February 2006 Archives
« January 2006 | Main | March 2006 »
February 28, 2006
TuneStage launched for iPod
Belkin has release the TuneStage for Apple iPod; a nifty device that adds Bluetooth technology to the favourite digital music player.
The Belkin Tunestage features two transmitting devices, one which is connected to the iPod and the other which connects to a stereo.
These Bluetooth transmitters allow music to be streamed wirelessly from the iPod to a stereo from up to 33 feet away – unhindered by doors, walls ceilings or windows.
The technology also allows the iPod to be used as a remote control, which is great for music fans that like to skip through albums to access their favourite tracks.
Users will not have to worry about batteries or any extra connecting wires or cables for the TuneStage, as it cunningly draws all its power directly from the iPod itself.
The TuneStage works with 3G and 4G iPods, the iPod photo and the iPod mini and is available now for £90.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 10:05 AM
Wrap your iPod in a Das Blau case
Das Blau has launched an attractive range of cases to protect your iPod and yet make it look stylish.
The Versa houses 5G iPods with flair and lives up to its name, derived from the word "versatile", as it doubles as a stand.
By flicking the belt clip and folding the case cover back, the Versa transforms into an prop for the iPod, ideal for showing photos or videos to friends and family.
The case is available in eight different styles, ranging from smart black leather designs to the retro styling of the beige case, the pastoral green of Prickly Pear and the bright colours of Tropicana.
Alternatively, iPod nano users can order themselves a Wrap.
These leather cases envelop the nanos snugly, with a plastic iridescent lining on the inside preventing knocks and scratches to the machine.
The Wraps are available in a variety of colours and styles and can are suitable for use whatever your taste is.
Prices for the Wraps range from £6.30 to around £32.70 and are available for purchase online.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 10:04 AM
February 27, 2006
iPod big in Japan
The Apple iPod has taken Japan by storm, impressing music fans with its superb sound quality and slick design.
The news highlights the growing dominance of the iPod as a digital media player, since Japanese music fans have notoriously supported home grown products such as the Sony Walkman in the past.
However, buyers young and old have embraced Apple's invention as it now accounts for over 50 per cent of the digital-music player market – a rise of over 20 per cent since 2004.
One student told Business Week the reasons for his preference of the iPod over other counterparts such as mobile phones.
He said: "The iPod design is cool…the sound quality is much better and the cell-phone battery doesn't last long enough to enjoy listening to music."
He added: "The prices are reasonable, too."
Though mobile phones are diversifying into the digital music domain, the iPod still reigns as the king of portable digital players in Japan, embraced for its quality, design and affordability.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:54 AM
iTunes launches film download service
Apple is to launch a movie download service from iTunes, reveals The Business.
The successful digital online store is to expand into film download services, following an announcement expected form its chairman later this week.
The new download facility will allow Apple users to download movies onto their home computers and transfer them via the Apple Airport wireless connection to a iPod video or digital TV.
The move has been widely predicted for some time, since users can already download television programmes from iTunes, including classics such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents and The Office.
Analysts believe Steve Jobs, Apple's chief executive, is planning to announce further additions to the Apple catalogue to coincide with the iTunes movie capabilities.
One will be the unveiling of a new widescreen notebook computer, called the Macbook, which will be marked for its smaller size.
A new iPod dock is also expected, which will double up as a hi-fi system, according to website Think Secret.
The stereo will be Apple's first step into the world of iPod companion products states the website.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:53 AM
February 24, 2006
New software expands iPod capabilities
New software titles have been launched by Avantquest that promise to extend the capabilities of the Apple iPod.
The range includes four new titles, iExtend, WebPodStudio, PodMediaCreator and DVD2Pod that will turn the iPod into a multi-media digital machine.
iExtend allows office documents such as emails, note and calendars to be carried on an iPod as well as the backing up important digital files.
With WevPodStudio, users will now be able to create podcasts with ease. The software aims to help users produce and broadcast radio and TV shows across the internet with minimal effort.
