June 2007 Archives
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June 29, 2007
Robot iPod accessory for sci-fi fans
Japanese gadget manufacturer Nikko has taken the world of iPod accessories into a new dimension with the launch of the R2-D2 projector.
And, yes, the R2-D2 in question is the robot from Star Wars.
The projector comes in the shape of the robot and can be controlled via a remote control, which to keep the theme going is a replica of Hans Solo's spacecraft the Millennium Falcon.
R2-D2 can provide a two-metre projection and tilts back to allow pictures to be beamed on to the ceiling, allowing users to watch their favourite sci-fi films while lying in bed.
It comes complete with an iPod dock in a hidden compartment accessed via the robot's front, permitting videos stored on the media player to be projected or audio to be played through R2-D2's integrated speaker system
The projector also has a drive for playing DVDs and CDs and video and audio ports to allow it to be connected to external devices.
R2-D2 is not yet available in the UK, but can be bought in Japan for £1,500.
Being transformed into a projector is not quite the oddest post-Star Wars moment for the robot character, as earlier this year R2-D2 featured in an edition of US television show Dancing With Stars.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 08:59 AM
June 28, 2007
AT&T 'prepared for iPhone crowds'
AT&T stores in the US are reportedly preparing to deal with huge crowds on Friday when Apple's iPhone finally goes on sale.
Plans for the iPhone, which combines an iPod, a mobile phone and remote internet access, were announced in January and anticipation has been building ever since.
A recent report by market researchers M:Metrics estimated that 19 million Americans have a "strong interest" in buying the new high-tech gadget.
In response to the expected heavy launch-day demand, AT&T, the official iPhone reseller in the US, has hired an additional 2,000 staff, including security personnel.
Mark Siegel, AT&T's director of public relations told ABC News: "We have 1,800 retail stores around the country. We have planned in great detail how to handle the influx of customers, including the need to work on security."
Some gadget-lovers in New York are determined to pick up the $500 iPhone on its release day and have been queuing outside shops since Monday.
There is currently no official European launch date for the iPhone.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:01 AM
June 27, 2007
Futuristic media viewer launched
Myvu Corporation yesterday announced the full launch of its wearable Made for iPod personal media viewer.
The innovative viewer comes in the form of a pair of wraparound sunglasses, which connect to an iPod video to allow the wearer to watch movies on their personal display.
Myvu claims the futuristic looking headset provides an "exceptional viewing experience" for people on the move and that using the Made for iPod is "comparable to [watching] a large TV screen from nearly two metres away".
Company president Kenneth Kokinakis said that the mobile entertainment market is "exploding" and predicted that the headset would prove to be a hit.
"Myvu is the hot accessory for iPod video and it comes at the perfect time, filling a void that the market has overlooked for some time," said Mr Kokinakis.
The Made for iPod costs £229.95 and comes with a slim lithium battery that provides eight hours of viewing time, noise reducing earbuds and a travel case.
One potential customer is rock singer, political activist and perennial shades wearer Bono, as the manufacturer points out that not only is the headset compatible with 30, 60 and 80 GB iPods, it also works with the U2 special edition iPod.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 08:58 AM
June 26, 2007
New iPod speaker caters for cyclists
Music-loving cyclists can now shun earphones following the launch of a new bicycle-friendly iPod speaker.
The iH85B Bike to Beach Bicycle Speaker for iPod is the brainchild of electronics company iHome, which has previously come up with such gadgets as the iPod shower speaker and Boombox.
Its latest gadget, which works with all docking iPods, comes complete with a frame and water-bottle style case which can be attached to a bicycle frame.
Additionally, there is a small wireless remote control to fasten to the bike's handlebars to enable the rider to change tracks without taking their eyes off the road.
Those less than stable on their bike need not worry too much about their iPod as the iH85B's case is both impact and water-resistant.
