iPod Shuffle Colors Available

Our little iPod Shuffle is now available in five colors just like the Nano – silver, pink, green, blue and orange. Pay just $79 and get 1GB iPod Shuffle and 240 songs on your sleeve.

Tags: iPod, iPod Shuffle, iPod Shuffle Colors, iPod Shuffle Silver, iPod Shuffle pink, iPod Shuffle green, iPod Shuffle blue, iPod Shuffle orange

Source (full article in new window): 2dayBlog - Technology Journal, New Gadget everyday!

Technicolor iPod Shuffle Hands-On

Sure Apple’s Skittles-like iPod Shuffles look good in their product photos, but how well do they look in person? Not quite as neon bright, but actually pretty good.

iProng takes five iPod Shuffles and line them up like we did to our He-Man action figures when we were kids. And by kids, we mean last week. And by He-Man we mean She-ra. And by line them up we mean go to bed with them.

– Jason Chen

Hands-on with all five iPod shuffle colors (with pictures) [iProng]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

iPod Nano Signed by ‘The Office’ Cast Being Auctioned for Charity

Not the entire “The Office” cast, but some of them. This iPod nano was signed by Leslie David Barker (Stanley Hudson), Brian Baumgartner (Kevin), Kate Flannery (Meredith), Angela Kinsey (Angela) and Phyllis Smith (Phyllis). Unfortunately, it lacks of the signatures of other notable characters like Steve Carell (Michael Scott) and Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute), but hey, the iPod nano is pretty damn small. The auction, which is currently at $325, end on March 15 and all proceeds will benefit the Children’s Defense Fund, Cure Autism Now and the emergency relief efforts in Darfur. Tax write-off! –Travis Hudson

“The Office” Signed iPod Nano [Via iLounge]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Nothing says I Love You like a cheesy message on the back of an iPod that will outlast the crappy relationship. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Apple has brought back free iPod engraving, added free gift wrapping and included free shipping. For those late shoppers, here are the ordering deadlines:

• February 5: Engraved iPods w/ free shipping

• February 10: Gift-wrapped iPods with expedited shipping

• February 12: Regular iPod with expedited shipping

All iPods, including the oh-so-cheap Shuffle, can be engraved. Now, which one of you female Gizmodo readers wants to be my Valentine? Anybody? Jason Chen? –Travis Hudson

super cheap iPods

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

After filing an initial complaint back in June 2006, the Norwegian Consumer Council has deemed Fairplay (iTunes DRM) illegal in Norway with the possibility of France and Germany following suit. Evidently the Norse people aren’t too happy about the fact that Apple’s DRM technology restricts files downloaded from the iTunes store from being played only on iPod and not other music players. They feel consumers who have lawfully obtained these files are being negatively affected by these anti-piracy measures. Juicy, riveting legal details in the link below. –Dana Bushman

Norway declares iTunes Illegal [BuzzBums]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

If you’re DJing up your own tunes with one of those old iPod FM transmitters that doesn’t auto-seek the best frequency, you’re probably always fiddling with it to try to get the optimum sound while driving. Say goodbye to potential vehicular manslaughter charges by using this FM radio locator before you even leave the house.

Just plug in your zip code—and the zip code you’re going to be driving to—and you can see what the radio frequencies and their distances/signals are for FM and AM stations around you. This lets you quickly eyeball a big enough gap for you to slide your transmitter into. Educational and useful. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Radio Locator via Lifehacker]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Not quite feeling the “middle-America” vibe on 34 St. in midtown Manhattan, Apple has pulled out of space it leased for a new Apple Shrine Store. The four-story digs would have covered 30,000 square feet at $5.5 million a year.

I can’t say I blame them—that area is kind of “bleh” and doesn’t really fit Apple like the Soho or Fifth Ave. stores do. And I mean how do you top a giant glass cube with a glowing, beckoning fruit that’s open for worship 24/7? That said, let the accusations of Apple elitism and class war begin! – Matt Buchanan

Apple And Home Depot Pull Plug On NYC Plans [Forbes]

image via Flickr

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

iPodWeek - The Best of iLounge

This week at iLounge: Surprise! We’ve released a free downloadable book — complete with photos and videos — that you can read on your video iPod’s screen. Titled the 2007 Guide to New iPod Accessories & More, this book condenses our 2007 Macworld Expo and International CES coverage — plus iPhone and Apple TV videos and First Looks — into a single iPod-formatted download. Developed with help from Mogopop, the Guide is automatically installed into the Notes section of your iPod; full instructions are here, and the download is here.

First Looks: We’re going to spare you the many, many new iPod, nano, and shuffle cases we covered this week — there were probably 20 of them — and cut right to the more interesting stuff. New First Looks focused on iHome’s mini tower-like iH4 clock speaker — the first such $50 offering from the maker of the popular iH5 — plus XtremeMac’s car, airplane, and wall outlet-ready Incharge Traveler kit, and a second-gen shuffle charging cable from Carrot Idea.

Reviews: Breaking with tradition, we checked out some iPod software this week, including a full review of the Mogopop “create your iPod content” development software, Roxio’s Toast 8 Titanium, which provides TiVoToGo transfer and iPod conversion features alongside DVD and Blu-Ray burning functionality, and two new iPod games: Sudoku and Royal Solitaire. We also looked at XtremeMac’s MicroMemo for iPod nano - the first audio recorder made specifically for the second-generation nano - and its battery-slash-dock MicroPack.

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Belkin Bluetooth iPod Dock Adapter

Instead of designing this like traditional wireless iPod docks where you place your iPod in a dock and use a clumsy remote to control the music, Belkin’s iPod dock adapter lets you use your iPod itself as a remote. Ingenious? Definitely.

The Dock adapter comes in two pieces, one for your iPod and one for your iPod dock. It uses Bluetooth to mimic an actual dock and stream commands and music from your iPod to the dock. Much better than trying to read the tiny screen from across the room.

The dock adapter launches in March for $129. – Jason Chen

Press Release [Belkin]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

iHome iH4 Single-Speaker iPod Alarm Clock

iHome’s latest iPod alarm clock thing steps things down from the more advanced iH7, iH6 and iH5. The iH4 has only one speaker, doesn’t have an AM/FM radio and there’s no included remote control. All of these trade-offs lead to its fairly cheap $50 price. Otherwise, it’s the same old iPod dock that you’ve come to know and love (or hate). Bottom line? Waking up to Creed has never been simpler. – Nicholas Deleon

iHome iH4 Single-Alarm Clock System for iPod [iLounge]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

MP3 Downloading Stations Coming to Starbucks

Yes, I’ll take a double tall non-fat extra-dry vanilla cappuccino and Stadium Arcadium by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This will soon be a reality at Starbucks stores nationwide. On Tuesday Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz announced that sometime within 2007 you will be able to go into Starbucks to get an overpriced beverage and be able to fill up your MP3 player at the same time. I would like to assume that they will be iTunes downloading stations, given that Starbucks has an exclusive deal with iTunes already. Luckily for me, I don’t drink coffee or buy music! Suck on them apples Starbucks! –Travis Hudson

Schultz discusses MP3 potential for Starbucks [Seattle Times]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Redeeming foreign iTunes gift certificates

Received an iTunes gift certificate from a friend living abroad? Redeeming it is no simple matter.

