News Archive for 05/11/16

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PodDating online dating, social network

11/16, 5:20pm

PodDater social network

PodDater.com today launched the world's first dating/social networking site that brings together the growing popularity of the online dating space with the popular video-capable iPod digital media player. Visitors to the site can become a member for free to identify potential matches and matched profiles/videos to their iPods via the iTunes music service. "Site tags" are freely chosen hyperlinked keywords that are used to identify potential matches, speeding the contact process. PodDater is designed to allow members to see a person's personality via video clips on-the-go, rather than guessing from an instant message or email, according to the company. With over 21 million iPods sold and more than 17 million people viewed online personals, the company hopes to capitalize on the dating and iPod crazes.

iPod Media Studio captures DVDs for iPod

11/16, 5:20pm

Digital Piracy vs Fair Use

Columnist Davis Freeberg tackles the issue of fair use and DRM technology, specifically as it relates to video content and programs that allow DVD owners to copy video content to other devices. One such program, called iPod Media Studio, captures DVDs as they play on your computer and converts them into mpeg4 files that can then be played on an iPod, smart phone, or other video playback device. Recent U.S. legislation makes it illegal to circumvent anti-piracy or DRM measures. "Why Hollywood can't see the profitable business opportunities that the digital landscape provides is beyond my grasp," writes Freeberg. He blames the "A-holes that run Hollywood" for treating consumers like criminals, and refusing to adopt reasonable policies on fair use.

Motorola to overhaul ROKR iTunes phone

11/16, 4:10pm

New ROKR phone in 2006

BusinessWeek reports that Motorola will introduce a revamped version of the ROKR iTunes phone in the first quarter--updated to address the main criticisms of the first release. The company also said the company would "rip a page out of Apple's playbook" and begin selling phones the day after announcing them -- rather than announcing them well in advance, as it has up to now, according Reuters. The company based the change, in part, losing the edge in a competitive industry and also said that economic times and sales have also improved, allowing the company to be more secretive about upcoming products. [updated]

Video iPod triggers portable porn fears

11/16, 2:50pm

iPod porn at home, work

Apple's video iPod may herald a new generation of portable porn. Fears that video iPod owners might take the devices with them to work in an effort to watch adult content while working, and that children may quickly download pornography onto the device before slipping out of the house to watch it elsewhere has created something of a stir. One columnist said that iPod porn must be dealt with in the home and at the office, citing the difficulty parents already have monitoring the internet viewing habits of their children, according to a report from ZDNet. Eric J. Sinrod, a partner in the San Francisco office of Duane Morris, said "as video makes its way onto iPods, parents can and should let their children know that they periodically will check their kids' iPods to see what video content has been downloaded. They also should check on filters that are being developed to prevent adult content from being downloaded onto iPods."

XtremeMac offers MicroWallets for iPod nano

11/16, 2:15pm

MicroWallets for iPod nano

XtremeMac is now shipping MicroWallets for iPod nano, its small wallet-style cases designed to protect the device from harm. The MicroWallet Leather ($30, shown at right) is a slim, flip-style case crafted for durable protection that features a genuine leather exterior in black, brown, dark brown or saddle and a soft, microsuede lining. When closed, MicroWallet Accent offers access to the Dock Connector and earbud port, and when flipped open provides complete access to all iPod nano controls and ports.

DLO introduces Action Jacket for 5G iPod

11/16, 12:40pm

5G iPod Action Jacket

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) today introduced the Action Jacket for 30GB and 60GB video iPods. The Action Jacket is a cushioned neoprene case featuring a clear built-in screen protector, a removable belt clip and a slender armband. Designed to preserve the iPod's glossy finish, the 'Jacket' allows hands-free mobility for owners who use the armband for sports activities such as jogging, cycling, hiking or working out. A sturdy belt clip offers the option of wearing the iPod on the hip or on a belt, while the workout armband fits any arm size and is easy to adjust. The DLO Action Jacket is available for $30 from the Digital Lifestyle Outfitters website, as well as most iPod outlets.

