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December 2005 Archives

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December 30, 2005

Kangaroo makes iPod case leap

Hypergear has launched its new Kangaroo iPod case, available in a range of hopping mad stylish designs.

The accessory comes in a variety of fun and attractive patterns aimed to suit iPod users of all tastes and fashions.

It aims to provide a protective layer for iPods, preventing accidental knocks and scratches to it incurred through daily use.

A spokesperson for Vaja said: "With so many cool designs and creative ways to wear the Kangaroo iPod case you'll never have to leave your tunes behind.

"From leopard strips and bright colors to classic black, the Hypergear Kangaroo iPod case offers more than 30 colors and patterns to suit any fashion and (musical) taste."

The colour co-ordinated belt also allows for the case to be worn in a total of six different ways – as belt, on your arm or even as a purse.

Cases are available for both standard edition iPods and for the iPod mini.

Posted by ipodworld at 12:20 PM

December 29, 2005

iPod second best gadget of last 50 years

Apple's iPod is the second best gadget of the last 50 years, only being beaten to the top spot by Sony's Walkman.

iPod beat TiVo, PalmPilot and the first compact disc player commercially released, to gain second place in the poll conducted by PC World magazine.

The result shows the speed with which the iPod has won the hearts of the gadget-loving public, since the first-generation model was only released on the market four years ago.

PC World commented on the poll's outcome by saying: "If the Walkman is the aging king of portable media players, Apple's iPod is prince regent".

By 2005 more than 80 per cent of digital media players sold were iPods, with the iPod nano ranking highly on wish-lists this Christmas.

Now in its fifth generation with iPod video, Apple's dominance of the portable music player market looks set to continue through to 2006 and beyond.

Posted by ipodworld at 12:45 PM

December 28, 2005

Protect your iPod nano with a new skin

iPod nanousers need no longer worry about scratch damage to their iPods with the
launch of LASERline's new silicone skins.

The company has created a new translucent membrane skin that fits the iPod nano, protecting it from bumps and scratches.

The product has been launched after a growing number of users complained
about accidental damage to their iPods, which has impacted their surface
appearance.

The skins will prevent the most common forms of reported iPod damage, since
the silicon material is waterproof and shock-absorbing.

Jack Graham, vice president of sales for LASERline, said: "This is a stylish
and affordable way to protect your investment and we have silicone skins to
fit all iPod models not just the nano."

They will be available in a variety of colours to fit tastes, ranging from
"pale baby pink" to "not so basic black".

The silicone skins will come with a free neck lanyard and wrist strap.

Posted by ipodworld at 02:33 PM

December 23, 2005

Film extractor for PSP improved

The digital software firm, Miraizon, has enhanced its DVD movie clip extractor, Cinematize 2.

The technology can be used to create film files to play on either iPod video or Playstation Portable (PSP) devices, streamlining the process into a single step.

This is achieved by the addition of new output formats, namely Apple’s H.264-based iPod video format for iPod and the MPEG-4 format for iPod, PSP, and web.

Other improvements have been made in the areas of compression colour control, the handling of DV Stream export, as well as several fixes.

David Salamon, Miraizon CEO, said: "The latest versions of Cinematize 2 make it an ideal companion product for the iPod, allowing users to easily extract favourite music or movie clips off of DVDs and transfer them over for listening or viewing on an iPod.

"The new Cinematize 2 also makes viewing DVD video clips on a PSP and sharing DVD movie clips on the web very easy."

The most recent version of Cinematize 2 is available from the Miraizon website, and there are also demos available for new customers.

© 2005 Adfero Ltd

Posted by ipodworld at 09:05 AM

Warning issued over iPod insurance

People who included an iPod on their list to Father Christmas this year would have been well advised to ask for insurance at the same time.

The specialist UK insurer Hiscox has issued a warning that iPods and other MP3 players are not usually covered in basic home contents insurance policies.

Similar to mobile phones, the soaring popularity of iPods has made them a clear target for thieves, with recent figures indicating an increase in London thefts of around "fivefold since last November", according to Hiscox.

Furthermore, the uninsured could lose not just the device itself, but also the catalogue of songs downloaded and stored.

