News Archive for 07/02/09

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iPod-like mini player

02/09, 4:45pm

Tomato unveils iPod-like mini player

Korean firm Tomato has unveiled the Tomato mini, an ultra-compact music player bearing an uncanny resemblance both to Apple's iPod and the Chinese-made Meizu M6. Despite measuring less than 1.9 inches long and a weighing half an ounce, the player uses its familiar control scheme for many of the same functions as competing models. Beyond MP3 playback, the mini is capable of maintaining a contact list, eBook reading, and voice recording. The device includes a relatively efficient OLED screen, supporting up to 10 hours of continuous music playback according to Tomato's estimates.

Tunewear red leather cases

02/09, 1:30pm

Tunewear unveils red leather cases, wallets

Tunewear has unveiled new red versions of its iPod nano cases, the PRIE Ambassador and the PRIE Tunewallet. The new cases are designed to match Apple's (Product) Red nano. The cases are made of real nappa leather, and fit both first- and second-generation iPod nanos while still providing complete player control. Transparent "Tunefilm" helps to prevent damage to the exposed parts of the portable players, according to Tunewear. The Ambassador features removable lanyard and carabiner clips, while the Tunewallet fits in a pocket to hold cash, business cards, and other thin items. Users can threat chains through the wallet's small eyelet, and both cases are expected to go on sale in March. The Tunewallet is priced at $35, and the Ambassador sells for $40.

Padlocked iPod case debuts

02/09, 12:50pm

Elecom unveils padlocked iPod case

Elecom has introduced a padlocked iPod case designed to guard Apple's portable media player against theft. The case is made from ABS resin and sealed with a dial lock that users can only open with the proper four-digit combination. The lock includes a loop to hook an iPod to a more secure object, such as a desk or carabineer, and iPods are fully functional within the case. Elecom also provides non-adhesive skins to protect the iPod screen and clickwheel, with black and white cases available for all fifth-generation iPods as well as first- and second-generation iPod nanos. The cases are slated for shipment later this month for $42.

Coral Consortium to Jobs

02/09, 11:30am

Coral Consortium urges Jobs to join ranks

The Coral Consortium today announced that it has posted a letter to Apple CEO Steve Jobs in response to his open letter dated February 6th, which detailed Apple's 'wholehearted' support for DRM-free music. The Coral Consortium's letter points out DRM interoperability as a fourth alternative to the three listed by Jobs, and suggests that the best way to achieve a truly consumer-friendly interoperable digital distribution marketplace is for Apple and other key players to join with the existing members of the Coral Consortium to deploy a DRM interoperability solution. The consortium seeks to ensure that digital music and video is easily accessible from any service provider and on any device via a new technology that allows existing DRM solutions to co-exist, promoting content as well as devices that work together. The result, if realized, would enable any portable media player to play any track purchased from any online music store. [updated]

iPod bike speaker

02/09, 10:00am

FCC approves iPod bike speaker

iHome has announced that its new iH85 iHome2Go speaker system for iPod was approved by the FCC. A clamp mounts the speaker to a bicycle, enabling users to control the device by a puck-like remote with play, pause, volume and track skip commands. The remote fastens to a bicycle's handlebar, and three different inserts make the speaker compatible with fourth- and fifth-generation iPods, as well as iPod minis and iPod nanos. Pricing and release information has yet to be announced, according to Mobile Whack.

'Woz,' iPod Film Fest

02/09, 9:50am

'Woz' to judge 2007 Flux iPod Film Fest

The Flux today revealed the judging panel for the 2007 Flux iPod Film Fest, featuring Apple co-founder Steve 'Woz' Wozniak. The festival is sponsored by Small Dog Electronics and will award Apple-related prizes in three categories. The panel is to include Wozniak, film director Joe Swanberg, Emmy-nominated writer/actor Kent Osborne, Flux founder Ryan Ritchey, actress Callie Snow, former "Mystery Science Theater 3000" host/writer Mike Nelson, and "Wired" writer & film producer Joshua Davis. The deadline for entries is March 18th, according to The Flux, and entry into the festival is free. The three categories include "independent film" for any short narrative film produced outside of an educational environment, "student film" for projects produced for school credit, and "the kitchen sink" for everything else such as podcasts and music videos.