Apple Registers "iPod Air" Domain Name, Web Site
25 March 2008 10:36 EST
Chris Barylick
Because, let's face it, speculation is fun.
The guys over at Macworld UK are reporting that Apple has registered an "iPod Air" domain name and web site.
And now, the speculation bit: additional wireless iPod technologies down the road? The patents seem to indicate this and the iPod touch has been successful.
Let us know what you think over in the comments or forums.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
Georgia Tech Professor Outlines Nanotech-Power Source for iPods
21 February 2008 08:57 EST
Chris Barylick
As cool as the iPod is, there are limitations.
Zhong Lin Wang, a professor and nanotechnology researcher at the Georgia Tech believes that within five years, we can remove some of them. According to Macworld UK, Wang and his colleagues are developing a "power shirt," a nanotechnology-based device that could harvest the energy generated by human movements and turn the clothing into a flexible, foldable and wearable power source for the iPod.
Wang, a Regents professor for the Georgia Tech's School of Materials Science and Engineering, stated this week that his group is looking into nanotechnology to try to help soldiers, hikers and other people harness the energy generated by physical motion and convert it into usable electrical power.
"For the last few years, we've been looking for energy harvesting technology," Wang said. "Body movements. Heart beating. Blood flow. Sonic waves created when you're talking. These are all energies available in our environment. We wanted to know how to convert them into use. Body movement is the most conventional choice."
Click the jump for the full story...
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
Develop Magazine Dismisses Apple Game Handheld Notion, Points Out Possibility of New iPod Games
15 February 2008 08:00 EST
Chris Barylick
Upon claiming rumors of Apple developing a gaming system of its own to be false, game development magazine, "Develop", has released an article citing that Apple is reportedly looking to bring games to the iPhone and iPod touch.
The article states that the iPod remains the "gateway" for Apple's gaming efforts and current discussions between the company and third-party software teams have shown that Apple wishes to dilute its brand by introducing risky new products.
"Apple is very protective of the reputation it has built in the electronics market," the reported insider says.From a technical standpoint, the company also purportedly sees the iPod as "powerful enough" for games. The OpenGL ES (Embedded Systems) software library at the heart of modern click wheel iPods is efficient enough for Apple's aims that it doesn't need a faster device, according to the tip.
Click the jump for the full story...
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
iPod Cleared of Pacemaker Interference Suspicions
04 February 2008 10:54 EST
Chris Barylick
Late last week, the Food and Drug Administration released a report stating that Apple's iPod digital media players do no, in fact, interfere with the function of installed pacemakers. According to Ars Technica, the FDA's report concluded that "no interference effects can occur" when an iPod is in proximity to a pacemaker.
The investigation and resulting report came after 17-year-old Jay Thanker conducted a study of 100 pacemaker-using patients as apart of a school science project and concluded that iPods caused interference when used around pacemakers. Thaker's report stated that iPod's "can cause cardiac implantable pacemakers to malfunction by interfering with the electromagnetic equipment monitoring the heart."
Per the FDA's findings, Thaker's conclusions appear to have been unfounded and grandpa can now go back to rocking out to his playlist with one less thing to worry about.
As always, let us know what you think over in the comments or forums.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
Apple Store Updated: Pink iPod Nano Now Available
22 January 2008 10:55 EST
Chris Barylick
Following up on the mystery as to why Apple's online store was down this morning, the company has introduced a brand new, pink version of its eight gigabyte third generation iPod nano digital media player. Like the other nano units, the device can play music, games and videos, including rental movies from the iTunes Store and retails for US$199. According to Macworld, the pink model uses an identical anodized aluminum chassis as the other iPod nano models, which are available in silver, black, blue, green and red.
Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of worldwide iPod product marketing, said the new model has been introduced for spring, and to appeal to customers looking for a special Valentine's Day gift.
So...it's pink. And if you like the color pink and the iPod nano, this is for you.
Give us your feedback over in the comments or forums.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
How to Install Wikipedia On Your iPod
31 December 2007 12:35 EST
Chris Barylick
The iPod has always been useful and spiffy.
Now it gets informative.
