Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by Dan Knight
- 2005.03.31
PowerBook, iBook, iPod, and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review, and
general Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review.
News, Opinions, and Advice
New Products
News, Opinions, and Advice
Apple to iPod Users - "Ear
Different"
NEWS: Macworld
UK reports:
"Apple wants iPod In-Ear headphone users to ear different.
"A note on the company's technical support pages advises users
to open up, their ear canals that is."
iPods Make the World Go Away
NEWS: Fortune's
David Kirkpatrick says:
"While I've had my share of techno devices and toys (including
an original iPod), it wasn't until someone gave me an iPod shuffle
last week that I fully joined the new digitized masses. It's giving
me new insight into how technology is changing our daily lives.
What's different about the shuffle is that it's amazingly small and
light. The player, which Apple describes as "about the size of a
pack of gum," hangs from a little cord around your neck. Everywhere
I go people stop me to ask what it is. And once I tell them that
it's a music player, they marvel at its diminutive size.
"With the iPod shuffle, it's infinitely easier for me to live in
a world of music. In the first five days that I've owned it, I've
listened to about three times as much total music as I would have
otherwise. I find that I take it off only when my eardrums start to
ring. But most of the time, I barely realize that I'm using the
shuffle.
"This is something the music industry seems not to have fully
appreciated: We can now simply listen to more music. That's why
downloading music has got to be an unalloyed good for the industry.
The music companies probably have to figure out different pricing
models, but there's no question in my mind that the industry's
opportunities are growing, not diminishing, as people have easier
access to music and listen to it more often."
Music and Video Downloading Moves Beyond
P2P
NEWS: The Pew Internet & American Life Project
reports:
"About 36 million Americans - or 27% of Internet users - say
they download either music or video files and about half of them
have found ways outside of traditional peer-to-peer networks or
paid online services to swap their files, according to the most
recent survey of the Pew Internet & American Life Project.
"The Project's national survey of 1,421 adult Internet users
conducted between January 13 and February 9, 2005 shows that 19% of
current music and video downloaders, or about 7 million adults, say
they have downloaded files from someone else's iPod or MP3 player.
About 28%, or 10 million people, say they get music and video files
via email and instant messages. However, there is some overlap
between these two groups; 9% of downloaders say they have used both
of these sources. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus
3 percent for results based on Internet users."
File Swappers Use iPods, Instant
Messaging to Trade Tunes
NEWS: IDG News Service's Paul Roberts
reports:
"Recording industry lawsuits against file swappers and P-to-P
(peer-to-peer) software companies may be forcing Internet users
onto informal networks to exchange songs and videos, according to a
new study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project.
"A Pew survey of 1,421 U.S. adult Internet users found that
informal file-sharing networks are used by 19 percent of music and
video downloaders, with MP3 players, e-mail and IM (instant
message) products popular mediums for transferring files between
friends and family. The results of the survey suggest that legal
action by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and
others is shifting file swapping to other online avenues, even as
file-sharing activity recovers from recent declines, Pew said."
How to Rename Your iPod
NEWS: An updated Apple
Knowledge Base Article says:
There are two ways to rename your iPod.
In iTunes
- Select the iPod in the Source list.
- Click its name again. iPod's name is highlighted.
- Type a new name.
- Press Enter.
In the Mac OS X or Windows desktop
If you have enabled the iPod's disk mode, you can change the
name of your iPod in the desktop (the Finder or My Computer) just
like you would change the name of a hard disk.
- Click the iPod icon on the desktop (Windows users click the
iPod name). Mac OS X users, press Enter.
- Type a new name.
- Press Enter.
Using Your iPod as a Hard Disk
NEWS: An updated Apple
Knowledge Base Article says:
"You can use your iPod as a hard disk to store and transfer data
files on.
"Tip: To transfer music files to iPod, use iTunes. You can't see
the songs iTunes copies to your iPod in the Finder or My Computer.
If you copy music files to iPod using the Finder or an Explorer
window, iPod won't be able to play them."
