July 2007 Archives
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July 31, 2007
Rock legends enter iPod age
Rock legends Led Zeppelin have finally decided to enter the download age by agreeing to make their latest best of album available via iTunes.
Led Zeppelin split up in 1980 following the death of drummer John Bonham - who met a typically rock'n'roll demise by choking on his own vomit after a heavy drinking session - but a succession of retrospective albums have since been released.
Surviving members Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones had previously refused to allow these or any of the eight albums the group released between 1969 and 1979 to be made available to iPod users via internet download.
However, they have abandoned that policy for the November release of a 24-track career retrospective entitled Mothership, which will be available either as a double CD, a four lp vinyl set or from iTunes.
Led Zeppelin - who are widely credited with, or depending on your musical taste blamed for, inventing heavy metal - have sold over 300 million albums worldwide, despite never releasing a single to promote those albums.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:19 AM
July 30, 2007
Altec Lansing's iM9 'ideal' for tourists
Altec Lansing's iM9 is the ideal iPod speaker system for people jetting off on an adventurous holiday this summer, according to a leading technology website.
Tech.co.uk compiled a list of the best compact, battery-powered iPod speakers for holidaymakers and the iM9's durability ensured it secured a place among the seven recommended systems.
The website's testers noted that many iPod docks that are fine in hotel rooms would not survive tougher terrain, but that the "rugged" iM9 is different.
It is encased in a shock-resistant, rubberised coating and the iPod dock is inside the speaker to lessen the chances of the media player and its connecter being damaged if knocked.
As well as being tough, the iM9 is also easily carried, weighing just 1.8 kg and coming with its own rucksack style padded case.
Altec Lansing's speaker system, which works with all iPods apart from the shuffle, is available for £119.99.
Meanwhile, Apple has filed a patent application in the US for technology that would make stolen iPods useless by preventing them from charging when plugged into a device it does not recognise.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:26 AM
July 27, 2007
iPod sales rise again
Apple has announced that improved iPod sales helped it to make a net profit of $818 million (£399million) in the last quarter.
Sales of the media player in the three months to June 30th 2007 totalled 9,815,000, representing a 21 per cent increase from the same period last year.
The company also sold a record number of Mac computers in the quarter to leave chief executive officer Steve Jobs optimistic about its prospects for the future.
His mood became even more positive when talking about Apple's most recent release the iPhone, which combines an iPod, a mobile phone, a camera and remote internet access.
Mr Jobs said: "iPhone is off to a great start - we hope to sell our one-millionth iPhone by the end of its first full quarter of sales - and our new product pipeline is very strong."
Rumours suggest Apple is planning to release a new version of the iPod utilising the iPhone's touch screen technology before the end of the year.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:36 AM
July 26, 2007
GM launches iPod accessory
General Motors (GM) yesterday moved to profit from the iPod boom by launching its own in-car adapter for Apple's media player.
The Personal Audio Link iPod adapter will initially only be available as an optional extra, costing $159 (£77), in the company's Chevrolet, Pontiac and Saturn cars in the US.
However, GM, which also owns Vauxhall and Saab, plans to make the device available on a wide range of its models by the end of 2007.
The Personal Audio Link integrates with the car's radio and allows the user to select songs or shuffle, while displaying track information and playlists on the radio's digital display.
The adapter, which also acts as a charger, is not visible to the driver or passengers once fitted and the iPod is connected via an interface cable in the glove compartment.
Meanwhile, Apple's iPhone partner AT&T has revealed that estimates by market analysts of the new device's early sales were inaccurate.
Some reports put opening weekend sales at 700,000, but AT&T has now said it connected just 146,000 iPhone customers during its first two days of availability.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:22 AM
July 25, 2007
Outdoor clothing gets iPod technology
Manchester-based outdoor pursuits clothing manufacturer Craghoppers has joined the growing number of companies offering iPod-enabled attire.
The first product in the Craghoppers electronic clothing range will be the iPod-ready Future walking jacket, which utilises Eleksen's unique ElekTex electro-conductive fabric touch pad technology.
