June 2008 Archives
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June 27, 2008
Lower-cost iPod nano soon, 15m new iPhones
Apple is preparing significant changes to the iPod nano as it prepares a dramatic ramp-up in iPhone 3G shipments, according to a report by FBR Research analyst Craig Berger. The investment expert now anticipates an updated, lower-priced iPod nano in the near future on top of refreshes for both the iPod classic and iPod touch.
Further details are unavailble, though Apple has traditionally increased capacities of the iPod in August or September as flash memory and hard drive technology improves; the company took the unusual step this year of doubling iPod touch capacity to 32GB just a few months after the product was introduced.
Apple is also now said to be increasing its iPod production to match and is estimated to be building 15 percent more of the media players than it did with Berger's previous check, although he adds that the shift is now more towards the iPod nano and classic rather than the iPod touch, which has regularly been Apple's second-strongest iPod in terms of online Apple Store sales since its debut.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:44 PM
June 25, 2008
Meet the iPod Doctor: He makes house calls
Ramon Reyes had a problem. He could only get sound from one channel on his iPod video player. At first, he thought his ear-buds were busted. But he replaced them with a pricey new pair made by Sony, and it didn't make any difference.
So on a recent sunny afternoon, Reyes stood outside his office in lower Manhattan, chewing gum, and waiting for a visit from Demetrios Leontaris, better known as the iPod Doctor. Leontaris spends his days cruising Manhattan and tending to the needs of distressed owners of Apple's ubiquitous portable music player.
Leontaris opened Reyes' iPod and replaced the damaged part with the swift, graceful movements of a concert pianist. "There you go," he said, returning the refurbished device to its owner. Reyes put his buds in his ears and gave his iPod a listen. "Excellent," he said, smiling and nodding his head to a beat that only he could hear. The iPod Doctor collected his standard fee for the repair and headed off for another appointment.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:19 PM
June 24, 2008
Get a Professional Audio Recorder Out of Your iPod
As popular as the Apple iPod may be, it is still missing in some basic functionality that you can find on other MP3 players. The iPod doesn't have a voice recorder or an FM radio, for example. The voice recorders on most MP3 players aren't exactly the best, however, so if you're looking for a more professional experience, you may want to consider the Alesis ProTrack.
Acting like a portable docking station for the iPod, the Alesis ProTrack effectively transforms the Apple music player into a professional-grade digital audio recorder. The professionalism extends to a set of XLR and 1/4-inch inputs as well, which you can either use for a line-in or a microphone. The built-in stereo condensor mics are arranged in an XY pattern.
The Alesis ProTrack works with the iPod Classic, 5th-gen iPod, and iPod nano (2nd and 3rd generation) and will be available in the third quarter of this year.
Posted by ipodworld at 10:24 AM
June 23, 2008
Listen to your iPod tunes in the shower or pool
iPod users now can listen to music or watch videos in the shower or pool, at the park or tailgate parties, on road trips, at the office or anywhere they want.The EGO Waterproof Sound Case, designed to house the popular fourth and fifth generation iPod models, as well as iPod nanos and minis, is a portable boom box.
It features waterproof speakers, sealed base venting ports and sound powered by dual, full-range neodymium drivers.
The silicone gasket and snap locking latch protect the iPod while providing waterproof control via the click wheel membrane. Waterproof controls make it easy to turn the unit on and off, select songs or adjust the volume.
Posted by ipodworld at 12:56 PM
June 20, 2008
JVC Adds Ipod Docking To New TV Range
Never one to miss a opportunity, JVC have stuck a iPod docking station on the front of their latest range of LCD TVs (P-Series). JVC have made there latest Tvs, iPod compatible which means that they can playback of iPod video content through their aptly named 'TeleDock' . There are four model in the new range including three full HD 1080p sets.
When an iPod is docked, a menu appears on the TV screen for selecting music, music shuffle or video playback. The iPod can be controlled from the TV’s remote, which includes a circular keypad with a control scheme that mimics the iPod’s control wheel. Photos can also be displayed as a slide show along with music. During music playback, song title and artist name are displayed on the TV screen.
During video playback, low resolution files, such as internet videos, can be displayed in a small screen mode. Higher resolution video can be shown in nine aspect modes at full screen. There’s also the option to play music files while the TV displays television programming. In addition, the iPod will charge while docked whether the TV’s power is on or off.
Posted by ipodworld at 04:37 PM
June 19, 2008
Microsoft's Zune faces an uphill battle in the iPod-dominated music-and media-player market
Released 18 months ago in the U. S. and already on a much-improved second iteration, Microsoft's Zune finally arrived in Canadian stores last week, joining a crowded field of music and media players overwhelmingly dominated by Apple's 100 million-plus-selling iPod family.
Microsoft as the underdog, going up against Apple's 800-lb. gorilla? Did Alice fall through the looking glass again? You can't talk about the Zune without stacking it up feature-for-feature against its iPod rivals and the Softies' newcomer does have an edge on Apple's incumbents.