People preferring to workout indoors may instead want to opt for the X-Bike Apple iPod kit, which is designed for use with an exercise bike and comes complete with a range of training videos.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 08:51 AM
June 25, 2007
Apple's iTunes climbs to third
The importance of iPods to the music market has been reiterated by the news that iTunes is now the third largest music retailer in the US.
Apple's online digital music store accounted for almost 10 per cent of music sales in the first quarter of the year, according to a new report by market research company the NPD Group.
The continuing growth in digital music sales saw iTunes move above online retailer Amazon in the league table, but it still trails Wal-Mart Stores and Best Buy Co.
Meanwhile, a trade show in Korea last week saw the debut of the iPod bikini.
The beachwear, which includes an integrated iPod control panel, was worn by models on the Jwin Electronics stand at the 21st Solution and Contents Exhibition of Korea in Seoul.
It is not yet clear whether Jwin, which manufactures the iLuv range of iPod accessories, plans to market the bikini or whether it was simply a promotional gimmick.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:50 AM
June 22, 2007
Versatility the key for TuneStik
Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) yesterday hailed its new TuneStik with Remote as the "most versatile iPod accessory" the company has ever produced.
The device, which can be used in the car or at home, combines a wireless FM transmitter with a remote control and comes with a 30-pin pass through dock connector.
The adaptability of the connector means TuneStik can be combined with a vast range of other iPod accessories, allowing users to add the functionality of the FM transmitter and remote control to their existing equipment.
Andrew Green, DLO's vice president of marketing, claimed the $59.99 (£30) TuneStik is unlike any other iPod accessory currently available.
He added: "With that kind of versatility and value, why would you want anything else?"
One potential customer for TuneStik is US presidential candidate Chris Dodd.
The Democratic senator recently told Deadspin that he views his iPod as an essential piece of kit while he's on the campaign trail for listening to news broadcasts, audio books and his favourite music, which includes the roots rock of former Creedence Clearwater Revival guitarist John Fogerty.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:12 AM
June 21, 2007
Sales still strong for iPod
The iPod's status as the must have digital media player has been reinforced by a prediction that ten million of the devices will be sold during the second quarter of the year.
The verdict came from analyst Gene Munster of investment bank Piper Jaffray, who sees no sign of a slow down in the demand for the iPod, despite estimated total sales of 100 million since its launch in 2001.
It had been thought that a combination of there being no upgraded model this year and people waiting to purchase Apple's new iPhone offering could hit sales, but Mr Munster found no evidence to support the theory.
"Our analysis of iPod unit data from NPD for the month of May leads us to a preliminary iPod approximation of between 9.5 million and 10 million units for the June 2007 quarter," he wrote.
Another analyst tipped the iPhone - which combines an iPod, a mobile phone and remote internet access - to replicate the success of Apple's digital media player.
Charles Wolf told USA Today that Apple, which launches the iPhone in the USA on June 29th 2007, could be selling "100 million phones a year" within a decade.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:08 AM
June 20, 2007
Plenty of time for chatting with iPhone
Apple yesterday announced that its new iPhone will come with a battery providing eight hours of talk time.
The long awaited new offering from Apple - which combines an iPod, a mobile phone and remote internet access - has already attracted a lot of attention from consumers, with one survey estimating that 6.9 million Britons are interested in buying one.
Now, less than a fortnight before iPhone's American launch, Apple has chosen to announce that it has made some improvements to the specification originally announced in January.
The main one is a longer lasting battery, which will allow 24 hours of audio playback, eight hours of talk time, six hours of internet use and 250 hours of standby time.
Additionally, the top surface of iPhone will now be made from optical quality glass instead of plastic in order to help prevent the display becoming scratched.
After announcing the changes, Apple supremo Steve Jobs claimed: "There has never been a phone like iPhone, and we can't wait to get this truly magical product into the hands of customers."
iPhone goes on sale in the USA on June 29th, but the European release date is still to be confirmed.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:44 AM
June 19, 2007
Lawyers embrace iPod technology
A leading firm of solicitors has embraced iPod technology as a way of educating its customers about changes to employment law.
