News Archive for 06/09/25

Choose an article from the archive listing on this page or refine your selection using the controls in the gray box below.

Marware 2G Nano cases ship

09/25, 8:25pm

Marware ships 2G iPod nano cases

Marware today began shipping its Sport Grip silicone and Sportsuit Basic neoprene cases, the latest additions to its second-generation iPod nano enclosures. The Sport Grip comes in four translucent colors as well as a clear design, coordinated to match the new iPod nano. The Sport Grip also offers easy access to the hold switch as well as other ports, and features a tapered edge for the clickwheel. The SportSuit Basic is designed with 2mm neoprene, a soft-lined interior, and a play-thru vinyl protector for the clickwheel as well as the screen. A bottom flap and custom hold switch opening provide protection for the second-generation iPod nano while offering easy access to all ports. The Sportsuit Basic also features a low-profile mini clip as part of Marware's "MultiAdapt" interchangeable clip system. The Sport Grip is priced at $10, while the Sportsuit Basic is available for $20 from Dr. Bott. [image]

80GB iPod, Editors' Choice

09/25, 5:30pm

PCMag gives Editor's Choice to new iPod

PC Magazine has reviewed Apple's 80GB video iPod, rating the device a 4.5 of 5 and bestowing its Editor's Choice award upon the recently-refreshed portable media player. Apple's latest and highest-capacity iPod boasts enhancements over the previous model such as longer video battery life, game support, search capability, a brighter screen, and greater storage capacity. With a lower price, the highest capacity video iPod could use longer battery life for audio playback, as well as a built-in FM tuner and recording capabilities. Additionally, Apple could broaden the device's video-format support. Despite these shortcomings, Apple's 80GB iPod earned PC Magazine's Editor's Choice award for three reasons: the device features "very good music player features;" it integrates seamlessly with iTunes; and it offers "an elegant and simple design."

iTunes movies questioned

09/25, 2:40pm

iTunes movies to hurt Apple, Disney?

Apple's recent deal with Walt Disney to offer full-length films as digital downloads via the iTunes Music Store could prove ill for both companies if other Hollywood studios view the deal as a competitive move, rather than an opportunity. A new report from the Los Angeles Times highlights the fact that Apple has only Disney on board offering full-length movies downloads -- a total of 75 films -- and that the Cupertino-based company's movie pricing currently undercuts major retailers such as Wal-Mart and Best Buy. Rival studios may also view the deal as a close-knit partnership between Apple and Disney, flagging the duo as a major competitor in the entertainment industry. Regardless, other studios are reluctant to come on board with Apple due to fears of alienating brick-and-mortar retailers, which account for half of Hollywood's revenue via DVD sales and rentals. "The other studios want to wait and see how it goes," said independent media industry analyst Harold Vogel. [corrected]

Speck to ship 2G cases

09/25, 12:50pm

Speck to ship 2G Nano cases

Speck Products today announced that its new cases for Apple's second-generation iPod nano will ship just 15 days after the new iPods debuted on September 12th. New Nano cases include the ToughSkin (shown at right) -- a shock-absorbing case with rubberized bumpers and tear-resistant plastic; Canvas Sport -- a sneaker-inspired design made from durable canvas and rubber; and Active Sport -- a case designed for users in training boasting Nike+iPod Sport Kit compatibility made from breathable mesh material with an adjustable Velcro armband and a sewn-in screen protector. Speck's ToughSkin ($30) and Canvas Sport ($30) will ship in colors coordinating with Apple's second-generation iPod nano, while the Active Sport ($35) features a reflective material for safety at night. [images]

Commuter folio case ships

09/25, 11:40am

Commuter folio case for iPod ships

Pacific Rim Marketing has begun shipping the latest Commuter folio case for video iPod owners that includes a clear PVC envelope style pocket on the front inside cover designed to hold a subway pass, bus pass, or photo ID. The iPod is held in place with a reinforced leather pocket that provides complete access to all ports and controls. Users can charge the portable player without removing it from the case, and the reverse side of the sleeve features three pockets for credit cards. Another envelope-style pocket facing the credit card pockets stores cash, and is held securely by a leather strap that slides into a belt loop. A zippered compartment on the back side of the leather envelope offers ample space for earbud storage and management with metal posts for quick wrapping of earbud cords. The Commuter case ($60) works with 30GB, 60GB, and 80GB video iPod models.

Wal-Mart denies threats

09/25, 9:55am

Wal-Mart denies iTunes retaliation plan

Wal-Mart Stores has disputed a New York Post report from Friday saying it was trying to dissuade movie studios from working with other forms of distribution, including Apple's iTunes. On Friday, The Post reported that the world's largest retailer had warned Hollywood studios it may retaliate for selling movies on iTunes amid concerns that Wal-Mart's DVD sales will suffer. Earlier this month, Disney and its sister studios became the first companies to offer full length movies on Apple's iTunes: Walt Disney reported it had already sold 125,000 movies in the first week and expected annual revenue of $50 million through iTunes. Reuters reports that Wal-Mart said it was not pressuring movie studios into shunning online delivery: "Customers want to watch movies and they want to be able to make the choice when and how they want to view them," a Wal-Mart spokeswoman told the publication. "While we recognize there are various current and potential providers of this service, we are not dissuading studios from conducting business with other providers."