Source (full article in new window): The iPod Blog

Zune: How We’ve Lived With It For Three Months

After the iPod came out on top in our Zune v. iPod battle royale, we decided to keep on using the Zune so we could get a long term evaluation on how Microsoft’s player stacked up. After nearly three months with the thing, we think we’ve got some new light to shed.

First off, we have to say that the subscription service is great. This is probably the main reason why many people wanted to make the switch to the Zune from the iPod. Being able to hop online and download as many songs as you want off their library is extremely freeing, in the same sense as walking in your underwear at your in-laws’ house and letting one rip.

Hear a song in a movie and you want it? Well, you’ve already paid for a subscription so go ahead and download it for free. This pays off if you buy at least one CD a month, but comes with the restriction that you lose everything if you stop paying—or if the Zune store tanks.

Actually listening to songs on the Zune has been fine as well. The larger-than-iPod size is negligible (for us). The battery life is pretty great, seeing as we only listen to music in the car and only occasionally on foot. Even compared to the iPod at three months, the Zune keeps charge longer when not in use.

When we left our iPods in the car for a couple days, when we picked it up again there would be just enough power left for it to tell us that there was no power. With the Zune, we got at least a quarter—if not half—of battery life left. That’s very cool.

Despite being “scratch resistant”, the Zune seems to have scratched up after being taken all around Vegas during CES. It’s only one large scratch instead of millions of tiny scratches like on the iPod, so we’ll say that the Zune really is a bit more sturdy.

As for the sharing? Yeah, right. Whether it’s at CES, or at the airport, or you know, anywhere, we’ve never actually found anyone to share songs with. Readers may have had more luck if any of their friends had a Zune, but this feature’s been pretty useless for us so far.

Playing back video has also been great. We encoded the Sci Fi miniseries The Lost Room and Clive Owen’s BMW Films series onto the Zune for watching on the go. Despite having to encode files twice—once into WMV, again with the Zune software—the finished product was great. Definitely something we could use if we were ever stranded somewhere without anything else to do (unlikely).

On the software side, we still don’t like the Zune suite as much as iTunes, but it does most of what iTunes does, albeit in a clumsier way. The music playback does still sound better to us, even if Cooder used iTunes to master his album. The Zune store’s been fine for the most part, giving us snippets of text and reviews gleaned from allmusic.com and other sites, but still suffers from the occasional untimely outage (like as we were writing this).

So would we change our recommendation of the iPod over the Zune? No. All the reasons we had to pick one or the other still stands. If you want movies, TV, a larger music library, a touch sensitive scroll wheel and more accessories, you should still go with the iPod. If you want an FM tuner, music rentals, and a larger screen, there’s the Zune.

However, the fact that the iPhone is due out in a few months may change the picture again. Instead of just iPod vs. Zune, there’s iPhone vs. iPod vs. Zune, which means Microsoft better come out with a Zune Phone quick. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Amazon]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Looking Ahead to Spring: SyncWear PodWear ProActive Tee

As we patiently wait for short-sleeve weather, we longingly gaze at this young filly wearing a SyncWear PodWear ProActive tee. It has a special three-in-one side pocket that snugly hugs that MP3 player (sized to perfectly fit an iPod nano), and wire management holes to keep all those cables at bay.

Made of polyester microfiber, it’s available for men and women in black, navy, black-with-navy-trim, and red for $40. – Charlie White

SyncWear MP3 Shirt [Malachi and Company, via Coolness Roundup]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Brazilian Prostitutes on your iPod

M.Class, a Brazilian escort firm, allows you to download video “interviews” of their selection of saucy, freshly waxed, Brazilian harlots straight to your iPod. It’s a safe way to meet girls in Rio de Janeiro without risking your kidney. Way to use that iPod your wife gave you for Christmas. Make sure you wrap more than just your media player, nothing says “thank you for the iPod” like chlamydia. – Todd Haselton

Prostitutes using the iPod Video to increase turnover [MusicGizmos]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Yeah, right, Steve Jobs is going to get on the field at half time and announce a new iPod and Beatles collaboration with cheerleaders backing him up. Good one. Wait, what’s that? They’re going to announce a product by commercial? Yeah, that’s even more Apple-like. Uh huh.

One more thing….Touchdown!

UPDATE: Oh, how could I forget. I’m gently reminded by the rest of the staff of a little Super Bowl ad called 1984, that announced a little product called the Mac. This fond memory makes the rumor above so much more enticing. Odds are still against it, but its fun to hope. Video of the 1984 commercial, post jump.

–Brian Lam

[Via Digg]

apple iPod touch accessories

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

We’re not much for iPod cases around here—why get a cool looking player just to hide it—but this iBumps seems like a pretty good idea. Instead of covering up the entire face, these four bumps raise up the player to prevent scratches on a flat surface. Not only that, they’re non-slip, so you can place your iPod on your dashboard and you won’t get hit in the face when you take a sharp turn.

If we were going to get a protector for our iPod, we’d probably go for the clear shield protectors that cover the entire face and back instead of these iBumps. – Jason Chen

Product Page [iBumps via Joshspear - Thanks Scott!]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Plantronics, Roxy and Quiksilver are jumping on the bandwagon that Burton has been commanding with years by releasing some Bluetooth-enabled snow wear that will communicate with your iPod and cellphone while on the slopes. Quiksilver will be releasing the Double Daffy Snow Jacket and Pulse Helmet. Roxy (basically the female version of Quiksilver) will be releasing the Teen Angel Snow Jacket and Shiver Helmet. All products will include stereo sound and voice technology and will be released for the 2007/2008 season (next winter). The helmets will retail for $250 and the jackets will go for $340 (Teen Angel) and $370 (Double Daffy) respectively.

Plantronics Puts Bluetooth into Quiksilver/Roxy Apparel [MobileWhack]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Sometimes people just have too much damn time on their hands. Nevertheless, good craftsmanship. Thanks, Michael –Travis Hudson

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

A look at the LightSnake

Looking for an inexpensive way to use a standard microphone with your computer? The LightSnake may be the way.

Source (full article in new window): The iPod Blog

Another Apple Lawsuit, This Time Re: Click Wheel Patent Infringement

In another giant twist of the decade, another company has decided to slap Apple with a lawsuit. This is becoming a common occurrence with LuxPro doing it and all of the Cisco shenanigans. This time Quantum Research Group is suing Apple claiming that the charge-transfer technology using in the iPod Click Wheel infringes on a patent that Quantum holds. What makes this lawsuit a little more plausible is that Quantum has done their research. Apparently the charge-transfer technology is not used in all iPods either, some iPods use a touch-sensor technology by Synaptics.

