April 2006 Archives
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April 28, 2006
iPod skins for art lovers
Art lovers looking to spice up their iPod might want to check out Gelaskins' range of covers.
The skins aim to be a cut above others on the market, being both stylish and distinctive.
They come in a range of eye-catching designs, some of which have a cheeky stab at artworks known and loved.
One design, available for the iPod nano, copies an image from Michaelangelo's painting for the Sistine Chapel but adds a tentacled alien for quirky measure.
Other skins accurately depict classic paintings, such as the Bosch Garden of Earthly Delights, ideal for those looking for a bit of surreal fun.
And romantics out there can smooch away with a skin of Gustav Klimt's Kiss.
The skins are currently available for the iPod video, the iPod nano, the iPod mini and the 4G iPod.
Prices start at around £8.30 and are available from the website now.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:53 AM
April 27, 2006
Getting nautical with iPod cases
Italian leather merchants Orbino have come up with new iPod cases that take a "nautical but nice" theme.
The new Cambio case from Orbino was designed to recall the days of yore, when sailors, gentlemen and explorers journeyed the high seas.
Inspired by the quality and durability of hand-crafted materials used on yachts that had to endure harsh weather and sea conditions, the new cases are robust yet stylish and elegant.
They feature a polished palladium frame and a spring loaded clip, setting them above other, less lovingly made cases on the market.
The slightly quirky nautical theme is extended further when it comes to the colour of the skins, which are finished with edge staining and buffed with protective polish.
This means the leather skins will "mellow with age", giving an antiquated distressed look.
Sailing enthusiasts or simply those who are looking for something on the nautical side can buy the iPod cases now for £60.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:48 AM
April 26, 2006
iPod Playlist hits Philadelphia
Playlist, the iPod DJ club, is to convene again in Philadelphia on May 1st at the Khyber, where rockers, ravers and general misbehavers can all meet to listen to each other's favourite tunes.
The Playlist club originated in London, as an opportunity for iPod enthusiasts to bask in the spotlight as they play their favourite tracks to fellow partygoers.
All are welcome to attend the free events, with budding DJs each given a 15 minute slot to squeeze in their tracks.
And based on previous playlists, audiences can expect every genre to be covered, including classic rave tunes, dub cuts, country standards and pure cheese.
At a recent event in London, partygoers danced to LCD Soundsystem, The Jam, Franz Ferdinand and The Stooges.
But they were also subjected to The Wurzels, Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner's take on the Pulp classic Common People, highlighting the diversity and randomness of people's choices.
DJs who play the best list, as judged by event organisers, win an iPod related prize, such as a speaker system.
Playlist also has events in Paris, with one in Beijing still in planning stages, but expected soon.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:55 AM
April 25, 2006
Neuroscience taught with iPod
Students at the Miller School of Medicine in Miami are as likely to have neuroscience lectures on their iPod as they are to have the latest tunes by Gnarls Barkley.
Reports from macon.com suggest that lecturers at the university are capitalising on the growing popularity of the digital player by releasing their lectures as videos, or "vodcasts", capable of being viewed on the iPod.
Dr Ron Clark, responsible for a neuroscience module, produces vodcasts that combine various media ranging from voice to animation to describe the action of the brain and visual system.
Mr Clark said: "I teach about the brain and we learn in different ways.
"Some students love to read primarily. Some are good with audio. Some with video. This has both and images are important on the national board exams for students."
He added: "If this is something they can go over in less time and review a whole subject matter several times it should be advantageous."
So far, the vodcasts have been a roaring success, with pupils claiming they free up time from note-taking in lectures and are ideal for reinforcing ideas to get them learnt.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:33 AM
April 24, 2006
Pukka iPod podcast
Budding chefs can get cooking advice directly on their iPod from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, as he is set to produce a podcast later this year.
Oliver has called on those looking for some help with their cooking to get in touch with him on a dedicated telephone number, leaving him a message with their culinary problem.
