Apple TV came into its own this week with a completely overhauled
software package that lets you access the
iTunes Store to buy music and videos as well as access Apple's new
movie rental service directly from Apple TV. You no longer have to use
a Mac or PC. Best of all for current Apple TV owners, the software
upgrade is free.
On the iPhone and iPod touch front, Apple introduced five new apps -
free for iPhone owners with the new firmware update, $20 from the
iTunes Store for iPod touch users.
Mac notebook and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review, and general Mac
news is in Mac News Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News from the Macworld Keynote
iPod News, Reviews, & Opinion
iPhone/iPod Add-ons
iPhone Add-ons
iPod Add-ons
iPod and iPhone Deals
News from the Macworld Keynote
Apple Introduces New Apple TV Software, Lowers
Price to $229
Apple today unveiled all new
software for Apple TV that allows movie fans to rent movies on the
iTunes Store directly from their widescreen TV, and lowered the price
of Apple TV to just $229. With iTunes Movie Rentals and Apple TV, users
can just click a button on their remote to effortlessly rent movies
from a catalog of over 1,000 titles by the end of February, including
over 100 titles in stunning high definition video with 5.1 Dolby
Digital surround sound, with no computer required. DVD-quality iTunes
Movie Rentals are $2.99 for library titles and $3.99 for new releases,
and high definition versions are just one dollar more with library
titles at $3.99 and new releases at $4.99. Apple will provide the new
Apple TV software free of charge to existing Apple TV owners when it
releases the new Apple TV priced at $229 in about two weeks.
"With the new Apple TV and iTunes Movie Rentals, movie lovers can
rent DVD-quality or stunning HD movies from their couch with just a
click of a button," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "No more driving to
the video store or waiting for DVDs to arrive in the mail."
iTunes Movie Rentals feature iTunes' legendary ease of use, which
makes discovering and enjoying movie rentals as simple and easy as
buying music on iTunes. Once a movie is rented, it starts downloading
from the iTunes Store directly to Apple TV, and users with a fast
Internet connection can start viewing the movie in seconds. Customers
have up to 30 days to start watching it, and once a movie has been
started customers have 24 hours to finish it - or watch it multiple
times.
With Apple TV, users can also view photos from their computers,
Flickr and .mac Web Galleries on their widescreen TV as slideshows or
screen savers, and anytime photos are updated on Flickr or .mac, they
are automatically updated on Apple TV. Apple TV users can now browse
and enjoy the iTunes Store podcast directory of over 125,000 video and
audio podcasts, view over 50 million originally created videos from
YouTube or choose from a selection of six million songs, over 600 TV
shows and 10,000 music videos to purchase directly from their Apple TV.
Purchases downloaded to Apple TV are automatically synched back to
iTunes on the user's computer for enjoyment on their computer, all
current generation iPods* or iPhone.
Apple TV easily connects to a broad range of widescreen TVs and home
theater systems and comes standard with HDMI, component video, analog
and optical audio ports. Using high-speed AirPort 802.11 wireless
networking, Apple TV now automatically plays all of your iTunes content
without setup or management**.
The new Apple TV software will be available as a free automatic
download to all Apple TV customers later this month. Apple TV, which
includes the Apple Remote, is available from the Apple Store, Apple's
retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail
price of $229 for the 40 GB model and $329 for the 160 GB model (US and
Canada). Apple TV requires an 802.11g/n wireless network or 10/100
Base-T Ethernet networking, a broadband Internet connection and a high
definition widescreen TV. iPod games will not play on Apple TV. iTunes
Movie Rentals are available in the US only.
*Movie rentals work on iPod classic, iPod nano with video and iPod
touch.
**Compatible with 802.11b/g/n. Based on an IEEE 802.11n draft
specification. Wireless video streaming requires an 802.11g/n
network.
Link: Apple TV
Apple Premieres iTunes Movie Rentals with All Major
Film Studios
Apple announced iTunes Movie
Rentals featuring movies from all the major movie studios including
20th Century Fox, The Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros., Paramount,
Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Sony Pictures Entertainment,
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Lionsgate and New Line Cinema. Users can
rent movies for as low as $2.99 and watch them on their Macs or PCs,
all current generation iPods*, iPhone and Apple TV. iTunes Movie
Rentals launches today and will offer over 1,000 titles by the end of
February, including over 100 titles in stunning high definition video
with 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound which users can rent directly
from their widescreen TV using Apple TV. iTunes Movie Rentals are
priced at $2.99 for library titles and $3.99 for new releases, and high
definition versions are just one dollar more with library titles at
$3.99 and new releases at $4.99.
"iTunes Movie Rentals instantly brings great movies from all the
major studios directly to your iPod, iPhone, TV or computer - without
having to drive to the video store or wait for DVDs to arrive in the
mail," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "Movie lovers can now discover and
enjoy movies as simply and easily as music lovers discover and enjoy
music today on iTunes."
"Apple has created an incredibly easy and innovative way to rent and
enjoy movies," said Jim Gianopulos, chairman and chief executive
officer of Fox Filmed Entertainment. "Millions of movie lovers will be
able to watch wonderful movies from Fox and the other major studios
whenever and wherever they want, be it on their computer, TV, iPod or
iPhone."
iTunes Movie Rentals feature iTunes' legendary ease of use, which
makes discovering and enjoying movie rentals as simple and easy as
buying music on iTunes has always been. Once a movie is rented, it
starts downloading from the iTunes Store directly to iTunes or Apple
TV, and users with a fast Internet connection can start viewing the
movie in seconds. Customers have up to 30 days to start watching it,
and once a movie has been started customers have 24 hours to finish it
- or watch it multiple times.