These lawsuits raise the obvious question: Does Apple feed off other’s ideas, or are other companies just out to hurt Apple where they prosper, the wallet? It isn’t too hard to imagine either case. –Travis Hudson

Apple sued over Click Wheel touch sensor technology [iLounge]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

This Apple-licensed dock has a transforming Optimus Prime up front, in iPod white to the exact scale of a generation 1 model. In the back, the trailer folds, ahem *transforms* into a Pod dock. Get your preorder in before July when they ship. –Brian Lam

Takara [Thanks Wil, Gadget Obi Wan]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Sansa’s Xpress USB-stick player is like what the first-gen iPod Shuffle should have been. There’s 1GB of memory, a small (but EXISTENT) screen, playback controls, 15-hour battery life, and microSD expansion all for just $59.99. Not bad for a flash-player.

It’s too bad the iPod Shuffle has already switched to a clip-on form factor, which is actually selling pretty damn well. If you’re more into the thumb-drive shape and more worried about Rhapsody than iTunes interoperability, then this Sansa Xpress should be up your alley. – Jason Chen

Product Page [SanDisk via Chip Chick via Uber Gizmo via Crunchgear]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

We know you’re all sick of our fawning over the iPhone, so in the interest of something different, we bring you Mike Elgan’s rundown of how the iPhone announcement was less than picture-perfect. He’t totally unbiased, as the former editor of Windows Magazine. In sum, Mike lists his Steveness screwups as:

• Made us expect too much

• Made Wall Street expect too much

• Gave Samsung, LG, Motorola, etc. a six-month heads up

• Undercut Apple TV buzz

• Possibly, if not probably, undermined current iPod sales

• Turned Cisco negotiations into a trainwreck

We don’t agree on much, especially the 6-month lead up BS, since Steve choose to hit the launch button before submitting the phone to the FCC’s leaktastic process of approval. And the Cisco negotiations? Despite their money, we’re pretty sure that Apple sees Cisco’s money/attention grab as a road bump on the way to selling all 10 million of the handsets. But…

some of Elgan’s points are well-reasoned. However, the piece gets a little shakier when he further speculates that the rush to announce the iPhone was sparked by a combination of the imminent arrival of the LG KE850 and investigations into the stock-option backdating scandal. I wouldn’t say he’s wrong, per se, but there were definitely other factors going into the announcement. Whether you agree or disagree, it’s an article worth checking out. – Matt Buchanan

How Steve Jobs blew his iPhone keynote [ComputerWorld via Slashdot]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Now that Apple has released the iPhone, Photoshop experts/iFakers everywhere are out of work. That was, until Worth 1000 threw this contest:

Apple Inc. made their mark in the computer arena. They revolutionized the music player industry, and now they’re poised to take over the phone market. What will Steve and the gang come up with next?

The response was pure brilliance. Apple fans, you will love the pictures because they are laughing with you. Apple haters, you will love the pictures because they’re really laughing at the Apple fans. Hit the jump for our favorite shots, and a link to more.

–Mark Wilson



Apple’s Next Product [via boingboing]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

A 30-pound Plexiglas display case containing 42 iPod nanos walked out of an Apple Store in Boulder, CO, courtesy of either very sneaky shoplifters, snoozing store clerks, or some devious combination of the two. You’d think someone walking out of an Apple Store carrying a big glass box filled with $8705 worth of nanos would be rather conspicuous, but apparently in Boulder people do it all the time, since no one noticed anything suspicious and police have no suspects. So if you see a set of 42 nanos in a “handsome display case” up for sale on eBay this weekend, bid with caution. – Matt Buchanan

P.S. Cobbling together the information given to us and utilizing our crack Law and Order skills, we came up with a rendering of the suspect, which you can see on the right, so be on the lookout.

42 iPods stolen from Apple Store [Daily Camera]

image via Flickr

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Now that Apple has released the iPhone, Photoshop experts/iFakers everywhere are out of work. That was, until Worth 1000 threw this contest:

Apple Inc. made their mark in the computer arena. They revolutionized the music player industry, and now they’re poised to take over the phone market. What will Steve and the gang come up with next?

The response was pure brilliance. Apple fans, you will love the pictures because they are laughing with you. Apple haters, you will love the pictures because they’re really laughing at the Apple fans. Hit the jump for our favorite shots, and a link to more.

–Mark Wilson



Apple’s Next Product [via boingboing]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Nike iPod Watch Details Leaked

If you’re an owner of a non-Nano iPod (or a non iPod owner), you’re probably looking forward to Nike’s Speed+ iPod-replacing watch to save you the trouble of buying another iPod. In addition to Speed+, Nike has three other watches to compliment, not replace, the iPod Nano.

The first, Nike’s Flight+, will be released May 1 for $129. The volume and track controls are built into a “rocking bezel” around the Electroluminiscent backlit screen. There will be two colors and it will be able to play back the Nike + iPod voice feedback.

The second, a lower-end bracelet called the Amp+, has its own LED display which can show the time or the iPod control status. You also get an iPod shuffle control pad to adjust volume, playback, or call up the Nike Sport kit stuff. This will be $79 on May 1.

The third one, Aero+, seems to be the male version of the Flight+. It’s less feminine and comes with two colors as well. It’s the same price as the Flight+ ($129) and will also be launched May 1.

Once again, these compliment the iPod + Nano system instead of replacing the Nano like the Speed+ kits. All of them will be out on May 1 (for the thousandth time.) – Jason Chen

Nike iPod watch details, photos leaked [iLounge]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

iPodWeek - The Best of iLounge

This week at iLounge: Macworld’s over, and there are two camps of people out there: those who need a recap, and those who want to move on. Good news: iLounge has lots of new stuff this week for both to chew on.

If you’re looking for a recap, iLounge’s Complete Guide to the 2007 Macworld Expo is now available in four parts — skip to our Best of Show winners if you want to see only the best new iPod gear we saw, or go through parts 1 (Apple and companies A-C), 2 (companies D-O), and 3 (companies P-Z) to get comprehensive details on major accessory announcements. We’ve also created massive “here’s all the info you need”-style guides to Apple’s iPhone and Apple TV, because we know you want them.

What’s new? First Looks at more than 30 new products, many actually worthwhile. New iPod shuffle owners will dig the Dock Adapter for iPod shuffle, which lets you hear and charge the shuffle through popular iPod speaker systems, as well as Power Support’s Silicone Jacket, which protects the aluminum body from scrapes and dings. iPod nano users will like iSkin’s new Duo and Vibes cases, and pretty much anyone with an HDTV will like XtremeMac’s new XtremeHD cables — over 6 feet of HDMI and/or DVI cabling with gold-plated connectors, for only $20.

In the news this week, Apple announced that it shipped over 21 million iPods during the busy holiday shopping quarter (read our notes from Apple’s quarterly conference call). It was also reported that Apple plans to open up its FairPlay copy-protection technology to licensed iPod accessory makers. Plus, Apple will see a nearly 50 percent gross margin on each iPhone it sells according to an estimate by iSuppli.

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Mercedes C-Class 2008: It’s More Gadget-y

This new Mercedes C-Class has some tricky tech on board, such as its adaptive brakes with “hill assist,” helping you out when you’re on a steep hill by maintaining brake pressure after you take your foot off the brake pedal, keeping you from rolling backward.

