News Archive for 07/03/01

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Marware USB Travel Dock

03/01, 4:30pm

Marware ships USB Travel Dock for 2G shuffle

Marware has begun shipping the USB Travel Dock for the second-generation iPod shuffle. The dock takes advantage of the size of the shuffle, coming in the shape of USB dongle, which can plug into either a laptop or a desktop system without the hassle of a cord. While a player is in the dock, it can charge and sync simultaneously without blocking any of the nearby ports. A blue LED light indicates power status. Sales of the Travel Dock begin today at $20 per piece.

iTunes adds indie video

03/01, 10:05am

iTunes adds independent video producer

Apple's iTunes Store has begun selling an independent snowboarding action film called "That" made for DVD by Forum Snowboards. The addition of an independent film marks the first time iTunes has sold video content outside of an established network or large studio, and suggests that the Mac-maker may consider future deals with independent artists to sell videos via its market-leading digital storefront. The indie content is priced at $1.99 in the iTunes TV section, however, rather than the feature film area where most titles are priced at $9.99, according to Variety. "That" runs for roughly 30 minutes, so despite its $29.99 original price tag Apple apparently decided to place and price the video as a TV show. "We're thrilled to be able to pioneer an agreement like this with iTunes," said Mike Nusenow, general manager of the Program, Forum's parent company.

Sony MP3 Video Walkman

03/01, 8:55am

Sony MP3 Video Walkman challenges iPod

Sony has launched the Walkman A800 series, which Sony claims is "the world's lightest video player." Designed to be a blend between a full-size media jukebox and a slim, flash-based music device, the A800 series is thicker than the iPod nano at 0.36 inches but features a larger 2-inch screen for full screen video in MPEG-4 or AVC (H.264) formats. Sony claims the device offers "exceptional" battery life with 30 hours of continuous music playback and 8 hours of video playback. The device reflects the company's relatively open approach to audio formats and supports AAC, MP3 and WMA in addition to the Japanese-based firm's own ATRAC standard. The 2GB A805 and 4GB A806 models will be available in black, blue, pink and white; the 8GB A808 model will be available only in black or white. Prices are set at $240, $300 and $400, respectively. The A800 series will be available in Europe starting in April (a US launch date has yet to be announced).