Pinsent Masons' new HR Network TV service is available for human resources professionals to download to specially enabled iPods via a subscription service, reports Personnel Today.
Joe Glavina, an employment lawyer with Pinsent Masons, hopes the technology will prove to be a simple way to provide the firm's customers with regular in-depth updates about the latest developments in employment legislation and change management.
"The mobility of the iPod means that subscribers will be able to keep up to date with developments wherever they are - even when travelling between meetings," Mr Glavina told the magazine.
The use of digital media players in formal environments is becoming more common and last month the Home Office spent £8,800 to provide 20 senior civil servants with video iPods preloaded with short training films about leadership.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:00 AM
June 18, 2007
Seven million Britons 'interested in iPhone'
Almost seven million Britons are interested in buying Apple's new iPhone, according to a new survey.
There is still no confirmed European release date for the iPhone - which combines an iPod, a mobile phone and a web browser - but market research company M:Metrics found that 56 per cent of mobile phone owners in the UK are already aware of the product.
Of those people, 28 per cent expressed a strong interest in purchasing the iPhone, which M:Metrics estimates could mean potential sales of 6.9 million.
The survey also found that nine per cent of mobile users - around 19 million people - in the USA are keen to buy.
Paul Goode, vice president and senior analyst at M:Metrics' London office, was not surprised that the iPhone concept is more popular in the UK than the USA, as hi-tech mobiles are far more common in Britain.
However, he added: "These figures are very impressive, although respondents in the UK were not presented with a launch price or any restriction of mobile phone carrier as in the US."
The iPhone goes on sale in the USA on June 29th, with the 4GB memory model priced at $499 (£251) and the 8GB version carrying a $599 (£302) price tag.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:31 AM
June 15, 2007
Free iPod Glasto guide available
Revellers heading for the Glastonbury Festival were yesterday advised to take their iPods with them.
With so many bands performing no-one will need their iPod for listening to music, but it could come in handy for navigating the vast festival site.
Expodition has put together a free Glastonbury survival guide packed with practical information about the facilities on site and available to download for free from its website.
The Pod SnapShot also contains the all important line-up and schedule details and Expodition's founder Rod Cambridge believes no-one should head for the festival without it.
He said: "With this free Pod SnapShot, visitors to Glastonbury can attend the festival armed to the teeth with all the relevant information they need right there on their iPods."
This year's festival takes place from Thursday June 21st to Sunday June 24th, with current favourites Artic Monkeys and The Killers and rock granddads The Who headlining on the famous Pyramid Stage.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:40 AM
June 14, 2007
iTunes required to use iPhone
Apple has confirmed that anyone buying an iPhone will need to have an iTunes account in order to set it up.
The eagerly awaited iPhone - which Apple has billed as a combination of the "best iPod ever made", a mobile phone and internet on the move - will finally go on sale on June 29th 2007.
Earlier this week, Apple emailed a list of tips to people who had expressed an interest in buying one, including sections on how to access email and transfer contacts and calendar entries from a PC or Mac.
However, the key piece of advice was that "in order to set up iPhone, you need to have an iTunes account" and that people should obtain one in advance of buying the iPhone.
Apple also pointed out that "iTunes is required to sync your music and video to the iPhone" and recommended that people should compile a music and video library in advance.
Meanwhile, Apple supremo Steve Jobs has confirmed that the iPhone will support third-party applications created using Web 2.0-based standards.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:03 AM
June 13, 2007
iTunes festival attracts star performers
Live performances from Crowded House, Amy Whitehouse and Stereophonics will soon be available for download by iPod users following the announcement of the month-long iTunes Festival.
The event will see more than 60 artists performing intimate gigs at London's Institute of Contemporary Arts throughout July.
Just 350 people will be in the audience for each show, with the free tickets distributed to competition winners, but every performance will be recorded and made available for download via iTunes.
MIKA gets things underway on July 1st and will be followed by a wide range of performers, including Groove Armada, Beardyman and Dhafer Youssef.
