September 2008 Archives
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September 30, 2008
Jay-Z, Kanye 'on Obama's iPod'
Barack Obama has revealed his admiration for the current generation of hip-hop artists. The US presidential candidate told MTV's Sway that his iPod features music by Jay-Z and Kanye West, going on to praise the business acumen of some of the industry's top stars.
When asked if he is a fan of the genre, he remarked: "I enjoy it, but these days I don't have the time to listen to it all the time. What I've appreciated, watching this hip-hop generation, is to see how entrepreneurial they've been. In the past, musicians oftentimes were commodities."
Obama added: "I think they're a lot more sophisticated than in the past, and that is a wonderful thing."
Posted by ipodworld at 04:45 PM
Spore Origins supports new iPod nano accelerometer
The iTunes Store recently notified customers who have purchased Spore Origins for the iPod that it has been updated with a new version that supports the accelerometer feature of the new fourth-generation iPod nano.
Spore Origins for iPod runs on third and fourth-generation iPod nanos, iPod classics and fifth-generation iPods. It was released for the iPod shortly before its debut on the iPhone or the Mac and PC. It’s based on the already-popular game from the maker of Sim City and The Sims in which you create life and evolve it. Spore Origins focuses on the first stage of life, when you raise a microscopic lifeform in a pool of primordial ooze.
The fourth-generation iPod nano is the first nano model to support accelerometer controls similar to the iPhone and iPod touch — it has a long screen, and when it’s held sideways, you can view album art using Cover Flow, shake the device to shuffle your music and view photos in landscape orientation. It also sports a built-in game called Maze that utilizes the accelerometer for controls.
Posted by ipodworld at 04:42 PM
Norway tackles Apple over iPod-iTunes link
Norway's consumer mediator today threatened to take US electronics manufacturer Apple before a government agency for failing to make its online iTunes store compatible with music players other than its iPod.
"A large part of the music in the iTunes store can still not be used by devices other than the iPod," the ombudsman Bjoern Erik Thon said in a statement.
In 2006, Norway was among the first countries in the world to insist that Apple break the exclusive link between its iPod music players and online iTunes store. Apple has added several instructions to its user conditions, explaining to consumers how to burn songs onto compact discs and then convert them to the MP3 format so they can be played on other devices, "but that's not enough", the mediator said.
Posted by ipodworld at 04:37 PM
September 29, 2008
Apple to Make iTunes 8 and iPod Completely Accessible to the Blind
Apple has committed to work with the state of Massachusetts to use its VoiceOver technology from Mac OS X to make its iTunes and iPod ecosystem fully usable for the blind. Before the agreement, Apple had already been making strides: VoiceOver and Braille support for OS X and closed captioning for iPod and Apple TV have already been implemented to a degree. But Apple's taking it even further.
The 4G iPod nano features an optional spoken interface to help with audio navigation, and the new hardware includes blind-friendly features like the “shake to shuffle” function (we were wondering who that was for!). Apple's new mic-integrated headphones provide tactile controls on the cable, and can also be used to receive vocal commands.
But most importantly, Apple has promised in this agreement to flesh out its compatibility and make iTunes 8 and iTunes U 100% accessible for the blind by the end of the year. As much as I rail against Apple, this is a really worthwhile cause and makes me feel pretty warm and fuzzy towards the White Overlords.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:46 AM
September 26, 2008
iPhone Podcaster application banned
Apple Inc. has closed a loophole that had allowed a rejected iPhone developer to sell his application using a distribution channel meant for beta testing and enterprises.
Alex Sokirynsky, creator of an iPhone and iPod Touch application called Podcaster, confirmed that he has been blocked from selling any additional copies of his program. "Basically, Apple denied me from provisioning new devices," Sokirynsky acknowledged in an email.
Apple had said it rejected the tool two weeks ago because it duplicated features in the company's own iTunes software. "Since Podcaster assists in the distribution of podcasts, it duplicates the functionality of the Podcast section of iTunes," Apple told Sokirynsky.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:59 AM
September 25, 2008
Apple launches iPhone Developer University Programme
Apple has recently released details of a new programme designed for higher education institutions looking to introduce curriculum for developing iPhone or iPod Touch applications.
Dubbed iPhone Developer University, the new programme allows instructors and professors to create a development team with up to 200 students free of charge. It offers all of the same tools granted to paid iPhone developers, but also provides iPhones and iPod Touches for evaluation purposes.
"With the suite of sophisticated and elegant tools included in the iPhone SDK, and a wide range of resources in the iPhone Dev Centre, students participating in the class will have everything they need to create innovative applications for iPhone and iPod Touch" Apple says.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:02 AM
September 24, 2008
Sony debuts iPod and iPhone compatible audio products
Sony has brought out four audio products that work with current dockable iPod and iPhone devices. The new CD clock radio, boombox, table top HD Radio with iTunes Tagging and docking speaker let you enjoy music from either iPod or iPhone.
