May 2007 Archives
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May 31, 2007
iTunes Plus provides 'better quality' sound
Music fans have been given the chance to download better quality recordings of their favourite songs to their iPods, thanks to Apple's new iTunes Plus service.
The DRM free tracks will feature 256 kbps AAC encoding to ensure that playback quality from an iPod is almost indistinguishable from the original recordings.
Initially tracks available via iTunes Plus will come from EMI's digital catalogue, which features artists such as the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Paul McCartney, Coldplay and John Coltrane.
The higher quality recordings will cost 99p each, but people who have already bought the songs from iTunes will be able to upgrade for 20p a track or £2.00 for a complete album.
Apple will continue to offer its existing five million-song catalogue via its regular iTunes service for 79p a track, but work is already underway to upgrade much of it to the higher quality recordings.
Steve Jobs, Apple's chief executive officer, said: "Our customers are very excited about the freedom and amazing sound quality of iTunes Plus. We expect more than half of the songs on iTunes will be offered in iTunes Plus versions by the end of this year."
Meanwhile, Apple has also launched iTunes U, a service which allows students to download lectures, language lessons and lab demonstrations from leading US universities to their iPods free of charge.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:53 AM
May 30, 2007
iPod compatible portable DVD on the way
Philips yesterday announced the launch of two new iPod compatible portable DVD players.
The electronics giants' DCP750 and DCP850 contain integrated iPod docks which will allow users to access video, music and photos stored on the media player.
With the DVD players coming with seven and eight inch screens respectively, their use will permit iPod owners to view video content in widescreen.
The dock is embedded into the DVD player to allow the iPod to lie flat, ensuring it does not interfere with viewing.
Both models come with a rechargeable battery powerful enough to provide two-and-a-half hours of viewing, as well as an in-car adaptor to permit battery-free operation on the move.
Philips anticipates the new players going on sale during June, with the DCP750 set to cost £149 and the bigger DCP850 coming in at £199.
Meanwhile, Sharp Electronics has launched a pair of new iPod docking stereos.
The DK-A1H and the DK-A10H come complete with AUX input and video output to enable connection to home entertainment systems, allowing users to view iPod stored videos on their televisions.
Like Philips' new offerings, the stereos are set to go on sale during June, with the likely retail price £150 and £200 respectively.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:45 AM
May 29, 2007
Steering wheel remote for iPod launched
Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) has announced the launch of its TransDock Deluxe in-car iPod entertainment system.
TransDock Deluxe allows music stored on the driver's iPod to be played through their car's FM stereo and comes with a handy RF remote control.
The control can be attached to either side of the steering wheel, permitting drivers to change tracks and adjust volume without taking their eyes off the road.
As well as music, the device allows videos stored on an iPod to be played via an in-car video system.
Rick Case, executive vice president of sales for DLO, predicted that the TransDock Deluxe would become a must-have accessory for the "discerning iPod user".
"No other FM transmitter on the market includes such a wide array of valuable features, specifically a steering wheel remote control," added Mr Case.
The TransDock Deluxe, which comes with an insert to allow use with the iPod Nano, will retail at $130 (£65).
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:57 AM
May 25, 2007
DAB set to arrive for iPod users
A first ever DAB/FM plug-in radio for iPods will be available by the autumn, the Digital Radio Development Bureau has revealed.
Roberts Radio and Frontier Silicon are developing the device, which will allow listeners to tune into digital or FM radio stations through their iPod.
News of the plug-in's imminent arrival was welcomed by representatives of the radio industry, who view it as a genuine opportunity to expand their audiences.
Jenny Abramsky, director of BBC Audio & Music, said: "I am delighted that the first ever DAB/FM plug-in for iPods will be launched later this year bringing radio to our audiences where they want and when they want it."
The device is expected to cost £49.99.
Meanwhile, Belkin has launched the TuneCommand AV - a dock station and remote control that allows users to play iPod content through their television or home entertainment system - in the UK.
