News Archive for 05/12/14

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FunSkins for iPod video

12/14, 9:50pm

Speck ships FunSkins for iPod video

Speck Products today began shipping its FunSkins for Apple's iPod video. Both Cloud FunSkins (pictured at right) and Grass FunSkins are now in stock and shipping, according to the company. "FunSkins are in!" said General Manager Tim Hickman. "They make great gifts- something really stylish, hip and attractive that you wouldn't necessarily buy for yourself, but anyone would love to have for their Pod." Cloud FunSkins are white, soft and puffy and include a screen protector and removable belt clip. Grass FunSkins are "spiky-cool" and are available in Green or Black and also ship with a screen protector and removable belt clip. Both are priced at $35. FunSKins fit both 30GB and 60GB "5G" iPod video models and are available for immediate purchase at the company's website; they will soon be available on retail shelves worldwide.

clearCase Sport for Nano

12/14, 9:35pm

ezGear ships clearCase Sport for iPod nano

ezGear today introduced the clearCase Sport for Apple's iPod nano. The clearCase nano Sport is a crystal clear case that provides a full 360-degree view of the iPod as well as a removable neckstrap and a removable sport armband. The case is made of ultra-clear acrylic, has openings on the bottom for access to all ports, and an opening for the clickwheel for easy control. The top face of the clearCase flips open for easy installation and removal of the iPod. The form-fitted design offers a compact design with more rugged protection: "Our customers told us they wanted to use their iPod nano at the gym, but still wanted a strong sturdy case they could store and use their iPod in. Having a case that can also be used as a stand alone case was a bonus.." It is available now for $35.

Nano shortage fuels demand

12/14, 8:00pm

iPod nano shortage sends users to eBay

Apple's iPod nano digital media player has been flying off shelves since its debut in September, and with the recent tidings of shortages as the holidays approach, some consumers have shown they are willing to pay over $350 for the 4GB devices. In an eBay auction which ended just before noon today, a brand-new 4GB iPod sold for $355--$105 above its $250 retail price. Several similar 4GB iPod nano auctions remained open with bids near and over $300, suggesting they could also close near the $350 mark.

Mobile download service

12/14, 6:05pm

Mobile service matches iTunes pricing

A new wireless phone service, dubbed Amp'd Mobile, is set to launch tomorrow with a pricing structure that matches Apple's iTunes Music Store. The new service will offer over-the-air downloads to mobile subscribers for 99 cents per-track, beating out Sprint's current service which sells tracks for $2.50 each. "I think it's ludicrous to think you can sell a track at $2.50 when everyone else is selling it at 99 cents," said Amp'd Chief Executive Peter Adderton. The exec also noted that he will continue to sell music at the same rate until Apple changes its pricing. "I don't think that we can price music above the market, and right now Apple has set the market." The company will lose money with every song sold, however, because the record labels that are cooperating with Amp'd Mobile are getting the same rate they receive for their mobile music sales via Sprint, or roughly $1.25, according to a report from Forbes.com.

MicroGlove for iPod video

12/14, 4:15pm

XtremeMac debuts MicroGlove for iPod video

XtremeMac today announced its new MicroGlove case for the iPod video. The sporty case offers complete protection, featuring a neoprene and microsuede exterior in contrasting colors with integrated play-through protection for the screen and Click Wheel. The company says that MicroGlove’s unique Velcro and strap closure secures any iPod and a removable carabiner allows users to clip it to their belt loop, backpack, or purse. When closed, MicroGlove provides access to the Dock connector, headphone jack and hold switch. It supports both the 30GB and 60GB iPod video models and will be available in 1-2 weeks for $25.

iPod-based payments

12/14, 4:10pm

Ticketless travel using iPods?

Apple's iPod has been used for music, audio, and now video playback, but in the future it could become a platform for variety of other applications, including as secure storage for receipts, plane ticket information, and more. Ingenico's research teams have developed the world's first terminal accepting a payment on an iPod. Utilizing its i5100 technology, the iPod-compatible payment gateway was demonstrated at the Cartes 2005 exhibition held November 15-17, 2005. The system allows users to make payments, offer receipt information, and transmit other information stored on the iPod via an FM transmitter. While the concept was workable, the company said that the technology may not become mainstream: "While this demonstration may not be a sign of what the future holds, it certainly proves Ingenico's ability to innovate for the benefit of its current and future customers."