The ICF-CD3iP device is Sony’s first CD clock radio with a hidden dock for iPhone and iPhone devices. It gives users multi-function flexibility that enables them to listen, wake and fall asleep to their iPhone or iPhone, CDs or radio in the form of a small footprint.
The boombox works with both devices and adds enhanced sound quality through it’s Mega Bass sound system. The HD Radio with iTunes Tagging is compatible with the newest generation of 3G iPhone devices, as well as iPhone. It solves a need for those who want to experience their music out loud, with rich bass and simulated surround sound. The docking speakers offer high quality audio and a piano black wood finish. Unlike most docking speakers for iPhone players, this new speaker system is compatible with the newest generation of 3G iPhone devices as well.
Posted by ipodworld at 10:26 AM
September 23, 2008
Apple recalls iPhone power adaptors
Apple has issued a recall programme for the mains to USB power adaptors supplied with it’s iPhone range and available as an additional accessory on various iPod devices.
So far, the recall only affects two-pronged 'flat' units sold in the US, Japan, Canada, Mexico, and numerous South American countries using the same power system. European 'round prong' units and the UK three-pin units are not affected by the recall, being – it would seem – built of sterner stuff.
Despite no mention of any known casualties, Apple isn't taking the problem lightly. The official page for the recall states that users should “immediately stop using them until they exchange them for a new, redesigned ultracompact adapter.”
Posted by ipodworld at 05:24 PM
September 19, 2008
Logitech launches two new speaker docks for iPod and iPhone
The Pure-Fi Express Plus and Pure-Fi Anytime are expected to be on shelves in October. Both provide docks for your iPhone and iPod (both the 3G and first-gen models). The Express Plus is an omnidirectional speaker system, so it can be used in any room, whilst the Anytime has an alarm clock so would be best in the bedroom.
Also worth a mention is the fact that the Express Plus can run on AC or battery power and includes an integrated handle and wireless remote control with a range of up to 10 meters. The main feature of the Pure-Fi Anytime is its motion-sensing technology, which activates a backlight so you can set your alarm without having to turn on the lights.
And if you want to get a few minutes of extra sleep when your alarm goes off in the morning, you can wave your hand over the speakers and the motion-sensing technology will activate Snooze.
Posted by ipodworld at 05:35 PM
September 18, 2008
Bugdom 2 creates a buzz on iPhone and iPod Touch
Bugdom 2, the popular 3D game originally released for the Mac, is about to become available on the iPhone and iPod Touch. Made by Pangea Software Inc, Bugdom 2 is the first fully interactive 3D action-adventure game for the iPhone. Players take on the role of Skip the grasshopper to battle an assortment of bugs and regain his knapsack from a nasty character called Bully Bee.
Brain Greenstone, President of Pangea Software, is pretty pleased with the result:
"Bugdom 2 looks terrific on the iPhone. The colourful graphics are second to none, and the variety in gameplay mixed with the easy and intuitive controls makes it a fun, lasting experience for players of all ages."
Bugdom 2 for the iPhone and iPod Touch touch is scheduled for a worldwide release in late September 2008.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:15 AM
September 17, 2008
Star Trigon Rockets Onto iPhones and iPods
Namco Networks, a leading publisher and developer of mobile games and entertainment for mass-market casual gamers, today announced the availability of Star Trigon for iPod click wheel devices, iPod Touch and iPhones. The game is available through both iTunes and the App Store, making Namco one of the first publishers to launch a game simultaneously on all three devices.
“Star Trigon is a fun and addictive game—simple to learn, but tough to master,” said Scott Rubin, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Namco Networks. “Launching the game for both the iPod and iPhone/iPod Touch allows a wider audience access and enjoy this intergalactic adventure puzzler.”
Star Trigon blends together addictive game play, unique characters and vibrant graphics specifically tailored to take advantage of both the iPhone and iPod capabilities. On iPhone, players tap the screen to control the game play, where as on iPod, the game is controlled simply by using the centre button on the click wheel.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:41 AM
September 16, 2008
Is the 4G Nano really the greenest iPod yet?
The new generation of iPod Nanos are undoubtedly the most colourful yet, but are they really -- as Steve Jobs claims -- the greenest? Let's take a look at what Apple and Greenpeace have to say.
Apple says the iPods are free from brominated flame retardants, mercury, PVC and have arsenic-free glass. It also says they're made from a "highly recyclable aluminium enclosure", though when we pushed the UK office for more detail it couldn't tell us more. So "highly" might mean it's 60 per cent recyclable or entirely recyclable.
