News Archive for 06/09/18

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Knox Nano case debuts

09/18, 5:00pm

Mophie unveils Knox wallet, case combo

Mophie today released Knox, an iPod protector and wallet combo created from aircraft aluminum. Knox is designed to hold credit cards, cash, and an iPod nano while maintaining access to portable player's ports. Users can slide the iPod in or out of the enclosure, as the Knox protector comes with a Radura case, which made its debut earlier this week. Knox is available for $45, and works with Apple's new second-generation iPod nano.

Digital music stalls

09/18, 4:40pm

Digital music stalls in Europe

iPod owners in Europe are more likely to buy digital music than owners of other music devices; however, only one in five owners regularly buys songs online. About 83 percent of European iPod owners do no regularly buy digital music, according to new research from Jupiter Research cited by Reuters. Europe's digital music market is expected to double to 385 million euros ($487.1 million) in 2006 from a year ago. Despite the almost 200 million songs sold in Europe to-date, iPod owners on average buy only 20 tracks a year from Apple's iTunes store: "The model isn't broken, there's just lots of room for improvement," Jupiter analyst Mark Mulligan told the publication. "Digital music is really underperforming its potential." In addition, the study found that 30 percent of iPod owners illegally swap songs using file-sharing networks and another 23 percent listen to Web-based audio files for free legally. Jupiter surveyed 4,000 consumers across Europe and found iPod owners much more likely to buy CDs online than they were to buy downloads.

Colored Stereo Orbs

09/18, 3:10pm

mStation to ship colored Stereo Orbs

mStation Audio today announced that its 2.1 Stereo Orb will ship in silver, green, pink, blue, black, and white to complement Apple's new iPod nano player. The mStation 2.1 Stereo Orb features high-fidelity speakers designed for iPod owners that integrate a dedicated subwoofer, and ships with a 10-key remote control that supports basic iPod functionality as well as treble, bass, and volume adjustments. The Stereo Orb includes an iPod dock connector, a USB mini B port, a 3.5mm stereo mini jack, and a FireWire port. The Stereo Orb is available for $150 with a one-year warranty, and the company is already taking pre-orders for the new colored models.

iPod-ready stereos debut

09/18, 2:55pm

Cambridge debuts iPod-ready stereos

Cambridge SoundWorks today unveiled four new systems that include an auxiliary input for portable music players, such as Apple's iPod. Two of the new systems show the immediate result of a recent legal settlement between Apple and Creative by including an external iPod dock that relays music to the stereo's speakers, according to Elecetronista. A wireless remote can control basic iPod functions, and both models share many common features. The new stereos follow Apple's recent announcement that 70 percent of new cars sold in the U.S. feature built-in iPod connectivity as an option.

YouTube, Warner ink deal

09/18, 2:25pm

YouTube to offer Warner music videos

YouTube today signed a deal with Warner Music Group to offer music videos online, stepping up the competition for Apple's iTunes Music Store. Music videos from artists such as Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Sean Paul will be legally available to consumers on YouTube, which boasts more than 100 million video viewings each day, according to PC Magazine. Warner Music said the deal will help the company distribute artist interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and original programming. As part of the deal, YouTube users can incorporate music from Warner's catalog into home-made videos, and can upload those creations to the video sharing website.

ezSkin nano G2 cases

09/18, 11:15am

ezGear debuts ezSkin nano G2 cases

ezGear today introduced its ezSkin nano G2 cases for the new second-generation iPod nano. The new ezSkin are made of high-quality silicon for a perfect fit and a special silky smooth coating to repel dirt and a great feel. The ezSkin nano G2 has openings on the top for access to the hold switch as well as an opening on the bottom for access to the iPod dock connector and earphone jack; it is thin to allow accessories to be connected while the iPod is in the case. Each ezSkin comes with a neck strap, an integrated removable belt clip, and a clear ezShade screen protector. The skin is strong, but thin to add protection without adding bulk. The belt clip is made of high-impact plastic and is removable so users can use the case without it. The company's included ezSkin click wheel protector keeps dirt out and protects the Nano, while offering the full click-wheel sensitivity.

Nano Sweats armband

09/18, 10:45am

iMojo unveils Nano Sweats armband

iMojo today unveiled its LNano Sweats, an armband for the first- and second-generation iPod nano designed for use on the forearm. The Nano Sweats is made from absorbent, machine-washable cotton while offering full access to the player. The iMojo Nano sweats protects the iPod against the elements, and will ship in early October with two sizes available in black or white for $25.

iTunes leaks Jets album

09/18, 10:00am

iTunes leaks new "Shine On" Jets album

Apple's iTunes Music Store over the weekend accidentally leaked the new Jet album "Shine On" to customers in the UK, allowing them to purchase the work prior to its scheduled release on October 3rd. It is believed that Apple failed to place the setting to "Pre-Order" mode, according to Gigwise.com, allowing consumers to actually purchase the tracks. Apple has already corrected the issue, returning the album to its expected "Pre-Order" status.

Myvu Made for iPod debuts

09/18, 9:50am

MicroOptical debuts Myvu Made for iPod

MicroOptical today introduced the myvu Made for iPod edition, a personal media viewer that works with 30GB, 60GB, and 80GB video iPods. Myvu includes lightweight eyewear with built-in video viewing and audio systems, using a thin battery pack for up to six hours of viewing time with a small pendant offering access to all controls. The myvu resembles a pair of dark sunglasses, offering a viewing experience comparable to a 27-inch screen from six feet away, according to MicroOptical. Myvu allows users to see above as well as below the video screens to maintain awareness of surroundings, and includes noise-reducing earbuds. The device ships with a travel case with room to store an iPod, two power charging options for wall outlets as well as car adapters, and two extra earbud/nose pads in two sizes. Myvu Made for iPod is slated for shipment in late fall of 2006 for $400.

Real partners with SanDisk

09/18, 9:35am

Real, SanDisk challenge Apple, MS

RealNetworks is partnering with SanDisk to release a portable music player that more closely integrates with RealNetworks' Rhapsody online music service. The move follows announcements last week that integrated Rhapsody into Sonos digital media players and is seen as another attempt to take on Apple's industry-leading iPod and iTunes ecosystem as well as Microsoft's recently announced Zune player and music service, according to the Associated Press: "Microsoft has been providing the technology that allowed services such as Rhapsody to transfer songs to portable music players without compromising the digital rights of that content. But many say they think Microsoft's plans to release the Zune service and a player made by Toshiba could make the software giant a significant competitor." The companies play to release the Sansa Rhapsody, a portable music player based on SanDisk's e200, before the holidays, but declined to reveal pricing. The report says that the player will come preloaded with "hundreds of songs" as part of a free trial of RealNetworks' Rhapsody To Go subscription service.