February 2008 Archives
« January 2008 | Main | March 2008 »
February 29, 2008
Swiss firm launches iPod audio systems
A Swiss electronics firm has unveiled a new range of audio systems designed for use with the iPod.
Geneva Lab's new Sound System's are available in several sizes, with the company stating that the designs were created with the help of musicians and the music industry.
As well as offering iPod connectivity, the systems also all feature a CD player and an FM radio tuner for those who want the option to listen to music through other mediums rather than their portable music players, Tech.co.uk reports.
The website states that the 25-watt version of the system is set to retail for £500, while the 50-watt and the 100-watt models will be available for £800 and £1,500 respectively.
News of Geneva's new systems has come after Krell announced that its own high-end KID device, which the company has described as "the world's best sounding iPod dock", is to be released in the UK.
The dock, which is designed to give users the best possible sound from their iPods when playing tunes through their hi-fi, will retail for around £1,350.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:48 AM
Austrian designers release new iPod sleeves
Two Austrian designers who work for the Working Class Heroes fashion label have unveiled a new sleeve designed to protect the iPod touch.
Created using wool felt and aniline leather, the cases also feature a band which allows people to store their earphones and a cardholder which means people don't need to carry their wallet around when listening to tunes on the move.
According to Refinery 29.com, the new protective sleeves retail for around $50 (£25).
Speaking to the website, Working Class Heroes founder James Teal said that the new designs were "worlds away from the plastic and neoprene offerings typically found in the market".
He added: "We were inspired by the past, when handcrafted items were almost an everyday commodity."
The launch of the designer cases has come after iFrogz also released a new sleeve for the iPod nano which features an in-built speaker.
Available in a variety of colours, the cases retail in the US for $25 (£13).
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:46 AM
February 28, 2008
US university to offer iPods to students
It has been reported that a university in the US is planning to give some of its students free iPods and iPhones.
The Abilene Christian University (ACU) has announced that it is to offer its first-year pupils the devices in order to keep them up-to-date with information on the education facility.
Homework alerts and directions to their professors' offices are among the facilities which will be made available to people given the wireless enabled devices.
The university's chief information officer Kevin Roberts said that the move was not just to provide "cutting-edge technology tools" to its students.
He explained: "We are also providing the web applications that ensure these tools will become critical to the students' learning experience."
Last month, it was announced that UK exam board OCR's new syllabus for A-level media studies including plans for pupils to submit some of their coursework as video of audio podcasts compatible with the iPod.
The exam board said the move had been made to "engage and inspire" pupils to produce creative projects.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:44 AM
Encyclopedia becomes iPod-compatible
The makers of one of the best known encyclopedia brands have announced that it has launched a new iPod-compatible version of the information source.
Britannica has said that it has created a new web application featuring a number of articles from the encyclopedia which is designed for use with both the iPhone and the iPod touch.
The online version of the information source includes thumbnails that expand to larger images and a full-text searching facility.
Commenting on the launch of the new application, Encyclopedia Britannica's senior vice-president Dan Smith said the system gave people the chance to get answers in "ways which weren't possible before".
He added that people want to "satisfy their curiosity the moment it's aroused", regardless of where they are.
Last month, Apple introduced several new mail, map and weather applications for the iPod touch and iPhone.
Steve Jobs, the company's chief executive, said that the new software gave the touch the potential to be "the best Wi-Fi mobile device in the world".
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:42 AM
February 27, 2008
iTunes continues growth
Apple has announced that its iTunes music store has grown in popularity to become the second biggest music retailer on the other side of the Atlantic.
The company has stated that new research by the NPD Group has found that the online store is now only behind retail giant Wal-Mart in terms of music sales in the US, with around 50 million customers.
It was also revealed that the store has sold around four billion songs, with around 20 million tunes sold on Christmas Day last year alone.
Eddy Cue, Apple's iTunes vice-president, said that the company would like to thank its customers for helping the store "reach this incredible milestone".
