Monday, July 31, 2006
Research Co.: ‘iTunes Could Be Apple’s “Trojan Horse”‘
ABI Research recently issued a report that focuses on high-end AV receivers, multi-room audio systems, and iPod accessories within the home. Research director Vamsi Sistla said: "iTunes could be a ‘Trojan Horse’ through which Apple can enter the home market sooner than the competition."
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Keep Dry With The iBrella
Mobile Magazine has posted and interesting iPod accessory concept, the iBrella.Doubling as an umbrella (as you can probably guess), the iBrella acts as a simple iPod remote. You won’t find any…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Analysts: Brand appeal keeps iPod sales surging
By moving beyond the technology market into the realm of general consumer products, Apple’s iPod offerings have managed to enjoy continued strong sales without undergoing a significant upgrade in nearly a year.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Analyst Upgrades Apple to Buy on Strength of Notebook, iPod Demand
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Verizon Drops Music Download Fee
Verizon Wireless is eliminating the US$15 a month fee it charges subscribers for its V Cast music download service.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
How iPod Hacks Works
No, we’re not speaking of a up-close and personal glimpse into the publishing process of our website, but of the rather handy article just posted by HowStuffWorks, entitled How iPod Hacks…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
iBrella Interactive iPod Remote
The iBrella is a conceptual design that turns a simple iPod remote into a giant rain-deflecting remote that is fully interactive. The iPod is controlled by motion of the umbrella. For example, opening up the umbrella will begin playing and spinning the umbrella left or right can skip tracks forward or backwards. It is kind of an interesting design, but I’ll just continue with sticking my hand in my pocket and controlling the iPod that way—no need to reinvent the wheel.
Product Page [Via Shiny Shiny]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
Sunday, July 30, 2006
The iPod Is Designed To Last FOR Years (Not Four)
Here’s one worth a chuckle.
An Apple spokeswoman was recently quoted, in discussing the durability of the iPod, as saying that the iPod is designed “to last four years.” As it turns out, she was…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Friday, July 28, 2006
French ‘iPod Law’ Declared Partly Unconstitutional
France’s Constitutional Council late Thursday released a report declaring unconstitutional some aspects of the country’s so-called "iPod law."
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
The Homebrew iPod Hi-Fi Mini Speaker System
Apple’s popular iPod Hi-Fi speaker set has received much praise and is laying down a satisfying groove for many an iPod listener across the land. But at $350, it’s not cheap. For an alternate…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Apple: iPod Lasts ‘For Years,’ Not ‘Four Years’
Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris on Friday told iLounge that she was misquoted by the Chicago Tribune when the newspaper claimed she said that the iPod lasts “four years.” She said that her comment was that an iPod should last “for years.”
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Kazaa Piracy Suit Settled
Sharman Networks Ltd., the makers of the Internet file sharing application Kazaa, settled a lawsuit on Thursday that accused it of allowing music and other copyright protected files to be transfered through its service without authorization.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
PortalPlayer CEO to Resign
PortalPlayer’s CEO and president, Gary Johnson, plans to resign from the company by the end of the year. Mr. Johnson says he is leaving to pursue pre-IPO opportunities.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Microsoft Ready to Spend Time, Money to Catch iPod
Microsoft is ready to spend hundreds of millions of dollars over several years on its Zune products to catch up with the iPod.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
RealNetworks: Apple, Microsoft Using the Wrong Model
Apple’s iPod+iTunes and Microsoft’s new Zune products follow the wrong business model, according to RealNetwork’s CEO Rob Glasier.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Thursday, July 27, 2006
iSpeakIt 3.0 Adds Xgrid Support, More
ZappTek has released version 3.0 of iSpeakIt, adding support for Mac OS X’s networked computing feature Xgrid, updating Web feed processing, and improving document processing prior to conversion to audio.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Upcoming Game to Feature iTMS Links
Left Behind Games’ upcoming Left Behind: Eternal Forces will include links to the iTunes Music Store. The links will be for songs heard during gameplay and will pause the action while the user visits the relevant iTMS page.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Memorex to Ship iFlip Portable Video Player in Sept.
Memorex will ship iFlip, a portable iPod video player with an 8.4-inch LCD, in September, according to details obtained by iLounge.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Sony PSP Gets Video Podcast Support
Sony’s PSP (PlayStation Portable) on Thursday received support for video podcasts, thanks to firmware version 2.80.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
E! Entertainment comes to iTunes
Apple has updated iTunes with new shows from E! Entertainment.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Watch High Definition Video On Your iPod
Interested in watching high definition (HD) video on your iPod - even if it isn’t a 5G model? Get ready for ATO’s upcoming HD video player due for release at year’s end.
A followup to the…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
iSpeak It v3.0 Released
ZappTek has released iSpeak It v3.0 for Mac OS X. iSpeak It is an application that takes a text data source (text file, Word doc, PDF, web page, etc.) and uses OS X’s excellent built-in…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
E! Joins iTunes Lineup
E! Entertainment joined the iTunes family on Thursday by adding The Girls Next Door, The Soup, Dr. 90210, and The Simple Life; ‘Til Death Do Us Part to the music and video store line up.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Sony adds video podcast support to PSP
Video podcast support is coming to the PlayStation Portable (PSP) thanks to a firmware update Sony Computer Entertainment published on Thursday.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
“Friends,” “Babylon 5″ among new shows on iTunes
Warner Bros. has added Friends and Babylon 5, as well as other shows, to the iTunes Music Store.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Memorex iFlip Video Viewer for iPod
This September Memorex plans to release a video player that connects to the 5G iPod with Video, giving users access to a much roomier screen without having to sacrifice their precious iPod. The 8.4-inch screen dwarf’s the iPod’s 2.5-inch and supports a resolution of 480 x 234 pixels. If, like Tim Allen, you need more power, you can use the iFlip’s S-video out to send the video to an even bigger screen.
The iFlip has a pair of integrated speakers, which can be used even without turning on the screen. The on-screen navigation is used to control iFlip-specific settings, like screen brightness and and contrast; the iPod is still used to traverse the iPod’s innards.
Memorex should start selling the iFlip in September for $200.
Memorex reveals iFlip portable video player for iPod [iLounge]
Memorex Home Page [Memorex]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
22Moo Developing iTunes Kiosk
22Moo is designing an iTunes Kiosk dubbed the PodBuffet. The PodBuffet is being designed around an Intel-based Mac mini with a 15-inch touch screen.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
SunConnection SC-MP001W: A Midget Shuffle Clone
Oh we like it when people out-Apple, Apple. This square MP3 player steals the shuffle’s button layout, and has a slot for an SD card. Although thicker, and wider on one side, we appreciate its expandability. Japan only, and at the price of $26 dollars, it probably doesn’t come with a memory card.
SC-MP001w Baby iPod Player [ Via Mobilewhack ]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
Apple May Rekindle Synaptics Relationship
New iPod models from Apple may incorporate interface technology from Synaptics.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
iTMS to Exclusively Sell Beach Boys Album Pet Sounds For Four Weeks
EMI is getting ready to release a new version of the Beach Boys’ seminal album Pet Sounds that will be available exclusively through the iTunes Music Store for four weeks before becoming widely sold everywhere.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
New Nano and Video iPod May Face Delays
For over half a year rumors of a large-screen, “Video iPod” have been milling about. Reports call for a wide-aspect, 4-inch touchscreen that covers the entire face of the unit, with an on-screen…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Metallica catalog added to iTunes
Metallica, one the longest running holdouts for putting their music online, is now available on iTunes.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
“Friends,” “Babylon 5” among new shows on iTunes
Warner Bros. has added Friends and Babylon 5, as well as other shows, to the iTunes Music Store.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Microsoft Partners May Drop PlaysForSure
Microsoft’s announcement that it is developing its own portable music player and download service came as a shock to many of the companies that already make products based on Microsoft technologies.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Facebook Gives Away 10 Million iTunes Music Samplers
Social directory site Facebook on Tuesday announced a back-to-school promotion in which it will give away 10 million 25-song samplers from the iTunes Music Store.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
iTunes Music Store Adds Metallica Catalog
Metallica, one of the most prominent hold-outs in the move to online digital music sales, finally relented on Tuesday and added its catalog to the iTunes Music Store.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Microsoft Approaching iPod Manufacturers For Zune Accessories
Microsoft is trying to woo accessory makers that are currently making iPod products into supporting their upcoming Zune player. Microsoft hopes these manufacturers will make items such as speaker docks and FM transmitters that will fit in the Zune’s expansion port—much like devices communicate with the iPod via its port. MS is also offering a sweeter deal in lower licensing fees compared to the fees Apple charges for operating for their iPod.
Because the Zune will have wireless capabilities built right in, accessories similar to the Nike+iPod won’t need a separate peripheral to communicate with the player. It’s possible Bluetooth stereo headsets will be able to connect to the Zune right out of the box. It seems that Microsoft’s taken the idea that made their Xbox so powerful—Xbox Live and its ability to connect you to other people—and transferred it to the Zune. Maybe that will be the way Microsoft beats the iPod?
Microsoft approaches iPod accessory makers for Zune [iLounge]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
Slim Devices Announces Transporter
Slim Devices announced its newest audio device, Transporter, on Tuesday. Transporter is a networked audio system designed for audiophiles.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Microsoft “Argo” Pic (The iPod Competitor)
Our hombres over at Engadget got their hands on a pic of one of the possible designs of the Microsoft Argo/iPod Rival. The display is 4:3 and not 16:9, unfortunately, and there seems to be a big wheel like button on the front along with a “back” and a “play/pause” button.
We wonder if it’s going to get slapped some more Xbox branding and loads of buttons as they get closer to the final design. This thing’s too clean to be a Microsoft product! *wink* *wink*
Microsoft’s “Argo” / Xbox wireless portable media player [Engadget]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
Microsoft Argo’s Final Name: The Zune?
Our inboxes are on fire with brand new information about the new Microsoft MP3 player. We thought the player was code-named “Argo”, but we now got word that the final product name that’s been flying around is the “Zune”!
The pic on the right seems to be the final design, which makes the player very clean—a definite departure from Microsoft’s other endeavors. You all remember the video Microsoft’s own people made to illustrate their packaging shortcomings? Well, it seems like they haven’t learned much, as our tipster tells us the packaging itself is pretty ugly.
More info after the jump!
Our mole also says there’s no game menu to be seen on the device, putting those rumors of portable gaming from Xbox branding in possible jeopardy. More game options possibly coming in the 2nd iteration.
There’s also mention of a black version of the Zune, being shown on a music video for the band CSS, and the brown version on the cover for “Band of Horses”. You can display Album covers for the song you’re listening to on the screen, which is “big enough” and looks “pretty good”. Paul Oakenfold also has a tie-in deal.
From the looks of things, the Zune will definitely be ready for a Xmas release.
We’ll have more information plus possibly the logo and/or UI Shots tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Thanks Tipster!
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
Evangelical Tract Says Says ‘Ipod Guy’ Needs Jesus
We’re as inclined as anyone to believe that Steve Jobs is going to spend eternity in flames—somebody has to pay for all those DS_store files—but Rich Robinson of Jews for Jesus is really sure. So certain that he made this evangelical tract, currently being passed around (or thrown on the ground) in New York’s very own subway system, only a continent away from Jobs’ home in California.
This is quality stuff, only slightly outshone by the yet-to-be-inked work by Jack Chick currently forming in our mind where Jobs is infested by demons pouring straight out of The Edge’s guitar, only to be redeemed when a penitent Bill Gates reads Jobs a passage from Romans.
Full-size image [120k, SFW] [Gizmodo] (Thanks, Richard!)
![Full-size image [120k, SFW]](http://gizmodo.com/images/2006/07/ipod_guy.jpg){kind=link}
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
Kensington iPod FM Transmitter and Charger with RDS
What justifies Kensington’s $89.99 price tag on this FM transmitter? The RDS transmission, that’s what. RDS allows your transmitter to send digital info through the FM band along with the music. In this case, it sends Artist and song information to your car so you can see who’s sings “Friday I’m in Love” (as if we’d ever forget). The only thing is, you’ll need an RDS enabled car. Later model GMs usually have this.
RDS aside, the rest of the features are fairly standard. The charger switches off when your iPod’s charged so your car battery doesn’t get drained. Three station FM memory and stainless steel rounds out the package.
RDS FM Transmitter/Car Charger for iPod® [Kensington via Playlist Magazine]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
Microsoft Zune Update
More Zune news courtesy of various people in various places of product development. This time our tipster says the Zune is only the flagship product of a new line of portable devices. Think the iPod Video in relation to the iPod Nano and the iPod Shuffle. Important, but not the only kid on the block.
Microsoft’s concentrating on features the iPod doesn’t have, instead of trying to beat Apple at their own game. The tipmeister reiterates that ad-hoc networking feature will be there, as well as a possible buffered internet radio streaming feature. If you’re within range of a WiFi signal and you’re listening to a station, the device will snatch as much of the feed as it can so when you wander out of WiFi signal, it’ll keep playing the stream as if you were in range. This might not make its way into the final product, so don’t get your hopes up too high.
More on games, Xbox integration, and possible other devices after the jump.
Image courtesy our hombres at Engadget
The Zune is going to have some gaming, but it’s not going to be nearly as powerful as an “Xbox portable” would be. Crecente over at Kotaku ponders the idea of having a device that can actually play all the Xbox Live Arcade games in full detail, and not some dumbed down version. This may be possible in the Xbox portable, but not in the Zune.
There probably is going to be Xbox 360 integration though, as your “music subscription authorization” is held on the device itself. This means if you take your Zune to your friend’s place, plug it into his 360, the console will automatically have access to your Zune music. The iPod does this already, but not with iTunes downloaded music.
There’s also going to be a next generation PlaysForSure starting with this player, with a better name than “PlaysForSure 2″. Oh, and that rumor about being able to import all your iTunes tracks automatically? That’s probably not true. The tipster speculates that you may be able to convert your iTunes songs into DRM WMA files, but that opens up a whole new can of worms with Apple and the record labels. We’ll wait and see on that one.
Lastly, there’s going to be an iPod Nano competitor called, tentatively and possibly, the Pixas. The tipster’s only around 20% sure about the name, but 100% sure of the player’s existence. Oh, and it will support video.
As always, we’ll post more stuff as it comes in. Thanks to all our tipsters!
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
Made in Eureka Invention Contest, Win an iPod Video!
Contest time again! Who’s excited? Yes you are, yes you are! Eureka is a show premiering on the Sci-Fi channel next Tuesday, July 18. I’ll let them explain the show.
Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Eureka is a seemingly ordinary town whose residents lead ordinary lives … at least to the naked eye. Shrouded in secrecy, the picturesque hamlet is actually a community of scientific geniuses assembled by the government to conduct top-secret research.
So here is the deal. You are going to go head to head with the citizens of Eureka by creating an invention that will revolutionize the world. Here is what is up for grabs: a brand spankin’ new 60GB iPod video courtesy of the Eureka folks. You need to create and design an original invention and include some kind of a sketch or mock-up with a full explanation of what the gadget does. Hit up the link here to get an idea of what the citizens of Eureka have been brewing up. Once you have the entire mock-up and description done, shoot it over to gizmodobox@gmail.com with MADE IN EUREKA in the subject line. Contest ends next Tuesday, July 18, so get brainstorming! The usual Gawker Contest Rules apply.
The fun doesn’t end there. Sci-Fi is also having a similar contest with a Sony HDTV and Blu-Ray player up for grabs. So head over here to enter the Sci-Fi Eureka contest and tune in to Eureka next Tuesday on Sci-Fi.
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
Restore Your iPod’s Shine With iDrops
IDrops, get it? It’s like “eye drops” but with an iPod “i” instead. Genius! Anyway, PodShop’s iDrops is a special cleaning fluid designed to restore your iPod’s once glorious luster and shine. Since iPods pick up fingerprints and grime faster than the US’ World Cup exit, keeping it nice and shiny is a often an exercise in futility. While you can buy abrasive cleaners like Brasso to polish the metal on the iPod, iDrops is intended to be used on the plastic (or polycarbonate or acrylic, depending on your iPod model). IDrops is compatible with all models of the iPod, from the Frankenstein-like first generation to the fifth generation iPod with video. The cleaning solution can also be used on other electronic gadgets, like GameBoys, iBooks and CDs.
IDrops retail for $14.95 per bottle on PodShop’s eye-pleasing Web site.
Product Page [PodShop via Ubergizmo]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
Delta Entertainment Making Video iPod-Ready DVDs
Delta Entertainment, which releases classic TV shows like Dragnet and The Lucy Show on DVD, has quietly started including iPod with video-compatable discs with its regular DVDs. The special discs have the shows already encoded in a format that the iPod can natively read, requiring only a “drag and drop” to get the videos onto the iPod. There’s 10 titles currently available for about $7 on popular online retailers—ok, Amazon.
Delta DVDs include iPod-ready video disc [iLounge]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
Boom Bag Portable Speaker Prototype
The Boom Bag is a nifty pre-production unit that combines all the fun of bags and bag carrying with iPods and iPod listening. A “full range” speaker is located on the inside of the bag, as is a rechargeable battery. An iPod is then hooked up to the speaker; music then plays from said speaker. The bag is made out of weatherproof fabric, so there’s no need to worry about Old Man Winter ruining it.
The Boom Bag was borne out of a study looking into loud speakers, much like how microwaves were borne out of experimenting with radar waves.
The design firm, Gro, is currently looking for someone to help pay the bills so it can actually mass produce the Boom Bag. So if you’re feeling generous, give ‘em a call. Just be mindful of their flash-heavy Web site.
Gro Home Page [Gro via Gizmag]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
Slipstreamz: Hear Music and Traffic at the Same Time
If you’re a cyclist, you probably realize how much you rely on your hearing to keep you safe in traffic, so you’ll immediately recognize the value of Slipstreamz, cycling earwear that will position those iPod earbuds close enough to hear the music, but far enough away so you’ll still be able to hear ambient sound.
Made of comfy-cozy molded foam and polyester composite, they attach to the straps on your helmet (you are wearing a helmet, aren’t you?), and they have a little slot where you can easily secure your earbuds. An added benefit is their ability to keep your ears warm on those cold blustery days, something for which you might want to plan ahead, even though it’s a half a year away.
Slipstreamz [iWorld, via The Gadgeteer]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
Nike+iPod Sport Kit Now Available
The preparations are complete, and the Nike+iPod sport kit is now available in Apple stores.
Apple sent out emails today to users advising them that you can now head to stores to pick up the Nike+ shoes at Nike stores today, July 13th. In case you forgot how it works, here’s the video.
According to iProng, NIKETOWN stores are going to have live product demonstrations and a chance for you to try the system for yourself. Pre-orders shipped yesterday and people should be getting theirs soon.
Click on the image for a bigger version.
Nike to launch Nike+iPod at retail stores today [iProng]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
Apple + Nike Sport Kit Ships
Announced two months ago and now shipping is the Nike + Apple iPod Sport Kit, a pair of shoes that talks to your iPod, and then lets your iPod talk to you. The Nike shoes keep track of your running (or walking, skipping, hopping, limping or jumping) distance, time, speed and even calculates calories burned, sending that info to your iPod that speaks the data to you so you don’t even have to look down at the screen.
When you’re done with your workout, upload that information and graph your progress, and even have virtual races with other people’s shoes online. Before this month is out, Nike will be releasing the first two of six shoe styles with these wizardly features, including its Air Zoom Moire+ and Air Zoom+ which will retail for between $80 and $100. The iPod wireless sensor and receiver combination, Nike + iPod Sport Kit, is $29.
Product Page [Apple]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
Hands-On: JLab MiniBlaster for iPod nano
The JLab Audio MiniBlaster for iPod nano is a portable speaker system into which you insert your iPod nano, and out comes some really big sound. The small device has the same shape as the iPod nano, except it’s about an inch thicker. Using either four AAA batteries or the included AC adapter, the MiniBlaster’s two 40mm mylar cone drivers are powered by .5 watts per channel, but crank out a remarkable amount of sound.
Build quality is good, and that 450Hz to 20,000Hz sound spectrum the company says these drivers are capable of is probably an honest spec. Of course, the laws of physics won’t let speakers this tiny crank out bass much lower than 450Hz, but the sound coming out of the speakers, while lacking earthshaking bass, was still clean, well defined, and pleasant.
What about volume levels? How loud will they get? Well, holding the unit about 2 feet away from my face, the music was loud enough actually hurt my ears. It’s a kick to hold that much sound in the palm of your hand—this baby has enough mojo to make you wanna dance. All in all, I’d say it’s a great product for $49.95. Highly recommended.
Charlie’s Full Review [Consumer Electronics Net]
Product Page [JLab Audio]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
I-Deck: Album Art Has Returned!
Ever since I saw my parents’ Rolling Stones Some Girls vinyl album back when I was a wee lad, I have been in love with album art. With the MP3 generation taking over, this artform was slowly becoming lost in a digital sea. Luckily, English designer Michael Kennedy shares the same passion and invented the I-Deck, a retro touchscreen music player. In addition to using the touchscreen to display album art, it also functions as a larger, more interactive iPod click wheel. Hell of an idea, Michael.
The I-Deck - Album Art Lives On [The Cool Hunter]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
Nike+ iPod: Out-of-Box Experience
iLounge snagged a Nike+ iPod Sport Kit and took it out of the box, giving us a good first look at how the system fits together. First we get a peek at the small red-and-white wireless 802.11 sensor/transmitter that fits into a pocket within the insole of those Nike shoes. A surprising revelation is that you don’t necessarily need the Nike shoes to use the sensor. It looks like it could just be slipped into any shoe, but the reviewer says it’s easier to deal with the little transmitter if you’re wearing the special Nike+ shoes created specifically for the system.
The report shows a few shots of those rather plain-looking shoes, and the reviewer also comments about how tiny the receiver is, which looks to be about three quarters of the width of the nano itself. We also get a first look at the Nike+ website where you ingest all your exercise data, and the whole system from shoe to screen looks user-friendly so far. No word on how well it works yet, but the site promises more photos and information shortly, so we’ll be on the lookout for that.
Apple Computer Nike + iPod Sport Kit [iLounge]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
Eureka Contest Update
If you recall we have a contest running with a video iPod up for grabs. This contest is sponsored by SCI FI and their new original series, Eureka. Still interested? You better be. Here is what you have to do to win the 60 GB video iPod.
You need to create and design an original invention and include some kind of a sketch or mock-up with a full explanation of what the gadget does. Hit up the link here to get an idea of what the citizens of Eureka have been brewing up. Once you have the entire mock-up and description done, shoot it over to gizmodobox@gmail.com with MADE IN EUREKA in the subject line. The usual Gawker Contest Rules apply.
Remember, the contest ends next Tuesday, July 18, which also happens to be the day Eureka premiers on the SCI FI channel. Get the full scoop on the contest here. I couldn’t help but giggle at David R.’s entry. Keep up the good work, folks.
Eureka Invention Contest, Win a video iPod [Gizmodo]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: ipod
MojoFlicks goes universal, adds wmv support
MojoFlicks converts videos for the iPod without the need for iTunes.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
WB Adds Adds Shows to iTunes Music Store
Warner Bros. Entertainment added five classic shows and one new series to the iTunes Music Store on Tuesday.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Amazon Preps Movie Download Service
Amazon.com’s video store, which will include movie downloads, is expected to open in before the end of August.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
GINI Introduces iTube and iConec For iPod
GINI Systems has just introduced its iProducts line targetting “the iPod Generation with high-end taste.” The initial launch of the iProducts Line includes a unique Tube Based 2.1 Audio System…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Monday, July 24, 2006
Sanyo MAJ-U4CT1: A Little Boombox That Rips
This boombox plays CDs, Tapes, and MP3s from SD cards. But it can also swap music between those sources. It rips MP3s to flash memory, sure. More surprisingly, it can record MP3s to cassettes. We’re talking about nothing less than the automated rebirth of the mix tape. Yeaaaa…no thanks. (Thirty-something Gizmodo readers everywhere are recalling Camaros and pegged white washed jeans.) Not much more info forthcoming, except it weighs about 6 pounds, and has a measly 4 watts of power. And if you couldn’t tell from its robot name, this puppy is Japan Only.
http://www.digitalworldtokyo.com/2006/07/retro_sanyo_boombox_digs_mp3_s_1.php [ via Digital World Tokyo ]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Stowaway Guitar
No longer will you be ridiculed for being a dirty hippie carrying around a guitar and playing for spare change. No, no. The Stowaway Guitar can pack up into a classy briefcase and make you look like a dirty hippie oddly carrying around a nice briefcase. It uses a clip-joint neck connection system—whatever the hell that means—for the assembly and disassembly. All we need is some inflatable bongos and a paper harmonica for the best street jamband ever! $599.
Product Page [Via Red Ferret]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Morph Pad
Two types of phone calls in the office bore people to tears: conference calls and nagging-wife calls. For these circumstances, there’s the Morph Pad, a writing pad that you can mold and shape to all kinds of different designs. You can make a wavy sideways structure, a curvy vertical statue, or some kinda fanned out deal.
Okay, so there’s only a few things you can do with it, but wriggling the pad around in your hand is so much fun. Oh, and you can actually write take notes on it. Call them up to order some with your own company’s logo.
Desktop [Schleehdesign via Cool Hunting]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Slim Devices Transporter: Exclusive First Look At the Ultimate Audio Streamer
Alright sound geeks, put on your bibs before you read any further. Slim Devices is soon to release this $1999 Mega-Super-Duper networked streamer that is chock full of audiophile goodness. The Transporter – no affiliation with crappy films – is loaded with what they claim is the best digital analog converter available, the cleanest power supply you can buy, and every digital input and output you could think of. Consider the aircraft aluminum chassis, and we’ve got what looks to be the nicest audio streamer ever made. More stat-blather after the jump.
-DAC: AKM AK4396 Multi-bit Sigma-Delta D/A, 120dB Dynamic Range, 120dB SNR (A-weighted), -106dB THD+N.
-Digital Outputs: 15 picoseconds intrinsic jitter (std. deviation), coax, optical, BNC S/PDIF, & balanced AES/EBU.
-Digital Inputs: Coax, optical and BNC S/PDIF, and balanced AES/EBU inputs can be used to drive the DAC, network streaming or pass-through.
-Display: Dual 320×32 grayscale vacuum florescent displays with multiple text, spectrum analyzer and VU views.
-Network: True 802.11g wireless, 10/100mbs ethernet.
-Decoders: WAV, AIFF, MP3, WMA, FLAC with 24 bit resolution, 44.1, 48 and 96k sample rates.
Spec Page [ Slim Devices ]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
iLive Debuts New Made For iPod Products
iLive has introduced a series of new audio and video products for use with the iPod.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Monopoly Replaces Cash With Debit Card
By replacing the cash in Monopoly with a Visa debit card in all future editions of Monopoly, Hasbro puts an end to almost a century of “Monopoly money” jokes and wasted minutes waiting for your sister to dole out $50 because she’s the chairman of the board. Instead of divvying up paper 500, 100s and 50s, you’ll stick your card into the ATM machine in order to add or subtract from your total. The only problem: knowing how much money everyone else has without some kind of visual indicator.
Mayfair? Put It On The Card [Sky via Geekologie]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Fishing Parachute: Tire ‘Em Out, Reel ‘Em In
A fishing parachute? Yes, but not the kind of parachute you might be thinking of—this one works under water. It doesn’t actually exist yet, but it’s a patent for a device that tires out fish. When a fish is hooked and starts pulling on the fishing line, the chute opens, creating lots of drag as the fish tries to escape.
Unless you’re talking about extremely large fish, it already doesn’t seem like a fair fight between man and fish with just an ordinary fishing pole. This doesn’t seem quite fair, similar to using a submachine gun for hunting.
Fishing Parachute [OhGizmo]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
The Cone: One More Reason Why Women Don’t Need Men
Isn’t this a fine-looking device? The Cone is designed to give the ladies such a wild ride, they’ll never need a man again. It’s a hands-free design with 16 different vibrating speeds, and when the time is right, there’s a handy orgasm button that takes the rider to that sometimes-illusive Higher Plane.
With its pretty lavender color and tasteful cone shape, she can keep it on the nightstand without any rude questions being bandied about. A rather small device at 7.5 inches in diameter and 4.5 inches high, it uses three C batteries. On sale now in the UK for £49.99 (about $92).
Product Page [Playtime Paradise, via Shiny Shiny]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
The Love Toaster Induces Giggles, Scorn
Since we Gizmodoites are all bacon and toast lovers, we’re always interested in the latest toaster ideas, even it’s just a vacuous concept, or if it’s just plain cutesy like The Love Toaster.
Of course, at first glance the crunchy products of the Love Toaster might elicit a smile, and might just thrill a little kid, but we can’t imagine this Love Toaster settling any disputes. It might be a good gift for Grandma.