The jacket uses ElekTex for a range of fabric buttons sewn into the garment, which allow the wearer to change tracks and adjust the volume of an iPod stored safely away from the elements in an inside pocket.
Jim McNamara, managing director of Craghoppers, said the Future jacket would be just one innovation arising from his company's partnership with Eleksen.
"ElekTex enables highly practical goods, adding another level of excitement and functionality to our product offerings," he added.
Marks & Spencer recently announced it is to stock a two-piece pinstripe iPod-enabled suit, which uses ElekTex technology to create a control panel for the media player in the jacket's left lapel.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:26 AM
July 24, 2007
KEF launches stylish iPod music system
Hi-fi specialist KEF yesterday unveiled its new Picoforte One iPod music system.
The compact digital system includes a 50W class D amplifier, an iPod dock, two 16 cm tall speakers and a remote control.
KEF prides itself on producing stylish equipment and in order to keep its reputation intact, the Picoforte One's amplifier, dock and speakers are all made of die-cast zinc and finished in sleek high gloss black or white.
The speakers employ Uni-Q technology to provide 25w of power, which means that despite their diminutive stature they should provide sound loud and clear enough to fill most rooms.
It is compatible with every current iPod and also has connectors to allow it to be linked up to a subwoofer and a television.
The Picoforte One will cost £250 when it hits the shops in August.
For people with more expensive tastes, German design house Xexoo has launched an iPod nano that comes encased in 18-carat gold.
Music lovers with more money than taste can get their hands on one for the bargain sum of £9,400.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:30 AM
July 23, 2007
iPod Sport Kit nets design award
A partnership between Apple and Nike has won a bronze award at the 2007 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA).
The Nike + iPod Sport Kit was recognised in the consumer products section of the prestigious awards organised by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and BusinessWeek magazine.
The kit includes a small sensor inside a Nike running shoe, which communicates real-time data such as pace, distance and calories burned to an iPod nano.
In turn, the iPod nano converts the data into a spoken message that is delivered over the top of the music being played.
Users can also log on to a dedicated website which helps them to design training programmes and create specific music playlists for their runs.
Apple has a long history of success in the consumer products category at IDEA, winning gold awards for the iPod in 2002, the iPod mini in 2004 and the iPod shuffle in 2005.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:25 AM
July 20, 2007
iHome is America's favourite
The iHome iH5 clock radio is proving popular with American iPod owners, a new best-sellers chart has revealed.
Figures compiled by market research company NPD showed that the black version of the iPod compatible clock radio was the most popular portable digital player docking speaker system in the US in the 12 months to the end of May 2007.
Second spot went to the white version, while iHome's iH6 clock radio finished seventh, reports This Week in Consumer Electronics.
The state of the art technology employed in the iPod compatible Bose SoundDock also impressed US audiences, with the black version coming third and the white model sixth in the chart.
At the low-cost end of the market, Logitech's MM50 portable speaker system proved popular, making two appearances in the top ten by grabbing fourth and ninth spots in the best-sellers list.
Japanese electronics giant Sony will be hoping to feature in next year's chart after launching two iPod docking stereo systems earlier in the week.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:18 AM
July 19, 2007
Sony unveil iPod stereos
Sony yesterday moved to profit from the iPod boom by unveiling a new range of stereo equipment compatible with the media player.
At the head of the range is the ICF-C1iP clock radio, which is designed to work with most iPod models and accommodates standard iPod adapters.
The ICF-C1iP comes with a remote control which allows access to the iPod menu, volume and radio tuning, while owners can set the system up to ensure they are woken up by the favourite tracks from their iPod rather than the clock's alarm.
Sony's other new product is the ZS-S2iP boombox, an iPod compatible portable stereo system which also includes a CD player and a radio.
Explaining the thinking behind the new products, Andrew Sivori, director of personal audio products for Sony Electronics's Digital Imaging and Audio Division, said: "Consumers are treating the iPod as a format, like the compact disc, which is why Sony is now delivering audio products to support it."
