News Archive for 05/10/20

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MS backs off music deals

10/20, 6:00pm

Microsoft backs off exclusive music deals

Microsoft has backed off its exclusive music deal agreements it had required of MP3 player manufacturers. Already under government scrutiny over its behavior toward competitors, Microsoft had told manufacturers of iPod-like portable audio devices that they were not allowed to distribute rivals' music player software, but then pulled back after one company protested, according to Associated press. "The Justice Department said the incident was 'unfortunate,' but that government lawyers decided to drop the issue because Microsoft agreed 10 days later to change the contracts. The government disclosed details of the dispute in a federal court document made available Thursday. The disputed contracts would have affected portable music players that compete with Apple Computer Inc.'s wildly popular iPod. Legal and industry experts said Microsoft's demands probably would have violated the landmark 2002 antitrust settlement between the company and the Bush administration."

Video iPod teardown

10/20, 4:50pm

Video iPod teardown

Jefferies and Company has torn down the video iPod, revealing the various component manufacturers, and estimating a gross margin for Apple Computer on the device at 52 percent. Board layout of the video IPod is similar to that of the Nano, with essentially all of the same silicon suppliers. The teardown reveals a Toshiba 30GB 1.8-inch hard drive; a PortalPlayer Decoder/SoC; a Broadcom video decoder/processor; 256Mbit of Samsung SDRAM; a Wolfson Microelectronics audio codec; a Linear USB power manager/Li-Ion battery charger; a National step down switching regulator; Phillips DC/DC converter; Silicon Storage Technology 8Mbit parallel flash; a Phillips power management unit; and a Cypress PSoC mixed signal controller touch pad. The total BOM is estimated to be $143.50 for Apple.

Stanford audio, iTunes

10/20, 3:25pm

Stanford audio content available via iTunes

Standord University today announced that school-related audio programs are now available via the iTunes music store. The audio content will give alumni -- as well as the general public -- free access to faculty lectures, campus events, performances, book readings, music recorded by Standard students, and podcasts of Stanford football games, according to a report from bizjournals.com. Stanford said that the service will contain approximately 400 individual audio programs, and the school will continue to add new content as it is released, according to the report. The project will also include audio content related to academic courses for Stanford faculty and students only.

T-shirt for iPod

10/20, 2:45pm

muzikwear unveils T-shirts for digital music players

muzikwear.com unveiled its muzikwear wire management system, integrating a digital audio player -- such as Apple's iPod -- into a short sleeve moisture wicking crew T-shirt. The wire management system consists of a grip, slack pocket, and a digital player pocket. The grip holds the wire of your ear buds firmly in place, while the slack pocket stores excess wire slack. The digital player pocket measures 2 x 4 inches, will fit most "mini" digital music players, and is high enough to prevent the player from falling out. Shirts will be available in black (shown at right), navy, and white as well as Small through XXL sizes. The muzikwear shirts are expected to go on sale October 25th for $30 each.

A1 Amp price drop

10/20, 2:15pm

Simpl lowers price of A1 Headphone Amp for iPod

Simpl Acoustics has lowered the price of its A1 Headphone Amp for iPod, from $150 to $100. "Increased demand has allowed production costs to drop dramatically, and Simpl Acoustics would like to pass these savings onto the consumer." The Simpl A1 allows the use of high-end headphones with the iPod, while providing improved sound quality and iPod battery life. "The Simpl A1 is the perfect product for people who want the best sound quality from their iPods, and we are thrilled to provide this product to music lovers," said Simpl Acoustics' President, Preston Graham.

Custom Nano covers

10/20, 11:25am

Wrappers offers customized iPod Nano covers

Wrappers today launched a customized, protective Nano cover for organizations offering iPod nanos as incentives or promotional gifts. Covers are personalized with corporate colors, featuring the company name on one side and "nano" on the other. Covers are made from ultra soft faux suede (the same fabric used to line Italian leather gloves), fire retardant, and can be machine washed. The slim, stay-on tube provides access to the iPod nano hold switch, dock connector and headphone jack. Wrappers are £1 per cover when adding a company name with a maximum of 12 letters, and the cost of customizing in addition to the price of the cover is £17, with up to a 33% discount for multiple orders.

iPod shuffle case

10/20, 8:30am

Tunewear's Waterwear shuffle protects iPod shuffle

Tunewear today announced its Waterwear shuffle, a new water-resistant case for Apple’s iPod shuffle. The Waterwear shuffle is made of solid toughened plastic with a waterproof seal to prevent liquids from entering the case, making it useful for situations such as sunbathing on a sandy beach or poolside, skiing in winter and fishing or rafting. The controls are accessible through the company's patent pending silicone wheel window. The case offers almost no moving parts and also adds a headphone isolator plug "so that you get to use your own headphones." It is due in November for $25.

HomeDock for iPod

10/20, 8:15am

DLO ships HomeDock for iPod

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) today began shipping DLO HomeDock, its Home Entertainment Center for iPod. Compatible with the new video iPod, the HomeDock "creates a home for the iPod" in the living room and provides a permanent, simple connection to existing home stereo systems and televisions. The HomeDock charges the iPod and includes a 14-function remote control for full control of the iPod, featuring pause, resume, rewind and advance videos or pictures while also controlling volume. While playing video, the HomeDock displays function status when the remote is pressed and shows a timeline for the progress of a particular video or episode when used to advance, resume, rewind or change volume. The device also features a USB 2.0 port for full connectivity to a Mac or PC. HomeDock is available for $100 and includes everything necessary to connect the iPod to any home entertainment system and computer.