News Archive for 05/10/31

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"Walkman" beats "ROKR" in cellular study

10/31, 3:20pm

\"Walkman\" beats \"ROKR\"

Strategy Analytics today released its latest cellular music device benchmark report, concluding that the Sony Ericsson W800i "Walkman" phone is the highest rated cellular music device in the USA, ahead of the Motorola E1 "ROKR" iTunes phone and the Samsung A970. Results came from hands-on consumer testing by the Strategy Analytics Advanced Wireless User Panel, and the Sony Ericsson W800i device achieved "Best in Class" status based upon superior style appeal and an above average rating for music feature quality. The Motorola E1 "ROKR" iTunes phone achieved the highest rating for usability, but failed to impress in terms of style and feature quality. The Samsung A970, weighing 144 grams, was considered too large for primary feature phone positioning: "The ROKR was rated lower than the Samsung and Sony Ericsson devices for Music Quality, however, a notable underperformance for Motorola given the branded and highly optimized iPod interface designed for music delivery."

Belkin unveils three leather iPod nano cases

10/31, 1:05pm

Belkin leather Nano cases

Belkin today unveiled three form-fitting, leather cases for the iPod nano. Carabineer case for iPod nano offers a form-fitting design and fine-grain leather construction to keep the Nano slim while maintaining accessibility to all ports. The Carabineer case ships with a carabineer clip for convenient positioning and hands-free carrying, and provides a locking clip to secure the iPod. Flip case for iPod nano also features fine-grain leather construction, and harbors a built-in cable management system for quick, convenient storage and easy accessibility to all ports. A multi-mount clip and hook provides a variety of ways to secure the Nano. Folio case for iPod nano (shown at right) secures comfortably around the wrist with a convenient lanyard strap. Designed for easy accessibility to all ports, the Folio Case comes packaged within a fine-grain leather construction and features a form-fitting design. All three cases are available in four colors: white, black, light blue, and light pink. The Carabineer, Flip, and Folio cases for iPod nano are expected to be available in Mexico in November, and are priced at $25 each.

Zicplay rolls out Apocalypse speaker systems

10/31, 11:20am

Apocalypse speaker systems

Xonic Gear by Zicplay today rolled out Apocalypse 3 and Apocalypse 5, its multimedia speaker systems using vacuum tube amplifier technology designed to eliminate acoustic noise and enhance sound quality. Compatible with both Macs and iPods, Apocalypse 3 outputs 30 watts RMS from its subwoofer, and 15 watts RMS per satellite. The Apocalypse 3 subwoofer boasts a 20-200Hz frequency response, while satellites offer 80Hz-20Khz. Apocalypse 5 outputs 40 watts RMS from its subwoofer, and 20 watts RMS per satellite. The Apocalypse 5 subwoofer provides a 20-200Hz frequency response, while satellites offer 50Hz-20Khz. Both models offer master volume control, an S/N ration of greater-than 85Db, and a 3.3mm audio input jack. Pricing starts at £120, and both models offer a full one-year RTB warranty [site not updated].

Apple sells 1 million videos in 20 days

10/31, 9:00am

iTunes sells 1M videos

Apple today announced that its iTunes Music Store has sold more than one million videos since it began selling them on on October 12. The iTunes Music Store offers a selection of over 2,000 music videos, Pixar short films and hit TV shows for just $2 per video. Apple said that the top downloads include music videos from Michael Jackson, Fatboy Slim and Kanye West; Pixar's "For the Birds" and "Boundin'"; and episodes of ABC's hit TV shows "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives." "Selling one million videos in less than 20 days strongly suggests there is a market for legal video downloads," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "Our next challenge is to broaden our content offerings, so that customers can enjoy watching more videos on their computers and new iPods."

New iPod data recovery, repair service

10/31, 8:30am

ESS launches iRetrieval

ESS Data Recovery has announced its new iRetrieval data recovery service for iPods. Billed as the first service data recovery solution for the iPod, customers can send their iPods to one of ESS Data Recovery's locations where the drive's information is recovered and returned; ESS says it will repair/replace the iPod's hard drive and other parts, if necessary, bringing the unit to a completely usable condition. ESS says it has developed special methods for recovering data from iPods using the company's patent pending Mediasafe technology and claims an "exceptionally high" success rate. Pricing starts at $290 for 10GB-40GB iPods models.

Opticover provides clear protection for iPod

10/31, 8:25am

Opticover for iPod Nano

Pacific Rim Marketing today introduced the iDiddy Opticover for the iPod Nano -- the thinnest case available for the Nano, according to the manufacturer. Made from polyurethane, iDiddy Opticover will protect a Nano from scratches with a tough barrier also used to protect exotic automobiles from scratches. Installation consists of peeling back the pre-cut material, carefully aligning it with the click wheel and screen, then using the included squeegee to help eliminate any air bubbles that may get trapped between the surface of the iPod and the Opticover material. The Opticover wraps the front, back and sides including the click wheel and button of your Nano. Opticover can be left on an iPod indefinitely, or it can be removed at any time -- the special adhesive will not stay on your Nano. Opticovers cost $15 each.

Samsung preparing iTunes-like service

10/31, 7:45am

Samsung iTunes service

Samsung is preparing to launch an online music service that will compete with iTunes. Telecoms Korea reports that the manufacturing giant will create a music service to help sell MP3 players and compete with the iPod, which could represent a major threat to Apple's dominance: "As Apple achieved a big success in global MP3 player market with I-Tunes service, Samsung wants to rollout a similar strategy. For that matter, Samsung has allegedly cooperated with several partners at home and abroad to develop a rivaling service platform to I-Tunes and plans to launch the service sooner rather than later. If Samsung launches its version of I-Tunes service, it is expected to be a major threat to Apple." The rumored service follows Apple's recent cancelation of a $3.8 billion joint investment plan with Samsung and possible investigation of both Apple and Samsung by the Korean government for possible antitrust violations.