Those looking to buy an outdoor iPod compatible stereo system may also want to consider the latest offering from Igloo, which combines the technology with a wheel-mounted cool box.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:26 AM
July 18, 2007
Speakers 'could be iPhone compatible'
Existing iPod speaker systems should be partially compatible with Apple's new iPhone, according to industry experts.
The iPhone - which combines an iPod, a camera, a mobile phone and remote internet access - was launched in the US last month and its opening weekend sales of 700,000 prompted accessory manufacturers to announce plans for compatible ranges.
Apple is expected to launch the iPhone in Britain before the end of 2007, but iPod owners intending to buy the new product may not need to invest in an additional speaker system, reports This Week in Consumer Electronics.
Representatives from Logitech, iHome and Altec Lansing told the trade paper that iPod speaker systems not deemed by Apple to be iPhone compatible would still be able to play music, but that the iPhone would go into airplane mode in which it cannot receive telephone calls.
It was also suggested that some iPod speaker systems might need a plastic insert to help ensure the iPhone is securely held in place.
Meanwhile, Global Industry Analysts has predicted the worldwide market for multimedia speakers, such as those which work with iPods, PCs and gaming consoles, will be worth $361 million (£176 million) by 2010.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:32 AM
July 17, 2007
New iPod 'to get file exchange capability'
A patent application filed by Apple in the US has sparked further speculation about the features the next generation iPod could include.
Technology analysts have predicted a new version of the iPod will be unveiled before the end of 2007 and that it will utilise the same touch screen technology used in Apple's recently launched iPhone.
Details given to the US Patent & Trademark Office suggest a future model of the digital media player could also be Wi-Fi enabled.
If that proves to be the case, users would be able to exchange music and video files with other Wi-Fi enabled iPods and iPhones.
The idea is not new, as Microsoft's Zune portable media player already allows files to be transferred between users.
Meanwhile, Taiwanese electronic company Wintek has rubbished press reports suggesting it had signed a contract with Apple to supply touch screen technology for the next generation of iPods.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:45 AM
July 16, 2007
iTrip named top in-car accessory
The "idiot-proof" Griffin iTrip has been named top iPod car adaptor in a newspaper road test.
The Observer asked musician Nick Bracegirdle, the man behind Chicane's hit singles Offshore, Saltwater and Don't Give Up, to compare a range of FM transmitters.
Griffin's iTrip came out on top because it was so simple to set up with "no wires or unnecessary buttons involved".
The singer-songwriter also noted that the iTrip "tunes quickly and easily and sound quality is clear".
Kensington's "funky-looking" RDS FM Transmitter / Car Charger for iPod also scored well, because of the way it uses the car radio's LCD display to say which track is playing.
The Griffin iTrip Auto, which charges a user's iPod via the car's cigarette lighter socket while the music is playing, was rated highly, although the reviewer said the way the charger cable flapped around could be "irritating and distracting".
Griffin's iTrip is available for £21.99, while the iTrip Auto costs £31.49 and the Kensington RDS FM Transmitter / Car Charger for iPod carries a £59.99 price tag.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:23 AM
July 13, 2007
iPod users warned of storm danger
Doctors in Canada have warned music fans not to use their iPods outdoors during stormy weather.
The advice came after emergency teams across north America reported treating people who had been badly burnt after being hit by lightning while using small electronic devices.
A letter from a group of doctors from Vancouver General Hospital published in the New England Journal of Medicine detailed the case of a man who was struck by lightning while out jogging.
The 37-year-old suffered multiple fractures of the jaw, two ruptured eardrums and burns across his chest, neck and ears corresponding to where his iPod headphones had been.
The doctors said using an iPod does not increase the chances of someone being struck by lightning during a storm, but added: "The combination of sweat and metal earphones directed the current to, and through, the patient's head."
Dr Mary Ann Cooper of the American College of Emergency Physicians told the Canadian Press the biggest danger of wearing an iPod during bad weather is that the user may not hear the thunder that warns lightning is on its way.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:26 AM
July 12, 2007
Magnificent seven from Belkin
Electronics accessory specialist Belkin yesterday launched a range of seven new iPod cases.
The company claims the cases will allow users to give their iPod personality, while protecting it from scratches and scuffs.
