February 2007 Archives
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February 28, 2007
Podango gains iLifeZone
New media publishing platform Podango has announced that it will join forces with podcasting pioneer Scott Bourne to bring the iLifeZone to its network.
The iLifeZone is a podcast which provides information and advice to all Mac users, including tips and news for the iPod, the iPhone and Apple television, as well as laptops and computers.
Meanwhile, Podango gives users a platform to create, syndicate, manage and monetise their podcasting content for the iPod.
Mr Bourne said: "The iLifeZone is working together with Podango because Podango offers a superior listener experience.
"New media publishing requires the ability to super-serve your audience - we're excited that we'll be able to utilise Podango's innovative podcast platform for our listeners' benefit."
Lee Gibbons, chief executive officer of Podango, added that the decision to move the iLifeZone to Podango marks "the beginning of a trend" for podcasters.
In related news, Sony has created two new digital voice recorders, the ICD-P520 and ICD-P530F, which contain a podcast-creation capability.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:40 AM
February 27, 2007
Lifepop creates pet-carrying speaker box
Lifepop has created a pet carrier that doubles as an iPod speaker box, so that users can take both their music and their pooch wherever they go.
The 2007 Beat Generation Stereo Pet Carrier was first introduced to celebrities as they stayed at the Roosevelt Hotel during the Oscars last week.
Able to connect to any iPod or laptop and any MP3, DVD, CD or PSP player, the carrier also doubles as a "roomy" travel bag that can hold all the user's essentials while on a plane, or a gym bag to hold sports gear.
The group said: "Lifepop creates fashion-forward accessories that are recognised as a successful hybrid of fashion, music and technology, creating its own divergent product category unlike any other."
Meanwhile, the Apple television is due to be launched in March, rather than the original date set this month, according to the Associated Press.
The streaming product is designed to move digital content from a user's computer to their television set.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:42 AM
February 26, 2007
Texas A&M introduces iTunes U service
Texas A&M has become the first public university in its state to introduce the iTunes U service for students.
A free hosted programme, the scheme allows students to gain access to educational content relevant to their courses via their iPods and teaches professors how to convert their lectures into podcasts.
Diane McDonald, associate director for marketing and communications at the university, told the Battalion: "It's a great tool for reaching students that enables them to have course material and other information on the go for the mobile community."
Ryan Gosewehr, a senior communication major, added that listening to audiobooks and lectures on an iPod is an improvement to conventional reading.
A survey at Duke University showed that 75 per cent of first-year students use their iPods for academic work, with professors stating that they seem more engaged in classes when iPods are permitted.
Meanwhile, a children's book podcast has been set up to advise parents on a selection of titles.
The podcast, entitled Childrensbookradio.com, is hosted by Sabrina Weissler, a mother of twins.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:35 AM
February 23, 2007
Van Hauser creates iSuperCharger
Van Hauser has created a four-in-one charger for the iPod, enabling users to charge any variety of iPod - from the mini to the nano - from almost any available power source.
The iSuperCharger contains a car charger, AC wall charger, USB charger and a nine-volt battery charger.
Emson TV said: "Finally - four different power supplies in one - so your iPod never runs out of power!
"Completely portable, the iPod SuperCharger charges and runs your iPod at home, at your computer, in your car or on the go - anywhere!"
The compact device can be carried in a handbag, backpack, briefcase or pocket.
Retailing at $39.95 (£20.40), the product is certified with a Made for iPod stamp.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:49 AM
February 22, 2007
Life Fitness integrates iPod
Life Fitness, the exercise equipment manufacturer, has announced that it will integrate iPod sockets into its new products.
In response to the popularity of the iPod as a workout aid, the group will provide iPod connectivity, enabling users to charge their MP3 players while watching videos stored on the device and controlling multimedia.
The equipment's LCD screen will also include menu screens and options.
John Stransky, president of Life Fitness, said: "We are excited to introduce products that take the integrated entertainment experience to the next level.
"In the last decade Life Fitness has led the revolution in merging entertainment with exercise equipment, so it's only fitting for us to offer the integration with the iPod, which many of our customers use while they exercise."
The first product of this kind will be available in March.
With over 90 million units being sold since 2001, the Apple iPod is the leader of the portable media market.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:37 AM
February 21, 2007
Speck produces TechStyle Puck Case
Speck Products has created the TechStyle Puck Case for the second-generation iPod shuffle.
Aiming to keep the iPod shuffle "safe and tangle-free", according to the group, the durable case provides protection while the interior cable system keeps the headphones wrapped.
