August 2007 Archives
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August 31, 2007
Beatles deal sealed?
A deal to sell The Beatles' music through the iTunes store may finally have been done, a technology industry analyst has said.
Apple has sent out invitations to a special press event in San Francisco on September 5th, but the lack of details given has prompted speculation about what exactly the company is going to announce.
The launch of a new generation of iPod is the favourite suggestion among analysts and bloggers, just ahead of the unveiling of a revamped iPod nano.
Gene Munster, a Piper Jaffray analyst and acknowledged Apple expert, is among those predicting a new, touch screen-controlled iPod, but he also saw a hint in the invitation's wording.
"The tag line of Apple's special event invitation was 'The beat goes on,' the final words of The Beatles last press release, [and] we expect Apple to announce the availability of The Beatles music library on iTunes," he explained.
Apple recently revealed that it is to begin selling John Lennon's solo albums via iTunes, while music by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr has been available to download from the store for some time.
However, George Harrison's solo records are still not available from iTunes.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:16 AM
August 30, 2007
US shows for UK iTunes
The UK's iPod owners will soon be able to download a selection of the best US television programmes from iTunes.
Apple announced yesterday it had signed a deal to make 28 shows from the ABC Studios, Disney Channel, MTV, Nickelodeon and Paramount Comedy networks available via the UK version of iTunes for £1.89 per episode.
Among the hit shows on offer are South Park, Lost, Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty, Pimp My Ride, SpongeBob SquarePants and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, but Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes, said the selection is just the beginning.
"We're thrilled to bring TV programming to the iTunes store in the UK. We've got 28 shows and expect to continue to add more great programming," said Mr Cue.
Meanwhile, the nominations for the BT Digital Music Awards 2007, also unveiled yesterday, see iTunes facing competition from eMusic, 7digital, Beatport and Bleep in the best music store category.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:38 AM
August 29, 2007
Free Boss at iTunes
Bruce Springsteen has announced the first single from his forthcoming album will be available to download for free from iTunes this week.
The Boss's new album Magic sees him reunited with the E Street Band for the first time since 2002 and is scheduled for an October 2nd release.
However, fans who do not want to wait that long will be able to get a taster by downloading the track Radio Nowhere, complete with video and exclusive digital booklet, to their iPod before the end of the week.
As well as taking advantage of the free download offer, Springsteen aficionados will also be able to place an advanced order for Magic with iTunes.
The album's release date will coincide with the beginning of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's first full-scale tour since 2003, which includes shows in Belfast and London in December.
Veteran rocker Springsteen has released more than 20 albums during a 35-year career, including the classic Born in the USA, which is thought to have sold upwards of 25 million copies.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:50 AM
August 28, 2007
Competition 'good for Apple'
Increased competition in the digital download sector will actually be good for Apple, according to a music industry expert.
Apple currently dominates the sector through its iTunes store, which sold its three billionth track last month.
However, Universal Music Group, Wal-Mart and Rhapsody have all recently unveiled plans to compete with iTunes, by offering downloads without the digital rights management (DRM) copy protection technology.
Many market experts had predicted the new type of competition could pose Apple a serious problem, but Susan Kevorkian, an analyst at research firm IDC, disagrees.
She told the Chicago Tribune: "iTunes was developed to promote iPod hardware sales. The introduction of services that offer digital music to the installed base of iPod users will help drive more iPod sales."
Meanwhile, internet rumours have suggested Apple is planning to launch new versions of both the iPod and iPod nano at a special event early next month.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:29 AM
August 24, 2007
SoundUP promises 'CD quality sound'
Targus yesterday launched its SoundUP high definition sound enhancer, which it claims provides CD-quality playback from an iPod.
The device takes compressed digital audio files and separates and reprocesses them in order to improve the playback quality, restoring instruments and vocals lost during the original compression process.
It weighs just two ounces and also doubles as a powered earphone splitter to allow two users to listen to the iPod's output simultaneously.
Al Giazzon, Targus's vice president of marketing, said: "SoundUP delivers amazing sound quality giving consumers the ultimate portable music experience."
