January 2007 Archives
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January 31, 2007
Apple introduces four iPod shuffle colours
Apple has introduced four new colours to its iPod shuffle range, it has been announced.
The clip-on device is now available in blue, pink, green and orange, each containing the same one-gigabyte capacity - the equivalent of 240 songs - and each costing $79 (£40.44).
Following the lead of the iPod nano line, the shuffle is the third portable media player from Apple to be offered in multiple colours.
All five of the shuffle colour varieties are made from aluminium and are sold with one set of Apple's latest earphones, one dock and thin manuals, Apple stickers and an LED-decoding card.
While models of the shuffle showing grey Apple print will include the newer, better quality earphones, those with a green print will contain the older ones, iLounge warned.
According to a report released by Current Analysis, the iPod shuffle was the second-best selling digital music player in the US over the 2006 holiday season.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:48 AM
January 30, 2007
Aidan Moffat reveals iPod top six
Aidan Moffat, one half of Scottish outfit Arab Strap and now a solo artist, has revealed his top six iPod tracks.
He told the Metro that Long Way Home by Tom Waits is one of his favourite iPod songs, although his "favourite Tom Waits song changes every day", as it reminds him of being away on tour with Arab Strap.
Next on the list, Bunk Trunk Skunk by Be Your Own Pet is described by Mr Moffat as "wonderful, frantic, noisy rock", while the volume of the girl on vocals is "terrifying".
Oh Lord, Why Lord/Prayer by Parliament is noted by the musician as "without a doubt the greatest song about racism", while Get it On by Grinderman – Nick Cave's new band – is "about sex" and has a primal sound.
Meanwhile, Mr Moffat claims that he cried in an airport on hearing Honey Cone's My Mind's On Leaving (But My Heart Won't Let Me Go).
His favourite song "of all time" is Sleep Walk by Santo & Johnny.
Aidan Moffat, as L Pierre, has this month released his instrumental album Dip.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:50 AM
January 29, 2007
Consultation participants to win iPod Nanos
Children and young people taking part in the General Medical Council's consultation, which will lead to the publication of new guidance, are being entered into a draw to win two iPod Nanos.
Winners of the devices will be picked at random from all questionnaires submitted before February 23rd.
The council said: "We write advice for doctors on lots of topics but have never written advice that is just about children and young people before – we want to write advice for doctors about how they should look after you."
Additionally, iPod Nanos will be won by one person from each of Great Britain's four countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland – who designs a poster that could be used for the cover of the guidance, which will be given to all doctors in the UK.
A winning cover will be chosen from the four final posters.
The competition closes on March 2nd.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:40 AM
January 26, 2007
MicroMemo stores reminders in nano
XtremeMac has provided the answer to those goldfish-style memory moments, with the creation of the MicroMemo for the iPod nano.
The MicroMemo allows the user to record his or her voice, leaving a reminder for later in the day.
Plugging into the dock connector, the MicroMemo hosts all the components for recording in a slim form.
According to Coolest Gadgets, the "bendable and swappable" microphone plugs directly into the unit.
The MicroMemo can be controlled through the iPod using the stop, pause and start buttons.
An in-built speaker allows the user to listen to recordings without employing headphones.
Some 25 hours of recording can be stored on a four gigabyte iPod nano, while all recordings can also be imported into iTunes.
Costing £29.99, the MicroMemo has high-fidelity one-touch recording and does not need batteries in order to function.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:58 AM
January 25, 2007
Lost iPod data 'now recoverable'
Lost iPod data 'now recoverable'
People who have lost files from their iPods can use new software to recover data missing from their music players.
GetData Software has released a Recover My iPod application that brings back music and video files that have disappeared from one's players.
Programmers say the software is especially useful for instances where the reset or restore buttons have been pressed accidentally or at the wrong time.
"Now, iPod owners who've seen hundreds [of pounds] worth of music or video files apparently evaporate into thin air, can link their iPod to a PC or laptop and recover all of those files," said GetData director Graham Henley.