The guys at makeuseof.com have published a full guide as to how to install the full content of Wikipedia (which occupies 1.7 gigabytes of space) onto your iPod.
Once installed, the Wikipedia file can be updated every few months for free.
For complete instructions, check out the guide and let us know how it goes over in the comments and forums.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
Gift Guide: DLO iBoom Travel
23 November 2007 11:25 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
I'm a huge fan of the original iBoom from DLO (which I reviewed in January 2005 and is now EOL). For those unfamiliar, it's an excellent iPod speaker system that runs off batteries or AC power and when combined with the excellent case is one of the best iPod speaker systems that I've used–hands down.
The only problem is that the original iBoom can be a little heavy when carrying it to the beach with arm loads of other gear. Enter the iBoom Travel (US$90) the lighter weight, little brother of iBoom.
iBoom Travel is a portable iPod speaker system and travel alarm clock that's small enough to tuck into another bag and light enough to take with you just about anywhere. Since the speakers are smaller than the original iBoom it doesn't have nearly the bass response as the original, but it's more than adequate to entertain a few people at the beach, park or on the boat.
iBoom travel runs off 4 AA batteries and weighs in at about a pound. The original iBoom ran off 6 D batteries and weighed in at over 7 pounds. The only nit I have with the Travel edition is that it doesn't have an AM band which I sometimes like for listening to talk radio. But then again, neither did the original iBoom.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
Dot-Mac Webmail Crashing the iPod Touch
05 November 2007 10:37 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
MacNN has a story about .Mac webmail crashing the iPod Touch. Very frustrating! Anyone know if Apple addressed this bug in the iPhone 1.1.2 firmware update?
(Thanks to PPUGer Pete Wilcox)
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
Apple Offering Refurbished 2, 4 and 8 GB iPod Nanos at US$79 and Up
01 November 2007 08:52 EST
Chris Barylick
There's always a good price if you know where to look for it. According to the guys at MacNN, Apple's online store is presently offering refurbished 2, 4 and 8 gigabyte iPod nanos at discounted rates.
The color, capacity and price breakdown is as follows:
-2 GB iPod nano (available in silver): US$79
-4 GB iPod nano (available in silver, blue and pink): US$99
-8 GB iPod nano (available in black): US$149
Apple is also offering refurbished versions of its most current iPod shuffle generation with one gigabyte disk capacities for US$49 each. These units are available in silver, pink, blue, green and orange.
For complete details, hit up the Apple Store refurbished section.
If you have any thoughts on this or found a great price elsewhere, let us know in the comments or forums.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
iPod Classic 1.0.2 Update May Contain Hard Drive Spinning Glitch
19 October 2007 08:36 EST
Chris Barylick
You love your iPod classic.
And when Apple releases an update for it via iTunes, it seems logical that you'd update and pin down any bugs within the device.
This may not be the case.
The guys over at Engadget are reporting that the new update can lead the unit's hard drive to constantly spin, which can lead to all sorts of problems (bumping a spinning drive, even in a portable unit, is a good way to kill your drive stone dead and the activity helps drain the battery much faster than it ordinarily would).
Specific reports have cited that the problem emerges when using CoverFlow on the iPod, but others over on the Apple support boards have stated that the problems tend to emerge randomly.
If you haven't updated to 1.0.2, hold off until these problems are worked out and Apple can perhaps issue a new update.
If you've seen this problem on your end or seen similar problems, let us know in the comments or forums.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
iSuppli Tears Down iPod Classic, Offers Report
11 October 2007 11:58 EST
Chris Barylick
The guys over at the legendary iSuppli have performed their teardown analysis service on a brand new iPod Classic.
According to iLounge, iSuppli has rated the unit as a "stopgap" generation, the iPod Classic lacking advanced features such as Wi-Fi and a touch screen while retaining a traditional hard drive. “Apple’s continuation of the iPod model without adding new features suggests a stopgap measure necessitated by lack of time to develop an HDD-based touch iPod,” said Chris Crotty, senior analyst, consumer electronics, for iSuppli. “Apple may not have had time to develop an HDD-based touch-screen iPod before the 2007 holiday season.”