The software also supports iTunes allowing RSS users to find their podcast feed from the iTunes music store.
PodMediaCreator is a handy tool for budding movie directors and DJs that allows users to make and edit films and to mix mp3 files.
As a result users can cut videos to music creating unique video mixes that can then be viewed on the iPod.
DVD2Pod allows several movies to be seen on an iPod, converting movies into audio files, which are then simply opened with iTunes.
All four titles are available now for £19.99.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:53 AM
Thomas Pink ties the iPod knot
Thomas Pink has created a handy piece of clothing for commuters who want to combine funky fashion with sensible practicality.
The Commuter Tie is a bright pink silk tie with a built in pocket in the back, expertly constructed to hold the iPod nano.
The tie has an extra loop to keep headphones from being tangled and a brace at the back, which prevents the little machine from slipping out.
Commuters can hence relax on their way to work, safe in the knowledge that their iPod nano is neatly hidden from potential muggers or suspicious bosses.
The tie comes hot on the heels of the Commuter shirt that had a hidden breast pocket to hold the full size iPod and a cuff pocket to house a London Transport Oyster card.
The Commuter tie retails at £49 and is an ideal gift for the functional commuter hoping to stand out among the crowds.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:52 AM
February 23, 2006
Get the most from your iPod with the iDeck
Monitor Audio has releases a new system that transforms the iPod to a high-end separates hi-fi system.
The dock system comes with separate speakers for thumping bass and high-end frequencies. These can be positioned in a range of ways, including by placing the speakers on wall mountings.
A 30-pin connector port allows for direct connection to a computer via USB or Firewire, meaning that the iPod wont have to be removed from the dock to upload new content.
Reviews for sound quality have been glowing, with What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision awarding it product of the year 2005 and giving it a five-star rating.
In a review, the magazine said: This is the most convincing iPod docking speaker system we've heard yet, and its spacious sound is more 'capable micro system' than 'capable computer speakers'.
"And it goes loud - very loud! Verdict: A great-looking, great-sounding and very loud iPod docking kit. Stack'em high Monitor Audio!"
Endorsed by a host of celebrities, including Graham Norton, Jonathan Ross and Gavin Henson, the iDeck can be bought now for £199.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 10:04 AM
Billion songs downloaded on iTunes
Music fans across the globe have downloaded one billion songs from the iTunes Music Store.
The figure sets a precedent in digital music history with the online store now contains over two million songs, with the figures set to grow as more new artists join the roster.
To celebrate the digital milestone, iTunes held a competition handing out exclusive prizes to the lucky person who made the billionth download.
Music fans who downloaded every 100,000th song up to the billion mark won a black 4GB iPod nano
and a $100 iTunes music card voucher.
The luck customer who downloaded the billionth song from iTunes won a 20-inch iMac, ten 60GB iPods and a $10,000 iTunes music card voucher to kick-start their music collections.
The music card vouchers can be used with all the different media available on iTunes, such as music videos and TV shows, both of which can be downloaded directly onto the
iPod video.
Brit Award winning, heartthrob crooner James Blunt currently tops the poll of featured iTunes videos, with Eminem and Sean Paul also ranking in the top ten.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 10:04 AM
February 22, 2006
New iFi stereo system for Apple iPod
Klipsh is set to release a new home stereo system in the UK, designed specifically for use with the Apple iPod .
Manufacturer Klipsch, has an impressive reputation in the US as a leading audio equipment maker and it looks like it has brought its expertise in developing the new stereo.
Klipsch claims the iFi differs from conventional iPod speakers
since it is pitched as the first iPod-dockable home stereo system.
It comes with two RSX-3 satellite speakers and a fat 200 watt sub-woofer with an eight inch driver, making it more powerful than conventional iPod dock speaker systems.
The dock itself is believed to be compatible with all iPods including the
iPod mini
and early first and second generation versions of the machine.
Users can control the system with a neat radio frequency remote, which allows line-of-sight access.