"We continue to add great new features like iTunes Movie Rentals to give our customers even more reason to love iTunes," he added.
Apple recently announced that it had struck a deal with the makers of the US show American Idol to make video and audio downloads of performances on the series available for download through the online music store.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:59 AM
New puzzle game launched for iPod
A new download for those who enjoy playing games on their iPods has been launched by developer Gameloft.
The company's Bubble Bash program is a new game in which players are challenged to complete over 100 levels against opponents that try to stop your character from exploring a tropical island.
Compatible with the nano, classic and fifth generation models of the iPod, the new game is available to download from iTunes for $4.99 (£2.50).
Gameloft's senior vice president of publishing, Gonzague de Vallois, said the company was "thrilled" to bring the game to the iPod.
He added: "The success of the game goes to show how original titles can really enhance and create a fresh experience in gaming for iPod owners who seek entertainment on the go."
The release of Bubble Bash has come after a new game based on the Pirates of the Caribbean film series was launched for the portable entertainment device.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Aegir's Fire is available to download from iTunes for around $5 (£2.57).
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:56 AM
February 26, 2008
New iPod-compatible clock radio launched
Sony has launched a new clock radio which can be used in conjunction with all models of both the iPod and the iPhone.
The ICF-ClipMK2 system features a dock that allows users of Apple's portable devices to connect the hardware to the clock radio and listen to their favourite tunes through the system.
As well as the iPod-compatible feature, which also allows people to charge their music players, the new system also comes with a remote control, as well as radio tuning and volume facilities.
The clock radio is set to be released in May and will retail for around $100 (£51).
Sony's latest iPod-compatible system has been released after Krell announced that its KID technology, described by the company as "the world's best iPod dock", is to be released in the UK.
The product, which has been designed to provide users with excellent sound quality when they link their iPod to a hi-fi, is expected to retail for around £1,350 when it hits British electronics retailers.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:55 AM
New iPod case with in-built speakers launched
A new iPod case designed to make it easier for music fans to listen to their favourite tunes on the move has been unveiled.
iFrogz new Audiowrapz case, which has been created for use with the iPod nano 3G, is made from silicon and features an embedded speaker that allows users to enjoy tunes without needing to use earphones.
The design of the case extends the length of the iPod by only an inch, while the speaker system can be connected to the music player via the device's headphone jack.
In a recent review by iProng, the website stated that the new case was "the kind of product that audiophiles will quickly dismiss, but the general public will love it to death".
The cases, which are available in a variety of colours, retail in the US for around $25 (£13).
iFrogz new case has been released after Digital Lifestyle Outfitters also launched a case for the iPod nano which features a kickstand to make it easier for people to watch videos on the device.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:52 AM
February 25, 2008
New in-car accessories for iPod released
A new device which offers a range of services to those who regularly use their iPods whilst driving has been launched.
The 6-in-1 Car Kit for the iPod allows users to enjoy their favourite tunes from the portable music players through their car radio via an FM transmitter, while it also charges the device through a connection to a car's cigarette lighter.
Gizmo News reports that the accessory, which can be used in conjunction with most iPod models, features an extra USB port, meaning users can also charge up mobile phones, PDAs and other mp3 players using the system.
In addition, people also do not need to take their eyes off the road to use the controls of the accessory, as it comes with a wireless remote control.
The release of the new accessory has come after Incase also released a new two-in-one charger which allows iPod users to charge their music player via both a car's cigarette lighter and a wall socket.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:57 AM
New iPod nano case with kickstand launched
A new case designed to both protect the iPod nano and make it easier for users to watch videos on the device has been launched.
Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) has unveiled the new VideoShell casing, which has been created specifically for use with the video-enabled third generation of the portable music player.
Made from transparent polycarbonate, the new accessory features a kickstand that slides out of its back, meaning iPod users can sit back and relax while enjoying videos on the move.