It also has Agility Control in its steering, suspension and gearshift, giving you faster shifting and more-stable handling that’s modulated according to the car’s speed. But can you plug your iPod into it? Yes, with an iPod integration kit, and it also has a lot of infotainment on board, including a 4GB music server, Bluetooth, GPS navigation, and a 7-inch display, all controlled by voice commands.

The C-Class cars will roll out in late summer of this year. Now if Mercedes can just stop cranking out such lemons, this lowest-end but biggest-selling Mercedes might just help save the company’s reputation. – Charlie White

New Mercedes C-Class, Officially [Jalopnik]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

iBoy: Classic Gameboy iPod Case

This mod takes away a key feature of the iPod—being small—but makes up for it with a coolness factor. A Gameboy was hacked apart to accommodate an iPod video. It even includes an internal dock connector and the buttons on the Gameboy were wired up to control the iPod. Check out the entire Flickr set below to see more of this mod. –Travis Hudson

iBoy Flickr Set [Via MAKE]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

My Blu Connects your Phone and iPod

Can’t afford an iPhone, maybe you would to have this, MyBlu. It is Brando new peripheral for all the ‘iPod and mobile phone’ owners. MyBlu is actually an all-in-one device combining remote control for iPod, FM radio and Bluetooth connectivity. The main use of this device is to hook up your phone and the iPod wirelessly and you will be able to receive call on your iPod…

It is compatible to most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones. Best of all, caller ID displayed on iPod screen and the FM radio expand the iPod functionality. No worry on receiving calls while listening to your favorite tune as the device will automatically pause and resume music. This device is available for $88.

[via Ubergizmo]

Tags: Mobile phone, Handset, Handphone, Cellphone, iPod, MyBlu,

Source (full article in new window): 2dayBlog - Technology Journal, New Gadget everyday!

Scandyna Golden iPod Dock and Speakers

The Skinny: It’s an iPod dock with a 30 watt amp and speakers.

The Trick:They’re gold. And so, I want them.

Chance of Purchase: Something this gimmicky is not something I’d put money down for.

The details: the dock charges, has a sub out, and has a video pass through.



–Brian Lam

Scan Dyna

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

The lowdown on iPod shuffling

So how exactly do the iPod’s various shuffle comands work? It’s like this.

Source (full article in new window): The iPod Blog

Choose Your Own iPod Adventure

Good news everyone! Those Choose Your Own Adventure books you loved to read while stuffed into a locker as a kid are finally making their way to the iPod. The CYOA titles come in two forms, e-book and audio book.

With the e-book, you read normally and choose pages when prompted. As an audiobook, the author (some weirdo who writes CYOA books) reads the text to you, then prompts you whenever applicable. The whole scheme is kinda wonky, but may be neat for your kid to play with instead of bugging you while you’re driving.

Plus, the publisher is giving away a free CYOA: The Abominable Snowman as a free download until January 25. Try it yourself and relive the glory days of 7th grade. – Jason Chen

Choose Your Own (iPod) Adventure [Amazon]

Product Page [CYOAStore]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Any Media iPod Uploader Takes the Computer Out of iPod Videos

If ripping shows and re-encoding them into iPod format so you can watch them on the road sounds like too much hassle, this Any-Media iPod Uploader should be just the thing for you. All you have to do is plug in an RCA connection—TVs, VCRs, and DVD players have them—hit record, and the iRecord will automatically store them immediately onto the iPod.

We saw this briefly before, but it’s now available for only $159. Beats having to call the neighborhood nerd over every time you want to work your iPod. Speaking of which, I think I’m being paged. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Hammacher via Uber Review]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Nike+iPod - iPod = Speed+

Get it? Nike is releasing a watch that will communicate with the Nike+ sensor and no longer need the assistance of an iPod. The Speed+ watch communicates wirelessly with the Nike+ sensor in your shoes and will display distance, pace, time and calories burned on the LCD display. It also includes a USB connection to download the data onto a computer. Apparently the product details were accidentally posted on the European Nike website and quickly removed. No word on pricing or availability. Thanks, DZ –Travis Hudson

Nike+ Without The iPod? New Product Info Leaked [Podophile]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Apple Opening FairPlay DRM?

Breaking news for you guys. The folks at Tech.co.uk are reporting that Apple will open its FairPlay DRM to companies that are a part of the “Made for iPod” club. If true, this means that you’ll be able to play songs you bought on iTunes on certain third party devices like wireless hi-fi systems. The announcement is rumored to be made official by Apple some time this week. A bold move by Apple, but one that could help keep their allies close by and away from temptation. – Louis Ramirez

Apple to Open Up FairPlay DRM [iLounge]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

All-In-One iPhone: The Backlash Begins

This goof has already been taken off eBay, but it brings up an issue: why can’t you just carry an iPod (or any other music player, for that matter) along with a cellphone? Is it really that much trouble to carry multiple devices?

Well, yes it is. We’d rather just keep up with one device rather than two, or even three or four. Give us GPS, a cellphone, music and video player, a computer, and instant message device, all in one. It’s all about the convergence, baby. But then, when that one device has just one non-replacable battery, we’re thinking that’s too many eggs in one basket. Comments? – Charlie White

eBay gem: “Phase 1 prototype iPhone from Apple-Phone AND iPod” [Core77]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Peiker BlueTouchMusic: Music from Cellphone to Car via Bluetooth

You might have completely up-to-date, 2007-era gear everywhere else, but what if your car is still stuck in 1995? That’s where you can hook up the Peiker BlueTouchMusic system, linking your cellphone to your car’s music system via Bluetooth. It lets you wirelessly play back tunes from your cell phone with A2DP Bluetooth streaming, do some hands-free calling, check out your caller ID on its screen, and you can even talk to this thing because it has voice recognition.

Connect your iPod via a cable and it’ll show you iPod menus and give you voice control over all your music. If you don’t have an iPod, there’s a 3.5 mm stereo jack to plug in any MP3 player. Neat stuff, and a great way to avoid those awful FM-based iPod-to-car-radio links. No pricing or availability yet. – Charlie White

Product Page [ALAC GmbH, via BlueTomorrow]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Pimp My John, Win a Bathroom Entertainment Center

If you’re obsessed with toilets and potty humor like some of us are, you might want to enter the Pimped Out John contest, sponsored by none other than Roto Rooter plumbing and drain service. The company wants you to sign up for its newsletter to win what it calls the Best Seat in the House.

This Pimped Out John is the grand prize, and includes a Kohler toilet surrounded by a flatscreen HDTV, iPod with dock, TiVo, Xbox 360 and a DVD player. Sheesh, if you’re going to spend so much time in the loo that you’ll be needing a full-blown entertainment center, perhaps you need a proctologist more than an Xbox 360. – Charlie White

Pimped-Out Toilet For Bachelors! [Bornrich]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Princeton i-Bird - iPod dock

i-Bird, it is a iPod dock with integrated alarm clock and a AM/FM radio from from Japan base Princeton corp. It comes with a blue LED display for displaying your time and radio frequencies and this will wake you up with your favorite song from iPod or radio. 32mm stereo speaker delivers output of 3W×2ch and 62mm woofer with an output of 8 watts. There’s also a USB port included for you to transfer tunes from your computer. The dock also juices up your iPod while playing. Princeton i-Bird measures 180×170×61mm and weighs 738 grams and will be available in Japan for 12,800 Yen ($ 105).

