News Archive for 06/09/20

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New Nano analysis

09/20, 1:55pm

iSuppli analyzes new iPod nano

iSuppli has taken apart Apple's new 4GB iPod nano, revealing an estimated materials cost of $72.24. The teardown revealed that Samsung Electronics now provides the main microprocessor (SOC), replacing the previous processor from PortalPlayer. Apple has done away with the "flash disk controller" chip manufactured by Silicon Storage Technologies, building the functionality of that chip into Samsung's SOC. Other 4GB iPod nano components include an audio chip from Wolfson Microelectronics, chips from Cypress Semiconductor to drive the clickwheel, and a power-management chip from Philips Electronics, according to BusinessWeek. Despite those changes, only the outer enclosure proved more expensive than the previous generation, costing Apple about $2 over the older $1 enclosure.

1m miles with Nike+iPod

09/20, 1:10pm

Nike+iPod runners log 1 million miles

Nike today announced that runners have logged more than 1 million miles -- which is equivalent to circling the globe more than 40 times -- with Nike+iPod since its debut just 10 weeks ago. Nike+iPod is a running system incorporating the Nike+iPod Sport Kit, a wireless system that allows Nike+ enabled footwear to communicate with an iPod nano. Data on time, distance, calories burned, and pace is stored on the Nano, which is easily accessible through iTunes to nikeplus.com. Nikeplus.com is a personal service site allowing runners to track their own progress and challenge other runners. Nike currently offers 12 styles of Nike+ enabled footwear, and promises to debut more in the future. The company is also planning new functionality for nikeplus.com, such as a route finder that will enable runners to easily map and share favorite running routes. The good news from Nike comes on the heels of Apple CEO Steve Jobs recent announcement during Apple's special event in San Francisco, when the executive revealed that the Cupertino-based company sold more than 450,000 Nike+iPod Sport Kits in less than 90 days.

Jabra expands iPod support

09/20, 11:00am

Jabra unveils Bluetooth mobile headset

Jabra today unveiled the BT320s Bluetooth-enabled mobile headset, and began shipping Bluetooth stereo adapters for portable music players such as Apple's iPod. The new Bluetooth mobile headset enables users to connect wirelessly to a music-enabled mobile phone, and ships with exchangeable stereo headphones. Users can take calls while listening to music, which automatically pauses when a call comes in. Users can pair the headset with the Jabra A125s for iPod connectivity alongside a mobile phone, linking the Jabra BT320s, mobile phone, and iPod. The Jabra BT320s comes in black featuring a water-resistant design, and offers up to six hours of listening/talk time and 160 hours of standby time. Jabra is already shipping the A125s ($60), which works with Apple's iPod mini, iPod photo, and iPod nano models. The Jabra BT320s is scheduled to ship in the fourth quarter of 2006 for $90.

MS defends Zune DRM

09/20, 10:25am

MS defends Zune temporary DRM

Microsoft has answered claims that its Zune player may violate the international Creative Commons license, which states that copy protection cannot be applied to files where it does not already exist. If true, this would make Microsoft liable for any changes that might be made to relevant songs during wireless transfers between Zune players, since the handheld gadget imposes DRM on some of the music sent from one Zune to another, according to Electronista. "We don't actually 'wrap all songs up in DRM:' Zune to Zune Sharing doesn't change the DRM on a song, and it doesn't impose DRM restrictions on any files that are unprotected," wrote Cesar Menendez, a Microsoft employee who left the Xbox marketing team to help with the Zune player. "If you have a song - say that you got 'free and clear' - Zune to Zune Sharing won't apply any DRM to that song."

Apple trails Bose

09/20, 10:10am

Apple trails Bose in Hi-Fi sales

Apple's iPod Hi-Fi speaker system has earned 7.8 percent market share since its debut, which puts the portable system in fourth place behind Bose, Logitech, and i-Fusion. Despite this, however, the iPod Hi-Fi and Bose together seize half of the revenue spent on iPod speakers, according to blogger Jon Fortt. Apple sells its iPod Hi-Fi for $349, while Bose offers its portable speakers for $299. i-Fusion and Logitech both offer speakers for $149. "Apple took a gamble that it could differentiate itself and make money by selling the priciest set of iPod speakers out there. So far, it's working," Fortt wrote. "Of course, it might work even better at $299, but I wouldn't hold my breath for Apple to lower the price on this one."

Sonic unveils EyeTV 250

09/20, 9:45am

Sonic unveils EyeTV 250 TV tuner

Sonic today unveiled the EyeTV 250, a TV tuner for Mac systems that resembles Apple's Mac mini. The device features a built-in analog tuner, connecting to its host via USB 2.0 to support TV viewing as well as recording on a Mac. The EyeTV 250 features Internet Electronic Program Guide capability, allowing users to program recording sessions with additional support for hardware encoding to record content real-time in MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 format without additional load on the Mac, according to Newlaunches.com. Users can also convert recorded programs to MPEG-4 in one click for playback on Apple's video iPod, and the device ships with Toast 7 Titanium CD/DVD burning software. The EyeTV 250 is slated for shipment in Japan on October 6th for $260.

New Belkin iPod cases

09/20, 9:20am

Belkin debuts iPod nano, video cases [images]

Belkin today introduced a new line of cases for the new iPod nano and the iPod with video. Designed to fit a variety of lifestyles, the cases reflect a more contemporary feel with colors, designs, and materials that complement current fashions, according to the company. The cases will begin shipping in September in North America, with launches in Asia, Europe, and Australia to follow shortly. The Acrylic Case for iPod nano (F8Z116, $30) and iPod video (F8Z115, $30) offers touch-sensitivity on the click wheel with access to all ports. Featuring a brushed metal front cover, the case’s form-fitting design brings added "style and panache" to any iPod. The Flip-Top Hard Case for iPod nano (F8Z124, $15) and iPod video (F8Z123, $20) offers touch-sensitivity on the protected click wheel, includes a lanyard and carabiner, and flips open easily for convenient access to the iPod.