With storage for some 1,000 tracks, sometimes priced at 79p, if not saved on a PC this cost could be very significant - anything "up to £790", according to Kevin Kerridge, head of direct business.

"To lose both an iPod and your own personal music library without any insurance is a frustrating and unnecessary double whammy," he added.

"Consumers should make sure they are covered by their contents insurance."

Posted by ipodworld at 09:04 AM

Two designer iPod case ranges launched

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) has announced it has begun shipping more than 20 new iPod cases for fashion-conscious iPod or iPod nano owners.

The firm has come up with two ranges, where all the cases are priced between $30 and $35.

As their name suggests, the relaxed leather case range comes in a variety of high quality distressed leather materials, including a suede option, and all 10 pouches feature designer stitching.

Each of the 10 iPod and iPod nano cases has a different design when flipped open, and all can also function as a wallet, with a pocket that will store an ID card, a credit card or cash. The cases also clip onto the user's belt.

The "Fling Fashion" range, on the other hand, is just for the iPod nano, with 11 designs that include the intriguingly titled "Faux Crocodile" and "Metallic Snakeskin".

Clearly aimed at female users, they include a cosmetic mirror in the flip open lid.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:03 AM

December 22, 2005

TiVo brings TV shows to the iPod and PSP

US-based company, TiVo, has launched a service for transferring recorded TV programmes to the video iPod or Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) multimedia devices.

Building on the TiVoToGo solution it launched back at the beginning of the year, software has been designed that can encode standard programmes such that they can be moved to the portable devices in the necessary smaller format.

The company plans to charge between $15 and £30 for the addition to the package, but it will only be available to TiVo's current Series2 subscribers as an extension of the current technology.

Phil Leigh, senior analyst at research firm Inside Digital Media, told the Mercury News: "From the iPod standpoint, this dramatically increases the repertoire of TV shows that will be available on the video iPod."

However, it has also been suggested that the technology could provide competition for Apple's iTunes service, where videos cost $1.99 each.

However, Jim Dunning, TiVo's vice president of product marketing, said he saw it more "as two different choices".

"The version you buy from iTunes doesn't have any commercials," he added.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:43 AM

iPod armband for the perfect fit

An iPod accessory designed for people out for a run, ice skating, or otherwise actively engaged, has been updated to make it compatible with fifth generation video iPods.

Priced at $19.99, the iSnug Armband from Handstands is a lightweight, black, pouch-like carrier that is sealed using velcro. Its compact dimensions of 6.5 x 6.5 x 1 inches means the music player stays safe and secure regardless of physical exertion.

Third and fourth generation iPods will also fit the pouch, and there is a second smaller version included in the price for the iPod mini.

Handstands also manufactures a version of the armband designed for the iPod nano.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:42 AM

iPod integration with cars set to boom

The current demand for iPod access while on the move is so great that around 73 million cars will be fitted with iPod integration equipment by 2011.

Approximately 28 million of these will be manufactured in the US, according to the report from Telematics Research Group (TRG), where 39 models already come either with iPod adaptors or auxiliary-input jacks.

TRG also expects that Bluetooth A2DP will surge forward as a means of integrating audio devices in cars, creating a competitive business opportunity in the realm of iPods and other MP3 solutions.

"The rapid ramp up of available solutions from automotive OEMs is a stark contrast to the normal five year product development cycle in the automotive industry," said Phil Magney, principal analyst for TRG.

"The variety of solutions reflects the swiftly changing landscape of the mobile audio market where branded audio solutions, surround sound and mobile device integration are driving market growth."

Posted by ipodworld at 09:41 AM

December 21, 2005

1GB iPod nano sighted

Apple is reported to be considering launching a 1GB iPod nano in 2006, with Appleinsider saying that a possible future product has already been seen.

The Register reports that the screenless 1GB iPod shuffle has already proved very popular with the public since its launch, and Apple may look to capitalise on this with an iPod nano product that has the same storage capacity.

There are also reports that the 1GB shuffle has sold out in the US into January this year, but the wisdom of launching a 1GB iPod nano is a matter being debated.