The all new Apple TV software delivers an entirely new user
experience centered around iTunes Movie Rentals, allowing movie fans to
rent and watch movies right from their widescreen TV, with no computer
required. Users can also view photos from their computers, Flickr and
.mac Web Galleries on their widescreen TV as slideshows or screen
savers, and anytime photos are updated on Flickr or .mac they are
automatically updated on Apple TV. Apple TV users can now browse and
enjoy the iTunes Store podcast directory of over 125,000 video and
audio podcasts, view over 50 million originally created videos from
YouTube, or choose from a selection of six million songs, over 600 TV
shows and 10,000 music videos to purchase directly from their Apple TV.
Purchases downloaded to Apple TV are automatically synched back to
iTunes on the user's computer for enjoyment on their computer, iPod or
iPhone.
Apple TV easily connects to a broad range of widescreen TVs and home
theater systems and comes standard with HDMI, component video, analog
and optical audio ports. Using high-speed AirPort 802.11 wireless
networking, Apple TV now automatically plays all of your iTunes content
without setup or management**.
Pricing & Availability
Movie rentals from the iTunes Store for Mac or Windows require
iTunes 7.6, available as a free download immediately from
iTunes. iTunes Movie Rentals require a valid credit card with a
billing address in the country of purchase. iTunes Movie Rentals are
available in the US only and are $2.99 for library titles and $3.99 for
new releases, and high definition versions are priced just one dollar
more with library titles at $3.99 and new releases at $4.99.
The new Apple TV software will be available as a free automatic
download to all Apple TV customers later this month. Apple TV, which
includes the Apple Remote, is available from the Apple Store, Apple's
retail stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail
price $229 for the 40 GB model, and for $329 for the 160 GB model.
Apple TV requires an 802.11g/n wireless network or 10/100 Base-T
Ethernet networking, a broadband Internet connection and a high
definition widescreen TV. iPod games will not play on Apple TV.
*Movie rentals work on iPod classic, iPod nano with video and iPod
touch.
**Compatible with 802.11b/g/n. Based on an IEEE 802.11n draft
specification. Wireless video streaming requires an 802.11g/n
network.
Twentieth Century Fox & Apple Introduce iTunes
Digital Copy
Twentieth Century Fox and Apple
announced Digital Copy for iTunes, which provides customers who
purchase a DVD with an additional Digital Copy of the movie. Just like
movies purchased from the iTunes Store, an iTunes Digital Copy can
effortlessly be transferred to iTunes and then viewed on a PC or Mac,
iPod with video, iPhone or on Apple TV. The first DVD to make its debut
with iTunes Digital Copy is the Special Edition DVD premiere of the
Family Guy "Star Wars" parody, "Family Guy Presents: Blue Harvest,"
which is being released in stores today. Fox and Apple are planning to
deliver many more DVDs with iTunes Digital Copy this year.
"One of the most requested features DVD buyers have been asking for
is the ability to get the movies they bought into their iTunes
library," said Jim Gianopulos, chairman and chief executive officer of
Fox Filmed Entertainment. "We're thrilled to offer such an incredibly
simple way for our customers to get even more out of their DVD
purchase, and we look forward to releasing many more DVDs this year
with iTunes Digital Copy."
"Now movie fans can easily transfer a free copy of the movie they
purchase on DVD into iTunes," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "DVDs
containing an iTunes Digital Copy allow movie fans to get a copy of
their movie which can be viewed on a computer, iPod, iPhone or on Apple
TV."
The new iTunes Digital Copy provides a consumer friendly way to
transfer a DVD purchase to a user's iTunes library. Once a customer
buys the DVD, they insert it into their computer, enter a unique code
into iTunes and iTunes automatically copies the movie to their iTunes
library within minutes. Customers own the iTunes Digital Copy of the
movie and it has all of the same great viewing options as other iTunes
Store video content, including the ability to be viewed on a computer,
iPod with video, iPhone and Apple TV. Each DVD will only transfer its
iTunes Digital Copy to one iTunes library.
One of the world's largest producers and distributors of motion
pictures, Fox Filmed Entertainment produces, acquires and distributes
motion pictures throughout the world. These motion pictures are
produced or acquired by the following units of FFE: Twentieth Century
Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox Atomic, and
Twentieth Century Fox Animation. FFE also includes Twentieth Century
Fox Home Entertainment, the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution
company for all Fox film and television programming on VHS, DVD,
Blu-ray Disc (BD) and Digital Copy as well as acquisitions and original
productions.
Apple Enhances iPhone with Significant Software
Update
Apple announced a free software
update for its revolutionary iPhone that allows users to automatically
find their location using the redesigned Maps application*; text
message multiple people in one message; create Web Clips for their
favorite websites; customize their home screen; and watch movies rented
from the new iTunes Movie Rentals right on their iPhone. With its
revolutionary multitouch user interface and pioneering software, users
can easily add significant new features to their iPhone through
software updates whenever an update becomes available. New iPhone
products shipping from the factory will include the software update and
existing iPhone customers will automatically get the update for free
when they sync their iPhone with
iTunes.
"iPhone
doesn't stand still = we're making it better and better all the time,"
said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We've delighted millions of users with
this revolutionary and magical product and it's great to share these
improvements with them."
