August 20, 2008
iPod to iPod transfer device launched
The iPod may be one of the most revolutionary gadgets of our times, but the good folks at Apple haven't made it easy for people to share music. In fact, without the use of third-party software (like iPod Access) adding songs to your iPod is a bit like putting money into a bank and not being able to access it ever again.
A new device looks set to change that, however. Unsurprisingly, the gadget is called the iPod to iPod Transfer Device and allows you to link to iPod classics together and move music effortlessly – like you should be allowed to anyway!
Unfortunately, the iPod to iPod Transfer Device is strictly for old-school iPod users. The device will not work for those trendy flash-based machines, the iPod touch or iPhone but it will work on the newer Nanos and the iPod Video. It works by connecting between the two iPods via their docking ports.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:53 AM
August 19, 2008
Edibles ‘food journal’ released for iPhone
Random Ideas has announced the release of Edibles, a “food journal” for the iPhone and iPod touch and is available through the App Store. Edibles helps users trying to limit or monitor their calorie intake by tracking the food types and quantity they eat. It’s useful for tracking calories, for WeightWatchers users tracking points, for people trying to limit carbohydrate intake and others.
You can enter a budget of whatever value you’re tracking, then use Edibles to track your daily and weekly allowances, giving yourself bonus Exercise credits too. Edibles let you enter your foods into its database; if you eat the same thing over again, it’s kept on-hand so you can reuse the information.
Edibles requires an iPhone or iPod touch with 2.0 software installed.
Posted by ipodworld at 10:44 AM
August 18, 2008
Beijing Olympics 2008: iPod Helps Michael Phelps Win Big
The 23-year-old American phenomenon, Michael Phelps, won his eighth gold medal of the Beijing Olympic Games today. His exciting win came in the National Aquatics Centre. Phelps turned potential defeat into victory with the help of Apple iPod.
Pre-competition routines give athletes a sense of control and readiness when entering competition. In Sport Psychology, visualisation is the most commonly used tool by sportsmen and women the world over to mentally prepare themselves for the event. Some athletes may only need to do something as simple as listen to music prior to every competition or warm up in the same manner.
And that’s exactly what Michael Phelps did yesterday. As he was going through his regular pre-competition visualization routines, his distinctive Apple iPod ear buds caught the attention of more than 100 million TV viewers all over the world. Now, he is a million dollars richer, courtesy of a bonus put up by sponsor Speedo if he could match Mark Spitz’s record with seven gold medals in one Olympics.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:27 AM
August 15, 2008
IPod Controlling Uniforms Come to British Schools
The kids today have it made. Mobile phones, Nintendo DS, even the internet. And not one of those wonderful toys carries a social stigma. Hell, even using a d20 probably wouldn't get your head flushed down the toilet these days. And the venerably square UK clothing retailer Marks and Spencer is selling school blazers with iPod controls built in. How's that for progress?
The jackets, made from recycled bottles (plastic, we assume) even have great names: "Stain Defence" and "Stormwear". The controls are inside the lapel, and there is a pocket to keep the iPod snug. Channels in the collar and lapels route the earbuds out of sight, so if you grow your hair a little, you'll be able to listen in class. Best of all, the blazers are fully washable (remove iPod first).
Posted by ipodworld at 10:01 AM
August 14, 2008
Xbox Live Friends Application now on iPhone and iPod Touch
The new App store has been flooded with a number of games and application for the iPhone and iPod Touch. An addition to this is the Xbox Live Friends Application. Users can now keep a track of their Xbox Live friends on the iPhone and iPod Touch. The application has been introduced by developer Nicholas Pike.
The web-based application is more than just a static gamer card. Keeping a check on your fellow Xbox gamers is really easy as the application can display gamer scores and online status for your entire friend list.
The most fun way to see what your friends are up to in XBOX live is the 360 voice site. The feature allows your XBOX blog about what you have been playing lately. The application is purpose built for mobile Safari web browsers. The Xbox Live for iPhone and iPod Touch is up for grabs from the App store at a price of £0.59.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:25 AM
August 13, 2008
Reaching out ... the iPhone kill switch
Apple Inc CEO Steve Jobs has admitted the existence of a remote 'kill switch' that Apple can use to reach out and wipe applications from your iPhone or iPod touch.
The admission came in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, with Jobs arguing that Apple needs the function in case the company inadvertently allows a malicious program to be sold then installed into iPhones and iPod touches.
There is a concern? imagine if you bought a little App and it was discovered it stole your personal data? You'd want it dealt with, forthwith.
'Hopefully we never have to pull that lever, but we would be irresponsible not to have a lever like that to pull,' Jobs said.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:44 AM
August 12, 2008
iPod touch and iPhone take on tour guide duties
Visitors to the Tate Liverpool are in for a high tech surprise this summer, as long as they’re carrying an iPhone or iPod touch. Apple’s touchscreen handhelds will get free tour guides downloaded automatically.
Visitors to the Gustav Klimt exhibition, which runs until 31 August, will get a multimedia tour guide sent wirelessly to their iPhone or iPod, featuring music, archived video clips, and behind the scenes footage of the exhibition’s creation.
Those who like to be more prepared can download the tour guide from the Tate’s website or iTunes too, and for anyone without an iPhone or iPod touch, the gallery will loan you one for just £3, as long as you hand over your ID as a deposit.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:20 AM
August 11, 2008
Bose SoundDock Portable - a rockstar for iPod dudes
Here is a rockstar! If you plug your iPod into the Bose SoundDock Portable and play, what you have is a complete party. The speaker delivers what can only be described as Bose sound! And what makes this gizmo even more cool is its complete portability.