Indie loving iPod owners will find plenty of shows to interest them, with rising British stars Editors, Little Man Tate, The Rakes and The Pigeon Detectives all confirmed in the line-up.
Meanwhile, British download site 7digital has revealed it plans to "take on iTunes" by offering DRM free tracks from artists signed to EMI and a variety of independent record labels for just fifty pence.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:11 AM
June 12, 2007
iTunes eyes movie rentals
Apple is reportedly planning to set up a movie rental business as part of its iTunes service.
If the project comes to fruition it would see new release movies available to download and view for a set number of days for just $2.99 (£1.50).
Executives from Apple have already held talks with several major Hollywood studios about the deal, including Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios, reports the Wall Street Journal.
Some studios are warming to the idea, but others have expressed concerns about potential problems with copy protection.
Apple apparently wants to ensure that all movies available for rental via iTunes are compatible with both PCs and iPods, leading to concerns that they may be easy to copy and cost the studios sales.
If those problems can be ironed out, Apple also hopes to eventually offer the movies for permanent sale to iPod users at a price of $14.99 (£7.50).
The iTunes service already offers a range of films and television shows for download to iPod video, but Disney is the only major studio to market its new releases via the site.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:34 AM
June 11, 2007
M&S to stock hi-tech iPod suit
Businessmen will soon be able to combine sharp dressing with a love of gadgets, following the launch of the iPod suit.
The concept sounds as though it should come from one of the fashion world's more outlandish designers, but in fact the two-piece pinstripe suit will be on sale at high street favourite Marks & Spencer.
As well as the usual wool and lycra, the £149 suit contains smart fabric touchpad technology produced by British hi-tech development company Eleksen.
This allows the left lapel to be transformed into an iPod control panel, permitting the wearer to change tracks and adjust the volume.
A connector sewn into an inside pocket enables users to link up their iPod to the lapel control panel via wiring in the jacket's lining, while there are also a series of loops to tidy earphone wires out of sight.
If you think a suit that controls electronic gadgets sounds like something Q would equip James Bond with, then you may not be surprised to learn that Eleksen are based at Pinewood Studios, where many of the films featuring the debonair spy were made.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:39 AM
June 08, 2007
Luxury iPod case at luxury price
If you are looking for the perfect gift for an iPod nano owner and have £420 to splash out, then Kiwami Studios may be able to help.
The Japanese company has just launched its Factron Re-nano iPod case, with a price tag that seems designed to ensure it will only ever be owned by a fashion conscious elite.
Made from titanium, the stylish case also has some clever practical touches.
The design offers easy access to the click wheel and screen, as well as having slots for headphones and docking ports and a clip at each corner to enable the user to attach it to a belt hook or key chain.
Perhaps wisely, given its price, Kiwami Studios has made the Factron Re-nano available on a made to order basis only.
Those with slightly more modest budgets may be interested to know that there is also a Duralmin version of the case available for £170 - roughly the same price as an 8GB iPod nano.
Meanwhile, Belkin has launched the Power Dock AV, a £25 device that allows users to play and charge their iPod through a home entertainment system.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:34 AM
June 07, 2007
Grandson solves Fergie's iPod problems
Sir Alex Ferguson has never had a problem relying on kids during his illustrious career and the trait came in handy again when sponsors presented him with an iPod.
This time it was not a fledgling Ryan Giggs or David Beckham that the Manchester United manager turned to, but his grandson Jake.
Attempting to operate the iPod left the 65-year-old Ferguson bamboozled, prompting him to ask a 12-year-old for advice.
He told Manchester radio station Key 103: "I had to get my grandson, Jake, to sort out my iPod … I said, 'What is this?' Jake said 'Grandad, it's an iPod', as though it was the best invention in the whole world."
Thanks to his grandson's intervention, Ferguson's iPod is now loaded with his favourite Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Nat King Cole tracks, while United supporting crooner Mick Hucknall adds a slightly more modern touch to the mix.
