October 2006 Archives
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October 31, 2006
Tivoli iYiYi created for iPod
Tivoli has created the iYiYi Hi-Fidelity Stereo System, featuring many similarities to the group's earlier iSongBook.
With a front-mounted dock, an enhanced radio with automatic radio data system (RDS) text support and non-separatable speakers, the iYiYi is priced at $300 (£158) and is compatible with the iPod 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, nano, mini and shuffle.
The iYiYi is dubbed as "the iPod player for radio lovers" as its digital tuner includes five FM and five AM station preset buttons, as well as a 'seek' function and built-in AM and FM antennas.
Tivoli said: "The Tivoli Audio iYiYi high-fidelity stereo system for iPod is the definitive high-end home iPod player."
Made to match the iPod, the device is available in high-gloss white or high-gloss black.
The group's new remote is its most detailed yet for the iPod with 24 buttons, including source selection and sleep buttons, while the standard controls are augmented by album and playlist toggles.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:24 AM
October 30, 2006
Lily Allen reveals iPod favourites
Pop princess Lily Allen has revealed her favourite iPod tracks to the Metro, including Johnny Cash and Tina Moore in her six-track list.
Folsom Prison Blues by Cash was picked as "the song I remember from when I was a kid", from which she highlights "the prison noises" and the lyrics.
Tina Moore's Never Gonna Let You Go is placed on the list and referred to as a "bad man tune" that reminds the star of her early teenage years.
On Ragga Tip by SL2 gets Allen's feet tapping and Klaxons' Magick has a priority place on her iPod due to her liking of "new rave wave".
The last two tunes Lily reveals from her iPod collection are New Order's well-known World in Motion – which her dad, Keith Allen, co-wrote – and I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in my Hair) by Sandi Thom, which she states is her "favourite song of all time".
Lily Allen's latest single, Littlest Things, is to be released on December 11th.
Meanwhile, the singer has been nominated by Q for the magazine's Best Newcomer category, with the awards ceremony to be held tonight at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:17 AM
October 27, 2006
Apple unveils iPod touch-screen patent
A new touch-sensitive bezel has been developed by Apple for potential use with the iPod .
Entitled Electronic device having display and surrounding touch sensitive bezel for user interface and control, the patent incorporates a touch-sensitive screen-edge (bezel) which can adapt to the screen contents to allow the user to make selections.
Touch data can be generated by the bezel as the user touches it.
Apple said: "The device determines which of the controls has been selected based on which designated area is associated with the touch data from the bezel - the device then initiates the determined control."
Meanwhile, Xtreme Mac has announced its new SuperClip, a belt clip designed for the iPod nano.
Featuring a rotating clip, interior rubber pad and notches for a winding excess earbud cord, the SuperClip will retail at a price of $20 (£11) from next month.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:53 AM
October 26, 2006
Levi's jeans to house iPod pocket
Levi Strauss denim merchant has produced an innovative style of jeans which allows the wearer to control their iPod without removing it from their pocket.
RedWire DLX jeans have a miniature joystick over the pocket and built-in retractable wires, enabling access to the iPod 's buttons without removing it from the docking cradle.
The cable to connect the iPod is a shiny red colour, while the machine-washable, iPod-enabled jeans are dark blue and also available in junior sizes.
Retailing at $250 (£133), Levi's Redwire DLX jeans also include retractable headphones.
Meanwhile, the group has also revealed plans to design, produce, market and distribute a range of mobile phones for men and women in 2007, in cooperation with Modelabs Group.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:41 AM
October 25, 2006
Wake up to iPod alarm clock
Music and gadget lovers will now be able to see in each day with a song thanks to the latest iPod accessory.
Edifier MO has developed a new alarm clock with an iPod
dock, allowing people to programme the device to wake them up with their favourite tune.
And while the owner is sleeping, the iPod's battery can be charged up, meaning that both should be full of energy at the start of the next day.
The Edifier MO is shaped like a traditional circular bell-style alarm clock, although it is in fact quite different, as it cannot be used as a stand-alone item.