The main concern being raised is the price, which would need to strike a balance between being sufficiently affordable and not competing with the iPod shuffle.

Website Trusted Reviews also warns of the danger of pricing getting too close to the 2GB iPod nano.

The iPod nano and iPod shuffle have proved the two most popular products in the iPod range so far this Christmas season. The shuffle is, of course, smaller and cheaper than other iPods, making it an obvious choice for Christmas presents.

Posted by ipodworld at 10:30 AM

Sonnet iPod power adaptors surface

Sonnet Technologies has launched a range of compact USB power adaptors for the fourth and fifth generation iPod, as well as the iPod mini, iPod nano and iPod shuffle.

Approximately two thirds the size of the alternatives on the market, the devices' blades have been designed to fold away out of sight for convenient storage when on the move with your iPod music player.

These blades are also non-polarised, which means the adaptor can be inserted with the USB facing either up or down depending on space restrictions, according to website ipodnn.

There are black and white alternative models, and the price of $20 also gets you a dock cable and 100V to 240V of universal power compatibility.

Posted by ipodworld at 10:29 AM

Downloads to drive Christmas number one

The surge in the number of music tracks being downloaded rather than bought means that this year's Christmas number one single could be decided through downloads.

This is the view of record label trade association, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), who have revealed that download sales this year to date are 400 per cent higher than last year, with around 23 million sold in total and a weekly figure of some 650,000.

The BPI predicts that this will rise to around a million tracks a week when Christmas actually arrives, driven by the vast number of iPods and other MP3 players that have been and will be bought as Christmas presents and in the retail industry's sales.

Last year MP3 sales increased by 30 per cent at the close of the year, and the launch of new devices this year, coupled with increased demand, means that this is sure to be bettered as 2006 dawns.

The BPI revealed that this year's best selling download to date was James Blunt's "You're Beautiful", followed by "Hung Up" by Madonna and Daniel Powter's "Bad Day".

"Although you can't put a download under the tree, seven out of 10 singles are sold as downloads and they are going to play a significant part in deciding this year's Christmas number one," the BPI stated.

Posted by ipodworld at 10:28 AM

December 20, 2005

Wing brings TV shows to iPod and PSP

Hauppauge Computer Works, a division of Hauppauge Digital, has released a new software product that allows TV programmes to be first recorded on a PC, and then shown on a Sony Playstation Portable (PSP) or video iPod.

Priced at $24.95 the Wing software is being sold as an accessory to Hauppauge's PC-based WinTV-PVR personal video recorders.

Combined, the technology allows live TV shows to be recorded and played on a PC, TV set or portable player, and Wing can also be used to convert existing TV recordings to both PSP and iPod format.

"The emergence of portable video players like the Sony PSP and video iPod has created a demand for an easy solution for recording live TV shows for playback on these devices," said Hauppauge President, Ken Plotkin.

"WinTV-PVRs have been very popular for recording TV on PCs, and Wing will be an invaluable tool for the many WinTV-PVR users who also have a portable video player."

Posted by ipodworld at 08:46 AM

Fitness routines launched for iPod users

California-based GYMp3 has introduced a new range of audio fitness workouts that can be played and followed on the iPod and other Mp3 players.

Combining popular tracks from singers and DJs and the motivational voices of top Hollywood personal trainers, the downloadable service also comes with accompanying visual guides, including pictures, available from the GYMp3 website.

The first routine in the series, already available, is titled 'ULTIMATEp3 - Full Body Workout', and features the voice of trainer to Clint Eastwood and the cast of Friends, Greg Isaacs.

CEO, Alex LeVine, said: "GYMp3 workouts are a great way to help your friends and loved ones stick to those New Year's resolutions."

"Even better is the fact that you can give digital audio as a gift this year through services like Apple's iTunes Music Store," added the firm's president, Jason Berkin.

GYMp3 fitness workouts can be downloaded via services such as Apple's iTunes, Napster and Yahoo.

Posted by ipodworld at 08:43 AM

iPod camo-covers created to support US military personnel

The Bands for Freedom Foundation and Military.com has launched a range of camouflage patterned iPod covers to raise money to meet the needs of the US military and their families.