The Zune has a built-in FM radio tuner, for instance, as well as allowing you to wirelessly synchronize with your PC without fumbling for cables or cradles.
Posted by ipodworld at 05:34 PM
June 18, 2008
JBL Introduces Futuristic iPod Speaker Dock
Finding a cool speaker setup for your iPod can be a difficult task. There are a variety of different speakers out there, but there are only a few that aren’t boring. JBL Home Audio has a solution has they’ve introduced a new product with a futuristic look.
No it’s not a dog’s food dish; it’s a new and unique iPod speaker dock. The JBL On Stage 200ID high performance loudspeaker dock is said to be the complete iPod and iPhone sound system. Without excess cables and wires, the dock has stereo mini jack connection that can let you play music from your iPod or other devices such CD players and computers.
One of the main features of this specific dock is that it has a remote control. Equipped with a music mode and navigation mode, the remote can control the volume, change songs and help you go through the menus on your iPod. This is a great advantage that separates the JBL On Stage 200ID from other docks because users don’t have to walk up to their iPod and use its navigation buttons all the time.
Posted by ipodworld at 04:02 PM
June 17, 2008
Tuning in to your iPod on United
You may have to pay more for your United Airlines flight these days, but starting today, some international passengers will be able to connect their iPod or iPhone into their seat's entertainment system.
Travelers in first and business class will be able to plug in their iPod or iPhone, charge it and watch their videos on their 15.4-inch personal screen. The first aircraft to offer the service leaves tonight from Washignton, D.C. to Zurich, and will primarily fly on trans-Atlantic routes.
United is the first but not the only airline planning to offer iPod and iPhone connectivity for its passengers. About two years ago, Apple said it was working with six airlines, including Delta and Continental, to offer the service.
Posted by ipodworld at 12:44 PM
June 16, 2008
Average teenager's iPod has 800 illegal music tracks
Teenagers and students have an average of more than 800 illegally copied songs each on their digital music players, the largest academic survey of young people's music ownership has found.
The research also showed that half of 14 to 24-year-olds were happy to share all the music on their hard drive, enabling others to copy hundreds, or thousands, of songs at any one time.
Although illegal copying has become widespread, the scale of the problem uncovered by the University of Hertfordshire left the music industry surprised. On average every iPod or digital music player contained 842 illegally copied songs.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:12 PM
June 13, 2008
Where are the iPhone's iPod improvements?
Coverage of the iPhone 3G and iPhone 2.0 software has focussed largely on networking and enterprise features as well as third-party applications. Very little, however, has been said of the iPhone as iPod other than that the iPhone 3G brings “improved audio” (and that may apply only to its phone functions) and offers a flush headphone jack rather than one that’s recessed. While it’s quite possible that improvements to the iPhone’s iPod functionality will come as well, Apple’s keeping quiet about any that may soon exist.
The iPod classic and 3G iPod nano will play episodes of the same podcast in succession. For example, if you’ve added the three most recent episodes of the Macworld Podcast to one of these iPods, select the first episode in the list, and press Play, when that episode concludes, the next begins playing.
Currently, the iPhone and iPod touch won’t. Just as with older iPods, when an episode concludes, you’re taken back to that podcast’s screen. To play the next episode, you must tap it. This is most inconvenient when you’re driving as you have to pull your eyes from the road to view the iPhone’s screen and select the episode you want. A traditional iPod’s clickwheel and audible clicks allow you to do this same kind of thing by feel.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:23 PM
June 12, 2008
Dude, why are all those Princess passengers wearing iPods?
Guide-led walking tours are a great way to get to know a city, particularly in Europe where many urban centres are compact and pedestrian friendly. But they can be a drag if you get stuck with a big group. And they don't offer a lot of flexibility. Where the group goes, you go.
Enter Princess Cruises, which is launching do-it-yourself iPod walking tours this summer in more than a dozen European ports.
For £15, passengers will get a detailed map showing the best route between top attractions and an iPod to use for the day loaded with recorded tour information about each site listed on the map. Then they can set off at their own pace.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:50 AM
June 11, 2008
Electronic Arts debuts The Sims DJ for iPod nano, classic
As the latest in its series of games based on the popular PC title The Sims, Electronic Arts today released The Sims DJ as an iPod Game for third-generation iPod nanos, fifth-generation iPods, and iPod classics.
The Sims DJ lets you create a Sim character, play, mix and scratch songs from your iTunes library to make crowds of Sims dance, and move from club to club earning money to use on clothes. Additional clubs become accessible if you become skillful as a DJ.
Posted by ipodworld at 02:50 PM
June 10, 2008
Why Apple has forgotten about the iPod
Apple may look like a company that has everything together, but in recent months, it has forgotten about the one product that has propelled it into the limelight and made it a major force in the industry - the iPod.
