with space for 5000 songs, 12 hours playback and easy-operation click wheel, but is specially limited, with only 20 available on the market.
The rare iPod comes with an extended 12-hour battery life, the option of using either FireWire or USB and the ability to play MP3, Aac and Apple Lossless.
Unsurprisingly, an in-demand item of such rarity as this is reflected in the price. £500 will get you noticed, over double the price of a white version.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:54 AM
iDockCovers launched
Westshore Craftworks have released the newest and allegedly "classiest of iPod accessories, the hardwood iDockCovers.
The iDockCover represents the first accessory specifically for the dock itself and will be available in a wide range of specifications for the 3G, 4G and the new U2 iPod edition.
Satin lacquer finishes are available in such exotic coatings as 'Flame Maple' and 'African Padauk', with high-gloss lacquer finishes offering 'transparent ruby red' and 'Sunburst-electric guitar' aesthetics.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:53 AM
December 23, 2004
Awards rolling in for Apple iPod mini
Apple's iPod mini has been awarded the 'best mobile device' prize at PC Magazine's 21st annual tecnhical excellence awards, held yesterday.
Editors at PC Magazine revealed decision makers felt "compelled" to award the prize to the iPod mini because of the device's "perfectly crafted interface and controls, its pioneering use of the one-inch 4GB hard drive, and the enormous impact it has had on the music player market".
"Other music players might cost less or have more memory, smaller bodies, or more features, but none offer the iPod mini's combination of silky smooth operation, graceful design, and techno-chic style," added the report.
"We love that we can charge it using the USB 2.0 connection and that it's sturdy enough to survive drops and falls."
The choice of the iPod mini for the prize was reportedly made easier by the chic reputation the device has rapidly attained, by innovations such as the click wheel which regularly update and refresh the device and its overwhelming commercial prominence.
Posted by ipodworld at 04:01 PM
Festive iPod cases selling out
Leading manufacturer Marware has recorded something of a coup in succeeding to sell large volumes of its currently pertinent iPod case design, the Santa sleeve.
Although reception has generally been quite mixed towards these forms of iPod accessories, the Marware SantaSuit sleeve, specifically catered for the iPod mini, is reportedly selling well in high street retail stores during the count down to Christmas.
The festive red neoprene coat, complete with soft white fur trimming, has been described by some consumers as innovative and original, a new "twist on a classical stereotype".
The SantaSuit has also boosted variety and general interest in the ever-expanding market of iPod cases, allegedly increasing total sales of iPod cases.
The Santa-coloured iPod sleeve also comes with belt loop, removable lanyard and easy access to hold button for added practicality.
And priced at just £24.99, the festive accessory could well prove to be an unexpected marketing success this Christmas.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:56 PM
December 22, 2004
Bank offering iPods
With global demand leaving retailers desperately short of Apple iPods this Christmas, Citibank could be set to profit by offering the music players as incentives to potential customers.
The banking firm has today further publicised the cunning marketing ploy which gives iPod minis to anyone who opens a Citibank EZ account, providing they check-in approximately £2,000.
The customer then must make two online payments from the account per month, which can be easily set according to Citibank.com managing director Catherine Palmieri.
Ms Palmieri said: "My advice would be to take a car and a mortgage payment, set them up to go out each month, and don't worry about it."
The promotion runs until the end of December and allegedly thousands have already taken advantage of the offer.
Apple has moved to assure Citibank that demand will be met although the first may not be mailed until February.
Posted by ipodworld at 04:00 PM
New Skin Art collection poised for release
Pdatrends is set to launch its Skin Art Winter 2004 Collection.
The stylish selection of iPod cases will be compatible with Apple iPod 20 gigabyte and 40GB versions as well as with iPod minis.
Accessory manufacturer Skin Art has achieved notable success from the production of its protective cases which have a silicone lining to prevent denting and scratching.
The iPod cases all come equipped with easy-access features to controls and connectors, as standard.
The cases will come in a variety of colours and styles.
Although the official release date has not yet been specified, the product is expected to be retail at about £15.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:59 PM
December 20, 2004
Griffin iBeam commences new strand of iPod accessories
Innovative, functional and cost-effective, the Griffin iBeam is being praised as commencing the newest tangent along which iPod accessories are now developing.
The role of this new package is twofold. The first half is a class IIIA laser pointer, ideal for iPod-friendly presentations and other less professional pursuits whilst the second utility comes in the form of a snap-on flashlight.
Both units come with a protective cap that is attachable to any standard keychain for enhanced portability and security.
The laser reportedly can be seen working over a distance of up to a quarter of a mile whilst the flashlight has been described as perfectly suited for illuminating dark vicinities when searching for keys or such.
