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March 2007 Archives

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March 30, 2007

iPod and iPhone market 'to double'

The market for media and music players, currently led by the iPod and soon to include the iPhone, is set to double between 2005 and 2010, according to analysts at iSuppli.

New research from the group has shown that the iPod and the iPhone are among the fastest-growing segments of the consumer electronics industry.

Unit shipments for portable devices such as these will rise to 268.6 million units in 2011, undergoing a 13 per cent growth rate from 128.7 million units in 2005.

Chris Crotty, senior analyst for consumer electronics at iSuppli, said: "A major driving factor behind this growth is the fact that PMP/mp3 players take advantage of the internet more than other consumer electronic devices, giving users the ability to quickly and easily sample, acquire and share media."

He added that the expanding catalogue of media content and the increasing affordability of the players also helps to drive the "rapid market expansion".

Posted by ipodworld at 09:24 AM

March 29, 2007

HandStands creates iSnug set for iPod nano

HandStands has created a selection of iPod accessories with the iSnug Accessory Kit.

A combination of a leather slipcase and a hard-shell cocoon for the iPod, the iSnug has been described by iPod Garage as "a strong execution of a good idea".

The new pack contains a car charger, FM transmitter, audio and video cable and a headphone splitter, inside a protective iSnug case.

Designed for the iPod video and the iPod nano, the iSnug Accessory Kit is claimed to provide "great value" to any iPod owner.

Jade Hansen, product manager at the group, said: "Typically these products separately retail for close to $100.

"We've found a niche in the market by offering unique, yet valuable products like this."

HandStands is now selling the kit at a reduced price of $45.99 (£23.40).

Established in 1983, the company was one of the first to sell mousepads and now caters for both retail and promotional channels.

Its products include iGadget Grips for attaching the iPod to a car dashboard and the iSnug Armband for use while exercising.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:37 AM

March 28, 2007

DLO Twister unveils new iPod nano case

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters has unveiled the DLO Twister, a dual-cover fashion case for the iPod nano.

The DLO Twister provides the user with two looks for their iPod, a choice between distressed leather and a Burberry-inspired plaid design.

Hand-stitched, the cover offers protective padding to give extra protection, while full access is available to the click-wheel controls.

Marcia Germ, director of product development for DLO, said: "What you have on the outside of your iPod can say as much about you as what's inside.

"Why then should you settle for just one look when searching for the perfect case for your nano?"

The DLO Twister retails at $24.99 (£12.70).

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters also offer the DLO Action Jacket, allowing users to carry their iPod nano as an armband or belt-clip while exercising.

Chargers and docks are also available from the group.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:33 AM

March 27, 2007

Griffin launches iTrip for iPod nano

Griffin Technology's iTrip has been updated for the iPod nano, enabling users to send music from the device to a nearby FM stereo.

Similarly to previous versions of the device, the iTrip for iPod nano will allow users to view setup and control information on the SmartDisplay screen, while adjusting volume on the SmartSense volume control.

The device is powered from the nano, although Griffin has also included a mini USB port to allow charging during use.

Griffin has also developed a technology called DistortionFree that adjusts output volume for distortion-free play.

The iTrip for iPod nano is available now at a cost of £34 including VAT.

Griffin Technology said: "iTrip for iPod nano interfaces with the user in a completely original way.

"It uses the nano's own clear, bright screen to display tuning and setup information - this efficient approach makes iTrip for nano the slimmest, lightest and best-looking iPod accessory ever."

Posted by ipodworld at 09:19 AM

March 26, 2007

Logic 3 creates i-Station Traveller speakers

Logic 3 has created new lightweight speakers that can also be used as a stand for the iPod.

Available in pink, red, blue, green, silver and black, the Logic 3 i-Station Traveller speakers retail at £20 and are described as "cheap and cheerful" by Pocket Lint.

The speakers connect through a 3.5-millimetre jack, enabling it to be plugged into a PSP or DS Lite as well as an iPod.

The folding design allows users to pull the speakers apart to form a base for the iPod.

Logic 3 is a division of SpectraVideo, which was founded in 1977 and began distributing video games and PC accessories in 1983.

It now claims to be "one of the world's largest iPod accessory and video game accessory companies", selling Logic 3 and other brand products in Europe, the US, Mexico and the Far East.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:47 AM

March 23, 2007

iGod brings sermons to iPod users

An Auckland vicar is making it possible for iPodusers to download sermons onto their devices, it has been reported.

