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News, Reviews, & Opinion
For iPods and iPhones
iPod and iPhone Deals
News, Reviews, & Opinion
$199 iPhone Will Change the Game
Seeking
Alpha's Jason Schwarz says:
"According to reports, AT&T is preparing to subsidize $200 of
the cost of Apple's new iPhone. If this is true, watch out. The Apple
market share story just entered a new realm of mad growth.
"Remember what happened when Nike hooked up with Michael Jordan? The
$199 3G iPhone is Apple's MJ. The world is about to change. By
Christmastime, if you're not ichatting, igaming, or ipoding on your
mobile device you will be severely outdated. It is rumored that the new
applications will allow the iPhone to access your home computer and
your home television. This technology will allow users to stream any
movie, television show, or song directly to your phone over the 3G
network."
Link:
Apple's $199 iPhone Is a Game-Changer
Great i, Lousy Phone
PC Magazine's
Sascha Segan says:
"The iPhone 2.0 rumors are swirling. Pretty much everyone is sure
that a new version of Apple's smartphone is coming out in June.
Speculated features include GPS, instant messaging, 3G high-speed
Internet, some sort of Wi-Fi-based remote control for iTunes, and a
non-recessed headphone jack....
"But nobody's talking about what the iPhone needs most of all: It
needs to be a better phone. The iPhone's fair-to-poor phone-call
quality is a well-known problem among phone reviewers. I've been
comparing phones side by side for four years, and the iPhone falls
short on signal strength, speaker volume, and call audio quality,
especially when held up against the latest BlackBerrys or anything on
the Motorola RAZR2 platform. You know you have a real problem when
Engadget is suggesting that you stab your speakerphone with needles to
get rid of the muffle."
Link: Great i, Lousy
Phone
iPods Taking Over Cars
MacUser's Dan
Pourhadi says:
"I'll be honest: I use the cassette deck in my car way more than I
use my CD player. In fact, I hardly ever use the CD player, and use the
cassette deck every day.
"And no, it's not because I have a bunch of cassettes with
old-person music that geezers like Chris Breen probably listen to. Nor
is it because I'm one of those 'post-modern' analog-loving hipsters who
make mix tapes Old Skool style to demonstrate their chic non-conformist
approach to the our 'evil' consumerist culture.
"I actually just use the cassette deck because I have one of those
nifty cassette adapters that let you play your iPod music through your
car speakers. And these days, most people I know play more iPod music
in their cars then they do CDs...."
Link:
See Ya CD: iPods Taking Over Cars
A Look at Apple's iPod Business
StraightStocks' Turley Muller reports:
"This article focuses on Apple's iPod business. The iPod has
contributed significantly to Apple's growth the past several years.
However, iPod unit growth has been slowing, as nothing can grow
forever. Apple has made some modifications to its iPod line which
should help boost iPod demand. Apple announces Q2 results April 23rd,
and unit sales growth as well as iPod ASP will be areas of focus.
"Deceleration of iPod's sales growth is pointing to a market
approaching saturation...."
Link:
A Look at Apple's iPod Business
Why the iPod is Not a Walkman
Gene
Steinberg, the Mac Night Owl, says:
"Whenever an analyst wants to write something without thinking, it's
easy to pontificate on such silliness as the alleged resemblance of the
iPod to the Sony Walkman. Both gained iconic status, but the latter was
eventually largely supplanted by me-too products that were cheaper and
offered identical or additional features."
Link: Why the
iPod is Not a Walkman
Oz Cops Sound iPod Road Cross Death Warning
Register Hardware's
James Sherwood reports:
"We didn't realise it, but an MP3 player can kill you. According to
Australian police, that is, who have launched a series of hard-hitting
posters designed to stop people crossing roads while changing
tracks."
Link: Oz
Cops Sound iPod Road Cross Death Warning
Rogers Communications' iPhone Coup: Not All It's
Cracked Up to Be?