SoundUP, which is powered by a single AAA battery, comes with a $30 (£15) price tag.
Meanwhile, the trend for iPod compatible "communications clothing" has continued with the launch of Zegna Sport's Bluetooth iJACKET.
The luxury $1,700 jacket utilises ElekTex technology to create an in-sleeve control panel, which the wearer can use to control their iPod and mobile phone.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:38 AM
August 23, 2007
Bexy unveils versatile remote
California based Bexy Corporation yesterday unveiled its new iMirror Wireless Remote Control Docking Station for iPod.
The product allows users to control iPod content being played on home entertainment systems from a distance of 150 feet.
It comprises an iPod dock which enables all the track details from the media player to be downloaded to a remote control, which has a digital display with which to view the information.
The docking station can then be attached to a stereo or television, while two-way wireless technology allows the iPod to be controlled by the remote from anywhere in the house.
John Gitelman, Bexy's chief marketing officer, said the $150 (£75) gadget would change the way iPods are used with home entertainment systems.
He added: "The simplicity and power of the iPod can be unleashed and extended to a consumer's home life."
Bexy is a new company and the iMirror Wireless Remote Control Docking Station for iPod is its first product to hit the market.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:19 AM
August 22, 2007
iTunes 'under pressure' from DRM-free suppliers
Apple's iTunes store could soon be forced to offer all its tracks without digital rights management (DRM), it was suggested yesterday.
The store currently controls the digital download market because of its association with the iPod, and its strong sales have seen it become the third biggest music retailer in the US.
Most of the tracks sold via iTunes are protected by DRM, meaning they can usually only be played on iPods and iPhones.
However, the world's biggest record label, Universal Media Group (UMG), has now begun supplying DRM free downloads via Amazon and gBox and technology journalist Adrian Mars believes iTunes may have little choice but to offer a similar service.
"[UMG] are selling their own DRM free tracks and that really puts them in a much stronger bargaining position with Apple," Mars told BBC Radio Five Live's Wake Up to Money programme.
Meanwhile, it was announced yesterday that MTV Networks and RealNetworks are to merge their download services, with the new Rhapsody America service competing against iTunes by offering music downloads for PCs, phones and mp3 players.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:34 AM
August 21, 2007
iLive unveils 'high-end speakers'
St Louis based iLive yesterday unveiled its new high-end Studio Series iPod speakers.
The first product in the range is the iHT8817DT DVD Home Theatre System, which combines a DVD player, a motorised iPod dock and an AM/FM radio with 5.1 surround sound.
Joining it in the shops will be the stylish iHT3817DT Flat Panel Bar Speaker, which is designed to sit underneath a television and includes an iPod dock and a high-power speaker with True 3D sound and SRS acoustical enhancement.
The range also contains the iHT3807DT home speaker system and ICR6807DT clock radio and Bill Fetter, chief executive officer of iLive's parent company DPI, believes it will plug the gap in the market for more sophisticated iPod compatible products.
"End users are now expecting to be able to get more quality applications from their iPod devices at home and that is what our Studio Series products are designed to do," said Mr Fetter.
The company also produces a wide range of cheaper iPod related products, including travel speakers and clock radios.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:33 AM
August 20, 2007
Wedding DJs threatened by iPods
The iPod may be the source of annoyance to thousands of people on public transport every day, but Apple's media player is making amends by dealing with another of society's irritants.
Apparently it is killing off the wedding DJ, as couples increasingly opt to choose their own music and hook their iPod up to speakers, rather than inflicting Phil Collins and Chris De Burgh on their guests.
During the past 12 months more than two-thirds of receptions staged at the Lowry Hotel in Salford saw couples elect to dispense with the services of a DJ and provide their own playlist, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The trend may be welcomed by anyone who has recently received a wedding invitation, but veteran DJ Billy King told the newspaper using an iPod to provide the entertainment at a wedding is an "atrocious idea" that kills the atmosphere.
Instead, Billy recommended his own formula for a successful reception.
