News Archive for 05/12/07

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iTunes Signature Maker creates music sig

12/07, 6:55pm

iTunes Signature Maker

JasonFreeman.net yesterday launched iTunes Signature Maker, a Web-based application that analyzes your iTunes music collection to create a short sonic signature representing who you are and what you listen to. The software checks your system configuration and asks you a few simple questions, then combines data tracked by Apple's iTunes software with its own spectral audio analysis routines, selecting small segments of audio from your favorite songs and mixing them into a short sonic signature that can last anywhere from one second to a number of minutes. iTunes signatures can be loaded onto an iPod, emailed to friends, or posted on websites to "sum up" the variety of music you listen to. iTunes Signature Maker is free, and is available from JasonFreeman.net.

"Podcast" wins Oxford's word of the year

12/07, 4:50pm

Podcast a dictionary word

The New Oxford American Dictionary has chosen "podcast" as Word of the Year, the term is set to be added to the online version early next year. Podcast was coined by journalist Ben Hammersley, and is defined as "a digital recording of a radio broadcast or similar program, made available on the Internet for downloading to a personal audio player." "Podcast was considered for inclusion last year, but we found that not enough people were using it, or were even familiar with the concept," said Erin McKean, editor-in-chief of the New Oxford American Dictionary. Some have criticized the term for giving Apple too much credit, and have offered less catchy terms in its stead such as "blogcasting" or "audioblogging," according to a report from Forbes.com.

XtremeMac's TuffWrap Accent for iPod nano

12/07, 4:40pm

TuffWrap Accent for Nano

XtremeMac today introduced TuffWrap Accent for Apple's iPod nano. The durable silion case offers protection against scratches and bumps, and protects the screen and Click Wheel with optional inserts. The two-tone, form-fitting case features stylish ribbed sides that "not only looks great, but also provide a comfortable and secure grip. The tactile finish prevents your iPod from sliding on surfaces like the dashboard or center console of your car." The company also says that the rugged styling provides prevents slipping and that it features an open design that provides access to all controls and ports. The case are now available for $20 (with a lifetime guarantee) and are expected to begin shipping on December 19th.

iSkin announces iPod Duos for Nano

12/07, 3:40pm

iPod Duos for Nano

iSkin today announced its new iPod Duos, protective covers for iPod nano that offer a dual layer shock-resistant silicone skin that guards against bumps, scratches, and dirt. iSkin has also broadened its available colors to include "Purple Haze" (clear on purple), "Acid Groove" (green on green), "Phantom Rave" (black on red), and "Polar Blast" (white on blue). The new Duo features an ultra-clear screen protector that sits between its double layers of silicone to ensure the Nano's screen remains visible and protected, a transparent wheel protector that provides a smooth scrolling action while protecting the clickwheel, and a new "RevoClip 2" removable rotary belt clip for maximum portability. An anti-slip grip surface with side "goose bumps" provide an easy grip to reduce the risk of drops, while an inner layer with eight point shock absorbers adds safety in the event of a mishap. iPod Duo's are available in a variety of two-tone color combinations for $30 each.

PodShop iDrops remove scratches

12/07, 3:15pm

Updated iDrops

PodShop today launched a new iteration of iDrops, its all-in-one cleaning, polishing, and scratch removal solution specifically designed for use on the plastic/acrylic surfaces of Apple's iPod (all models) and other products. iDrops works on iBooks, eMacs, iMacs (G3/G5), Mac minis, and Power Macs (G3/G4). The solution is a two-ounce bottle of "liquid health" for plastic/acrylic surfaces that features a dropper top, providing mess-free use when repairing and restoring blemished, scuffed, or scratched hardware. iDrops can also be used on the plastic/acrylic surfaces of CD/DVD media, cell phones, Game Boy, PSP, and numerous other items. The new product includes a new bottle, dropper, label, and updated iDrops solution. iDrops is available for $15.

NBC: iTunes deal helps fight "bad habits"

12/07, 2:05pm

NBC-Apple deal details

NBC said that it expects more announcements regarding online distribution, including more content for iTunes in an effort to combat digital piracy; however, it said that recent moves by TiVo and DirectTV for were not made with the network's consent. The company yesterday "took a deep plunge into digital downloads" offering both past and present episodes of several television series via iTunes, after discussion began with Apple earlier this spring, according to a new report. NBC included a number of older favorites as well as current hits such as "Law & Order" and Sci Fi Channel's "Battlestar Galactica," according to Variety. The company said that future announcements would be coming to support its commitment to getting its content into the hands of consumers and fighting piracy. NBC estimates that there are 430,000 illegal downloads of "Battlestar Galactica" each week.

