News Archive for 07/03/12

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Generic iPod nano, shuffle clones emerge

03/12, 4:25pm

iPod nano, shuffle clones

Direct clones of Apple's most recent iPods have surfaced, according to Electronista. The Shuffle2-Style MP3 Player is an obvious parallel to Apple's screenless device, complete with an integrated clip and similar playback order controls; a 1GB version ships from the online store for $19 but may require the Shuffle II cradle ($5), an imitation of the iPod shuffle's dock for transferring and charging through USB. Equally imitative is the Nano2-Style MP4 Player, which resembles Apple's mid-range jukebox with only slight differences: a slightly larger screen and data sync through a mini-USB cable separate it from the original. It too is available from DealExtreme with 1GB of storage for $27. The manufacturer of the two devices is unnamed. Visit Electronista for more images.

Bagir debuts designer blazer for iPod owners

03/12, 12:10pm

Designer blazer for iPod

Italian fashion designer Bagir has introduced the Play List Jacket through its Express Men clothing line. The tailored blazer is designed to avoid wear and clutter that iPods can create with a special pocket that holds the portable player safely, routing the headphone cables through the inside of the jacket to keep the wires out tucked away. Soft controls on the inner lapel attached by the dock connector enable wearers to quickly switch tracks without taking the iPod out of its pocket. Express is planning to offer the Play List Jacket later this month for $250, and will come accompanied by a set of pants to match its designer appearance, according to Electronista.

Kensington ships SX 3000R FM iPod dock

03/12, 9:55am

FM radio iPod dock ships

Kensington has begun shipping its SX 3000R speaker system with FM radio capability for Apple's iPod. The device is designed to fill any room with dynamic audio clarity from a flat-panel speaker, and offers wireless remote control functionality. The iPod speaker dock features a built-in charger that works to replenish the iPod's battery whether the device is on or off, and supports the iPod's built-in alarm clock and sleep timer. The built-in universal dock fits all 30-pin docking iPods, including first- and second-generation iPod nanos as well as video iPods and iPod minis. Kensington's SX 3000R is priced at $170 and comes with a Kensington 2-year warranty.

EU official lashes out against Apple, iTunes

03/12, 1:55am

EU rep questions iTunes

Already under pressure from several European countries, at least one high ranking official at the European Union has lashed out against Apple's closed iPod/iTunes music ecosystem. According to German weekly magazine Focus, EU consumer chief Meglena Kuneva is publicly questioning Apple's iTunes: "Do you think it's fine that a CD plays in all CD players but that an iTunes song only plays in an iPod? I don't. Something has to change," EU Consumer Protection Commissioner Kuneva was quoted as saying in a preview of an interview to be published on Monday, according to Reuters.