The Klipsh iFi should be available from around March this year and will retail at £249.
Posted by ipodworld at 10:29 AM
Rumours surface of 6G iPod
Apple is hotly tipped to release the next generation iPod in spring this year.
The iPod is still merely five years old, with the fifth generation edition fresh on the market. Yet, the industry's leading portable music player is set for drastic changes this year if new speculation is to be believed.
Website thinksecret.com has confirmed rumours that Apple will be drastically changing the machine for the new release, as its distinctive click wheel will be replaced with a touch screen sporting a 3.5-inch diagonal display.
Furthermore the new iPod video
will now feature an LCD display that takes up the whole front of the device, with a touch sensitive click wheel that appears when the screen is touched.
Release dates for the new machines are unconfirmed, as are details on specifications such as capacity.
However, sources reckon Apple CEO Steve Jobs, is looking for a spring release on or around April 1, to coincide with Apple's 30th anniversary.
Over 42 million iPods have been sold since 2001, with around 30 million sold last year.
Experts believe a further 24 million will be sold in 2006, with the possible sixth generation iPod
contributing to increased sales.
Posted by ipodworld at 10:28 AM
February 21, 2006
Veoh celebrates iPod video downloads
Peer to peer programme service, Veoh Networks, has announced that over 250,000 of its videos have been downloaded onto the Apple iPod
and PSPs.
The service opened a few months ago and saw a 50 per cent increase in the number of downloads recorded between December and January.
It now has over 30,000 videos available, which range from game shows to daily videoblogs in a similar vein to podcasts.
Users can access the content by installing a piece of software onto their PC or Mac, which shares programmes distributed by producers.
The content can then be uploaded to portable players, such as the iPod
the
iPod video
or PSP, which Veoh claims are currently highly popular among its users.
Dmitry Chapiro, CEO of Veoh, commented: "Producers and viewers alike are finding value at Veoh, and they are telling their friends.
"Early results clearly show that a need exists for a new way to deliver and view TV, where anyone can broadcast and reach the entire universe."
He added, "As people continue to yearn for finding more than what is on their TV set at home, they will continue to search for what’s of interest to them."
Current download favourites include classic public domain cartoons of Popeye and Superman, with skateboarding videos ranking highly too.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 10:08 AM
February 20, 2006
iPod on your bike
Now you can even be connected to your iPod nano while cycling with the launch of a new iPod accessory for a generation constantly on the move.
Strata Systems' 1.4-ounce iBikeMount is a neat clip structure that fits easily onto handlebars of various widths, and can also be used with gym equipment such as running machines and baby strollers.
Once fixed up with a minimum of fuss and no tools, it is easy to operate the iPod's controls and see the screen, even when moving.
Priced at just $30, the iBikeMount should hit the shelves in the US on March 15th.
Richard Sarver, president of Macfriends, said: "iBikeMount is exactly what our customers have wanted since the Nano's release in 2005," according to PdaBlast.
"People love their Nanos and they want a better way to use them on their bikes. They also love to show off their Nanos. Mounting to their handlebars is a perfect solution."
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:23 AM
iPod speakers easy to use
Altec Lansing has launched a pocket-sized portable iPod speaker system for use with a range of iPods, including the iPod mini and iPod nano.
The $100 inMotion11 (iM11) has twin speakers that use MaxxBass base-boosting technology instead of a subwoofer, and it can fold away to the size of a small book for conveniently carrying around.
It also comes with an iPod docking station that can charge the four AA batteries used at the same time as connecting up to a computer via USB. However, the dock also folds away easily when not actually needed.
The total package also contains an input jack, stereo cable, international power adapters and a carrying case.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:23 AM
February 17, 2006
Toys look to iPod for inspiration
A number of iPod inspired children's toys got their first outing this week at the American International Toy Fair exposition.
MGA Entertainment unveiled its Bratz iPod chair, a small seat that is also a speaker to pump out iPod music.