The Griffin iBeam set is made to fit the dock-connector iPod or iPod mini and, priced at £19.99 from iPodWorld, is exceptionally good value for money.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:50 PM
Rumours abound over new Bluetooth kit for iPod connections
Speculation is mounting around the potential unveiling of a technological rival to the Griffin iTrip, according to reports.
The Griffin iTrip has until now largely dominated the market for iPod users wishing to wirelessly link their players to stereos or speakers.
Priced at just £29.69 from iPodWorld, providing the cleanest possible signal and offering the advantage of not requiring batteries, the specifically designed iPod gadget has been a huge commercial success.
However, competition is now expected to come in the form of a wireless solution in the form of another Bluetooth adapter.
Manufacturer Belkin is allegedly planning to introduce the TuneStage, a Bluetooth kit linking the iPod to any stereo system or iPod speaker set.
Rumours suggest the device could be introduced next month although details surrounding price and quality have not as yet been divulged.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:48 PM
December 17, 2004
Apple continue marketing iPod for business use
Closely following the release of iPod technology to enable the music device to be utilised for presentations, designers have created another new professional use for the product.
According to reports, the Apple iPod is set to be manufactured in such a way that it will be usable as a reference guide.
An iPod ready edition of the Westiv Complete CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) Guide will offer "a handy overview of CSS concepts, and in-depth information".
The Style Master CSS podGuide will aid learning and information sharing.
Online tutorials will be downloadable to ease use of the device.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:46 PM
December 16, 2004
iTunes passes 200 million mark
The music download store, iTunes is officially the market's leader, confirmed today by the release of reports about its latest accomplishment.
"iTunes has now sold over 200 million songs, making it the world's number one online music store by far," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO.
The 200 millionth song was part of "The Complete U2", according to Apple, who also revealed that its sales rate is unbelievably speeding up.
iTunes reached its 150 millionth sale just two months ago during October, when Apple was reportedly selling four million songs per week.
But now it seems, 4,761,905 songs are being bought each week, a rate of sale that is approximately 18 per cent up on October's figures.
"We're thrilled to be making music an even more popular gift this holiday season with iTunes and iPod," concluded Mr Jobs.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:44 PM
iPod demand clearing shelves
Demand for iPods is surpassing expectations and available stock, according to feedback from retailers today.
High-street stores are rapidly selling out of Apple's market-leading music player, with news breaking that even online sites such as Amazon, Best Buy and eBay are similarly struggling to satisfy consumer demand.
A spokesperson for Amazon, the world's biggest Internet retailer, revealed it had completely run out of some models, and only had one from five of the iPod mini devices left.
Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris voiced public assurances that stock will be replenished in time for the Christmas run-in.
"We are making and shipping iPods as fast as we can," she said.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:43 PM
December 15, 2004
Plans underway for new iPod mini
Apple computer has commenced work on revising its iPod mini, according to provisional reports.
Designs for the updates allegedly commenced over a week ago with the intention of officially unveiling the new models sometime next year, writes AppleInsider.
The new device will offer a 5GB hard disk with 1,250 music track capacity, therefore offering a 25 per cent memory increase on current iPods.
Leading technical design firm, Seagate Technologies, has been brought in by Apple to aid with the design of the new hard drive, adding to current contributions from Toshiba and Hitachi.
The previous iPod mini model was released in January this year but due to poor planning, was unable to meet consumer demand until midway through the year.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:41 PM
Apple blocks off Harmony "hackers"
Apple computers has modified its iPod technology in order to prevent RealNetworks' Harmony software from undercutting its service and profiting off iPod download revenue, according to reports.
Internet music store, RealNetworks, had launched the Harmony program to enable consumers to download music directly onto their iPods without having to pay Apple or the iTunes music site.
But Apple has accused RealNetworks of employing "hacking" tactics to embezzle profits.
The iPod photo was the central target for RealNetworks but technological modifications have now supposedly removed the compatibility of Harmony with this music device.
This development represents the latest of a number of high-profile disputes between RealNetworks and Apple dating back to April when Apple chief executive Steve Jobs turned down a request from RealNetworks chief executive Rob Glaser to open up the iPod to RealNetworks' music.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:40 PM
December 14, 2004
Apple markets iPod as "learning tool"
The chic Apple iPod is undergoing an auxiliary marketing strategy, aimed at encouraging the MP3 player to now be used for education purposes.
Apple is claiming that iPod and iTunes can actively "motivate, engage and inspire pupils of all ages".
Apple chiefs are promoting the iPod as a learning tool for modern languages and for playing audiobooks and recorded speeches.