Reverend Clay Nelson has started to release weekly addresses from St Matthew-in-the-city in New Zealand as part of his online initiative, according to Stuff.

Some 2,000 people subscribe to the service, from places including Britain, Dubai and Tanzania.

He said: "Our main motivation for doing this is to reach people all over the world.

"We are not exactly doing it to fill pews here."

The reverend, who describes himself as a "techno-geek", is planning to install five web cameras in the church.

He is also set to create an online congregation through the Second Life alternative reality phenomenon and his sermons are available through St Matthew’s Godcast website.

Sermons currently available on the website include The Whole Truth and A Klingon Word From The Word.

Posted by ipodworld at 10:09 AM

March 22, 2007

Apple TV brings iTunes to the big screen

Apple, creator of the iPod, has brought iTunes to the big screen with the launch of its Apple TV.

With the new interface, users can browse and view their collection of digital media just as they would on the small screen of the iPod, using the remote control to play films, television shows, music, photos and podcasts.

Retailing at $299, the Apple TV connects to any modern widescreen television via an HDMI port or component video and audio ports.

The built-in, superfast 802.11 wireless capability syncs the iTunes library from any Mac or PC in the building.

Film trailers from Apple.com can also be shown, while digital photographers can stream photos from iPhoto, Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Album in high definition to create a big-screen slideshow.

The group stated that the product will "change the way you watch digital media".

Jonathan Hoopes, an analyst for ThinkEquity Partners in New York, described the new device as "an iPod for the home".

Posted by ipodworld at 09:38 AM

March 21, 2007

Denison creates iPod products for cars

A range of iPod car kits has been created by Denison, allowing iPod users to listen to their tunes through existing car radios.

The Denison ice Link Plus, Denison FM Modulator and Denison Gateway adaptors are all fully compatible with all iPod products except the shuffle, while fitted kits are available for all car models.

Supplier iPod Car Kit Direct said: "iPod enthusiasts who would like to transform their dull car radios into a 21st century digital iPod stereo can find the iPod car kit or adaptor they need online at iPod Car Kit Direct."

Ownership of digital music players more than tripled between 2005 and 2006, now comprising 27 per cent of the world's population, according to Solutions Research Group.

Denison's products allow users to charge their devices and control their music selection via steering wheel controls.

The Denison Sony ice Link Plus caters to after-market radios, while the Gateway products provide multiple device adapters.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:52 AM

March 20, 2007

Philips launches iPod kitchen entertainment

Philips has launched a new iPod accessory for the kitchen.

The new DCD778 can be attached as an overhead kitchen entertainment unit, enabling the user to listen to his or her iPod or to view DVDs, VCDs and MP3 CDs while cooking.

It also boasts an ATSC/NTSC (Advanced/National Televisions Systems Committee) tuner and has an AM/FM radio.

The system will retail at $400 (£205).

Gizmodo said: "Can't bear to spend an hour without your iPod?

"Philips' under-the-cabinet DCD778 docking system lets you dock and hang your significant other from your kitchen cupboards."

Meanwhile, Wall Street analyst Gene Munster has predicted "huge potential" for the soon-to-be-released AppleTV device, Market Watch reported.

The eight-by-eight-inch product includes 40 gigabytes of storage, holding up to 50 hours of music and television shows.

He expects Apple to sell two million AppleTVs in 2007.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:25 AM

March 19, 2007

Mickey Mouse iPod nano to be launched

A special edition of the iPod nano is set to be launched especially for kids and Mickey Mouse fans.

The new Mickey Mouse-engraved iPod nano has been created by Japan's Run-at and will be available from May this year.

A svelte leather case is included with the two-gigabyte device, alongside stickers and a card showing the set's ID number.

Costing $114 (£58.60) each, a limited number of 999 sets are due for release.

Crunch Gear said: "Walt Disney may have been a nut, but he sure did love making children happy with his cartoons, especially good ole' Mickey Mouse.

"That's why we so thoroughly enjoy this Mickey Mouse-engraved nano from Japan's Run-at."

Meanwhile, the group also offers the MixStick Mickey MP3 player, which has 512 megabytes of storage and a scroll wheel in the shape of Mickey's head.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:45 AM

March 16, 2007

Pink iPod speakers available from iHome

A new set of speakers has been created for the iPod and is now available in pink, especially designed for the ladies.

Shaped like a handbag, the iHome19 consists of two dynamic stereo strontium speakers on a zippered sports case.

The case can be attached to an exercise bike or other sports equipment.

It is also waterproof and, for those who wish not to annoy other people in the vicinity, there is the option of headphones.