"In almost every case 'deleted' files are actually still on the iPod drive," he added.
Mr Henley continued that the software supports all iPods and recovers all forms of files such as quicktime and jpegs.
The news comes as strong sales of Apple's iPod have driven a 78 per cent rise in the company's profits in the last quarter.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:55 AM
January 24, 2007
GizMac wins award for iPod case
GizMac Accessories has received a MacWorld Best of Show Finalist award for its new Titan Clear iPod case.
The group displayed its polycarbonate cases, created for the second-generation iPod nano, for the first time at the MacWorld Expo in San Francisco.
Bill Palmer, iProng Publisher, said: "Unlike some clear plastic iPod Nano cases that provide you with only one or two carrying options, GizMac's Titan Clear throws in the kitchen sink when it comes to carrying options, meaning that you don't have to buy four different cases in order to carry your Nano in four different ways."
The director of marketing for the company, Ken Vitto, added that it is "pleased and honoured" that iProng judged the case as worthy of the award.
He added that GizMac has worked hard to create a case that provides "form and function" at a value price.
GizMac's Titan Clear iPod case will be available in February at a cost of $24.99 (£12.70).
The group also offers an XRackPro Noise Reduction Enclosure and other iPod accessories including a velcro armband, 360-degree rotating belt clip and a clip on carabiner.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:54 AM
January 23, 2007
Microsoft's 2003 iPod plans uncovered
A Microsoft executive had considered offering incentives to Apple iPod rivals to improve their products, before creating the Zune, a leaked email has suggested.
Windows Vista development chief Jim Allchin sent an email to Microsoft consumer media executive Amir Majidmehr stating his disappointment with Windows-based digital music players made by Dell and Creative.
The email also gives evidence of a plan to "talk with [Steve] Jobs" about the possibility of supporting the iPod, as Mr Allchin was concerned it would drive people away from Windows Media Player.
Referring to meetings with Creative, Samsung and Rio, Mr Majidmehr replied: "We are putting incentives on the table in the form of cash, technical support, direct interface to developers, early access code for Windows Media Player 9.1 etc."
He added that if none of them would listen, "then it is time for us to roll up our sleeves and do our own hardware".
Meanwhile, three years later, Microsoft is hoping to sell one million of its new Zune players in the first half of 2007.
The Allchin email was one of 3,186 made public online by plaintiffs in the Comes v Microsoft antitrust trial, according to Computerworld.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:34 AM
January 22, 2007
Mousepad created with in-built speakers
The Wireless Speaker Mousepad serves a dual purpose, providing a smooth surface for the user's mouse while pumping out tunes from almost any audio source, including the iPod.
Working within a range of 50 feet, the wireless speaker is compatible with any iPod, television, digital audio player or CD player.
The mousepad, which also features a solar-powered eight-digit calculator, a gel pad wrist rest and an audio line-in cable, is grey with a black trim and retails at $29.95 (£15.16).
It is sold with a one-month manufacturing warranty and requires three AAA batteries.
Ubergizmo gadget website said: "A Wireless Speaker Mousepad isn't exactly the next big thing in the world of gadgets but its functionality warrants more than a passing glance."
It adds that the device's 50-foot range should be "more than adequate" for office or home set-ups.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:46 AM
January 19, 2007
iPillow makes iPods 'huggable'
The iPod can now be purchased in huggable form, as Princess International launches an iPod pillow.
Import 16-inch iPillow iPod Radio with Audio Speakers is a giant-sized iPod , compatible with any MP3 Player.
The player slots into a pouch at the back, while the volume can be controlled from the cushion.
Powered by two AA batteries, the iPillow is currently available in the US for $17.99, but may soon also be retailed in the UK.
It also includes an FM autoscan radio and is decorated with all the iPod's usual visual features.
The iPillow will compete with the PillowPod, which was created by Funhouse last summer.
Available in pink, purple, green or blue, the "fuzzy, super-soft 15-inch square" is equipped with universal speakers that can connect to the iPod, other MP3 Player or stereo, according to Gearlog.
