News Archive for 07/10/05

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Column: Zune has no chance

10/05, 1:35pm

Column: Zune doesn’t have a chance

With Microsoft's recent announcement of a second-generation Zune, some are wondering if the new Microsoft PMP has any chance of standing up against the iPod juggernaut. Unfortunately for Redmond, the writing is already on the wall: the Zune is totally incapable of competing with the iPod. Perhaps the most touted feature during the Zune 2.0's unveiling was Microsoft's decision to include a scroll pad that works in a way that's similar to a scroll pad on a laptop. And while this could actually be a viable alternative to the iPod with Video or the Nano, it makes Microsoft's products look outdated when compared to the iPod Touch.

TopSkin for 3G Nano

10/05, 11:20am

PDO unveils TopSkin for 3G iPod nano

PDO today unveiled its TopSkin for third-generation iPod nano, a silicone case featuring a play-through click-wheel design with an open bottom to accommodate the dock connector as well as the hold switch and earphone jack. The sides of the TopSkin feature a textured pattern for an improved grip and ship with a film screen protector, a leather wrist strap, and a slim ratcheting belt clip. The TopSKin for iPod nano is priced at $15 and comes in black, blue, pink, or "ghost" white. The company also offers TopSkins for iPod touch ($20) alongside Flipp Premium Leather cases for iPod classic ($30) and PDO Screen Protectors for all three models ($9).

IK software, StompIO date

10/05, 11:20am

IK announces software, StompIO release date

IK Multimedia today announced several new pieces of hardware and software at the AES trade expo. At the top of the list is ARC, standing for Advanced Room Correction. The program is said to offer the first acoustic room correction system in DAW plug-in form, working in tandem with standalone software and a calibrated microphone. The combined ARC package is used to measure the acoustic flaws of a room, compensating for time and frequency response problems through automatic EQ adjustment. The program is a Universal Binary for Mac OS 10.4 or later, and costs $700; it is expected to ship by the end of this quarter.

Nike Amp+ watch, remote

10/05, 10:20am

Nike debuts Nike Amp+ wristwatch, remote

Nike on Friday unveiled the Nike Amp+ Sport Remote Control, a wristwatch and remote control for Nike+iPod Sport Kit users. The watch provides instant voice feedback of a runner's time, distance, calories, and pace when added to the Nike+iPod Sport Kit and Nike+ Ready shoes. Nike also touts the watch as a stylish, unique timepiece when worn without the Sport Kit. Nike is offering its Nike Amp+ in a series of four color combinations that include a black band with a red time display, a red and black band with a red time display, a blue band with an orange time display, and a black and orange band with an orange time display. The Nike Amp+ is priced at $80.