The device, which is compatible with all 5G video and photo iPods, iPod video, iPod nano and iPod mini, will retail at £64.99.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:11 AM
May 24, 2007
iPod shuffle cordless headphones launched
Monster Cable has announced the launch of its iFreePlay cordless headphones for the iPod shuffle.
The product features an exclusive iDock port that means the iPod shuffle can be connected directly into the headphones, dispensing with the need for cords.
Noel Lee, a spokesman for Monster, said the iFreeplay is the perfect iPod Shuffle accessory for gym users, as people would not have to worry about headphone cords or where to put their media player while exercising.
He added: "The sleek wrap-around design is not only durable. It is comfortable too. This design makes for easy access to all iPod shuffle controls."
The headphones, which weigh just 1.6 ounces, are priced at $49.95 (£25.15).
Monster also manufactures a range of other iPod accessories which are already available in the UK.
They include the iCarPlay wireless transmitter, which enables people to connect their iPod to their car stereo, and the ultra low-profile iCharger, which allows users to charge an iPod via their car's cigarette lighter.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 10:04 AM
May 23, 2007
Work only for iPod civil servants
Twenty senior Home Office officials have been given iPods, but they will not have the chance to download their favourite tracks.
Instead the gadgets will be used for training, with the video iPods preloaded with 50 three to five-minute films about leadership.
The technology for the pilot project cost almost £9,000, but a Home Office spokeswoman insisted the "flexible learning" offered by the iPod system is good value for money compared to traditional classroom teaching.
Quizzed about the thorny issue of whether the top civil servants would be able to add their own choice of music and videos, the spokeswoman added: "As with all Home Office IT equipment, the video iPods should be used appropriately, for work purposes, and will be monitored accordingly."
Meanwhile, USA Today has included the iPod on a list of 25 inventions that have changed our lives in the past 25 years, describing it as the "coolest and easiest to use" portable digital music player.
Posted by ipodworld at 09:35 AM
May 22, 2007
iTrip Pocket ships
The new, pocket-sized FM transmitter from Griffin Technology is now shipping, it has been announced.
Entitled the iTrip Pocket, the new device lets iPod users listen wirelessly to FM radio in their car and works with a variety of dock connector iPod models, including the fifth generation iPod with video, the first generation iPod nano and fourth generation iPod.
The iTrip Pocket broadcasts the audio signal from the iPod to any user-selected FM frequency.
Mobile Tech Review commented: "As with previous iTrip models, setup is a simple 1-2-3-step process. 1. Find an unused FM station on your car radio; 2. Tune iTrip to the same frequency; 3. Enjoy your music, free from the tyranny of headphones."
A new feature supplied with the iTrip pocket is a preset button that allows the user to pre-select open FM frequencies and recall them.
Griffin's SmartDisplay Technology is also included, showing frequency information directly on the user's iPod screen.
The iTrip Pocket retails at $49.99 (£25.35).
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:23 AM
May 21, 2007
Bahamas marriage to become iWedding
An American couple getting married in the Bahamas have decided to organise their music schedule using an iPod and their own portable speakers, instead of a DJ or a band.
The Post Gazette reported that Theresa Leone and her fiance James will cruise from Florida to Paradise Island with their 50 guests, to undertake the ceremony followed by a cocktail reception on the beach.
Colin Cowie, celebrity wedding planner, said the plan was "a great idea".
"If you want to save money, it's a great way to do it - the only thing that's important is that you have good taste in music."
Meanwhile, some wedding planners have begun to use the iPod's image-storing function for proofing wedding photos and iPod videos stored on engraved iPods to store the wedding film, the newspaper reported.
Last week, the New Haven Register reported that brides and grooms are taking advantage of technology by setting up wedding blogs for their family and friends and creating webcasts of the ceremony.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:41 AM
May 18, 2007
Apple receives FCC approval for iPhone
Apple has received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for the upcoming iPhone.