Seeking
Alpha's Mathew Ingram says:
"If you're an Apple fan who has been waiting for the iPhone - or at
least an 'official' version of the iPhone - for lo, these many months,
your heart probably leaped at the word from Rogers Communications (RCI)
supremo Ted Rogers this morning that he has signed a deal with Apple to
launch a maple-flavoured version of the world's most sought-after
handset. If you have ever had a cellular data plan from Rogers,
however, your heart probably leaped a little less high, and may even
have let out a small sigh or shrugged its heart-shaped shoulders.
"Why? Because as more than one person has pointed out, the fact that
the iPhone is coming to Canada isn't really the important thing. It's
important, of course, but everyone knew that it was going to arrive
eventually. The *really* important thing is what it's going to cost
when it finally arrives - and not so much the phone itself, but the
data plan. Will the word 'unlimited' be used in conjunction with the
word 'data?' And if it is, will it actually mean 'unlimited,' or will
it mean something else that only appears in that special Rogers'
dictionary?"
Link:
Rogers Communications' iPhone Coup: Not All It's Cracked Up to
Be?
Apple to Introduce Handwriting Recognition with
iPhone 2.0?
Tom's Guide's
Christian Zibreg says:
"A new Apple rumor is making the rounds on the Internet: The company
could be working on the rebirth of the Newton handheld, possibly in the
shape of an ultra mobile PC. Why? Handwriting recognition capabilities
for the simple Chinese character set have been discovered within the
iPhone 2.0 SDK firmware files. Handwriting recognition may be a
generally nice feature for the iPhone, but the idea of a new Newton is
certainly worth talking about.
"It seems that Apple's upcoming iPhone 2.0 software update will
spoil the party for Chinese developer Hanwang Technology, which still
hopes to be be able to offer the first handwriting recognition software
for the iPhone...."
Link: Apple to
Introduce Handwriting Recognition with iPhone 2.0?
For iPods and iPhones
Kensington Battery Pack and Chargers Give
iPhone and iPod Lovers Unlimited, Uninterrupted Connectivity and
Enjoyment
PR:
Kensington Computer Products Group, a worldwide leader in delivering
smart made simple™ computing accessories to the mobile consumer,
announced the release of its Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone and
iPod that also comes in an ultra small and lightweight portable version
- the Mini Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone and iPod. These new
offerings are especially convenient because they simultaneously power
and charge an iPhone or iPod, and they are rechargeable, as well.
Kensington's smart made simple design approach gives consumers a
combination of two portable sizes to best accommodate their mobile
lifestyles; the standard model is the perfect traveling companion for
heavy duty power needs while the "mini" is designed for users to easily
carry with them on a daily basis. This means that finally - even the
most avid consumers can make the most of their devices, knowing that
they always have a ready supply of power at hand to keep the
conversations going and the music playing.
Today's mobile professionals want to take nonstop advantage of the
rich variety of iPhone and iPod capabilities without having to worry
about running out of battery life. Now they can always have a fresh
charge at hand in a size that tucks into airplane carry-on's or a slim
"mini" that slides into a jacket pocket or the smallest women's evening
bag; or can even be left connected to your iPhone or iPod. Recharging
is straightforward and easily implemented with a simple USB dock
connector.
"The Battery Pack and Charger and the Mini Battery Pack and Charger
are lifelines to extend talk, tunes and videos," states Kevin Ngo,
Global Product Manager at Kensington. "Apple has done a terrific job in
consistently innovating the iPod and iPhone with exciting features -
and we're committed to providing consumers with the battery power to
take maximum advantage of them. Now consumers can choose the power size
they want to carry along and they can recharge even as they talk, watch
and listen.
Key features of the Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone and iPod
include:
- Listen and talk more - The rechargeable Battery Pack and Charger
for iPhone and iPod extends play time on your iPhone or iPod with up to
one hundred hours of music, twenty-one hours of video and six hours of
extra talk time.