[via New Launches]

Tags: iPod, Docking system, iPod dock, Princeton, i-Bird

Source (full article in new window): 2dayBlog - Technology Journal, New Gadget everyday!

The iPhone and “crippleware” claims

iTunes and the iPhone trap you in iHandcuffs? So says the New York Times. Show me a better (and workable) alterative, say I.

Source (full article in new window): The iPod Blog

TuneTether Earbud Holders Reinvent the Shirt

The TuneTether is a necklace-style device that holds the earbuds and allows them to dangle safely while not in use. My problem with this, I already have 20 of these in my closet, they are called t-shirts. When I am using my iPod I generally feed the earbud wires underneath my shirt, so when not in use they dangle in front of my shirt at the collar. Regardless, the TuneTether can protect your earbuds if you don’t feel like stringing them under your clothes. They are available in white, pink or black for $10. –Travis Hudson

TuneTether for iPod Earbuds Released [iPod Observer]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

TuneTether Earbud Holders Reinvents the Shirt

The TuneTether is a necklace-style device that holds the earbuds and allows them to dangle safely while not in use. My problem with this, I already have 20 of these in my closet, they are called t-shirts. When I am using my iPod I generally feed the earbud wires underneath my shirt, so when not in use they dangle in front of my shirt at the collar. Regardless, the TuneTether can protect your earbuds if you don’t feel like stringing them under your clothes. They are available in white, pink or black for $10. –Travis Hudson

TuneTether for iPod Earbuds Released [iPod Observer]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Polk’s miDock Studio Takes a Stab at Apple’s Hi-Fi

There were so many iPod accessories at CES last week that it was nearly impossible to see them all, which is how Polk’s new miDock Studio managed to slip by us. The $229 speaker system has two 3.25-inch full range drivers and a backward slanted design that shoots sound straight up at you. At $229 it’s cheaper than the Hi-Fi, though we wish it didn’t imitate it in style so much. – Louis Ramirez

Polk Speaks iPod [CNET]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Cue the iPhone Blasphemers: The Times Speaks of iHandcuffs

Responding to the iPhone revelation in the New York Times today, Randall Stross launches a harsh — but familiar — excoriation of Apple’s FairPlay DRM system. He argues, among other things that:

Even if you are ready to pledge a lifetime commitment to the iPod as your only brand of portable music player or to the iPhone as your only cellphone once it is released, you may find that FairPlay copy protection will, sooner or later, cause you grief. You are always going to have to buy Apple stuff. Forever and ever. Because your iTunes will not play on anyone else’s hardware.

I’m not sure most people think of continuing to buy Apple products as “grief.” While it may be a closed system, it’s also what makes the system work as well as it does.

iTunes only has to work with the iPod and vice versa, and together they provide a pretty seamless experience. Besides, if FairPlay really caused the average person that much of a problem, they could (and probably would) just load regular MP3s onto their iPod.

So where do I sign that lifetime commitment? Will it get me an iPhone early? – Matt Buchanan

Want an iPhone? Beware the iHancuffs [New York Times via Boing Boing]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

OhMiBod iPod Vibrator Hands-On

The OhMiBod iPod vibrator first made an impact last summer but we were able to get a hands-on this past week. To recap, it’s a vibrator (”marital aide”) that vibrates in sync with the music being played on an iPod. Once you ignore the fact that it’s, you know, a vibrator and actually appreciate the underlying technology, you’ll like it as much as we do. Something like that. – Nicholas Deleon with video by Richard Blakeley

Product Page [OhMiBod]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Kenwood Wireless Speaker System Looks like Something from AVN

No, this isn’t the latest in teledildonics featured at AVN, but rather it is just a wireless speaker system from Kenwood. The butt-plug bullet-shaped speakers are pretty fancy with vibration isolation, 360 degree surround sound and a Class D amplifier. It can also dock the iPod or any other DAP and transmit wirelessly via 2.4 Ghz. –Travis Hudson

Kenwood Digital Wireless Speaker System [newlaunches]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Longhorn: The Chinese Fullscreen iPod

If Apple wasn’t going to give people a fullscreen iPod, darn it, the Chinese would do it. Longhorn’s M16 and M18 —which kinda makes for a weird Apple/Microsoft mishmash—are flash based video/audio players that look like the iPhone. So how good is it?

Form what we saw, video was sharp and actually quite detailed. The m18 has a 480×272 dpi display and the M16 had a 320×240 display. The video wasn’t completely fluid, but it was definitely watchable.

What’s cool was this thing can actually record from TV/DVD/CD/DV to MPEG-4, and output to NTSC/PAL for watching on the TV. It supports up to a 2GB SD card, and has a 2000 mAh battery. No pricing on this, we’re pretty sure it’ll be a cheap knockoff iPod/iPhone player when it’s released. – Jason Chen

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

How Will the iPod be Affected by the iPhone?

One thing that seems to have gotten lost in the fray with all this iPhone hullabaloo is what is going to happen to the iPod now. Sure, the iPhone is a phone mixed with an iPod, but not everyone wants to spend $600 and get a phone/tablet with their music player. Apple has spent so much time and money getting TV shows and movies into the ITMS there’s no way they won’t release a new, high capacity multimedia player with the same slick widescreen format for people who don’t want to make the jump to the iPhone.

Here’s what I think we have to look forward to:

I think that iPhone-esque iPods will soon be released. Look for larger capacities, probably 100GB, and a very similar design to the iPhone. We’ll be treated to the same great touchscreen that automatically rotates the interface depending on how we hold it, which will be perfect for watching videos. But we’ll lose the phone functions, and with those we’ll also likely lose the camera and OS X interface. What makes the iPod so great is its simplicity, not its robust set of features, and by merging that notion with the new iPhone hardware Apple will be giving the iPod a serious upgrade.

So what do you think? Would you rather spend $300 on a widescreen, touchscreen iPod with a 100GB hard drive or $600 on an iPhone with 8GB? I’ve gotta be honest… the idea of a high-capacity touchscreen iPod sounds like a sweeter deal than the iPhone, especially the first generation version that lacks 3G and GPS. The smartest move might be grabbing one of those and then getting an iPhone in a year when its feature set is really humming. –Adam Frucci

Apple iPhone [Gizmodo]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

G-Tech has launched a Bluetooth enable backpack capable of streaming your tunes via headphone or an integrated speaker and able to accept calls via a Bluetooth enabled cellphone. The bag also has SmartFabric controls integrated into the strap for controlling the iPod and answering/hanging up the phone. Unfortunately the effort to set up the device and make it work seemed to outnumber the functionality of the device during my short demo.