Since the iPod only has a small screen, it cannot display the time with a large font as it sits in the centre of the "clock", making the alarm function its main purpose.
The Edifer MO will be compatible with the iPod nano and iPod video
Posted by ipodworld at 09:08 AM
October 24, 2006
G-Tech launches iPod-enabled bags
G-Tech has created a new iPod -enabled messenger bag which includes an external speaker and a strap with a control for the MP3 player.
Available from mid-November, the bags also have a built-in extension jack which allows them to plug into laptops and any other device, routing audio through the speaker.
The bag-strap touchpad is created by Eleksen's ElekTex smart fabric controls, made of electrically conductive materials in a five-layer laminate.
Retailing at $130 (£70), the G-Tech messenger bag uses a technology that replaces hard touchpads, flexi-circuits and polymer switches, according to Gizmag gadget website.
Similar technology has been used by Eleksen for the ElekTex-powered Kenpo jacket, placing a five-button iPod switch sensor in the sleeves, including On/Off, play, pause, track change and volume buttons.
Marking the launch of the new iPod -enabled fashion, chief executive officer of Eleksen, Robin Shephard, said: "Kenpo's release of a new range of clothing and its growing adoption by some of America's largest retailers reinforces our belief that wearable electronics is beginning to hit the mainstream."
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:38 AM
October 23, 2006
DJ Krafty Kuts reveals his favourite iPod tunes
DJ Krafty Kuts, who has this month released his new album Freakshow, has revealed his top six iPod tracks to the Metro.
James Brown was referred to by the DJ as "the reason why I write such funky music", placing Give It Up Or Turn It Loose on his list of favourite iPod tunes.
T.R.O.Y by Pete Rock & CL Smooth, he remarks, is a song that addresses the death of a friend and is "beautifully produced" by Rock, who he considers to be one of the best hip hop producers.
A track which has "all those wild ingredients of funk", The Return of the Original Art Form by Major Force, is mentioned by Krafty Kuts as a classic turntable song.
Live At Union Square 86 by Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince and The Freestylers' In Love With You, a track which has an "infectious bass-line", are also recommended by the DJ.
DJ Krafty Kuts has been a part of the global breaks scene for over a decade, appearing at the Amsterdam Dance Event last week on a bill that included Paul Van Dyk.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:43 AM
October 20, 2006
Mountain biking-friendly iPod dock available from M-Infotech
M-Infotech has unveiled the IH19 iPod dock, a device which can be carried while mountain-biking and which protects the iPod as the user is enjoying the great outdoors.
According to Gizmodo online gadget guide, the dock is "shock-proof and rain-proof" and can prevent "shaking iPod syndrome".
The iPod can be strapped in to the top of the dock using the secure belt while the included speakers project the music.
Meanwhile, the dock can perform basic operations such as track change, volume control, play and pause, although it does not charge the iPod.
The IH19 is currently available in Japan for 14,800 Yen (£67).
Also newly available for the iPod is the new Cozy Tunes speaker pillow from MP3 Bits, which can plug in to the MP3 player or to a laptop, CD or DVD player and aeroplane music point.
The speaker pillow can be purchased in four colours – black, fuschia, violet and lime – and costs £19.99.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:43 AM
October 19, 2006
Apple profits driven by "strong iPod sales"
Apple Computer's fourth-quarter profits have risen by 27 per cent from the same period last year, driven by strong sales of the iPod and Macintosh computers.
The group said on Wednesday that it has shipped 8.7 million iPods, some 35 per cent more than the same quarter of its fiscal year in 2005.
Meanwhile, the back-to-school season resulted in the shipping of 1.6 million computers, breaking its previous record of 1.38 units in 2000.
Revenue for the quarter totalled $4.84 billion (£2.59 billion).
Barry Jaruzelski, a management consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, told the Sydney Morning Herald: "The iPod is still the must-have product for almost anyone under 30 and certainly for anyone under 18."
Apple's chief executive officer Steve Jobs said that the group was proud of the sales figures, which were achieved at the same time as an architectural transition.