The loveable "geezer", who recently earned respect for his campaign for school dinners, says he'll only use the best and funniest messages, with the hotline only open for a limited period of time.
He said: "[If] you can't get your souffle to rise, your meringue to stiffen or your cream to peak - let us know and your message might be in with a chance of making it on to the show."
Cookery shows to be played on the iPod are already a success, with chefs such as Eric Rupert capitalising on iPod users' appetite for cooking advice.
Amateur cooks in need of some Oliver help can phone his podcast telephone line now, details of which are available from the website.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:46 AM
April 20, 2006
Free cartoons for iPod users
iPod owners in need of some light relief can download classic cartoons to their players courtesy of website refrederator.com.
The daily podcast features old public domain cartoons, featuring characters now familiar to all.
Episodes produced by Warner Brothers and starring early incarnations of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig are available, as are shorts with Betty Boop, Mighty Mouse and Felix the Cat.
New episodes appear on the site on a daily themed basis, with the first week having cartoons linked to Mother Goose.
So far this week the website has uploaded two cartoons based on the Big Bad Wolf, including one intriguing and rather surreal Merry Melody feature called Pigs in Polka, which has is the story of the Three Little Pigs set to Brahms' Hungarian Dances.
The cartoon was nominated for an Oscar in 1943 and spoofs an earlier take on the folk tale by Disney to comic effect, including a Fantasia-style parody.
iPod video users can watch the shows by downloading them from iTunes or alternatively by heading over to the website.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:48 AM
April 19, 2006
Pimp my iPod
Hit MTV show Pimp My Ride, is to use the Apple iPod in over a third of its automobile makeovers this season.
The popular programme hosted by rapper Xzibit, sees viewers with old, battered vehicles and a sob-story to boot, get their cars "pimped" up with the latest technology and street worthy designs.
The Washington Post reports that the latest season of the programme, which has a UK version presented by hip-hop DJ Tim Westwood, will feature iPods in a significant number of its transformations.
A 1990 Toyota Celica will be given an iPod in one episode that contains a mind-blowing two-terabytes – enough capacity to listen to music for a year without hearing the same song twice.
And ordinary car-users can join in with iPod connectivity, Apple's car connection system, which allows a single dashboard jack to pump out tunes while keeping the iPod powered up.
Several carmakers are beginning to offer iPod integration jacks as standard with their vehicle, with BMW and Mercedes setting the trend in the US.
However the most popular way of currently listening to iPods in cars by far, is wireless transmission to car stereos.
New government rulings in Europe, changing the rules on FM transmission will hopefully mean wireless iPod transmitters will take off in the UK soon.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:52 AM
April 18, 2006
Magpie Outfits dress up iPod
The new Magpie Outfit is ideal for the fitness fashionista, allowing iPod owners to dress their players to match the style of their music.
Designed specifically for running purposes, the Outfit comes with a belt clip and a keychain allowing it to be carried with ease on long-runs as it is easily attached to a backpack.
The case was created after Magpie's owner, Maggie Stephens, failed to a find a suitable, good-looking cover for her iPod when training for a marathon.
Ms Stephens said: "I wanted an iPod case that fit my personality.
"I couldn't find anything that was darling and sweat proof, with a good belt clip. So I designed my own."
Given Magpie's previous track-record for girly accessories, it shouldn't be long before runners will be seen on the streets bearing Magpie Outfits.
Other successful items in the Magpie range have been featured in InStyle and Glamour magazines and worn by celebrities ranging from singer-songwriter Liz Phair to pint-sized actress Dakota Fanning.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:35 AM
April 13, 2006
Prescott's iPod playlist
Punching, "two Jag" Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, has revealed he is a member of the iPod generation by giving details of his favourite current playlist.
Mr Prescott talked candidly about his favourite films and music in an interview with a Bristol community radio station, reports the Independent.
While Mr Prescott's taste in jazz was predictably represented on his iPod nano, his other track favourites surprised listeners in their diversity and eclecticism.
Listeners heard how Mr Prescott apparently break-dances at home to A 5th of Beethoven – a seventies disco version of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.