A week later, no one will even notice those three little words “I Love You” printed on that toast. It will seem like a dopey joke. Too bad you can’t select other choice phrases to burn in. Find out your family’s tolerance level for a mere (?) $62.
Product Page [Bim Bam Banana, via Gadget Candy]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
AddMirror: Ads in Bathroom Mirrors Are Coming
The last bastion of privacy and repose is slowly being eroded, where first we heard about advertisements over urinals, and now enterprising ideapeople at Addirect have figured out how to hide ads behind mirrors. The company plans to roll out AddMirror, its advertising product around the world starting this month, which it test marketed in 300 fancy-schmancy bars and nightclubs in London.
But will people object? Addirect says no, but never mind that—most importantly, the company claims a 63% recall rate of the advertisements shown in the AddMirrors. That’s a remarkable number, considering that even Super Bowl ads get just a fraction of that recall rate.
Addirect is currently setting up a media network, which will actually do the work of installing these screens behind one-way mirrors and distributing the adverts all over the world. Enjoy your solitude while you can.
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Freedom From Wires: Mustek MBT-D120 Bluetooth Dongle
If you have Bluetooth devices and you’re getting sick and tired of all those cables making a spaghetti bowl behind your monitor and under your desk, $25 buys you the Mustek MBT-D120 Bluetooth Dongle, ridding you of many of those wires once and for all.
It’s a thumb-sized USB device that you plug in and instantly open up your computer to as many as seven Bluetooth-enable cellphones, keyboards, headsets, and anything else. The Bluetooth will set you free.
Mustek’s dongle that gets rid of cable clutter [Sci Fi Tech]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
iLane, E-Mail While Your Drive
Personally, if I never saw another e-mail again I’d probably be all the more happy, but for people who just need the latest funny joke alert, here comes the iLane. It’s being pushed as the world’s first hands-free and eyes-free e-mail solution for use inside of a car. It interacts with Bluetooth devices (hmm…like the BlackBerry?), reading aloud, in a “natural sounding voice” no less, summaries of email messages; should the driver want, the iLane can be set up to read entire e-mails. I should hope there are no children in the car when iLane decides to recite some of the more raunchy spam that get sent about.
The iLane supports all the usual western European languages, like French and Spanish, and can be configured to use a male or female voice. In addition to managing your e-mail, the iLane can also manage other “I’m-an-important-business-executive-on-the-go” things like calendar appointments and SMS (text) messages.
Right now, the iLane still hasn’t made it into full-scale production, so price and availability information are unknown.
Product Page [iLane via Tech Digest]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Wired: Zune is Doomed
The list of features expected to show up in Microsoft’s Zune music players may be long, but they won’t be enough to keep the iPod competitor from being know as the “iClod,” according to Wired.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Zune a Bigger Threat to iPod Competitors
Microsoft clearly has its sights set on Apple and the iPod now that it has announced its Zune music player and download service, but the company’s aim may be off.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Microsoft Confirms Zune Music Player
Microsoft, Friday, confirmed the existence of Zune, it’s hardware and software effort to steal the digital music player throne out from under Apple. As reported by Gizmodo, Billboard magazine will…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Friday, July 21, 2006
Microsoft will release iPod rival this year
Microsoft will ship competitors to Apple’s iPod and iTunes this year.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Review - KuroDock
On the surface, there are few compelling reasons to invest in an iPod dock. SwitchEasy’s new KuroDock for iPod nano makes a good case for doing so, however.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Microsoft Confirms Music Player Plans
In an exclusive interview with Billboard Magazine, which will publish the news in its July 29 edition, Microsoft’s Chris Stephenson confirmed that the company plans to launch a portable music player, along with an iTunes-like service, under the name Zune.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Real, Virtual Reality Roller Shoes … Huh?
The “powered shoes” are virtual reality assistants that were developed by Hiroo Iwata, Hiroshi Tomioka and Hiroaki Yano in Japan. The shoes—or hippie sandals as they appear—have motorized rollers built into the base. As you take steps, a computer strapped to your back will make the rollers on the bottom of the sandals roll the opposite direction canceling out your steps. So it is like really walking in place or being on a mobile treadmill. Get it?
The fun doesn’t end there. The computer is also connected to a virtual reality helmet worn by the participant. So little to no room is needed to truly experience a virtual reality world where you can walk around anywhere. It is obvious that the virtual reality doesn’t offer fashion tips, though. Socks with sandals? Bleh! The powered shoes will be on display at SIGGRAPH 2006 in Boston later this month. Check out the video here.
Powered shoes — perfect for a virtual stroll [NewScientistTech]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Yahoo starts selling DRM-free song
Yahoo is selling a digital song that comes without digital rights management copy protection.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Apple Files Another Touch-Screen Patent
Apple has filed another patent for a touch-screen interface for an iPod or other handheld device, according to an in-depth review of the published filing by AppleInsider.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Wow-Pen Mouse Helps Ease Old Man Pains
People with repetitive stress disorders, also known as wimps, might like the Wow Pen Eco. Its name is a bit of a misnomer, since it has very little to do with a pen (well, it does offer hand recognition with the right software) and doesn’t really echo or anything. That said, its design is such that it’s supposed to help people with things like carpal tunnel syndrome by easing pain. The vertical orientation of the mouse may look odd, but it functions just the same as your trusty two button mouse, complete with scroll wheel on the side.
By aligning the buttons vertically, the company argues, “you don’t feel almost any pains and fatigue over the regular mouse.” That’s the kind of language you can trust. The spacing of the buttons was also taken into account, and are supposedly located at just the right spot so that you “never feel any inconvenience” during use. Just combine this with other ergonomic nonsense and you’re well on your way to believing you’re more comfortable than you really are.
Product Page [Waawoo Tech via Everything USB]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Lighted Door Handle
Install this lighted door handle and your roommate will know when the coast is clear, or when you’re doing the bouncy bouncy with that babe from across the quad. The handle glows red or green, which you select using a small lever underneath.
Too bad it requires a power outlet to operate, and doesn’t use a highly efficient combination of long-lasting batteries and low-voltage light. But this is no cheap thing, nor is it easy to install; its $440 price tag probably will confine its use to luxo-sport cribs or the bathroom just off the boss’s corner office.
Door handle [Bim Bam Banana, via Gadget Candy]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Design Concept: Wind-Driven Bike Headlight
The idea of powering a bike headlight with the wind is a natural until you start thinking about what happens when the bicycle has stopped. Taiwanese designer Hsieh Jung-Ya has you covered, because this design concept of a mini-turbine mounted on bike handlebars stores that wind energy in a rechargeable lithium battery, keeping its 1700lux LED light shining bright even when the bike isn’t moving.
But still, is this better than a wheel-generated light? Wouldn’t this cause excessive drag? Combine the energy-storage idea with a drag-free design and then we’ll talk.
A Double Whammy - The Wind Powered Bike Light [treehugger]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
KuroDock, Smallest iPod Dock Ever
There’s no shame in admitting that your iPod dock is a little on the small side. Sure, those bigger docks may pack more features, may be more desirable by some iPod owners, but at the end of the day, they all pretty much accomplish the same task: charging up your iPod while allowing it to transfer music to your computer. Enter the Kuro Dock, which claims to be the world’s smallest dock.
Designed for the iPod nano, the KuroDock weighs only 2.5 ounces and measures 1.8 x 2.1 x 0.6 inches. Naturally, it’s USB 2.0 compatible and the LED on the front goes from white to red when active, returning to white to let you know that’s it’s safe to disconnect the dock. See, small and helpful. Nothing wrong with that.
Finally, in case you want to connect the nano to an external set of speakers, the KuroDock also has a line-out jack. It’s available now in black for $29 and will be available in white very soon. Unless, of course, you’re an iPod dock size queen or something.
Product Page [SwitchEasy via Tech Digest]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Wondershare iPod Video Suite v1.3.1 Released
Windows users who tote a 5G, video-capable iPod should have a look at the Wondershare iPod Video Suite. As Wondershare puts it,Wondershare iPod Video Suite is an extremely easy to use DVD/Video to…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Griffin Announces New iPod Cases
Griffin Technology introduced several new iPod and iPod nano cases this week, including the trio, vizor, tempo, and iClear.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Yahoo! Releases DRM-Free Music of the Jessica Simpson Variety
Despite loosing a heck of a lot of money in value in the past few days, Yahoo! is doing something that’s likely to win it at least a couple of new friends. That is, Yahoo! has released a DRM-free music track on its online store. Unlike other DRM-free online music stores, which mainly deal with unknown or indie artists (not a knock against either, mind you), Yahoo!’s first DRM-free track is from the decidedly mainstream Jessica Simpson. “A Public Affair” will cost music fans $1.99 and is a vanilla MP3 file, compatible with all digital music players, including the iPod and all those really great Microsoft-blessed PlaysForSure players.
Perhaps even more interesting is the fact that Simpson’s record label is Sony BMG. Going from releasing rootkit-laden CDs to DRM-free MP3s is quite a metamorphosis. Should Yahoo! further thumb its nose at the music industry, we’ll let you know. In the meantime, let’s all rock out to Jessica Simpson, the greatest singer in human history.
US Yahoo offers copy-free music [BBC News]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Fuse Box: A Blackberry for Kiddos
Surely kids have important e-mails and business matters to attend to that would require a gadget like this. As a youngster, when I wasn’t kicking kid’s asses on the playground I was dabbling in business matters and making sure everything was running smooth at the office. If only I would have had a gadget like. Okay, so the only thing Blackberry-esque about the Fuse Box is the keyboard and shape. This device connects to any Wi-Fi network and will let the kiddos send text messages to each other easily. It isn’t subscription based either, so no need to spend unnecessary money on the kids. It is available for $70.
Okay, I lied. I wasn’t the one kicking people asses on the playground. I was the one getting beaten to a pulp. But hey, this is the Internet, I can say whatever I damn well please.
Fuse Box, A Blackberry for Kids [Uber-review]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
iTunes Catalog 2.1 Adds New Playlist Control
KavaSoft announced the immediate availability of iTunes Catalog 2.1 on Thursday. iTunes Catalog is a Mac OS X application that lets you create a Web-based interface for your iTunes music collection so that other users can view your playlists and listen to your music online.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Griffin introduces new iPod case line
Griffin Technology introduced three new iPod cases, including a sports armband, leather model and one with interchangeable covers.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Mini Reminder, Good for the Forgetful
The Mini Reminder is a small device that may save you a lot of hassle and trouble. This tiny device can tie onto any object that you usually carry around or have with you all day. Attach the transmitter and slide the small receiver into your pocket or onto your belt. If the transmitter and receiver become seperated by 10-25 feet (customizable distance), the receiver will begin to beep or vibrate alarming you that you forgot your stuff. Sounds pretty handy for nuclear football duty. The government keeps busting my chops because I manage to leave that thing everywhere! Funny story—one time I left it at a strip club, boy was my face red when I had to pick that thing up from the V.I.P. room. Mini Reminder is available for $40.
Product Page [Via SCI FI]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Yahoo! Music Offers DRM-free Song
Yahoo! Music is offering Jessica Simpson’s A Public Affair as a Digital Rights Management-free MP3 download.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Rising UK Street Crime Blamed on iPods
A rise in street crime in the UK has been blamed specifically on iPods, other digital media devices, and cell phones, according to new crime statistics released in the UK. London’s daily Metro ran the story as its Thursday headline story with the title “Rise in crime blamed on iPods,” citing an 8% increase in some reported crimes.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Top 10 Coolest Lego Gadgets
When we were kids, during the transition from the age of pushing a can with a stick to the age of home entertainment consoles like the Nintendo, Legos were one of the things that everyone could love. Here’s 10 of the coolest Lego structures built by adults that never grew up—or couldn’t, due to the childhood trauma of seeing their dog tear the crap out of their rabbit’s neck. There, there Mr. Fluffers, it’ll be all right. Let’s just put this red stuff back inside you.
Top 10 Coolest Lego Gadgets [TechEBlog]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Silent Light Phone Ringer
This isn’t a ringer, per se. It attaches to your landline phone to allow you to turn off your phone ringer and still be alerted, via blinking light, that someone’s trying to get ahold of you. Perfect for parents of little babies, parents of teenagers who call late, and parents who just want to take a little nap, so could you please keep it down for Christ’s sake Tommy?
The light has four LEDs and comes with a phone cable. Available now for $19.95.
Silent Light Phone Sensor [OneStepAhead via Textually]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Tazer Gloves: DIY and Fight Crime for $20
We’d all like to be superheroes, but none of us are getting any stronger by sitting our asses in front of our beautiful, baby blog. That’s ok — you can follow this instructables.com tutorial to make your own Tazer gloves for $20 dollars worth of rubber gloves, tin foil, some AA batteries, and a disposable camera. Has a 300 volt standard mode, and a supercharged jolt that is “much more painful.”
Tazer Gloves, Video, Instructions, and Photos [ instructables.com ]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Numark D2 Director: USB DJ Rig
Back when we were young, lawns were for getting on instead of getting off, and DJs used these weird black things made of wax that spun around. Times are a-changing with the Numark D2 Director USB DJ rig.
This sucker has a USB port on the front, two on the back, and an LCD screen so you can view waveforms. Waveforms! Is this a night club or a freakin’ EE class? The Director supports iPods, memory sticks, USB hard drives or USB keyboards to play music off of/interface with. There’s even the capability to record songs back onto a hard drive to save for later—like for using at the damn Bar Mitzvah you’re only getting paid $45 for because the kid’s old man is a friend of your old man.
Product Page [Numark via Music Thing]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Skinpod.IT
Fantastic site about modding your iPod. This is our fave iPod site at the moment, definitely worth a visit!
Source (full article in new window): ipod-playlist.com
Shockulate Vault: Torture Thyselves, Oh Ye of No Will
You’ve done it to your dog, now do it to yourself—threaten yourself against unwanted behavior with an electric shock.
The Shockulate Vault has a timed lock on top, and if you try to get one of those belly-busting candies or deadly suckweeds out of there before the allotted time is up, you’ll be in for a shock.
But what happens when the time is up? All bad things come to those who wait.
Shockolate Vault [TRFJ]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Magic Mirror: Who’s the Fairest of Them All? (Hint: Not You)
Who wouldn’t want to integrate a talking (”magic”) mirror into their home security system? Or, what college kid wouldn’t trip out when, like, that mirror is totally talking to him? Exactly. The Magic Message Mirror from Themeaddicts looks (and acts) like a normal mirror until some unwanted intruder sets it off. Then, the mighty mirror awakens from its slumber to give the ne’er-do-wells a bit of a tongue lashing. Of course, you can just set it up to let you know that the dog is digging up the roses again or that the mailman is here. Talking to it about how pretty you are vis-Ã -vis the neighbors is entirely optional.
