News Archive for 05/04/21

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CR: iPod shuffle the Toyota Echo of MP3 players

04/21, 7:20pm

CR on iPod shuffle

"If the pricey and stylish full-sized Apple iPods are the Lexuses of digital-music players, the new $99 iPod shuffle is more like the Toyota Echo--a decent performer of the same pedigree that's smaller, cheaper, and a lot less luxurious," wrote Consumer Reports in a recent review of Apple's new flash-based player. The non-for-profit consumer rating magazine found the shuffle's battery life to be "relatively short for a flash-memory player" at just 10 hours. "Many of those we've recently tested deliver 18 hours or more of continuous music before batteries must be replaced or recharged."

Coldplay's new single tops iTunes charts overnight

04/21, 5:45pm

Coldplay tops iTunes chart

"Speed of Sound," the first single from Coldplay's forthcoming "X&Y," made it to the No 1 position on all of Apple's iTunes Music Stores worldwide only one day after its release. The single trumped all other tunes, achieving the No 1 position on all 15 iTunes stores. "Coldplay's 'Speed of Sound' has been a hit with music fans topping iTunes charts today in every country, only a day after its release," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of Applications. "With iTunes' extensive reach, there's no faster way to bring a pre-release track like this to fans around the world."

PodBrix plans iPod accessory minifig, Woz minifig

04/21, 11:00am

PodBrix iPod Accessory

PodBrix, makers of modified minifigs inspired by Apple's popular iPod ad campaign for portable music players, says it will release its next product on April 25th at 9:00pm EST. PodBrix isn't saying much about the product other than hinting that it will be a minifig which is significantly different from its previous offerings. "The product is intended to function as an iPod accessory. It will be a limited run of 300 units. All will be hand signed and numbered as with our previous products." The company's two previous mini figures -- 1K Brix and Keynote -- sold out in a matter of minutes and are currently fetching double the original price on eBay. PodBrix also announced that Greg K. from San Francisco California is the lucky winner of the "Woz Prototype," a minifig inspired by Steve Wozniak that will soon be released for sale.

iPod unlikely at Wal-Mart stores

04/21, 9:50am

iPod Wal-Mart

Apple's iPod may be winning shelf space at retailers like Best Buy, but Apple's firm pricing policy may leave the music player out of Wal-Mart's stores. While Apple likes tight control over how and at what prices Apple products are sold, Wal-Mart largely dictates terms to its suppliers, according to IDC analyst Roger Kay. Apple, in years past, pulled out of a number of retailers because it wasn't getting enough support in selling Apple products. "I'd be very surprised if Apple went to Wal-Mart, because they're a true discounter," said analyst Tim Bajarin. "Apple won't go in without an agreement that the reseller won't change the suggested retail price" Bajarin said.

Apple to offer Mobility Electronics power adapters

04/21, 9:15am

Dual-power adapters

Mobility Electronics today announced Apple will begin selling the iGo EverywherePower 3500 Series power adapter with an interchangeable tip for use on the iPod portable music player. Beginning in the second quarter of 2005, the EverywherePower 3500 Series is expected to be available from the Apple Store Online and in its retail stores. The EverywherePower 3500 Series will be bundled with the iGo DualPower accessory and an iPod "itip," which allows the adapter to power/charge an iPod plus a second low-power mobile electronic device simultaneously. Additional separately sold itips will enable iPod users to utilize the power adapter to power/charge thousands of other models of low-power ME devices. It features combination AC/DC functionality to power low-power ME devices from any power source--either a standard wall outlet or outlets in motor vehicles.

iPodStyles launches limited edition black iPod case

04/21, 9:05am

Black case for U2 iPod

iPodStyles today announced the availability of a special limited edition Black silicone case specially designed for the iPod U2 and iPod 4G 20GB. The case protects your iPod from minor dents and scratches, while still maintaining the slim form factor and shape of the iPod. It also features an open top to accommodate accessories, allows full access to the iPod's controls, and has a bottom opening for music synchronization and charging, without taking the iPod out of the case. Each case includes a free optional belt clip, hand strap and neck strap; it is available for $10.

Speck launches Shuffle Dock for iPod shuffle

04/21, 9:00am

Shuffle Dock for iPod

Speck Products today announced its newest accessory for Apple's iPod shuffle. The Speck Shuffle Dock allows users to dock their iPod shuffle "in Style." The dock enables computer users to conveniently store and sync their iPod shuffle on their desktop. "For the 4G and Mini iPods, the dock is really an optional accessory", said General Manager Tim Hickman. "For the Shuffle Dock its a necessity unless you want to constantly be crawling under your desk to plug it in." The dock works with both Shuffle models, comes in white, and will be available for $25. The docks ship on May 6th and are available for pre-order today; the will be available soon at most major retailers.