"After a few drinks, it's Amarillo, Come On Eileen and songs by The Nolans that everyone can enjoy. They might be cheesy, but they fill the dancefloor," he explained.
Couples who want their reception to feature some traditional wedding staples but do not want to pay one of Billy's comrades can find The Tony Christie Love Collection and The Nolans: Superhits at iTunes.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:25 AM
August 17, 2007
Logitech targets bedroom market
Logitech yesterday unveiled what it claims to be the first iPod speaker designed specifically for the bedroom.
The Pure-Fi Dream is an iPod docking speaker system that comes with a digital AM/FM radio and dual alarm, but utilises several advanced technologies to set it apart from rival products.
It employs Logitech's StereoXL technology to produce what the manufacturer describes as "a quality audio experience", together with innovative light and motion sensing systems to help control the display and make it easier to use after dark.
Jef Holove, vice president of Logitech's audio business unit, believes the "thoughtful and sophisticated" Pure-Fi Dream fills a gap in the iPod accessory market.
"Though people use their iPods in the bedroom more than anywhere else, until today, a high-quality, iPod bedroom speaker system did not exist," said Mr Holove.
Logitech manufactures a range of other speakers, including the MM50 which market research showed was the best-selling low-cost iPod docking speaker system in the US in the past 12 months.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:05 AM
August 16, 2007
Lennon's iTunes exile ended
Apple has announced John Lennon's solo work is finally available for download via iTunes.
The former Beatle, who was murdered in 1980, had been among the dwindling number of big-name artists without work available for sale to iPod users from the iTunes store.
However, EMI Music has now agreed to make a selection of 16 classic, and in some cases far from classic, Lennon solo albums and compilations available through Apple's online store.
The Scouser's widow, the Japanese-American artist Yoko Ono, welcomed the news.
"John would have loved the fact that his music will now be available in a format suited to a new generation of listeners," she said.
The decision to sell Lennon's music via iTunes follows the news Led Zeppelin have finally agreed to make their music available from Apple's online store.
Lennon's former band The Beatles remain among the most prominent iTunes refuseniks, together with The Smiths and Radiohead.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:33 AM
August 15, 2007
Disney unveils iPod speakers
Disney yesterday unveiled two new iPod compatible speakers inspired by two of the entertainment giant's most popular television programmes.
The speakers feature the High School Musical and Hannah Montana brands and are part of a range of electronics equipment aimed at youngsters heading towards their teenage years.
Bright red and designed to resemble a school locker, the High School Musical iPod speaker also features a digital AM/FM alarm clock radio.
The purple and silver Hannah Montana iPod speaker includes a guitar amp with microphone and guitar inputs to allow youngsters to play along with their favourite tracks.
Both designs cost $70 (£35) and Chris Heatherly, vice president of global electronics for Disney Consumer Products, expects them to be a hit with today's sophisticated children.
"This year, kids will be looking for flat screen televisions and iPod compatible speaker docks with great sound and our new line is very much on the forefront of this trend," said Mr Heatherly.
Disney already manufactures a range of products aimed at owners of digital media players, including the Tigger and Pirates of the Caribbean iPod nano cases.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:11 AM
August 14, 2007
Sunbathers get charged
Sun seekers could soon have the perfect way to charge their iPod, if an American academic can get his latest invention off the ground.
Andrew Schneider of New York University last week put a solar bikini capable of charging an iPod on display at the Siggraph 2007 exhibition in San Diego.
The skimpy swimwear is covered in photovoltaic cells which link into a USB connecter that can be plugged into an iPod Shuffle.
Mr Schneider told the Guardian that two hours of sitting out in the sun is enough for the bikini to fully charge the media player and even claimed that it is safe to go swimming in.
However, he added: "You can go in the water, you just have to make sure you are absolutely dry before you plug your iPod in."
Marks & Spencer recently launched an iPod business suit complete with a control panel sewn into the jacket lapel.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:10 AM
August 13, 2007
UMG announce DRM experiment
Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced it is to experiment with making digital rights management (DRM) free tracks available for download.
