News Archive for 05/11/08

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SKProducts rolls out CarClip for iPod nano

11/08, 2:30pm

CarClip for iPod nano

SKProducts today rolled out CarClip for iPod nano, designed to hang conveniently from the rear-view mirror to allow easy access to the Nano. CarClips come with 10 rubber "Fishband" motion buffers--each available in five colors and two sizes--which are specially designed rubber bands that feed through the CarClip and attach to the center button of your rear view mirror. CarClip for iPod nano is available for $20, and ships with a universal auto attachment, as well as two 3M "CommandStrips" to place the casing in various locations.

Second iTunes phone: Motorola RAZR V3i

11/08, 2:25pm

Second iTunes phone

Motorola today announced a new iTunes-supported version of its RAZR mobile handsets. The phone, expected later this year, will feature mobile iTunes software for integration with Apple's iTunes Music Store. The forthcoming Motorola RAZR V3i, which will be only the second phone to support iTunes, offers an updated and streamlined design, featuring a large internal color screen, quad-band technology (for GSM coverage in the US and other parts of the world) and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. The brushed-metal handset features an integrated 1.23 megapixel digital camera with a full screen view-finder, zoom, video capture and playback. It is expected to ship in mid-December (pricing not available).

New iTunes DRM "report" prompts denial

11/08, 2:15pm

iTunes DRM humor

SunnComm today refuted a published report saying that it was involved developing new iTunes DRM technology for Apple. The report, which appears to be written as a humor column, claims that SunnComm was working with its competitor Macrovision to develop new DRM technology. The presumably fictional new software was said to be keyed to Microsoft's Power Management technology, issuing forth a 125-volt "anti-p2p DRM charge" into the computer chassis when users attempt to play unauthorized iTunes tracks. The column also says that starting December 1st, all iTunes downloads will carry a new kind of Fair Play DRM, a direct negative feedback 'watermark' recognized by Fair Play earbuds that instructs the headphones to emit a piercing, high-pitched scream in stereo at 250 decibels when an iPod user attempts to play an iTunes track not sanctioned by Organized Music (EMI Group, Vivendi Universal, Warner Music).

iTunes faces competition in video market

11/08, 12:35pm

Stiff competition in 2006

Goldman Sachs says that Apple could face stiff competition in the digital video market during 2006, as Viacom and General Electric have agreed to provide on-demand TV shows to cable and satellite companies--just hours after their premiers--for $1 each, half the price of videos on Apple's iTunes Music Store. David C. Bailey of Goldman Sachs reiterated an "in-line" rating for Apple, but said the ability to watch shows on a television (instead of a computer or iPod via iTunes) are strong indications that Apple will not be able to easily replicate its digital audio dominance in the digital video market, according to a report from Forbes.com. "We continue to view Apple as a positive trade into January based on investor sentiment, news flow, and strong earnings. However, Apple's longer-term ability to maintain its multiple is based on outsized iPod growth, its ability to lead in the evolution of the digital home, and ongoing Mac share gains--all of which face stronger headwinds in 2006."

Tivoli iSongBook supports all iPod models

11/08, 11:40am

iSongBook music system

Tivoli Audio today announced the iSongBook, its portable music system designed to fit all Apple iPod models. The flip-down dock charges the iPod while it plays--without the need for an additional dock connector--and stores into the unit when not in use. A supplied credit card-sized remote control operates both the iPod and the iSongBook. The system features a digital AM/FM tuner with a 9k/10k switch for AM reception outside North America, as well as an adjustable telescoping FM antenna and built-in AM antenna. Stations may be tuned manually or via five AM and five FM favorite station preset buttons with a "seek" function to automatically search for signals in any country around the world. The iSongBook is housed in a sealed cabinet with rust-proof hardware for weather resistance, and harbors a white and silver faceplate, matching white iPod models. It is available now for $330.

Newer rolls out audio cassette adapter

11/08, 9:50am

Newer cassette adapter

Newer Technology today rolled out its Audio Cassette Adapter, designed to play any audio device with a headphone jack through a vehicle's tape deck. Available for $15, the adapter provides another low-cost alternative to FM transmitters, as well as docking stations that connect directly to a vehicle's audio system, which often require installation.

RadioShack to sell iPods at retail stores

11/08, 8:50am

RadioShack to sell iPods

RadioShack announced it will begin selling Apple's iPod, after it agreed to become an Authorized Apple Reseller. The electronics retailer said that it will offer all variations of the iPod, including the Shuffle, Nano, and the video iPods. The company also said it will continue to offer dozens of the most popular accessory items for use with iPods, such as external speakers, docking stations, decorative and protective skins, travel cases, cables and power solutions. RadioShack said that each of its 5,000 stores and a select number of dealer stores are expected to carry each iPod model, including both white and black models of the Nano and video iPod.