EMI: Apple will raise some iTunes song prices

11/16, 12:25pm

Apple to raise song prices

EMI Group said it expects Apple to increase the price of popular songs and cut those by unknown acts on its iTunes Web site within a year, according to the Wall Street Journal. In talks with Apple CEO Steve Jobs, EMI's chief executive said he believed Apple planned to end its single-price $0.99 per song pricing policy for iTunes music. "We are having discussions which make us believe it will happen in the next 12 months," Mr. Levy said at a press conference in London for the company's half-year profit results. "There is a common understanding that we will have to come to a variable pricing structure. The issue is when. There is a case for superstars to have a higher price."

iPod marketshare in Japan reaches 60 percent

11/16, 12:20pm

iPod is No. 1 in Japan

Apple today announced that iTunes and iPod are leading the digital music revolution in Japan with iPod market share reaching nearly 60 percent, according to Business Computer News (BCN). "Since the launch of the iTunes Music Store this summer and introduction of the iPod nano and fifth generation iPod, market share in Japan has grown rapidly, solidifying iPod’s position as the number one digital music player in Japan by a wide margin. iTunes is the number one online music service in Japan and its library has grown steadily with the addition of dozens of independent labels."

ScottEVest offers tech-clothing for iPods

11/16, 10:50am

New iPod tech-clothing

ScottEVest has launched version 4.0 of its lounge pants ($80), hidden cargo pants ($80), microfleece pullovers ($60, shown at right), hoodies ($70), and shorts ($50) that can stow an iPod as well as other technological devices while concealing the wiring. "Version 4.0 capitalizes on the growing popularity of iPods, cell phones, and other electronic devices, with fashionable clothing that combines the need to carry mobile electronics with looking good." The clothing is designed to have a sharp look that protects the wearer from getting tangled in cords or dropping expensive equipment.

Digital music sales remain flat

11/16, 10:25am

Digital music sales steady

Digital music sales in the United States, the world's biggest market, have remained fairly flat over the past five months, according to new Nielsen SoundScan data. MacNewsWorld reports that while digital sales almost tripled to 6.6 million downloads a week in the year through May, numbers indicate that sales were only at 6.7 million in the week ending October 23th. The report indicates that the per-iPod average dropped from 25 songs to 15 songs and that global CD sales fell 6.7 percent to $12.4 billion in the first half of 2005. Though the drop in per-iPod average may just be a function of the sheer numbers and acceleration of iPod sales, some analysts don't see digital music changing buying habits: "The download numbers suggest that the iPod's iconic success isn't translating into new music sales the way the evolution from vinyl albums to cassettes and then CDs did. For many users, the portable devices are just another way of stocking and listening to music, not an incentive to buy new music."

UK iPod retail chain opens first store in Nov.

11/16, 9:25am

popXpress for iPod retail

popXpress, the UK's first chain of dedicated Apple iPod and accessory stores, today announced the opening of its first store based in London's Liverpool street. The shop is the first of 12 more stores planned to be opened nationwide by the end of 2006 and is expected open on November 21st--just in time for holiday shopping season. "The three-storey 'geek boutique' on Liverpool Street has been styled by popXpress to create the very best iPod and iPod accessory purchasing environment. With minimalist design, each store will carry Apple's full iPod range, accessories and a vast array of third party products. popXpress has also commissioned a large range of luxury items that include gold and silver plated nano's and lanyards, exclusive to popXpress."

Tatuz releases TuneShirt, iNanu for iPod

11/16, 9:20am

TuneShirt, iNanu for iPod

Tatuz today released two new products for the iPod nano and iPod shuffle: TuneShirt is a t-shirt with a specially designed pocket on the sleeve which is designed to hold either the iPod nano or iPod shuffle. Made from 100% cotton, TuneShirts come in four different styles: plain black, plain white, black with the GoTunes print and white with the GoTunes print. The iNanu (pictured at right) is a colorful, protective overlay for the iPod nano. It is made from heavy duty vinyl and can protect the iPod nano from a wide variety of scuffs and scratches. Each iNanu overlay covers the complete front or back surface of the Nano; they are available a variety of styles and designs. Tatuz also said it offers custom-designed TunesShirts and iNanus for businesses. The TuneShirt is available now in small, medium, large and extra-large sizes for $20, while the iNanu is available in three different three packs: clear, black and white; clear, inverted cow and flowers; and three clear overlays. Each 3-pack will sell for $10.