Whether or not the Magic Message Mirror will go into production, and how much it’d cost you, remains unknown. Let’s hope that it does, indeed, see the light of day.
Product Page [Themeaddicts via Shiny Shiny]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Grado’s iGrado (iGreat, iNot iAnother iOne)
Grado expands their high-end headphone lines into the low end with the iGrado headphones. Normally their cans go from anywhere in the hundreds to the many hundreds, but they most likely realized that there was a whole market of iPod users unwilling to spend more on their headphones than their iPod Nanos music players. All this gathered from the lone “i” in their product name, of course.
The phones go behind the head in the wraparound style that’s popular among them youngsters today. In the traditional Grado style, they look horribly uncomfortable but should be decent to wear.
Available the first week of September for $49.
Grado Labs releases $49 headphones [Playlist Mag]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
$36,000 Formula 1 Chess Set
Formula 1 auto racing may not be as popular here in the U.S. as, say, Nascar, but that shouldn’t exclude us from enjoying this attractive chess set made of old Renault parts. Priced at a reasonable $36,511, this chess set uses every part of the car, just how we were taught that Native Americans used every part of the animals they killed. The chess board itself is made of the same carbon fiber that the F1 cars are made out of and the chess pieces are made from assorted cars parts hailing from the wings, cockpit and even the suspension. Materials include titanium, stainless steel and leather.
Just combine this with the IDF Chess Set that we mentioned some weeks back, and you’ve got the makings of a world class chess set collection. It’s available now and really does cost $36,511. Sell the house; you don’t need it.
Product Paage [Renault F1 Team Collection via Jalopnik]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Nielsen Analytics: 9 Million Web Users Have Downloaded Podcasts
Nielsen Analytics on Thursday announced the results of a study in which it found that 9 million Web users, or slightly more than 6% of U.S. adults, have downloaded podcasts over the past 30 days.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
iHome iH31 and iH19: The iPod Madness Continues
If the iPod ran for president, it’d probably win at this point, what with all the outside support it receives from companies looking to make a quick buck. iHome was one of the first such companies to jump on the iPod bandwagon, many of which we previously covered, and now it’s releasing two more iPod-compatible speaker systems, the iH31 (pictured here) and the iH19. The former is a boom box with a dock connector and features an FM radio and line-in for good measure. It’ll be available in silver and white, leaving black and U2 iPod owners without an exact match. Meanwhile, the iH19 is a portable case that just so happens to feature a couple of speakers for music listening fun. It’s also water-resistant, which seems to be a hot new trend among manufacturers.
The iH31 is available now and retails for $129 while the iH19 should be available soon for $79.99.
iH31 [iHome]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
The Breath Car
I may not have a musical bone in my body, but I can understand how difficult it is for beginner musicians to train the mouth to handle horn instruments. Matthew Brown is trying to help the beginner musicians train their controlled breathing with the Breath Car.
The car is controlled by a mouthpiece. When the person blows hard it will steer to the right, and softer blowing will result in the car turning to the left. Much of the skill behind playing wind instruments requires good controlled breathing. The skills required for this gadget can significantly improved the controlled breathing, therefore improving musical abilities and filling the world with more waiters aspiring musicians.
How does it work?
The controller contains a MIDI breath controller which converts breath pressure to MIDI data. This is sent to MAX/MSP which converts MIDI to serial data. Serial data is sent via Bluetooth and PIC chip to a servo on the car which controls the steering. The forward and backward controls are hacked from a cheap toy car.
Check out the video here to see the breath car in action. Pretty damn cool, if I do say so myself.
The Breath Car [WWMNA]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Low End Theory
A Mystery for Our Times
By Brendan I. Koerner
Okay, I’m not gonna lie to you: the mystery referenced in the title of this week’s column isn’t exactly a Top Tenner of all time. In fact, it’s probably several thousand places behind such timeless headscratchers as “Who shot JFK?” and “Why is water wet?” (the latter of which I’ve yet to hear a decent answer for). But as far as stumpers go in the realm of low-end electronics, I’d say my question’s pretty sound: why can’t someone come up with a decent sub-$30 digital voice recorder?
Before y’all start shooting off angry e-mails, alerting me to the existence of some 64 MB refurbbed unit on Overstock.com or somesuch, lemme add some parameters to the mystery. I’m talking about a voice recorder that’s brand new, designed solely for the task of getting folks on “tape,” and has the capacity to handle more than a pair of western civ lectures. Anyone? Anyone? I thought not—unless you’re willing to include cheap MP3 players that feature voice recording, of which there are numerous options. So, what gives? Why can I scoop up a 128 MB MP3 player with voice-recording capabilities for less than a Jackson, but a single-purpose player of lesser capacity will run me at least $10 more? Informed commentary tempered by wild speculation after the jump. PLUS: Those long-promised low-end reviews are en route, honest.
As a journalist, I probably have a bit more experience with portable recorders than your average citizen. I made the switch from my clunky ol’ Panasonic tape recorder—which was hardy enough to survive a trip to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland—to a digital IC recorder back ’round 1999. I’ve experimented with several recording setups since then, including an ill-fated dalliance with an iPod microphone. I’m currently using a Samsung YP-MT6, a 512 MB MP3 player that’s one of the few low-end gadgets I own—though, in my defense, I bought it used.
I didn’t want to get the pre-owned route for a piece of equipment so vital to my profession, but the low-end pickings were just too slim. Take the models from Olympus, a leading low-end brand among digital recorders. Their products, such as the VN-1000, are nifty enough, and obviously designed with power users in mind; features such as index marks are a godsend when transcribing notes and interviews, for example. But even the 32 MB version costs over $30, and closer to $40 unless you can find yourself a real online bargain. Oh, and a USB port? Nein! For that, you’ve got to cough up an extra $30 or so for the next Olympus model up.
Compare that to something like this BenQ Joybee 210, a 128 MB MP3 player that can be had for right around $12. Sure, they installed the voice recorder as an afterthought, but I’ve always found BenQ’s sound quality decent enough—certainly better than what I got from my mic’d-up iPod. And it’s USB 2.0 compatible, to boot.
The downside to the MP3 players is that they don’t have the transcription features, especially bookmarks and variable playback. But I refuse to believe that adding those features should triple or quadruple the cost of a barebones audio player. And I don’t buy the inevitable argument from manufacturers that there isn’t a market for dedicate voice recorders. Okay, okay, I acknowledge that you can’t fire up the Guangdong factories to satiate the members of my profession—there just aren’t enough journalists on the planet to justify the investment. (Cue snarky retort akin to, “And that’s a good thing, punk!”) But it’s not just me and my ink-stained brethren who would be willing to shell out twenty bones for a stand-alone voice recorder. In the tradition of Homer Simpson’s riff on who’s watching TV at 3:17 a.m. (”Alcoholics, the unemployable, angry loners…”), here’s an off-the-top-of-my-head list of potential customers:
*Students (duh)
*Insurance claims adjusters
*Attorneys (particularly of the ambulance-chaser variety)
*Genealogists
*Medical examiners
*Police detectives
*Stand-up comedians
*The stoned
*Send me your own
No doubt I’ve proven the viability of the low-end voice recorder market beyond a shadow of a doubt. (Okay, not really, but play along at this point.) But what do the fly-by-night brands give us? As Seen on TV dreck like Mr. Voice. Oh, the humanity…
Maybe there’s some good, logical reason why no one’s jumped on this opportunity. Maybe it’s part of a grand conspiracy among reputable manufacturers of microcassette recorders, who don’t want to see their media sales vanish overnight. But the more likely explanation is that everyone’s been too busy ratcheting down the cost of faux Discmen, and they’ve simply overlooked a potentially profitable low-end niche.
Well, jWINs and Cobys of the world, I give you permission to steal my idea. Make us a nice $20 single-purpose voice recorder, and you won’t regret it. I, for one, will buy one—perhaps even two, as I tend to lose things. Is that enough incentive, or what?
MEA CULPA, IT’S COMING: In a late-June column, I appealed to y’all for ideas on low-end gadgets to review. You see, my Gizmodo overlords are gonna hook me up with a nice lil’ $50 review fund per week, which should be more than enough to buy a few cheapo MP3 players of portable TVs up on 125th Street or down on Canal.
A lot of my favorite readers came through with some excellent ideas for product categories to cover. Alas, I’ve dropped the ball recently, and need to get my ass on a shopping mission to round up the first batch of gizmos. For the very last time in my life, I’ll use the wedding excuse, along with my stock “I’m writing a book and traveling a lot” excuse mixed in for good measure. But fear not—I’m gonna motivate ASAP, and those reviews will be here before you know it. Thanks, as always, for your eternal patience and patronage.
Brendan I. Koerner is a contributing editor at Wired and a columnist for both The New York Times and Slate. His Low End Theory column appears every Thursday on Gizmodo.
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
The Die is Cast: LED Shaking Dice Kit
If you’re sick and tired of those damned analog dice, now you can build your own up-to-date dice for the mid-00’s with the LED Shaking Dice Kit. It’s a $15 set of parts that includes all the components you need to assemble a single die (get two for some real dice throwing).
Shake this assembled contraption, and it flashes its lights and then displays a number of lit LEDs that may or may not be random. Good luck finding an opponent who doesn’t think these things are hackable. Now exactly what was wrong with the old-fashioned kind of dice?
Product Page [Think Geek, via Sci Fi Tech]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Intempo iFi-01 iPod Sound System
Intempo makes some unique looking iPod accessories, including the previously mentioned iDS-02. Now we take a look at the iFi-01, an aluminum tower 2.1-channel surround sound system compatible with iPods and other MP3 players. The iFi uses two 15-watt stereo speakers to pump out music and a 30-watt subwoofer helps out with the low frequencies. You can also transfer music from the iPod (and chrage the iPod) while it’s docked.
The Intempo iFi isn’t exactly cheap: it can be found online for around $425 depending on where you shop.
Product Page [Intempo via Gadget Candy]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Apple Offers Free Accessories with Refurb’d iPods
People love to buy already broken gadgets, right? Apple is offering up all kind of free accessories with broken refurbished iPod purchases. Here is a rundown of all of the deals, some of which aren’t too awful. Note that all of these iPods are Apple-certified, include a one-year limited warranty and free shipping.
• 2GB iPod Nano with Free Lanyard Headphones, $169
• 512MB iPod shuffle with Free Armband Case, $49
• 512MB iPod shuffle with External Battery Pack, $49
• 20GB 4th Gen Color iPod with Free Dock, $199
• 20GB 4th Gen Monochrome iPod with Free Dock, $169
These deals aren’t too horrible. They could make a great gift or second MP3 player for yourself.
Product Page [Apple]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
TMO Reports - Apple on Cell Phones: “We’re Not Sitting Around Doing Nothing”
Apple is not “sitting around doing nothing,” when it comes to cell phones, according to Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer. The comments came during Apple’s Q3 conference call with analysts Wednesday.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Apple on Cell Phones: “We’re Not Sitting Around Doing Nothing”
Apple is not "sitting around doing nothing," when it comes to cell phones, according to Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer. The comments came during Apple’s Q3 conference call with analysts Wednesday.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Podcasting goes to college
If what’s happening at Boston-area colleges and universities is any indication, look for podcasting and videocasting to take on a greater role in education.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
The Stranger Door Knocker
If readers are anything like us—and we suspect you are, since you’re reading this—the UPS guy comes to your door bringing goodies almost every other day. So wouldn’t it be sadistic to scare the shorts off him with The Stranger door knocker? Yes, yes it would.
This knocker is an old-tyme knocker fastened to your door, but with half of a severed arm firmly gripping the end. Mildly scary in-and-of-itself, but there’s also a motion sensor that detects when someone’s approaching and activates the arm to start knocking by itself! Both frightening and cool, in the same way that Orlando Bloom is both masculine and feminine.
Note, this is totally different from giving yourself “the stranger”. That’s another animal entirely. Available now for $14.99 plus the cost of 3 AA batteries.
Product Page [Fright Catalog via Coolest Gadgets]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Gigabyte gSmart i128 Multi-Lingual Smartphone
Once you weed through all the corporate Newspeak, to combine two different things, you’ll realize that the gSmart i128 is a Windows Mobile 5.0-powered smartphone with its main feature being useful for only a small percentage of people out there. That is, it’s mulit-lingual, supposedly a coup for businessmen. And here I thought English was the lingua franca of business. It has many of the features that users of smartphones have come to expect, like Wi-Fi, analog TV reception, a camera (2.1-meapixels) and the assortment of Microsoft applications that businesses rely on, rightly or wrongly.
Its multi-linugal capabilities are the result of a collaboration between Gigabyte and Alta Vista’s Babel Fish. It supposedly lets users do exciting things like search for stock prices in as many as 98 different languages.
The gSmart i128 is supposedly identical to the Taiwan-only sSmart-i, pictured here. No word on price, though.
Press Release [Gigabyte via Slashphone]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Apple By the Numbers: Laptops Up Sequentially, iPod Off
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Video iPod To Feature Nvidia 3D Graphics Chipset?
For the past year, rumors of a large-screen, “Video iPod” have been circulating. Reports call for a ~4-inch touchscreen that covers the entire face of the unit, with an on-screen clickwheel, rather…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
MPEG-4 Recorder 2 improves video quality for iPod
Neuros has updated its MPEG-4 Recorder 2 hardware with improved video quality for the fifth-generation video-capable iPod.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
British record companies to sue Russian MP3 site
The British music industry is suing digital music download site AllofMP3.com.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Music industry prepares suit against Yahoo China
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry is preparing a lawsuit against Yahoo China for abetting copyright infringement.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
iTunes Music Store unleashes more Nike+ Sport Music
More Nike+ Sport Music is available for download from the iTunes Music Store.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
iSnug case protects iPod accessories
HandStands has released the iSnug Accessory Case to protect iPod accessories like cables, power adapters and more.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
i180 records video directly onto iPod without Mac
iLuv’s forthcoming i180 peripheral enables fifth-generation iPod users to record video from any analog source without having to use a Mac or PC first.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Free French, Greek language packs made for iPod
Coolgorilla has released French and Greek language packs, free downloads for the iPod.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Microsoft reportedly readying iPod rival for holidays
Microsoft is reportedly readying an iPod killer set to hit retail shelves in time for this year’s end-of-the-year holiday shopping season.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
SoundBridge updated, FireFly released
Roku’s SoundBridge network music player gains new features in the 2.5 software release, including support for FireFly, an open source media server application available for Mac OS X.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
iPod FM transmitter sends artist, song info to radio
Kensington’s new iPod FM transmitter sends artist and song information to be displayed on the car stereo, if the receiver supports Radio Display System (RDS).