Claims have been made by the computer firm that the iPod, iTunes and AirPort Express technologies can improve the efficiency and ease of access for audio content in the classroom whereas before audio players hindered rather than furthered education.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:38 PM
Toshiba announces 80GB capacity iPods
Japanese manufacturer Toshiba has announced the completion of its new higher capacity iPod micro hard drive.
Expanding upon last year's 60GB version currently installed in the iPod photo, Toshiba has now unveiled the more advanced 80GB capacity iPod.
The new device is expected to be marketed by Apple although confirmation has not yet been offered.
According to the Register, the 80GB HDD will be manufactured in a 7.9 x 5.4 x 0.8cm casing, utilising innovations that could in time lead to thinner mid-range iPods.
The new drive will revolve at 4200rpm, offering an average seek time of 15ms and operate across an Ultra DMA 100 interface.
Posted by ipodworld at 12:43 PM
December 13, 2004
Waterproof iPod cases making a splash
San Diego-based innovation firm, H20 Audio, has released an accessory waterproofing the in-demand fashion icons that are iPod minis.
The sealed waterproof case claims to protect the music players from splashes and scratches whilst not hindering any play features.
The SV mini, retailing from around £80, encases the iPod within a rugged plastic case with a headphone jack inside the housing plugs and a set of white, waterproof earphones.
The iPod click wheel can easily be manipulated when the iPod is inside the SV Mini whilst five buttons on the outside of the case can be pressed onto the actual buttons on the inside.
Reviews have been relatively mixed about the effectiveness of the new waterproof iPod cases but for running purposes, the SV mini has been a profound success, securing the music player in position and protecting it from mild splashes.
Posted by ipodworld at 12:41 PM
PayPal befriends iTunes
Apple's iTunes music store has reached agreement to incorporate ebay's online payment system PayPal.
The collaboration eases the payment process for customers of iTunes, allowing a greater flexibility in the way bills are financed by consumers.
Apple bosses are encouraging the new scheme's induction by offering free songs to the first 500,000 customers to sign up with PayPal.
"We are thrilled that PayPal users can now buy their music on the world's number one online music store," said Todd Pearson, general manager of PayPal's merchant services.
"PayPal's virtual wallet offers iTunes customers the convenience of paying in the way they prefer."
iTunes is the second online music store to adopt PayPal following the similar introduction of the service by Roxio's Napster.
The service, which currently has more than 56 million registered customers, recorded a 56 per cent sales increase on last year taking sales between July and September to £87 million.
Posted by ipodworld at 12:40 PM
December 10, 2004
Continual innovation the key for iPod
Success rests within continual innovation, according to Chris Bell, product manager of iTunes.
Mr Bell, who was speaking at the Music 2.0 conference in Los Angeles yesterday, claimed public interest in digital music is driven by the latest and most advanced technologies and innovations.
Economic and public success comes from new features, according to the product manager, who referred his comments to iMix and the new Artist Alert feature.
Regarding iMix, Mr Bell said: "A peer-to-peer-like community is emerging.
"DJs, artists, people who used to make mix tapes ... they're in there and they're interacting."
Mr Bell finished on an optimistic note, insisting he was driven to further exploiting the whole music market considering around two per cent is accounted for by legal downloads.
Posted by ipodworld at 12:35 PM
December 09, 2004
iPod photo for presentations
A new piece of software has been unveiled that allows owners of iPod photos to utilise the devices to deliver presentations.
The iPresent It gadget has been designed by independent developer Michael Zapp and allows images to be taken from the iPod photo and transformed into a slideshow.
Presentations can then be saved as albums that are easily accessible and simple to update, therefore providing an innovative alternative to using laptops.
The device is compatible with Keynote, PowerPoint and PDF presentations and has recently been updated to facilitate Keynote processing, PowerPoint X and PowerPoint 2004.
Posted by ipodworld at 12:33 PM
More collaborators wanted by iTunes
Following the successful marketing collaboration between iTunes and U2, the digital music provider is calling for further similar campaigns.
iTunes product manager Chris Bell revealed details of the success and announced intentions to continue along a similar line, at the Music 2.0 conference in Los Angeles.
"We want to work with all artists on some scale," revealed Mr Bell. "There is tremendous interest [from iTunes users] in music videos and movie trailers."
The association with U2 created a number of money-raking spin-offs including a limited black-and-red Special Edition iPod, a 30-second TV ad and a music video for Vertigo screened solely at the iTunes Music Store.
The venture also produced 'The Complete U2' selection, comprising 446 songs for £119 which has proven popular with consumers.
Posted by ipodworld at 12:29 PM