The iSuppli teardown report estimated material costs for the iPod classic to equal US$127 for an 80 gigabyte unit and US$190 for the 160 gigabye version with US$78 and US$140 being used to purchase the hard drive. These estimates exclude expenses such as research and development, software, manufacturing and marketing. iSuppli has estimated that the 80 gigabyte model's estimated cost is 11.2% lower than that of the previous 30 gigabyte model, despite the ample storage increase.
iSuppli has estimate that Apple will ship 3.1 million iPod Classic units in 2007 and 3.5 units in 2008.
If you have any thoughts or feedback, let us know in the comments or forums.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
iPod Nano Explodes in User's Pocket, Battery Under Question
05 October 2007 08:24 EST
Chris Barylick
Apple's battery troubles may be continuing as Atlanta-based user and airport employee Danny Williams reported that his second generation iPod nano "burst into chest-high flames" while he was at work.
According to Engadget, the iPod exploded, leaving a burn across a glossy piece of paper Williams had in his pocket at the time and smoking.
The component at fault seems to be the lithium ion battery within the unit and when contacted, Apple offered to replace the unit provided he sent the original back for repair. According the the WSB-TV report that accompanies the Engadget piece, Apple has declined to comment on how common a situation this is.
If you've seen your second generation iPod nano become extremely hot or heard reports of the lithium ion battery exploding, let us know in the comments or forums.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
Apple Releases Three New Games for iPod
20 September 2007 09:42 EST
Chris Barylick
It doesn't matter if you're feeling irate at Apple over its iPod game compatibility right now (titles compatible with third to fifth generation iPods aren't compatible with the recently-released sixth generation iPods - the only solution being to repurchase them from the iTunes Store), the company has just released three of the best-selling titles of all time.
Tetris, Ms. Pac Man and Sudoku have just been released for the sixth generation iPod classic as well as the third generation iPod nano. The games are available for download and retail for US$4.99 each.
Apple has yet to comment on the software incompatibility between its older titles and the newest generation of iPods.
If you have any feedback on the situation or the new titles, let us know in the comments or forums.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
iPod Classic Audio Circuitry Under Scrutiny
18 September 2007 11:06 EST
Chris Barylick
The new iPods are out and under complete scrutiny from its user base.
This includes the audiophiles.
These people sort of frighten me, but when they have a point, they have a point.
The guys over at Infinite Loop have completed a full write-up of the 6G iPod classic sound system. Where some users might not see a difference between the most recent generation and the ones that recently went on sale, the review describes the iPod classic as a unit that "sounds precise, crisp, but lacks 3D image and has an electronic haze to the sound... [which] becomes fatiguing after a while. The 5G sounds less precise, but its timbre contains more harmonic information and sounds less electronic."
This impression is backed by a slew of tests in which writer Marc Heijligers notes the following:
-A slight uplift in treble.
-A group delay that depends on frequency.
-A strong modulation with 22.1k, causing intermodulation distortion.
These changes in sound are apparently caused by Apple's change from a Wolfson to a Cirrus Audio codec chip.
The change may not be noticeable, but may be worth taking into consideration before purchasing the coolest new audio player on the planet.
If you've noticed a similar change or have an opinion on this, let us know in the comments or forums.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
Early Tests Show iPod Classic, Nano Batteries to Beat Apple's Claims
12 September 2007 12:34 EST
Chris Barylick
The guys over at iLounge have just run the newly-released iPod classic and iPod nano through an initial run of battery tests and discovered that the units deliver a battery life that exceeds Apple's claims (not surprising, since Apple's guesses tend to be a bit conservative).
Where Apple promised that the new iPod nano, regardless of storage capacity, would deliver 24 hours of continuous audio playback and five hours of video playback before the battery ran down, the tests showed the new nano running for 30 hours and 21 minutes on audio playback before shutting down. Video tests with 640 x 480 video files showed the nano as running for five hours and 47 minutes, beating Apple's estimates.
The iPod classic fared even better. Where Apple boasted 30 hours of audio playback and five hours of video playback, tests showed it providing 36 hours and 16 minutes of audio playback and six hours and 46 minutes of video playback. Apple has suggested that the 160 gigabyte iPod classic will do better, offering 40 hours of audio playback and seven hours of video playback. In the tests, the unit offered more than 56 hours of audio playback and nine hours and 28 minutes of video playback.