Maps, one of the most popular and helpful applications on iPhone,
has a new interface that is simpler and easier to use and adds
incredible new features such as the ability to find your location
automatically. With just the tap of a button, iPhone can now
triangulate your position using nearby WiFi base stations or cellular
towers. You can use this as a starting or ending point for directions
or to find local points of interest. The new hybrid map view combines
map view and satellite view so you can see major street names overlaid
on satellite imagery.
Users can now create Web Clips - icons on the home screen that take
you directly to your favorite websites, including to the exact spot you
have zoomed into. Web Clips are a great way to easily track websites
that you frequently check such as news, blogs, sports sites and movie
listings. In addition, users can now customize their home screen by
repositioning any of the icons, and even create up to nine different
home screens that they can easily flick between.
iPhone's new software update also adds the ability to send the same
SMS text message to multiple people, and iPhone saves a history of your
text messages, so with one tap you can send a new message to the same
group.
With Apple's new iTunes Movie Rentals, movie fans can rent movies on
their computer, easily and quickly transfer them to their iPhone, and
watch them anywhere on iPhone's gorgeous 3.5 inch screen. Users can
also now navigate forward or backward through their movies by chapters,
select alternate language tracks and view subtitles, if available.
The iPhone software update 1.1.3 is available immediately for free
via iTunes 7.5 or later for all existing iPhone customers in the US,
UK, Germany and France. New iPhone products shipping from the factory
will include the software update and existing iPhone customers will
automatically get the update for free when they sync their iPhone with
iTunes. iTunes Movie Rentals are available in the US only.
*Availability and precision of Maps positioning features will vary
depending on actual location.
Link: iPhone
Apple Announces Major Software Upgrade for iPod
touch
Apple announced a major
software upgrade for the iPod touch, making the best iPod into even
more - the world's best WiFi mobile device. iPod touch customers
already have the most advanced mobile web browser in the world with
Safari™, and now Apple is adding five more great mobile
applications - Mail, Maps, Stocks, Weather and Notes. The iPod touch
software upgrade also includes new features such as Web Clips, a
customizable home screen and beginning today, the ability to watch
iTunes Movie Rentals. New iPod touch products shipping from the factory
will include the software upgrade and existing iPod touch customers can
get the software upgrade for $19.99 by purchasing and downloading it
from
iTunes.
"These
amazing new mobile applications make iPod touch not only the best iPod,
but the best WiFi mobile device in the world," said Steve Jobs, Apple's
CEO. "With its revolutionary touch interface and software, plus its
stunning 3.5 inch screen, iPod touch is evolving into the first
mainstream WiFi mobile platform of the 21st century."
Mail on iPod touch is a rich HTML email client that fetches email in
the background from most POP3 or IMAP mail services and displays photos
and graphics along with the text of the email. Users can configure Mail
for Google's Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, .mac Mail or most POP or IMAP based
mail services with just a few clicks.
Maps on iPod touch features the ability to automatically find your
current location using nearby WiFi base stations*, and use it as a
starting or ending point for directions or to find local points of
interest. Users can get real-time traffic conditions, and view maps in
map or satellite view, or a hybrid view which combines map and
satellite views so you can see major street names overlaid on satellite
imagery.
Stocks and Weather allow users to access live stock and weather
reports at their fingertips, and Notes lets you jot down information
on-the-go using the intelligent keyboard.
The iPod touch home screen can now be customized, allowing users to
reorder and add new icons, with support for up to nine different home
screens which they can easily flick between. With the new Web Clips
feature, you can even create custom icons on your home screen for your
favorite websites. Web Clips are a great way to easily track web sites
that you frequently check such as news, blogs, sports sites, movie
listings and more.
With Apple's new iTunes Movie Rentals, movie fans can rent movies on
their computer, easily and quickly transfer them to their iPod touch,
and watch them anywhere on iPod touch's gorgeous 3.5 inch screen. Users
can also now navigate forward or backward through their movies by
chapters, select alternate language tracks and view subtitles, if
available.
The software upgrade for iPod touch is available immediately. New
iPod touch products shipping from the factory will include the software
upgrade and existing iPod touch customers can get the software upgrade
for $19.99 by purchasing and downloading it from
iTunes. iTunes Movie Rentals are available in the US only.
*Availability and precision of Maps positioning features will vary
depending on actual location.
Link: iPod touch
iPod News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apple to Charge $20 for iPod touch Update
Register Hardware's
Tony Smith reports:
"Apple has sold more than 4m iPhones since the handset was launched
in June 2007, CEO Steve Jobs said today - an average of 20,000 a day,
he said. That was a prelude to the announcement of the phone's latest
firmware - and one for the iPod touch that comes at a price
"Unfortunately, the Macworld keynote was short on up-to-date stats:
Jobs would only point out that the iPhone garnered 19.5 per cent of the
US smartphone market during the first three months it was on sale, a
market share that placed Apple second only to RIM, which commanded 39
per cent of the market.
"The firmware update announced by Jobs was the anticipated update
that's been doing the rumour-mill rounds since just before Christmas.
It'll support the ability to send text messages to multiple recipients,
make the handset's home screen customisable and incorporate Google's
Locate Me feature into the iPhone version of Google Maps."
Link:
Apple to Charge $20 for iPod touch Update
The iPod's Secret Diagnostic Tools
ZD Net blogger David Morgenstern
says:
"While standing in line for a movie over the holiday, my iPod nano -
out of the blue - presented me with some unfamiliar, non-musical
software: Apple's set of built-in diagnostic tools. From the lack of
information on its support pages, Apple doesn't encourage customers to
check under the iPod's hood, so it was a fun tour while it lasted."