The gadget review group described it as "absolutely impractical, but pretty irresistible".
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:51 AM
January 18, 2007
iPod drives Apple's profits
Strong Christmas sales of the iPod have driven a 78 per cent surge in profits for Apple for the three months to December 30th, the group has reported.
Net profit for its fiscal first quarter rose to a record $1 billion (£508 million) from $565 million a year earlier.
Some 21 million iPods were sold throughout the quarter, in addition to 1.6 million computers, showing respective growth of 50 per cent and 28 per cent from 2005.
Peter Oppenheimer, Apple's chief financial officer, said: "This one was for the record books."
Meanwhile, Reuters has reported that the Commonwealth Bank in Australia (CBA) used the latest version of the iPod Nano to compare global currencies and purchasing power in 26 countries.
While Canada is the cheapest place to buy a Nano, at $144.20 (£73), Brazilians pay the most, with Nanos retailing at $327.71 (£166).
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:58 AM
January 17, 2007
1 in 8 men 'would swap partner for iPod'
Up to one in eight men would swap their partner for an iPod or other "must-have" gadget, according to a new tongue-in-cheek survey.
The research, conducted by GfK NOP, revealed that while 13 per cent of men would consider swapping their relationship for sought-after electrical products, less than half as many women (six per cent) would do the same.
Goods other than the iPod for which it is considered worth giving up love include a widescreen television, home cinema system and fridge freezer.
The survey also showed that younger people were more likely to give up their relationship for a toy, with 17 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds prepared to give up their boyfriend or girlfriend compared to two per cent of 55 to 64-year-olds.
GfK NOP conducted the survey on behalf of price comparison service 60207.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:42 AM
January 16, 2007
JVC SU-DH1 has 'treble quality'
JVC has created a new headphone adapter with treble quality sound, compatible with the iPod.
The SU-DH1 features Dolby Headphone technology for a 5.1 channel surround sound effect and can be used alongside any device encoded with Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Digital Surround EX, DTS-ES and Mpeg-2 AAC.
Specifications for the device include an optical digital mini-jack, audio input cord/code, headphone output terminal, stereo mini-jack and Dolby headphones.
The Inquirer said: "This little box is basically an expander from 2.0 to 5.1 for iPods and other fashion accessories.
"It takes a two-channel input and outputs a 5.1 or other expanded signal."
The SU-DH1 is available in black and has three different modes for various-sized rooms.
Audiocubes gadget website gave the device a five-star rating.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:38 AM
January 15, 2007
Wireless router created by Apple
Apple has created its own wireless router, with scope for up to 50 friends or colleagues to share the network.
Created at the same time as the iPod follow-up - the iPhone - the AirPort Extreme Base Station offers up to five times the performance and twice the range covered by earlier models of the device.
Featuring a redesigned set-up utility, the AirPort Extreme has a "simple, elegant design" and be perched on any flat surface.
"Superfast" and "super-compatible", the router has been created with 802.11n2, the next-generation high-speed wireless technology hosted by most Mac computers.
It is also Wi-Fi-certified to work with the 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g, making it usable with any systems currently on the market.
The group said: "As it blankets your space with a blazing-fast, secure wireless network, it opens up a world of possibilities for home entertainment, backups, printing and more."
Retailing at $179 (£91.17), the AirPort Extreme will be available in February.
Coolest Gadgets described the product as "awesome".
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:50 AM
Wireless router created by Apple
Apple has created its own wireless router, with scope for up to 50 friends or colleagues to share the network.
Created at the same time as the iPod follow-up - the iPhone - the AirPort Extreme Base Station offers up to five times the performance and twice the range covered by earlier models of the device.
Featuring a redesigned set-up utility, the AirPort Extreme has a "simple, elegant design" and be perched on any flat surface.
"Superfast" and "super-compatible", the router has been created with 802.11n2, the next-generation high-speed wireless technology hosted by most Mac computers.
It is also Wi-Fi-certified to work with the 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g, making it usable with any systems currently on the market.