The iPod covers will come in iPod nano, 30GB video, 60GB video and 20/30GB sizes, and were designed by Utah-based Goods in Demand in the US.

They are also made of the same silicon rubber material that Bands for Freedom use for their awareness-raising, patriotic wristbands labelled with the word 'Freedom'.

Andy Chudd, Bands for Freedom Foundation executive director, said: "We are very excited to be releasing our new iPod covers just in time for Christmas at a very competitive price."

Posted by ipodworld at 08:41 AM

December 19, 2005

Apple can't keep up with iPod desire

Demand for all shapes, sizes and colours of iPod is so hot that it is still outsripping supply.

According to finance firm Morgan Stanley, iPods and related products continue to be top of people's wish list, with the festive season well under way.

A recent survey of US consumers, carried out by the company, found that they will be buying more iPod related gadgetry than any other electrical product in the coming months.

Rebecca Runkle of Morgan Stanley explained the data, saying: "To hone in on this point, more people plan to buy an iPod this holiday season than a cell phone. Also interesting, more people plan to buy iTunes gift cards this season than non-iPod branded MP3 players."

Morgan Stanley also revealed that Apple is doing the best it can to supply its own and other retail stores, as the holiday rush continues.

Even if their supply does fall short though it seems that Apple will still keep the vast majority of potential sales. The Morgan Stanley survey found that only four per cent of consumers would buy a differently branded MP3 player if the shop were sold out of iPods.

Posted by ipodworld at 11:41 AM

IPod remote that works through walls

A new remote has been launched that lets users control their iPod from anywhere within a 60ft radius.

The Griffin Technology AirClick remote, which comes complete with Dock Connector, uses RF radio wave technology. This means that unlike infrared remotes a direct line of site is not required for the gizmo to work.

According to the manufacturer RF signals can also pass through doors and walls, meaning that the AirClick remote can control your iPod from anywhere in the house.

The gadget features a volume control as well as buttons for play, stop and skip/repeat track. It also comes complete with a belt clip and hold switch.

Each unit is also delivered with a receiver and a remote cradle and set of straps. It will fit all standard iPods and is available for to order immediately.

Posted by ipodworld at 11:40 AM

December 16, 2005

Underwear features pocket for iPod

US firm Play has launched a pair of boxer shorts with a special pocket for holding your iPod.

Naturally dubbed the iBoxer, the product will solve the age-old dilemma of what to do with your device when listening to music while wandering around the house wearing little clothing.

The company said that the garment would be "the world's first and only boxer specifically designed with a pocket engineered to hold an MP3 player or cellphone," according to vunet.com.

"It is sure to be a hit among high school and college students who like to hang around the house or in their dorms in their underwear listening to their iPods or carrying their cellphones around."

To promote the iBoxer in the run up to Christmas, the company is also offering three free downloads from Apple's iTunes music service for every two pairs purchased.

Priced at $22, Play also said that a version for women was currently in development.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:59 AM

iPod speakers and subwoofer launched

ezGear has unveiled a compact desktop speaker system for the iPod with a genuine subwoofer to improve audio quality.

Priced at $109.98, the ezSound 2.1 iPod speaker system is available with immediate effect, and can be powered with either batteries or an AC adapter that also serves to charge up the iPod itself.

A dock connector can hook the iPod up to the PC via FireWire or USB, synchronising data as well as music, and the speakers can also be used in conjunction with the 3rd and 4th generation iPods, the iPod mini and the iPod nano.

There are four foam pads to stop the speakers from slipping on a polished surface, and a foldout lift improves the sound quality by taking the speakers off the table.

Dimensions of 4 x 5.25 x 1.625 inches testify to the system's convenient compactness, while it weighs in at less than 10 ounces.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:58 AM

December 15, 2005

iPod unbeatable on price, says analyst

An analyst has asserted that the cost effectiveness of Apple's iPod digital music player will ensure it retains the market's "pole position for years".

Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster examined a range of 20GB and 30GB devices from a number of companies, but found that while some offered a wider array of features or more storage, none fared better in terms of cost per GB

On a comparison, the video-enabled 30GB iPod worked out at approximately $10 per GB, narrowly beating Creative's 30GB Zen Vision:M at $11.

