News Archive for 06/02/08

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Chips for WiFi, Bluetooth iPod ready

02/08, 6:00pm

WiFi, Bluetooth iPods?

Apple may be one step closer to developing a wireless iPod, according to a new report. PortalPlayer--the chip maker behind the audio logic of Apple's iPods--is adding Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support to its products, according to Reg Hardware. PortalPlayer has tied-in with Cambridge Silicon Radio (CSR), a UK-based Bluetooth chip designer, and said it will integrate its PP5022 audio chip family with CSR's UniFi Wi-Fi and Bluetooth controller. The company will demonstrate a reference platform based on the combined technology next week at the 3GSM show in Barcelona, according to the report. Apple is rumored to be hosting a music-related event later this month--the week following 3GSM. The invite reportedly depicts an Airport Express Wi-Fi adaptor's power light, suggesting a Wi-Fi focus for the event.

Colored iPod earbuds available

02/08, 4:40pm

Colored iPod earbuds

Aural New York is offering special colors of earbuds for use with iPods. Currently available in three colors-- pink, black, and the limited edition blue- the company plans to continue releasing new colors and styles. "Aural New York adds flavor to the most visible part of the iPod ensemble, the headphones. White ones were indeed cool for a while, but let's get real, even your great-great-grandma rocks 'em nowadays." All headphones come with both black and white earbud pads. All color styles cost $15.

Museum uses iPods for exhibit tour

02/08, 1:40pm

iPod museum tours

A small Maine museum is taking advantage of the proliferation of iPods to reduce tour costs. According to Bowdoin College's Campus News the Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum has created a podcast of its latest exhibit on the Inughuit people of Northwest Greenland, allowing visitors to hear Arctic winds, Greenlandic dog teams, and people speaking, singing, and playing sealskin drums. Visitors can use their own iPods or borrow one from the reception desk, free of charge. The podcast is available on the museum's website or through the iTunes Music Store, with each selection accompanied by a photograph so that users can still see the exhibit even if they are unable to visit it.

Apple donates EP proceeds to Katrina

02/08, 11:15am

iTunes charity for Katrina

Apple's iTunes is offering a new exclusive single to raise money for victicms of hurricane Katrina. On Tuesday, Apple began promoting a new Exclusive Charity EP by members of REM (Michael Stipe) and Coldplay. "Michael Stipe and special guests including Chris Martin of Coldplay and Justin Timberlake have re-recorded Joseph Arthur's song 'In the Sun,' and the only place you'll find it is on iTunes. All the proceeds from sales of this exclusive EP will be donated to the In The Sun Foundation, which was established by Stipe for the purpose of helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina."

Apple not threatened by Internet rivals

02/08, 11:00am

Apple not threatened

Despite rampant speculation that Apple will enter the world of digital film downloads, Apple's future likely hinges on sales of its hardware and software. Analyst Shaw Wu of American Technology Research said that digital media plans or services from "pure internet service companies," such as Google, Yahoo, Ebay, and Amazon are unlikley to affect Apple and its stock price because Apple relies on a "store and forward" service--embracing the pay-per-song model rather than the more demanding streaming or subscription services offered by many of its competitors. Wu notes that while its competitors may be able to offer better or more internet resources for any digital media music or video service, Apple manages well because it has outsourced most of its "backend services" to companies such as Akamai and Speedera and that it may have favorable long term contracts for media delivery. Wu also estimates that the average number of songs downloaded per iPod user has increased by about 50 percent.

DLO debuts nanoShell cases

02/08, 9:50am

DLO nanoShell

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) today introduced the nanoShell line of cases for the iPod nano. The nanoShell is a hard transparent protective case for the iPod nano offered in Crystal Clear, Tech Lime, Indigo Blue, Perfect Purple, or Pretty in Pink. Each nanoShell package also includes two interchangeable backings that provide either a transparent matching smooth back or a solid color reinforced belt clip backing. The screen is fully viewable through the case, and te clickwheel is still accessible. The DLO nanoShell cases cost $15.

New music phones could challenge iPod

02/08, 12:15am

New music phones coming

Apple can expect more competition from moble carriers as they roll out more phones that offer music playback. Samsung's A900, often called 'The Blade' can be used with Sprint's own music service, which offers downloads for $2.50, while Motorola's newest iTunes phone, the Slvr, works with Apple's iTunes; however, downloads on both of these device is limited to 50 and 100, respectively. The Wall Street Journal reports that Nokia plans to launch the N91 phone, which will provide high-fidelity sound, a 3,000-song hard drive, and 12.5 hour battery life for between $500 and $700 (after carrier discounts), while Motorola is expected to introduce Rokr E2 with a capacity of 500 songs and Sony Ericsson in May will debut the W810i Walkman phone, which will store 500 songs and will be priced at $400 (before carrier discount).