To maximise space, the speaker exit also serves as the handle for the system and it can easily be carried around anywhere at home or even at the workplace. Technically speaking, the integrated system design brings together amplifiers, equalisers and speakers for acoustic performance, providing consistent acoustic quality without the inconvenience or worry of complex component adjustments.
The design is typically Bose — underplayed and sleek — and touts the patented waveguide speaker technology and powerful neodymium speakers. A rotating dock folds neatly inside the main enclosure for easy storage and protection during transit.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:48 AM
August 08, 2008
iPhone and iPod Touch App Helps Kids Learn New Language
ABC Sign application for iPhone and iPod touch is designed to help kids learn the American Sign Language (ASL) alphabet. Learning to sign opens the door to new cultures, new opportunities, and even new friendships! This educational app features colorful pictures and funny sounds help to keep learning interesting - as it should be.
Hearing families with deaf children often employ ad-hoc home sign for simple communications. Today though, ASL classes are offered in many secondary and postsecondary schools.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:46 AM
August 05, 2008
Apple iPhone Nano Coming This Christmas
The hype over the iPhone 3G has just barely started to ebb, and people are already clamoring over reports that Apple will be releasing an iPhone Nano just in time for the Christmas shopping season.
Traditionally, Apple holds an annual iPod news conference every September to let the media and its consumers know what is in the pipes for its popular iPod MP3 players. This September, some people are predicting an updated version of the iPod Touch with more features and prices that reflect the overall iPod line, which is hinted at in Apple's financial sales report comments.
However, even that news is eclipsed by news of the iPhone Nano. The Daily Mail was the first to break the news over the weekend, with the Daily Mail's source saying that the iPhone is too expensive for many consumers, but that a cheaper iPhone with the "candy bar shape of iPod nano music players" will be released by Apple just in time for the Christmas season.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:38 AM
August 04, 2008
Lab behind iPod shuts after 28yrs
A pioneering lab that helped develop the iPod shuts today after 28 years at the forefront of science.
The Synchrotron Radiation Source has used its intense beam of electrons to explore everything from the taste of chocolate to aircraft safety since it opened in 1980.
Researchers at the plant in Daresbur y, Cheshire, developed huge magnetic memory capabilities that paved the way for the iPod. It has also helped solve the structure of an enzyme, giving insights into metabolic and regenerative diseases.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:29 AM
August 01, 2008
Apple iPod Touch with GPS
Back in February Apple introduced the 32GB iPod Touch to the collection of 8GB and 16GB models. We know there will be another iPod Touch at some point and today we have a few clues.
The new beta iPhone and iPod 2.1 firmware hints at a new iPod Touch. It’s being reported that there are references to an unreleased iPod Touch known as iPod2,1.
The current iPod models are known as “iPod1,1″, and the first generation iPhone was known as “iPhone1,1″. These numbers are not changed when new storage sizes are introduced; it takes a few more features to introduce a new model like this. The latest iPhone 3G is known as “iPhone1,2″.
The shows that the new iPod Touch will carry more features, but what might these be? Its unlikely that Apple would want the new iPod Touch to overshadow the iPhone, so expect additions like GPS.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:43 AM
July 31, 2008
Dell to Rollout iPod Challenger, says Report
Can Dell beat Apple in the iPod game? According to reports it's going to try with a Dell digital music player that could go on sale as early as September. Can Dell succeed is the question, or will it end up another Cuil to Google's, well, Google?
According to the Wall Street Journal Dell has been testing its iPod rival for several months. The plan, according the WSJ, is not only to roll out a player, but an online download service as well.
Michael Dell is cited in the WSJ report as expressing an interest in expanding Dell's consumer reach to include a "broad range of consumer markets." The Dell digital music player would be the company's second try at entering the market. In 2003 Dell introduced a line of digital music players that failed in the marketplace.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:44 AM
July 30, 2008
Beverly Hills 90210 iPod nano - ironic or just plain rubbish?
If you're looking for evidence that TV is better today than it was in years past, watch a re-run of Beverly Hills 90210. If that statement sounds like blasphemy, you are the target market for the tackiest limited edition iPod yet - the Beverly Hills 90210 iPod nano.
Engraved with the images of your favourite characters (with room for your own personal cheesy message too), it offer you the chance to stand out from the crowd - but not really in a good way.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:30 AM
July 29, 2008
Medical Journal: Renewed Warnings About iPod Hearing Loss
Apple’s iPods have revolutionized the way we listen to music, but researchers warn they also affect high-pitched hearing and could lead to complete hearing loss. According to the latest research data published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, as many as 1 in 3 adults in the United States suffer from hearing loss.
Yuri Agrawal, the study’s lead author, attributes blames the problem to the increasing use of iPods among young adults.
Apple already includes a cautionary notice with the documentation of every iPod, which warns that “permanent hearing loss may occur if earphones or headphones are used at high volume.” Since damage to hearing caused by high volume is determined by its duration, continuous listening to an iPod, even at a seemingly reasonable level, can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear that transmit sound impulses to the brain.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:45 AM
July 28, 2008
iPod gets on the wrong side of Olympic track
IT'S no longer just muscle strains, diet and optimum conditioning athletes have to worry about. As final Olympic preparations are made, a new threat to their health has been identified – the iPod.
Scotland's national athletics body has drawn up a strict new health and safety code. The track guidelines describe iPods and MP3 players – used by leading athletes to psyche themselves up before major events – as "potentially dangerous" because of fears they could lead to collisions.