I'm sure Apple wouldn't admit that it has forgotten about the iPod and would quickly cite sales statistics, but I think it's missing the point. With all the hoopla surrounding the 3G iPhone and the possibility of other products hitting store shelves, Steve Jobs has barely even mentioned the iPod in passing and there's currently no indication from Cupertino that we will hear anything new about it in the coming weeks.
According to analysts, iPod sales are slowing for the first quarter in its long and storied history. And while I won't sound the alarms just yet - they downgraded expected sales from 54.6 million to 51.1 million - it tells us two things: the iPod has hit critical capacity and there are fewer customers available to buy the device and Apple isn't doing everything it can to buoy sales and get them going in the right direction. Is it possible that Apple is the victim of its own success? Surely everyone knew that this day would come, but I'm not so sure Apple expected it this soon.
Posted by ipodworld at 05:17 PM
June 09, 2008
iPod touch 2.0 anyone
It’s almost a certainty that Steve Jobs will announce the next-generation iPhone at the WWDC today. But in the midst of all the iPhone 2.0 speculation and rumors, we seem to have overlooked other Apple products due for a revamp - such as the iPod touch.
I know that the iPhone is Apple’s current jewel in the crown, but I think that the iPod touch is an equally important device for Apple. After all, the current iPod touch is an iPhone, without the phone. Since the iPhone will undoubtedly be getting a face (and feature) lift, I would say that makes an iPod touch revamp at least likely.
I’ve had my iPod touch for quite a while now and overall it’s just worked. It’s crashed on a me a few times in that time and I’ve had to factory-reset it once in that time. The battery life, while still OK, is nowhere near as good as it once was. The 16GB capacity, which once seemed ample, now hovers at around the 1.5GB free mark. Oh,and the screen has a scratch on it. A small one, and it’s at the bottom, but I know it’s there and that makes it annoying (partly because it was my fault).
Posted by ipodworld at 04:21 PM
June 06, 2008
Voice recording for iPhone, iPod touch
Plum Amazing is a new company that's sprung up to develop applications for the iPod touch and iPhone, and today announced its first two mobile applications, which will ship "as soon as the AppStore comes online".
The applications are: Plum Record which does audio recording for the iPhone allowing you to record and annotate audio.
Plum Caddy, created for golfers and offering golf mapping, scoring and statistics which can be used on any golf course in the world to track strokes, putts and other golfing statistics.
Posted by ipodworld at 01:00 PM
June 05, 2008
iTunes: Apple offers Hollywood movies to UK users
Apple is to start offering movies such as I am Legend, The Matrix and Batman Begins on iTunes in the UK for the first time.
The technology company is making more than 700 titles available to UK iTunes customers from today, having secured deals with Hollywood studios including 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney, Warner Bros, MGM, Sony Pictures and Lionsgate. Universal Pictures has not signed up as yet.
"We're kicking off movies on the iTunes Store in the UK with more than 700 films for purchase and rent," said Eddy Cue, the Apple vice-president of iTunes. "We think customers in the UK are going to love being able to enjoy their favourite movies on their iPod, iPhone or on a widescreen TV with Apple TV."
Posted by ipodworld at 04:28 PM
June 04, 2008
Students to have lectures by iPod
Students will be able to download lectures on to their iPods under a plan to make universities more accessible.
Leading institutions are putting coursework material on to portable audio players to ensure undergraduates can complete assignments away from university campuses.
University College London and the Open University will offer the free education content on the iTunes U network, it has been announced.
More than 300 video and audio files from current Open University courses are now available to download to a Mac, PC, iPod or iPhone.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:42 AM
June 03, 2008
Crazy Japanese create iMac-like iPod dock
You want an Apple iMac, but don’t have either the space or funds for one. What do you do? One Japanese manufacturer has designed a dock that gives the iPod Touch the appearance of a miniature iMac.
The so-called iClooly is simply an aluminium stand that, unsurprisingly, measures just slightly larger than the Touch – allowing Apple’s portable music device to slot horizontally inside. The stand doesn’t boast as much processing power as the 3.06GHz iMac, but is much more portable because the dock weighs just 55g. It's even got a circular hole in the back, for cables.
The iPod Touch dock can also rotate through 90°, enabling you to use the music and movie gadget in either a portrait or landscape orientation.
Posted by ipodworld at 01:40 PM
June 02, 2008
PowerDock 2 for Apple iPod and iPhone launched
Griffin Technology has now launched their latest product named PowerDock 2 which has been designed to enable a user to simultaneously charge an iPhone and an iPod.
The company said that the device is capable of charging any two dock connector equipped devices.
So, the user can also charge two iPods or two iPhones simultaneously.
PowerDock 2 features a brushed aluminium design and comes loaded with six universal dock adapters to fit different iPod models.
Posted by ipodworld at 04:26 PM