News Archive for 06/08/08

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Griffin ships TuneFlex for iPod

08/08, 1:00pm

TuneFlex for iPod ships

Griffin Technology today unveiled the TuneFlex for iPod, a dock and charger designed for ease of use in automobiles. TuneFlex grips the iPod in a secure cradle, holding the device on an adjustable and flexible steel neck. The cradle rotates independently to keep the iPod upright while plugging into the car's 12-volt cigarette lighter to power as well as charge the iPod on-the-go. TuneFlex's charging circuitry features a replaceable fuse to protect the player from power spikes or surges while charging, and a light at the base of the neck changes color to indicate charging status. A built-in 1/8-inch stereo line-out jack eases connectivity to stereos, while a low/high audio output switch ensures sound without distortion. TuneFlex also ships with a cassette tape adapter, and a free limited edition version of Griffin's exclusive iFill software. The TuneFlex for iPod ($50) works with fourth-generation and newer full-size iPods.

Nokia preps for iTunes-like service

08/08, 11:15am

Nokia to buy Loudeye

Nokia is planning to purchase Loudeye -- a digital music distributor -- for $60 million in a move that would bring Nokia closer to developing its own music download service to compete with Apple's iTunes Music Store, according to Macworld UK. "Music is a key experience for Nokia and Nokia Nseries multimedia computers. People should be able to access all the music they want, anywhere, anytime and at a reasonable cost," said Anssi Vanjoki, European vice president and general manager of multimedia at Nokia. Loudeye stockholders will receive $4.50 per share in cash for each share of Loudeye common stock under the agreement terms, which is expected to complete by the end of 2006.

Bob Dylan's "Modern Times" on iTunes

08/08, 8:45am

Modern Times on iTMS

Apple and Columbia Records on Tuesday announced that the new album “Modern Times” by Bob Dylan will be offered through an exclusive pre-order on the iTunes Music Store. Apple also announced iTunes customers who pre-order “Modern Times” from iTunes for $13.99 will also be offered the opportunity to participate in an exclusive Ticketmaster pre-sale for concert tickets to select dates on Bob Dylan’s upcoming fall tour. An exclusive Bob Dylan digital box set called “The Collection” includes all of Bob Dylan’s albums -- nearly 800 tracks from his career. The Bob Dylan digital box set will be available for purchase and download with just one click for $199, exclusively from iTunes beginning August 29. Apple CEO Steve Jobs state that, “Bob Dylan is one of the most respected poets and musicians of our time, and he is a personal hero of mine [...] being able to offer his new album and the exclusive box set of his works on iTunes is a real thrill for us.”

Belkin cancels TuneStage for iPod nano

08/08, 7:35am

Belkin TuneStage II near?

Belkin has reportedly canceled its plans to bring its TunesStage for the iPod nano to market, but has plans to offer a second-generation product for iPod nano users next month. TuneStage allows users to stream music from their iPod to a stereo system using a Bluetooth transmitter connected to the iPod paired with a receiver connected to any sound system. Early last month, the company announced its new TuneStage for iPod nano; however, plans to ship the device were delayed and now several reports have surfaced that indicate that it has been cancelled entirely. BlueTomorrow.com reports receiving a message confirming the rumors that the TuneStage for iPod nano has indeed been canceled, but that the company is working a new second-generation product: "We will, however, be coming out with a TuneStage II that will be compatible with the Nano and iPod with video. That's due out in late September." The company has posted little information on TuneStage since its initial announcement, has not posted a ship date, and is not taking pre-orders, but the it remains listed on the company website.