He also disclosed that his favourite songs were based on stories, one of which being "Fairground" by Simply Red, which was perhaps an unsurprising choice given that Mick Hucknall is a keen Labour supporter.
Mr Prescott commented on the track: "I love fairgrounds. I just like walking round fairgrounds."
Other song favourites showed the Deputy PM isn't entirely lacking in taste, as he chose jazz classic Strange Fruit by Billie Holliday and a Town Called Malice by mod icons The Jam.
But perhaps the strangest revelation of all came when Mr Prescott said he would have picked Marlon Brando in his prime to take the lead role in a biopic of his life.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:44 AM
April 12, 2006
iPod vending machines released
A company in San Francisco hopes to satisfy people's cravings for mobile mp3 players through its iPod vending machine.
Zoom systems has built on the concept of the humble vending machine by creating Zoom Shops – 40 square foot "robotic stores" that hold everything from computer accessories and cosmetics to the Apple iPod.
The company is confident that this new style of retailing will be embraced by shoppers and is releasing 3,000 machines across the US this year.
Coming with graphic touch screens and networked to provide the latest product info, the stores usher in a futuristic style of retailing for the technology market.
Tyler Dickman, owner of Mac Something told BYU Newsnet that the machines are ideal for selling iPods.
He said: "With iPods, I think it's a smart idea…the things aren't really information-intense, so I think people can handle that much on their own."
There are no plans yet to introduce the machines to the UK market, though Zoom systems hopes to have around 10,000 machines available in the US within the next five years.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:29 AM
April 11, 2006
iPod users go ape
iPod video users can beat their chests with joy as T3 is giving away free download clips from its website of Peter Jackson's King Kong.
The offer, to coincide with the movie's release on DVD, allows iPod video owners to watch four hair-raising clips from the action epic on their digital players.
Starring Oscar winners Adrien Brody and Naomi Watts and featuring funny-man Jack Black, the film is a rollercoaster ride of a movie updating the thirties classic with new technology to thrilling effect.
Though the story may be familiar, those who haven't seen the film will be shocked by the realism with which the filmmakers brought the over-sized ape to life – partly thanks to Gollum actor Andy Serkis.
The two-disc DVD, released yesterday, provides exclusive footage on how the film was made totalling over three hours of bonus material.
Monkey maniacs can buy the DVD now for £25 in high streets, or tempt themselves with the free downloads available at the T3 website now.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:33 AM
April 10, 2006
Getting fit with your iPod
iPod users can now get fit with the help of celebrity fitness trainers thanks to a new service from Podfitness.
Workout programmes from top fitness coaches can be downloaded at a cut price from the company site – ideal for those who want to save time and money.
The trainers involved even include those responsible for getting top celebs such as Britney Spears and Jennifer Garner into shape.
Mike Young of Xcell Fitness had glowing comments for the service, telling website KUTV.com: "It’s very simple, very easy to use, very user friendly."
Another advantage is that unlike fitness videos and DVDs, the programmes constantly change providing variety, which is essential for keeping users interested and targeting diverse body parts.
Podfitness thinks it’s the celebrity tag that will draw users to the service as the public longs for affordable, accessible ways of copying their favourite stars' looks.
Future improvements to the service include a planned facility for iPod video users.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:43 AM
April 07, 2006
Name change for funky iPod cases
US-based PodFunk has announced that its wide range of iPod accessories, including a new line of iPod cases, will now go under the name of ZoFunk.
The ZoFunk team targets trendy urban types with stylish and slim iPod cases, the next line-upset to be designed specifically for the iPod video.
The company says its new iPod cases will be available in a choice of four colours: black, blue, green and red and will feature a screen protector, earphone covers and a separate cover for the click wheel. The covers will be made of silicone with a dust proof coating, preventing unwanted scratches from winding up on the screen and shell.
The new line of cases follows the Zofunk Winks range, which are 1mm iPod cases for protecting the iPod nano. The dock connector of this iPod case can flip open and the iPod can be connected to the universal docking cradle while still inside.
