News Archive for 05/12/20

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Drive-based players take on iPod nano

12/20, 9:05pm

iPod nano competition

Taiwanese makers of MP3 players are planning to offer hard disk drive-based music players late this month or next quarter in order to avoid direct price competition with Apple's flash-based iPod nano, Digitimes reports that 2GB flash memory is about $100 more than the $60-65 for 2GB microdrives (miniature HDDs), which will allow the smaller manufacturers produce music players at a more competitive price. "Micro-Star International (MSI) will launch two 4GB HDD-based MP3 player models for sale in the Taiwan market later this month with each at a recommended retail price of NT$5,990 (US$180), slightly cheaper than a 2GB iPod nano and about 25% lower than prices for the 4GB version of the popular MP3 player, the sources indicated." While prices are cheaper for 2GB microdrives, the report notes that there is currently a short supply due to fast growing use in handsets, PDAs, and GPS products.

Podner 1.2 improves video processing

12/20, 5:45pm

Podner 1.2 released

Splasm Software today released Podner 1.2, an update to its video iPod formatting tool. Version 1.2 offers significantly improved H.264 processing performance--10-50 percent faster, as well as improved MPEG-4 quality. The update also reduces MPEG-4 file sizes, and includes Traditional Chinese localization. The application reformats movie collections into iPod-ready files up to six times faster than QuickTime Pro's Movie to iPod option, and allows users to tweak settings while Podner works. Processed movies show up in a special playlist in iTunes, ready to be sync'd with an iPod. Podner 1.2 requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later, and is available for $10.

Wing iPod TV recorder for Windows

12/20, 5:25pm

iPod TV recorder

Hauppauge Computer Works today released its "Wing" software, enabling customers to record TV shows on a computer for playback on Apple's iPod with video capability, as well as the Sony Playstation Portable (PSP). Wing records in H.264, MPEG-4 and Divx formats, and also records directly to a recordable DVD disk. Alternatively, the software can be used to convert existing TV recordings to the iPod video format. The Wing application comes with three components--a plug-in for the TitanTV internet based electronic program guide for automatic recording of TV shows, a plug-in for Hauppauge's WinTV Scheduler for manual TV record scheduling, and an off-line recorder which turns MPEG-2 videos into any of the formats supported by Wing. Hauppage's Eskape Labs division is also developing a version of Wing for the Apple Mac using the myTV.PVR, the Eskape Labs Mac-based personal video recorder, to be released in early 2006.

iPod-like wireless reader tablet

12/20, 5:00pm

Wireless reader tablet

iRex Technologies today announced that it has developed a wireless "electronic reader" tablet that it calls "Iliad," based on a high-contrast "electronic paper" display technology display technology from E Ink. The company claims that the e-reader can be viewed outdoors in sunshine, as well as in the shade. The device allows users to write comments and mark or underline sections to provide a paper-like experience, according to a report from the EE Times. The Iliad features an 8.1-inch display with a 16-level grayscale and utilizes a touch-screen to capture user input. Iliad is iRex's first-generation electronic reader product, and is expected to be available in April of 2006 (pricing was unavailable).

XtremeMac rolls new iPod cases

12/20, 3:55pm

XtremeMac iPod cases

XtremeMac today rolled out the MicroFlip (shown at right), MicroFolio, and MicroFolio Chic cases for Apple's video iPod. The MicroFlip case features a black, brown, dark brown, or saddle leather exterior that provides access to the iPod's headphone jack and hold switch. The MicroFolio is a compact case with interior pockets to store miscellaneous items, and features a soft exterior in black, brown, dark brown, or saddle colors. The Microfolio offers access to the Dock connector, headphone jack, and hold switch. The MicroFolio Chic offers the same features as the MicroFolio, but is offered in pink or white. All three cases offer an interior that provides built-in protection for the screen and clickwheel with play-through access to all controls. All of the cases fit both 30GB and 60GB video iPod models, and are available for $40.