The standard for such devices was around $15 per GB, although some other video capable portable music players approached $25 per GB.

Mr Munster also maintained that none of the iPod's competitors could match it for user interface or "cool factor".

The sheer quantity of shipments would ensure economies of scale that would in turn allow iPod to monopolise the market's lowest prices, he added, "thus retaining the iPod's pole position for years".

Posted by ipodworld at 09:30 AM

iPod case can be printed with customised designs

A new promotional iPod case has been launched that allows the music player to be mass customised with anything from a creative design to a corporate logo.

The iJacket from Brainchild Products comes complete with a removable rotary belt clip and a lanyard to ensure the click wheel is safely protected while on the move.

The iJacket is made of a flexible silicon material that is tear-resistant and can withstand damaging scrapes and scratches.

It also completely covers the iPod while still allowing access to the click wheel for track selection, and can be used with any of the iPod variants such as the iPod nano, iPod shuffle and iPod photo.

There are 12 different designs at present, with another 50 in various stages of development, and the alternative "custom iJacket" can be ordered in quantities of 50 of more.

Brainchild's Jonathan Andrews said: "The iJacket has been a great marketing medium for record labels and bands who want their fans to have the band's logo and image on an iPod case."

Now it can be branded with text, design work or even high resolution photos for personal or business needs.

There is a template that can be downloaded for personal designs, and a team of in-house designers are ready to get creative on request.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:29 AM

December 14, 2005

In-ear headphones have the edge

A new pair of in-ear headphones have been launched, coloured black and silver to make them the ideal match for either a PSP or black MP3 player, as well as the iPod.

Manufactured by Creative, they cost £19.99 for a cable 1.25 metres in length, which is a good compromise between being too short and pulling the iPod out of your pocket, and being so long they entangle you when jumping on the bus.

The website, Trusted Reviews, says that in-ear headphones have two main benefits over the alternative model, namely that they won't fall out when jogging or running for the train, and they penetrate deep enough to cut out the noise of busy public transport systems.

As well as stylish black and silver colouring for the details, the sleek, round and small design makes this accessory ideal for all your portable listening needs.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:55 AM

Colourful protection range for the iPod nano

Now you can protect your iPod nano for just $20 with SwitchEasy's recently launched Capsule Accessory System, which is a range of iPod nano accessories.

Made from GE Lexan plastic resin, the two-toned polycarbonate carrying iPod case also comes with a replaceable lens cap, a lanyard, and reusable static cling stickers, or "stickies", to protect the device's touchwheel.

Two holes in the case's plastic allow third party lanyards and necklace iPod headphones as well as telephone handstraps.

As well as offering protection against knocks and bumps, the Capsule Accessory System's other main selling point is its range of colours.

There is Black Amber, Shaved Ice, Red Mama, Tangy Orange and Citrus Apple, with more shades set to follow in the future.

Priced $19.99, the "stickies" are also colour-coordinated to match the main iPod case.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:54 AM

iPod tops November searches in the US

The Apple iPod was the most searched for internet term in the US when surfing for ideas for Christmas presents last month, research has found.

With approximately 6.6 million searches, the term "iPod" was entered over a million more times than "XBox 360" (five million), and also beat off competition from the likes of "Harry Potter", "Star Wars" and "Barbie".

The PlayStation from Sony also ranked highly in the list, with 1.9 million looking up the term on a search engine, according to comScore Networks.

comScore chairman, Gian Fulgoni, said: "While high consumer interest was expected this holiday season for items such as the Apple iPod, Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation, the intense amount of search activity observed to date demonstrates how popular these items are with consumers."

comScore is a company that has permission from over two million global consumers to track their consumer activity on the internet, including online and offline purchases.

The results for November 2005 are based on US home, work and university internet users.

comScore predicts that $19.6 billion will be spent online on non-travel related US retail goods in the festive period.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:53 AM

December 13, 2005

iPod launches good news for chip sales

The launch of the iPod nano and iPod shuffle this year have been key to a boom in business for semiconductor chips, according to new research.