Jason Henderson, the editor of Athletics Weekly, says that the issue of MP3 players was becoming a hot potato in the running world: "People are already getting hot under the collar. It is interesting that Paula Radcliffe, the ultimate role model when it comes to distance running, wears an iPod when she trains.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:43 AM
July 25, 2008
Brain Challenge Game for Your iPhone and iPod Touch
Transform your iPhone into a personal coach, and turn tedious waiting time into a fun, yet educational gaming session anywhere. Just like your body, your brain needs to exercise to stay in shape. Maintaining it simply involves completing little exercises without pain, stress, or boredom.
That’s where Brain Challenge comes in! It’s like a real vitamin boost for your brain. More than just a game, Brain Challenge is your personal coach and an entertaining, easy solution for keeping your brain alert. For each question, simply touch or directly draw the correct answer on the screen.
Enjoy turning your iPhone to arrange cubes by gravity in an additional, exclusive mini-game. With various fun exercises, train your brain whenever and wherever you want on your iPhone! According to the game developer, gameloft (iDP), Brain Challenge is the #1 brain training program simulation - critically-acclaimed by the media as “a true success” and “a great casual game.” This game includes 43 mini-games and is the only comprehensive brain training partner on the iPhone and iPod touch.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:27 AM
July 24, 2008
Neil Young takes on the iPod
In the iPod age, music sound quality has been dumbed down to “Fisher-Price toy” levels, rock star and tech enthusiast Neil Young said Wednesday at Fortune’s Brainstorm Tech Conference.
Young talked about what he considers to be the poor audio quality of MP3s, creating electric-hybrid cars, (his “obsession”) and a long-term, multimedia archiving project of his entire career (which he says should be available as a series of Blu-Ray discs later this year.) Young hopes that becomes the basis for an alternative digitial platform featuring higher quality sound that will be made available to other musicians.
Young spent most of his time on stage lamenting what he feels is an increasing focus on convenience versus quality in today’s iTunes/iPod-dominated music industry. And he wasn’t afraid to criticize companies - Apple in particular - that he feels have brought down audio standards. An Apple spokesperson wasn’t immediately available for comment.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:42 AM
July 23, 2008
Rainbow-hued iPod nanos incoming?
Rumours are hitting the news wires that some details of Apple's new iPod nano range have been leaked from Asian manufacturing sources.
9to5Mac, the site that leaked news of the latest nano versions this time last year, reports that the new models will get memory capacity upgrades as well as "new features."
The storage is said to double for the new versions, which would mean 8GB and 16GB models, compared to the current 4GB and 8GB offerings. In addition, it's being reported that the updated gadget "will appear in multiple colours...not multiple colour versions but each one will have a plethora of colours."
Posted by ipodworld at 10:17 AM
July 22, 2008
Apple hints at lower prices as iPod, notebook refresh on tap
Amid all the chatter about Apple’s fiscal third quarter results, which were strong, most concerns about the future revolve around two words: Gross margins. The big takeaway for technology buyers: Those lower margins hint at cheaper iPods and notebooks in the not-to-distant future.
Following Apple’s typical strong quarter with a side of conservative guidance (Techmeme), CFO Peter Oppenheimer and COO Tim Cook noted that gross margins would be 31.5 percent for the September quarter and about 30 percent in fiscal 2009. It could be that Apple is lowballing again with its outlook, but there are good reasons to think that your Mac notebooks and iPods will come cheaper in the future.
Overall, I think you’re going to see Apple play the volume game a bit. It is the No. 3 PC maker in the U.S. and has a lot of open field before it bumps into Dell and HP in those top two spots. Part of the margin pressure is back to school promotions, but executives also noted that there will be an undisclosed product transition that will also lower prices and hurt margins.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:42 PM
July 21, 2008
Virus Protection for your iPhone and iPod Touch
Intego, a company that specializes in developing Internet security and privacy software for Macs, just announced the release of its new malware protection program for the iPhone and the iPod touch. VirusBarrier X5 10.5.3. is an update to the anti virus software that the Macworld calls 'the gold standard', according to a press release from the company.
Users of the iPhone and the iPod touch can download and install applications onto their devices, increasing the risk of malware infection. The VirusBarrier X5 an scan the iPhone or the iPod Touch for malware , and is the only anti virus software that can eradicate viruses from these devices. To scan the iPod Touch or the iPhone, users much connect the device to their Mac and then scan it with the antivirus program.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:18 AM
July 18, 2008
Super Monkey Ball For iPhone, iPod Touch
Sega's Mobile division has rolled out Super Monkey Ball for iPhone and iPod Touch platform. Developed by Other Ocean Interactive, Super Monkey Ball will be available for download at $9.99 (£5) from Apple's App Store. Sega Mobile is the second big publisher to use the iPhone platform, after Electronic Art, which announced Spore for iPhone.
In an interview with the media at E3 2008, Simon Jeffery, President and COO of SEGA America, expressed delight in making Super Monkey Ball available on iPhone and iPod Touch. Also iPhone's potential was acclaimed to be as powerful as Dreamcast. Yeah, Dreamcast is that same sixth generation gaming console by Sega, which couldn't stand the competition from PlayStation 2.