Link: Testing the
iPod's Secret Diagnostic Tools
Canadian Appeals Court Strikes Down Controversial
'iPod tax'
CTV.ca News
reports:
"A proposed levy on digital storage devices, known as the 'iPod
tax,' has been quashed by the Federal Court of Appeal after opponents
argued it assumed illegal behaviour on the part of Canadian
consumers.
"Following hearings on Jan. 9, the court ruled that the Canadian
Copyright Board did not have the right to impose new taxes on digital
music players and storage devices. The taxes were to be introduced
later this year."
Link:
Canadian Appeals Court Strikes Down Controversial 'iPod tax'
iPhone/iPod Add-ons
JiWire to Provide Free Ad-Supported WiFi Access to
iPhone and iPod touch Users
PR: JiWire, the leading provider of Ads for Access at premier
WiFi locations, today announced that members of the JiWire WiFi
Advertising Network are offering iPhone and iPod touch users the option
to connect to WiFi networks for free in exchange for viewing a
JiWire-supplied advertisement. The option will be available at select
WiFi hotspots located in airports, hotels, cafes, and other desirable
locations around the world. Major airports include Atlanta-Hartsfield,
JFK and LaGuardia in New York and Chicago's O'Hare. Members of the
JiWire WiFi Advertising Network collectively operate more than 100,000
hotspots.
The JiWire WiFi Advertising Network enables cutting-edge advertisers
to target an affluent, technology-savvy demographic by device (i.e., PC
vs. iPhone vs. other WiFi-enabled device), creating uniquely valuable
marketing opportunities and enabling "Ads for Access" WiFi business
models. Charles Schwab and HBO will be among the first to deliver
advertising to iPhone users under the arrangement announced today.
"By 2011, more than 500 million WiFi-enabled mobile consumer devices
will be in the market," said Daryl Schoolar, senior analyst, In-Stat.
"JiWire's ad model is positioned to help drive more usage of these
devices at public hotspots."
"The incredible success of the iPhone represents a tipping point in
the mainstream use of handheld, WiFi-connected devices," said Kevin
McKenzie, chief executive officer, JiWire. "Our WiFi advertising
platform is ideal for both network operators seeking suitable business
models and for marketers seeking to capitalize on the unique
advertising opportunities we offer."
Link: JiWire
Macally FlexTune Portable Stereo System Puts
a Twist on iPhone and iPod Video Viewing
PR: Macally has unveiled its new Macally FlexTune portable
stereo system. Supporting the Apple iPhone, iPod touch, and iPod
classic, the Macally FlexTune lets customers enjoy music and video with
exceptional sound and the choice of docking these devices horizontally
or vertically.
The announcement comes on the first day of Macworld
Conference & Expo at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Macally
will show the FlexTune along with its full line of accessories and
peripherals for the iPod, iPhone and Mac computer products at its
booth, number 926, in the South Hall.
"The Macally FlexTune will help customers get the most from the
widescreen video viewing and enhanced sound capabilities from their
iPhone and iPod touch," said Andrew Saldana, Macally's vice president
of sales and marketing. "We felt consumers would appreciate having the
flexibility to choose if they wanted to place their iPhone or iPod into
the cradle of the FlexTune for a vertical or horizontal viewing
experience. In addition to delivering great sound, being easy to use
and having a sophisticated design, the FlexTune is an all-in-one
docking and charging station for letting iPhone and iPod customers
enjoy music and video."
The unique FlexTune portable stereo system lets the iPhone and iPod
be docked in a horizontal orientation, which is ideal for watching
widescreen movies and video on an iPhone or iPod touch. It can also be
docked vertically for video viewing on an iPod classic.
Stylish and space saving in a silver and black casing with a small
footprint, the FlexTune portable stereo system looks great and sounds
even better. The 1500mW power output per channel offers exceptional
stereo sound without a headset or bulky wired external speakers.
With easy-to-access buttons for play, pause, next, previous, stop,
and volume control, the FlexTune offers the functionality for avid
music and movie aficionados. The FlexTune charges the iPhone and iPod
products when docked and offers auto turn on/play or turn off when
iPhone and iPod touch is docked or undocked.
The FlexTune can be powered by an AC adaptor (included) or by four
"AA" batteries. The line-in jack lets customers take advantage of the
excellent sound quality for listening to other music players.
The Macally FlexTune portable stereo system for iPhone and iPod has
a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $59.99, and will be
available at leading electronics and technology retailers throughout
the United States at the end of February 2008.
The Macally FlexTune is undergoing certification by Apple.
Link: Macally
FlexTune
Pocket Express Delivers Best Travel Services for
iPhone and iPod touch
PR: Free Travel Services Including OAG Airline Schedules and
Flight Status
Macworld Conference & Expo 2008
Handmark has announced the availability of a new, free version of
Pocket Express travel services built specifically for the Apple iPhone
and iPod touch.
iPhone and iPod touch customers now have free, unlimited access
to:
- The most accurate airline schedules and flight status
- Detailed hotel information and bookings from Hotels.com
- Dozens of click-to-call travel numbers (airlines, rental car
agencies, etc.)
- 24/7 round-the-clock travel reservations service
- Automatic conversions for 164 global currencies
- READ RED: Exclusive travel commentaries
"The new travel services from Pocket Express include the best flight
status data available at any price. Free or otherwise," said Paul
Reddick, Handmark CEO. "We are pleased to bring Pocket Express Travel
edition to iPhone and iPod touch customers, so they too can have the
freedom of knowing that an answer is only a click away."