"The strong quarter caps an extraordinary year for Apple," he added.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:48 AM
October 18, 2006
Listening guidelines published for iPod users
US researchers are to publish the first detailed guidelines on safe volume levels for listening to the Apple iPod with earphones, it has been announced.
The scientists have found that in-ear earphones are no more dangerous than headphones placed over the ears, but that many listeners raise the volume to "risky levels" when in noisy surroundings.
Findings of the study will be presented at a national conference, entitled Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Children at Work and Play, in Cincinnati later this week.
Audiologists Cory Portnuff of the University of Colorado, Terri Ives of the PCO School of Audiology in Elkins Park and Brian Fligor of the Children's Hospital Boston based their studies on the effects of listening to the Apple iPod, the iPod Nano, the iPod Mini, the Creative Zen Micro and the SanDisk Sansa.
Mr Portnuff, a PhD candidate, said: "Damage to hearing occurs when a person is exposed to loud sounds over time.
"The risk of hearing loss increases as sound is played louder and louder for longer durations."
Listening to music at full volume for more than five minutes per day could increase the risk of hearing loss in a typical person, according to the report.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 10:09 AM
October 17, 2006
Orbino launches hand-crafted iPod case
Orbino, the Italian leather goods group, has created a hand-stitched case for the iPod Video, made from metal and premium leather.
The Orbino Cambio is described by the group as "the iPod video case that has the whole world talking" and includes a spring-loaded removable metal beltclip as well as a Click Wheel ring.
Available in a range of materials in various colours, including classic calfskin, soft napas, haircalf and "exotic skins", the Orbino can also be ordered in a custom leather of choice for an added premium of $30 (£16).
The gadget website iLounge refers to the "beautiful, high quality leather" of the Cambio case and comments on the "strong first impression" it makes on the consumer.
Screen protection is also provided with the product, in the form of the Durashield heavy duty transparent insert.
Meanwhile, access to the iPod 's ports is possible, enabling consumers to use Apple's port dock connector without removing the case.
The Orbino Cambio currently retails in the US for $89 (£48).
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:55 AM
October 16, 2006
Apple to fight Aids with iPod
Apple and Motorola have joined forces to raise awareness of Aids in Africa, contributing money from the sale of new Red products to The Global Fund which aims to tackle the disease along with tuberculosis and malaria.
Some $10 (£5.38) from the sale of each iPod nano Red will be invested in the fund by Apple, while the group is also set to launch a $25 iTunes Red gift card at its retail and online stores next month.
The four-gigabyte iPod nano Red Special Edition will be sold at a cost of $199 (£107.20) in the US and online.
Meanwhile, Motorola's Red Motorazr V3m handset contains features such as a 1.3 megapixel digital camera with a four times digital zoom and video capture, playback and streaming, as well as GPS, Bluetooth, speakerphone and a MicroSD memory card slot.
Bono of rock band U2, who co-founded the fund with Bobby Shriver, said: "We're ecstatic that Apple is giving its customers the choice to buy a red iPod nano and help women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.
"It's wonderful to see this incredible level of commitment from companies that are willing to lend their creativity in the fight against AIDS in Africa, the greatest health crisis in 600 years."
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:25 AM
October 13, 2006
Bonobo reveals iPod favourites
Ninja Tune producer Bonobo has revealed his top six iPod tracks to Metro readers this week.
Joanna Newsom's En Gallop, from her album The Milk Eyed Mender, captured his attention because of the way that the singer plays her harp – "almost like Nick Drake played the guitar".
Right On for the Darkness by Curtis Mayfield was placed second in the musician's iPod tunes list for its "breathtaking" arrangements and for its influence on many contemporary bands.
Meanwhile, electronic music, jazz and funk all feature within his favourites, with Essence of Sapphire by jazz/soul artist Dorothy Ashby appealing to Bonobo because it "gets its point across and gets out".
Also included on his iPod are Meat Beat Manifesto's Radio Babylon and Freak Scene by Dinosaur Jr, due to its "urgency" and Pixies-style "quiet then very loud dynamic".