The verdict from Greenpeace is a resounding thumbs-up. "The latest-generation iPods are significantly less toxic than before," it said in a statement. The eco charity does, however, note it's relatively easy to make small gadgets without PVC and brominated flame retardants because they use less power than, say, a desktop computer. Greenpeace is calling on Apple to make its computers free of the same toxins by Christmas.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:29 AM
September 15, 2008
How To: Create a Genius Playlist on the iPhone or iPod Touch
One of the new features in the iPhone and iPod Touch 2.1 firmware is the ability to create Genius Playlists on the fly, and right on the device. iTunes 8 introduced the concept of Genius Playlists, which like Pandora and Last.fm, use algorithms based on audio profiling, metadata matching, and (anonymously acquired) end user tastes, crunched in the Apple cloud. Basically, they take a song you like, what you typically like with it (what playlists you include it on), what others who like it also like (what playlists they include it on), and what music mathematically (tempo, tone, etc.) fits in with it. Then they try to predict other songs you might also like — in this case already on your iPhone — and whip you up a near-instant playlist on-demand.
How good is it? That depends entirely on how much music you have on your iPhone (the pool from which it can draw), how closely the metadata matches what’s in iTunes (or it won’t recognize your music — try tweaking the fields if you have trouble), and how many other users have contributed their data to the cloud (because the engine will supposedly get better and better the more information it’s fed).
Posted by ipodworld at 09:48 AM
September 12, 2008
iTunes 8 takes down Vista with 'blue screen of death'
Apple Inc.'s latest version of iTunes crashes Windows Vista when an iPod or iPhone is connected to the PC, scores of users have reported on Apple's support forum.
As soon as an iPod or iPhone is plugged into the PC, Vista crashes and shows the "blue screen of death" (BSOD), the critical error screen on a blue background that requires a reboot to recover, users said. The errors began showing up immediately after updating iTunes to Version 8.0, which Apple released Tuesday as part of its iPod refresh.
"I just installed iTunes 8 over my iTunes 7 on Vista [and] now whenever I plug in my iPod, I get a blue screen death. Three times so far. Even if it is plugged in on boot, I get a blue screen," said a user identified as "sambeckett" on the support forum about 90 minutes after Apple CEO Steve Jobs wrapped up the iPod launch.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:37 AM
September 11, 2008
Billy Frontier: Space Cowboy Game for iPhone and iPod Touch
Billy Frontier app is a 3D space cowboy game designed for the iPhone and iPod touch. The game is a combination of dueling, shootout, stampede, and target practice. The game takes place in either the town or a nearby swamp where Billy has to show off his shooting skills with bottles, cows, dynamite, aliens and other targets, as well as engage in duels and survive stampede attacks.
Billy is on a mission to rid the galaxy of alien outlaws. Targets are shot into the air by tapping on them as they appear across the screen. In the shootouts, you have to tap around potential targets and hope the shot lands on the right mark.
To get extra ammunition, you need to shoot open crates and blasting aliens. In the stampede attack, you will tilt your iPhone or iPod touch to steer Billy left or right as he runs toward you and away from ‘kanga-cows’ (kangaroo cows). In the quick draw contests, you have to tap appropriate “buttons” on your screen with the purpose of matching displayed sequences. If you make mistake, you get killed.
Posted by ipodworld at 10:03 AM
September 10, 2008
Apple takes sleek approach with latest iPods
Sleek was chic Tuesday, as Apple introduced a taller, slinkier iPod Nano, a slimmer iPod Touch and iTunes software that includes an artificial intelligence system called Genius that assembles playlists based on any chosen tune and suggests similar music.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs also addressed complaints about the newest iPhone by announcing new software, available Friday, that should "fix a lot of bugs, mean fewer dropped calls, better battery life and fewer crashes."
Plus he trumpeted a truce with NBC Universal that means the TV network will begin selling programs again on iTunes. The event began when Jobs drew laughter and applause as he strode onto a darkened stage in San Francisco in front of a screen displaying the message: "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated."
Posted by ipodworld at 09:35 AM
September 09, 2008
iBikeConsole helps cyclists operate iPod nano
iBikeConsole is a new device for cyclists that enables users to operate their iPod nano without removing their hands from the handlebars of their bikes.
iBikeConsole is compatible with first, second and third-generation iPod nanos. It incorporates a weather-proof housing for the iPod nano that's strapped to your handlebars; a pair of grip-mounted wireless keypads made of silicone enable you to play and pause, change tracks and adjust volume using your thumbs.