Pocket Express is the award-winning news and information service
found on millions of Treo, BlackBerry and other smartphones. Pocket
Express Travel edition for the iPhone and iPod touch is a suite of free
ad-supported travel services including the OAG &endash; Official
Airlines Guide.
Pocket Express OAG Flight Status combines the best from the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as that of premium airline, and
direct telemetry from aircraft for the most accurate estimates in the
industry. Pocket Express makes it easy to access data on 75,000 daily
departures from more than 3,500 airports around the world. Because it
is the most accurate, this same OAG data is what's actually displayed
on in-airport displays at many of the busiest terminals.
To start using the new version of Pocket Express travel services on
the iPhone or iPod touch, just point the device's Safari Web browser to
www.pocketexpress.com using either WiFi or the mobile operator
connection.
Link: Handmark
iMainGo 2 Ultra-Portable Stereo and Case for
iPhone and iPod
PR: Portable Sound Laboratories, Inc., a leading innovator of
portable speaker systems, today unveiled the iMainGo 2 at the Consumer
Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. A reengineered upgrade to their
popular first product, iMainGo, the iMainGo 2 was designed to offer
high-end sound quality and amazing light weight (only 9 oz.)
portability to customers who use the Apple iPhone, any Apple iPod, the
new Microsoft Zune, and most other MP3 players.
The iMainGo 2 has been created to provide even greater sound
performance due to its' upgraded high quality, premium titanium
speakers; giving the iMainGo 2 a sound quality usually found in systems
many times its' size and price. iMainGo 2 also features a new iPod/ MP3
custom fit technology (iMainGo Foam) which was created to provide a
contour fit for an MP3 player inside the unit's easily accessible MP3
control cradle. The new iMainGo 2 also received a face lift with a
brighter and bolder retail package. With all of the improvements, the
iMainGo2 is an amazing value, maintaining the original iMainGo's MSRP
of only $39.99.
"Our goal with iMainGo was to create a new standard in
ultra-portable stereo products providing users with the best in sound
quality, design and function, all at a very affordable price" said Tim
Jacobus, President of Portable Sound Laboratories, Inc. "With iMainGo 2
we are raising the sound quality standard even higher while making the
great iMainGo sound available to iPhone, Zune and other MP3 users that
have been clamoring for a quality ultra-portable stereo unit like
iMainGo".
iMainGo has been highly acclaimed as "the best iPod accessory" to
hit the market by leading tech gurus. Ed Baig and Jefferson Graham, of
Talking Tech at USA Today were "amazed at how good a unit that costs
less than $40 could sound". iMainGo has received a perfect 5-star
review by Macworld as well as been featured on CNN, CNET, MTV, VH1,
People Magazine, Entertainment Tonight, The Tonight Show, etc.
Recently, the very popular Rachael Ray Show called the iMainGo "just
possibly the greatest thing ever" to be reviewed on their show.
iMainGo is available in retail stores nationwide and online. iMainGo
2 will be available soon in the same retail stores and online.
Link: iMainGo
ProClip In-Vehicle Device Holders for iPhone
and iPod
PR: ProClip USA, Inc. announces the launch of new device
holders designed to securely mount Apple iPhones and iPods to car,
truck and SUV dashboards and consoles. These new holders will be
displayed at the ProClip booth (#S543) throughout this year's Macworld
exhibition.
These holders, designed and manufactured by Brodit AB in Sweden, are
custom made for the Apple iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic 80 GB/160
GB, and iPod nano 3rd Generation Video and attach to vehicle specific
ProClip dashboard mounts. Once this two part solution (Device Holder
plus Vehicle Mount) is attached to the vehicle dashboard, the solution
provides better viewing and easier access. ProClip holders may also be
attached to other manufacturers' vehicle mounts or any other flat
surface.
"Securely and conveniently mounting handheld devices like the Apple
iPod, without damaging a vehicle's interior, is what we do best," says
Bjorn Spilling, president of ProClip USA. "We offer mounting solutions
that are custom designed for virtually every car in the world, and for
all popular handheld devices."
The Padded Holder with Tilt Swivel is custom made with a neat and
discreet design. It tilts 15 degrees in any direction for optimal
viewing. The device easily slides in and out of the holder. These plush
coated holders help keep iPhones and iPods in perfect condition.
The ProClip Vehicle Mount is the only vehicle specific, consumer
installable mounting bracket in today's global market. The mount clips
in between the panel sections of the dashboard, providing a very sturdy
and tight fit. Average installation time is 30 seconds to 2 minutes. No
dismantling of the dashboard is required and there is no damage to the
vehicle's interior!
Holders are also available for other iPods, including adjustable
holders for encased iPods.
Link: ProClip
USA
iPhone Add-ons
Google Announces Faster, More Customizable
Experience for iPhone
PR: Google has announced new improvements to the integrated
Google experience on iPhone. The previous version, launched just over a
month ago, brought together our suite of web applications - including
Search, Gmail, Calendar, Reader, and more - into one easy-to-use
interface. Since then, we've streamlined the interface even further,
making the applications faster and improving their usability. Some of
the improvements announced today include:
- Improved UI: The applications look and feel slicker, and they are
easier to activate, navigate and use via a touchscreen.
