News Archive for 06/09/21

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Intel chip to power iTV?

09/21, 6:15pm

New Intel chip to power Apple's iTV?

Apple's iTV media streaming device -- which was introduced on September 12th at the company's special event in San Francisco -- might use a new value chip from Intel which is set to launch within the same timeframe, according to Electronista. Walt Disney CEO Bog Iger recently confirmed the presence of a hard drive in the small wireless relay device, which would likely require a CPU powerful enough to decode H.264 high definition video using at least the 640 x 480 resolution of videos purchased from its own iTunes Music Store. The new Intel chip, currently codenamed "Pentium E1000," is a stripped-down version of the Core 2 desktop platform that uses only a single core and 1MB of L2 cache. This reduction lowers the costs and power requirements such that a device like Apple's iTV could make use of an E1000 variant without compromising Apple's desired $299 price tag.

Apple updates U2 iPod

09/21, 6:00pm

Apple updates U2 iPod, reduces price

Apple has quietly updated its iPod U2 Special Edition and lowered its price. The update brings it in line with the current “enhanced” fifth-generation (5G) iPod and reduces price of the U2 iPod—from $329 to $279, just $30 more than the new 5G 30GB iPod ($249)--the new 5G pricing is about $50 lower than the previous generation iPods, according to iLounge. Apple has cut the The iPod U2 Special Edition also comes with an exclusive iTunes Store coupon you can redeem for a 30-minute video of music videos and band interviews. The report notes that new iPod not simply an upgraded-firmware iPod, but sports specs similar to that of the newer 5G iPods introduced earlier this month with a “new, brighter screen" and 14-hour battery life. The iPod U2 Special Edition, which Apple says is "as distinctive as the band it salutes," features a red click wheel and black metal back engraved with the band’s signatures; it was recently updated to the 5G platform this past June.

JVC sound systems debut

09/21, 3:35pm

JVC unveils iPod-ready sound systems

JVC today unveiled four iPod-ready sound systems (site not updated) which include its ultra-compact desktop audio system, CD micro system, low-profile boombox with clock radio functions, and full-size CD boombox. The NX-PS1 desktop audio system plays music files from portable players via three diminutive cubes -- a center unit and two matching speakers -- each measuring roughly 4-inches on all sides. A 9-inch cube subwoofer includes a 16cm driver for bass, and an iPod connection charges the player while offering basic playback functionality such as play, stop, skip, and volume control. The device features a USB Host to play files from flash-based audio players, and connects directly to a computer using JVC's USB Audio function for playback of music files through the system. Power output is rated at 10 watts per channel for the main system, while a 30-watt amplifier powers the subwoofer. JVC's NX-PS1 is due to ship this month for $250, and will include an iPod stand as well as a remote control.

Apple pulls further ahead

09/21, 1:25pm

Apple pulls further ahead of rivals

Apple continues to distance itself from competitors with a slew of "small but pleasing" improvements, according to one columnist. "For now, fans can take solace in the fact that the creme de la creme of portable media devices has only gotten richer," wrote Edward C. Baig of USA Today. Apple's new iPod offerings, combined with its revamped iTunes software -- which has recently seen widespread criticism from both Mac as well as Windows users -- combine to place the market-leading Cupertino-based company further ahead of competitors struggling to seize some of its share. While Apple did not fulfill every desire on the wishlist of many industry watchers, most agree that the company delivered a satisfactory helping of product announcements and software revisions, coupled with its surprise iTV debut -- a device that wirelessly streams content from a computer to a TV.

Universal Action Jacket

09/21, 12:35pm

DLO ships Universal Action Jacket

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) today began shipping its Universal Action Jacket (site not updated), a sport-ready armband case for portable MP3 players such as Apple's iPod. The new case is designed to offer users a means of safely listening to music while running or working out via a built-in adjustable armband, and features a storage pocket for earbuds or keys. DLO's new case provides access to the player's front buttons, screen, and clickwheel without requiring users to remove the player. The case also features a clear front window to protect the iPod's delicate LCD screen from scratches. The Universal Action Jacket is priced at $30, and works with Apple's new iPod nano.

iWOW iTunes plugin

09/21, 9:10am

SRS Labs debuts iWOW iTunes plugin

SRS Labs today announced its SRS iWOW iTunes plug-in designed specifically to bring a richer, more powerful and brilliant audio experience when listening to music, movies, videos and podcasts on iTunes. iWOW, created using several patented SRS Labs audio technologies, was designed to provide immersive, 3D audio playing over headphones, desktop, laptop or monitor speakers: it delivers fully immersive stereo with cleaner sound, deeper bass and the ability for each user to personalize their acoustic preferences, according to the company. The software offers functions for 3D stereo enhancement, center control, bass maximization, speaker output optimization, and improved audio definition. In addition, users of the SRS iWOW plug-in can customize their audio experience with the option to select the preferred SRS Labs patented technology based upon an array of music presets in the toolbox (i.e. rock, classical, jazz, blues, country etc.). The SRS iWOW plug-in comes with a free trial period and is available for $20. It requires iTunes 6 (or later) and Mac OS X 10.2.