Albums and individual tracks by artists such as Gwen Stefani, Prince, 50 Cent and Elvis Costello will be available in mp3 format - which can be played on a range of media players including the iPod - without the protection of DRM between August and January.
UMG will then analyse sales patterns and piracy issues before deciding whether to continue offering DRM free downloads.
Doug Morris, chairman of UMG, said the experiment is part of the company's commitment to expanding the availability of its artists' output online.
He added: "This test … will provide valuable insights into the implications of selling our music in an open format."
The DRM free tracks will be available from a wide range of online stores and from artist specific websites, but not from iTunes.
EMI announced in May that it was making its entire back catalogue available for download DRM free via Apple's iTunes Plus service.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:30 AM
August 10, 2007
Hilton announces iPod-based training
The Hilton Hotels Corporation is proving the iPod is more than just a portable music player by using it in a new training programme.
The company's Mobile Training scheme will see the group's 204 upmarket Homewood Suites hotels equipped with iPod videos.
Each iPod will be filled with short training videos about the chain's brand, providing the company's 5,000 staff with the chance to receive on-the-job coaching and guidance whenever they feel they need it.
Dawn Koenig, vice president of hotel performance services for Homewood Suites, predicted the flexible new training technique would prove popular with staff members.
"The Mobile Training video iPod programme contains a variety of two-minute modules highlighting specific brand skills that are both essential and valuable to our employees and their growth," added Ms Koenig.
Home Office officials announced in May that 20 senior civil servants had been equipped with iPods preloaded with short training videos about leadership, but insisted the media players were strictly for work use only.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:21 AM
August 09, 2007
Macally targets the stylish with new speaker
Home electronics specialist Macally yesterday unveiled a new iPod speaker system that aims to combine the latest technology with a sense of style.
The TunePro for iPod is a flat-panel stereo speaker that includes an AM/FM radio alarm clock and charger function.
It utilises NXT flat-panel loudspeaker and SRS WOW technologies to produce top line sound quality, but the TunePro's main attraction is its sleek, modern design.
Andrew Saldana, Macally's vice president of sales and marketing, claimed the $130 (£64) TunePro is not only the best flat-panel speaker system around, but that it would also improve the look of any room.
He added: "We support our customers' sense of personal style with the TunePro's decor-savvy aesthetics and user-friendly flat-panel speaker design coupled with capabilities that will enhance customers' lives."
Macally manufactures a variety of other accessories for Apple's media player, including the IceSuit iPod case, the mTune-N cordless stereo headset and the IceFM transmitter and charger.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:41 AM
August 08, 2007
iLuv 552 wins plaudits
The iLuv 552 is one of the best portable iPod speaker systems on the market, according to an expert reviewer.
Peter Jenkinson of the Manchester Evening News picked a selection of products suitable for people who want to ditch the headphones, with the iLuv 552 emerging as the top speaker system with an FM radio.
The "futuristic-looking ghetto blaster" not only looks stylish, it also produces a "fine sound" from its six-watt speakers, while the radio function is described as "excellent.
The £69.99 speaker system, which comes with a remote control, is compatible with the iPod, iPod video, iPod mini and iPod nano.
Mr Jenkinson also recommended Logic 3's iStation Traveller as the best low budget iPod speaker system.
The £19.99 system is available in six different colours and Mr Jenkinson notes that "at this price the temptation is there to get a few and have them dotted about the house".
A recent best-sellers chart published in the US revealed that iHome's iH5 is the most popular portable iPod docking speaker system on the other side of the Atlantic.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:31 AM
August 07, 2007
Timex launches iPod watch for runners
Watchmaker Timex has launched a new sports watch that doubles as a wireless iPod controller.
The iControl is the latest addition to Timex's Ironman collection of sports watches and like the other timepieces in the range, is lightweight, water resistant and comes with interval timer and training log functions to assist with workouts.
However, the iControl also gives runners the ability to change tracks and adjust the volume on their iPod without interrupting their training.