Future of HP-iTunes bundle unclear

12/20, 3:40pm

HP to honor iTunes deal

Hewlett-Packard is considering re-entering the digital music market, following the termination of its HP-branded iPod program, according to Macworld UK. While the company is expected to honor its obligation to install iTunes on new PCs through January 2006, insiders suggest the future of the Apple-HP relationship is unclear. HP's executive vice president Todd Bradley stressed his belief that opportunity remains in the digital music market, but gave little away: "It's going to boil down to who can create a solution that lets you get the music you want, when you want it, and where you want it," he said.

ezGear offers clearCase Video for iPod

12/20, 2:15pm

ClearCase Video for iPod

ezGear today launched the clearCase Video, its crystal clear case that provides a full 360-degree view of the iPod. The case is constructed from clear acrylic, offers access to the dock port, earphone jack, hold button, and the clickwheel. The front of the case flips open for easy removal of the iPod, and the case ships with an integrated removable belt clip, as well as a removable neck strap. ClearCases come in two sizes to fit both the 30GB and 60GB iPod video models, and is available for $30.

'Commander in Chief' on Apple's iTunes

12/20, 1:35pm

More ABC content on iTunes

Apple has quietly added yet another popular television show from ABC primetime to its iTunes Music Store, extending the networks's catalog of digital content. ABC today began offering its new primetime Commander in Chief drama to its digital television show catalog on iTunes, after the network said it was working to bring more television content to iTunes by early 2006. iTunes is offering the first nine episodes of Season 1 for $1.99 each. Earlier this year, Apple surprised the industry by partnering with ABC during the launch of the iPod video, offering some of the most popular television shows, including Desperate Housewives and Lost. In early December, Apple added digital content from NBC (Law & Order, The Tonight Show, The Office, Knight Rider, etc.), USA Networks (Monk), and the Sci Fi channel to iTunes, while reports indicate that both ESPN and CBS are looking to add their content in the near future.

iPod earbuds can cause hearing loss

12/20, 12:00pm

Earbuds, hearing loss

A Northwestern University professor and audiologist claims that the earbud-style headphones which ship with Apple's iPod and other MP3 players can cause serious, permanent hearing loss. "Insert earphones can boost the signal by as much as six to nine decibels. That's about the difference between the sound of a vacuum cleaner and a motorcycle," said Dean Garstecki, a professor at Northwestern. "It's a significant difference." The earbud-style headphones which rest inside the ear can lead to permanent damage after just an hour of high-volume music in the 110-120 decibel range, equivalent to the noise level of a concert, according to the professor. Garstecki says the large storage capacity of iPods also contributes to problems: "not only do you have a signal that is likely to be more intense, you're likely to be using this device longer than people have been using CD players and Walkmans in the past. This increases the likelihood of hearing loss down the road."

Apple shows largest Web traffic growth

12/20, 10:35am

November Web traffic

Apple's website was the fasting growing site on the internet among the top brands during the month of November, showing over 50 percent year-over-year growth and outpacing Google growth, which ranked No. 2, by nearly two times. Internet media and research company Nielsen//NetRatings today announced the fastest growing Web sites among the top 10 Web brands for November 2005. Yahoo!, which only saw 10 percent increase (No. 7) in traffic over last yaer, still leads all Web properties with the most unqiue visitors--more than 100 million during the month of November. However, Apple ranked No. 1 in year-over-year growth in November 2005, climbing 57 percent over November 2004--to nearly 31 million unique visitors. The traffic increase was driven primarly by traffic to the increasingly popular iTunes, according to Nielsen/Netratings.

Waterproof protection for iPod nano

12/20, 9:30am

Waterproof the iPod nano

Otter Products today announced the OtterBox for iPod nano, the highly anticipated protective case for Apple's popular flash-based memory player. As the fifth case in the popular OtterBox for iPod line, the OtterBox for iPod nano also promises waterproof, interactive protection at depths up to 3 feet: "With its lightweight, thin design, the OtterBox for iPod nano is the most versatile nano case on the market," said Curt Richardson, CEO of Otter Products. "The case provides a compact enclosure for ideal protection. Unlike other cases on the market, users can take the OtterBox for iPod nano virtually anywhere—to the beach, working out, on vacation and more!" The case features an interactive membrane that provides clickwheel access and a hard screen cover to shield the display.