The analyst Gartner has predicted that the total revenue generated by chip sales will hit an all-time high this year at around US$235 billion, which is an annual increase of 6.9 per cent.

The strong demand for memory chips for the Apple devices, as well as flash cards and USB devices, will ensure that the previous record – US$223 billion in 2000 - is finally surpassed.

Intel continued to lead the market throughout the year, but most of the other main players also succeeded in upping their market share.

Intel increased its lead by one per cent, taking a 15 per cent slice of the market worth US$35.1 billion.

Samsung came in a distant second with a 7.6 per cent market share, but it was Korean manufacturer Hynix who realised the biggest gains, with sales of US$5.7 billion showing a 23.4 per cent increase on last year's figures.

Andrew Norwood, Gartner's research vice president, said: "The continuing strong demand for flash card and USB flash drives in 2005, along with the successful launch of the iPod shuffle by Apple at the start of 2005 and the release later in the year of the iPod nano, will drive this device market to the highest revenue performance in 2005."

Posted by ipodworld at 10:14 AM

iPod accessories launched by Eurotech

A range of Apple-certified iPod accessories has been launched by India-based Eurotech Technologies.

The plug and play devices include a cassette desk adapter, audio splitter and car charger, all of which "have been designed specifically to connect to iPod and…certified by the developer to meet iPod performance standards.

The car-charger has an in-built LED display to indicate charging status, and is specifically designed to ensure the iPod is charged safely with the correct amount of power.

The cassette desk adaptor allows your iPod to be used alongside a cassette player, coming complete with a USB hot sync cable for PC music transfers at up to 400MB a second.

Finally, the audio splitter allows two people to listen on the same iPod, making one earphone two by splitting the signal.

Of course, the audio quality for which the iPod is known stays intact, and friends can listen to the same music on two pairs of headphones while out and about.

Posted by ipodworld at 10:12 AM

December 12, 2005

Video iPod in demand

The video iPod is outstripping demand for the iPod Nano in some parts of the US, according to Reuters.

Technology analysts from Bear Stearns said that the fifth generation video-capable iPod was as popular as the diminutive Nano, and found that in some areas the former was more in demand than the latter.

The survey also discovered that the scarcity of the Apple digital music player was pushing up sales for competitor mp3 playing devices such as those from Sony and iRiver.

Amongst results for computers, Laptops were found to be in high demand from consumers, whilst handheld computer devices took a knock in sales from the year before. Sales from peripherals such as printers also disappointed retailers.

Bear Stearns looked at sales across 36 stores in 20 different states. The results came from the second week of its Christmas retail survey.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:20 AM

New iPod accessory

PodGear is to introduce the limited edition HouseParty dock in black to the United Kingdom.

The unit, designed for all dock based iPods and the iPod shuffle, includes two six watt stereo speakers large enough for a kitchen, bedroom or even the living room. The HouseParty is powered by an independent power supply, boosting the volume of the iPod.

PodGear's dock is 23 cm wide and 12 cm tall, and has an iPod dock built into the middle of the speakers. Adaptors are included for 20GB, Nano, Shuffle and Mini models.

Other features include blue LEDs to brighten up the iPod, a line in port to allow other sound sources to be used and a USB socket which allows HouseParty users to synchronise the iPod with their PC or Mac. The unit also charges up the iPod as it plays.

The HouseParty Black is available now for a limited time at £49.99.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:18 AM

December 09, 2005

iSkin launches range of colour protective screens

A range of new protective screens for the iPod nano have been launched by iSkin.

The firm has launched limited edition iSkin iPod Duos which come in a number of different guises.

Using a double layer of silicone the ultra-screen protector sits on top of the screen while still enabling the use of the clickwheeel.

Colours include "Purple Haze" (clear on purple), "Polar Blast" (white on blue), "Acid Groove" (green on green) and "Phantom Rave" (black on red).

The device also comes with the "RevoClip 2" – a removable rotary belt clip which allows the user to securely stash the digital music player.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:01 AM

Volvo plugs into the iPod

Volvo has announced details of a new accessory for the iPod that enables drivers to enjoy the benefits of the portable music player.