The fearsome Scot also revealed that his guilty pleasure is Wee Andy Webber's Scottish Medley, which he insisted is "hilarious".
Ferguson did not say what Manchester United defender and hip-hop record label owner Rio Ferdinand thought of his musical taste.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:14 AM
June 06, 2007
Armband aiming to end cord problems
Incipio Technologies yesterday announced the launch of its [performance] Armband for the iPod shuffle.
The armband is designed to provide music lovers with somewhere to hold their iPod shuffle while exercising and contains a cord management system to help stop the distraction caused by swinging and dangling headphone leads.
It is made from a unique elastic material that draws sweat away from the skin and also has a specially designed rubber moulding to aid airflow while exercising.
Incipio's managing director, Ti Le, said that the [performance] Armband was the result of extensive research among iPod shuffle users and would be the first of many products aimed at fitness fanatics.
"The tremendous feedback we receive from our customer base helped us develop the simple but innovative solution to the biggest problem for armband users - the swinging long headphone cord while working out," he said.
The [performance] Armband, which is available in white, grey and black, costs $12.99 (£6.50).
Incipio recently launched the IncipioHITCH adaptor to allow iPod nano users to connect to any USB port without a bulky dock or cables.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:24 AM
June 05, 2007
Museum searching for iPod
The iPod is reportedly set to join the artefacts at London's Science Museum, providing staff can persuade someone to donate one.
Museum bosses are keen to track down one of the original iPods released in October 2001, but have so far drawn a blank, reports the Daily Mail.
First generation machines contained a 5GB hard drive that could store around 1,000 tracks, but could only be used with Apple computers.
Technology has moved on and Science Museum spokesman Rob Skitmore is hoping that someone who has upgraded to a newer iPod will be prepared to contribute an early machine for younger generations to view.
Anyone prepared to donate their iPod will get the satisfaction of seeing their musical taste displayed alongside such prestigious exhibits as the Apollo 10 Command Module and Stephenson's Rocket.
Mr Skitmore told the newspaper: "The iPod will then become part of the Science Museum's historic collections and be conserved and preserved for future generations - we will even keep any music that's on it."
Meanwhile, at the other end of iPod history, Apple has confirmed in a television advertising campaign that the iPhone will go on sale on June 29.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:25 AM
June 04, 2007
Apple launches iPod service for students
Apple has announced the details for a new service designed to aid students by providing free academic material for download.
The service is entitled iTunes U and is being launched in the US first, featuring free lectures, lab demonstrations, sport highlights and language lessons - all from some of the top American universities.
Students will then be able listen to classes on their iPods in what Apple hopes will prove to be a boon to large numbers of students.
Eddy Cue, vice president of Apple's iTunes service, commented: "iTunes U makes it easy for anyone to access amazing educational material from many of the [US'] most respected colleges and universities."
"Education is a lifelong pursuit and we're pleased to give everyone the ability to download lectures, speeches and other academic content for free," he concluded.
Last week, Apple announced an enhancement to its iTunes service with the launch of DRM-free tracks with a higher bitrate than normal iTunes songs. The higher-quality tracks are available for 99p, compared to a normal price of 79p.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 10:23 AM
June 01, 2007
iPhone available by end of June
Apple supremo Steve Jobs yesterday revealed that the iPhone will be available by the end of June.
The iPhone was unveiled in January amid claims that it would revolutionise the telecoms industry, but until now there was no confirmed release date.
Mr Jobs made the announcement at the D: All Things Digital conference in California and also explained why he thought the product would be so successful.
He described the iPhone as the best iPod ever made and an "incredibly great" cellphone, but predicted that it was the device's third element that would make it really popular.
"It's the internet in your pocket for the first time," said Mr Jobs.
He added: "People want to get the real internet on their phone."
Meanwhile, social internet television provider Wi-Fi TV has revealed it plans to have six stations playing streaming video available by the time of the iPhone's launch, as well as a selection of downloadable short films for the iPod video.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:33 AM