Super Monkey Ball game is about controlling either of the four monkeys - AiAi, MeeMee, Baby and Gongon, inside a transparent ball. The iPhone or iPod Touch should be tilted carefully to save the monkey from number of obstacles like gaps, slops, ledges or moving platforms. By tilting the player accelerates or reduces the pace of ball to make it pass through 110 different stages.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:29 AM
July 17, 2008
Apple quietly releases iPod touch 1.1.5 update
While some forward-thinking individuals were dropping $10 (£5) to purchase the iPod touch 2.0 software update, Apple quietly issued a free iPod touch 1.1.5 update.
If you own an iPod touch that hasn’t been updated to version 2.0 and would like the update, just plug your iPod touch into your Mac and decline the 2.0 update. iTunes will then inform you that the 1.1.5 update is available for download and installation.
What purpose does this update serve? So far, Apple is mum on the subject as it hasn’t issued any technical notes on the update. Therefore, until we hear differently, we’ll assume that all changes take place “under the hood.”
Posted by ipodworld at 01:02 PM
July 15, 2008
Meridian revs up Ferrari-flavoured iPod companion
You’ve coveted Meridian’s Ferrari-badged F80 Hi-Fi, now prepare a little extra love for its iPod-friendly companion, the i80 dock.
It’s designed in the same sporty style as the F80, and clad in the same Rosso Corsa red skin.Plug it into the F80, and it’ll send track information to the Hi-Fi’s OLED screen.
Of course, there’s a price to pay for its luxurious design and swanky features, and at £200 it’s not a small one. Still, compared to the £1,500 of an F80, it’s a small price to pay.
Posted by ipodworld at 05:10 PM
July 14, 2008
Square Enix launches its first iPod game
Japanese videogame maker Square Enix Co Ltd said it had launched its first game for Apple Inc's iPod, broadening its target hardware to the top-selling media player.
Square Enix, known for such blockbuster titles as "Final Fantasy" and "Kingdom Hearts", began offering the "Song Summoner: The Unsung Heroes" roll-playing game this week in Apple's iTune store.
A game player picks a song stored in the iPod and the song determines the types and abilities of the fighters in the game, or "Tune Troopers".
Posted by ipodworld at 05:42 PM
July 11, 2008
Japan decides against iPod tax
For a number of years now Japan has been considering introducing a new tax on digital music players dubbed the “iPod tax”. If put into law it would mean up to 3% of the price of a new music player would go directly to the music industry for re-distribution to copyright holders and musicians.
The idea has this week been dropped, however, mainly because the group discussing its implementation have come to a stalemate. This is not the first time it has happened either, with a similar crossroads being reached in December 2005.
Electronics manufacturers had been putting pressure on the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs to stop the legislation going through. The agency did present a compromise earlier this year that would limit the devices the tax applied to, but that did nothing to appease the electronics industry. As it currently stands the tax is still under discussion, but with no real direction any more. The electronics industry is against it and there is a fear that consumers will be charged twice for copyright fees due to a charge also being applied to the price of digital content.
Posted by ipodworld at 01:19 PM
July 09, 2008
Song Summoner role playing game released for iPod
We’re right on the cusp of a torrent of games to be released for the iPod touch and iPhone, but the regular iPod still has some life left in it as a game console. Square Enix on Tuesday announced the release of Song Summoner: The Unsung Heroes, a role playing game (RPG) for the iPod.
You are Ziggy, and you embark on a journey to rescue your brother from the Mechanical Militia. The game features an epic story and a tactics-based battle system, turning your iPod’s own songs into “Tune Troopers” that you control in battle.
Tune Trooper capabilities are determined by the songs used to create them — you, as Ziggy, control them like a conductor, and use contraptions found on the map to win the battle.
The game is playable on iPod nano with video, iPod classic and fifth-generation iPod models.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:37 PM
July 07, 2008
iPod repair business takes off for Vronko, Levy, two WMU students
When Aaron Vronko and Ben Levy were laid off from their information-technology jobs while students at Western Michigan University, they saw a niche for a small-electronics-repair business. It was 2004, and Levy had broken his iPod and couldn't find anywhere to repair it quickly. The two friends decided to fix it themselves -- and to launch a repair business out of their apartment to make some money.
The partners now operate Rapid Repair in a 3,000-square-foot facility at 1825 W. Main St. in Kalamazoo. What was a small enterprise now has 12 employees and logged millions of dollars in sales last year. The company fixes -- typically in 24 to 48 hours -- iPods, iPhones, Zune MP3 players and the latest editions of game consoles, including PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PlayStation PSP.
Even though the business faces a lot of competition, Vronko said, Rapid Repair is now servicing about 500 customers a week, which would make it one of the largest end-user iPod-repair companies in the United States.
Posted by ipodworld at 11:51 AM
July 03, 2008
Massive flash batch starts Ipod refresh rumours
Digitimes is reporting that the Korean electronics giant Samsung has taken an Apple order for 50 million 8Gb chips, mainly for use in the forthcoming, and soon to be annoyingly ubiquitous iphone.
But Apple's forecasts are predicting sales of between 10 and 11 million units. And even if everything went completely bananas, St Steve and all his little helpers might pump out between 15 and 20 million. So where are all the rest of those 8Gb chips going?
Well... here's an outrageous prediction based on nothing but guess-work and pure conjecture:
Despite the fact that Apple normally refreshes the ipod range in the lucrative back-to-school period in September, we reckon that massive sales of the iphone (which, of course, has its own ipod functionality) will impact on sales of the stand-alone players. So by the end of July, we think we'll see a refresh of the ipod Touch and, here's the kicker, a bigger new ipod shuffle which will bring the minimum capacity of the whole range to 8Gb.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:16 AM
July 02, 2008
Rival download embraces iPods to take on iTunes
An online download service, Rhapsody, has put itself into a position to potentially rival the Apple iTunes download service, by making the MP3s downloaded from the site compatible with iPods for the first time.