And building on the success of the ultra-cool disco dancing flowers in the 1980s, MGA has introduced mini "Petz" that move in time to the iPod music.
These are cute models of rabbits, pigs and cats, which fit in the hand and can be connected to an iPod.
Toy-maker Corgi has come up with a similar idea, with two model cars that rock and with parts that illuminate in time to the tunes, according to iLounge.
Finally Spin Master is allowing kids to get interactive by making their own music with their iPods. iDrum and iMix are two plastic iPod cases that protect the device from damage.
However, they also include a drum pad and scratching device respectively, letting children play at being a cool drummer or DJ in time to their iPod tracks.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:58 AM
Icy iPod case unveiled
Gear4 has announced the availability of a new line of innovative iPod accessories for the iPod nano, the IceBox X-Clip Series.
The $22 IceBox X-Clip itself is a hard plastic iPod case, clear like ice, and with the power to protect your smooth iPod from all those irritating scrapes.
It also comes with a belt clip for portable ease, while the $30 IceBox X-Clip Splitter follows the same basic form, with a belt clip and a splitter for iPod headphones.
The splitter means that more than one person can listen to the iPod at the same time.
More iPod accessories in the range are anticipated soon, and all the iPod cases come with a two-piece protective film and a lanyard.
Earlier in the week Gear4 launched version two of the PocketParty, a twin micro speaker system, producing one watt of stereo sound.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:57 AM
February 16, 2006
New Zealand firm acknowledges iPod effect
Renaissance Corporation, Apple's sole New Zealand distributor, has announced that its profits have been given a hefty boost by sales of the iPod digital music player.
Profits for the year to December last year hit $NZ5.1 million, which is a 121 per cent increase on the figure for the year before. At the same time, annual revenues increased 29 per cent to $155 million.
Although all the technology distributor's products sold well, Apple was undoubtedly the star performer, citing a "major increase" in units shipped that mirrored the firm's worldwide popularity.
Renaissance also said it had observed a "halo" trend with Apple, whereby many people who bought an iPod then went on to purchase one of Apple's computers at some point in the future.
Last month Apple announced that it sold 14 million iPods worldwide in the final quarter of 2005, taking the running total to over 42 million.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 10:04 AM
Mac mini may include iPod dock
Apple is rumoured to be working on incorporating an iPod docking station into its forthcoming generation of Mac mini computers.
Sources with links to component suppliers said that the firm's proprietary dock connector was likely to be located at the top of the computer.
However, according to AppleInsider the plans may have already been postponed for the second time in two years, the last time being in January 2005.
The current Mac mini model is priced at $699, while the new Intel model is expected to commence production next month.
Specs for the computer include a 1.67GHz Intel Core Solo Processor, 512MB RAM and Front Row.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 10:03 AM
February 15, 2006
Mini iPod projector prototype demonstrated
Users of the iPod video could soon be able to view their pictures or videos on a larger screen in real-time with the aid of a matchbox-sized projector.
Cambridge-based Light Blue Optics in the UK has unveiled its latest, third generation, PVPro demonstrator, which is monochrome and 62 cc in size.
A full colour version of the same technology is expected later in the year, with a product based on the results first hitting the shelves in two to four years from now.
Light Blue Optics is looking to scale down traditional projection techniques using "computational algorithms" and "novel optical techniques" to harness the power of mini-lasers.
As well as the iPod video, the firm hopes that the final projector will be able to beam images, TV and music videos stored on mobile phones and digital cameras.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:34 AM
Mini iPod speakers to spark a party
UK firm Disruptive Technology Channels has launched a new micro speaker system for use with the iPod while on the move or in the company of friends.
Compatible with any iPod with a dock connector, the 52g PocketParty is capable of producing one whole watt of stereo sound for up to ten hours solid.
The speakers are one of a number of iPod accessories that Disruptive will be bringing out under the GEAR4 brand in the next few weeks. They are available in both black and white models to match the iPod being used and have high and low volume switches.