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Speck offers ‘fitness-inspired’ iPod gear
Speck Products has introduced “Active Sport” cases and armbands for the iPod and iPod nano.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
iBridge Dock Kit connects iPod to multi-room audio
Russound’s iBridge Dock connects the iPod with Russound’s multi-room audio systems.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Putting Vorbis and FLAC back in iTunes
Two of the best and most popular audio formats—FLAC and ogg vorbis—have returned to iTunes thanks to an open source plug-in.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Study: iPod use tripled in women in 2006
Market research firm Solutions Research Group offered information about the iPod and other MP3 players, music services and usage.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Gracenote to make lyrics search, download service
Gracenote has signed a licensing deal that will make music lyrics available for search and download much in the same way that artist, album and track names are retrieved now.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
‘Impossibly thin’ speakers debut for iPod nano
Altec Lansing on Monday introduces its iM500 speaker system for Apple’s iPod nano.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Coolgorilla releases iPod Spanish Translator
Coolgorilla has released its iPod Spanish Translator, a free “portable phrasebook” for the iPod containing more than 750 audio files.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Learn Language Now 10 includes iPod audio
Learn Language Now’s most recent edition includes MP3 audio you can move to an iPod.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
iPods, USB storage to gain from Samsung chip
Samsung’s 8Gb NAND flash chips are in mass production, which should soon mean bigger storage in iPods, handsets, USB flash drives and other gadgets.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Waterproof housing ships for iPod shuffle
H2O Audio is shipping a waterproofing housing for the iPod shuffle.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Apple Posts $4.37 Billion Revenue, 8.1 Million iPods Sold
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Sony MEX-BT5000 Car Stereo Head-Unit With Bluetooth
This Sony receiver functions as both a standard AM/FM CD head unit and as a hands-free “headset” for your Bluetooth enabled phone—very convenient when both of your hands are already busy shaving and making sexually explicit gestures to little old lady in the next car.
The MEX-BT5000 holds 50 phonebook entries—not 5000 as the name would have you beleive—and displays the contact information on the receiver so you don’t have to fumble for your phone. You can also take your A2DP enabled music player and stream MP3/WMA/ATRAC to the device. Ah, ATRAC. It wouldn’t be a Sony device without it.
Press Release [Sony via Mobile Mag]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Samsung Mass-Producing 8 Gigabit NAND Flash Memory
Samsung’s announced that they’re starting mass production of their 8-Gigabit NAND flash memory. What this means to you is Samsung is offering an 8GB worth of memory by “‘vertically stacking two 4GB packages, each package carrying a vertical stack of four 8Gb dies’, meaning each solution has eight 8Gb dies in it for a total of 8GB.”
Seeing as Samsung and Apple have a sweet deal going with their flash memory in the iPod Nanos, could this 8GB product mean that the 8GB Nanos are finally on their way? Perhaps as soon as WWDC next month, since there hasn’t been an iPod product refresh in quite some time? We hope so. It could also mean cellphones and other MP3 players are due for a storage bump as well.
60-nanometer 8-Gigabit NAND Flash Memory [Akihabara News]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Whirlpool Begins Testing High-Tech Laundry Project
Today Whirlpool launched a pilot project called “Laundry Time.” The idea behind the project is making the washing machine more connected to your life. The washer and dryers being tested will be able to be monitored and controlled via computers, cellphones and televisions.
To be conducted in Atlanta homes between today and early September, Laundry Time is built around a connected laundry solution that links a washer and dryer to a home network and sends text messages about the laundry’s progress to a computer, TV and/or cell phone. The technology lets consumers manage the laundry process from remote locations such as a grocery store or soccer game, freeing them up to go about their day rather than forcing them to stay home to manage the process.
This project should be pretty interesting given that Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Panasonic and Procter & Gamble all have their hands in on this project.
Whirlpool Tests ‘Smart’ Washers Controlled by Cell Phones [Mobiledia]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Analyst: NPD Data Points to ~8 Million iPods Sold Last Quarter
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Samsung Shrinks Size of New 8Gb Flash Chips
Samsung has succeeded in producing a new 8GB NAND flash memory chip that’s 25% smaller than previous designs.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Olive Offers Opus Music Server With Up to 750GB Storage
Olive Media Products, Inc. on Wednesday announced a new music server, called Opus, that comes in 400GB (US$2,999), 500GB ($3,499) and 750GB ($3,999) capacities.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Self-Destruct USB Hub
This self-destruct button is really just a USB hub, but no one else will know that. Nothing really happens when you activate its buttons, except for an audio file that cries out, “Kill! Kill! Kill!” Well, at least it doesn’t pop out a flag with the word “bang” on it.
Add this self-destruct assembly to your Secret Base Station: USB Desk Toys of Destruction, and next thing you know your boss will be calling the Department of Homeland Security. The price of self-destruction these days is $62 plus $25 shipping.
Product page [GeekStuff4U, via Sci Fi Tech]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Tote-A-Keg for the Go-Anywhere Alcoholic
Beer, Beer and More Beer—the best store, ever—is featuring this: the Tote-A-Keg. It’s simple, yet amazing. This cooler will hold a 2.5 gallon pony keg. It uses CO2 to dispense the flowing beery goodness through an outer spout. The handle and wheels make this device easily the best accessory of any drinker. Take it to the BBQs this summer, tailgating or hell, just roll it along with your as you go from party to party on a Friday night. Unfortunately, the Tote-A-Keg totes a $150 price tag. Being an alcoholic is damn expensive, I should know, my Tote-A-Keg is on the way.
Product Page [Via Coolest-Gadgets]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
MobileTune FM Transmitter for iPod
Elegantly integrating an iPod into the car is fairly hard to do. There’s a whole host of methods to accomplish the task, from line-in inputs in after-market radios, tape adapters and FM transmitters, provided you don’t live in an FM radio-saturated market. Speck Products has an FM transmitter that promises to both work well and actually look attractive in the process. The MobileTune plugs into your car’s 12V power socket and the iPod’s dock connector; the cord functions as an antenna, so you’re less likely to hear static on the road. The knob is actually the interface for changing the tuned-in station. I bet not even the Batmobile had one of these.
Speck Products touts a number of features that set this FM transmitter against the others, such as the fact that it supposedly charges the iPod faster than other transmitters and sounds better thanks to the cord/antenna. This perhaps comes at a price, since the MobileTune is only compatible with iPods newer than 3G models. Death to dinosaurs, apparently.
It’s $59.95 and is available now.
Product Page [Speck Products via iLounge]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
iPods, USB storage to gain from Samsung chip
Samsung’s 8Gb NAND flash chips are in mass production, which should soon mean bigger storage in iPods, handsets, USB flash drives and other gadgets.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Tom Petty: “iTunes Is a Great Idea”
In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Tom Petty recently said, "iTunes is a great idea." Mr. Petty likened iTunes to the early days of pop and Rock-n-Roll when singles were a prime vehicle for selling albums, though he tempered that praise by saying iTunes did not promote the album as an art form.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
iPod Sales Down in Taiwan
iPod and iPod nano sales have dropped below 20,000 units a month in Taiwan since May.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Stay! Mat Wireless Crate Makes Your Dog Hate You Even More
The invisible fence concept goes a step further with the PetSafe Stay! Mat Wireless Crate, letting you micromanage exactly where your pet sits and stays using electronic reinforcement. This nasty little electric shock device keeps your dog bound to one spot and assures you that he’s not going to be moving anytime soon.
Activate the battery-operated mat and soon that dog will learn that if he takes one step off it, he’ll get what the company calls a “mild static correction,” or for the rest of us, the thing will shock the bejeezus out of the poor animal. It has four adjustable levels of electrocution, as well as a beep-only mode if you just can’t bear to punish the poor pooch.
So if you’re willing to do just about anything to stop the dog from watching you having sex, here’s the product for you. Just keep reminding yourself how nice it is to be at the top of the food chain.
Product Page [PetSafe, via Popular Mechanics]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Bottom Reformulator Cushion: Do the Math
Why bother with all that pesky exercising, weight control and the luck of genetics when all you need to do is park that big ol’ booty on the Bottom Reformulator Cushion, and it will turn that sack of potatoes into two perfectly-formed orbs.
The cushion has been allegedly tested and proven to work by a team of plastic surgeons from Taiwan. Just look at those pictures. There is your proof. Find out what it can do for you for only $29.95.
Product Page [Gadget Universe, via TRFJ]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Language Line Phone: Face-to-Face Interpreter
At first we thought this Language Line Phone was able to electronically interpret languages in real time. No, there’s no practical real-time electronic interpreter yet, but until that day comes, the Language Line Phone can still get the job done by connecting to Language Line Services, a company with human interpreters standing by.
The Language Line Phone works in a situation where someone is standing next to you, and you need to speak with that person but neither of you speaks the other’s language. This phone lets you hold one handset and talk to the interpreter, and the person with whom you’d like to converse holds the other handset and hears the interpreter translating what you’ve said. Sure, you could do this by handing one handset back and forth, but then the company says that wouldn’t be hygienic.
Anyway, all you pay is the monthly maintenance fee of $3 for the phone. Oh yeah, and then there’s that pay-as-you-go charge of $3.95 per minute for the interpreter. Almost forgot about that.
Product Page [Language Line Services]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Apple Wants iPod Integration in More Autos
Just when you thought the iPod couldn’t get any bigger. Bob Borchers, the senior director of iPod worldwide product marketing, recently told CNET UK’s Crave that Apple wants more consumers using iPod-enabled automobiles rather than the plethora of third-party accessories. Borchers also said that Apple has no interest in producing their own car stereo, but they will be working with other companies to improve iPod integration in new cars. So I guess buying a new $20,000 will be the new hot iPod accessory this year.
I personally think this iPod integration is a bunch of rubbish. I recently purchased a new Honda Civic and I was given the option of iPod integration. It is essentially a iPod dock connector that comes out of the glove box, whoop de doo. I’ll take my $350 that I would have spent on this iPod accessory and spend it on Taiwanese hookers and have a way better time, especially because the new Civics already come loaded with auxiliary inputs for the stereo. Hey car manufacturers, ditch the iPod connection and just start including auxiliary inputs in all vehicles. It is cheaper, will make the FCC more happy—no FM transmission—and can work with the iPod and more.
Still confused about the Civic iPod integration? Check out video review here of the on-board iPod integration from Gizmodo’s own, Charlie. Image via CNET
Apple iPod exec discusses iPod car integration [iLounge]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Microwave, iPod Dock: A Match Made in Heaven
Those folks at Target really know what the people want. They are offering up a combination Emerson .7 cubic foot microwave and a bonus iPod Table Radio. Who wouldn’t want something like this. Just think of all of the Duran Duran you could listen to while heating up your nightly microwave dinner, by yourself, of course.
The microwave combo retails for $59.99, which isn’t too terribly bad, but the online store is currently out of stock. It is noted that this product is also available in-store so there is still a chance to pick up the combo there.
Product Page [Via SCI FI]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Self-Destruct Button USB Hub
This. Is. Awesome. The Self Destruction Button USB hub comes with four ports in the back for all your USB-connectivity goodness, but the main draw comes from all the stuff on top. There’s two flickable switches, a turnable key, and a protected self-destruct button!
Unfortunately, all that happens when you press the button is a “Kill Kill Kill” audio file from your computer. But we’re sure some enterprising programmer will make a small app to intercept the signal and do something neater—like wiping out your hard drive.
Preorder now for $62 plus $25 shipping.
Product Page [GeekStuff4U via Akihabara News via Sci Fi Tech]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Eureka Contest, Voting Time
That’s it folks. The submission deadline has passed on our contest and the crackpot team of editors have sorted through all of the entries and selected some of the best ones. The finalists will go head-to-head in a no-holds-barred showdown, voting style.
Remember, the winner will receive a 60GB video iPod courtesy of the SCI FI channel and their new show, Eureka that happens to premier tonite—check your local listings for time. Voting will end Thursday, July 20 at noon eastern. Now, hit the jump to see the entries and cast your vote.
GizmodoPlus+
Chameleon Necktie
1Key
The first is called the 1Key, a shape-shifting pocket sized device that will open any lock you have access to, by assuming the shape of the key you own.
D.O.C.
DOC is a complete medical system, using your body’s own systems to operate. It works by using your body nervous system, to interpret pain signals, identify the source, inform you, and treat the symptoms and permitting the source. Should DOC detect a serious medical condition, it will immediately contact medical authorities and using its built in GPS send them your exact location.
Because of DOC’s unique system, it also eliminates nearly all pain and monitors your body main systems (such as heartbeat, blood pressure, body fat levels, etc…) and stores them on its internal memory. Take a look at the attached images to get a better idea of DOC’s potential.
Securipee
Sometimes, you’re in a public restroom, and there’s no partition between the urinals. This can be a little disconcerting if you’re standing next to someone with a bit of a wandering eye. The Securi-pee aims to provide a little comfort and reduce “performance anxiety” while using these open stalls. Essentially, it’s a couple of telescoping antennas with little curtains on them that fasten onto your belt. The curtains can be made from different materials for style or economy: vinyl provides a shower curtain-like splash guard, while red velvet gives an air of elegance (although they are admittedly less sanitary). The curtains could also be printed on, perhaps with advertisements, or with slogans such as “What do you think you’re looking at?!” They’ll be available in two sizes,
“Small” and “Large”.
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Sony Ericsson Car Hands-Free HCB-700
This Sony Ericsson hands-free bluetooth unit fits into your car to provide quick visual access to your phone without fumbling for it while you’re driving. The HCB-700 consists of two pieces, one screen that mounts at eye level so you can see what’s going on, and a second knob-like device that can be used to hang up, mute, or make calls. Turning the knob will scroll through your phone’s address book and display the results on the screen for easy viewing.
Between this, a phone, an iPod, FM transmitter, GPS unit, and chargers for all of them, the inside of our cars are becoming more complicated than the tactical console of the Starship Enterprise. Where’s Data when you need him?
Update: Reader Scott tells us that this has been on shelves since last year, but recommends the Parrot CK3100 because it has better phone support and voice dialing. Thanks Scott!