The company's product development director Marcia Germ said the new case "combines supreme functionality with solid protection from everyday nicks and scrapes".
It believes that the new iPod nano protection will retail for $19.99 (£10) in the US.
DLO, which creates a variety of iPod accessories, was founded in 2001 when it originally produced one of the world's first? sport cases for the music player.
The company also recently launched a new portable speaker system for use with Apple's iPhone.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:55 AM
February 22, 2008
'World's best sounding iPod dock' released
A new device which has been described as "the world's best iPod dock" is set to be released in the UK.
Krell's KID system, which is one of its range of high-end audio devices, has been designed to give users the best possible sound from their iPods when they use the technology with a hi-fi system.
According to reports online, the iPod dock is set to be distributed to retailers across the UK by Absolute Sounds.
However, current estimates on how much the system will retail for stand at around £1,350, meaning that not everyone will get to see if the technology lives up to the hype.
At the end of last year, iLounge reported that Denon Electronics unveiled two new stereos which also feature docking systems for the iPod.
The company's S-Series hi-fis also feature built-in Wi-Fi, which means people can also stream music from storage devices including PCs or just tune into their favourite online radio stations.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:41 AM
New protective casing for iPod nano launched
A new protective casing which is made from aluminium has been released for the iPod nano 3G.
RhinoSkin has announced that its new protective covering for the music player features the metal on its back, in order to increase the durability of the design.
In addition, the new case also features a shatterproof polycarbonate front covering, which protects the front of the iPod nano from scratches, as well as general wear and tear.
The casing also provides a user with full access to all of the portable devices controls, including the headphone jack and dock connector.
Commenting on the designs, Kelley Wheeler, the marketing manager for RhinoSkin, said: "People take their iPods nearly everywhere and we want them to be able to protect their investment and enjoy music and video anywhere they go."
The release of RhinoSkin's new case has come after iLounge.com reported that Imoeba has also launched a new eco-friendly iPod casing, which consists of around 90 per cent recycled materials.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:37 AM
February 21, 2008
Pirates of the Caribbean game released for iPod
A new game has been released which allows iPod users to live out their Captain Jack Sparrow fantasies and take to the high seas.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Aegir's Fire, which has been based on Disney's recent blockbusting film series, has been made available for owners of the portable music player to download from iTunes.
In the game, players are challenged to engage in battles with navy ships while hunting for a mysterious flame that can drag ships to the bottom of the ocean.
People who own the nano, classic and video-enabled models of the iPod will be able to buy the new game for around $5 (£2.57).
Sega recently praised the iPod for the opportunities it has offered the company and its own gaming products.
The head of the US division of the firm, Simon Jeffery, told MCV.co.uk that Apple is "one of the smartest companies in the world" for offering people a chance to buy a game from its iTunes store and have it downloaded on to an iPod in "a couple of clicks".
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:27 AM
US talent show downloads available for iPod
It has been revealed that US fans of the country's American Idol can now download performances for the show to watch and listen to on their iPod.
Apple has struck a deal with a number of companies including the Fox Interactive Media to bring audio and video downloads of the competitors' performances for $0.99 and $1.99 respectively.
Fans can also pre-order performances of their favourite contenders in the show, which will lead to the files being downloaded automatically the day after the latest episode of the competition is shown.
Ex-Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller, who created the show, said: "We have some truly outstanding talent this year, and by working with Apple and iTunes, we're giving viewers another great way to enjoy America's brightest new stars from 'Idol'."
The move to make the television content available has come after the BBC recently announced that people in the UK will be able to download episodes of series including Torchwood and Ashes to Ashes for them to watch on video-enabled iPods.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:25 AM
February 20, 2008
BBC brings shows to iTunes
A deal has been struck which will allow people the chance to download the latest adventures of the likes of DCI Gene Hunt and Captain Jack Harkness to their iPods.