- Customization of default tabs: Now Google users can have easy
access to their favorite applications by customizing the applications
that appear on the Google.com menu bar. Users simply choose their
favorite Google applications to bring them to the front menu, ensuring
that they'll be close at hand whenever they're needed. Switching
between applications is effortless, as users only need to sign in once
to access their Gmail, Calendar, Reader, Docs, and Picasa
accounts.
- Speedier Gmail: New emails will automatically show up so there's no
need to manually refresh inboxes. And the new autocomplete feature for
contacts makes composing emails faster than ever.
- Speedier Calendar: With our new month view, users can glance at an
entire month of appointments.
- iGoogle: Now Google users can access their iGoogle gadgets on the
iPhone. Everything they've customized on their iGoogle homepage
including weather, stocks, and news feeds now appear on their iPhones.
To go to iGoogle, simply click on the iGoogle link on the Home tab. You
can customize your iGoogle page on your computer at
www.igoogle.com.
These new features provide iPhone users with a desktop-like Google
web application experience in terms of ease-of-use, speed, and feature
richness but optimized for the iPhone. This experience is made possible
by the iPhone's general usability and the capabilities of its web
browser, combined with Google's innovative mobile web applications. We
plan to expand this experience to international versions of the iPhone
and to other platforms that offer similar usability and browser
capabilities. One of our goals is to support platforms that are
fulfilling the promise of the mobile web - like the iPhone - and to
ultimately deliver unique and compelling mobile experiences that
improve people's daily lives.
To get the new Google experience on the iPhone, users simply
navigate to google.com on the iPhone Safari browser.
To see the full range of mobile products and services available from
Google, visit mobile.google.com. And if you're at Macworld please stop
by our booth (number 1268 in the South hall) for a live demo!
Link: Google Mobile
DriveSavers First to Offer Data Recovery
Services for iPhone
PR: As Time magazine's "Invention of the Year," the iPhone is
the most sophisticated communication and data management device sold
today; but, like many digital devices, irreplaceable data can be lost
if the iPhone is damaged or not synchronized while out in the field. At
risk are digital photos, address book contacts, calendar entries, notes
and downloaded music files. Until now, "lost data" from iPhones was
considered "lost forever." Now DriveSavers, the worldwide leader in
data recovery services, has stepped into the spotlight to offer the
most technologically advanced data recovery service to iPhone users -
the first of its kind in the industry.
Solid state media built into iPhones uses less power, runs silently
and is more resistant to shock than common hard drives. However, this
technology can also be compromised by user error, mismanagement, trauma
and/or hardware failure. Last year, DriveSavers successfully completed
recoveries on a number of iPhones that lost data because of either
deleted files or corrupted file systems.
"The power and simplicity of the iPhone has revolutionized the
mobile phone industry," said Scott Gaidano, president of DriveSavers
Data Recovery. "iPhones can go anywhere, capturing precious moments
through digital photos, gathering new contacts and creating important
notes. Unfortunately, if the newly created data is lost before it is
synchronized with the computer, it can be devastating to the user. Now
that we've added iPhones to our growing list of recovery services,
customers have peace of mind that there is somewhere to go to get their
critical iPhone data back. "
Data Recovery has been a lifesaver for Apple users over the past
twenty years and has been an exhibitor at Macworld Conference &
Expo since 1985. This year, DriveSavers will display a special enhanced
version of its world-famous museum of "disk-asters" featuring the
oldest rotating media, strange and curious recoveries and Macs that few
have ever seen before. In addition, "Mac Goddess" Robin Williams, the
author of over fifty Mac books, will be at DriveSavers booth (#S-338)
signing her latest books: Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard: Peachpit Learning
Series and The Little Mac Book; and sharing her fascinating and funny
experiences with data lost and data found.
Link: DriveSavers
Macally Does More with New iPhone
Accessories
PR: Products Include High-End Speaker Systems, Bluetooth FM
Transmitter for the Car; USB Adaptor for Charging, Storage and
Syncing
Macally has announced its new line of peripherals for the Apple
iPhone.
The announcement comes on the first day of Macworld Conference &
Expo at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Macally will show its full
line of accessories and peripherals for the iPod, iPhone and Mac
computer products at its booth, number 926, in the South Hall.
Included in Macally's new line of offerings are the TunePro, a sleek
flat panel audio speaker with alarm clock; the FlexTune, a portable
speaker system designed for vertical or horizontal video viewing; the
BTCUP in-car Bluetooth compatible FM transmitter; and the PowerLink
three-in-one USB adaptor.
"Our new products for iPhone reflect our commitment to quality,
functionality and aesthetically pleasing peripherals that complement
Apple's remarkable iPhone," said Andrew Saldana, Macally's vice
president of sales and marketing. "These new products continue our move
to enhance the way iPhone users enjoy their device."
FlexTune for iPhone
The unique FlexTune portable speaker system offers the flexibility
of a horizontal orientation, ideal for watching widescreen movies on an
iPhone or iPod touch, as well as vertical orientation for viewing video
on an iPod classic. The device delivers exceptional sound for listening
to music without headsets or bulky wired external speakers. See more
information in the additional news release issued today "Macally
FlexTune Portable Stereo System Puts a Twist on iPhone and iPod Video
Viewing." The FlexTune has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price
(MSRP) of $59.99 and will be available in February.
PowerLink for iPhone
The new PowerLink USB Adaptor for iPhone is a three-in-one device
that is convenient to use and handy for any iPhone user to have. It's a
memory stick to store files, a 30-pin cable to sync the iPhone and a
charger with a built-in rechargeable battery. It can also be used with
all iPod products.