The FCC certification, which must be awarded to any cellular phone before it hits the US market, has given Apple the green light to proceed with its launch this June.
Mark Siegel, spokesman for AT&T's Cingular which has an exclusive contract to distribute the phone, told the Associated Press: "We're on track to release it in late June.
"Nothing has changed."
The iPhone will combine a mobile phone with the market-leading iPod media player and has a touch-screen display.
Meanwhile, a European poll conducted by Canalys found that nearly half the respondents that own iPods would consider buying an iPhone next time they choose a mobile phone.
Other popular brands cited by the adults in Italy, Spain, France, Germany and the UK included Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung and Motorola.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:52 AM
May 17, 2007
Website launched to salvage broken iPods
A website has been launched in the US to give consumers the chance to replace their broken iPod s for less money.
Entitled iRepair, the store offers an alternative solution to buying a "brand new iPod ".
Matt Bremner, the founder of iRepair, said: "We look forward to offering a second solution to avoid putting out more cash on a brand new iPod .
"This could save so many units that are not nearly close to their last legs from being tossed into landfills."
The group has made it its task to restore the iPods to their owners with working screens, longer-lasting battery life and responsive click wheels.
Battery installation, LCD replacement and hard drive upgrades are all dealt with by the group.
Beginning as a Canadian online business in February last year, the company now has two stores in Toronto and a new outlet in Brentwood, US.
The websites also offer iPod accessories, including nano cases and portable speakers.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:41 AM
May 16, 2007
Colour change for iPod users
Apple customers can now personalise their iPod videos and iPod nanos by changing the colours on the gadget's display, it has been reported.
Crunch Gear has published a step-by-step guide on how to alter the colours and fonts on the device.
By opening iPW on the mp3 and following the website's instructions, it is possible to re-programme the iPod to show the menu and other screens in different colours.
Coolest Gadgets stated: "Changing how you see your iPod makes it a special thing just for you.
"Personalised colours and fonts give you the ability to add your own individuality to the little device - and in the grand scheme of things make everyone who does not have an iPod very jealous."
Dates and calendars in the iPod can also be changed to the user's favourite colours, according to aLtglLasS.
Meanwhile, San-X has created a Phone Bed, complete with tiny slipper screen-cleaners to keep an iPod or mobile phone protected overnight, mad4mobilephones reported.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:33 AM
May 15, 2007
Apple's iPhone 'to boost high-end phone market'
The iPhone, developed by the iPod maker Apple, will boost the market for high-end mobile phones, it has been claimed.
Nokia, the mobile phone retail giant, has stated that the highly anticipated new model will whet the public’s appetite for pricier phones featuring music and video facilities.
Chief finance officer for the group told PC Pro: "The consumer hasn't had a lot of choice to go out and purchase these kind of higher-end, feature-rich multimedia devices.
"If that can help that market grow, I think that gives us an opportunity."
The iPhone is Apple's biggest investment into the $145 billion consumer electronics industry, according to the publication.
Nokia stated that it has been working on the multimedia market for some time and will challenge the iPhone with its N73 and N95 handsets when it debuts in the US this summer.
Meanwhile, Electronics Weekly has reported that Sun Microsystems is to compete with the iPhone when it launches its JavaX mobile phone software system for next generation phones.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 10:08 AM
Gamers' Day arrives in San Diego
Sony's latest Gamers' Day is taking place in San Diego this week, combining PSP and PS3 news with games samples and announcements.
The three-day event will feature "a slew of first and third-party games", according to Kotaku.
A contest will also take place, with Game Critics Judges selecting the best of E3 winners.
The last Gamers' Day held by Sony took place in San Francisco, with the PlayStation Network Platform, "the PS3's answer to Xbox Live', being announced, according to Gamespot.
PALGN has predicted that this week's Gamers' Day will see the announcement of a rumoured firmware update change log, including expanded support for RSS channels, the ability to add your photo as wallpaper and expanded PS2 emulation.