The BBC has announced that it is the first UK broadcaster to make a number of its programmes, including Ashes to Ashes and Torchwood, available through Apple's iTunes store.
Little Britain, The Mighty Boosh and Spooks are also set to be featured on the service, with individual episodes costing telly addicts £1.89 to download.
Commenting on the move, BBC Worldwide's digital media director Simon Darker has stated that it is part of the company's efforts to give audiences "a wide variety of options" on how they can view shows.
He added: "With more people now choosing to watch TV shows on their iPods, fans of series such as The Mighty Boosh and The Catherine Tate Show can now enjoy those shows wherever they are."
The Jim Henson Company also recently released episodes of its Fraggle Rock and Farscape series for download via iTunes.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:50 AM
Apple cuts iPod shuffle price
iPod manufacturer Apple has announced that it is cutting the price of its shuffle model of the portable music player.
The company is making the move to reduce the price of the 1GB device to $49 (£25) as it plans the launch of a new version of the player featuring double the amount of space for users to store their favourite music on.
Greg Jowiak, Apple's vice-president of worldwide iPod product marketing, said that the move to cut the price of the shuffle made it "the most affordable iPod ever".
He explained: "The new 2GB model lets music lovers bring even more songs everywhere they go in the impossibly small iPod shuffle."
Apple's move to introduce a new version of the iPod shuffle has come after it recently announced plans to launch models of two of its other devices with double the memory previously available.
The company's new iPod touch and iPhone feature 32GB and 16GB of space respectively for people to hold their photos, music and videos.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:48 AM
February 19, 2008
New iPod to replace engagement rings?
A new customised iPod has been released which could lead to many people giving their husbands and wives-to-be an engagement mp3 player rather than a ring.
Created by Selfridges, the pricey new iPod touch features hundreds of black and silver Swarovski crystals.
However, the clinching part of the customised design - which would make the iPod difficult to keep if the wedding gets called off - is its diamond ring design, which also includes 24 carat gold-coated crystals.
Pocket Lint.co.uk also reports that lovers can have the name or initials of their partners added on to the elaborate and expensive new music player if they do not plan on changing their minds and giving it to someone else.
The music player is priced at around £899, while an iPod nano version is also set to be available for £749.
In December, UK company Goldstriker announced that it is planning is to offer people the chance to have their iPods platinum-plated.
The company already offers gold and silver plating services for the music players, as well as mobile phones and car accessories.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:32 AM
Sega praises the iPod
Computer games manufacturer Sega has praised the iPod for the opportunities it has offered the firm.
Simon Jeffery, the head of the US division of the company, called the portable entertainment device "arguably the most pervasive cross-demographic piece of consumer electronics today".
Talking to MCV.co.uk, Mr Jeffery added that the firm's decision to release Sonic the Hedgehog as a download via iTunes was "a fantastic opportunity".
He also told the website that Apple is "one of the smartest companies in the world" due to its ability to give people the chance "to buy a game and have it on your iPod with a couple of clicks".
Sonic the Hedgehog was released on iTunes in December and features gameplay similar to the software's style in its heyday on Sega's Megadrive console.
The game is available for retro gaming fans to download for around $4.99 (£2.50) on Apple's popular online entertainment store.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:30 AM
February 18, 2008
Feist: iPod advert 'led back to album I believed in'
Canadian singer songwriter Feist has stated that her involvement in an iPod advert created a lot of curiosity in "an album and video I believe in".
The star told the BBC that the use of her song 1234 in promotions for the iPod nano led her to feel "a definite shift" in her music career.
Feist, who was nominated for four Grammy awards this year and also performed at the ceremony in Los Angeles, added that she was naive about the impact that the advert would have on her career.
However, she continued to the news agency: "It did me nothing but favours because I've continued doing what I do, but with so many new open ears from so many more people than there were before."
Feist is one of a number of artists to have had their music featured in promotions for models of Apple's popular music player.