Managing director, Tom Dudderidge, explained: "The latest edition to the PocketParty family is unique from many other micro speakers as it has the added advantage of being able to slot into the bottom of any iPod with a dock connecter meaning those with older generation iPods needn't miss out."
He added that the sound appreciation had been improved since the launch of earlier models of the device.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:33 AM
February 14, 2006
Solio iPod charger is back in black
UK-based Better Energy Systems has unveiled a new black version of an environmentally friendly iPod accessory for a range of iPod models including the iPod nano.
The black Solio iPod charger allows an iPod to dock and have its power replenished by the sun's rays as an alternative to electricity.
Solio's move comes as a number of manufacturers are attempting to bring out iPod accessories that compliment the black versions of Apple's iPod videoiPod nano models.
It is also a particularly useful development for the iPod nano, which does not currently ship with a charger of its own.
Commercial director, Adam Thacker, said: "Carrying Solio is, after all, much easier than carrying a laptop."
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:34 AM
Avanquest launches iPod software
France-based Avanquest Software has launched six new multimedia-manipulating iPod accessories.
They are all compatible with the fifth generation iPod video, and include the $49.95 WebPodStudio for creating personal podcasts.
Another in the suite of six, PodPresenter, can turn the iPod into a device for running a PowerPoint presentation.
The other four applications will hit the shelves in the US in March, before rolling out worldwide in the second quarter of 2006.
They include iPocketBible, which at $39.95 is a text and audio recording of the New Living Translation of the good book.
Also for the fifth generation iPod video is the DVD file conversion programme DVD2POD and PodMediaCreator.
Bob Lang, the company's president, said: "We're working with retailers to add software to areas of their stores where they typically are putting only the hardware accessories for the iPods."
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:32 AM
February 13, 2006
Music Giants improve MP3 stereo sound
Traditional music sales are set to suffer even further now that developments in downloading formats have improved the quality of MP3 files when played through a stereo system via an iPod.
Music Giants is now offering these downloads in the new Windows Media Audio (WMA) loss less format, which CEO Scott Bahneman says "cost a few cents more than an MP3 but the sound difference is obvious".
"These music downloads sound as good as they did the day they were recorded. Amazing clarity," he continued.
Music Giants tracks cost $1.29 per download, with complete albums available from $15. There are around 500,000 songs to choose from in total, many from leading players in the music industry such as EMI, Warner, Universal and Sony BMG Music Entertainment.
Music Giants stresses that its download service is also thought of as "high fidelity" by the artists themselves.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 10:00 AM
Magazine makes its way onto iPod
A new music magazine is being published that can be downloaded directly onto the iPod.
The Mooky "digital video magazine" is available from the Apple iTunes store today, and will be updated twice a month with the latest news and music videos, as well as competitions.
Mooky has been designed by Best Before Media, and uses a special tool that instantly changes text to video to capture a growing trend for downloading a wide range of content and podcasts onto digital media devices such as the iPod.
Mark Rock, managing director, said that the magazine's launch would kick-start new opportunities for broadcasting content and advertising.
"Suddenly, a whole new means of getting content on to any screen is available, content that until now just wouldn't be suitable for a broadcast medium," he told Brand Republic.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:59 AM
February 10, 2006
Apple partner working on wireless media players
The possibility of a wireless iPod has once again been raised, as Apple partner PortalPlayer announces a technology partnership with UK firm Cambridge Silicon Radio (CSR).
The scope of the agreement allows PortalPlayer to integrate its PP5022 audio application processors with CSR's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip capabilities.
These include the wireless downloading and moving of content from computers to portable devices such as the iPod and developing Bluetooth devices such as headsets.
Simon Finch, CSR vice president of strategic marketing, said: "The company worked long and hard to get both power and coexistence - operating both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in a single design - to levels that make these technologies suitable for portable devices."
Scott Tandy, PortalPlayer spokesman, added: "Consumers will no longer have to dock their media player to change playlists or add new songs, photos and videos."