A spokesperson for the company commented: "We have laboured many hours to come up with a unique trendy design which is acceptable to all ages."
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 11:52 AM
April 06, 2006
iPod logophiles embrace dictionary
A leading American English dictionary is now available to be used specifically on the Apple iPod.
Merriam-Webster, one of America's top dictionary-makers, has developed an easy-to-use product that will mean iPod owners are never stuck for words.
The utility is available on 3G, 4G and 5G iPods, as well as the iPod nano and the iPod mini, according to gadget website mobiletechreview.com.
Manufacturers say the tool is very easy to use, making the most of the iPod's intuitive and user-friendly design.
To find the definition of a word, users select the first letter of the word they're after, do the same with the second and third letters and finally scroll down to locate their chosen word on the displayed list.
Future iPod releases by Miriam-Webster include a thesaurus, rhyming dictionary and atlas.
Patriotic Americans can also download free documents for their iPods from the producers' site such as the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
The dictionary is available directly from Miriam-Webster's website and retails for around £5.60.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:25 AM
April 05, 2006
iTunes offers concert tickets
Apple is offering iPod owners tickets for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers North America Tour on the iTunes Music Store.
In a deal with Warner Bros. Records, the pre-sale concert tickets can be bought when Chilli Peppers fans pre-order the band's new double album Stadium Arcadium. The album can be downloaded from iTunes on its release this May.
Teaming up with Ticketmaster iPod owners who pre-order will then be given an exclusive email code for booking tickets for the gig before they go on general release. Fans with an iPod can snap up a ticket as early as May 9th, four days before they are officially available.
Pre-ordering the album also entitles iPod owners to a download of the new single Dani California as well as other bonus content such as an audio interview with the band.
Later this month iTunes will also begin selling Chilli Peppers music video downloads for watching on the iPod video.
Eddy Cue, vice president of iTunes, said: "We've put together a package that's unrivalled in the music industry for launching a new album, exclusive videos and a concert tour."
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 10:20 AM
April 04, 2006
iPod owners make most of mobile music
Owners of digital music players such as Apple's iPod have a greater appetite for accessing music on their mobile phones, according to new research.
M:Metrics' February Benchmark Survey finds that while iPod owners account for just 14.4 per cent of the mobile phone market, they represent almost 30 per cent of people who listen to music on their mobiles, as well as 30 per cent of those who watch video.
iPod owners are more likely to choose to watch live or streaming video or download a short video clip, the survey found.
They are also over twice as likely as other mobile subscribers to use these features on their mobile phone and three times more likely to transfer music from computer to mobile.
iPod users also appear to be happier to pay the price of downloads, while enthusiasm for content is generally greater in the iPod population than among owners of alternative music players.
Mark Donovan, vice president and senior analyst, said: "This data indicates that digital media consumers want to access their media from their phones, across a multitude of platforms.
"There is clearly demand for converged mobile devices among those who lead a digital lifestyle to enhance, not necessarily replace, their existing digital media devices."
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 01:04 PM
April 03, 2006
iPod pray-as-you-go
Stressed, lost and wayward commuters in need of spiritual guidance can now listen to prayer sessions on an Apple iPod, courtesy of the British Jesuits.
The new podcast service includes music and Bible readings and poses questions for reflection – aiming to bring those travelling on the Tube or on buses closer to God.
Though sticking to a basic format the material varies on a daily basis, keeping content fresh.
Reverend Peter Scally, director of Jesuit Media Initiatives who runs the scheme, told Kansas.com: "So many people have been enthused by pray-as-you-go that we are left in no doubt that it is addressing a very real need in people's spiritual lives."
Website pray-as-you-go.org, which carries the iPod and mp3 player service, also has breathing and body exercises to calm anxiety-ridden commuters who are not religiously inclined.
Music recently featured in the podcasts includes compositions by Byrd and Purcell, with singing performances by the nuns of St Cecelia's Abbey.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:31 AM