MT1 for iPod speaks emails, Word docs

12/07, 11:05am

MT1 software for iPod

MagneticTime today unveiled MT1 software for iPod and other mobile audio players, which converts emails and Microsoft Word documents to MP3 sound files that can be played on the devices. MT1's audio files are designed to take advantage of the standard functions of any MP3 player, so emails and documents can be played, paused, stopped, skipped back/forward, and filed in playlists. The software automatically creates a new Outlook folder, and when new email is automatically selected and copied to that folder as it arrives, where it awaits processing and translation to audio. MT1 uses Acapela high quality text-to-speech technology, which transforms emails or word attachments into natural speech, reading it aloud with the flexibility of natural sounding speech. Acapela speaks multiple languages and reads proper names, numbers and currencies for optimal and smooth restitution of the information. MT1 is expected to be available for the Macintosh early next year, and is priced at $50.

Etymotic 6i Isolator earphones in black

12/07, 9:50am

6i earphones in black

Etymotic Research today announced that its 6i Isolator earphones are available in black, as well as the original white. The 6i earphones are designed specifically for use with Apple's iPod and other small portable players, providing greater sound output and enhanced bass. Features include noise isolation, and an in-the-ear secure fit for greater performance. "The mildly enhanced bass and greater output of these earphones retains the high frequency response accuracy that Etymotic is known for," said Mead Killion, founder and president of Etymotic Research, Inc. "The 25-band accuracy score of these earphones still exceeds 80 percent, which is higher than any earphones not made by Etymotic." The 6i Isolator earphones are available for $150 from Apple stores and Etymotic dealers.

Apple sells 100M iTunes songs in Europe

12/07, 7:55am

100M songs in Europe

Apple today announced that it has sold 100 million songs in Europe, saying that an iTunes user in Belgium has won its Europe iTunes song promotion. The 100 millionth download in Europe, downloaded by Ken Reist, was Mozart's album "Die Zauberflöte" (The Magic Flute). Reist was awarded a 17-inch iMac G5, a 30GB iPod, a 10,000-song gift card for the iTunes Music Store, and two tickets to see Robbie Williams in concert. Apple initially launched the store in Europe in June of 2004 and within 18 months has sold over 100 million songs.

iStar Composer syncs, displays lyrics on iPod

12/07, 7:50am

Lyrics on your iPod

Script Software's iStar Composer 1.0 is an original and major new application that creates synchronized lyrics on the Mac to export to the iPod and iTunes. The application finds lyrics, but more importantly allows you to synch them to a song. Composer then allows you to export the new composition to a new music file (AAC) that contains embedded lyrics that play/display in iTunes and on the iPod. "By displaying the lyrics iStar Composer adds a new dimension to the iPod and iTunes. People will not just be looking at the song and title in iTunes and their iPod but can now enjoy reading or singing along with them too." It is available now for $30. [site not responding]

Rambler audio phrase books for iPod travelers

12/07, 7:25am

Rambler audio phrase book

CyraKnow today launched its new Rambler audio phrase books created specifically for iPod-savvy travelers. Available in French, German, Italian and Spanish, the audio books are designed specifically for iPod use with the intent of "helping new and seasoned travelers learn the nuances of pronunciation and basic phrases for each language in a short period of time." The Rambler audio phrase books are priced at $13 separately, and $35 for all four languages. Each phrase book includes over 900 words and phrases recorded by a native speaker in French, German, Italian and Spanish, as well as a printable PDF of popular sites and attractions for major cities in each country.

Cucusoft iPod Video Converter for Windows

12/07, 7:15am

iPod Video Converter

Cucusoft iPod Video Converter Suite is an all-in-one iPod video conversion solution. This suit includes "Cucusoft iPod Video Converter" and "Cucusoft DVD to iPod Converter," allowing users to convert both DVD media and video file media to a format compatible with video-capable iPods: "We support conversion from DVD to iPod directly. Some other software applications need two steps: (1) convert DVD to avi fromat and then (2) to convert output avi to iPod. That solution wastes lots of time. Our solution needs only a single step." The utility supports drag & drop as well as virtually all video file formats, including DVD, vob, DivX, XviD, MOV, rm, rmvb, MPEG, WMV, AVI to iPod video (MP4 format). It also supports various iPod video size including H.264 video: up to 768 Kbps, 320 x 240 at 30 frames per sec. The software runs on Windows 9x, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows 2003 Server. and is available for $30.