News Archive for 06/08/01
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Gemini DJ today released its iTrax Mixing Console for iPod, offerin video-enabled iPod compatibility with a USB port and input selection switches. The iTrax Mixing Console features two angled docking stations that allow easy access to iPod controls, with each channel featuring 3-band equalizer controls that include gain and phono/line input switches for interfacing with additional audio devices. The iTrax features a master volume control, dual VU meter display, a user-replacable X-Fader, a cue section, and a microphone control panel with 2-band equalizer functionality as well as volume control. The iTrax is priced at $230 (availability information was unavailable). [corrected]
Apple and Coca Cola have agreed to jointly promote the European iTunes site, according to one report. Coke will link its website to Apple's iTunes under the new agreement, offering millions of free digital music downloads on its drinks in the UK and Germany, according to FT.com. "For Coca-Cola, it is clear that as consumers spend more time online and we need to find ways to become an important, relevant part of their lives," Tim Kopp said, vice president of global interactive marketing for Coke. The deal follows Apple's partnership with Nike, The Gap, and Facebook to bolster its iTunes Music Store offerings. iTunes is the market leader of digital music stores, dominating the industry with more than one billion tracks sold as of February 23rd, 2006.
Sony today unveiled the NW-E Walkman, its new flash-based digital music player boasting up to 28 hours of battery life that will compete with Apple's iPod nano. Sony is offering the new player in six colors with 512MB, 1GB, and 2GB storage capacities. The player features a built-in FM tuner while supporting AAC (non-DRM), MP3, WMA (non-DRM), and ATRAC music files. A "quick-charge" feature enables users to charge the device for three minutes for up to three hours of playback time. The new Walkman is compatible with the Sony Connect online music service, and includes SonicStage software to import, manage, or transfer music. The gadget offers USB 2.0 connectivity, a one-line OEL display, and a built-in equalizer. Each Sony NW-E Walkman ships with black or white earbud earphones for $70 (512MB), $100 (1GB), or $130 (2GB).
iSoundCap today released the iSoundCap, a hat for iPod owners that keeps earbud wires above the wearer's neck. The apparel is designed to hold the iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle in a tight compartment stitched into the Cap, and features a tight sleeve for the wires along with a spool to keep them neatly wrapped up. The hat allows easy access to and control of the players during activities. "The Cap is extremely fashionable but also provides a function," said Karl Foust, CEO of iSoundCap. The iSoundCap is available for $30 in black, white, black "structured," white "structured," and pink.
CyraKnow today launched its new Mark Phillips Wine Guide in audio format created specifically for iPod-using wine enthusiasts. The introduction to wine for iPod is designed to help new and seasoned wine students learn by a novel, practical approach. The audio guide includes more than 1.5 hours of practical advice recorded by Mark Phillips, according to CyraKnow, organized into categories such as "How to describe wine" and "how to buy wine." The guide is 32MB, is compatible with Mac OS X 10.2 as well as Windows 2000/XP, and works with any iPod featuring a Dock connector or clickwheel. The Mark Phillips Wine Guide is priced at $35.
Secure-It today unveiled the Pod Safe, a portable locking security case for Apple's iPod that fully contains the player to help prevent loss or theft. The Pod Safe case is made from high impact PolyCarbon strengthened ABS material which protects the device while providing easy access to controls as well as playing features when locked. The Pod Safe includes a four-digit, resettable combination lock incorporating a locking steel cable that can lock to various objects such as a backpack or briefcase. Pod Safe models fit iPod nano, fifth-generation iPod with video, iPod photo, and fourth-generation iPod models. The accessory is available in either black or white from $40.
Apple has offered a reply to criticism by consumer agencies in Scandinavia of its digital rights management (DRM) policy for iTunes. The Norwegian council is still reviewing the response which came in the form of a letter, according to InfoWorld, meeting the deadline set by those agencies which prompted Apple to defend itself. The letter will likely determine the future of the iTunes Music Store in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. "If they won't change anything, we'll most probably have to take them to the court in Sweden," Bjorn Smith said, a spokesman for the Swedish Consumer Agency. [updated, corrected]
Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) today announced that programming from CNN, Adult Swim, and the Cartoon Network is now available on Apple's iTunes Music Store. In recent months TBS offered free podcasts of Adult Swim and select CNN programs to iTunes users. iTunes now offers many episodes of "CNN Presents" including "Taming the Beast: Inside the War on Cancer," "The Fight Over Faith." and "Captured: Inside the Army's Secret School." New Cartoon Network programming includes the complete first season of "Johnny Bravo." Adult Swim, the more edgy animated network for older age groups, offers "Aqua Teen Hunger Force," and "Sealab 2021." All programs are available for $1.99 per episode and available now.