The website does not use digital rights software, and for the first time its MP3s will be compatible with Apple's range of MP3-playing devices, reports Brand Republic.
"We're no longer competing with the iPod," said Neil Smith, Rhapsody's vice-president. "We're embracing it."
Rhapsody will allow users to preview an entire song online before they choose to buy it or not – a service unavailable on iTunes
Posted by ipodworld at 05:40 PM
July 01, 2008
Celebrities Choose Gilty Couture as Top Pick for Glamorous Swarovski iPod and iPhone Accessories at 2008 BET Awards
Hollywood’s brightest stars have a taste for the finer things, like Swarovski crystals that dazzle like they do. Fashion house Gilty Couture is leading the way for celebrity trends and quality jewelry. Gilty Couture showcased their latest accoutrements to top entertainers at the 2008 BET Awards last week. Lucky guests chose Gilty Couture’s latest releases to personalize their favorite Apple iPods and iPhones.
The lounge for BET Awards honorees and icons was a prime place to showcase Gilty Couture’s signature pieces. Rhianna, Chris Brown, T Pain, Flo Rida, Fergie, Ne-Yo, Al Green, Rick Ross, Big Boi, Vanessa and Angela Simmons, Maxwell, Mario, Ray J and many more were among special guests who walked away with pieces from Gilty Couture. In addition to honoring the entertainers at the BET Awards, Gilty Couture donated a selection of their fabulous jewelry to the BET Foundation, Educating Young Minds and The Lamp Community, so they can auction the pieces off to further support their organizations.
Posted by ipodworld at 05:24 PM
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
May 30, 2008
MP3 amp lets your iPod think it's a rock star
In a world where everyone seems to fancy themselves a guitar hero, something like this makes perfect sense. If some people will go so far as to carry a Fender "Stacked Amp Wallet," for instance, it's certainly not a stretch to think they'll go for an MP3 speaker that looks like an amp as well.
The "Mytunes MP3 Amp" actually has some impressive details considering its diminutive size, including working bass and treble dials. It even has a faux leather casing and corner protectors to minimize damage in mid-slash.
The 5-watt speaker will work with the iPod or any other MP3 player, according to Slippery Brick, though it can be plugged into a PC through its USB connection as well--just in case you're too embarrassed to be seen in public with it.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:26 PM
May 29, 2008
In-flight entertainment in your hands
Last year airlines around the world spent about millions of pounds on in-flight entertainment hardware. It's ironic, then, to see their offerings often being ignored by passengers with iPods or other personal entertainment devices. Such passengers carry their own videos, music and games.
Since mid-May passengers flying on Singapore Airlines between Newark and Singapore have been able to link their iPods to the in-flight entertainment systems. Other airlines around the world are lining up similar offerings.
"Supporting passengers' own devices is one way for an airline to enhance their product and gain an advantage," says Robert Smith, a senior market analyst at IMDC. "Consumers are carrying increasingly powerful devices, and some will want the option of having power, a bigger screen, and somewhere to put their iPod."
Posted by ipodworld at 05:17 PM
May 28, 2008
Report: Apple plans solar-powered iPod
Apple is rumoured to be planning a solar-powered iPod, according to a report Tuesday about a patent application submitted by the company. The patent, which was unearthed by the Apple fan site MacRumors.com, describes an iPod with a solar panel under the LCD screen that could be used to provide additional power.
Technology experts said that Apple's iPhone would also be a good candidate for the new system since its large screen occupies virtually the entire front of the device.
This integrated design would allow the mobile device, be it a PDA or portable music player, to be charged from daylight without having a separate solar panel that needs to be plugged into it.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:05 PM
May 27, 2008
Your iPod could get you arrested at the border...
Legislation is being planned in the name of "anti-counterfeiting" by the G8 countries which is actually a copyright enforcement treaty. It could, suggest experts, mean that you might get arrested by Immigration at US, European and other major countries, if you have an iPod or phone loaded with music.
The essence of the proposed treaty - which is expected to be ratified July this year - is that if you transfer music legally from CD to iPod or Walkman or any other device, you have to prove you own it.
If you've legally ripped your CD collection to your iPod or other player and travel abroad, to one of the nations signing up to the ACTA, you will have to also take some way of proving that the tracks on that device have not been copied illegally.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:33 PM
May 23, 2008
iPod Boombox (iPod Dock)
Lasonic have released what could possibly be the coolest iPod dock we've ever seen! Take it back to the old school with a monster portable iPod boombox.
Your iPod, iPod Nano, or iPod Mini will slide into the "cassette" deck just like your old Thriller tape did back in the day. It will dock your iPod and produce a crystal clear sound (perhaps unlike your old school boombox). Ah, music to the ears of every 80’s throwback!
It's truly unique and perfect for all of your summer BBQs!
Posted by ipodworld at 12:41 PM
May 22, 2008
Creative Unveils Portable iPod Nano Speakers
Creative has announced the TravelSound for iPod nano video, a one-piece speaker system that is portable enough to fit in a pocket or purse and features four independent micro drivers and a digital amplifier.
The speakers also have a rechargeable battery so users can charge it through their USB connection for up to 15 hours of playback. Connecting via USB to a Mac or PC also syncs the iPod to iTunes. The TravelSound for iPod nano comes with a speaker stand that enables the speaker to tilt at an optimal angle to view videos and photos and a USB wall charger to charge the speaker and docked iPod.
