News Archive for 06/09/14

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Hercules debuts two iPod speaker sets

09/14, 6:05pm

iPod speaker sets debut

Hercules today debuted two new iPod speaker sets alongside an iTunes-specific remote control at Apple Expo in Paris. The i-XPS 250 is a home system that focuses on quality for the price, balancing its audio by including a built-in subwoofer and producing 25W of sustained power. The i-XPS also features a wireless remote and an aux-in jack. The shockproof, water-resistant i-XPS 120 is constructed with outdoors in mind, according to Electronista, featuring rubber corners to shelter the iPod cradle in a watertight casing. The i-XPS 120 can run on four C-cell batteries, or via a car adapter. Both speaker sets are slated for shipment in Europe in November for $130. The company also unveiled its iTunes Explorer Wireless, an RF-based remote that displays track information in iTunes while offering basic controls for either Mac or Windows computers. The iTunes Explorer Wireless will ship in October for $100.

Wingspan takes on Apple's iTV

09/14, 2:50pm

Wingspan takes on iTV

Wingspan today unveiled iLoad-plus, an add-on for the company's iLoad device that stands to compete with Apple's upcoming iTV. The iLoad-plus transfers audio and video content from a cable or satellite box directly to an iPod or USB-enabled storage device without requiring a computer or an internet connection. The iLoad-plus does not limit content to items available from the iTunes Music Store, as any content available to a subscriber is recordable and playable on an iPod or TV. Wingspan is also planning to make additional music and video content available to users via private cable and satellite channels. The iLoad and iLoad-plus scheduled for availability in November for an estimated $250 and $100, respectively.

Microsoft unveils Zune, online store

09/14, 2:35pm

Microsoft unveils Zune

Microsoft has formally unveiled its Zune portable media player, offering 30GB of storage for music, photos, and video that will compete with Apple's digital music offering. The Zune player allows users to share contents with nearby Zunes via Wi-Fi, and allows users to flag songs for later purchase. Zune users can download and play complete songs from other Zune owners up to three times over a three-day period. The Zune player also features a built-in FM radio, and incorporates a customizable interface theme, according to Electronista. Microsoft's Zune Marketplace is launching alongside the new player to offer customers entire albums and songs individually -- as Apple's iTunes Music Store does -- or via a subscription service. Microsoft has yet to announce a price for its new digital media player, but said the device will ship in time for the holidays.

PedN iPod nano stand ships

09/14, 1:55pm

PedN Nano stand ships

Thought Out today unveiled its PedN iPod nano holder, a stand made from solid steel featuring a baked-on white powder coat finish. PedN is designed to provide a safe, visible location for an iPod nano on a desk or other platform while managing cables to keep them off the floor. Thought Out's PedN is compatible with first- and second-generation iPod nanos, requiring a standard sync cable with a typical connector such as that supplied by Apple. The PedN is available for $15.

U.S. backs Apple's iTunes DRM

09/14, 1:40pm

U.S. on iTMS restrictions

The U.S. has asked foreign governments to consider the effects of interfering with popular new technologies, pointing to recent scrutiny of Apple's iTunes Music Store as an example of erroneous judgment. The U.S. Justice Department's antitrust chief Thomas Barnett cited recent foreign proposals to impose restrictions on Apple's iTunes service as an example of strict regulation which could discourage innovation and hurt consumers, according to Reuters. A rise in regulatory second-guessing threatens to harm the consumers it claims to help, according to Barnett, who spoke at an antitrust law conference in Washington D.C. in the presence of antitrust officials from Europe as well as Asia. [corrected]

Creative, Sonos take on Apple

09/14, 1:05pm

Creative, Sonos up ante

Creative and Sonos today stepped up the competition for Apple following the Cupertino-based company's special event on Tuesday. Creative has unveiled the Zen Vision W (site not updated) widescreen digital media player with a 4.3-inch color TFT display and support for Amazon Unbox. Creative's latest video player will ship in 30GB and 60GB capacities for $300 and $400, respectively. Comparatively, Apple's new video iPods are already available via the company's online store for $250 and $350 in 30GB and 80GB capacities, respectively. Sonos, meanwhile, is offering plug-and-play access to millions of songs via its Sonos System Software 2.0, an update to its digital music system that allows users to connect directly to thousands of radio stations without installing an application or turning on a computer. The new offerings stand to compete with Apple's latest iPods and revitalized iTunes software, as the iPod-maker works to maintain its dominance in the digital music industry.

Tunewear unveils Icewear for 2G Nano

09/14, 10:35am

Icewear for 2G Nano debuts

Tunewear today unveiled its new Icewear Nano 2G for second-generation iPod nano players. Icewear Nano 2G features "Rib-Technology" to protect the new player during everyday use, and is constructed from the same high density silicone used in diving masks, according to Tunewear. The new case protects the body of the iPod while leaving the screen and clickwheel exposed for use while maintaining protection, featuring embossed edges around the screen to help prevent scratching. For additional protection, the company is including Tunefilm, a clear protective film designed to cover the LCD and clickwheel of the iPod. Icewear works with 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB iPod nano models, and is priced at $13.