PortalPlayer and CSR will provide a joint demonstration of their work thus far at the 3GSM World Congress 2006, taking place in the Spanish city of Barcelona from February 13th to 17th.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:22 AM
Comedian claims world podcasting record
British comedian Ricky Gervais has entered the Guinness Book of Records for having the most downloaded podcast.
"The Ricky Gervais Show" was downloaded an average 261,670 times per episode for listening to on the Apple iPod and other music players in its first month of airing.
The Positive Internet Company has been supporting the website of the Guardian newspaper, where the podcast is available, since December last year.
The record certificate was presented to Gervais and co-stars Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington at the Guardian's headquarters earlier this week.
Provided it does not get beaten in the meantime, an entry will also be included in the 2007 edition of the Guinness World Records book later in the year.
Gervais said that the show, which regularly tops the iTunes chart, had been more fun than many of his other projects, including TV shows The Office and Extras.
Chris Glenday, editor of the Guinness Book of World Records, said: "People say that there's nothing new under the sun, that there’s nothing left to discover and no records left to be set.
"But this new podcasting achievement shows that there’s always scope for record breaking."
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:21 AM
February 09, 2006
Colourful iPod cases launched
Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) has unveiled a new range of hard protective iPod cases for Apple's iPod nano.
The nanoShell cases come in five different colours and protect the iPod screen from scratches and other damage while on the move.
However, the screen remains unobscured, and the all-important click wheel is easily accessible through an opening in the shell.
All the cases cost $14.99, and the range includes colours dubbed Crystal Clear, Tech Lime, Perfect Purple, Indigo Blue and Pretty in Pink.
With high-tech gadgets increasingly replacing more traditional gifts, the latter might make a particularly nice Valentine's Day present for a loved one.
Each iPod case also comes with a choice of two different backings, one complete with a belt clip for portable ease.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:58 AM
iTunes counting down to billionth download
Apple has announced that the person to download the billionth music track from its iTunes Music Store will receive a bumper pack of prizes from the firm.
The service has approximately 50 million sales yet to make before it reaches the milestone, and it has added a live "countdown" online to allow iTunes users to participate in the fun as they add to their iPodiPod collections.
A 4GB iPod nano and iTunes gift voucher worth $100 will go to somebody for every 100,000 songs downloaded from now, with the billionth customer bagging ten 60GB black and white versions of the iPod nano, as well as an Apple Mac computer and $10,000 worth of downloads.
In addition Apple has said it will fund a new music scholarship at a top US university, named in the winner's honour.
"Just think: you could help launch the careers of an entire generation of musicians," the company stated on its website.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:57 AM
February 08, 2006
Apple adds to iTunes TV
Apple has announced that it now has over 50 TV shows available for US customers to download to the iPod from its iTunes Music Store.
The company has just added content from CBS Corporation's subscription-based channel Showtime Networks, including Sleeper Cell and Weeds, both up for Golden Globe awards this year.
The programmes will cost $1.99 per episode, and represent "a tremendous opportunity for non-subscribers to sample Showtime's programming", said Matthew Blank, chairman of Showtime.
Eddy Cue, Apple vice president for iTunes, added: "With over 12 million videos sold, iTunes provides the best way for consumers to discover, purchase and download video online."
iTunes also offers over two million songs and 3,000 music videos for downloading and storing on the iPod.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:40 AM
New iPod nano unveiled
Apple has launched a new cheaper version of its iPod nano with 1GB of storage, which is enough for 240 songs to be stored.
Priced at $149 (£109), the new iPod nano will make a more affordable Valentine's Day present than the 2GB and 4GB models, which cost $199 and $249 respectively.
Apart from the storage, however, the 1GB model closely mirrors the others, being the same size and having an identical colour screen and click wheel.
The iPod comes in both black and white models, and includes a pair of iPod headphones, an iPod case and a USB 2.0 cable for connection to Mac or Windows computers.
