News Archive for 07/03/14

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Vonia music headband

03/14, 5:50pm

Thanko launches Vonia music headband

Japanese firm Thanko today launched Vonia, a new music headband designed for runners and Apple's iPod shuffle or other small audio players. A small pocket at the front of the headband holds the player and relays sound through wires hidden inside the headband, preventing tangles during a run. The headband transfers sound via bone conduction rather than using headphones, transmitting audio through the skull while leaving the ears free to pick up sounds from the outside world without affecting audio quality. The company also notes that Vonia owners can fit a waterproof guard on the bone conduction speakers to take take the headband into water with a proper player. The Vonia is slated for shipment by the end of March for $85 in Japan, though exports to the U.S. are as yet unconfirmed, according to Electronista.

Battery pack for iPod

03/14, 11:20am

NewerTech debuts battery pack for iPod

Newer Technology (NewerTech) today introduced the slim NuPower ViDEO+ rechargeable battery pack for Apple's video iPod. The accessory attaches to the iPod, significantly extending the run-time to 80 hours of music playback or 16 hours of video viewing. The NuPower ViDEO+ also doubles as a portable charger that delivers up to three charges to the iPod video's internal battery. NewerTech's new accessory includes the battery pack, stand, docking station, and a belt clip to tote the extra battery power alongside an iPod. The NuPower ViDEO+ is rechargeable via an iPod charging cable that ships included with all video iPods. The battery pack fits on the back of the iPod, and comes with a spacer pad to ensure a snug fit on 30GB video iPod models. The battery extension for video iPod is priced at $50.

iPod video privacy screen

03/14, 10:35am

iStyles ships iPod video privacy screen

iStyles has begun shipping its iPod Video Privacy Screen Protector, a new protective cover for Apple's video iPod screen that guards against scratches and protects privacy by preventing neighboring individuals from seeing what is playing on the screen. The iPod Video Privacy Screen Protector from iStyles works with 30GB, 60GB, and 80GB video iPods. The guard is priced at $10.

EU chief backpedals

03/14, 9:20am

EU chief backpedals on iPod/iTunes

EU representatives have backpedaled on statements regarding Apple's closed iPod/iTunes ecosystem, saying that previous statements were only meant to raise questions. Reuters reports that the European Union's consumer chief "soft-pedalled" her views on Apple, backing off the line that its iTunes online music store must become more compatible with other formats. EU chief Meglena Kuneva told a news conference there was no reason to talk about legal action against the iPod-maker and that her previous statements were merely made to "raise questions," according to the report. "I would like, really, to start this debate. What is best to develop this market and to have more consumers enjoying this really very important, very modern way of downloading and enjoying the music?"