Shinyshiny said: "If you're lucky enough to be lounging somewhere hot with a beach or a pool during the chilly season, the case zips up to protect your iPod but still enables you to hear your tunes through the twin micro-drive speakers."

Other recently-released iPod speakers include the Griffin Evolve wireless speakers and the Chestnut Hill Sound George speakers.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:50 AM

March 15, 2007

Cricketers succumb to iPod culture

The England cricket team is tapping into iPod culture, with the players using MP3 players to watch video analysis of their games.

After Mark Garaway took over the post of video analyst 13 months ago, he set about finding a method of converting the long-used video footage for use on portable devices.

He recently found the requisite software three weeks ago.

Mr Garaway told the BBC: "Every team will be doing the same sort of thing [video analysis] and I know others are looking into this.

"It just means you can look at it whenever you want."

The World Cup squad was this week using the devices to watch footage of Australia, while clips of New Zealand players have now been uploaded.

Future opponents can be scouted in this way and players can also see themselves at their best, which can be good for morale.

England is preparing for its opening World Cup match against New Zealand on Friday.

Posted by ipodworld at 10:05 AM

March 14, 2007

Play List Jacket created by Bagir

Bagir has created the Play List Jacket, especially for men wishing to wear an iPod with their blazer.

The group states that "now fashion and good music can go hand in hand" as the Play List Jacket integrates all the elements for the iPod into a "sleek blazer".

A pocket has been provided to hold the device, while the earphone wires can be held in place via hidden loops.

Users can adjust the volume or track on their iPod by touching soft controls inside the inner lapel.

Offer Gilboa, chief executive officer of Bagir, said: "It's the only tailored jacket in the world that has been specifically designed to be compatible with iPods."

She added that the company has targeted the jacket to the customer in the business world who is both stylish and in step with new electronics.

The group has been given a Made for iPod authorisation from Apple for its tailored clothing.

Retailing at $248 (£129), the jacket will be available later this month through Express Men stores.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:41 AM

March 13, 2007

Slappa launches UK website

Slappa, a manufacturer of digital storage products, has announced the launch of a new UK e-commerce website.

Through this website the company, which creates cases for the iPod as well as for laptops and PSPs, will enable customers to order Slappa gear in British Pounds and use a UK-based customer service centre.

Dominick Martinetti, Slappa president, said: "This new Slappa.co.uk site is the first of our European sites targeted to further strengthen our ability to better serve global customers.

"We have a loyal and growing customer base in the UK and it was time for us to give this audience their own website."

He added that the move would provide these customers with faster service and lower overall costs when buying Slappa products for iPods and other gadgets.

Current products include the PSP HardBody Dailym - available in black or white - and the d2 CD pockets.

The group also offers gift cards at values of £25, £50 and £100.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:41 AM

March 12, 2007

Apple sets marketing style guide

Apple, the creator of iPod, has received "unprecedented attention" for its new gadgets, it has been reported.

When the group showcased its iPhone at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Harvard Business School professor David Yoffie said: "No other company has ever received that kind of attention for a product launch. It's unprecedented."

He added that the "avalanche" of headlines and television coverage surrounding the iPhone has generated $400 million (£206 million) in free publicity.

Meanwhile, former Apple marketing executives spoke to USA Today about the group's lessons for effective PR.

Creating "groundbreaking" products, keeping the style simple, releasing "cool adverts", surprising people and setting up retail stores in metropolitan areas are all marketing examples set by Apple in its launch of the iPod, Jefferson Graham wrote.

In related news, Newsweek journalist Levy has written a book entitled The Perfect Thing: How the iPod Shuffles Commerce, Culture and Coolness, analysing how the device became "a near-universal object of desire", Asian Journal reported.

Posted by ipodworld at 10:04 AM

March 08, 2007

WhiteHot Productions launches iPod travel guide

WhiteHot Productions has announced the launch of a new MP3 tour guide, allowing the user to travel around cities with the aid of a personal commentary on his or her iPod.

The first Barnes & Noble Great Discoveries products to be released are guides to Florence and Venice in Italy, both to be available immediately at all US retail locations and online at the group's website.

More titles - which are all compatible with both iPods and mobile phones - will be released later this year, the company has revealed.

Bill Browne, a spokesperson for the group, said: "It's like having your own personal National Geographic expert with you everywhere you go.

"Cell phones now have the capacity to deliver products like ours and we wanted to be in the mainstream retail market so everyone has access to Great Discoveries."