There is a small Bluetooth adapter in a pocket that plugs in a handful of cables, including the iPod, and syncs with a cellphone. It is also a rechargeable battery powered device that needs to be recharged on a daily basis. Once it was all set up, the system worked well, music played via the integrated speaker or headphones and would pause when a call came in and the audio output would switch to the phone. This bag will be available for consumers around Q2 for $199 and will also be available in messenger bag form. –Travis Hudson

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

The iA200 Apollo Video by Auvi docks your iPod, plays video on a 7″ LCD and features a rear-mounted DECT 6.0 phone for Skype and landline calls.

I don’t know about this one. While I didn’t see a working model, the larger iPod screen could add incentive to purchasing a dock. But does it really need Skype? Do media and talking on the telephone have anything to do with one another? (And I’m not referring to the iPhone here.)

No pricing yet, look for the Apollo later this year. – Mark Wilson

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Princeton Japan released the Soundwall speaker system for iPod. It comes with a 4 speaker on each of the side, an iPod dock on the center and a backlit LCD at the top to display your track and info. The 2.1 channel system has neodymium speakers delivering an output of 4W x 2 channels and a sub woofer 63mm wide with 15 watts of output. The dock can be connected to PC via USB for data transfer and it is powered by AC adapter or batteries. It also includes a fully functional remote control. It measures 218×83.8×190mm and weighs 1190 grams. The Princeton PSP-MSSSW will be available in Japan by mid January for 15,800 Yen which will be around $130.

[via New Launches]

Tags: iPod, Docking system, Princeton Soundwall, speaker system,

Source (full article in new window): 2dayBlog - Technology Journal, New Gadget everyday!

This is the latest iPod speaker system from Sharp that has an iPod dock. It will be available in black and white and also includes AM/FM radio, front-loading CD player, alarm, sleep timer, etc. Surprisingly, it sounded pretty damn nice, even in the very overcrowded Sharp booth. It will be available in April for $330.

This DK-A10 also has a little brother, the DK-A1, that lacks a lot of the cool movable parts for $230, also available in April. –Travis Hudson

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Griffin Evolve: As Wireless as Wireless can get for an iPod dock.

The Skinny A fancy iPod dock with speakers that literally lift off of the base unit and continue to work up to 150 feet away.

Geared Toward Those who must have their iPod playing at all times, no matter where they are in the house.

The Spin No wires, obviously. Ability to take your music anywhere without wires, the need for a power adapter or the actual iPod.

Counterspin Holy crap it is expensive. $350 or so when this speaker dock is released this summer. Because it is dual channel, you would need to bring both speakers with you to fully enjoy the sound.

Buy It If… You have a ton of money, are in love with your iPod and must have music in every room of the house.

–Travis Hudson

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

We’ve heard tell of the Wild Charge system that replenishes power in cellphones, PSPs, notebooks and iPods, and now we can confirm: It really works.

We played with the system for a while tonight, putting the special cases on cellphones and attachments on iPods, and then suddenly those devices begin charging as soon as you place them on the metallic strip.

How the heck does this thing work?

It uses non-inductive technology to pass the current from strip to device without all that falderal you usually have to go through to charge it.



The company says we’ll be seeing the first charging strips for sale in March, and the larger laptop-sized charger will be shipping in June.

This is the real deal, folks—get your $49 ready, and that includes one “enablement case.” Additional cases are $10 - $20, depending on the device. – Charlie White

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Macworld Rumor Roundup

Just a few minutes to go before the “Steve-note” begins, and just in case you’ve been under a rock for the last couple months here are a couple of the stronger possibilities:

•iPhone

Apple and Cingular Tag-Team for iPhone [Gizmodo]

Fresh iPhone details emerge as release grows closer [Think Secret]

•iTV

iTV (Apple) [Wikipedia]

•iPod

Three New iPod Models in 2007 [Mac Rumors]

•Mac Pro

8-Core Mac Pro’s [Mac OS X Rumors]

•Display Updates

Next Generation Displays to Include HDMI [Mac OS X Rumors]– Ben Longo

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Turns out the rumors we heard about a iPod dock projector were quite solid after all. Still in development, the iPod projector docks and charges iPod Videos, Photos and Nanos, and projects a native 800×600 resolution at 800 ANSI Lumens. It takes in composite, S-Video-, Component and projects from 30-inches up to 90-inches.

The Ion guy did make a point to say they’re working on lowering the price, since four hundred bones for a “fun iPod thing” seems a little extravagant. And since it’s 800×600, it definitely seems like a fun iPod projector than a serious home theater item. Should be available sometime this summer.

– Jason Chen

Product Site [Ion Audio]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Here’s the Eton’s Sound Sirius 101 AM / FM Clock with an iPod dock. The dock is separated from device. It also features a 3.5mm line-in for other MP3 players and include a remote control for your basic operation. Eton’s Sound 101 is available in blue, red, black, white or silver color for $250.

[via Engadget]

Tags: iPod, Docking system, AM/FM tuner, Alarm Clock, Speaker system

Source (full article in new window): 2dayBlog - Technology Journal, New Gadget everyday!

MediaCatcher, the software used to rip music directly to portable media devices like the iPod and Zune will be available for free.

MediaCatcher allows users to easily search for and legally time-shift unlimited music from broadcasts on the Internet.

It’s kind of like recording a mix-tape from the FM radio, like way back in the day, but a little more high-tech. It’s legal, too, supposedly. I’ll be checking it out—nothing to lose. Download from the beginning January 15 here. – Travis Hudson

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Camping season will be here pretty soon, and Kensington is ready with weatherproof speakers. Looking a little like a Franklin Planner, the FX500 Speaker To Go zips open so you can plug in and insert your iPod. View the screen and control the scroll wheel via the clear screen on the front. The speakers sit behind vinyl covers but sound surprisingly good and not muffled. Available end of January for $50. – Sean Captain

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Harman Kardon Drive+Play 2 is a Supercharged FM Transmitter

Harman Kardon has updated their line of automobile media management gadgets with the Drive+Play 2, and FM transmitter that costs $400 bucks. (Yes, $400.)

Maybe justifying that cost is the D+P 2’s screen. And its unique music browsing features that will create a personal DJ that selects music from the same artist, album or genre of music. Another music browsing feature is the ability for the D+P 2 to create dynamic channels. Imagine your wide music library being organized into stations or channels—similar to satellite or terrestrial radio.

The D+P 2 has an included wireless (!!) navigation knob and screen for full browsing capabilities on your portable music device. It also includes Harman Net (like a port for expandability), Bluetooth and supports for Sirius. The D+P 2 will supports many devices such as the iPod and Zune. – Travis Hudson

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

The i277BLK and i199BLK both from iLuv and both of them comes with Bluetooth capability and a wireless remote control. They also come with clock radios, AM/FM radio and clock with alarm and both of them have a twin jAura speakers with 3W output. BluePin transmitter/receiver will allows you to hear your music on any Bluetooth headset. The i199BLK is slightly more expensive i227BLK as it has additional features such as MP3 ad CD playback and better display. i277BLK costs $150 while i199BLK $230.