The iBikeConsole incorporates shock-absorbing lining to minimize the impact of road conditions, and uses a tool-free mounting bracket that lets you attach the iPod nano either on the handlebar or on the stem. The grip-mounted keypads wrap around the grips or handlebar of the bike. The keypad buttons are large enough to be operated even if you're wearing gloves, according to the manufacturer. Optional speakers are also available; these enable you to listen to the iPod nano's music without blocking yourself from ambient noise.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:46 AM
September 08, 2008
British Man Invented Precursor to the iPod in 1979
According to a Gizmodo post published on Sunday, a British man claims he invented the iPod (or at least a prototype of what would become a portable music player) way back in 1979, the same year the Walkman cassette player first went on sale in Japan. Up to that point, the idea of portable music was an over-sized boom box you carried on your shoulder.
That is, until Sony and a Brit by the name of Kane Kramer came along in 1979 and reduced the size substantially. Sony's device played cassette tapes, while Kramer's apparently had 3.5 minutes of memory. The Walkman became iconic in the 80s (not unlike the iPod is today), but sadly for Kramer, his device never took off (probably because he was so far ahead of his time) and he let the patent lapse nine years later when he ran out of funds.
The story would end there, except for the fact that a company called Burst sued Apple a couple of years ago over a patent infringement involving, at least marginally, the design of the iPod among other things. A Mac World article on the lawsuit settlement described the patents involved as follows: "Burst alleged that Apple infringed four patents for transmission of compressed audio and video files in iTunes, iLife, QuickTime and the iPod."
Posted by ipodworld at 09:51 AM
September 05, 2008
Mophie Juice Pack for iPod touch packs a wallop
The battery built into the Apple iPod Touch can last up to 23 hours if you're just listening to music--but who uses a touch just for music?
Watching movies, playing games, streaming radio, and browsing the Web can quickly zap your iPod's battery. Anyone who's been stuck in the middle of nowhere with a useless, dead iPod has had to learn this lesson the hard way.
If you need enough power to make it over the long haul, the Mophie Juice Pack is an external rechargeable battery that doubles the battery life of the iPod touch. Unfortunately, it also doubles the thickness of the touch and it doesn't come cheap.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:46 AM
September 04, 2008
Line Rider to Debut on iPhone, iPod Touch
After gathering a cult following online, Line Rider will bring its brand of creative, endless gameplay to the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch this month.
One of the Web’s hottest time-sapping video games is making the transition to the iPhone and iPod Touch. Line Rider, which is already slated for an appearance on the Nintendo Wii and DS with Line Rider 2: Unbound, will also be ported to Apple’s most popular platforms this month.
The iPhone and iPod Touch versions of Line Rider will allow players to sketch out tracks for a virtual sled rider, much as they did with a mouse in the original Web version of the game that debuted in September 2006. It will also include a “movie” mode for players to record tracks, and upload feature to share them with others online.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:31 AM
September 03, 2008
Apple's 'Let's Rock' event fuels new iPod speculation
Apple plans to host a special event next week, feeding speculation that it may release updated models of the iPod media player to spur holiday sales.
An invitation for the Sept. 9 event in San Francisco, sent Tuesday, is entitled "Let's Rock" and shows a silhouetted dancer holding an iPod below a "playing soon" banner. Apple shares fell 2 percent after a Thomas Weisel Partners analyst trimmed his sales and profit estimates for this quarter.
Lower prices, smaller models and more storage may bolster Apple's product line in the December quarter, its biggest sales period. Chief Executive Steve Jobs has held events each September for the past four years to introduce new iPods, which play music and videos. A year ago, Jobs introduced the iPod Touch, a touch-screen model that surfs the Web. The iPod accounted for 22 percent of revenue last quarter, with Apple's Macintosh computers and the iPhone making up most of the rest.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:49 AM
September 02, 2008
Snow Patrol Team With iPhone And iPod Touch
Snow Patrol will become the first band to pioneer an interactive application for the iPhone and iPod Touch, for the release of their new album 'A Hundred Million Suns'. Fans with the Apple products will gain access to exclusive images from behind-the-scenes, as well as artwork for the album and lyrics for the new songs.
Speaking to MusicWeek, Liz Goodwin - project manager for the group's record label Polydor, says: "It will be an interactive element; a digital booklet that will take you into the videos and content."
"For fans it will be a real must-have, and the fact that they are the first band to do this gives us an additional angle for exposure."
Posted by ipodworld at 09:43 AM
September 01, 2008
Gorenje Fridge Is Officially Made for iPod, As Lickable as the Touch Itself
Believe it or not, this beautiful Gorenje fridge is an official Apple-licensed Made for iPod refrigerator. And believe it or not, it's not just a speaker and a dock glued to a glossy black fridge: You can control the fridge itself using your iPod touch or iPhone using an application called iGorenj, which in fact can control all kinds of Gorenje appliances—from the washing machine to the oven.
The application is not built for iPhone/iPod touch, however, but it is served from a home server that controls the appliances directly. This allows not only to use the iPod touch, but also any other web device in your home Wi-Fi network. The program allows you to program the devices using a very easy to use graphical user interface.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:51 AM