An Easier Way to Use the iPod shuffle in
Disk Mode
NEWS:
macosxhints.com says:
"Not sure if this is a 'hint' or a known feature, but I've found
it very, very useful however. I want to use my Shuffle primarily to
play music, and occasionally to transfer files (i.e. as a USB
disk). I don't want to have to manually unmount the Shuffle each
time I pull it out (which you have to do when enabled for disk
use), nor do I want to continually have to check 'Enable disk use'
when I want to transfer files. But it's easy to get the best of
both worlds...."
iPod Camera Connector: Supported
Devices
NEWS: A new Apple
Knowledge Base article says:
"The iPod Camera Connector requires an iPod photo and a
supported camera or media reader. Other iPods, including iPod mini,
iPod (Click Wheel), and iPod shuffle, are not supported with the
iPod Camera Connector.
"The iPod Camera Connector supports cameras with USB
connectivity based on the following commonly used protocols:
- PTP
- Type 4 (or Normal)
- Mass Storage
iPod Updater 2005-03-23
NEWS:
iPod Updater 2005-03-23 includes new iPod Software 1.1 for
iPod with color display. iPod Updater 2005-03-23 contains the same
software versions as iPod Updater 2005-02-22 for all other iPod
models.
System Requirements
- Mac OS X 10.1.5 or later
- Win2K, Win XP
New Products
The iPod Case from Space
PR: What do you do with a parachute from a space mission?
Make a cool iPod case with a story.
Carry your iPod in a case featuring a piece of Soyuz space
mission parachute - and with a certificate of authenticity signed
by A. Kaleri, cosmonaut and flight engineer on the mission.
Everquest
Design designs cool bags and accessories featuring pieces
of adventure such as America's Cup sails, Mt. Everest Expedition
tents, and Soyuz space mission parachutes. They also offer a Soyuz
PowerBook bag to carry your gear in style.
PodGear Announces IceBox Protection for iPod
mini and 20 GB iPod
PR: PodGear,
an established UK brand of iPod accessories, today announced the
launch of the IceBox for the iPod mini and iPod 20G.
The launch of the IceBox means that iPod users no longer have to
risk scratching their beloved iPod for the sake of fashion. The
crystal clear, super thin hard case enables iPod users to protect
their iPod whilst still being able to show off it's iconic looks.
The thoughtfully designed case features a lid that securely holds
the iPod inside and gives it protection from every angle; it also
features cutouts allowing easy access to all controls and
ports.
Tom Dudderidge, managing director, Disruptive Technology
Channels, commented: "Many iPod users choose not to use protective
cases to avoid hiding their iPod's great looks. The IceBox allows
those good looks to be clearly visible whilst offering an even
greater degree of protection when compared to most other protective
fascias; not only this, but as it is ultra thin, increased
bulkiness is not an issue."
IceBox Mini - Crystal clear protective hard case for iPod mini
allowing the mini's great looks to be shown off. The IceBox mini
comes complete with belt clip and lanyard to make it easier for
people to listen to their iPod on the move. IceBox mini allows full
access to dock connector, headphone socket and remote output.
IceBox 20G - Exact specifications as above except for iPod
20G.
- IceBox 20 - £19.99 inc VAT
- IceBox mini- £19.99 inc VAT
The PodGear IceBox is available now and can be purchased at all
PodGear online retailers and resellers. For a list of these, visit
the PodGear
website.
Mad Catz iKit
PR: The
Mad Catz iKit is the perfect solution to compliment your
iPod experience. The horizontal carry case with convenient belt
clip and secure Velcro™ closure will enhance your iPod's
portability. With its velvet like interior and elastic sides, the
carrying case offers superior protection and style for 15, 20 &
40 gig iPods.
High performance RCA cable connects
your iPod to your home stereo. The car adapter with 6 feet
extension cable connects your iPod to your car's power source
allowing continuous power on the go.