Newer acts such as the Fratellis, Wolfmother and CSS have all benefited from featuring on the adverts, as well as established acts including U2, Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:31 AM
February 15, 2008
Users able to customise iPod designs
An increasing number of people are choosing to customise the font and back of their iPods by using a service provided by Mytego.com
The firm's site enables iPod owners to create a skin for their music player which is then manufactured by the company, TransWorldNews reports.
According to Mytego.com, this service helps people to achieve a "unique level of personalization" when it comes to their iPod.
"Tego Skins can be removed with ease, and changed from month to month, or concert to concert, depending on the customers preference based on the season, favourite new band, latest fashion trend, newest bf/gf, or whatever," the company says.
The company found that the service has been most popular among people who own iPod Nanos.
In January, Apple announced that it had added a pink model to its line up of iPod Nanos.
The device is a available in its 8Gb form for $199 (£101).
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:50 AM
February 14, 2008
Accessories to make iPods shine
Those iPod users looking to add a little sparkle to their ears may be interested in a range of new earphones from iLuv.
According to Apple-Touch.com, iLuv offers a number of i83 in-ear headphones and i84 ear clips, with each available in silver, gold and pink.
"If you're in need of something shiny for your gadget loving Valentine this line from iLuv is just the way to do it without the pesky cost of real diamonds," the site says.
The earphones are fitted with crystal stones and are priced at $40 to $80, iPodnn reports.
Meanwhile, those looking to stay connected to their friends while listening to their favourite songs may want to try iLuv's i81 ear clips, which have an in-line microphone.
The news provider notes that the latter is likely to be available to consumers when they are shipped to stores next month.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:38 AM
February 13, 2008
Apple launches new software
Apple has announced the launch of new software to enable users of the iPhone and iPod touch to view photographs.
Aperture 2 is a photo editing and management package that allows users to post their pictures on the .Mac Web gallery, which can then be viewed using their iPod touch and other devices.
Rob Schoeben, vice president of applications product marketing, said: "Many of the most respected photographers on assignment all over the world trust Aperture to organise, edit and deliver their images."
The software's "simpler interface" and low price mean that "anyone can take advantage of Aperture's power", he added.
Apple states that its software has a retail price of $199 (£101.75), while those who already own earlier versions of Aperture can upgrade to the new version for $99.
Last month, Apple began shipping the MacBook Air, which it claimed to be the "world's thinnest notebook".
The laptop is 0.16 inches at its thinnest point, the firm said.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:24 AM
February 12, 2008
New iPod speaker system unveiled
People looking for an alternative to listening to their iPod with earphones may be interested to know that a new speaker system has been developed.
Offering a "better acoustic resonance" than other iPod speakers, the Vers 2X, designed by Sprout Creation, may prove popular with music fans, the Wayland Town Crier reports.
Founder of the firm Dave Laituri said that the wooden speakers, which include eight iPod adaptors and come in a variety of finishes, can deliver an improved sound quality.
"Woods reflect the sound in a more natural way. Musical instruments have been made out of wood for centuries - violins, guitars, pianos - for exactly that reason," he remarked.
According to the newspaper, the speakers also boast a number of environmentally-friendly features, such as energy-efficient cabling and 100 per cent recyclable packaging.
Last week, Apple announced that it had updated its range of iPod touch models with the introduction of a 32GB device.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:39 AM
February 11, 2008
Radio comes to the iPod touch
The company behind Classic FM and Capital is seeking to stream its radio stations on to the new iPod touch from Apple.
GCap is aiming to reach its listeners and sell them music at the same time, according to the Guardian.
According to the newspaper, the firm claims to be the first radio company to stream live broadcasts to the new iPod.
Director of online and interactive operations at GCap Robin Pembroke said: "It is really about getting our content and our brands on to devices that aren't just radios."
The company is aiming to make them "relevant" to younger audiences who want to access them on their mobile phones and mp3 players.
