News Archive for 05/12/13

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ezTrip FM TransCharger

12/13, 6:30pm

ezGear ships ezTrip FM TransCharger for iPod

ezGear is now shipping the ezTrip FM TransCharger for Apple's iPod. The ezTrip, dubbed a "TransCharger" by the compay, is a combination FM Transmitter and car charger that offers an LCD display with access to all FM frequencies between 97.7 and 107.9. The small, compact device includes a coiled cable to keep wires neat, and charges the iPod during use. The ezTrip draws its power from the car DC socket, which the company says provides a stronger signal than other FM transmitters powered from the iPod--resulting in a clearer signal and reduced interference from local radio stations.

iTunes 6, iPod guide

12/13, 5:50pm

Visual QuickStart Guide for iTunes 6, iPod

Peachpit Press today announced its Visual QuickStart Guide for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows platforms that offers step-by-step, task-based instructions to get users up and running with Apple's iTunes Music Store and iPod. The book--which contains visual aids--explains how to download music, videos, audiobooks, and podcasts; create and share iMixes and on-the-go play lists; watch videos on the iPod and other devices; burn custom CDs and DVDs; add music to your other iLife projects; sync your iPod to your computer; understand 'Smart Play lists' and AAC encoding; and more. The book is available for $20.

MTV, Microsoft join forces

12/13, 5:35pm

MTV, Microsoft take on Apple's iTunes

MTV Networks and Microsoft are joining forces to develop an online music service dubbed URGE, set to launch early next year which will compete with Apple's iTunes Music Store. Microsoft will integrate the new service into the next iteration of its Windows Media Player software--which comes bundled with Microsoft Windows--leveraging its dominance in the operating system market to push the music service into homes and businesses around the world. The service will offer over two million tracks, available individually or as part of a subscription package, and will feature music over online radio. Pricing was unavailable, but Jason Hirschhorn, MTV's chief digital officer said users can expect to pay different tiers for individual downloads, subscriptions, and moving rented tracks to a portable music player, according to the Associated Press. Apple's iPod currently reigns over the digital music market with about 75 percent market share.

Clear video iPod cases

12/13, 4:40pm

Contour debuts clear video iPod cases

Contour Design today rolled out its iSee-video crystal clear iPod cases for Apple's 30GB and 60GB video iPods, featuring unobstructed viewing in a slim-line snap-on design. The cases are constructed from impact resistant polycarbonate to protect the LCDs, and ensure both menus and videos are seen clearly. Openings for the clickwheel and hold switch keep all of the control surfaces easily accessible without compromising protection, and the cases provide clearance for headphones and dock connectors. iSee-video crystal cases are expected to be available in the second week of December for $26, and ship with a detachable belt clip that provides a secure, comfortable fit.

iPod transmitter kit

12/13, 4:35pm

Scosche debuts iPod transmitter, receiver kit

Scosche is offering an iPod Car Transmitter and Receiver Kit, allowing wireless integration of an iPod with a car stereo using Bluetooth technology. The device offers digital streaming audio and a 30-foot range, negating the need to be tethered to the dashboard with costly corded systems or lower quality FM systems. Installation consists of tapping power and ground, then plugging the supplied RCA's into the auxiliary port on any name brand stereo. The device includes all iPod cradles, a charger for the iPod, the transmitter, power cables, and audio cables. Scosche's iPod Car Transmitter and Receiver Kit is available for $250, and is compatible with all iPod models including iPod nano and the new video iPod.

PJ on iPod Competition

12/13, 2:25pm

Competitors can't touch iPod price, UI, coolness

Investment research firm PiperJaffray today said it believes the only way competitors can steal market share away from the iPod is to price their devices below Apple's -- and so far that is not happening. Creative, for example, has priced its 30GB video iPod competitor at $330 -- 10 percent more than the iPod. While it may offer more features, Piper says consumers will stick pick the iPod for its ease of use and "cool" factor. "We believe that non-iPod devices must compete on price to gain adoption, but Apple has such massive relative shipment volume with the iPod that other MP3 player manufacturers are not able to replicate the economies of scale achieved by Apple. We believe this reality will allow Apple to sell iPods at the lowest prices in the market, thus retaining the iPod's pole position for years." The firm also said in its report today that it expects 2006 to be a stronger year for Apple both in terms of its iPod line and Mac products (with Intel machines just around the corner).