The PowerLink USB Adaptor is offered at an MSRP of $59.99 and will
be available in February.
TunePro for iPhone
The Macally TunePro flat panel speaker and alarm clock &endash;
previously available for iPod &endash; is now available for iPhone.
It offers the latest NXT flat panel loudspeaker technology coupled with
SRS Labs' renowned SRS WOW technology for superior audio enhancement
with immersive 3D audio that creates a full, rich sound for consumers
who want to enjoy music from their iPhone. The TunePro alarm clock will
awaken users with snooze, a favorite tune, AM or FM radio, or even an
alarm buzzer. Macally also took sleep habits into consideration when it
developed the alarm function; it can be set to gradually increase the
alarm's volume, so sleepers are not jarred awake but are awoken
gradually. It also charges the iPhone when docked.
The Macally TunePro for iPod was voted best of show for Macworld
2007 by iLounge.com, and the new version for iPhone continues to offer
a visually stunning design with clean lines and a small footprint.
Paired with its advanced feature-set, the TunePro's aesthetically
pleasing look and feel makes it ideal for virtually any room in the
home &endash; the bedroom, a dorm room, family room, office or the
kitchen.
The Macally TunePro for iPhone has an MSRP of just $99 and will be
available in February.
BTCUP for iPhone
The Macally BTCUP for iPhone is a full-channel FM transmitter with a
clever design that lets consumers enjoy their iPhone in the car.
Fitting into standard car cup holders, the BTCUP keeps the iPhone
upright while also giving the driver full access to the touch screen.
Its FM transmitter capabilities lets everyone in the car enjoy the
music on the iPhone via the car's speaker system.
The BTCUP can sync with the iPhone's integrated Bluetooth technology
for handsfree usage while driving &endash; something that is
increasingly being made law across the United States. As a result, the
BTCUP is easy to use for both playing music and managing incoming calls
from the iPhone. When a call comes in, auto-switching between music and
phone modes allows users to answer the call handsfree for improved
safety, then returns to music play mode when the call is completed. It
offers easy-to-reach buttons and switches including, a power
on/off/privacy switch, a button for Bluetooth/answer/hang-up, frequency
up and down buttons, as well as a "quick channel switch" button. The
Macally BTCUP for iPhone also comes with an earphone for enhanced call
privacy.
The Macally BTCUP for iPhone delivers all these features at an MSRP
of $99 and will be available in February.
The above Macally products for the iPhone are undergoing
certification by Apple.
Link: Macally
FastMac iV iPhone External Battery Case
PR: Connect Yourself
Even though the iV gives you instant power on the go, the unique
design allows you to directly insert it into an Apple dock to charge
both your iPhone and the iV at the same time. Another great feature of
the iV is the full size USB port that enables you to charge another
device such as your Bluetooth headset or even a digital camera. Lights,
Camera, Action!
Ever try to find something in the dark with your cell
phone as a light source? Well, if your cell phone wasn't bright enough,
fear not, the iV comes packed with a bright built-in flash to help you
during those tough situations. This bright LED light will give you the
power to find anything in the dark without any problems. Besides acting
as a flash light, it also doubles as a flash for photos as well. Now
you can take pictures with your iPhone camera in low-lit areas. A
feature that will surely make any camera-phone enthusiast thrilled.
To Clip or Not To Clip
Having options is always a plus and the iV doesn't disappoint. The
easily removable belt clip gives you the option to either wear it on
your belt or simply detach it from the case to carry it in your pocket.
However, the clip is not just for your belt, it can also be used as a
stand to view videos and pictures with your iPhone. Regardless of how
you use your belt clip, the option will always be available to suit any
situation you're in.
iV Features
- External Battery Charging Unit
- Up to an Additional 24 Hours of Talk Time
- Up to an Additional 72 Hours of Audio Playback Up to an Additional
21 Hours of Video Playback
- Up to an Additional 750 Hours of Stand by Time
- Flash Light for Emergency Use and Low Light Photos USB Port for
Multi-Charging Purposes
- Lower Dock Connector for Charging
Product Dimensions: 2.46 inch x 5.53 inch x .5 inch
$79.95 up
Link: FastMac iV iPhone External
Battery Case
iPod Add-ons
Bluetooth Dongle for iPod Adds SRS WOW HD
Support
Electronista
reports:
"Hitachi Maxell today introduced an SRS WOW
HD-enabled Bluetooth audio transmitter (site not updated) for iPod
to enhance sound quality of the portable player's digitally compressed
audio and video files. The new Bluetooth-enabled dongle is compatible
with all full-size iPods as well as iPod nano and iPod mini, and uses
the proprietary Apple DIN connector that attaches directly to the iPod
dock. The company offered no shipment details or pricing."
Link:
SRS WOW HD Bluetooth Dongle for iPod Debuts
iRepo X Utility Recovers Songs from
iPods
PR: Repossess your music! - iRepo X is a very easy to use
iPod utility to recover songs off your iPod. It makes it effortless to
copy all the songs that are on the iPod to your Mac and/or to
iTunes.
iRepo X is a very easy to use iPod utility to recover songs off
iPods. You simply connect your iPod and iRepo X will show you all the
songs on the iPod. You can then easily select which songs you want to
transfer and then tell iRepo X to start transferring. This is very
useful in the following situations:
Recover from computer crash: If you've lost all your songs on your
Mac due to a computer crash, iRepo X can let you copy the songs back
from your iPod. This is impossible using iTunes alone.