Last week, Apple announced the launch of new iPod touch and iPhone models, offering additional memory for users.
The iPod touch is now available in a new 32GB model for $499 (£257), in addition to the 16GB and 8GB models.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:34 AM
February 08, 2008
iPod keeps up popularity in the UK
New figures have revealed that the iPod continues to be one of the must-have items for many consumers in the UK.
It has been reported that eight different models of the portable music player currently occupy places in online retailer Amazon's list of bestselling items in the UK.
MacWorld reports that the 80GB version of the iPod classic is proving to be the most popular of Apple's music devices, with 4GB and 8GB versions of the iPod nano also proving popular.
Versions of the company's touch and classic models complete the number of Apple's music players featured in the chart.
News on the continuing popularity of the iPod has come after Apple also announced the launch of a new version of its touch system.
The company's latest model of the device features 32GB of memory, doubling the amount of memory featured on the last version of the player released.
Greg Jowiak, Apple's vice-president of worldwide iPod and iPhone marketing, said that for some users, "there was never enough memory".
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:41 AM
February 07, 2008
Two-in-one chargers released for iPods
New chargers designed to allow iPod users the chance to boost the battery power of their music player both in the car and via a wall socket have been released.
Incase's new device features an adapter which means it can be used to charge Apple's music players via an in-car cigarette lighter, while it also features fold-out pins which make it compatible with two-pin wall sockets.
The device, which was designed to make it easier for iPod users to charge their players without having to carry two devices, can also cope with both 12V and 24V DC connections.
According to reports, the device is set to retail on the other side of the Atlantic for around $39 (£20).
Griffin recently released its own range of new radio transmitters for the iPod, including one featuring an in-car iPod charger.
The company's AutoPilot also has an integrated control system which allows drivers to easily control the music player while on the move.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:36 AM
Lego-inspired iPod speaker launched
A new portable speaker system inspired by classic childrens' toy Lego has been launched for the iPod.
The small device, which plugs into the music player's dock connector, provides users with stereo sound and is available in a range of colours including red, white, yellow and black.
No batteries are needed to use the system either, as it is powered of the iPod, while it also features its own volume controls for people looking to enjoy their favourite tunes on the move without earphones, reports Reg Hardware.
Designed for use with the iPod nano, classic and mini, the portable speakers are currently retailing in the US for around $25 (£13).
People who want to continue reminiscing about their childhood may also be interested to hear that the Jim Henson Company has also made its children's TV show Fraggle Rock available for download.
Episodes of the puppet series can be downloaded from Apple's online music store iTunes for about £0.99.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:33 AM
February 06, 2008
H20 Audio ships waterproof iPod nano case
H20 Audio has announced that it is now shipping its waterproof casing designed for use with the third generation iPod nano.
The iN3 case, which was created with people who enjoy surfing and other watersports in mind, is water-resistant up to three metres when paired with the company's similarly waterproof headphones.
Users also have the chance to control their music player's click wheel through the casing, which features a patented design to prevent it opening underwater.
The case is set to retail in the US for around $79.99 (£41) at outlets including Apple stores and specialist surf and swim shops.
Kristian Rauhala, chief executive of H20 Audio, said: "Our new iN3 follows Apple's lead, providing a waterproof case that complements the player's distinctive style."
The iN3 case was originally showcased at the MacWorld Expo conference in San Francisco last month, where Atlantic also unveiled a waterproof speaker system for the iPod.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:36 AM
Apple announces release of new iPod
Apple has announced the release of a new version of the iPod touch featuring double the memory of its previous model.
The iPod manufacturer's new 32GB model of the portable music player has been launched in conjunction with a new 16GB version of the company's iPhone.
Both of the new models of the devices, which are set to retail in the US for $499 (around £254) will feature the latest software updates released for the systems, including mail, maps, weather and notes applications.