"This Creative TravelSound is the first iPod nano speaker that's actually as portable as the iPod itself. You can take it anywhere you would take your iPod,” said Marc Lee, marketing manager at Creative.
Posted by ipodworld at 05:07 PM
May 21, 2008
FlyTunes: Free Streaming Radio for iPod Touch
Fly Tunes is a new streaming radio web app that lets you listen to online radio through your Mobile Safari browser. It will give you access to over 375 channels of music, news and sports radio all from your iPod Touch.
If you have an iPhone, most of the channels are EDGE compatible so you will not need to be in a Wi-Fi zone. You have to sign up for the service but it is free and it very easy. To sign up you need to point Safari on your iPhone or iPod Touch to flytunes.fm, and then follow the on-screen instructions and you will be listening to free streaming media in no time.
FlyTunes has also added audio and video podcasts, which brings their total channel count up to 350 from the previous total of 150. And in the future they plan to expand their content to many new devices.
Posted by ipodworld at 04:56 PM
May 19, 2008
Apple Unveils New iPod Games
Apple released a new gaming section to the iTunes store that work with iPod nano, iPod classic, and even fifth-generation iPod models.
Three games have been released: Tetris, Ms. Pac-Man, and Sudoku. The games were first announced by Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, at the Apple special event earlier this month in San Francisco.
While Tetris, Ms. Pac-Man and Sudoku have already been available for fifth-generation iPods, this marks the first time the games have been released to be compatible with 3G iPod nanos and new iPod classics
Posted by ipodworld at 04:43 PM
May 16, 2008
iPod docking stations on airplanes
Air New Zealand will equip eighteen of its airliners with in-flight entertainment rigs allowing iPod users to play their video on seatback screens, listen to audio through the aircraft system, and control their device via the plane's interface.
Flight International reports that the Panasonic X Series in-flight entertainment system, which was trialed last October, will be fitted to 13 Airbus A320s and five Boeing 767s operated by the Kiwi carrier "in the near term".
The X Series kit is capable of offering broadband internet connection, VoIP, secure payments and indeed pretty much anything you might expect from a computer/media centre, and of course there is the iPod hookup, - under which, according to Panasonic, "your aircraft becomes an authorised Apple accessory".
Posted by ipodworld at 03:18 PM
May 15, 2008
Solar-powered bra 'able to charge an iPod'
A Japanese lingerie firm today unveiled the perfect gadget for eco-friendly sun worshippers – the solar-powered bra.
The bra comes with a detachable solar panel, worn around the stomach, which can produce enough energy to power an iPod or mobile phone as the wearer lazes on the beach, the makers claim.
It is also equipped with plastic pouches that can be filled with water, allowing wearers to quench their thirst without having to buy and then throw away hard-to-recycle drinks bottles.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:42 PM
May 14, 2008
A bridge to the future of the iPod
Apple has sent clear signals that it thinks the iPod touch and the iPhone are the future of its iPod business. It considers the Wi-Fi-enabled iPod touch "a new type of device," Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of worldwide iPod and iPhone< marketing, said when Apple unveiled a higher capacity iPod touch in February.
But that doesn't mean the whole world is ready to step up to a more sophisticated device like the iPod touch: Lots of people just want to play their tunes and watch their shows on the go, and don't want to break the bank to do so. While Apple is taking sure steps toward evolving the upper echelon of its iPod product line, what should it do to keep its iPod cash cow going into the next decade?
Look to the clouds. IaaS (iPod as a service) will thankfully never catch on as a buzzword, but Apple could bridge the gap between today and the future by bundling regular iPods with services, adding wireless as fast as possible, and bringing OS X down into a new generation of iPods as soon as Moore's Law lets it happen.
Posted by ipodworld at 10:51 AM
May 13, 2008
Schmap Launches City Guide Web App for iPhone and iPod Touch
Schmap , publisher of over 200 free online travel guides, has opened access to their guides for iPhone and iPod Touch users by way of a remarkably nifty web application. The guides cover cities throughout the US, Europe, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, and provide information on everything from the city’s historical background to the best places to get your drink on.
In addition to the city guides available for many major cities, Schmap is working on implementing a local search feature to provide similar functionality for cities they haven’t charted out yet. While local search results obviously won’t be as in-depth as the custom written city guide entries, it provides enough to get by: the business name, street address, and phone number. It did a good job of finding coffee shops in my area, even pointing out a few I’d somehow managed to ignore. I was unable to get the local search to recognize any zip codes, so you may need to type out the city’s name for the time being.
Posted by ipodworld at 04:58 PM
May 12, 2008
Live TV Stream Available on iPhone and iPod Touch
OrbLive is the streaming media application developed by Orb Networks for iPhone and iPod Touch. With this app, you can stream all your media, no need to sync. This app plays live TV, Internet TV, and webcams on your iPhone or iPod Touch.
“TV on the iPhone is now real,” said Joe Costello, CEO of Orb Networks. “Steve Jobs may think that buying shows from iTunes is the same as watching TV, but iPhone users know better. When the NBA playoffs are on, you want to see the game, live, wherever you are. Free.”