The Impossible Equation by Nostalgia 77 completes the list, described by Bonobo as having the ability to "find the aesthetic of music and flip it into something relevant now".
Bonobo's third album Days to Come was released at the beginning of this month, with a three-track single including Nightlite also on the shelves.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:54 AM
October 12, 2006
Children to carry iPods with iFrog
Children from the age of one can now carry their own iPod , with the launch of the Tadpole case from iFrogz.
Made of silicone, the Tadpole is aimed at Apple's video iPod and has two large handles on either side, allowing youngsters to maintain a grip on the device while giving parents the chance to entertain their offspring on the go.
The Tadpole weighs 2.7 ounces and measures 5.5 by 4.26 by 0.75 inches, giving improved protection without adding significant weight or taking up significant space.
iFrogz creates customised silicone iPod cases offering "unrivalled protection and style", according to the group.
Its three-part case design reflects a variety of styles and personalities, catering for iPod nano users as well as those with a 20 or 40 gigabyte fourth generation iPod, a 20 0r 30 gigabyte iPod Photo or a 30 or 60 gigabyte iPod Video.
The case costs $24.99 (£13.50) and is set to ship in December, in time for Christmas.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:44 AM
October 11, 2006
iPod Digital Drumsticks for would-be percussionists
A new iPod accessory has been made available that could provide an outlet for the next John Bonham, Keith Moon or Dave Grohl.
Available by mail order, the iPod Digital Drumsticks enable users to tap along while they listen to the beats of their favourite drummers.
The drumsticks are connected to iPod s via an electronic cable; for listeners on the move, they can be used with headphones while static listeners can also drum along to their private stereo system.
For added realism, the product comes equipped with a facility to incorporate different drumming sounds, including snare drum, bass drum, hi-hat and crash cymbal.
Alternatively, owners can choose one of six background rhythms with which to hone their ability to fashion drum solos worthy of Deep Purple.
With a recommended retail price of $29.95 (£16.14), drummers may also be interested to know that this digital accessory is significantly cheaper than traditional drum kits, which typically cost hundreds of pounds when new.
Posted by ipodworld at 10:11 AM
October 10, 2006
Belkin develops iPod accessory for extreme sports fan
Next month sees the introduction of a new product that promises to let iPod listeners play their favourite songs wirelessly, even when they're engaged in extreme sports.
The SportCommand device, from electrical accessory supplier Belkin, features a water-resistant design and flexible outer casing to protect the user's iPod from damage in the great outdoors.
Compatible with several of Apple's iPods, including the mini, first-generation and second-generation models, the SportCommand is set for its US launch in November with a European launch expected shortly.
Commenting on the new device, a spokesman for Belkin suggested that users could: "Listen to all your jams while you snowboard or bike.
"With its weather-resistant durability, the SportCommand is perfect for outdoor activities, such as snowboarding, mountain biking and hiking."
Belkin also provides a range of other accessories that are compatible with iPod s.
For instance, the company supplies TuneBase FM and TuneCommandTM AV for iPod minis, which enable iPod songs to be played through car stereos and home entertainment systems respectively.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:26 AM
October 09, 2006
Soul queen reveals iPod faves
Sultry soulstress Jocelyn Brown has revealed to the Metro her favourite six tracks that reside on her iPod .
A House Is Not A Home by Luther Vandross took top billing in the diva's favourite songs, with Promiscuous by Nelly Futado and Deja Vu by ex Destiny's Child front woman Beyonce.
Lisa McClendon's Has Anybody Seen Love? is also one of the soul legend's favourite iPod tracks.
Of A House Is Not A Home by Vandross, Brown said: "One of the most intense songs I head Luther sing. I was in the first Luther group; we did many sessions but when he sang this, it tore me up.
"It made me realise what depths Luther could go to and how wonderful he was."
Jocelyn Brown's much anticipated new album Unreleased is due to be released on October 16th.
Hailing from North Carolina, Brown has done back-up vocals for greats such as John Lennon, Janis Joplin and Boy George.