Sony Ericsson to present car-use hands-free device ‘HCB-700′ [AVING via Mobile Mag]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Design: Optigami Folding Glasses
This design for a pair of foldable glasses may look a little bulky, but it more than makes up for that in convenience. After you take off the glasses, the lenses fold neatly into the sides, which contract to form a hard case that you can place into your pocket. No more putting your glasses into your shirt pocket only to have them get smashed when some jerkface bumps into you on the street.
These glasses are called “Optigami”, combining “optical” and “origami”. Since this is just a design, there’s no telling whether it’ll get turned into an actual product or not. But enterprising DIY’ers could try making their own out of duct tape and chicken wire.
OPTIGAMI [RKSDesign via Coolest Gadgets]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Analyst: NVIDIA’s Chip Slated For Next iPod
Video card maker NVIDIA has been tapped to supply a chip for the next iteration of the video iPod, according to analyst Satya Chillara of American Technology Research.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Microsoft Eyes Large Roll-Out For its Answer to the iPod, iTunes
Citing inside sources privy to presentation materials given to corporate partners and high-level executives, Digital Music News has posted a rundown of the strategy Microsoft wants to employ when it attacks the iPod and iTunes with similar hardware and software, including a possible Super Bowl ad.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
30% of Canadian Employers Ban iPods at Work
Thirty percent of mid-to-large-sized businesses in Canada have banned MP3 players, including the iPod, at work because of data theft fears.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
XM Satellite Asks For Copyright Lawsuit to Be Thrown Out
Fighting a copyright lawsuit over its new handheld Inno device, XM Satellite Radio on Monday asked a federal judge to dismiss the case on the grounds that the 1992 Home Recording Audio Act protects it.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Future iPods May Be Hiding in Code
The software code in current iPods reveals clues about Apple’s plans for upcoming music players, including cell phone and instant messaging features.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Autism in Britain Linked to Personal Electronics
A recent study in the U.K. indicates that batteries and other components in old electronic products are linked to an increase in autism. It sites several examples of devices, including old mobile phones, televisions, and iPods.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Photos: Nike+iPod Internals
A few days back we pointed to early pics of the Nike+iPod Sport Kit, an iPod accessory that allows you to track workout stats with your iPod. A recent article over at Tewks now provides photos that…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Monday, July 17, 2006
Meet The Mu-Bot, Your New iPod Friend
It has a large, white, bulbous head. It’s “hands” are earphones with cords that can be reeled into “the body”. It can be worn around the neck. It plugs into your iPod. It wants to be your…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
CAVS IPS-11G iPod Karaoke
The tides have turned. This is not an accessory to the iPod, but the iPod is an accessory to this. The CAV IPS-11G is an ultra-portable karaoke machine that would be terrific at drunken festivities. This karaoke player has a dock that can fit any of the dock-connecting iPods. It can also support any kind of USB storage. Plug the biznatch into your TV, hook up some microphones, lets the alcohol flow and commence making an ass out of yourself—in the key of rock, of course!
Product Page [Via Popgadget]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Battery Brain, For Your Ride
The battery brain is a very simple device and can likely save you from having to whore yourself out for a jumpstart somewhere in the ghetto. You know, because cars only refuse to start that one time a year that you have to make a late night trip into the shady part of town.
The Battery Brain stays attached to the positive terminal of your battery. It will continuely monitor the voltage of the battery and if it happens to drop below the level required for the engine to start the Battery Brain will kick off the battery and save the juice to get the car started again. Prices for this unit begins at $40 and goes upwards of $70 for the RV unit.
Product Page [Via OhGizmo!]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Eureka Contest, Final Stretch
This is the final stretch for our Eureka. If you don’t know about this, then you obviously haven’t been reading us enough. Here is the deal, we are giving away a 60GB video iPod courtesy of our friends at the SCI FI channel and their new series, Eureka that premiers tomorrow. Hit up the link here for all of the details on the contest and what you need to do to win the video iPod. Contest ends tomorrow, July 18, at noon eastern. So get moving!
Eureka Invention Contest, Win a video iPod [Gizmodo]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Apple’s Borchers Talks iPod Car Interfaces
Bob Borchers, Apple’s senior director of iPod worldwide product marketing, wants his company to improve iPod integration in car stereos, rather than leave users with an "inelegant mess of cassette adaptors and wires."
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
iPod’s Success Breeds Refurbishing, Repair Businesses
As the iPod’s popularity has soared, so have the fortunes of businesses dedicated to refurbishing and repairing the MP3 players. Some of them, such as PodSwap.com, allow customers to trade in used iPods — working or not — toward the price of new or refurbished iPod.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Coolgorilla Offers Free iPod Spanish Translator
Coolgorilla announced the immediate availability of the iPod Spanish Translator on Monday.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
New iPod nano Accessories from SwitchEasy
SwitchEasy announced the immediate availability of the KuroDock and Capsule Stickies Touchwheel Protection on Monday.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Review - GrandStand Case
Anyone who has traveled on a plane holding their 5G iPod while watching a television episode or movie knows what a burden even five ounces in the hand can become after an extended period of time. Despite this fact, of the dozens of cases available for 5G iPods, hardly any take this into consideration…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
More Analysts Weigh in on Apple’s Wed. Earnings Call
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
iTrip, FM Transmitters To Become Legal In UK
Three years ago, we reported that Griffin’s popular iTrip FM transmitter had been banned in the across Europe and in the UK as use of the device had been determined to be in violation of the UK…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Chrysler Brings Car Radios Into the 21st Century
A high-end fancy car like a Lexus is usually stoked with all the latest tech stuff such as hard drives, but now Chrysler has gotten into the act, offering MyGig, a 20GB hard drive that you can order as an option. Our grease-monkey brothers at Jalopnik tell us the hard drive is embedded in the dashboard, and not only stores navigation data but lets you rip CDs as they’re inserted, filling that sucker with your own music. It will also find out the artist, track and title info for you on the Gracenote lookup engine.
That’s just the beginning, though, where Chrysler, the old fuddy-duddy of car tech, seems to be making a major push toward gadgetization. For instance, there’s also an AUX input for rocking your iPod into the system, embedded Sirius Satellite Radio, a USB jack to play music off a thumb drive, hands-free Bluetooth phone calling, and separate audio outputs—one for the car speakers and another for listening to headphones if you want to watch a DVD on the rear-seat LCD display. Snap.
This tech will emerge on midrange models such as the Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Nitro and Jeep Wrangler. Looks like that merger between Chrysler and Mercedes, resulting in DaimlerChrysler, is starting to pay off for the Detroit end of that equation.
MyGig Has A Hard Drive, How About Yours? [Jalopnik]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Ride ‘Em Robots: Robot3 R7
As robots continue their inevitable march toward making us their pets, Korean company Robot3 lulls us into complacency with R7, a $5,250 four-legged contraption that brings new meaning to the ancient term “iron horse.”
The company designs robots not for work, but for fun, and we’re told the company has also developed ridable horses, a raptor, a bartender, and even a robot woman. No word on whether she would be in the mood for a ride or not.
The evolution continues. Be afraid, be very afraid.
Real Ridable Robots for Sale [The Raw Feed]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Thanko Morse Code Secure USB Drive
Security-concious USB drives are beginning to pop up more often and Thanko has a new spin on an old idea idea with its Morse Code drive. Rather than having Windows-only password software protect the contents of the drive, Thanko has placed a number pad on the drive itself, letting users set up set up the drive with their own unique password without having to connect to a computer. Just like other security-centric USB drives, unless the correct password is entered when plugged into a computer, the data will remain locked up forever.
The USB 2.0 Morse Code drive comes in 512MB and 1GB versions but only nominally work with both Windows and Mac OS X. The drive retails for $59 and $85 in Japan, respectively. I’m sure Samuel Morse is just thrilled that companies are throwing his name around with very little merit.
Product Page (in Japanese) [Thanko via Fareastgizmos.com]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Skype Phone Converter
Take advantage of those low rates for SkypeOut without having to spring for a new phone with this Skype Phone Converter. If you’re unfamiliar with SkypeOut, it lets you use the Skype Internet phone system to reach any phone in the world. The Skype Phone Converter plugs into a USB port on your PC and has a phone jack on the other side, so all of a sudden your plain old telephone turns into a Skype phone.
Converting the analog signals from your phone into digital signals understood by Skype, all you have to do is hit the star key (*) twice and this converter will immediately activate Skype on your PC. Includes a voucher for 30 minutes worth of SkypeOut, barely enough to even get you slightly addicted, and two free months of Skype Voicemail. Available now in the UK for £29.95 ($55).
Product Page [via über gizmo]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
iPAQ USB Music Dock
Stop the presses, a non-iPod music player dock is on the loose. Designed for the HP iPAQ rw6818/6828, this dock does most everything you’d expect a dock to do, like charge your player and play back your tunes with a set of stereo speakers. Even though it’s designed with the iPAQ in mind, a line-in lets you connect other music players as well; if you still own a CD player, you’re in luck.
The iPAQ is a PDA/Smartphone running Windows Mobile currently available in Asia. Incidentally, it’s probably more powerful than the laptop I’m using right now.
The dock includes all the necessary cables for all your syncing and charging needs. It’s available now from USB Geek for $32.
Product Page [USB Geek via Mobility Today]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
CarGoDesk: Productivity at the Cost of Safety
The CarGoDesk is a portable desk-like unit that is designed to strap into the passenger seat of a car. It basically turns that empty seat into a convenient desk for working—you know, while driving. Its surface is coated in rubber, so your laptop or work won’t go flying after the first fender bender.
Okay, I’ll stop hating for a bit and admit that this could be a good gadget for people that live out of their cars for work and such. The CarGoDesk could be pretty convenient as long as it isn’t being used while the car is in operation. Production began earlier this summer, so expect productivity and auto accidents to increase ten-fold, shortly.
Product Page [Via Gizmag]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
iPod Watch Concept: Please Go Into Production
This iPod watch concept, given the name iWatch by its designer, Peter Burns, combines—you guessed it!—an iPod and a wristwatch in one saucy little package. The iWatch has (well, is envisioned as having) 10GB of storage and users would then listen to the music with a pair of Bespoke Bluetooth headphones. Not much else is known about the iWatch other than the fact that it looks amazing. Hopefully someone with deep pockets will give its designer some support.
iWatch [Peter Burns’ Portfolio via TechEBlog]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Touch Messenger: Braille Text Messaging
Samsung has introduced the Touch Messenger. This device allows visually impaired persons to become text-messaging goons like the rest of the world. The keypad has Braille input keys and the 3 and 4 keys on the attached cellphone are also used for Braille input. The device has a display screen where the incoming or outgoing messages can be read—or felt, rather. This device won a gold award at the Industrial Design Excellence awards. Not too shabby.
Touch Messenger sends and receives text messages in Braille [Gizmag]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Hotcaptcha: Hot Babes Eliminate Bots
You’ve probably seen website sign-up forms with a graphic of some crazy-looking twisted alphanumeric characters that you’re asked to type into a form. That’s to ensure that an actual human being has to do the signing up. It’s called text Captcha (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart).
A novel approach to this concept is to display a series of pictures and instruct the website visitor to click on the kittens, or in the case of Hotcaptcha, click on the three attractive young ladies (or men, your choice) in the picture. Even though looks are subjective, machines can’t tell the subtle differences between a plain Jane and a hot babe, at least not yet. The code is available to use on your own website. Looks like more fun than just typing in text. Nice idea.
Product Page [Hotcaptcha, via Propellerhead]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Polly Want a Wordy Birdy Speech Trainer
Teaching a parrot to talk takes persistence and a world of patience, but speaking from personal experience, there’s nothing quite as delightfully uncanny as having a Macaw speak your name as you walk into the room, or having it cuss like a sailor at your mother-in-law.
The Wordy Birdy Digital Speech Trainer makes that training process a lot easier by repeating, at intervals between 30 seconds and 20 minutes, whatever word or phrase you’ve recorded into it. Leave it on until your poor bird (and you) have had enough. Just be sure it’s not within earshot of the neighbors—it’ll drive them nuts. It’s $22.
Product page [That Pet Place, via OhGizmo]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Maybe Useful 15 Years Ago: Franklin USB Dictionary and Thesaurus
The Franklin USB Dictionary and Thesaurus is a 256MB thumb drive with Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary and the Franklin Thesaurus on board. So, if you ever find yourself without an online connection, out of range of a WiFi connection, or without any spellchecking or thesaurus capabilities on your word processor, it might be nice to have a dictionary on a USB key. But then, since when were you writing something and didn’t have a word processor with spellcheck?
Anyway, the people at Franklin must have thought of that, too, because they included an e-book store and a newsstand feature on the USB drive, a scheme which helps you look up books or magazines and then buy them online. Hey, wait, can’t you do that with Amazon? So, if you do end up with one of these USB dictionary and thesauruses, good luck finding a capability within it that’s not already duplicated online. If you live alone in a cabin in the woods and have a computer with USB, you might be able to use it. It’s $49.95.
Franklin’s Digital Dictionary/Thesaurus [Gear Log]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Jobs Second on MediaGuardian Power List
Steve Jobs ranked as the second most powerful person in the U.K. media industry on the MediaGuardian 100 power list.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Gracenote to make lyrics search, download service
Gracenote has signed a licensing deal that will make music lyrics available for search and download much in the same way that artist, album and track names are retrieved now.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
iSkin Claro Hands-On
We got our snausage-stained hands on the iSkin Claro case for the 30GB 5G iPod. It’s got the traditional silicone iSkin layer inside of a hard, polycarbonate case.
The iPod slips right into the hole in the iSkin silicone layer, which then in turns goes into the hard shell by way sliding down and removing the front of the case. Drop the iPod in there and slide the case back on for a tight fit. The case feels really solid and looks like it can take some abuse. The kickstand on the back of the case extends out for video playback, and the click wheel is still accessible even with both “layers” on there.
So we decided to test out the “ClaroCoat” on the outer casing to see if it really protects the iPod from scratches. Other than being smudged by my greasy paws, there wasn’t a scratch to be found on the case. You won’t have to worry about the screen portion of the case being opaque with scratches after throwing it into your bag with your keys.
Product Page [iSkin]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Soundwalk Speaker Harness is Totally In Your Face
“It’s all about hands and ears free.” So begins the hype surrounding the Soundwalk, a harness with built-in shoulder-level speakers that you hook up to your portable music player. Instead of paying attention to their surroundings when rock climbing or other extreme sporting, users of the Soundwalk can look forward to a “surround sound experience” bellowing out of the speakers. Also included in the harness is a spot for your cellphone; really, Soundwalk is all about safety first.
The Soundwalk is available in seven different colors, including the ever popular “zet black,” which is probably like “jet black,” but with a “z” because of how extreme it is. If you’re able to get a hold of one (a pretty big if, considering the company is based in Korea), you can expect to pay around $73.