Auto videos on iTunes

12/13, 2:05pm

Edmunds.com offers auto videos on iTunes

Edmunds.com, a resource for automotive information, announced today that 21 of its automotive videos are now offered as free podcasts on Apple's iTunes Music Store. Edmunds.com also announced that Nissan became its first ever podcast advertiser, developing a 15-second "teaser" advertisement that introduces Edmunds.com's video podcasts. According to the company, the advertisement demonstrates the excitement of driving Nissan's exciting and popular 350Z, concluding with a shot of the Z's gear shift and the suggestion: "For another rush, try this little hand-held device." The podcasts feature road test reports on vehicles as diverse as the Lexus IS350, the Honda Civic Si, the Nissan Titan and the Porsche Boxster S. In addition, vehicle comparisons include the BMW 330i vs. the Audi A4 and the Mazda MX-5 vs. the Pontiac Solstice.

Video encoding to iPods

12/13, 1:35pm

bitMAX supports video encoding to iPods

bitMAX, a Hollywood based digital archiving management company, now offers output of all content stored by clients to the new Apple's iPod video. Using a single click, BAM (bitMAX asset manager) users can output content to be played on this new portable device to be shared company-wide. "This natural offshoot of digital media distributionanswers the need for companies to easily and cost effectively distribute and share their media electronically at a high enough quality that provides a new 'punch' to their marketing arsenal," according to the company. It is available to all users effective immediately and requires only that they have QuickTime 7 and the latest version of iTunes installed. The product is compatible with both Mac and PC platforms.

iSnug Nano Armband

12/13, 12:25pm

HandStands offers iSnug Nano Armband

HandStands today announced the arrival of the iSnug Nano Armband, its latest armband specifically designed for Apple's iPod nano digital music player. The armband features a leather glove that wraps around a Velcro closure, and was created for Nano owners seeking protection while exercising. The carrier is lightweight and comfortable, securely fitting the iPod nano. The iSnug Nano Armband is available in black from HandStands' website for $20.

Wrappers debuts iPod cases

12/13, 11:15am

Wrappers debuts 100 percent iPod cases

Wrappers today launched its first cover that provides Apple's iPod with 100 percent protection, designed like a pillow case. The 100 percent covers tuck the iPod away when not in use for complete protection, and are available in "Smokey Black," (shown at right) "Sunset," and "Otter Grey" colors. The covers are soft to the touch, machine washable, and fire retardant. Covers also use a new rubber coated lining that cushions the iPod without adding bulk. 100 percent covers are priced at £12, fitting iPod video, iPod photo, and iPod mini.

iPod mini 8GB upgrade

12/13, 10:20am

iPod fan upgrades iPod mini to 8GB

MacNN reader Jason Parry has managed to upgrade his iPod mini to 8 gigabytes of storage. He upgraded the now-discontinued music player by installing an 8GB "Seagate Photo Hard Drive," which sells for around $200-$250. Jason recommends that users attempting the hard drive upgrade get a battery upgrade at the same time from Sonnet Technology, as the company includes tools and an instructional video to aid in getting the Mini open. Parry also provides instructions for restoring the iPod's operating system after installing the new drive. With the hard drive and battery upgrades, "Mini enthusiasts can double the capacity and battery life of the iPod mini and extend its usefulness arguably past that of Apple's replacement, the Nano," writes Parry.

Pelican hard case for iPod

12/13, 8:45am

Waterproof Pelican iPod case from Dr. Bott

Dr. Bott today announced that is now carrying the Pelican Products i1030 iPod case for Apple’s iPod video and iPod mini. The i1030 is a "tough," watertight case with a molded rubber compartment that fits Apple's iPod (3rd and 4th generations), iPod mini, and the new iPod video. A separate cavity holds the USB or FireWire cable, while "the lid has plenty of space to organize music-lovers’ earphones and AC adapter." Boasting Pelican’s trademarked “Dual Band” design, the i1030 has a high impact polycarbonate shell that stands up to punishing conditions, according to the company. The strong latch with stainless steel pins keeps the case closed after drops and hard knocks, and the shock-absorbing liner doubles as a watertight seal. It also features the pressure-balancing Gore-Tex valve to keep moisture out and to make it easier to open the case after altitude changes. It is available in white or yellow for $40.

Apple hurting music sales?

12/13, 8:20am

Is Apple holding back the music business?

Apple may be holding back the music business, according to a new BusinessWeek column that notes iPod sales--nearly 10 million or so expected this holiday season--have not driven sales of digital music. Apple's closed iPod/iTunes system may preventing the market from growing as fast it could because it limits buying choices--at least according to its competitors such as Napster and RealNetworks. Citing figures from Nielsen SoundScan, the report says that average weekly download sales as of Nov. 27 fell 0.44% vs. the third quarter. "As has been true since the start, iPod owners mostly fill up their players from their own CD collections or swipe tunes from file-sharing sites. Now legal downloads may be losing their luster. ...Says independent media analyst Richard Greenfield: 'We're not seeing the kind of dramatic growth we should given the surge in sales of iPods and other MP3 players.'"