News Archive for 07/02/28

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GPS unit with iPod control

02/28, 5:05pm

GPS unit to feature touchscreen iPod control

GPS builder TomTom plans to make a mapping unit at the heart of a larger "ecosystem," writes Electronista. Dubbed the TomTom DUO, the handheld would have support for a unique USB docking station in the style of a car stereo faceplate, allowing direct control of iPods through its touchscreen, and routing the audio of any portable audio device through the car's main speakers. Bluetooth and FM transmitters would help eliminate cabling in the link between the car, DUO, and Bluetooth-equipped cellphones. Exact technical details remain a mystery, but should be revealed by next month's CeBIT expo in Germany, which begins March 15th. Click through for more photos.

RIAA offers 'olive branch'

02/28, 3:50pm

RIAA tends 'olive branch' to students

The Recording Industry Association of America will offer a possible reprieve to college students, according to Electronista, citing the Washington Post. The RIAA plans to offer "discounted" settlements to 400 suspected illegal music traders spread across the campuses of 13 universities, hoping to discourage many students from contesting the claims in a costly and protracted lawsuit. "Hundreds" more of these offers will follow every month, the RIAA said. The organization has been routinely criticized for its suits by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and other advocacy groups, which have often accused the music label coalition of intimidating targets into paying compensation, regardless of actual guilt. An Oklahoma judge ruled against the RIAA in a recent case, arguing that the group bullied a woman whose only connection to file sharing was her Internet service account.

Bed w/built-in iPod dock

02/28, 3:35pm

Tune-In Bed may be world's largest iPod dock

Produced by PBteen, the Tune-In Bed could be considered the world's largest dock for digital audio players, says Electronista. It's sold in Twin, Full or Queen sizes, and comes with a pocket for storing an audio player (such as an iPod), which connects to a pair of built-in four-inch speakers located in the headboard. The board is angled on either end to aim the sound at the sleeper, and is also available in five different colors. The frame itself is only offered in white or brown. Prices start at $699 for a Twin-sized bed, and range to $999 for Queen size.

2G HomeDock Deluxe ships

02/28, 11:30am

2G HomeDock Deluxe with on-TV navigation

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) today began shipping its second-generation HomeDock Deluxe iPod Dock with on-TV navigation. The device enables enables users to listen to music and watch movies or TV shows by connecting to a home entertainment system with included AV and S-Video cables. The devices plays content from a docked iPod with on-TV navigation of iTunes videos, full color album art, new screen savers as well as visualizers, 12 new color themes, and on-TV playlist creation dubbed "My Jukebox." DLO's new HomeDock Deluxe features an upgraded remote control, and retains its original price of $150.

SpotDJ adds iPod support

02/28, 11:25am

SpotDJ supports on-the-go 'spots'

SpotDJ today announced its support for Apple's iPod by enabling direct-to-device delivery, enabling users to hear "spots" -- or short snippets of audio -- while listening to music. SpotDJ queries its database each time a song plays, tacking on interesting or relevant audio spots based on user preferences and listening habits when the song ends. Users can take spots on-the-go with an iPod, and playlists are different every time a user syncs the portable audio device. "SpotDJ brings the voice of bands, DJs and fans directly to listeners, adding relevant audio clips while people listen to music," said Kevin Barenblat, co-founder and CEO of SpotDJ. "Now on SpotDJ people can hear Taylor Hicks talking about American Idol, Ben Fong-Torres speaking with The Doors' Jim Morrison, and one of the users inviting all her SpotDJ fans to Austin for South by Southwest."