[via New Launches]

Tags: iLuv, iPod, Docking system, Bluetooth Connectivity, Bluetooth Headset,

Source (full article in new window): 2dayBlog - Technology Journal, New Gadget everyday!

RCA has two iPod compatible audio systems coming out in 2007. The RP5500i Dual Wake Clock Radio can dock and charge the iPod and provide the usual alarm clock functions. It can play back from any digital audio player, but it looks a lot prettier with an iPod dock. The supposed highlight of the alarm clock is the SmartSnooze feature that allows any button to be used to snooze. Wow! It also includes a Graduwake and Gradusleep that will fade the music in and out for waking and sleeping. It will be available in May for $79.

The RCA RS2130 Bookshelf Audio System also includes and iPod dock that is detached, 160-watt amplifier, CD player, radio, etc. It does use RCA’s Rip&Go feature that can rip music from the radio or CD player directly to an MP3 player or other mass storage device. It will also be available in May for $169. – Travis Hudson

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

IntelliTouch has announced their Eos wireless iPod speaker system. The base system will happily dock your iPod, includes stereo speakers and a ported subwoofer and transmit wirelessly to the external speakers up to 150 feet away through walls, ceilings and even outdoors. The external speakers have a removable power supply—meaning it can plug directly into the a wall outlet, or be places on a countertop or mounted elsewhere and powered via cord. Each wireless speaker also includes two stereo drivers and a ported subwoofer.

The EOS system will be released in March. For $300 you get the base docking station/transmitter and one additional wireless speakers. Each additional speaker can be picked up for $129 and there is also an outdoor amplifier to boost signal for outdoor usage also for $129. – Travis Hudson

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

This is a bit of a head-scratcher, but Belkin has gone to the trouble of building a mixing board that records music onto Gen 5 iPods (those that support video). The TuneStudio is the first four-channel mixer for iPods, claims Belkin (and we’re inclined to believe it, since the idea never even occurred to us). It supports 16-bit, 44-kHz audio, and each channel has a three-band equalizer.

Why you’d want to record your next indie music hit onto an easily losable, low-fi handheld with a fragile hard drive instead of onto a nice Mac or PC computer is a mystery. And if you do, make sure your iTunes is set for manual synching, or else it will erase your precious creations whenever you dock the iPod.

Anyway, it’s a swank-looking device, judging by Belkin’s artist rendering. The TuneStudio goes on sale this summer, for $180. – Sean Captain

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

It took Griffin five years to find something good to solder their PowerMate volume knob to, but they’ve finally settled for an iPod dock. The Amplifi is a 2.1 channel iPod dock/speaker, nothing notable, but this has a PowerMate-knob, a wireless remote, and an all-wood construction. It’s got six iPod adapters, some stereo jacks, and a 5-inch woofer.

The second iPod dock is called the Journi, and is a battery-powered, portable, wireless remote controlled unit. The dock lasts 8-10 hours on one charge, and has an aux input for other devices as well. It’s about time someone named an iPod dock after our favorite band ever.

– Jason Chen

Press Release [Griffin]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Look at this, an iPod interface on Nintendo DS Lite, the Click Wheel can be access via the touchscreen which pretty much like the iPod. DS is not really a best device for mp3 playback as its lack of storage space but well, you can still have iPod on your DS Lite. Video demonstration…

[via Ubergizmo]

Tags: iPod, Nintendo, DS Lite, iPod interface

Source (full article in new window): 2dayBlog - Technology Journal, New Gadget everyday!

This week at iLounge: In preparation for next week’s massive Apple events, we’ve created a master list of important vendors to help you quickly get the big picture on what’s happening. And we’re sending the lawyers after iLounge content thieves! Plus: iPods down Mexico way, and more. All the details, after the jump.

Macworld Expo 2007 is coming, and as always, iLounge is ready for the massive volume of new product announcements that will take place. Three new articles - The Complete Guide to Macworld Expo, part 1 (overview, A-C), part 2 (D-O) and part 3 (P-Z) are now online, and being updated with new product information every day leading up to and through the show. Bookmark them now, and come back to visit for all of the news that’s worth sharing next week!

In other news, some blatant, sleazy iLounge content thieves are about to get served. As announced this week on the Your Mac Life radio show, lawyers are going after two sites that have been ripping off articles and photos from iLounge and reposting them as their own. The full story, along with why this was the last resort, not our preference, is here.

Recent reviews include a complete look at Silex’s first-ever wireless iPod dock, the wiDock, as well as a great new iPod nano case called Slyder from Marware, and JBL’s first pair of in-canal earbuds, Reference 220. We’ve also taken First Looks at Newer Technology’s TRAFFICJamz FM transmitter and car charger, and checked out the iPod scene in Ensenada, Mexico, complete with photos.

In iPod and iTunes news this week, it was reported that Apple was sued for patent infringement over the Nike+iPod Sport Kit. Days later, it was revealed that defunct online movie provider Intertainer has also filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging patent infringement relating to the distribution of digital media over the Internet. More legal trouble came from Luxpro, the Taiwan-based electronics maker behind the infamous iPod shuffle clone. Luxpro said it plans to countersue Apple for $100 million. In better news for the company, the NPD group said Apple once again dominated holiday sales of digital audio players, increasing its market share from last year.

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Okay you he-men, this cute shit is not for you, but maybe there’s some girlie-girl in your life who would like to have this Emotibud Earbud Set. Thoughtfulness coupled with cutesy sensitivity does have its rewards.

Plunk down your $16 and you get four pairs of these gummy thingamajigs that hook up to your ear buds. Well, not your ear buds, but somebody’s. – Charlie White

Product page [PixelGirlShop]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

The Logitech X-240 may look similar to their pricier cousins, the Z10s, but the fact that they are 2.1 speakers and are made by Logitech are practically the only things they have in common. The X-240s ditch the fancy LCD and onboard playback controls for ease of use and a music player dock.

The main draw of this system will be the iPod and Zune docks, which can connect to the speaker’s auxiliary input or just hold it for syncing. Availability’s somewhere in April, and it’s goign to go for about $50. Looks like a great deal for a cheap set up 2.1s to us. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Logitech via iLounge]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

First put out as an imaginary design, these Emotibuds are now actually for sale from Futuronomie. Made to slip over your iPod earbuds, these Emotibuds tell the world you’re skeptical, neurotic, starry-eyed, or pacified. Essentially broadcasting that you’re totally baked and jamming to some tunes.