Its Apple iPod adapter connects to the car's own audio system and can be controlled via normal audio controls as well as through steering wheel remote controls.

Offering up to 60GB of music at the driver's disposal, the device can sit safely in the centre arm rest.

Charging up while driving, the iPod can then be disconnected and transported with full power once a destination is reached.

The adapter costs just over £100 plus fitting and is available for all Volvo S60 and S80 saloons, the V70 estate and XC70 AWD estate.

Posted by ipodworld at 09:00 AM

December 08, 2005

Online club for iPod users

iPod users have the benefit of their own club to join from today.

Spymac Network, creators of the world's largest Macintosh community, have introduced Club, a £15 a year online group for iPod and Apple Macintosh users.

The service will allow subscribers to share pictures, movies and songs and provide a forum for discussions and polls.

Members will also be able to share files and bookmarks within small communities, which Spymac hopes will make the club attractive to groups of friends and businesses alike.

Holger Ehlis, boss of the US company, asserts that new features will be added to the club in the coming months.

"From celebrity chats to virtual beach-parties, Club members can look forward to living and working on the internet in ways never before thought possible."

The club will be the first online community that is fully integrated with iTunes, Apple's music download service.

Posted by ipodworld at 08:25 AM

Dickens on your iPod

Jacob Marley is all set to come rattling around on your iPod this Christmas.

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is available to download for iPod users from children's online storytellers, Storynory.

The first of three instalments is currently available, replicating the way Dickens published the original work in 1843.

The company specialises in free iPod stories for children and its titles include a number of fairy tales such as Hansel and Gretel, and Little Red Riding Hood.

Storynory spokeswoman Angharad Lynn told ipodnn: "Christmas Carol was a natural choice for us to feature on the site in December.

"It's a great way to introduce children to classic literature, and completely free," she added.

The stories can also be burnt on to CDs.

Posted by ipodworld at 08:23 AM

December 07, 2005

Experts warn of "iPod finger"

Music fans have been warned that they could find themselves suffering from a form of repetitive strain injury (RSI).

The huge popularity of the iPod and other MP3 players has led some people in the US to complain of problems with their fingers from using scroll wheels or small buttons to navigate through their song collections.

According to the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), owners of MP3 players on this side of the Atlantic could also be affected.

"Hand-held music machines are extremely popular and users are constantly using small, difficult buttons with the same finger in a repetitive motion," the BCA's Dr Carl Irwin said.

"The nature of modern technology means that these devices are only going to be getting smaller and I would not be surprised if hand and finger related injuries become one of the most common RSIs that chiropractors treat."

The iPod has been one of the most successful consumer electronic devices of modern times and is expected to be one of the most popular Christmas gifts.

Posted by ipodworld at 08:48 AM

PSPs and iPods make boys more expensive

Electrical goods like PSPs and iPodsare making boys more expensive to buy for this Christmas, research has shown.

A study by the retailer Woolworths found that parents tend to spend more on their sons than their daughters.

This is because boys are more likely to want the latest electronic gadget, pushing the average cost of their seasonal gifts to more than £200.

Jo Hall, toys manager at Woolworths, explained: "The must-have boys' toys are always more expensive because they involve more technology than girls' toys.

"Boys are more likely to want to add to their computer game collection or have the latest gadget, all of which are more expensive than the latest hair accessory or Barbie or Bratz doll."

The iPod, Apple's hugely popular digital music device, and the PSP, Sony's portable entertainment system, are expected to top many a Christmas list this year.

Posted by ipodworld at 08:42 AM

December 06, 2005

Back to school with iPod 101

In this era when even toddlers seem capable of tweaking the latest technological gadget for maximum output, it can be embarrassing for the more technologically-challenged to admit they don't know what they're doing.

Now, however, Apple has launched a new section of its website – entitled iPod 101 - designed to help people get the most out of their music player.

Billed as "your guide to rockin' out, gettin' down, and boogieing with your iPod, iPod nano, iPod mini, or iPod shuffle," the site is suitable for both Mac and Windows users.

Containing iPod 'anatomy lessons', tips on how to get the most out of iTunes and advice on what to do if your iPod gets "sad", the site will be a must for anyone receiving the gadget this Christmas.

