News Archive for 05/10/27

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Copy-protection removal

10/27, 5:30pm

Software strips iTunes, Yahoo copy-protection

United Virtualities Group has released HotRecorder for Media, media recorder and converter tool designed to record and convert iTunes and Yahoo music files into universal formats, removing copyright protection while maintaining sound file quality. Both Apple and Yahoo have service terms that forbid circumvention of copy-protection, and the software carries a disclaimer stating that it isn't for converting audio files you don't own. Mookie Tenembaum, founder of United Virtualities, stated that his company merely provides the software and cannot police its usage, adding that it's no different from a knife manufacturer that can't control whether its product is used for murder, according to a report from Associated Press. HotRecorder for Media is currently only available for Microsoft Windows systems, and is priced at $20.

ABC \"vidcasts\" news

10/27, 4:20pm

ABC affiliates offer "vidcast" news bulletins

ABC News stations have begun "vidcasting" some of their TV news bulletins on the iTunes Music Store. The term "vidcasting", derived from "podcasting", describes video content made available over the internet, specifically for iPod owners, and usually through the iTunes. ABC's affiliates WABC-TV of New York and WLS-TV of Chicago are producing programs designed for the fifth-generation iPod, and WLS-TV is releasing its weekly NewsViews analysis program while taking advantage of the new features in iTunes, according to a report from journalism.co.uk. WLS-TV's online operations manager Kevin Carpenter stated that "it can currently be viewed in iTunes 4.9 and above, with quality suitable for full screen computer playback, [...] in iTunes 6.0, the WLS-TV video podcast also shows up in the new "Videos" section, the same place as ABC videos purchased from the iTunes music store." WABC-TV is vidcasting its weekly Eyewitness News Up Close show, hosted by Diana Williams, for free according to the report.

Gmini 402 Pocket device

10/27, 2:40pm

Archos unveils iPod video competitor

Archos today launched the Gmini 402 Pocket Multimedia Center, its portable digital entertainment device that will compete with Apple's fifth-generation video-capable iPod. The device plays DVD-quality video, displays photos, plays protected Windows Media audio/video files, and acts a a USB host for direct file transfer from digital cameras to other devices. Features include a 20GB hard drive, Microsoft PlaysForSure compatibility, support for both protected download and subscription music services, a 2.2-inch color LCD, and a sleek metallic casing. The Gmini 402 measures 4.17 x 2.37 x 0.69 inches, weighs 5.64 ounces, and offers capacity for up to 80 hours of video, 200,000 photos or 10,000 songs. The device autosyncs with Windows Media Player 10 on both Macs and PCs to ease media transfers, and supports MPEG-4, MP3 and WMA audio files. The Archos Gmini 402 is shipping for $300 with a USB cable, USB host adapter, AC power charger, quick start guide, and a protective pouch.

BW on iPod lawsuit

10/27, 2:05pm

iPod nano lawsuit will only benefit attorneys

The only real beneficiaries of a class action lawsuit over scratched screens on Apple's tiny iPod nano music player may be the attorneys, BusinessWeek said in a report today. The latest legal controversy surrounding Apple began this week as a customer who bought ann iPod nano took it upon himself to file a class action in a U.S. District Court in San Jose, Calif. His complaint: The display on the device tends to scratch easily. Jason Tomczak, the lead plaintiff in the nano case, is alleging that Apple knew about defects to the screen yet didn't recall the affected units, passing on the "expense, hassle, and frustration" of getting a replacement on to consumers. He's represented by Steven Berman, who said, "I'm surprised they don't just own up to it. It seems pretty obvious there's a problem."

iPod Duo skins for Nano

10/27, 1:05pm

iSkin rolls out iPod Duo skins for Nano

iSkin today rolled out the iPod Duo, providing protection for the iPod Nano. A dual-layer shock-resistant silicone skin guards against bumps, scratches, and dirt. iPod Duo's ship with a clear screen protector that sits between the two layers of silicone, and a transparent wheel protector provides smooth scrolling action while protecting the Nano's clickwheel. The RevoClip 2, a removable rotary belt clip, increases portability on-the-go. Additional features include an anti-slip grip surface with side "goose bumps", and an inner layer with eight point shock absorbers to reduce or prevent damage caused by sudden impacts. The iPod Duo is available in a variety of two-tone color combinations that include "Ultra Glo" glow-in-the-dark color schemes for $30.

Yahoo doubles pricing

10/27, 12:05pm

Yahoo to double pricing of music service

Starting November 1st, Yahoo will double the price of its online music subscription service, ending the promotion that the company hoped would encourage consumers to use Yahoo's service instead of Apple's iTunes music store. Yahoo will charge approximately $120 per year for access to over one million songs which can be transferred to portable music players, up from $60 per year during the promotional period, according to a report from the Associated Press. While Yahoo offers song "rentals", these songs are incompatible with Apple's wildly popular iPod digital music player. Additionally, many consumers have expressed a desire to own the music that they buy, something that the iTunes music store accommodates. Yahoo's service, on the other hand, renders songs unplayable if subscriptions aren't continuously paid. The new pricing is still just below that of Napster and RealNetworks, which both charge just under $15 per month.

Hutchings Pod Pouch

10/27, 10:25am

Hutchings unveils Pod Pouch for 5G, Nano

Hutchings Software today unveiled Bosco's Pod Pouch, its lanyard case for Apple's fifth-generation iPod and iPod nano. Inspired by the female kangaroo, Bosco's Pod Pouch stores the iPod and earbud headphones in two separate pouches. The front of the case depicts an image of the iPod itself, and the embroidered clickwheel is positioned to allow playing, pausing, and jumping to the previous or next song without removing the iPod from the pouch. The pouch lining matches the embroidery and earbuds, protecting the iPod from surface scratches. A smooth, adjustable lanyard cord protects the neck from surface scratches and irritation. The earbud pouch's position is adjustable by sliding it up and down the lanyard cord, and displays an embroidered speaker on its front. Bosco's Pod Pouch for iPod nano will be available November 8th for $35, with pre-order discounted pricing of $30 through November 7th. The Pod Pouch for fifth-generation iPod will be available November 22nd for $40, with pre-order discounted pricing of $35 through November 21st.

Replacement iPod batteries

10/27, 7:50am

Sonnet unveils replacement iPod batteries

Sonnet today unveiled a new line of high-capacity replacement batteries for first through fourth-generation iPods, as well as iPod minis. Replacement batteries offer up to 78 percent greater capacity over original batteries, allowing play-times to exceed 20 hours. All supplies and required tools are included, as well as an instructional video that can be played in English, French, German, and Japanese. Replacement batteries for first and second-generation iPods are priced at $40, while all other replacement batteries are priced at $30. The batteries are expected to be available in November.