The product is a new departure for Timex, but Heberto Calves, vice president of sports marketing, is convinced it will be a success.
"The days of fumbling for your iPod in mid-stride are over," said Mr Calves.
He added: "iControl offers cutting edge technology and contemporary design, in addition to the functional quality and durability people have come to expect from Timex."
The iControl is available in black or grey and costs $125 (£62).
Another accessory aimed at runners, the Nike + iPod Sport Kit, recently won a bronze award at the 2007 International Design Excellence Awards.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:27 AM
August 06, 2007
Go + Play named best iPod speaker system
Harman/Kardon's Go + Play has been named as the best buy in a consumer test of portable self-powered mp3 speaker systems.
The Sunday Times compared the performance of five different systems and the Go + Play emerged with a five-star rating because of its durability and impressively high volume.
Harman/Kardon's machine comes with a recessed dock and adaptors to ensure it works with most models of iPod and, according to the newspaper's Alex Pell, its three touch-sensitive controls and remote control make it a "breeze to use".
The 20-inch wide system "flattened its rivals" for sound quality, with its four speakers capable of producing "garden-filling volume" without distortion.
It also stood out because of its rugged, weatherproofed finish and practical stainless steel handle, which means it is easy to carry despite weighing in at 1.8 kg.
The Go + Play's one drawback is that it is battery hungry, but Mr Pell still concludes that it is "a class-leading gadget".
A recent test in the Observer named Griffin's iTrip as the best iPod in-car adaptor on the market.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:07 AM
August 03, 2007
B&W unveils hi-tech Zeppelin
If you don't mind paying for style and quality, the new Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) iPod dock could be the gadget for you.
Named the Zeppelin because it shares its shape with the ill-fated airships, the dock is priced to appeal only to genuine Hi-Fi enthusiasts at $599 (£294).
However, purchasers do get a lot of iPod dock for their money, as the Zeppelin's speaker is a room dominating two feet wide.
It also contains plenty of hi-tech wizardry, including a five-inch woofer and the same tweeters used in B&W's top of the range speaker systems, some of which cost thousands of pounds.
The high-end technology allows the Zeppelin to take the tracks from your iPod and boom them out with an impressive 100 watts of power.
That kind of volume means it's an iPod speaker system capable of doing justice to the work of near namesakes and rock gods Led Zeppelin, who earlier in the week signalled an end to their long-standing opposition to selling music via download by agreeing to make their forthcoming career retrospective available through iTunes.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:34 AM
August 02, 2007
iPod rumours rife
Gossip-minded technology websites are awash with rumours about possible iPod product developments.
One report, originating from 9to5Mac.com, claims a new version of the iPod nano is to be launched later this month.
The new device, which apparently has video capability, is said to be just two inches square and will be available in 4GB and 8GB versions, both of which will come in a variety of colours.
Meanwhile, reports emanating from Asia have suggested that Apple will commence production of the much speculated upon redesigned full iPod before the end of the month.
According to Digitimes, Taiwan-based Compeq Manufacturing has a contract to begin supplying Apple with PCBs for the product now and has been told to "ramp up" production in September.
The existence of the new iPod is yet to be confirmed by Apple, but reports suggest it will have many of the functions seen on the iPhone, including touch screen controls.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:11 AM
August 01, 2007
iTunes reaches three billion mark
Apple has revealed that its iTunes music download store recently sold its three billionth track.
The store is the world's most successful online music shop, thanks largely to the popularity of Apple's market leading iPod media player.
Its success was highlighted in a recent report by market researchers NPD, which revealed iTunes has overtaken Amazon to become the third largest music retailer in the US.
News that the store has followed that landmark by making its three billionth sale was warmly welcomed by Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes, who said: "We'd like to thank all of our customers who have contributed to this incredible milestone."
It now has over five million songs available to download, together with a range of television shows and movies for iPod video owners.
However, some major music acts still refuse to allow iTunes to stock their work, meaning the site does not sell tracks by The Beatles, The Smiths and Radiohead.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:27 AM