Additional figures will be available later, but this looks like the new iPod line is off to a good start.
If you've picked up a new iPod nano or iPod classic and seen anything similar or falling short of these numbers, let us know in the comments or forums.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
Apple Announces Updated iPods, iPod Touch, Wi-Fi Music Store, Custom Ringtones and iPhone Price Reductions
05 September 2007 01:14 EST
Chris Barylick
On Wednesday, Apple CEO Steve Jobs took the stage at the Moscone west expo center to begin the long-anticipated special event.
"Today, we're here to talk about music," stated Jobs.
Announcing that more than 600 million copies of iTunes have been downloaded so far with over three billion songs having been sold, he pointed out that the catalog has grown to over six million songs in 22 international online stores.
According to Macworld News, Jobs stated that the iTunes Store is currently the number one online music retailer as well as the number three music retailer in the United States behind Wal-Mart and Best Buy. The channel has also proven to be a success as a channel, carrying over 550 television shows with 95 million shows sold to date. From a podcasting perspective, the iTunes Store now links to over 125,000 podcasts, 25,000 of them incorporating video.
Click the jump for the full story...
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
Two iPods and a Mic-ro-phone
24 August 2007 11:24 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
Two IPods?: iSpin 'eTurntable' Lets you DJ With iPods - GizmodoThe iSpin is a mixer that uses two docked iPods as inputs, and provides a range of effects like reverb, flange, hi/low pass filter and scratching sounds. While this would be fine for some DJs, it won't suit everyone because you can't beat-match with it.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
Bexy Ships iMirror Wireless Remote for iPod
22 August 2007 01:37 EST
Chris Barylick
In other news, accessory manufacturer Bexy has shipped its iMirror wireless remote control docking station.
According to Electronista, the iMirror is designed to both play music as well as interact with the rest of an entertainment system. The user operates the iMirror via a remote control that controls both the iPod and surrounding components (such as a tv, speakers or receiver), the iMirror displaying information back via an LCD display.
Once docked for the first time, the iMirror will load the iPod's title information to the remote control and allow for operation within a range of 150 feet.
The iMirror's docking station is compatible with most dockable iPod models and features S-video, RCA stereo, and line-in inputs as well as an earphone jack and mini-USB port that allows for iTunes synchronization.
The iMirror retails for US$150 and will be on store shelves this September.
If you have any thoughts or feedback, let us know in the comments or forums.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
Japanese Researchers Develop Teeth-Clench Interface for iPod
21 August 2007 10:57 EST
Chris Barylick
The click-wheel was pretty cool. And having a small extension on your headphones to flip between iPod tracks worked out nicely.
But life isn't complete until clenching your teeth controls the music you're listening to.
According to Yahoo News, Japanese researchers have developed a head gear system that uses a combination of infrared sensors and a microcomputer that lets the user choose iPod tracks by clenching their teeth. Once in place, the computer can interpret actions such as clenching one's teeth for a second as a track selection, differentiating it from chewing or talking and work from there.
The development team, which is based out of state-run Osaka University, has stated that it hopes to put the device to commercial use and believes it can eventually be adapted to run cell phones, wheelchairs and other products. The device would allow for a completely hands-free system as well as allow disabled users access to a wider range of technologies.
Other possible uses for the device could include a click interface, such as users clenching their teeth to switch move between pages on a PowerPoint document.
No details have been provided as to when the device could come to market.
Cool idea and it'd be interesting to see this in action. If you have any ideas or feedback, let us know in the comments or forums.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
Energizer to Release Energi To Go Systems for iPods
15 August 2007 08:40 EST
Chris Barylick
On Tuesday, battery maker Energizer announced this is would be bringing its Energi To Go power systems to dock-connecting iPods this fall.
According to Engadget, the Energi To Go Portable Power for iPod will be powered by a pair of AA batteries, sport a "flip design" that allows it to double as a stand and will feature a "patented intelligent control chip that maximizes power transfer to the iPod."