Listed in the speculated features are the Energy Saver and Equaliser functions.
Posted by ipodworld at 10:06 AM
May 14, 2007
Nike launches iPod nano accessories
Nike has launched a range of watches to complement the iPod nano.
The Flight+ was released on May 1st, featuring volume and track controls built into a "rocking bezel" around the backlit screen.
Available in two colours, it enables the user to play back the Nike + iPod voice feedback.
Meanwhile, the lower-end Amp+ has an LED display which can show the time or the iPod control status.
An iPod Shuffle accessory control pad is also included, for adjusting the volume, using the playback function or accessing the Nike Sport kit.
The Aero+ is a "male version" of the Flight+, according to Portalino.
Nike is also launching a Nike Speed+ kit for men and for women, which will cost $130 (£66) and will include a USB receiver for downloading statistics.
The Flight+ and the Aero+ will both retail at around $130, while the Amp+ costs $80.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:23 AM
May 11, 2007
Disney reports strong sales through iTunes
The Walt Disney Company has reported strong sales of its iTunes Store content, with 23.7 million television episodes and two million films from the group being downloaded onto iPods in the most recent fiscal quarter.
According to Disney chief executive Bob Iger, some 500,000 of the group's movies were sold on iTunes between September 2006 - when they were launched on the site - and November 2006.
Disney's ABC television subsidiary had sold an additional 12 million television shows through the iTunes service.
The group is expecting major revenue from the third instalment of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise and Ratatouille, Pixar's latest animated feature.
Meanwhile, the Disney Mix brand is expanding with the launch of an online media store, Disney Mix Central, where parents can help their children access Disney favourites.
The site offers songs and music videos from Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records, as well as podcasts from the Disney Channel.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:41 AM
May 10, 2007
Podcasts to help housing industry professionals
Housing industry professionals can now use their iPods to pick up tips on how to market properties.
BuilderRadio.com provides podcasts featuring a series of practical perspectives from the housing industry's experts.
Topics that can be downloaded to the iPod include design trends, marketing tips, effective websites, public relations ideas, lead management systems, advertising tips and model merchandising.
Jerry Rouleau, founder of the group, said: "Housing sales professionals can now learn from some of the best experts in the industry without having to travel and all the related expenses.
"The podcast and the subscription programmes are great tools for your next sales meeting."
Subscribers to the service will receive a monthly, hour-long audio excerpt from the programme Experts on the Issues.
Meanwhile, some 2.5 million adults in the UK, accounting for 18 per cent of mp3 player owners, have used their device to download podcasts, according to a survey compiled by Rajar.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:42 AM
May 09, 2007
Honestech creates conversion device
Honestech has created a device which can convert videos to other formats, making them viewable on the iPod.
The VHS to DVD 3.0 Deluxe includes a burning-after-recording feature, useful for converting videos longer than 30 minutes, while recording is adjustable and can change the desired section of film into a clip.
It can also convert cassette tapes and LP records to MP3 files for the iPod and other players, as well as audio CDs.
The plug-and-play USB My-Vidbox makes it possible to capture both audio and video through USB 2.0 with speeds up to 480 megabits without connecting an extra audio cable.
Honestech's products, which include an internet protocol television and camera kit for remote viewing entitled My IPTV & Cam Anywhere, a video surveillance system Video Patrol 5.0 and a Fireman 3.0 CD/DVD Burner, are available both online and at leading retailers.
The VHS to DVD 3.0 software is available for $79.99 (£40).
Meanwhile, a website developed by professors at the University of Pennsylvania, PennSound, is offering free downloads of poetry for the iPod.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:40 AM
May 08, 2007
iRunners to test out new accessories
Those in training for the Great Manchester Run on May 20th may be interested in testing out a selection of iPod accessories released by Apple and Nike last year.
A Nike + iPod Sport Kit teamed with a pair of Nike+ shoes and an iPod nano can make the wearer's running yet more satisfying as they are enabled to record data to calculate their activity.
