News Archive for 05/10/03

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iKitty protects iPods, iPod Minis with bendable tail

10/03, 4:00pm

iKitty iPod case, toy

Speck Products today launched the iKitty, its rubberized toy and case for iPod and iPod mini. Features include a screen protector and bendable tail. "Nothing could be cuter or more fun for your iPod, iKitty is the latest iPod toy -- the purrfect iPod pet for people who can't get a real cat," says Tim Hickman, general manager of Speck Products. iKitty provides full access to the headphone jack, hold switch, and controls of the iPod while retaining Dock functionality. iKitty is available for $35 from Speck Products' website.

iPod map-publisher ordered to cease and desist

10/03, 2:35pm

iPod maps vs NYC, BART

William Bright, a website designer, shrunk the digital maps of subway systems in 12 cities so that they could be displayed on an iPod's 2-inch color screen, but was contacted shortly afterwards by the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The authority's senior associate counsel wrote: "you must cease and desist immediately, take the NYC subway map off your website and confirm to me by e-mail that you will not do this again," according to the report from The Los Angeles Times. A week later, the manager of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) district's website also demanded that Bright stop offering a map of the BART system, according to the report. Bright asked permission from the cities to create and offer downloadable maps, but so far only the Metro system in Washington, D.C. has agreed. The New York MTA demanded $500, but Bright developed a new map of the Bay Area commuter system from scratch, and he might do the same with New York's subways as well, according to the report.

Apple could sell 10 million iPod nanos this quarter

10/03, 1:40pm

10 million iPod nanos

Apple may produce and sell more than 10 million iPod nano digital music players during the three month period ending in December, says UBS Investment Research. For Apple's quarter ending in June -- the last fiscal quarter in which it has released results -- the company sold a combined total of 6,155,000 iPods, which is the most iPods its ever shipped in a single quarter, according to AppleInsider. UBS had been modeling Apple to sell 8.3 million total iPods in the December quarter, but recently met with industry sources in Asia who said those estimates may prove to be conservative. The firm's sources indicate iPod nano build orders for the quarter could exceed 10 million units. Apple's other iPod models would only add to this figure. "In short, our meetings were very positive for Apple into year-end and next, in terms of potential new iPods and possible build plans," said analyst Ben Reitzes in a research note released to clients on Monday.

Apple's iPod, iTunes help triple digital music sales

10/03, 1:20pm

Digital music sales triple

Sales of digital music tripled in the first half of 2005, spurred by Apple's iTunes Music Store, the iPod popularity, and mobile "ringtunes"--even as global music sales fell 1.9 percent. According to Reuters, digital music now makes up six percent of total sales, or $790 million, and sales of CDs and music in other physical formats continued a long decline that the music industry blames on piracy, falling to $13.2 billion from $13.4 billion one year earlier. The IFPI reportedly said that lower CD prices, flagging DVD music video sales and competition from other entertainment sectors also contributed to the decline. In the United States, which is the world's biggest music market, physical music sales fell 5.3 percent by value,

Concern over small royalties for iTunes artists

10/03, 8:35am

iTunes royalties

Music managers will today wade into the row over online royalties with the claim that artists are being unfairly squeezed in the digital era. The Music Managers Forum is unhappy that artists typically receive less than 6 percent of royalties from stores like Apple's iTunes Music Store. Jazz Summers, the manager of the Snow Patrol, and chairman of the Music Managers Forum, said: “Sale prices and royalties have gradually been eroded to the point where an artist needs to sell in excess of 1.5 million units before they can show a profit, after paying for recording time and tour support.” The forum is hosting a special conference in Manchester today in an attempt to raise awareness of falling royalty rates, called the Know More! campaign. Headed by Mr Summers, the meeting will include managers behind acts such as Oasis, Radiohead and Jamelia.

Tunewear debuts Tunewallet, Tunetag cases for Nano

10/03, 8:00am

Tunewear cases for Nano

Tunewear has announced Tunewallet nano, a business card-sized case and Tunetag, a luggage-tag style leather case for iPod nano. Tunewallet (pictured at right) nano is made from smooth ultra-high quality genuine leather. With the flip-cover closed the Tunewallet nano provides protection against dirt and scratches. It also includes a card slot inside the flip-cover to fit credit cards, business cards and more. Tunetag, Tunewear's luggage-tag style genuine leather case, offers a transparent vinyl sheet which covers and protects both the iPod screen and click wheel, but enables full control of the clickwheel. Tunetag has a luggage-tag style belt strap which can be used to attach the iPod nano to the strap of shoulder bag or purse, belt loop, etc. Both Tunewallet ($40) and Tunetag ($30) are expected to begin shipping on October 11th and will be available in three colors: black leather with red stitching [B/R], black Leather and white stitching [B/W], white Leather and white stitching [W/W].

Speck debuts Gripskins for iPod, iPod mini

10/03, 7:40am

Speck Gripskins for iPod

Speck Products has announced its GripSkin for iPod and iPod mini. GripSkin features ribbed grippy sides that "feel great and help you grip your iPod, offer screen protection, and include a swivel belt clip. "Grippy ribbed sides make it fun to hold your iPod. " said Tim Hickman, general manager of Speck Products. "It's cute and cool, and gives your iPod great protection and portability." Both the screen protector and swivel belt clip are remoeable for added flexibility. The GripSkin for iPod or iPod mini is priced at $20. The Black version is available now, while the clear version will be available soon.