At the same time Apple announced that it would be cutting the cost of its 512MB and 1GB iPod shuffle music players to $69 and $99 respectively.
The new iPod nano could also be used to hold up to 150,000 photos.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:39 AM
February 07, 2006
New use for old iPods
iPod owners who find their devices are defective will now be able to transfer data off their hard drives thanks to a new conversion kit from Addonics Technologies.
The Toshiba 1.8-to-2.5-inch IDE hard drive connector converter can transform the iPod drive into a 2.5-inch drive to connect it to a computer.
If then also adding the Addonics 2.5-to-3.5-inch converter kit, the IDE connector can be connected to the 40 pin IDE cable common to desktop computers, servers and industrial PCs.
The company's accompanying Pocket ExDrive enclosure and USIB cable could also be used to turn the 1.8-inch drive into an external or removable hard drive.
At just $14.99 the technology means the iPod hard drive can be reused if it fails outside its warranty period, although the USB and enclosure capability comes at a cost of $69.95.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:11 AM
Kiwali launches arty iPod covers
Digital designer Kiwali has come up with a new range of visually interesting adhesive iPod nano covers with original designs.
The NanoDeco iPod accessories build on the success of the ShuffleDeco line already on the market, with ten different designs printed on naster poly using special enhanced inks, and covering both the front and back of the iPod nano.
Paul Lee, Kiwali director of marketing, said: "We've received rave reviews about the sophisticated look of our ShuffleDeco product line, but NanoDeco features even more incredible designs that just has to be seen to be believed."
These include a 60s-inspired cover with a Kungfu theme, "Retro Fury", and the gothic design dubbed "Magik and Lace".
The repositionable adhesive means the covers can be easily added and removed to provide practical and stylish protection from scratches when using the iPod nano on the move.
NanoDeco covers are currently available with a 10 per cent discount for the launch period, and usually sell for $15 each.
Mr Lee said: "It's a fabulous standalone fashion accessory or a fantastic complement to an existing favourite accessory."
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:09 AM
February 06, 2006
Apple files for touch-screen patent
Apple has filed a patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office for touch-screen technology that recognises specific gestures, and which could be intended for use in its range of portable devices including the iPod.
The approved document makes reference to a computer method for processing various touch inputs, which includes reading data from a touch-sensitive screen with multipoint capabilities and identifying a multipoint gesture from the same device.
Illustrations accompanying the patent suggest a tablet-style piece of equipment, and show what appears to be a wheel being rotated similar to the iPod's click wheel.
The patent also makes specific reference to rotating, zoom and pan gestures.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:29 AM
All aboard the iPod ship
The Royal Navy has stepped firmly into the modern, hi-tech age, launching a new warship that comes complete with iPod charging points.
After a long day on deck, crew aboard the HMS Darling will now be unable to unwind in their cabins by listening to their favourite music tracks on their portable players using their new iPod accessories.
In addition to the iPod docking stations, cabins on the 150m Type 45 Destroyer will have internet access and a CD player, as well as five radio channels.
At around £605 million, the 14-deck, 7,350 tonne ship is one of the most expensive ever designed for the Navy, and is scheduled to enter service for the first time in 2009.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:28 AM
February 03, 2006
Value Alliance launches video podcast
The iPod is primarily thought of as an entertainment device, but now, building on its educational potential evidenced in schools and colleges, it turns out that it could also be of benefit to business users in the boardroom.
US firms The Value Alliance and AthenaOnline have come together to create the world's first video podcast to cover issues of corporate governance.
Issues of best practice discussed include regulatory and accounting matters, shareholder relations and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
It also covers possible future business trends, which executives will be able to consider at work, on the move and while relaxing at home.
AthenaOnline is a sister company of the Institute for Management Studies (IMS) and publishes a range of e-knowledge products over the internet and on CD-Rom.
The Value Alliance offers advice to companies about building up the relationship between management, board and shareholders.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 08:53 AM
iPod given a new loving look
A new leather luxury iPod case has been launched in time for Valentine's Day.