Body Glove announces MP3Suit for Nano

12/20, 9:20am

Body Glove case for iPod

Body Glove Technology Accessories today announced the launch of a custom-fitted MP3Suit case for new Apple's iPod nano. Offering a stylish design, the Body Glove Scuba case for the Nano is expected to be available next year. It features Body Glove's signature Scuba material in black with a silver trim and the Body Glove logo. The water-resistant material protects the iPod nano from nicks and scratches and features custom cut-outs for instant access to ports, buttons and the iPod-famous click wheel. In addition, users can also dock the iPod nano while it is in the case. The Apple iPod nano Scuba cases are available for the 2GB and 4GB models. The case comes with a belt and armband attachment, and will be available in January 2006 for $30.

Fluffpod video protects latest iPod

12/20, 9:10am

Fluffpod video case

Fluffpod today launched Fluffpod video, a new addition to its protective covering lineup for Apple's video iPod. The furry iPod case for Apple's iPod video is available in white or pink. The new case is both soft and furry on the outside and is lined with white or pink silky soft satin for "super soft" protection. "Two white leather boots on the bottom of the case keep your iPod secure, with room for the dock connector to be attached without sacrificing your iPod's safety, or comfort." It also features a thick reinforced plastic window to protect the iPod screen, while allowing users to use the clickwheel. An optional strong Silver Hook to hold the Fluffpod video case to a belt loops, purse, and more is available for $2. Fluffpod video is available now for $25 via the company's website.

Griffin ships iTrip Auto for all iPods

12/20, 9:00am

Griffin debuts iTrip Auto

Griffin Technology today announced iTrip Auto, a new addition to its iTrip product lineup. Griffin's iTrip products allow users to send any iPod's audio content to the car FM tuner enabling them to listen to the iPod on the car's built-in stereo. The company says that iTrip Auto, the newest addition to the iTrip lineup, is "the most versatile iTrip to date, accommodating every dock connector iPod, including iPod nano and 5th Generation iPods with video." iTrip Auto combines Griffin's renowned FM transmitter technology--for selecting any station any station between 88.1-107.9MHz--with an integrated charger. Designed specifically for use in the car, iTrip Auto's large, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen affords quick, precise station selection and easy status at a glance. It is available now for $70 via Griffin's website.

blinkx.tv To Go offers iPod integration

12/20, 1:40am

blinkx.tv To Go

blinkx today launched blinkx.tv To Go, a service that enables users to search for specific video content online and sync it with one click to their iTunes or personal video player software, regardless of its original format. The search engine, which uses advance speech recognization and video analysis to listen to and watch cotent, allows users to find the large variety of independent content--most of which is not widely available at traditional download sites, such as iTunes.com. "blinkx is throwing open the doors to a wide variety of new, user-generated video and making it fully searchable and portable with one quick click."

Walt Disney World podcast launches

12/20, 12:20am

Walt Disney World podcast

Walt Disney World Resort will launch a weekly podcast on Christmas day. The podcast debuts on Dec. 25 as part of the "Happiest Celebration on Earth," a global commemoration of 50 years of Disney theme parks. Hosted by David Brady, the official Walt Disney World podcast will feature a mix of exclusive content including behind-the-scenes tours of Disney's four Florida theme parks, celebrity interviews, news about upcoming events and conversations with Walt Disney Imagineers, the men and women responsible for the design, creation and expansion of the company's theme parks and resorts.

Apple mulling third iPod nano model

12/20, 12:10am

Third Nano model coming?

Apple is reportedly considering a third model of its popular iPod nano player. According to a published report on AppleInsider, the computer company is deciding whether to introduce a new low-end 1GB iPod nano to capitalize on the staggering demand of the most popular iPod model. "Last week members of Apple's marketing team wrangled over the release of 1GB iPod nano -- essentially a 2GB nano sans half the flash memory -- which the company recently showed to its business partners and considered for release early next year." Central to the debate was whether the 1GB Nano would occupy the "same value space" as a redesigned iPod shuffle, which Apple is expected to introduce at the Macworld Expo in January 2006. Earlier today we noted that Apple and many retailers are already out of stock of the 1GB iPod shuffle and does not expect to replenish it until mid-January.