Classic TV for iPod

12/14, 3:20pm

TV cartoons, shows, movies for iPod

iVideoBlast.com has launched its service to deliver classic Animation, TV shows, and movies to video iPod owners. The initial iVideoBlast.com library includes classic American video entertainment such as Popeye, Betty Boop, the Beverly Hillbillies, Andy Griffith, Looney Tunes, the Three Stooges, and more. Pricing should prove to be familiar to iTunes Music Store customers as animations and TV shows are priced at $1 each, while movies are priced at $2. "The new video iPod is one of the top selling products for Christmas 2005 but the iPod technology is only as good as the content available for it," says Justin Thorn, co-founder of iVideoBlast.com.

ezGear debuts ezSound 2.1

12/14, 3:00pm

ezGear debuts ezSound 2.1 speaker system

ezGear today debuted the ezSound 2.1 speaker system for Apple's iPod digital media player. The ezSound 2.1 system features two one-inch tweeters that provide high range stereo sound, while a "true" subwoofer that can be powered by batteries or AC power from a standard wall outlet produces bass tones. The device harbors an iPod dock with full music and data synchronization capabilities via FireWire or USB connections to a computer, and charges the iPod when powered by the included wall adapter. Portability is achieved with a compact design measuring 4 x 5.25 x 1.625-inches and a weight of less than 10 ounces. The ezSound 2.1 is available for $110 and is compatible with iPod nano, Video iPod, 4th generation iPod, iPod photo, HP iPod, 3rd generation iPod, and iPod mini.

Online video needs ads?

12/14, 12:45pm

Media watchers say online video needs ads

Apple changed history when it released the video-capable iPod and simultaneously added video content on-demand from ABC and Disney via its iTunes Music Store, sending advertising executives on a rampant search for marketing strategies to address new distribution models and monetize the content. Despite this, most media industry watchers believe a majority of the video services that will successfully lure cable subscribers, Web surfers and mobile device users will evolve with free video content containing advertisements, not necessarily the paid-for distribution that iTunes currently offers. T.S. Kelly, analyst with researchers Media Contacts said that by experimenting with new ways to package Web-based video with advertisements and other types of content--such as social networking communities--those companies should be able to make as much money, and someday even more, than they have generated using traditional strategies, according to a report from eWeek.com.

Car reviews on iTunes

12/14, 10:45am

Edmunds video car reviews on iTunes

Edmunds.com and Apple are now offering video car reviews online via the iTunes Music Store. The videos, offered as podcasts, can be viewed via iTunes, or on a new video iPod. The most recent videos include a comparison of the Pontiac Solstice to the Mazda MX-5, a look at three Corvette variants, a 2005 sport coupe comparison, a look at the 2006 BMW Z4, and more. Recently, it was also reported that Autobytel was offering its CarTV for iPod video users.

iPod minis an eBay hit

12/14, 10:25am

Discontinued iPod minis selling well on eBay

Apple's iPod mini--which the company discontinued during the month of September in favor of the new iPod nano--has seen almost 40,000 sales--both 4GB and 6GB models in every color--over eBay in the past three months. The eBay marketplace has 79 million registered users in the U.S., and is a real-time barometer of which products are "must-haves" during the holiday shopping season. The average eBay selling price for iPod mini was $194, while iPod nano boasted an average selling price of $221, seeing more than 16,000 sales on eBay since its introduction in September just three months ago.

Nano ScratchStopper pack

12/14, 9:55am

ArtWizz ScratchStopper pack for iPod nano

ArtWizz today announced its ScratchStopper pack for iPod nano, three transparent protective films that cover the front, back, and clickwheel of the Nano to prevent scratching. The ScratchStoppers are hard-coat films that appear to be invisible when applied and leave no residue when removed. A front film protects the entire surface of the iPod nano against scratches and other potential damages, and is pre-cut for a precise fit. Another film protects the Nano's clickwheel from grime, dirt and fingerprints, while the back film covers the entire back side of the media player. The pack includes a micro-fibre cloth to clean the Nano's surface before applying the films. The ScratchStopper pack for iPod nano contains two front films, two clickwheel films, and 2 back films for £10.

Mac music record label

12/14, 9:10am

Mac music record label releases new album

Mac music record label Simig Media Records has released its second and Peter Greenstone's debut album: "Something." The album spans multiple genres including alternative rock, acoustic solo guitar, and was created entirely using Apple's GarageBand software. Simig Media has placed several bonus tracks available online for free download, and the album itself can be purchased for $12 directly through the Simig Media website. "Something is the first album of music from Austin, Texas artist Peter Greenstone. Writing and recording music over the course of 2005, Peter has produced this eclectic collection at his home in Austin. The music ranges in style from upbeat rock to dark epic, from acoustic simplicity to massive, lush hybrids of orchestral, electronic, and "other" arrangements."