Orb pulls files off your Mac and streams them to any device with an app or web browser capable of accessing the Orb interface. From there you can stream music, video files, and if you have a TV tuner card, live TV. According to Orb Networks, all media streaming is optimized so it works great over WiFi, AT&T, O2, and Vodafone. You must have a jailbroken iPhone or iPod touch to get OrbLive.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:27 PM
May 09, 2008
APPLE REPORTEDLY OFFERS $44 CREDIT TO CANADIAN IPOD OWNERS
Apple Canada is reportedly offering a total of $3.54 million in credits to Canadian iPod owners, in order to settle two lawsuits over the battery life of the portable music players.
The credits are being offered to owners of first-, second-, or third-generation iPods bought before June 24, 2004, The Gazette newspaper in Montreal reported Thursday. The lawsuits, one filed in Montreal and the other in Toronto, claimed that the rechargeable batteries in the devices died after three hours of use, while Apple advertised the iPods as running for eight hours between charges.
The Ontario Superior Court granted class-action status to the Toronto suit, while the court in Quebec denied the same status to the Montreal suit. Nevertheless, Apple Canada has agreed to a settlement covering both suits, the newspaper said. The deal has to be finalized by the courts. The next hearing is May 26 in Montreal and June 20 in Toronto, as many as 80,000 Canadians could be eligible for a credit.
Posted by ipodworld at 10:36 AM
May 08, 2008
Forget Star Wars R2D2 Projector, now R3-D2 with Apple iPod support
Many gadget buyers have heard of the Star Wars “R2D2 Projector”, but as technology keeps moving it looks like this device has been upgraded to the R3-D2 with Apple iPod support. The new limited Edition model features the ability to connect many move devices including iPod’s, game consoles, USB drives, flash memory cards and many other devices with video content on them.
The Star Wars movies have lasted decades and there is still no end in sight to fans continuing to follow Star Wars, so it looks like we will see many other gadgets in this theme and the R2-D2 Projector will continue to be popular. We saw the previous model at a gadget event last year and it did look impressive, but the limited edition model has so much more. Other improvements include the ability to project a screen up to 260 inches wide, an amazing 1800:1 contrast ratio, 1800 lumens brightness and built-in virtual surround sound.
Posted by ipodworld at 05:38 PM
May 07, 2008
Japan Mulling 'iPod' Tax
Japan's Agency of Cultural Affairs is expected on Thursday to unveil proposals for what is being dubbed an 'iPod' tax, in order to further compensate recording artists and record companies for home duplication of their products.
Although older technology, such as DVD recorders and minidisk players are already subject to a copyright levy, the newer wave of portable digital products are not, and an attempt to impose such a tax in 2005 was unsuccessful.
The proposed move is causing controversy, with firms that manufacture the devices likely to be affected by the levy arguing that they will be forced to absorb the tax hit, rather than pass it on to the end consumer, and representatives of the recording industry reportedly threatening to derail the introduction of the "dubbing 10" initiative next month, if the new copyright tax is not approved.
Under the new dubbing 10 rules set to come into force on 2nd June, those consuming copyrighted content via devices such as HDD recorders will be permitted to copy said content up to 10 times, rather than just once, as currently permitted.
Posted by ipodworld at 04:43 PM
May 06, 2008
Zune to start offering TV shows -- 2 years after iTunes
Microsoft Corp. says it will start selling downloadable television shows for its Zune portable media device -- including selected programs from NBC, the network that split from market leader Apple Inc.
The move comes more than two years after Apple introduced television shows and movies for its dominant iTunes store and iPod -- reflecting Zune's latecomer status. Microsoft introduced the device in late 2006, after devices from its hardware partners struggled to gain any significant traction against Apple's iPod.
Microsoft says its Zune online store will add TV shows starting Tuesday, offering about 800 episodes initially. The episodes will cost the equivalent of $1.99 in Microsoft "points." The company requires consumers to first buy points that they can apply to online purchases.
Posted by ipodworld at 04:59 PM
May 02, 2008
Car stereo makers beginning to shift from CDs to iPod
First eight-track players slid off into history. Then that unruly stack of cassette tapes disappeared from glove compartments. Now, car-stereo makers are marketing units that threaten to boot compact discs into the auto audio graveyard.
Blaupunkt recently announced a second-generation, $160 stereo and AM/FM radio that ditches the CD player in favor of ports for other digital music technologies including Apple iPods and other MP3 players, thumb drives or other USB devices or SD memory cards.
Other manufacturers have units that began appearing last year. All are aimed at the growing segment of music-loving auto enthusiasts who carry their tunes in their pockets.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:41 PM
April 30, 2008
Future iPod Touch Games from FreeVerse
FreeVerse is very excited of their success in the development of iPod Touch and iPhone games. They have been creating and coding games since the first iPhone SDK beta was released in Marchand have now released some public screen shots.
The first game Flick Sports is very similar to Wii Sports on the Wii and is planed to launce in June…
“Using the iPhone’s unique flick/pinch feature, we’re working on Golf, Bowling, Soccer, and Baseball (to start). Fun, colorful and quick, these will be ideal games for a modern mobile platform.”
Posted by ipodworld at 03:34 PM
April 29, 2008
Apple sued over iPod nano, touch connector
Apple has been sued by yet another company claiming that it infringed on a patent through components found in the immensely popular iPod media player. Filed last week in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan on behalf of inventor Henry Milan by Detroit-based law firm Butzel Long, it claims that Apple violated a hardware-based patent in its connecting mechanism in the two different media players. The firm argues a violation of U.S. patent No. 6,991,483, which was filed on Nov, 12, 2004, and issued on Jan. 31, 2006, almost five months after launched the iPod nano and six weeks after Apple was contacted about alleged infringement. The patent describes a connector that combines a Flash memory drive and a connection port in a single unit that be made to a variety devices using various adapters.
