News Archive for 07/08/22

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Rivals may spur iPod sales

08/22, 1:55pm

iTunes rivals may actually boost Apple

As competitors mount new offenses, seeking to dethrone or at least chip away at iTunes' dominance in the digital download space, their efforts may only prove to buoy Apple's iPhone sales and the prominence of its iTunes store according to a series of analysts. "iTunes was developed to promote iPod hardware sales," said Susan Kevorkian, an analyst at research firm IDC told the LA Times. "The introduction of services that offer digital music to the installed base of iPod users will help drive more iPod sales." Aiding Apple is the fact that most competitors need to ensure iPod compatibility for their tracks in order to be viable. Wal-Mart's online store, for instance, offers unrestricted MP3 format files that "play on almost all portable media devices, including Apple iPod and Microsoft Zune."

FM transmitter, iPod mount

08/22, 1:25pm

Kensington ships FM transmitter, iPod mount

Kensington has unveiled a new FM transmitter (site not updated) designed to make driving while listening to music a little safer. The company's Auto Kit holds an iPod in a mount that attaches to a window or the dashboard, allowing drivers to select tracks without taking their eyes off the road. The accessory allows iPod owners to play their favorite tracks directly from the portable media player in the car through the existing stereo by broadcasting the audio a short distance to the vehicle's antenna. Music is transmitted over any available FM frequency as the Auto Kit charges an iPod via the vehicle's cigarette lighter. Kensington's Auto Kit is available for $120, and works with any dockable iPod model.

Movavi adds URLs, widgets

08/22, 11:55am

Movavi adds URL, widget video conversion

Movavi's video conversion service, Movavi Online, has introduced two new features. The first is the ability to convert directly from a website, primarily sharing sites such as YouTube, MetaCafe and MySpace. This coincides with the ability to download and watch Flash videos, which like uploaded clips, can be converted to AVI, MPG, MP4 and 3GP formats. Movavi also allows users to specify size and quality for particular handheld devices, such as iPods, iPhones and PSPs. Completed conversions trigger an e-mail, letting users know when and where they can download the resulting media.

iMirror iPod remote ships

08/22, 11:30am

iMirror wireless iPod remote ships

Bexy has unveiled its iMirror wireless remote control docking station that displays, controls, and plays iPod music as well as video while connected to entertainment systems. The iMirror is designed to serve as the center for a music and video home entertainment system, allowing users to remotely navigate and control all iPod music/video via the iMirror's wireless remote control and LCD display. The device automatically loads all iPod title information into the wireless remote upon initial docking in a few seconds, and provides real-time status from up to 150-feet from the base, according to Bexy. iMirror's docking station charges most dockable iPod models, and comes with a set of cable connections for playing an iPod through a big screen TV as well as a stereo. The device features S-Video, RCA stereo audio/video, and line audio mini-stereo connectivity as well as earphone output. A mini USB port also allows users to sync with iTunes on a PC. The iMirror BR100 is available for $150, and will hit store shelves across the U.S. in September.