The sleek Charm and Style cases for the iPod Nano are both made of high-quality leather and open up to reveal a make-up mirror.
Also for the iPod Nano are the denim Fitted case and the stylish aluminium Etch case, both of which are also available for the iPod.
The wallet style 2Face and the slimline acrylic View cases are both designed for the iPod, while the lightweight Sport armband for the iPod Shuffle completes the range.
Belkin's new cases will be available in the US from next month at a cost of $24.99 (£12.30) each, with a European release expected before the end of the year.
Meanwhile, speculation about the possibility of a new generation of iPods being launched this year has gathered pace after Digitimes reported that Taiwanese electronic company Wintek has secured a contract with Apple to supply touch screen technology.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:21 AM
July 11, 2007
Low-cost iPhone 'before the end of the year'
Apple could unveil a new low-cost version of the iPhone based on the iPod Nano before the end of the year, an analyst predicted yesterday.
The company recently filed a patent application for a handheld device that appears to include the functionality of a mobile phone combined with some of the iPod Nano's features.
Apple has refused to comment on its plans for the technology, but JP Morgan's Kevin Chang told Reuters that he has inside information that a $300 (£148) version of the iPhone is in the offing and that it would make sense to base it on the slimline digital media player.
"We believe that iPod Nano will be converted into a phone because it's probably the only way for Apple to launch a lower end phone without severely cannibalising iPod Nano," said Chang.
The iPhone - which combines a digital media player, mobile phone and remote internet access - sold 700,000 units on its launch weekend last month and Apple is already rumoured to be planning to utilise its touch screen technology in an updated version of the iPod to be launched next year.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:20 AM
July 10, 2007
Testing times for iPod students
American students who sneak their iPods into lectures in the hope of catching up with a few of the latest tunes may soon find their plan backfiring.
Academic publisher McGraw-Hill Higher Education has released a set of college-standard tests that can be handed out via iPods.
The iQuiz application is available from iTunes and allows education professionals to download and distribute multiple-choice tests from McGraw-Hill's website.
As well as providing an easy way for lecturers to set snap tests, the quizzes can be taken away by students and used for self-assessment as they prepare for more formal exams.
Jeremy Singer, president of McGraw-Hill Higher Education Digital Products, said iQuiz is a good example of how the company is adapting its products to modern learning environments and technology.
He added: "With advancements in how today's students learn, delivering McGraw-Hill content to iPod supports students' needs for mobile learning tools."
Meanwhile, analyst Gene Munster from Piper Jaffray has predicted that Apple will unveil a new iPod model in January 2008, complete with the touch screen technology used in the iPhone.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:21 AM
July 09, 2007
Wooden speakers offer retro feel
If you've ever worried that your iPod may look just a little too modern and sleek, then a Korean company might just have come up with the right accessory for you.
I.dear's new portable speakers eschew slick current design trends by being made out of wood.
However, the Woodspeakers do follow the modern fashion for making things as small as possible and are only one cubic inch apiece in size.
The pocket-sized iPod speakers provide 1.5w per channel stereo sound and come with built in rechargeable batteries that can provide up to five hours of listening time.
I.dear's Woodspeakers, which also work with PSPs and mp3-enabled mobile phones, cost £25, but are currently only available in Korea.
Another device boasting an unusual design is the WildCharger Charging Pad, which the manufacturer describes as "glossy" and "space-age".
The ultra thin pad is capable of delivering 15w of power and can charge as many as five small electronic devices simultaneously, with the iPod Nano and Motorola mobile phones among the compatible gadgets.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:39 AM
July 06, 2007
O2 'win iPhone race'
O2 has reportedly won the race to clinch the exclusive UK distribution rights for Apple's iPhone.
No formal deal has been signed as yet, but the Financial Times claims the Spanish-owned mobile phone company is on the verge of securing a deal to become Apple's first European partner for the new product.
However, no-one from O2 or parent company Telefonica has confirmed the reports, with a spokesman only prepared to say that it was the organisation's policy not to comment on speculation.