The case, made from hard-moulded PVC foam, fits inside a handbag, briefcase or suitcase.
Speck said: "Simply snap the shuffle in, zip it up and toss it into your purse, briefcase or luggage for easy travel."
TechStyle Puck Case retails at $19.95 (£10).
The iPod shuffle is "the world's smallest digital music player" and can hold up to 240 songs.
It is available in a variety of colours, including silver, pink, green, blue and orange.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:57 AM
February 20, 2007
Andy Murray 'psyches himself up with iPod music'
Tennis star Andy Murray has revealed that he listens to his iPod to psyche himself up for matches.
After beating the six-foot ten-inch Croat Ivo Karlovic to defend his SAP Open title in San Jose yesterday, the Scottish player thanked Meatloaf for his inspiration, according to the Daily Record.
The 19-year-old won the winning match hours before his older brother Jamie won his first men's doubles trophy alongside Eric Butorac.
Admitting to owning Meatloaf iPod tracks, he said: "I have been listening to a bit of Meatloaf.
"A few of my friends find it a little bit sad but I like it - Bat Out Of Hell is a quality song."
The star added that the day was "the proudest" of his life after watching Jamie win.
Jamie and Andy Murray are the first brothers to have won singles and doubles titles in the same tournament since Emilio and Javier Sanchez in 1989 at Kitzbuhl, Austria.
Andy is a 2-1 favourite to be BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:32 AM
February 19, 2007
In-flight iPods
Passengers on a Mexican budget airline are being given the chance to plug in and tune in to iPods in the air, with the distinctive mp3 players being made available to borrow during flights.
Budget airline Volaris is making iPods part of the overall in-flight experience in a bid to improve comfort and quality for its low-cost passengers. The move to introduce iPods to the sky comes ahead of many larger airlines who have been considering introducing in-flight iPods.
Earlier this month the airline began distributing 30 gig iPods for free use, but will soon start charging for the service.
Unlike plans outlined by some larger airlines, the Volaris iPods are not integrated into airplane seats. However public relations officer Alfonso Collantes is confident that this will not prove a problem for the foreseeable future.
"We're the first to use iPods," he told Reuters. "We like it because no one else has it.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:41 AM
February 16, 2007
HouseParty III iPod speakers launched by Gear4
Gear4 has created a new iPod speaker system, the HouseParty III.
Costing under £80, the latest in the HouseParty range delivers 30-watt sound and has a built-in FM radio and line-in port.
The speakers also include an LED display and a retractable dock.
A remote control is also provided.
Gear4 said of its new product: "Its sleek design fits superbly into any room of the house, so you can sit back and enjoy your crystal clear tunes in style."
HouseParty III charges the user's iPod while playing and is compatible with all dock-connecting iPods and other portable music players.
The group recently launched its BluEye hands-free mobile connection which "seamlessly connects with your mobile phone via Bluetooth".
Stuff.tv voted the BluEye as its gadget of the week.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:40 AM
February 15, 2007
SwimMan waterproofs iPod shuffle
SwimMan has remodelled the iPod shuffle to make it into a 100 per cent waterproof MP3 player.
According to Coolest Gadgets, the group has waterproofed each part of the device and created waterproof headphones, to give swimmers the chance to clock up lengths at the pool while listening to their favourite tunes.
The iPod shuffle with SwimMan's waterproofing technology and headphones is available for $250 (£128).
SwimMan told Applelinks: "This is a go anywhere, do anything MP3 player for all sports and leisure activities on land or in the water - and it is the easiest, simplest to use, best-sounding, most rugged and most versatile MP3 player on the market worldwide."
The group added that the device can be carried in the pool, in the rain, in the snow, on the beach and in the shower and has a full warranty.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 10:03 AM
February 14, 2007
Help available for iPod users
NotePage has created a tool for those who require help with understanding their iPods.
The downloadable pdf - accessible at feedforall.com/ipod-tutorial.pdf - includes screenshots for assisting amateur users with setting up the basics, while the free iPod tutorial gives more advanced users the knowledge they need to take advantage of the device's hidden features.
Differences between iPod models are described and technical jargon is deciphered by the tutorial.
Meanwhile, free video tutorials are available at ipodhowtovideo.com, hosted by ifixipodsfast.com,which also has a forum for asking questions about DIY iPod repairs.
This website has several videos for each generation of iPod except the nano and helps the iPod user to do everything from replacing the battery to performing complex LCD surgeries.