Interestingly, the iPhone is not cited in the complaint, although it was introduced before the iPod touch and uses a similar single unit design for the Flash memory drive connector, according to Information Week. In addition, the report notes that the lawsuit may have been meant, in part, to precipitate licensing discussions.
Posted by ipodworld at 03:11 PM
April 28, 2008
iTunes Store May Capture One-Quarter of Worldwide Music by 2012
Since its debut five years ago Monday, Apple's iTunes Store has sold more than 4 billion songs and accounts for approximately 70 percent of digital music sold worldwide. In the next five years, it may well account for a staggering 28 percent of all music sold worldwide.
By 2012, digital music is projected to account for 40 percent of music sold, according to InStat. If Apple holds onto its current market share, it will account for more than one-quarter of all music sales by its ninth birthday. Not bad for freeware.
When Apple snapped up a little music program called SoundJam MP back in 2000, no one predicted that the iTunes application along with the iPod would lead to a complete restructuring of the music industry.
Posted by ipodworld at 01:13 PM
April 25, 2008
Apple blocks cheaper UK iPod sales
Apple is threatening legal action against 11 UK e-tailers unless they stop selling iPods imported from outside the UK.
The computer giant has complained to a number of well-known online retailers which were buying iPods in the US – where they sell for £15 less than the UK– and then selling them at a knocked-down price to customers in Blighty.
The undertakings issued by London law firm Bird & Bird and seen by The Register, demand e-tailers stop selling what it described as “Grey iPods” anywhere in Europe.
The Cupertino-based firm also threatened to bring legal action against any e-tailer outfit that “infringes” Apple’s rights.
Posted by ipodworld at 04:36 PM
April 24, 2008
Zeppelin is Rolls-Royce of iPod speakers
It's oval, it's got tweeters and woofers, and it plugs into your TV too - a cheap alternative to home theatre systems?
Sitting 7.8inches high and 25inches wide, this mother-of-all iPod speakers has landed in Australia with all sorts of claims about the oval shape being an "ideal baffle" for minimizing "spurious reflections".
Oval speaker debates aside, the Zeppelin tries hard to be a "proper" speaker, stuffing tweeters, a midrange driver (sharing 25w per channel) and a 50w bass woofer, under the polished stainless steel and cloth.
Posted by ipodworld at 05:06 PM
April 23, 2008
Music Mug portable speaker: Just add iPod
"Disguise" isn't typically the No. 1 reason you buy a portable iPod speaker, but if you're looking for a speaker that doesn't advertise itself, the Music Mug fits the bill. Operation couldn't be easier: Plug the cable into your player's headphone minijack (any player will do, not just iPods), plunk the player inside the ceramic mug for easy carrying, and get rockin'.
Big bummer: You can't actually put coffee in it, so you won't have much use for the Music Mug when you're not in a listening mood. And what do you do when you want coffee and tunes? A mug in each hand? That could get confusing — possibly leading to chipped teeth when you try to gulp some mochaccino and get a mouthful of Nano instead.
Posted by ipodworld at 04:15 PM
April 22, 2008
Nokia music service tackles iTunes in Australia
Nokia will launch Australia's first subscription music service today as it seeks to use its mobile industry clout to topple Apple's iTunes off its perch.
But the venture could struggle to gain traction in a market dominated by the iPod, as songs bought from the store are incompatible with Apple's ubiquitous music player.
The store, part of Nokia's concerted diversification into online mobile services such as gaming, navigation and social networking, will also allow customers to stream an unlimited number of full-length tracks directly from a player built into its music store website for a basic subscription fee.
Songs can be downloaded directly from certain Nokia mobile phones or via the PC and synchronised to mobile devices.
Posted by ipodworld at 01:46 PM
April 21, 2008
iHome sheds light on overlooked iPod accessory
Some of my favorite iPod gadgets combine several everyday functions, allowing consumers to ditch some of the electronic clutter in their lives. Melding iPod docks into clock radios, DVD players, computer keyboards and car audio systems are natural associations that quickly hit the market in the early days of the iPod revolution.
More creative gadgets have combined iPod capabilities with toilet roll holders, telephone answering machines and refrigerators. Into this category comes a new line of lamps that feature iPod docks and speakers.
A sure hit for many offices and dorm rooms, the iHome-branded lamps from Checkolite International Inc. are the first iPod-enabled lamps we’ve seen. There was an earlier outdoor light that included speakers and a line-in audio jack for hooking up an mp3 player, but the idea didn’t catch hold – until now.
Posted by ipodworld at 10:47 AM
April 17, 2008
UK music industry demands iPod tax
UK music industry groups are pushing for a levy to be applied on sales of iPods in exchange for granting music lovers the right to rip music from their own CD collection legitimately.
The recent Gowers Report into copyright suggested this law be changed to legitimise the practice, but music industry groups are demanding the levy against iPods and other devices requiring or enabling music to be transferred between formats.
The Music Business Group (MBG) is an umbrella group of trade bodies representing music managers, songwriters, publishers and performers. It has rejected plans detailed within a consultation document from the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) to allow the transfer without any extra charge.
"Enormous value is derived from the transferability of music," it said in its submission. "Last year alone, over 20 million MP3-capable portable devices were sold in the UK, and over 90% of music on the average MP3 player is music that has been copied."
The Gowers report instead suggested rights holders raised prices in order to factor in the claimed cost of transferring music between formats.
Posted by ipodworld at 04:56 PM