Posted by ipodworld at 08:46 AM
October 06, 2006
iPod radio transmissions "to be legalised"
The iTrip, which enables iPod users to listen to their MP3 players through a radio, is set to be legally approved.
Along with other low-power FM transmitters, the iTrip turns the iPod into a mini-radio transmitter, allowing people to broadcast their playlists.
It has previously been illegal to use such products due to the potential interference to broadcast services, but Ofcom is due to introduce the change by early December this year.
Although iTrips have been widely available on the internet, the gadgets should be available from supermarket shelves after a four-week consultation of the draft regulations - in time for the Christmas season.
A spokesman told the Metro that the group is seeking a "harmonised approach" across Europe.
The wireless devices have already been approved in Germany, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Estonia.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:40 AM
October 05, 2006
Men fork out £3k to look "cool"
Men who wish to maintain their image are spending nearly £3,000 on gadgets such as the iPod to look cool, a recent poll has shown.
The respondents to the PriceRunner comparison website survey listed Diesel jeans, adidas trainers, an Xbox 360 console, a can of Coke and an iPod among their must-haves.
Meanwhile, the survey found that Britain is one of the cheapest places in Europe to buy electronic equipment.
A spokesman for the group said: "Thanks to our low inflation, only Greece and Germany are cheaper."
PriceRunner has revealed that men in Poland spend on average £5 less than men in Britain on "cool" gadgets, while Oslo is rated the most expensive.
Homes in London can be equipped with all the latest electronic products for £1517.88, compared to a cost of £2230.59 in Stockholm.
The study showed that Britain offers the cheapest iPod nano in Europe, with an average price of £99.67, with the same device retailing at £135.33 in the Czech Republic.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:53 AM
October 04, 2006
Apple iPod named "top MP3 player"
The Apple iPod has been named first on the "top MP3 players" list published today by the Metro newspaper.
Beating the Samsung YP-Z5, the Sandisk m230 and the new Zune 30-gigabyte player to the top of the list, the iPod is described as "by far the most popular MP3 player worldwide".
Available in its traditional two colours, black and white, the latest iPod has 80 gigabytes of space for tunes, videos and photos.
The iPod will next month reach its fifth anniversary and iTunes now dominates the US download market with an 88 per cent share, according to Moneyweb.
Since its launch in 2001, some 60 million iPods have been sold, with 1.5 billion songs being bought online.
Apple's new iPod model currently retails at £260.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:45 AM
October 03, 2006
Difusi launches handcrafted iPod case
Difusi has this week released two new, handcrafted cases for the iPod nano and 5th generationiPod video (30, 60 and 80GB).
Geared at the 5th generation iPod, the videoWallet has reinforced padding, ClearGuard protection film, snap-closure and a cleaning cloth, while the nanoValet rev2 features a Caribiner clip, necklace lanyard and a belt-loop as well as the same protection film.
Retailing at $25 (£13) and $20 (£10.50) respectively, the cases are both made from "the finest" top grain sheepskin and cowhide leather, with a soft interior.
The videoWallet is available in a choice of ten colours and has an unconditional money-back guarantee, while the nanoValet also comes in a variety of colours, including red, white, green and black.
Difusi claims that its cases are designed to "look sleek and compliment any fashion".
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:24 AM
October 02, 2006
Brando iPod gadget "the best for your car"
The 4-in-1 iPod Car Kit from Brando is "probably the best iPod gadget for your car", according to Coolest Gadgets website.
Including a cradle to hold the iPod, a charger powered by the car's cigarette lighter and an FM transmitter, the kit can be controlled by remote control and listened to over the car stereo.
The iPod Car Kit is available in black or white and has an adjustable clip measuring 38mm to 95mm, with an angle adjustable arm from 0 to 180 degrees.
Weighing in at 134 grams, the kit can be used with the iPod 5G, the iPod mini, the iPod Nano, the iPod photo, the iPod 4G or the iPod 3G.
Brando is retailing the gadget at $28 (£15), which is described as "a bit of a bargain" by Coolest Gadgets.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:17 AM