With "his and her" varieties in sleek black and "candy" pink real leather, Disruptive Technology Channels' LeatherJacket provides stylish protection for the iPod nano and iPod video.
The case, part of the company's GEAR4 line, also has a soft velvet lining, a powerful magnetic button to keep it closed when on the move and a detachable belt clip, making it the ultimate in sophisticated iPod accessories.
However, the design of the cases means that the iPod's screen and click wheel remain unobstructed.
Tom Dudderidge, Disruptive managing director, said: "The LeatherJacket is one of many new exciting products to be launched within the next few weeks from GEAR4.
"With all the recent press attention that iPod’s have received lately about scratches, the launch of the LeatherJacket couldn’t come at a better time.
"This now means that iPods can be kept in pristine condition whilst still looking great."
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 08:52 AM
February 02, 2006
Advertisers get ingenious with the iPod
Advertisers are trying to get around the advert-free nature of the iPod in increasingly innovative ways, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Firms are concerned that they may lose audiences for their products as more and more people now opt to download ad-free TV shows from the iTunes store.
However, the wiser ones are "creating new, subtler pitches to bracket shows attractive to their target audiences", for example by using podcasts that could themselves be considered entertainment and are made available on certain popular websites.
And other companies are recycling used TV slots at the beginning of TV files, diversifying away from the standard ad format.
For example, Budweiser brewer, Anheuser-Busch, is transforming its ad into a quirky mini-documentary, with one Ted Ferguson performing a series of daredevil feats for free beer.
"The content has to be unique and different," said the company's spokeswoman, Marlene Coulis.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 08:45 AM
Red iPod rumoured
Rumour has it that Apple may launch a red version of the iPod to symbolise the global fight against AIDS.
Rock star Bono is understood to have approached the US company as part of his "Product Red" project, which was recently unveiled at the Davos Wold Economic Forum.
The idea is that some of the world's largest companies will launch red versions of their well-known product brands, donating around 40 per cent of the resulting profits to the new AIDS charity.
A message on the website Popbitch reported that Bono had been overheard in a restaurant saying the words "a new charity red Amex card and red iPod". Speculation then began to mount when American Express was indeed confirmed to be involved.
Companies already persuaded to participate include American Express, GAP and Giorgio Armani.
Apple, however, declined to comment on the speculation.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 08:44 AM
February 01, 2006
Halfords introduces iPod car sound system
Halfords has added Sony's iPod-compatible car sound system to its product range.
The Sony CDX-GT300 Si comes complete with a lead for connecting it to the iPod.
The system has seven preset tone curves, in-built capability to compress digital music files and a front panel auxiliary input, according to MacWorld.
Sound quality is ensured with two sets of preamp outputs - rear ones that can be put into subwoofer mode, which drive up to four 50W speakers.
There is also an AM/FM radio tuner, and the whole system is priced at £199.99.
Telematics Research Group (TRG) recently predicted that 73 million cars worldwide would be hooked up to iPods by 2011.
The decision to sell the Sony CDX-GT300 Si is therefore part of the retail chain's longer-term vision.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:41 AM
Analyst confident of Apple performance
An analyst has predicted that Apple's annual performance is on track "for continued growth and share price appreciation over the long-term".
UBS's Benjamin Reitzes pointed to "several fundamental positives" in a note to investors, while acknowledging the risk associated with the move to Intel technology.
Expected developments this year include the launch of iBooks some time early in the next quarter, a possible "media hub" product, more iPod models towards the year-end, and a new mobile phone product on the cards.
Mr Reitzes added that with the iTunes music store Apple remained in the best position to capitalise on the trend for digital content downloads, and said he did not see possible services from Microsoft and Google as an immediate competitive threat.
Making a slight adjustment to his previous prediction, the analyst estimated sales of 10 million iPods in the current quarter, but raised the average selling price (ASP) from $210 to $226, according to the Apple Insider.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:40 AM