News Archive for 05/11/10

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DRM interoperability worries EU consumers

11/10, 6:00pm

DRM interoperability

The National Consumer Council (NCC) is adding its name to a major European campaign advocating consumer rights in the digital age, reports Macworld UK. Many Europeans are concerned over the criminalization of sharing copyrighted files online, as well as the lack of interoperability between between existing services and devices. The latter includes the way songs are protected using Apple's FairPlay digital rights management (DRM) system and Microsoft's DRM. The campaign includes a declaration of what consumer bodies feel should be consumers' digital rights. These include: the right to choice, knowledge and cultural diversity; the right to the principle of technical neutrality; consumer rights in the digital environment; the right to benefit from technological innovations without abusive restrictions; the right to interoperability of content and devices; the right to the protection of privacy; the right not to be criminalised.

ARM exec's favorite gadget: iPod photo

11/10, 5:55pm

ARM exec favors iPod photo

Sir Robin Saxby Chairman of the UK-based microprocessor comany ARM, says that the iPod photo is his favorite gadget, because "it allows me to take 'my world' on my travels. This includes recordings of my son's band, as well as my early vinyl records and photos going back years." When asked what Sir Robin Saxby would change about the device, he cited the difficulty connecting to other devices, such as big-screen TVs, according to a report from Forbes.com. "I don't want to carry iPod docking stations and chargers with me, so I would like to see connectivity become standard and ensure that all the consumer devices I use have the same interface."

Belkin unveils four new 5G iPod cases

11/10, 5:00pm

Belkin unveils four cases

Belkin today announced four new cases for the fifth-generation iPod, designed to reinforce the device while maintaining functionality. The Kickstand case ($30) integrates a stand display to ease the process of watching videos, and provides a detachable carabineer clip to secure the device to clothing. A protective plastic screen cover offers full access to the screen and clickwheel. The Kickstand case is constructed from fine-grain leather, and will be available in black as well as white.

M-Audio debuts Podcast Factory

11/10, 1:30pm

M-Audio Podcast Factory

M-Audio today announced its new Podcast Factory professional podcasting solution. The Podcast Factory bundle includes all the hardware and software required to create broadcast-quality podcasts: the bundle includes the Podcast Factory audio interface with microphone preamp, a 2 x 2 mobile audio interface delivers professional audio fidelity up to 24-bit/48kHz. The first of two audio channels is a dedicated XLR input for the included dynamic microphone, complete with gain control and signal LEDs. The 3/4-inch input on the second channel toggles between instrument and line levels to accommodate a wide variety of signal sources. It will ship in November for $180.

Belkin TuneCast Auto supports Nano, 5G iPod

11/10, 1:05pm

Belkin TuneCast Auto

Belkin today announced that its TuneCast Auto supports the iPod nano and 5G iPod as well as with iPod 3G, 4G, and photo. The device allows you to listen to the music from your iPod through your car's FM radio. "Unlike other FM transmitters, the TuneCast Auto powers and charges through your car's cigarette lighter--eliminating the need to drain power from the iPod itself. Its new design and ample features make for an easy, convenient solution to listen to your iPod on the road." The TuneCast Auto features two programmable memory slots, which allow users to toggle between two channels. A blue, backlit LCD provides for easy viewing day or night, and a VELCRO tie reduces cable clutter. The TuneCast Auto will ship in North America in late November 2005 for $60.

Sonic debuts mini boom box system for iPod

11/10, 8:25am

Sonic i-Fusion for iPod

Sonic Impact has introduced i-Fusion, its new rechargeable and portable speaker case system with docking station for the iPod and iPod mini. i-Fusion is described as a mini boom box built within a rugged storage case for all variations of the iPod, including the iPod nano. In addition to the speaker system and docking station, the compact 2.75-inch high case features a pop open door for storing any size iPod and a second compartment with a lithium ion battery and room for storing earbuds. The system also features a built-in iPod Docking Station Connector for playing, downloading and recharging. Sonic say the i-Fusion can play music up to 15 hours on the built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery and also features an AC adaptor. i-Fusion, which carries Apple's "Made for iPod" moniker, is available for $150.