News Archive for 06/11/30

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

DivX launches Stage6 video upload site

11/30, 5:00pm

DivX launches Stage6

DivX has released Stage6, a video upload service designed to compete with current popular sites such as YouTube. While a number of sites already support the DivX namesake codec, Stage6 keeps uploads intact rather than downgrading them to Flash or another video format, according to Electronista. Users have the option of integrating DRM into work to secure videos from copying outside of initial browser downloads. The company hopes to offer movies as well as TV shows on a download-to-own basis as a long-term strategy, but has thus far published no major partners. Additionally, Apple recently secured a critical patent that may enable the Cupertino-based company to collect royalties from all music and video download sites, which would hamper efforts by companies such as DivX.

80% pick iPod as first choice player

11/30, 4:20pm

80% choose iPod first

In a recent survey conducted by Reuters 80 percent of respondents chose an iPod as their first choice of player, and 70 percent declared the iPod their first choice without being prompted. Interestingly, 35 percent of people expressing interest in the Zune see it as an upgrade to an existing player, as opposed to 18 percent who see the iPod as a step up from the other options. Only seven percent of the survey group chose the Zune, according to Electronista, and ABI Research less than a month ago predicted that as many as 58 percent of current iPod owners would defect, as well as 59 percent of the rest of the market.

HandStands debuts iPod cord manager

11/30, 2:00pm

iPod cord manager debuts

HandStands today began taking pre-orders for The Core, its new patent-pending cord management system designed for iPods, cellular phones, and other digital devices. HandStands' new cord management accessory is designed to keep headphones from tangling by wrapping the cord around a 23.5 x 34.5mm 'core' holder. The Core features two channels on both ends where cords are easily inserted. Users can wrap the cable around the Core's center and then lock it securely in place using the channels on both ends. The Core is slated for shipment in mid-December for $5, with 3-packs priced at $13.

Dutch group postpones iPod levy

11/30, 1:00pm

iPod levy postponed

Dutch industry group SONT has postponed a looming expansion of an old levy that would include digital music players -- such as Apple's iPod -- and hard-disk video recorders. The group is instead electing to wait for the European Commission to make a recommendation. The tax would range from a few euros to tens of euros per electronic device, according to Reuters, and is designed to compensate artists for private copying of protected works. Opponents to the proposed levy, which was originally introduced on blank cassettes in the 1960's, claim it is outdated and has no place in the 21st century. Those adverse to the extended tax also say consumers already pay a copyright fee when they purchase music, and that they should not be forced to pay again when burning music or transferring it to an iPod or cellular phone.

VidShare displays iPod media on TVs

11/30, 10:40am

VidShare for iPod debuts

Advanced Technetix has launched VidShare (pictured at right) for users of Apple’s iPod digital media player, a universal AV + S-video cable that enables iPod users to display their photos, full length feature films, music videos, television shows on virtually any television. Compatible with IPod video and IPod Photo, iPod users. Additionally, VidShare also allows IPod users to “push” their music through any standard stereo receiver. No further information was available on pricing or availability (and the company's website was not updated). The company already offers an iPod visual remote, whic allows users to control an iPod without removing it from a user's pocket or bag; it offers an LCD display with full menu functionality and control as well aspecially designed Sound Isolating Earbuds to deliver maximum volume and high performance sound qualtiy. The remote does not require batteries, drawing minimal power from iPod. It supports all iPods with Dock Connector.

Griffin ships iTalk Pro for iPod, Nano

11/30, 8:55am

Griffin iTalk Pro for iPod

Griffin Technology today announced that its new iTalk Pro has shipped to stores. iTalk Pro "combines simplicity with versatility, to allow iPod users to faithfully record under real-world conditions," the company said. "It's the most compact configuration possible, eliminating the need for extra cables and adapters." The iTalk Pro, which plugs directly into the iPod's dock connector, offers one-touch operation and can record in stereo or mono. It features built-in twin microphones that record in stereo at 44.1kHz to yield professional, CD-quality recordings. iTalk Pro also features a stereo 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) input jack to accommodate external microphones for greater stereo separation. The device also offers adjustable gain settings for control over the volume. The iTalk Pro work with the iPod video and second-generation iPod nano; it is priced at $50.