News Archive for 06/09/05

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Harmon Kardon debuts Go + Play stereo

09/05, 5:40pm

HK iPod stereo debuts

Harmon Kardon (HK) has announced its Go + Play stereo, featuring a near-horizontal iPod dock layout that keeps an iPod safe while in transit. The device includes a stainless steel handle that enables owners to carry the system with one hand, and an S-video port provides the option of playing video on a TV. Inside the system boasts bi-amp digital amplification as well as a DSP chip for enhanced quality, according to Electronista. The Go + Play is powered either by an AC adapter or eight D-cell batteries, which provide up to 18 hours of battery life. The Go + Play system is due to ship in Europe in November for €350, while an American version is expected in the near future for $350.

MySpace to open online music store

09/05, 2:55pm

MySpace online music store

The popular social networking site MySpace says it will be the latest to open a direct-download music store which will compete with Apple's iTunes Music Store. The web-based service, an offshoot of MySpace Music, hopes that its access to 106 million existing MySpace users will give it an early advantage and offer a serious challenge to Apple, according to Electronista. "Everyone we've spoken to definitely wants an alternative to iTunes and the iPod. MySpace could be that alternative," said MySpace's Chris DeWolfe. Unlike most other services' attempts to compete in the digital music arena, MySpace promises flexibility by selling songs either through the main portal or on the user pages of artists and fans alike. MySpace will not dictate pricing but rather charge a distribution fee and leave the remaining pricing up to artists on MySpace, most of whom are independents currently unsigned to labels. Songs will be available in an unrestricted MP3 format that ensures compatibility with the iPod and other music players.

RNID wants warning labels on iPods

09/05, 2:35pm

Warning labels on iPods?

The Royal National Institute for Deaf (RNID) in the UK is requesting that iPods and other MP3 players include health warnings for excessive use at high volumes. The organization is asking portable music player manufacturers such as Apple to warn customers that using such devices for extended periods at high volumes could damage hearing, according to Macworld UK, and is asking for labels stating that fact on packaging or even on the devices themselves. "We know that young people are at risk from losing their hearing prematurely by listening to loud music for too long on MP3 players," said RNID chief executive Dr. John Low. "MP3 player manufacturers have a responsibility to make their customers aware of the risks and the need to listen at sensible levels and we urge them to incorporate prominent warnings into the packaging of their products."

Kenwood stereos offer USB, iPod control

09/05, 1:45pm

Kenwood units control iPod

Kenwood recently announced six new head units each equipped with a USB port that scan the storage systems of any device attached via USB. The stereo manufacturer also said it will offer an iPod adapter to fully control Apple's digital media player. The stereo decks support common music formats such as AAC, MP3, and WMA files on any USB-enabled storage device, though no pricing or shipping dates were available. Kenwood did note, however, that there will be both single- and double-DIN stereos to accommodate different cars and listener needs, according to Electronista.

iSlicker for iPod launches

09/05, 11:25am

iSlicker for iPod

KMK Plus has unveiled the Slicker, a new decorative case for iPod digital media players. iSlickers are made from thick urethane to protect against bumps as well as scratches, and are re-usable with an adhesive back. The cases come with a clickwheel cover for iPod models featuring a clickwheel, and come with a clear protective screen guard. iSlickers are available for iPod nano, iPod mini, iPod with clickwheel, and iPod video in a variety of designs for $13.

Apple pays woman not to use 'Pod'

09/05, 10:05am

Apple pays for trademark

Apple will reportedly pay a New Jersey woman to stop using the word "pod" in the name of a protective case she designed for laptop computers, according to The China Post. Terry Wilson, 53, who sells the "TightPod" over the Internet, said Apple contacted her after the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office said she would soon receive a trademark for the product. The woman wouldn't say how much Apple agreed to pay toward costs of the name change; however, Apple was seeking to keep her trademark from diluting the iPod brand and also protect its own trademarks: "I'm going to be changing the name," Wilson, of Medford Lakes, New Jersey, said yesterday in a phone interview with the publication. "I know that sounds like I'm a sell-out, but I don't have the resources to litigate a trademark case." Apple spokesman Steve Dowling wouldn't comment, according to the report.

Apple to kick-start broadband video

09/05, 9:55am

Apple, broadband video

Apple's expected entry into broadband video distribution will likely bring new life to the business, and could serve as a catalyst for broadband-enabled home movie delivery. Online movie services such as CinemaNow and Movielink continue to wither due to a narrow customer base and overly restrictive usage policies, even as Hollywood expresses interest in downloadable full-length movies, according to Electronic News. "Given Apple's success in music and video downloads, extending this model to include full-length movies makes sense," said Michael Greeson, founder of The Diffusion Group. "However, simply including full-length movie downloads for PC viewing is not the primary goal of this service. While it may very well start out that way, there is no doubt that Apple is aiming for the living room - the promised land of video consumption and the epicenter of home entertainment."