- Convenient - The Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone and iPod
attaches to your iPod or iPhone, adding more battery life with less
hassle than having to carry extra cords or adapters around with you.
The device works with iPhone and current iPod models, including iPod
with video, and iPod nano.
- Making charging simple - An AC power adapter with USB allows you to
recharge your lithium ion polymer battery pack. A dock connector is
also included so you can power and charge your iPhone or iPod while you
are recharging your battery pack.
- Compact - This condensed device fits easily into handbags,
backpacks or briefcases and weighs just over three ounces.
Key features of the Mini Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone and
iPod include:
- Have more play time - The Mini Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone
and iPod extends play time on your iPhone or iPod with up to thirty
hours of music, six hours of video and three hours of extra talk time
without having to be connected to cumbersome power source.
- Handiness Factor - The Mini Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone and
iPod, is similar to the original Battery Pack and Charger yet is
smaller and attaches right onto your iPod or iPhone. The biggest
benefit to the consumer is the ability to keep the Mini Battery Pack
and Charger for iPhone and iPod plugged in at all times. Use it while
you're talking on your iPhone or out and about with your iPod; it is
extra power when you really need it. Just plug and play!
- Power it up - A rechargeable lithium ion polymer battery increases
energy efficiency. The Mini Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone and
iPod plugs right into your iPhone or iPod and then into a power source,
using the included retractable USB cable; enabling powering and
charging at the same time. A battery meter displays your remaining
power level.
- Compact and Light - This device fits easily into handbags,
backpacks and coat pockets. The dimensions are 2 3/8" x 2 1/2" x 3/8"
and it only weighs an ounce and a half.
Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone and iPod Family of Products:
Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone and iPod (SKU K33396US): Got a
lot of music and videos on your iPod? The rechargeable Kensington
Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone and iPod provides a go-anywhere,
backup battery pack so the music and videos can keep playing. Suggested
Retail Price: $69.99
Mini Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone and iPod (SKU K33442US):
Keep your iPhone or iPod powered or charged whenever and wherever you
need it. The rechargeable Kensington Mini Battery Pack and Charger for
iPhone and iPod has the power you need to keep the conversations and
music going throughout the day. And it's small enough to slip in a
pocket or stay attached to your iPhone or iPod. Suggested Retail Price:
$49.99
Both products are available online at Amazon.com
and Kensington.com and will be available at major retailers at the end
of the month.
Link: Kensington
Proporta Universal iPod Dock
PR: Charging your iPod has never been
more simple. Proporta's Universal iPod Dock allows you to mount your
iPod or iPhone - whatever member of the iPod family you may own, by
providing a selection of insert trays to suit. Not only that, the iPod
dock can also be used with your charging cable enabling you to power
your iPod or iPhone whilst it sits merrily in the dock.
The Proporta Universal iPod Dock comes with
five insert trays to best fit your Apple iPod classic 80 GB, Apple iPod
classic 160 GB, Apple 3G iPod nano, Apple iPod touch and Apple iPhone,
and is available in both black and white so that you can best match it
to the colour of your iPod or iPhone.
Key Features
- Universal for the iPod classic 80 GB, iPod classic 160 GB, iPod 3G
nano, iPod touch, iPhone
- Available in stylish black and classic white
- Allows you to charge through the dock using your Apple iPod
charging cable
Available from the end of May for $21.95
Link: Proporta
Universal iPod Dock
ivyskin XyloT2 Special Edition Cases for
iPhones and iPods
PR: ivyskin announces XyloT2 Special Edition cases for
iPhones and iPods. Now available, the finest in sleek durable
protection, ultra slim XyloT2 special edition Modena Yellow, Raz Red,
Royal Blue, and Jet Black. Made of hard-shell plastic and features a
minimal wall thickness, full touch-thru acrylic screen and Xylo Surface
scratch protector.
ivyskin announces XyloT2
Special Edition cases for iPhones and iPods. Now available, the finest
in sleek durable protection, ultra slim XyloT2 special edition Modena
Yellow, Raz Red, Royal Blue and Jet Black. Made of hard-shell plastic
and features a minimal wall thickness, full touch-thru acrylic screen
and Xylo Surface scratch protector.
