News Archive for 06/11/03

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AirPlay Boost launched

11/03, 6:15pm

XtremeMac launches AirPlay Boost

XtremeMac today began taking pre-orders for its new AirPlay Boost, a wireless solution for playing music from an iPod through a home, car, or portable stereo. Users can tune the transmitter as well as an FM stereo to the same frequency, allowing the AirPlay Boost to act as a miniature radio station to transmit songs from an iPod to the stereo. The on-screen tuning menu also features three programmable station pre-sets, according to XtremeMac. The AirPlay Boost is available in black or white for Apple's video iPod, or in black and silver anodized aluminum for the second-generation iPod nano. Both models are priced at $70, and are slated for shipment on November 20th.

'Just say no to crack'

11/03, 5:50pm

FastMac launches 'just say no to crack'

FastMac today launched its "just say no to crack" iPod "rehab" program, offering same day LCD replacements for video iPods and iPod nanos. The new program offers repair and replacement of scratched or cracked iPod LCD screens, either as a Do It Yourself kit with tools and instructional videos or via a same day mail order service provided by FastMac directly. The company's LCD rehab program replaces the iPod's original display with a matching Apple original part, including all the necessary tools and instructions required to open the iPod for $40. FastMac also offers 24-hour installation services for an additional $40, and each screen carries a 1-year warranty with a 30-day money back guarantee.

MSN Music shifts focus

11/03, 2:35pm

MSN Music shifts focus to Zune

Microsoft today announced that it no longer intends to run its MSN Music service as a self-contained music store. Beginning November 14th, Microsoft will direct customers who attempt to purchase songs from its website site to either Real's Rhapsody Web-based store or the Zune Marketplace. Microsoft will remake its MSN Music site to focus on live concerts, artist interviews, and free access to the existing MSN Radio service, according to Electronista. Microsoft first opened its MSN Music in September 2004 as a response to the iTunes Store and touted the wider range of compatible music players. The recent announcement of the Zune and its proprietary online store is regarded by many as evidence of frustration on Microsoft's part with its earlier, open-ended model and its lack of success relative to the closed system of the iPod and iTunes.

MS vs. iPod, indie music

11/03, 11:55am

MS takes on iPod via indie music

Microsoft is turning to indie music fans as a potential means of dethroning Apple's iPod in the digital music industry. The company is preparing to ship its Zune portable media player on November 14th, and hopes to gain a large following from indie music lovers prior to that date. Bloomberg reports that the Redmond-based company recently invited six well-known individuals from the indie music scene to test drive its forthcoming Zune player, but responses from indie bloggers likely fell short of Microsoft's expectations. "It's really not anything that impressive," said blogger Craig Lile, an Indianapolis-based Web developer who was invited to Microsoft's preview of the Zune player. "They're going to do terribly, at least in the demographic that cares about indie music. Apple is so entrenched in the indie music community.'" Microsoft hopes to break Apple's digital music dominance by appealing to key Web reviewers like Lile, and by sponsoring band tours to attract indie music fans.

IME Dock for iPod, Zune

11/03, 9:20am

IME debuts IME Dock for iPod, Zune

Integrated Mobile Electronics has revealed what it claims is the first true universal music player dock for cars as part of the official launch of Microsoft's Zune.net site -- which promotes the upcoming music player. The company's IME Dock is designed to connect numerous media players -- such as Apple's iPod, the Sansa e200, and Microsoft's Zune -- directly to a vehicle's entertainment system to plays its audio or video regardless of the device or file format. Connected players also charge through the station and play content even on systems with multiple LCDs. A remote control function is also expected, according to Elecetronista. No pricing has been announced, though the company said it will start shipping the IME Dock in February.

8GB iPod nano PRODUCT RED

11/03, 8:50am

Apple ships 8GB "RED" iPod nano

Apple today unveiled an 8GB iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition portable media player, which the company says is due to "outstanding customer demand." The new 8GB iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition holds up to 2,000 songs, joining the 4GB model priced at $199. Both models come in a red aluminum enclosure, offer 24 hours of battery life, and feature Apple's modern thin and light design. Apple said it will contribute $10 from the sale of each iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED to the Global Fund to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa. The new 8GB iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED ships for $249, and will be available in Apple's retail stores this weekend. All iPod nano models include redesigned earbud headphones to offer enhanced comfort, fit, and sound quality, as well as a USB 2.0 cable.

Apple, touch-screen iPod

11/03, 8:40am

Apple refers to "touch-screen" iPod

Apple has referred to an iPod with a 'touch-screen' interface in a recently revised PDF document, according to one report. The reference came in a tutorial on interfacing with the iPod's text-based 'Notes' feature, but was removed promptly after reports discovered a probable misprint: "Linking to photos and videos is supported only for 5th generation iPods running iPod Software version 1.2 or later. All other Notes feature capabilities described in this document are supported for iPod models with display screens, beginning with the touch-screen models." Many believe that the passage refers to Apple's third-generation iPods featuring a touch-sensitive clickwheel interface, according to AppleInsider, but some industry watchers point to recent patent filings as a sign that the Cupertino-based company will soon debut a new video iPod based on touch-screen technology.