Should the reports prove to be true it would be a major boost to O2, as the iPhone has already proved to be a big hit in the US where it sold an estimated 700,000 units on its launch weekend.
Analysts have predicted that the device - which combines an iPod, a mobile phone, a camera and remote internet access - will prove even more popular in the UK and a recent market research report by M:Metrics estimated that 6.9 million Britons are interested in buying it.
The early success of the iPhone and continuing popularity of the iPod helped to push Apple's share price to a record high on Thursday.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:30 AM
July 05, 2007
iPod gets religious look
Apple's iPod is a new religion – well, according to the maker of a new iPod case it is.
Suck UK made its name by manufacturing furniture with "off-the-wall and unnecessary functionality", such as the illuminating coffee table and villain chair.
Its designers have now turned their attention to accessories for digital media players by coming up with the attention-grabbing Hymn Book iPod case.
The leather cover looks like a hymn book from the outside, but is the right shape and size to contain a 30 or 80GB iPod video.
Its design offers easy access for headphone cords and other wires, so users can charge their iPod while listening to their favourite Manic Street Preachers or Judas Priest tracks.
Meanwhile, Tekkeon has announced the release of its myCharger portable USB power adapter.
The versatile charger is designed for business travellers with plenty of electronic gadgets and works with the iPod, iPhone, Blackberry and most major brands of mobile phones.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:26 AM
July 04, 2007
Universal's 'iTunes talks ongoing'
Apple yesterday denied rumours that tracks by high-profile performers such as U2 and 50 Cent could soon be disappearing from iTunes.
Press reports suggested leading record label Universal Music Group has refused to renew its long-term deal with iTunes and is instead seeking a rolling monthly contract.
Universal currently makes its entire back catalogue available to iPod users via iTunes, but is believed to be seeking a change to the terms of its licensing agreement with Apple in order to give it greater control over the pricing of its digital music output and the freedom to offer new recordings to other download sites on an exclusive basis.
Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr insisted nothing had been decided and that negotiations with Universal are ongoing.
"Their music is still on iTunes and their not re-signing is just not true," Neumayr added.
Figures released last month showed that the popularity of the iPod had helped iTunes to become the third biggest music retailer in the US.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:14 AM
July 03, 2007
Wireless iPod speaker system unveiled
Soundcast Systems yesterday launched two new iPod compatible wireless speaker systems.
The first, SpeakerCast, is a compact amplified stereo speaker enclosure that comes complete with the arc-shaped iCast transmitter, including an iPod dock, and a remote control.
OutCast is a battery-powered device encased in waterproof plastic that uses the same technology as SpeakerCast to provide an outdoor sound system.
Rusty Bennett, Soundcast Systems' vice president, claimed the two iPod speaker systems combined "unprecedented sound quality" with a sense of style.
He added: "These two new products … represent our unique ability to offer crystal-clear wireless transmission, incredible sound and the ease-of-use necessary to provide the ultimate listening experience."
Both products are set to go on sale in August, with the SpeakerCast carrying a $399 (£198) price tag and OutCast costing $699 (£346).
Soundcast Systems is a specialist manufacturer of wireless audio transmission systems that utilise unique technology to ensure sound quality is not distorted by devices such as cordless phones and computer networks.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:34 AM
July 02, 2007
Stores sell out in hours
Stores across America sold out of Apple's new iPhone just hours after the device went on sale on Friday evening.
The strong first-day sales came after a concerted marketing effort from Apple, which unveiled the iPhone - a combination of an iPod, a mobile phone and remote internet access - in January.
Queues were reported at some shops up to three days before the gadget went on sale and AT&T, the only mobile network in the US that supports the iPhone, reported that most of its 1,800 stores had sold out of the touchscreen operated gadget by Saturday morning.
That brought problems for some early customers, as the high demand meant not everyone could activate their iPhone on the day they purchased it.
However, that was not a worry for the hundreds of first-day buyers who opted to list their purchase on auction website eBay, with many seeking a 60 per cent premium on the device's $600 list price.
No date has been set for the iPhone's UK release, but reports suggest Apple is in talks with Vodafone about a deal to launch the device in Europe.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:20 AM