Energizer has stated that the Energi To Go system will be able to provide "more than 46 hours" of power to an iPod Nano and "more than 32 hours" of power for an iPod video.
The device will retail for US$29.99 and include the charger as well as two complimentary Energizer e2 lithium AA batteries upon its release.
And no matter how well the device works, I still love that bunny...
If you have any ideas or feedback, let us know in the comments or forums.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
iPod Nano Battery Replacement a Snap
14 August 2007 03:02 EST
Rob Parker
Rob's iPod nano Timeline:
September 7, 2005- In an event at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, Steve Jobs introduces the iPod nano and the Motorola ROCKR to the world. Later that day, I drive to the Apple Store at King of Prussia and grab a black 8GB nano. My life is forever changed.
February, 2007 - After more than a year of heavy use, my nano has lost some of its original battery capacity (Apple claimed 14 hours) but is still providing several hours of enjoyment on a single charge.
July, 2007 - My nano's battery is showing signs of failing as it now only lasts for a couple of hours on a fresh charge and will die overnight if left unplugged.
August, 2007 - I search online for iPod batteries and convince myself that I can do the surgery after seeing a very thorough instructional video from Newer Technology.
Click on the headline to read more about Rob's battery installation...
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
Next-Gen iPod to Feature 16 GB of NAND Flash Memory
07 August 2007 07:27 EST
Chris Barylick
Albeit Apple's next generation iPod may be about a month away from release, the new model could feature some interesting changes. According to , which cites "sources at Taiwan-based component makers," the "new iPod video" will incorporate 16 gigabytes of NAND flash memory.
The report also states that concerns are present that, in addition to the incorporation of NAND flash memory in the new iPod as well as a recent power outage experienced by Samsung Electronics' fabrication facilities, component makers have expressed concern regarding the overall NAND flash supply.
Apple's current generation of video ipods is among the last of the firm's devices to employ a 1.8" hard disk drive. Since its introduction of the iPod Nano in 2005, Apple has shifted the memory base of its handheld devices to solid-state NAND flash memory. The new design would allow for increased durability in the iPod, remove moving parts from the unit, pave the way for smaller form factors and allow for a longer battery life.
The DigiTimes report makes no mention as to whether the 16 gigabyte video iPod would include a touch-screen interface similar to the iPhone's.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available and we'll be covering the Apple product release as closely as possible today.
If you have any ideas or thoughts on this, let us know in the comments or forums.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
Timex Announces iPod-Controlling Watch
03 August 2007 02:41 EST
Chris Barylick
Following Nike's lead, watch manufacturer Timex has announced their own iPod accessory, an advanced sports watch called the iControl that operates as a wireless operating device for the iPod and is compatible with the iPhone when the handset is set to airplane mode.
According to Macworld UK, the iControl boasts features as a 50-lap memory recall chronograph, multi-mode countdown time, two interval timers and three different alarms. The iControl can also perform functions such as playing and pausing music, adjusting volume and tracking forward and backward along the iPod's play list.
The iControl is part of Timex's Ironman collection of sports watches and also features a night light, three year battery life and water resistance up to 100 meters. Timex has announced that the device is now available in the United States from Timex and Apple, retails for US$125 and is available in gray, black, pink, blue, orange and green.
Have your own two cents on this? Let us know what you think over in the comments and forums.
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
Compeq Wins iPod Board Contract, Will Begin Production in September
31 July 2007 11:05 EST
Chris Barylick
Getting back to the iPod, Compeq Manufacturing has apparently signed a contract to produce circuit boards for future Apple iPods.
According to DigiTimes, which cites sources close to the deal, the Taiwanese manufacturer will begin ramping up production of rigid-flex PCBs in August and commence full-scale production come September.
The company is also said to have been validated to produce both the boards and some of the interconnecting parts in the iPhone, adding the firm to a short list of companies that can be used for expanded iPhone production or as a backup should the need arise.
Click the jump for the full story...
Digg This |
Post to del.icio.us |
Post to Furl
Category: iPod
Buy from: Apple
...............................................................................................
Photofonics II - the Passive iPod Speaker Setup
09 July 2007 09:59 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
Andrew Bilicki passed a