Load songs onto new computer: When buying a new computer, iRepo X
makes it possible to easily transfer your songs to your new computer
from your iPod.
Copy songs from any iPod: iRepo X gives you the ability to copy
songs onto your computer from any iPod. If your friend has songs you
would like, you can connect their iPod to your computer and transfer
over all the songs you don't have.
How it works: You simply start up iRepo X and connect your iPod.
After connecting your iPod, iRepo X will display a listing of all the
songs on the iPod in a very easy to use interface much like the browser
interface in iTunes. You select which songs you want and click a button
to start the transfer process.
New in version 2.1:
- Added support for jailbroken iPod touches and iPhones
- Fixed bug that would display "iPod not found" in status bar when an
iPhone or iPod touch was connected
- Added "main playlist" to the Playlist Transfer plugin - this
playlist has the same name as the iPod's name and contains all the
songs on the
New in version 2.0
- Added support for iPhone and iPod touch.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.4 or later
- 2.4 MB of available hard drive space
- Now compatible with iPod touch and iPhone!
System Support: PPC/Intel
$12 Shareware
Link: iRepo
X
iGadget X Turns Your iPod Into an
Information Repository and More
PR: Realize the full potential of your iPod. You will have
the tools necessary to copy songs off and iPod and back onto your Mac.
You will also be able to transform your iPod into much more than a
music player. You can turn your iPod into an information repository by
transferring all kinds of data to your iPod, including driving
directions, contacts, appointments, email, notes, tasks, podcasts, RSS
news feeds, weather forecasts, daily horoscopes, movie showtimes, gas
prices and more.
- Driving Directions - Never get lost again! Put driving directions
right onto your iPod
- Always pay the lowest prices for gas by having a list of gas prices
for your area right on your iPod
- Movie Showtimes - Get the movie showtimes for your local theaters
stored onto your iPod
- Weather Forecasts - Never get caught without your raincoat by
keeping your local weather forecasts on your iPod
- Backup - Backup any set of files and/or folders from your computer
onto your iPod for safe keeping RSS News Feeds
- Get the latest news headlines on your iPod for reading at your
leisure
- Library - Keep a library of text files on your iPod for reading
on-the-go - these could be e-books, recipes, bible verses,
anything
New in version 2.1:
- Added support for jailbroken iPhones and iPod touches
- Fixed bug that would display "iPod not found" in status bar when an
iPhone or iPod touch was connected
- Updated Driving Directions plugin to work with new design of source
website
- Added "main playlist" to the Playlist Transfer plugin - this
playlist has the same name as the iPod's name and contains all the
songs on the iPod Version 2.0:
- Updated to work with iPhone and iPod touch.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.4 or later
- 2.4 MB of available hard drive space
- iTunes 4.7 or later
- All Apple iPods (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G (video), classic, iPod mini,
iPod
System Support: PPC/Intel
$15 Shareware
Link: iGadget
Proporta Mini Mod (3G iPod nano) Alu-Leather
Case
PR: Order a Mini Mod Alu-Leather case now for the chance to
win Quadrophenia on DVD.
The Proporta Mini Mod Alu-Leather case has been classically designed
to fit your Apple 3G iPod nano perfectly and is available in either red
or black with a white stripe. As the name would suggest, the Mini Mod
is at the height of style, but can toughen up when needed and is lined
with a sheet of rigid, lightweight aircraft grade Aluminum, which
protects your delicate screen from crushing and impact shocks.
While supplies last, Proporta
giving away a free copy of the DVD "Quadrophenia" when you order the
Mini Mod Case (Apple iPod 3G nano 4 GB and 8 GB).
Features:
- Advanced Aluminum "Screen Saver System"
- Secure magnetic clasp closure
- Cut aways give access to ports and controls so that you can use
your device in the case
- Vehicle mountable - perfect for GPS and in car audio systems
- Hand made with stylish stripe design
$45.95
Link: Proporta
Mini Mod (3G iPod nano) Alu-Leather Case
Atlantic Expands EGO Line of iPod
Accessories
PR: Atlantic Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of media
storage solutions and gaming and iPod accessories, announced an
addition to its award-winning EGO line of waterproof iPod sound cases -
the ice - a portable, waterproof, floating iPod speaker system
outfitted with two high-powered, waterproof, neodymium drivers, bass
ports and an adjustable shower strap for hanging the unit from a shower
head. Three customized spacers are provided for compatibility with most
versions of the iPod including the classic, photo, video, nano and
mini. Wrist and shoulder straps offer two carrying options, while a
pullout stand supports desktop use. MSRP is $99.99.
Other products from Atlantic's EGO line of iPod accessories
showcased at Macworld 2008 include:
- iceBar2 - a compact, portable, shatterproof, and waterproof sound
case designed to fit all generations of the iPod nano, including the
new widescreen nano video, and small enough to fit into a purse, gym
bag or beach bag.
- iceBar - a slim, portable, shatterproof and waterproof sound case
designed for the first two generations of the iPod nano. The iceBar won
the 2008 CES Innovations Award for excellence in design and
engineering.
- Waterproof Sound Case - a fully controllable waterproof iPod music
player system that floats in water. The Waterproof Sound Case, which
can be used in the pool, in the shower, on a boat, or in any wet
environment, won the 2007 CES Innovations Award for excellence in
design and engineering.
The iceBar is currently available for $59.99, while the iceBar2 will
be available in April for $69.99.
Macworld Conference & Expo 2008
Moscone Center, Booth # 4130
Link: Atlantic EGO