Founded in 2004, WhiteHot Productions has become the market leader in MP3 personal travel tours.

The group also provides tourists with descriptions, photos, maps, building diagrams, suggested itineraries and sample audio clips.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:35 AM

March 07, 2007

Keyspan updates TuneView for iPod

A recently-launched wireless remote for the iPod, the TuneView, has been updated by its creator, Keyspan.

The TuneView for iPod has a colour LCD screen and two-way connectivity and has now been updated with firmware that increases scrolling speed, adds an ability to jump to a specific first letter and aims to improve wake-from-sleep performance.

Mike Ridenhour, president of Keyspan, said that users of the TuneView have contributed to the improvement of the device by offering their ideas.

He added: "Unlike other iPod remotes, TuneView can be updated by connecting it to the USB port on a PC or Mac and loading new firmware on to the remote.

"This provides a way to easily add new functionality to the remote."

Consisting of a dock that connects an iPod to a stereo or television, the TuneView was originally released in December last year.

Maclife commented that the remote's "Matrix-like ability" to beam through walls is impressive, allowing the user to control the iPod from different rooms and floors.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:37 AM

March 06, 2007

Deluxe dock launched

A new high-spec iPod dock has been launched by DLO, boasting a selection of unique features for iPod owners to play with.

With audio and video ports and full external connectivity the dock can be linked to a television set, giving users the option to watch videos and view images on a bigger screen. For extra convenience it also comes with a remote control, facilitating remote access.

Described as an 'entertainment dock' the DLO HomeDock Deluxe is designed to be a complete entertainment solution for the iPod, extending its use to the TV. The dock is also one of the first of its kind to feature on-TV browsing, featuring a unique menu system that allows users to search through their music and video libraries alphabetically.

A sleek, simple design makes the dock relatively discreet, with separate holders for the remote control and the iPod itself. The new HomeDock is an updated version of an earlier model, with improved design and a revised colour scheme.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:48 AM

March 05, 2007

New iPod nano cases from Speck

iPod nano owners can enjoy a range of innovative new cases offering full protection for the smaller models in the iPod range, featuring a selection of useful features.

Three new iPod cases have been developed by Speck, designed to provide comprehensive carry case solutions for the iPod nano. Special features include armband clips and in-built screen protection, with access for easy removal.

The three Speck cases offer different types of protection for iPod nanos, with a rigid snap-fit case for rugged protection, a light fabric mesh case with armband for active use and a sleek clear plastic case for everyday use.

In this way Speck is looking to meet the various needs of iPod owners with a different carry case for different occasions.

With the ongoing popularity of iPod players across the globe, manufacturers continue to develop a range of accessories including a selection of unique cases. In addition to standard cases made of plastic and textiles a few quirkier options have emerged including one made out of old seven-inch records.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:40 AM

March 02, 2007

New Titan case available soon

A new Titan Clear iPod case is soon to become available from GizMac Accessories.

The iPod accessory, designed to be tough will protect the device from damage such as scratches, while offering a number of transportation methods for the iPod nano, according to its creators.

Additionally, the iPod case promises to protect the control wheel with a thin film of material referred to as Titan Clear.

Mark Kirtner, creative director for GizMac Accessories, comments: "Apple created a great looking and colorful new line of iPod nanos ... so GizMac developed the Titan Clear iPod case to protect, use and show off the design and colours of the new nano at the same time."

Recently, Channel 4's The Gadget Show held a contest to find the toughest iPod case, during which the iPod accessories withstood paintballing, being cooked in an apple pie, being placed in a washing machine and attacked by an industrial Atlas lifter.

Posted by ipodworld at 10:14 AM

March 01, 2007

Namco releases Ms Pac-Man for iPod

Namco has released the retro Ms Pac-Man, which is compatible for use with the fifth-generation iPod and follows the release of Pac-Man last September.

Both of these "timeless" games are currently available for download from the iTunes store for $5 (£2.55) each, Geek Sugar has reported.

The iPod version of Ms Pac-Man includes four unique maze designs, 256 maze levels, coffee break animated intervals from the original game and "retro game sound options".

Multiple modes of play are featured on the game, including Original, Normal and Easy, with a high score table allowing the user to keep track of his or her performance.

Mobile Tech Review said: "Enjoy the retro action with the undisputed queen of the arcades in Ms Pac-Man by Namco, now available for the fifth-generation iPod.

"Chomp your way to a champion score as you gobble the dots, chase down delicious bouncing fruit and eat up the ghosts when they're feeling blue."

Posted by ipodworld at 09:14 AM

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