Posted by ipodworld at 08:14 AM

iPod gets holy

Those who worry that Christmas is becoming too commercialised should look away now.

Satirical website Ship Of Fools has launched its annual compilation of weird Christmas gifts, entitled the 12 days of kitschmas.

This year's top gifts include a cross-shaped iPod – an iPod coordinated chain that converts an iPod nano into a cross.

The site also reveals how far the iPod has helped advance technology: 1999's must have gift was a punching Amish glove puppet, containing unsophisticated spring loaded leavers to make the Amish man really punch.

Posted by ipodworld at 08:13 AM

December 05, 2005

Who can? The iPod iCan

For those who prefer their earphones on the chunky side, iCans may be the perfect product.

Designed in homage to the iPod, the headphones feature a white plastic and chrome finish and a chunky headband.

Described by Smarthouse magazine as one of the best sounding products in its price range, the iCans have been praised for their deep base sound, achieved in despite of their open design.

Because they are designed especially for the iPod, Smarthouse explains, they enhance bass sounds and pick up all the small details that other headphones can block out.

Apart from a design that could never be described as understated, the only real flaw with the iCans is that, due to their open design, they don't block out any background noise.

Posted by ipodworld at 08:17 AM

New earphones for the iPod

iPod users can now enjoy a more personal listening experience, with the launch of new earbuds for the iPod.

Griffin has announced the launch of its EarThumps earbuds, specially designed for fifth generation iPods and the iPod nano.

Earbuds are hailed as superior earphones as they fit entirely in the listener's ear, thereby stopping any annoying background noise interfering with the latest downloads.

iPod owners can choose to remain loyal to the brand's identity with "status symbol white" or take the James Bond-esque option of "undercover black".

Posted by ipodworld at 08:16 AM

December 02, 2005

Boost for iPod shuffle

The iPod shuffle may occasionally feel like the underdog of the iPod family, but this month it has been treated to some new updates.

iPod updater 2005-11-17 boasts new iPod software 1.1.3 for the iPod shuffle and nothing for its flashier counterparts.

The update includes "bug fixes" for the entry-level player, which retails at a much lower price than the other models.

Users will need iTunes version 4.7.1 or later.

Posted by ipodworld at 08:29 AM

iPod look-alike rapped

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but it seems that Apple isn't too impressed with a South Korean MP3 player company.

Apple has accused Iops, a minor South Korean company, of copying its classics designs for the iPod, the Korean Times reports.

A quick glance does confirm that Iops' Jock and Z3 models do look like the iPod mini, in particularly sharing its distinctive 'wheel' control button.

However, Apple shouldn't be too worried about losing customers, as the South Korean models lack something of the iPod's streamlined counters.

Iops vigorously denies the claims and asserts that the models are the product of its own design team.

Posted by ipodworld at 08:27 AM

December 01, 2005

iPod in the DJ booth

In what could either be a great initiative for sharing new music or the worst idea since Pete Doherty was asked to perform at Live Eight, clubs across America have started to let punters 'DJ' from their iPods.

Clubbers and pubbers are encouraged to plug their iPod into the venue's sound system and introduce fellow revellers to their play list.

Brian Toro manages a bar in Chicago and told the Chicago Daily News that he's happy to let punters play anything they like, just so long as it's up beat.

"Everybody wants to be a DJ, people enjoy having a little control in their lives," he said philosophically.

Posted by ipodworld at 08:19 AM

iPods gain tough new wardrobe

PodsPlus has launched an extremely stylish new case for the iPod nano.

The on-piece case is made from anodized aluminium, giving a tough finish to the pint-sized gadget.

The aluminium covering provides protection from all sides, while a plastic screen guards the notoriously fragile screen of the iPod nano.

Shoppers needn't worry about the effects of putting a metal iPod in a metal case as it also features a soft lining to prevent any metal-on-metal scratches.

Sceptics may question the point of buying a purposefully tiny iPod and then bulking it out with a metal accessory. However, they should bear in mind that case only increases the nano's thickness by a barely noticeable eighth of an inch.

Posted by ipodworld at 08:18 AM

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