Greg Jowiak, Apple's vice-president of worldwide iPod and iPhone marketing, said that for some users, "there was never enough memory".
He added: "Now people can enjoy even more of their music, photos and videos on the most revolutionary mobile phone and best Wi-Fi mobile device in the world."
The release of the new iPod touch has come after the company recently added a pink version of its iPod nano to its range of music players.
Apple stated that the new version of the device had been "much requested" by consumers.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:34 AM
February 05, 2008
iPod system with 'bookmarking' facility to hit US stores
A new entertainment system including a feature which enables iPod users to 'bookmark' songs they like while listening to HD radio is set to hit US stores.
Polk Audio's I-Sonic Entertainment System 2, which is the world's first product to feature tagging, is to be made available in iPod manufacturer Apple stores across the country, as well as on the company's online store.
Through the system, iPod users can flag up songs they really enjoy while listening to the radio, which means data is transferred to the portable music player via the system's dock connector.
Consumers are then reminded about the tagged tunes, as well as the price of the tracks, when they connect the device to iTunes.
Jim Minarik, the president of Polk Audio owner Directed Electronics, said that the company was "thrilled" to have its products accepted and sold by its new retail partner.
Electronics manufacturer Alpine also recently unveiled a range of in-car systems which are also set to feature the tagging system.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:30 AM
Pictures of new retro iPod casing emerge
Photos of a new iPod casing ideal for lovers of all things retro have surfaced on the internet.
A number of websites are carrying pictures taken from GadgetVenue.com, which feature a new protective covering which disguises Apple's portable music player as an old-school Sony Walkman.
The casing includes fake play, fast forward and rewind buttons, as well as an image of a cassette behind the music player's supposedly clear front screen for an authentic look.
No other details have been released about the iPod accessory, which will no doubt prove popular with older mp3 player users who remember a time when listening to music on the move meant carrying around a bulky cassette player.
iPod users who love all things retro also have the chance to watch some equally old-school children's TV on their portable entertainment devices.
The Jim Henson Company recently announced that episodes of Fraggle Rock have been made available on iTunes for £1.99 (£0.99) in the past week.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:27 AM
February 04, 2008
iPods 'do not interfere with pacemakers'
People with heart problems who may have been told to avoid using mp3 players including iPods have had some good news over the weekend.
Research by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that magnetic fields created through using portable music devices do not interfere with implanted cardiac pacemakers.
During the study, researcher Howard Bassen and his team used four different models of Apple's music player, including the iPod nano, to test the voltage delivered inside the medical devices.
In the report, Mr Bassen said: "Based on the observations of our in-vitro study we conclude that no interference effects can occur in pacemakers exposed to the iPods we tested."
The research by the FDA has come after the UK's Royal National Institute for Deaf People urged iPod users to listen to their favourite tunes at sensible volume to avoid damaging their hearing.
A spokesperson for the body said that listening to music loudly on their players could lead to conditions including tinnitus.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:38 AM
February 01, 2008
New Bluetooth adapter for iPod speakers launched
A new Bluetooth adapter has been unveiled which is ideal for people who often listen to their iPods via a speaker set for the music player.
Intempo's new device features a connector which means it can be fitted to any sound system with an iPod dock, meaning that people can wirelessly listen to their favourite tunes stored on Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, PCs or mp3 players.
The adapter, which retails for around £39.99, also covers a range of ten metres.
Katie Richmond, the marketing manager of Intempo, said: "Mobile phone technology is advancing rapidly and many models now have Bluetooth and impressive mp3 functionality.
"We wanted to let customers exploit this capability of using their mobile as a wireless music player."
The release of the device follows the unveiling of a new set of portable speakers ideal for Superbowl-obsessed iPod fans.
Electronics company Sourcingmap's new American football-shaped system, which is powered by two AA batteries, can be used with all of Apple's mp3 and mp4 players.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Posted by ipodworld at 09:23 AM