Product Page [Soundwalk via The Red Ferret Journal]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Fidelity DPF-8000F and DPF-8000F LCD Picture Frames
Fidelity Electronics has introduced two LCD picture frames with higher resolution than most we’ve seen. The 5.6-inch DPF-8000F ($199, on the left) has a wider 960×234 screen that supports up to 10-megapixel JPEG pictures, while the 8-inch DPF-8000F ($249) has a 640×480 screen and support for up to 12 megapixels of JPEG goodness. Both are compatible with a variety of flash memory cards including CF, MMC, SD, MS and SM, and they can also display video on their screens or output it to a TV or external monitor. The 8-inch model also has a pair of stereo speakers and a multifunction music and video mode. Both have wireless remotes.
This is all well and good, but we’re still wishing we could have one of those eStarling WiFi- enabled picture frames that could link up to online photo site Flikr, automatically displaying pictures placed in a specific directory. Too bad that eStarling frame has gone AWOL, where it’s not available for purchase anywhere at any price. We know, we tried. It was also selling for $249, but alas, it was not to be. Does anyone know where one of these eStarling frames can be bought, and if so, is it worth it? Until we can get to the bottom of this, perhaps one of these Fidelity Electronics frames might be an acceptable substitute.
Product Page [Fidelity Electronics, via Bios Magazine]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Dog Tag Multi-Tool, Now 100-Percent More Trendy!
Besides being the coolest fashion accessory at the gym, this dog tag also includes a barrage of tools that will help you fight off the killer attack ponies, who happen to have their secret lair at the gym. This dog tag multi-tool includes tweezers, a knife, a file, a bottle opener, a Philips screwdriver and even an LED light—you know, for the killer pony attackers who are afraid of the dark. All of this is housed in a stainless steel dog tag that is only a fourth of an inch thick. Unfortunately, they don’t do custom engraving for the dog tags. You didn’t want derogatory killer pony comments on your dog tag, anyway. $32.
Product Page [Via OhGizmo!]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Cupid’s Double Umbrella
When you’re joined at the hip with another human being, it’s always good to share. But when you have one umbrella and thousands of raindrops with which to cope, it’s either one of you stays dry and the other gets wet, or both of you get damp. Solve that problem with Cupid’s Double Umbrella ($32.18), letting you walk in the rain together with no compromises. How romantic.
We hate to be party poopers, but how on earth do you close it, and what does it look like when it’s closed? Does it all fold up into a neat little package or does it end up looking like a pair of rabbit ears on that old black-and-white TV? You could poke an eye out with that thing.
Cupid’s Double Umbrella [I Want One of Those, via Shiny Shiny]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Cuts Like Butta: The V8 Chainsaw
Check out this video, where these guys have created a chainsaw using a V-8 engine. A chainsaw is already the most dangerous object you can hold in your hands, but take a look at what this one can do to a gigantic log. Cuts through it like butta.
Laying Into the Cut: A V8-Powered Chainsaw [Jalopnik]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
ABT DVDO iScan VP20 and VP30 Solve HDTV Lag Problem for Console Gamers
No matter how fast your twitch reflex, lag has always been a problem with gaming, and now it’s even more so with the advent of HDTV. When you’re playing a gaming console through an HDTV, it just takes too long for the HDTV to process incoming images without unacceptable lag that ruins your gaming. Here’s the best solution yet for that problem, the DVDO iScan VP20 and VP30 from Anchor Bay Technologies (ABT), along with a 102D Precision Deinterlacing Card. Put these together and you have a device that can reduce that upscaling lag time down to the single-frame level.
You’d better be serious about your gaming if you’re going to get into this league, though, because a package with either the VP20 or VP30 and that super-fast add-in card installed will run you $1899 or $2198. If that’s too steep for you, wait a while—the company says it might release a single-chip system that could bring the price of this technology down to the reach of mere mortals.
DVDO: The Final Solution to HDTV Gaming-Lag [ign.com]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
proxSafe Digital Key Management System
If you happen to be a balla like me, then owning too many pimp rides may sometimes be a concern. What can I say, I’m just that damn good. But sometimes I will get the keys of my Beemer, Caddy and Maz mixed up and boy do I look like a doofus! Funny story: one time I gave the valet the key to my Enzo when I was actually driving my GT40! LOL! Oh it was a gut buster!
Regardless, the proxSafe Digital Key Management System will allow you to avoid any of these embarrassing situations by providing a very organized and electronic system to keep track of all of the keys. The system will electronically track all of the keys that go in and out of the system and a digital LCD will give accurate information about every key. The system is also extremely secure to prevent the ninjas from stealing your Benz that happens to be riding rims, or flats, as I prefer.
Product Page [Via Ubergizmo]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Scientists Eliminate the Need for Males
Science has created all sorts of fascinating devices for us to enjoy, but now it’s produced technology that could eliminate the biological need for the biggest whores for all that tech, males. English scientists figured out how to grow stem cells from a female embryo into sperm, and those she-cells are perfectly capable of doing the same thing guys do with some wood and a good splooge.
The good news, guys, is that this technique hasn’t been perfected yet. Even though six out of seven of the baby mice produced using this experimental jism survived into adulthood, all of them suffered what the scientists called “adverse events,” or what we here at Gizmodo like to call “pussywhipped syndrome.”
Women could make sperm [Irish Health, via Dvorak Uncensored]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Nike, iPod Sport Mini Roundup
Just a mere day after the Nike iPod sensor was released there are already reviews, news, mods and pictures out the wazoo. Hit the jump for all of the new shizzle, fo rizzle.
Right off the bat I would like to cordially invite you to go view Katie, of Shiny Shiny fame’s, review of the sporty iPod unit. Not only because it is a good review, but because Katie is extra sexy and has an extra sexy accent. Hearing a girl with an accent talk about gadgets can really get me riled up. Check out the reviews here and here.
Next up, the guys over at TEWKS decided to dissect the iPod sensor and put the scantily clad images on the internet for the world to see. It is really just a tiny circuit board and and a circular disc sensor. Nothing too spectacular, but hit up the link here for all of the images.
Lastly, reader Jim has already busted out the razor and has done a little modding with his Nike iPod kit.
Just to let you know, I bought the kit last night at my local Apple store and went to town on my old pair of New Balance with a razor and pliers last night. Took all of 5 minutes to cut a shape slightly smaller than the transmitter in the same place as was shown in the pix of the Nike+ shoes. I wedged it in, slid the insole back in, ran my usual 2 mile route. It worked just fine and I the shoe didn’t Feel Different. I suppose it would work with some sort of pocket on the laces, too.
Nice work, Jim.
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Skype Cracked?
A team of Chinese engineers say they have unraveled the protocol for Skype, and vow to release their own third-party Skype client before the end of August. VoIP guru Charlie Paglee says he talked with one of the members of the team which reverse-engineered the Skype protocol, and actually received a Skype call from that person who was able to prove that he was using the reverse engineered software by sending Paglee the IP address of his PC, information that’s always encrypted during a conventional Skype call.
Meanwhile, Skype dismissed the claim, insisting this development would have no effect on Skype’s cryptographic security or integrity. However, the engineers who claim to have cracked the code say that they can also block Skype voice traffic. This would be a welcome feature in China, which has already ruled Skype software illegal. Since Skype software currently hijacks its users’ computers to propagate its voice calls, the capability of blocking that voice traffic could do some serious damage to the Skype business model. This could make it possible to send and receive Skype calls without having any calls going through your computer, resulting in lots of holes in the network.
Skype Protocol Has Been Cracked [VoIPWiki (Charlie Paglee’s Blog), via /.]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
d-Media G4 GPS Navigation
This GPS navigation not only looks cool, with its Playstation-like buttons and Batmobile-like black finish, it’s got loads of features as well. The G4 has Bluetooth for connecting to your cellphone and headset so you can make calls while driving, MPEG4 playback for movie watching while driving—always an excellent idea—and infrared remote so your kids can play with it from the backseat.
There’s also an e-compass and G sensor for better navigation when you’re out of satellite range, voice reocorder, and TMC capability. This isn’t available in the US yet, and maybe not ever, but we’ll update you if it is.
G4, d-Media’s upcoming GPS navigation [AVING via Navigadget]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
USB Web Cam With Telescope
If just peeping on your neighbors isn’t enough, there’s the USB Web Cam with Telescope from Brando. The telescoping feature probably isn’t useful for regular webcam conferences unless you want to show the other side how great (or lousy) your pores are.
The scope has 7x magnification and can record at 30fps in 320×240 resolution. Perfect for incriminating evidence on what Mrs. Olsen’s been doing to Mr. Sandoval’s Petunias.
Product Page [Brando via i4u via uber gizmo]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Digital Couch Couple Counseling
This digitized couch was designed by a UK’er and has the ability to tell when a girl is not interested in you. It may be apparent to everyone around you because of your wretched BO, bad teeth, ugliness, etc, but finally you will know when you are not wanted because the couch lights up blue patterns. Using electroluminescent technology and pressure sensors the couch will know where the two persons are sitting and if it is far apart the blue patterns will light up. Once the lady gets drunk enough to become attracted to you, the couch will switch to more passionate red patterns showing that the two persons are together, canoodling.
Couch Counseling [The Cool Hunter]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Macally IP-A481 External Battery
If you’re not a fan of DIY kits like the Mintyboost to give your portable devices more juice on the road, this external battery from Macally may be more to your taste.
The product page states that it’s “for” iPods, but the miniUSB port and the included cable should allow many other USB compatible devices to be charged. On a full charge, this battery adds 6-8 hours of play-time to your hard drive based iPods. There’s also a LED battery indicator so you know how much juice is left.
Useful device for mp3 players and cellphones that can be charged via their USB ports.
Product Page [Macally via Coolest Gadgets]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
4WD Spybot
MacroSwiss’s Spybot 4WD weighs only 6kg (13 lbs) and can go anywhere thanks to its weird “Flapper Wheels”. The spokes-like wheels allow it to climb 45 degree slopes, go down stairs, and be tossed (by explosives?) up to 30 feet.
The Spybot can even go through water with its paddle-like wheels, and can handle more payload than the Spybot MK II. Using this against human enemies is great, and its spy capabilities will give its owners a one-up on their opponents. However, in the impending Human-Robot Wars, there’s no telling where this guy’s loyalties will lie.
The extremely robust 4WD Spybot with flapper wheels [GizMag via Jalopnik]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
USB Wireless PC Lock
Unlike the other USB PC Lock, this PC lock locks your workstation from prying fingers, instead of just the USB drive.
When the USB receiver is plugged into your machine, as long as the transmitter is in range, your PC acts normally. As soon as you walk out of range—with the transmitter in your pocket—the receiver locks your PC to prevent unauthorized access to your machine. Useful at the office, where a trip to the bathroom may invite your co-workers to pull the old take-a-screenshot-and-set-it-as-your-desktop trick.
Available now for £19.99 ($34).
Product Page [Gadgets.co.uk via Coolest Gadgets]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
The iPod Phone: MDA + pPod
One of us—ok it was me—picked up a T-Mobile MDA (HTC Wizard) yesterday and have been messing with it nonstop. It’s very timely that our buddy Phillip Torrone from MAKE pointed us to the video he made using the old pPod software that Apple had canned a while back to turn the MDA into a makeshift iPod.
The controls work fairly well using the touch-screen of the MDA and mimics, in our opinion, the best generation of iPod controls.
The software’s still floating around, so if you want to try it yourself you can either google “Turn Your Pocket Pc Into An Ipod!” or take a look at one of the links in this post. Guess which one!
The iPod phone - Pocket PC to iPod [MAKE]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
USB One Man Band Keyboard/Guitar/Vocal Box
You sing, you play guitar and bass, you record and play live, you play keys, and now you want a single USB device to handle everything in a single box. First, you’re more talented than us. Second, you might want to check out Line 6’s upcoming TonePort KB37. Announced at the summer music equipment trade show this weekend in Austin, this small keyboard includes controls for your fingers, inputs for footpedals for your feet, and uses software to model amplifiers, mic preamps, effects, and stompboxes, with processing options for vocalists and guitarists alike. Line6’s equipment has plenty of competition, but it tends to be affordable and reliable. You may need to grow two extra feet and two extra arms to take full advantage of the thing, so Zaphod Beeblebrox, your audio gear has arrived.
Line6’s KB37 Guitar/Vocal/Bass-Processing Keyboard [Create Digital Music]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Eureka Contest Quick Update
This is just a quick update that our Eureka contest is still going on with a 60GB video iPod up for grabs. This contest is being sponsored by SCI FI channel and their upcoming show, Eureka, that premiers Tuesday, July 18.
Interested in winning the iPod? Better get moving, the contest deadline is Tuesday at noon eastern. If you are wondering what you have to do, hit up our internal link here to get the full rundown on the contest and what needs to be done to win that beautiful video iPod.
Thank, Tom, for your entry above. Nice idea for a phone. Come on folks; send us some entries to compete with Tom. Don’t let him win that easy!
Eureka Invention Contest, Win a video iPod! [Gizmodo]
Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: gadgets, ipod
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Skinpod
Hi guys, I’ve made this site: www.skinpod.it
The idea is to give downloadable-&-printable iPod skins for free.
In this site there’s a lot of skins for many Apple iPod models, so people…
Source (full article in new window): ipod-playlist.com
New Website
I just found this website
It seems pretty new. Look good though, good download.
Source (full article in new window): ipod-playlist.com
Podcast RSS Buddy v3.2
Chris Tolley has released the Podcast RSS Buddy v3.2 for Mac OS X and Windows. The Podcast RSS Buddy is a quick and easy way to produce iTunes-compliant RSS feeds on your Mac or PC. Without knowing…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Friday, July 14, 2006
Enlightening iPod Statistics For 2006
Solutions Research Group, yesterday, published the results of a study concerning the digital music market that reveals trends that should put a smile on Apple’s face, as maker of the…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
iPod FM Transmitters May Become Legal in U.K.
FM transmitters that play iPod music over a stereo are currently illegal in Europe, thanks to a 1949 act that bans the use of radio broadcasting equipment without a license, but a move is on to make them legal to use in the U.K. by next year.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Think Secret: Look For ‘True Video iPod’ in Jan. 2007
According to Think Secret’s sources, a “true video iPod” with a 3.5-inch touch-sensitive screen and a virtual click wheel likely won’t see release until next January’s Macworld San Francisco, thanks to technical problems that have hindered its release.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Apple and Amazon Look for Movie Download Deals
Apple and Amazon are both negotiating with movie studios in an effort to strike deals to allow consumers to download full-length films.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Hi-Res Photos Of Nike+iPod Sport Kit
Back in May we brought news of the Nike+iPod Sport Kit, the fruit of a collaboration between Apple and Nike. Today, Apple Insider has posted a set of hi-res photos of the kit, inside and out. Have…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Nike + iPod = shin splints?