The group said: "As it blankets your space with a blazing-fast, secure wireless network, it opens up a world of possibilities for home entertainment, backups, printing and more."
Retailing at $179 (£91.17), the AirPort Extreme will be available in February.
Coolest Gadgets described the product as "awesome".
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:50 AM
January 12, 2007
iPhone to work with Edge and GSM
The iPhone will be compatible with Edge and GSM data networks, it has been reported.
Apple has chosen the most popular networks in the US and Europe respectively, although it has not ruled out further improvements which would allow the iPhone to work with 3G networks.
Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice-president of worldwide iPod marketing, told Macworld: "Here in the US Edge is the most widely deployed data network so that was the obvious choice."
He added that a lot of chip sets used for 3G are short on battery life, while WiFi network usage can be "very fast".
Meanwhile, marketing professionals have said that the launch of the iPhone could initiate a "more robust" medium for the industry.
Third Screen Media chief executive Tom Burgess told Media Post that the device is the "beachhead" for converging mobile products, combining the iPod with a video player and a phone.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:51 AM
January 11, 2007
The Fratellis to find iSuccess
Scottish pop outfit The Fratellis are hoping to find global success with their appearance in an iPod advert, it has been reported.
According to The Daily Record, the Glasweigan group expect the advert to help them following the footsteps of Gorillaz, Jet and the Vines, who were all propelled to worldwide acclaim after their exposure through iPod adverts.
Jon, Baz and Mince Fratelli's song Flathead will provide the musical backdrop for the new advert, which will show silhouettes dancing while listening to their Apple Mac devices.
The song is also set to be released in the US as a single later this month, with the tracks Henrietta, Stacie Anne and Cigarello also featuring on the EP.
Meanwhile, the band's album Costello Music currently sits at number six in the UK album charts.
A 30-second preview of the iPod advert has been launched on Apple's website.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:44 AM
January 10, 2007
Apple reveals iPhone
The Apple iPhone has finally been revealed, at the annual Macworld conference in San Francisco.
Displayed by Steve Jobs, chief executive officer of the group, the iPhone has a single button and a 3.5-inch touch screen combining a phone, an iPod and instant messaging.
Costing $499 to $599 (£257 to £308), the iPhone also features a breakthrough internet communications device, complete with email, web browsing, searching and maps.
Mr Jobs said: "iPhone is a revolutionary and magical product that is literally five years ahead of any other mobile phone.
"We are all born with the ultimate pointing device – our fingers – and iPhone uses them to create the most revolutionary user interface since the mouse."
The iPhone syncs your contacts from a PC, Mac or internet service, making it easy to keep them up-to-date.
Its Visual Voicemail function enables users to look at a listing of their voicemails and go directly to the one they wish to hear.
Meanwhile, the iPhone features a two-megapixel camera and an advanced photo management application, with easy browsing.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:51 AM
January 09, 2007
New HD projector for iPod
iPod owners who just aren't content with viewing videos on the small screen will be rubbing their eyes with disbelief at a new high definition iPod projector, the latest iPod accessory to hit the ever-growing market.
Developed by ViewSonic, the PJ258D is a fully functional HD video projector designed specifically for the iPod, allowing users to beam their videos in large scale directly from their iPods.
Users can watch video clips downloaded onto their iPods in complete HD glory, without having to connect to a computer.
The projector features an impressive 1024x769 resolution 2,000 lumens of brightness and a 2000:1 contrast ratio, and you don't have to be a techno geek to know that that means more than half decent playback quality.
The PJ258D isn't just an iPod accessory either, able to connect with a range of ther devices including PCs, DVD players and computer game consoles, meaning full functionality for most if not all big screen needs.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:54 AM
January 08, 2007
New iPod speakers from Sharp
A new range of iPod speakers have been released by Sharp, adding new products to the ever-growing list of iPod accessories on the market.
The iElegance Music Systems range features two unique models, namely the DK-A1 and DK-A10, available in black or white. Both models have a docking bay for the iPod with inbuilt speakers for open playback.