Each set goes for $3.95, and should make for a nice gift for your kids. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Futuronomie]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

Reigncom tries to makes its iRiver line of digital audio players as “cool” and “with it” as the iPod, but none of them have gotten it quite right yet. At CES iRiver is giving it another go with two svelte-looking models, the Clix 2 (left) and the W10. The Clix 2 looks to be gunning for the iPod Shuffle and will come in 2GB, 4GB and 6GB sizes. It makes use of an AMOLED screen, a new technology that should put LCD to shame. Meanwhile, the W10 now features Wi-Fi and will have built-in maps, with optional VoIP. Enough to knock the iPod off its high horse? Only time—and copious fondling at CES—will tell. – Nicholas Deleon

iRiver to unveil Clix 2 MP3 player with AMOLED [TelecomsKorea]

iRiver Displays W10 Supporting Discover Cities [TelecomsKorea via CrunchGear]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

I’ve just recently started dabbling into Nintendo DS modding, but this one is pretty damn cool. Similar to the MDA iPod clone we saw a while back, this DS version simply emulates the iPod using the bottom touchscreen. Too bad the speakers on the iPod are pretty weaksauce or you could be impressing all of the hipster indie chicks in no time. Thanks, Marc – Travis Hudson

Information, Download Page [gbadev]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

So, we’ve heard about Apple’s keyboard with an iPod dock, and have also heard about the similar keyboard made by Razer, but now KB-Dock is upping the ante by releasing the KB-Dock. This keyboard has the option for an iPod dock or card reader. Oh man, the world really is getting high tech. Actually, this keyboard could be pretty useful with computers that have a lack of USB ports, or possibly as a laptop companion. – Travis Hudson

KB-Dock Swaps between Card Reader and iPod Dock [EverythingUSB]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

iPod Shuffle Aluminum Accents

RhinoSkin’s iPod Shuffle Aluminum Accents, it is an aluminum case for the iPod Shuffle. It is a 100% anodized aluminum cover. It’s available in pink, red, blue or green. Pick up all four color for $19.95 or individual for $9.95.

Tags: iPod Shuffle, iPod, Shuffle Aluminum Case, iPod Protective Case

Source (full article in new window): 2dayBlog - Technology Journal, New Gadget everyday!

iSkin isn’t the only silicone-loving iPod accessory makers out there. For $24.99 you can score a five pack of these silicone cases by iShoppo. These cases come in pink, green, blue, gray and clear and there is also the optional lanyard strap to go with the cases. Don’t be a fool, wrap your tool iPod! – Travis Hudson

Product Page [iShoppo]

Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod

With the Macworld keynote less than a week away, the rumor mill is running more rampant than ever. And we are here to report it at a safe, not-quite-endorsed-nor-denied distance.

What announcements will Jobs make this year…new iPods, “iPhones”, Macbooks, or even mock turtlenecks? Hit the jump for our Frankenreview…errr…Frankenrumor: rumors from a plethora of Internet sources congealed together in an apple-flavored gelatin of knowledge hearsay quasi-intelligent rumors.

iPhone

“…we probably will see an iPhone.”

“No Apple iPhone”

” Coming in January to all providers • 2 batteries (1 MP3, 1 Phone) • 2 capacities (4GB & 8GB) • Prices will run $249 & $449 • Flash memory (surprise) • Slide out keyboard • Touchscreen (on outside) • “Cool” OS”

“small as shit.”

“[Morgan Stanley analyst] Runkle says the phone will cost $599 for the 4GB model and a whopping $649 for the 8GB version…it’ll be wider than an iPod Nano, but narrower than the 5G iPod. It’ll have a nice 3.5-inch display and will come in multi-colored aluminum shells like the Nano…”

Video iPod
“If Apple’s patents are to be believed, there is also a new crop of iPods on the horizon that will offer larger screens and possibly new navigation techniques.”

“…little attention has been given to the rumored full Video iPod despite clear evidence that Apple has been considering such a form factor.”

“The focus of the patent is the incorporation of a touch-sensitive bezel (edge of screen) that can adapt to the screen contents to provide an input method for the user…non-screen area would eliminate many of the “smudge” and “scratch” concerns for a full-screen touch iPod.”

“…we’re more likely to see a bump to 100GB capacity, courtesy of Toshiba’s new 1.8-inch drive…”



iTV

“Apple now aims to begin shipping iTV (likely under a different product name) in late January or early February. They added that the additional time is necessary to fine-tune an embedded version of the Mac OS operating system that will reportedly run on the device…”

“Many people are speculating and/or hoping that Apple will ink a deal with TiVo or offer its own personal video recording capabilities…it seems a bit hard to believe the two companies are collaborating on a Mac product.”

“There’s an Apple patent application dated November 2, 2006 that outlines techniques for acquiring a season’s worth of TV shows. However, it only mentions the word TiVo once in the entire document, and that’s only in a generic sense, describing recorded digital video.”

“I’ve been hoping for a video update to the AirPort Express, but it seems like the iTV more or less kills that idea…”

“Google integration (iTV + YouTube)”

Cinema Displays

“Look for Apple to announce a 17-inch Cinema display to complement their existing 20, 23 and 30-inch monitors.”

“Apple hasn’t made any major update to the Cinema Displays since their initial release in June 2004…the next generation of Apple Cinema Displays could feature a built-in iSight, HDMI connectivity as well as support for HDCP…23 inch model may be replaced by a 24 inch one while a larger model may broaden the line-up.”

“…a 50″ monitor may be planned for ‘early 2007′.”

“…a coordinated effort to intentionally spread false information to rumor sites…these rumors should be viewed with some skepticism.”

iLife, iWork

“Apple’s iApps usually get updated at Macworld Expo and this year should be no exception.”

“iLife and iWork 07 are a sure thing.”

“…introduction of a new spreadsheet application code named “Lasso”



Leopard

“Leopard could be released at Macworld Expo despite Steve Jobs’ assertion that it would be released in ‘Spring 2007′.”

“It will certainly not be released at Macworld.”

“the Mac OS[X] appears to be the key to Apple’s ensuing consumer electronics strategy, beginning with iTV and iPhone and extending far beyond.”

“…as much as I’d love to see PVR capabilities built into Mac OS X, I think Apple is much more likely to continue to focus on sales of TV content through the iTunes Store.”

MacPro

“Apple’s desktop Mac is due for a quad-core Intel Xeon Processor…”

“One more thing: 8-core Mac Pro.”

“The new Mac Pro configuration will feature two of the recently announced Quad-core Intel (more likely Xeon) processors for a total of eight cores per configuration… development on the systems has been complete for some time…”

Macbook Pro

“…the miniaturized MacBook Pro should keep its built-in optical drive and sport a dual-core processor, providing unequalled size/performance ratio in the PC industry… Apple should use the 12 inch form factor… could be priced in the $1700~$1800 range.”

“[odds: 50:1]”

“Unlikely rumors, which [PiperJaffray analyst] Munster calls “a stretch,” include an ultra-portable 12-inch MacBook Pro…”

iTablet

“… a number of new Apple patent applications that relate to the long-rumored Apple Tablet based computer. The most recent patents appeared…February 2nd, 2006…with a filing date as recent as January 31st, 2005.”

“…Methods and systems for processing touch inputs are disclosed. The invention in one respect includes reading data from a multipoint sensing device such as a multipoint touch screen…”

“Apple researchers have built a fully working prototype of tablet Mac and three companies in Taiwan are bidding for a potential launch in mid 2007.”

“…it’s not likely to happen…”

– Mark Wilson

Rumor Links…In No Particular Order

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Source (full article in new window): Gizmodo: iPod