I was reading about the new Nike + iPod gear today and I was thinking, “…so wait a minute… athletic…
Source (full article in new window): iPoditude.com > The iPod Blog
80% of Survey Respondents Would Give Up iPod Over Wi-Fi
According to a survey released this week by Kelton Research, 80% of American adults between the ages of 18 and 64 would give up their iPod rather than forfeit wireless Internet access.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Study: iPod use tripled in women in 2006
Market research firm Solutions Research Group offered information about the iPod and other MP3 players, music services and usage.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
NAND Flash Prices Drop After Rumored iPod Nano Delay
On the heels of rumors that a new version of the iPod nano has been delayed, NAND flash prices dropped 10% this month.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Nielsen//NetRatings Admits Podcasting Inaccuracies
Nielsen//NetRatings on Wednesday claimed that over nine million audio and five million video podcasts had been downloaded during the previous 30 days, but the firm’s analyst, Michael Lanz, on Thursday admitted that music downloads could have been included in that number.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
TuneRemote Cover for Apple Remote
TUNEWEAR announced TuneRemote, a case designed specifically for the Apple Remote, on Wednesday.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
beaTunes v0.9 Released
Looking to do some iPod DJing at your next party? Is finding a cluster of “matching” songs in your library proving to be a challenge? Have a look at beaTunes v0.9 for Mac OS X.
beaTunes lets you…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Aquadock Provides Water-Resistant iPod Docking Station
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Analyst: Apple Could Issue Revenue Warning
Credit Suisse First Boston analyst Robert Semple on Wednesday said that he expects Apple to issue a profit and revenue warning for its current financial quarter as it reduces iPod shipments ahead of a new iteration of the popular MP3 player.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Survey: Microsoft No Threat to iPod
Microsoft’s rumored "iPod killer," a supposed picture of which is circulating the Internet, doesn’t pose a threat to the iPod, according to a poll at Australian Web site iTWire.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Nike+iPod Sport Kit to Launch on Thursday
Nike and Apple jointly announced on Wednesday that the retail launch of the Nike+iPod Sport Kit will happen on Thursday, July 13.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Jobs and iPod Land In Religious Flyer
The religious organization called Jews for Jesus has adopted Apple Computer CEO, Steve Jobs, as a sort of mascot, and is offering him salvation as a bonus.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
New Berlitz Series Offers iPod Compatibility
Nova Development has released a new series of Berlitz Premier foreign language programs that provide three ways to learn: on a computer, in a car, or on an iPod or other mobile device.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
New FM Transmitter Sends Artist, Song Info To Radio
Those considering an FM transmitter for their iPod should take note; Kensington has taken the device to the next level with their new RDS FM Transmitter / Car Charger for iPod. This new accessory…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Speck offers ‘fitness-inspired’ iPod gear
Speck Products has introduced “Active Sport” cases and armbands for the iPod and iPod nano.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Law and Economics Professor Asks EU Regulators to ‘Listen to Reason’
Thomas W. Hazlett, a professor of law and economics at George Mason University, has written an editorial for the Financial Times in which he implored Europe’s anti-trust regulators to “listen to reason” when dealing with iTunes.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Apple Working on a Talking iPod? [UPDATED]
A recent patent filed by Apple in the United States shows an intent to develop an iPod with the ability to speak information to the user, according to Scotsman.com.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
iPod Nano Rumored To Receive New Metal Enclosure
Apple Insider says aluminum. Macworld UK says magnesium. T3 just says “metal.” Whatever the alloy, rumors point to an upcoming, redesigned iPod nano featuring a metal enclosure available in a…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Dr. Seuss Available at the iTMS
Dr. Seuss has joined the iTunes Music Store in the form of audiobooks read by the likes of Billy Crystal, Walter Matthau, and John Cleese.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Microsoft Plans Series of Multimedia Devices
More details about Microsoft’s rumored portable music player are surfacing, including a product code name, "Argo."
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
‘Kimono Case’ for video iPod debuts
Power Support has introduced a “Kimono Case” for the video iPod.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
icombi Bluetooth headphones work with iPod, cell phone
Jaeter Corp. is selling AirLogic’s icombi Bluetooth Headphones, which work with dock connector-equipped iPods and cell phones.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Show your colors with XtremeMac Superman iPod case
XtremeMac’s Iconz iPod case line includes one model that features the Superman S-shield.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Analyst predicts no new iPods until late 2006
An analyst reports that new iPods will be delayed, causing a drop in Apple’s stock price on Wall Street.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Speck announces MobileTune FM transmitter for iPod
Speck is now offering the MobileTune, an FM transmitter and charger for fourth and fifth generation iPods, iPod nanos and iPod minis.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Download ‘Blade: The Series’ pilot free via iTunes
Apple and MTV Networks have expanded their partnership to include new shows for download on the iTunes Music Store, including the free debut of “Blade: The Series.”
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
iTunes adds Nike sync, corrects security problem
Apple has added Nike+ footwear synchronization and corrected a security problem in the most recent release of iTunes.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
iPod software updated for video iPod, nano, shuffle
Apple has released an iPod updater that adds volume limiting for the iPod shuffle, bug fixes and Nike + iPod support for the iPod nano.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Crystal Method offers 45 minute runner’s mix
The Crystal Method has posted a 45 minute continuous electronic music mix for runners on the iTunes Music Store — part of Apple’s new partnership with Nike.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
French law affects copyright, DRM, Apple
French lawmakers approved a new copyright law on Friday in a move that could affect the iTunes Music Store, open-source programmers and peer-to-peer file sharers.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
MPEG-4 Recorder 2 improves video quality for iPod
Neuros has updated its MPEG-4 Recorder 2 hardware with improved video quality for the fifth-generation video-capable iPod.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
British record companies to sue Russian MP3 site
The British music industry is suing digital music download site AllofMP3.com.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Music industry prepares suit against Yahoo China
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry is preparing a lawsuit against Yahoo China for abetting copyright infringement.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
iTunes Music Store unleashes more Nike+ Sport Music
More Nike+ Sport Music is available for download from the iTunes Music Store.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
iSnug case protects iPod accessories
HandStands has released the iSnug Accessory Case to protect iPod accessories like cables, power adapters and more.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
i180 records video directly onto iPod without Mac
iLuv’s forthcoming i180 peripheral enables fifth-generation iPod users to record video from any analog source without having to use a Mac or PC first.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Free French, Greek language packs made for iPod
Coolgorilla has released French and Greek language packs, free downloads for the iPod.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Microsoft reportedly readying iPod rival for holidays
Microsoft is reportedly readying an iPod killer set to hit retail shelves in time for this year’s end-of-the-year holiday shopping season.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
SoundBridge updated, FireFly released
Roku’s SoundBridge network music player gains new features in the 2.5 software release, including support for FireFly, an open source media server application available for Mac OS X.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
iPod FM transmitter sends artist, song info to radio
Kensington’s new iPod FM transmitter sends artist and song information to be displayed on the car stereo, if the receiver supports Radio Display System (RDS).
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Monday, July 10, 2006
Apple Working on a Talking iPod?
A recent patent filed by Apple in the United States shows an intent to develop an iPod with the ability to speak information to the user, according to Scotsman.com.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Apple Stores to Host Live Music
Two Apple stores will host live music events this month, with Alien Ant Farm and Katie Melua performing at the Santa Monica location on July 20 and 25, respectively, and The 88 playing at the store at The Grove in Los Angeles the next day.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
iPod FM transmitter sends artist, song info to radio
Kensington’s new iPod FM transmitter sends artist and song information to be displayed on the car stereo, if the receiver supports Radio Display System (RDS).
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Kensington Debuts RDS FM Transmitter for iPod
Kensington on Monday introduced an RDS (Radio Data System) FM transmitter/car charger for iPod, which enables song and artist information to be transmitted to a car stereo’s RDS-enabled display.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
SellYourCell Offers iPod Recycling
SellYourCell.com, a wireless phone recycling company, has announced that they will purchase used Apple iPods from consumers for between $19.00 and $149.00 USD. Your little brother or sister might…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Talking iPods On The Way From Apple?
The Scotsman reports that Apple’s next generation iPods will use sophisticated software to convert the names of bands, albums, and individual tracks into recognisable speech, removing the need for…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
U.S. Music Downloads Skyrocket in 2006
CD sales may be dropping, but music download sales are on a sharp rise this year.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Sunday, July 09, 2006
iPod.iTunes v3.2.6 Released
crispSofties has released iPod.iTunes v3.2.6. iPod.iTunes is a track / playlist sync assistant that saves time and effort by preventing the syncing of duplicate tracks from Mac to iPod.Unlike other…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Doctors Claim iPod A Danger In Lightning Storms
While mowing his lawn and listening to his iPod nano on July 2, Jason Bunch was struck by lightning. The electricity apparently travelled from the strikepoint down his headphone wires to his iPod,…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Friday, July 07, 2006
SanDisk Devours iSheep With ‘Lil’ Monsta’
Back in May, SanDisk launched a Web site, dubbed "iDon’t," that portrayed iPod owners as sheep and touted the company’s Sansa line of MP3 players. The company on Friday introduced "Lil’ Monsta," a cartoon character who "devours all sorts of digital content."
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Microsoft: MP3 Player Reports are Speculation
Microsoft has responded to claims that it is planning on releasing its own portable music player to compete with the iPod by saying the reports are just speculation.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
iPods and Lightning Don’t Mix
Jason Bunch voided his iPod warranty in a serious way - he was struck by lightning.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Microsoft Hopes Free Songs Will Lure iPod Owners
More information about Microsoft’s supposed portable music player continues to flood the market. This time, Engadget has learned that the company plans to offer iPod owners free downloads of all the music they have purchased from the iTunes Music Store once they switch.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Thursday, July 06, 2006
SoundBridge updated, FireFly released
Roku’s SoundBridge network music player gains new features in the 2.5 software release, including support for FireFly, an open source media server application available for Mac OS X.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Skinpod
Hi guys, I’ve made this site: www.skinpod.it
The idea is to give downloadable-&-printable iPod skins for free.
In this site there’s a lot of skins for many Apple iPod models, so people…
Source (full article in new window): ipod-playlist.com
mikiep recently played list
Peaches and Cream-112
Down-311
Feels So Good-311
The Real Story-David Holmes
Soul Meets Body-Death Cab For Cutie
Miserlou-Dick Dale & The Del-Tones
Cover Of The Rolling Stones-Dr Hook
When You’re In Love With A…
Source (full article in new window): ipod-playlist.com
European Trademarks Office Reveals New iPod Designs
This past January, Apple filed ten new iPod designs that were published by the European Trademarks and Designs office on March 14. However, no report was included describing the functionality of the designs.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Free Skins For Your iPod
“Just download, print, and paste on your iPod”
Folks looking to add a little flair to the look of their trusty iPod may want to have a look at a new site that is offering free downloads of stylish…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Own Your Own iPod Oil Painting
Your iPod is truly a thing of beauty. Yes, it is the culmination of precise engineering and electronic miniaturization and all that - but, physically, it is a stylish and beautiful thing. One might…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
Microsoft reportedly readying iPod rival for holidays
Microsoft is reportedly readying an iPod killer set to hit retail shelves in time for this year’s end-of-the-year holiday shopping season.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
National Semiconductor Wants iPods Back
Last month, National Semiconductor gave employees 30GB iPods to celebrate its most successful year ever.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Settlement an Option for Apple and Creative
Apple Computer and Creative Technology stated in court documents that they are willing to end litigation against each other if a settlement can be reached.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Free French, Greek language packs made for iPod
Coolgorilla has released French and Greek language packs, free downloads for the iPod.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Microsoft Plans Music Player for Christmas
Microsoft may be working to release a portable MP3 player to compete with the iPod in time for the Christmas buying season.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Riverdeep’s Destination Success Courseware Adds iPod Support
Riverdeep has announced that its Destination Success reading and math courseware can be played on an iPod, a move that the company hopes allows anywhere, anytime access to educational content for teachers and students. The software is aimed at the K-12 market; it features standards-based assessment, learning management tools and professional development for schools that want to raise test scores.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
VoodooPad v3.0 Released
VoodooPad v3.0 and VoodooPad Lite v3.0 have just been released by Flying Meat Software. VoodooPad is an OS X-based, hypertext notepad applications with export-to-iPod functionality. As described on…
Source (full article in new window): iPod Hacks
i180 records video directly onto iPod without Mac
iLuv’s forthcoming i180 peripheral enables fifth-generation iPod users to record video from any analog source without having to use a Mac or PC first.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Universal Music to Sell CDs at iTMS Prices in Europe
Beginning in September, Universal Music will begin selling CDs for the same prices as their iTunes Music Store (iTMS) counterparts in Europe, according to The Guardian.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Tour Austin Whole Foods With an iPod
At the 80,000-square foot Whole Foods supermarket in Austin, Texas, which is the chain’s flagship, shoppers can check out one of 11 iPods on hand and listen to a 20-minute audio tour of the store.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
iLuv’s i80 Records Video to iPod
iLuv has introduced the i80, which enables the owners of video iPods to record video directly from an analog source to the devices.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
iSnug case protects iPod accessories
HandStands has released the iSnug Accessory Case to protect iPod accessories like cables, power adapters and more.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Apple Updates Podcast Categories
Apple has revised the podcast categories at the iTunes Music Store. Ideally, this will make it easier for listeners to find the types of podcasts that interest them.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Butte College Joins iTunes U
Butte College in Orville, California, is the latest school to join Apple’s iTunes U program.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer
Music industry prepares suit against Yahoo China
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry is preparing a lawsuit against Yahoo China for abetting copyright infringement.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
iTunes Music Store unleashes more Nike+ Sport Music
More Nike+ Sport Music is available for download from the iTunes Music Store.
Source (full article in new window): Playlist News
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
GimmeSomeTune 1.6 Offers Various Improvements
Eternal Storms Software has released version 1.6 of their freeware utility GimmeSomeTune, which extends iTunes’ functionality with a floating track information panel, configurable hotkeys, automatic cover art downloading, and more. This update fixes some bugs and adds performance improvements. Mac OS X v10.3.9 and iTunes 6 are required.
Source (full article in new window): iPod Observer