ARStechnica said: "The videos themselves, while clearly amateur affairs, are clear and complete both in terms of content and video quality."
The website ifixipodsfast.com offers iPod parts and services "at reasonable prices".
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:52 AM
February 13, 2007
iSkin for iPod nano launched
A new iPod accessory has been launched, in the shape of the iSkin for iPod nano.
Costing $30 (£15.38), the new product is essentially the same as the recently-created iSkin Duo, made from half rubber and half plastic.
The standard iSkin includes three interchangeable rubber skins, with a Cruise pack containing these in pink, red and clear and a Chill pack containing purple, blue and clear models.
Meanwhile, the Groove pack includes white, black and clear skins.
The iSkin uses a two-part design, with a protective inner layer made of a soft, flexible silicone rubber and a clear outer plastic shell called a Visor which has a screen cover to attach to the nano's face.
iSkin also comes with a Universal Dock Adapter, allowing the user to plug the device in while inside its case.
The previously launched iSkin Duo "comes in eight awesome colour combinations that include glow-in-the-dark".
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:44 AM
February 12, 2007
Swarovski designs iPod earphones
Swarovski has designed iPod earphones with the appearance of earrings.
Available in clear, gold, red, sapphire, light sapphire, fuschia and light pink, the crystal-encrusted earphones retail at a cost of £19.99.
The group offers a wide selection of products, including watches, bracelets, evening bags, hair jewels, keyrings, iPod and phone accessories, in addition to leather goods and home accessories.
Actress Emma Thompson recently attended the Toronto film festival carrying a Swarovski Collector Bag, while rising Chinese star Ziyi Zhang took her Power Bag, also created by the group.
Other evening bags designed by Swarovski include the Bacio Purple Evening Bag, costing €422 (£281), as well as the Beauty Gold Evening Bag, which retails at €298 (£199).
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse charms are also available, to attach to mobile phones.
The group describes its style as "exquisite" and its quality as "unsurpassed".
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:38 AM
February 09, 2007
State senator proposes iPod rules
A New York state senator has proposed measures to ensure the safe use of electronic items such as iPods as residents walk around the city.
Carl Kruger has suggested that anyone who is plugged in to their MP3 player while crossing the road should be fined $100 (£51.35), in an attempt to prevent "iPod oblivion".
The ban would entail removing earphones while at crossings and would apply to MP3 players, mobile phones and Blackberry devices.
However, blogs such as the Unofficial Apple Weblog have suggested that a PR campaign urging people to turn down their music could be used to achieve the same objectives, rather than incriminating iPod users.
"Perhaps, instead of criminalising stupidity - which rarely works - a targeted PR campaign on the subways could remind iPod users to turn down and tune in while they navigate the mean streets," one writer on the website said.
Meanwhile, state senator Kruger said that the government "has an obligation to protect its citizenry".
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 10:02 AM
February 08, 2007
Apple calls for abandonment of DRM
Apple has said that it will give users of other MP3 players access to its iTunes store if record labels abandon their anti-piracy technology.
The US software giant and iPod creator currently prevents rival portable players from importing music sold through iTunes.
Meanwhile, other MP3 brands block downloads to iPods through the Digital Rights Management (DRM) software.
Phil Leigh, senior analyst at Inside Digital Media, told Forbes: "Digital music has entered the mainstream.
"The restrictions [the labels] require Apple and others to carry are preventing the market from developing to its full potential."
EMI Music has experimented with the DRM-free format, releasing songs by Lily Allen and Norah Jones.
A spokeswoman said that the feedback from fans has been "very enthusiastic".
In an open letter posted on the Apple's website, chief executive Steve Jobs commented that ditching DRM is "clearly the best alternative for customers".
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:50 AM
February 07, 2007
Pimped Out John complete with iPod facilities
Roto-Rooter is giving away a luxury toilet facility, complete with iPod music player and speakers.
For those who like to spend a few private hours a day locked away in the lavatory, the US plumbing firm's Pimped Out John also has an Xbox video game console, a refrigerator filled with drinks and snacks and a cycling exercise machine.
The group has asserted that the fully-equipped toilet will "fulfil all your wildest bathroom dreams", enabling the user to listen to his or her iPod, play computer games or keep fit, all while responding to the call of nature.
Steven Pollyea, vice-president of marketing for the group, said: "The bathroom is the perfect place for your very own throne - it shouldn't always be regarded as the room of last resort."