Full Acrylic frontal protection provide Touch Through access in
addition to impact and scratch protection and the Xylo surface
protection layer, provides a full scratch proof case.
The Yellow, Blue, Red, and Black high gloss, hard protective coating
provides added scratch resistance and color depth all in metallic
paint. Xylo is a scratch resistant liquid plastic coating that is
applied as a final step in ivyskin's proprietary coatings process. The
Xylo coating is applied to each of our product in a custom atmospheric
chamber in its liquid form, and then cured with ultra violet light to
achieve superior scratch resistance and clarity.
XyloT2 Special Edition cases are only $34.99 each and may be
purchased from their online store.
iLounge Launches Design the Next iPhone, Win the
Next iPhone Contest
PR: iLounge, a leading resource of iPod + iPhone information
has officially launched the Design The Next iPhone, Win The Next iPhone
Contest. Think you've got what it takes to design the next iPhone? How
can you win? Design the Next iPhone! We will be looking for six total
winners for this contest - three grand prize winners will receive
Apple's next-generation iPhone, courtesy of iLounge, and three runners
up will receive $100 iTunes Gift Cards.
iLounge, a leading resource of iPod + iPhone information has
officially launched the Design The Next iPhone, Win The Next iPhone
Contest. How can you win? Design the Next iPhone!
Think you've got what it takes to design the next iPhone? iLounge is
pleased to announce the Design the Next iPhone, Win the Next iPhone
Contest.
You've seen the Free iPod Book 3.3. On June 1, 2008, iLounge will
release The Free iPod + iPhone Book 4, and six lucky contest winners
will be announced inside.
We will be looking for six total winners for this contest - three
grand prize winners will receive Apple's next-generation iPhone,
courtesy of iLounge, and three runners up will receive $100 iTunes Gift
Cards.
Link:
Official Contest Rules
Readdle Stand-alone iPhone 2.0 Application,
New Storage Plans
PR: Readdle, a leading provider of the book and document
reader services for the iPhone and iPod Touch, announces its plans to
release a native iPhone application for storing and reading office
documents and eBooks on the iPhone and iPod Touch. Readdle is a
web-based application that allows transferring, organizing and viewing
documents on the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Readdle, a leading provider of the book and document reader services
for the iPhone and iPod Touch, announces its plans to release a native
iPhone application for storing and reading office documents and eBooks
on the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Readdle is a web-based application that allows transferring,
organizing and viewing documents on the iPhone and iPod Touch. The
upcoming iPhone application will extend service functionality, ensuring
seamless storage of files on the device and viewing them with no live
Internet connection. The document viewing functionality will feature
page-by-page reading, adding bookmarks to the text, iPhone optimized
PDF rendering and other options.
"Due the iPhone file systems access restrictions, there is no
possibility to copy files directly to the iPhone. That's why seamless
document management is the crucial part of the document reading
application. Readdle is unique for providing the number of handy ways
to put files on the device." notes Igor Zhadanov, Readdle CEO.
Document management options include loading to Readdle directly from
the mail program. Simple forwarding of the email message with attached
documents to a special user-dependent email will export it into
Readdle. This feature is indispensable as there is no possibility to
save attachments to the iPhone.
Readdle is web-based book and document reader optimized for using on
iPhone and iPod Touch. The service supports PDF, TXT, HTML and
PDB(Plucker) files as well as MS Word and MS Excel documents, and
provides 50 MB free space for book upload per account. More space and
additional features available for a small fee. Information about the
Readdle could be found at their website.
Link: Readdle