In addition, both the DK-A1 and DK-A10 have a radio and alarm clock as well as remote, designed to make them a complete music solution for the bedroom.
Sharp is confident that the new iPod speakers will appeal top iPod owners looking for high-quality playback and contemporary design, with additional features for added convenience.
A broad selection of iPod speakers are currently available on the market from a range of manufacturers including Altec, Bose, Logitech and IntelliTouch, to name a few. The addition of Sharp's new models to the market are expected to boost competition in the iPod accessories market overall.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:29 AM
January 05, 2007
iPod bartender - a portable drinks solution?
Budding cocktail makers can carry around a drinks encyclopaedia and manual in their pockets courtesy of the iPod bartender.
The podsite application has about 230 drinks recipes that can be downloaded to an iPod and accessed in the Notes section.
Everything from daiquiris, highballs, flaming cocktails and simpler affairs are provided by the site – ideal for spontaneous gatherings where friends and family can marvel at your exotic drinks knowledge.
Any third or fourth generation iPods are compatible with the sites, which will now work with the iPod nano as well.
All recipes are divided into 16 categories and originate from Drinkstreet.com. They cater for all tastes and include "restoratives" and "eggnogs" for those after something different.
Another original addition to the iPod line making the press this week is the Nike+iPod Sport Kit.
The kit, which features a pair of trainers together with an iPod nano and scored full marks in a review from Business Week.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:46 AM
January 04, 2007
iPod users to share content online
A new website has been set up that allows iPod users to share and distribute multimedia content online.
Mogopop.com is a hub that lets people create miniature websites for their iPods that include audio, video and images, which can then be accessed by other users of the website.
The site's owners say that all content and downloads are completely free to use.
Jordan Allen-Dutton, chief executive officer and cofounder of Mogopop, comments: "Until today, it's required a lot of technical savvy for a person to share media with other iPod owners - a video he's created, a song her band recorded, or a photo he took. Mogopop removes that barrier."
He adds that Mogopop allows people to enjoy fan sites such as blogs to be accessed via Apple's iPod players.
It also allows people to download songs, videos, liner notes, album art and interviews onto their iPod in one download from one source.
Numerous gadgets are now available that extend the functionality of the Apple iPod, including an iProjector, which projects videos onto a screen.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:48 AM
January 03, 2007
iPod phone 'popular among consumers'
Apple's mooted iPod phone could be a success among the public, according to new research.
A study found that about 40 million Americans (16 per cent of the US population) think that the iPod phone is a "great idea" for them personally.
This is based on a description of the kind of features likely to be included if the product is given the green light by Apple.
The Digital Life America research also revealed that certain demographics were more likely to show interest in a phone/iPod hybrid.
Women are more likely to buy the machine than men (53 per cent in comparison with 47 per cent) and the average age of buyers is likely to be 35.
One potential drawback that users identified with the phone is the possible short battery life if it is used as both a phone and general entertainment device – though the survey states this could be addressed by the two-battery design that has been suggested.
In related news, recent research stated that people spent Christmas Day downloading music, as visits to iTunes were up by 413 per cent in comparison to December 5th 2005.
© Adfero 2007
Posted by ipodworld at 09:09 AM
January 02, 2007
Hello Kitty clock radio to charge iPod
Hello Kitty has produced a new gadget which combines a clock radio with an iPod charger.
The KT4560 Hello Kitty Stereo Clock and iPod Charger allows the user to charge their iPod while listening to tunes and also has an alarm clock with a snooze option.
Meanwhile, an auxiliary input jack connects the MP3 player or other digital audio player and the clock can be set to a 12 or 24-hour.
The group has also created a clock radio with a night light, as well as other electric items including a colour TV and DVD, a CD boom box and light-up corded telephone, all featuring the kitten.
Argos retails Hello Kitty iPod speakers at £49.99 and a tea cup clock radio at £14.99.
A Hello Kitty MP3 player is also available, at a cost of £59.95.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:53 AM