The Nike+ running shoes feature a built-in pocket under the insole which is specially created to work alongside the Nike + iPod sensor.
Meanwhile, the sensor uses an accelerometer to measure the runner's activity and transfer it wirelessly to the receiver on the iPod nano.
The nano can hold 1,000 songs and is compact and light enough to carry on the run.
Sports clothes that integrate pockets for iPods with sweat-proof fabrics are available from a variety of companies, including ScotteVest, which offers a short-sleeved shirt and Gracie, which has launched sports bras and tank tops featuring iPod pockets.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:29 AM
May 04, 2007
Apple to go greener
Apple has announced plans to become more environmentally conscious, gradually eliminating toxic substances from the manufacturing components it uses to create iPods and other devices.
The group has included a new A Greener Apple logo on its main webpage.
Steve Jobs, chief executive officer of iPod Apple, said: "We tend to talk about the things we have just accomplished but that this policy didn't work with green issues and left both shareholders and customers in the dark.
"Today we're changing our policy."
He added that the group is committed to implementing environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods in the next year, including abolishing its use of arsenic in displays and, eventually, its use of mercury.
Greenpeace has welcomed the announcement, stating that it looks forward to working with the greener Apple and to "the greening of the entire electronics industry".
It also praised the group's initiative in the US, where customers can return their old Apple products for recycling.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:56 AM
May 03, 2007
Findley Designs creates iPod Access Photo v1.0
Findley Designs has announced the immediate availability of iPod Access Photo version 1.0 for the Mac OSX and Windows Vista XP2000.
The new device is the "complete solution" to viewing and retrieving photos stored on iPod players.
It features support for Mac OSX 10.3.9 or higher and support for Windows Vista, Windows 2000 and Win XP.
While working with all iPods that support photos, the device can disable iTunes Photo Sync, automatically use the highest resolution available, view photos by album, display a full size preview in application and copy all photos in one click.
Findley Designs said: "iPod Access Photo version one is the perfect companion to iPod Access version 4.
"With both programmes installed on your computer you have complete control over all the media on your iPod that is important to you."
The group also offers iPod Access for Mac OSX, the "leading iPod music and video transfer application", in addition to iPod Access for Windows v4.0.4 and Movie Montage for Mac OS X v3.2.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:36 AM
May 02, 2007
iPod shuffle available in "brilliant" choice of colours
The iPod shuffle is now available in five "brilliant" colours, Apple has announced.
Holding up to 240 songs within its one-gigabyte flash memory, the shuffle measures half a cubic inch and weighs half an ounce.
It features an aluminium design with a built-in clip to attach to clothes or to a bag.
The iPod shuffle is now being retailed in a choice of blue, pink, green, orange or silver at a cost of $79 (£40).
Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice-president of worldwide iPod product marketing, said: "iPod shuffle is the world's most wearable digital music player.
"Music fans can now choose iPod shuffle in one of five brilliant colours, or they can buy one of each."
The device has up to 12 hours of battery life and enables users to shuffle their songs in random order or listen to selected albums.
Apple announced last month that it has sold a total of 100 million iPods since its launch in 2001, making it the fastest-selling music player ever.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:34 AM
May 01, 2007
Power Support creates new case
Power Support has created a new case for the second-generation iPod nano.
The Power Support Illusion Case for iPod nano has an "attractive, eye-catching case design" and also provides protection for the device, according to iLounge.
It features a detachable clip and is available in both silver and gold.
The Illusion has a translucent mirrored film on the front and rear shells, while its separate front and back plates snap together over the nano to create a reflective look.
Brighter nano colours such as pink, blue and green shine through the mirrored screen, giving the case a "tinted" effect.
Illusion cases are also available for the iPod five-gigabyte with Video.
The group assures that the clear faceplate will not distort the iPod video screen.
Power Support also offers a selection of mobile iPod stands, Kimono cases and screen films for the iPod.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:45 AM