He added that the average person spends 11,862 hours in the bathroom during a lifetime, equating to one year, four months and five days, stating that the room should be the home's "most wonderful location".
Any US resident is eligible to enter the sweepstake for the toilet, by visiting rotorooter.com before April 2nd.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:54 AM
February 06, 2007
Apple and Apple 'settle 15-year dispute'
Apple, the iPod creator, has resolved its dispute with The Beatles' label Apple Corps, leading the way for the group to sell its MP3 players pre-loaded with tunes.
Wired has reported that the agreement - giving Steve Jobs' company rights to the Apple trademark - will drive the iPod to become "the new CD", to be made available with albums or complete catalogues of bands' music.
The group was unable to offer this due to a 15-year contract between itself and Apple Corps, which prevented Apple from acting as a music company and selling "physical media delivering pre-recorded content".
As Apple will now be permitted to load sample tunes on to the iPod, it is speculated that labels may battle to deliver new singles in this format.
Meanwhile, both companies have declined to comment on whether the Fab Four's catalogue of songs will be available any time soon.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:35 AM
February 05, 2007
Sony launches iPod accessory
Sony is set to launch an own-branded iPod accessory - a docking station.
Named CPF-IP001, the device will be the first product made available by the company which offers a total audio service.
The US market will see the iPod accessory go on sale in March, with prices set to be around $250 (£150).
Although the first object of its type on the market from Sony, the company has previously launched the CPF-1X001 - a device which enables music streamed through a computer to be translated through the speakers, notes InfoWorld.
Also, the CPF-NW001 is a dock for the Network Walkman systems.
The CPF-IP001 takes the shape of an elongated triangle with speakers along one surface, while the iPod sits on a platform in the centre.
Additionally, Mobile Magazine notes that the iPod accessory comes equipped with a remote control.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:47 AM
February 02, 2007
New iPod dock from Logic3
Logic3 has launched a new iPod docking system for the ubiquitous portable music player, adding to the ever-growing pile of iPod accessories available for owners.
Dubbed the i-Station Traveller the new iPod dock offers portability and simple functionality, connecting to iPods via a line-in cable.
Despite the obvious link to the iPod family the i-Station Traveller is actually compatible with any music playback device that has line-out capabilities.
Available in six colours (green, red, white, blue, purple and black) the new iPod accessory is designed to be fun, functional and stylish, meeting the needs of iPod owners looking to shares their tunes on the go. It's relatively small 'pocket' size also offers full portability.
The system operates on four AAA batteries to generate a respectable four watts of power and is expected to retail at roughly £20.
Logic3 has previously launched a range of iPod speakers tailored specifically for iPods including the i-Station 7, complete with remote control.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:43 AM
iPods 'can help workers to concentrate'
New reports suggest that far from providing a source of distraction for people on the job, iPods might actually help workers to concentrate better while in the office.
Recent research carried out by Harris Interactive indicates that a large majority of US workers believe that iPodshelp them concentrate and subsequently boost productivity, rather than distracting them from the task at hand.
In total, 80 per cent of respondents agreed that listening to iPods improved satisfaction and performance at work. Many argue that iPods offer the ideal cover to distracting workplace sounds, muffling the overall buzz of a place of work that some find distracting in itself.
Since the iPod first went on sale in 2001 somewhere in the region of 90 million units have been sold, generating billions of dollars in sales.
With so many people owning an iPod the giveaway white iPod headphones could become a common feature of many workplaces in the future, especially if employers accept that staff are tuning in to get more work done.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:40 AM
February 01, 2007
Simon Cowell and other Britons 'unable to use an iPod'
Simon Cowell, the X-Factor and American Idol judge, has admitted that he does not know how to use an iPod.
The 47-year-old has reportedly said that he doesn't listen to music at home.
He said: "Guys reach a point in our lives when we prefer television to music.
"If you work at a fish and chip shop, you're not going to eat fish and chips at night."
Mr Cowell claimed that he does not want to listen to people "murdering" Stevie Wonder's music all day and then put it on an iPod.
Meanwhile, a survey conducted by online payment service PayPal has shown that 25 to 34-year-olds tend to be more "baffled" by technology than the 16 to 24-year-old category.
Some 36 per cent of this older age group own an MP3 player, compared to 70 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds.
The survey also revealed that 77 per cent of all respondents said they did not know how to set a DVR, with one in three also unable to set the video recorder.
PayPal has dedicated a website to testing and improving the UK's technology knowledge, which it has entitled TQ.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:50 AM