Features:
Car Adapter
- 6' extension cable
- Use with car outlet or cigarette lighter
- LED indicator
- Sleek iPod look and feel
RCA Cable
- High performance RCA cable
- Connect your iPod to your stereo
- Gold plated jacks for increased performance
Horizontal Case
- Form fitted design
- Velcro closure
- Use with 15, 20, and 40 GB iPods
- Secure belt clip
iKit for iPod mini
PR: The
Mad Catz iKit for mini is the perfect solution to
compliment your mini iPod experience. The elegant horizontal carry
case with convenient belt clip and secure Velcro™ closure
will enhance your mini iPod's portability. The coated exterior is
stain proof and with its velvet like interior, the carrying case
offers superior protection and style for the mini iPod.
High performance RCA cable
connects your iPod to your home stereo. The car adapter with 6 feet
extension cable connects your iPod to your car's power source
allowing continuous power on the go.
Features:
Car Adapter
- 6' extension cable
- Use with car outlet or cigarette lighter
- LED indicator
- Colored tips matching your iPod
- Sleek iPod look and feel
Horizontal Case:
- Form fitted design
- Velcro closure
- Stitching matches your iPod color
- Secure belt clip
RCA Cable:
- High performance RCA cable
- Connect your iPod to your stereo
- Gold plated jacks for increased performance
FM Transmitter Adds More Features to All-in-One
iPod Accessory
PR: Tekkeon gas announced myPower™
FM, a mobile FM transmitter for iPods that adds an FM
transmitter feature to the company's myPower for iPod rechargeable
battery/portable dock. myPower FM simply snaps on to myPower for
iPod to provide an even more complete solution in one sleek
package: a 32 hour battery, portable dock, and FM transmitter - all
in one!
This tiny new module snaps on to
myPower for iPod to let iPod users play iPod music on any FM radio.
myPower FM is powered by myPower for iPod, so it doesn't drain the
iPod battery. In fact, while myPower FM is on, myPower for iPod
powers iPod rather than using the iPod battery at all.
To use myPower FM, iPod users simply press the one-touch channel
tuner to choose from seven FM frequencies (87.7, 87.9, 88.1, 88.3,
88.5, 88.7, 88.9). When the same channel is selected on an FM radio
or stereo within 15 feet of myPower FM, the music on the iPod can
be played on the stereo via the wireless interface. LEDs on the
front of myPower provide a visual indication of the selected
channel.
"With myPower FM, we wanted to ensure
that the transmission to the FM stereo provided clear, high-quality
sound," says Jerry Yang, Tekkeon's president. "That's why we
designed myPower FM with a phase-lock loop transmission system and
FM stereo modulation. Because these two elements combine to
minimize interference, the result is optimal transmission from
myPower FM.
myPower for iPod is a combination rechargeable battery and
portable dock in a sleek case that complements the look of the
iPod.
The lightweight, all-in-one device provides 4th generation (4G)
iPod and iPod photo users with an extra 32 hours of extended play
time, 3G iPod users with up to 20 additional hours, and iPod mini
users with up to 42 (6 GB) or 28 (4 GB) additional hours.
This sleek device also includes a high-speed FireWire port and a
USB 2.0 port for synching, a line out port for connection of iPod
to a stereo or external speakers, and a 5V charging output that
lets users simultaneously charge a mobile phone, or any device that
requires up to 5V, while powering iPod.
myPower FM and myPower for iPod are compatible with all iPods
with dock connectors including iPod, iPod photo, iPod mini, and
iPod for HP. myPower meets the requirements of FCC Part 15C.
The MSRP for myPower FM is $34.95.
myPower FM, which comes with a user guide and a one-year limited
warranty, will be available in April in retail and on-line stores,
including the Tekkeon
store.
Ivy Ergonomic Chair Reveals iPod Feature
PR: The Ivy ergonomic office
chair has a standard zippered pocket for storing your Apple
iPod. The IVY is also the most environmentally friendly ergonomic
office chair available and has earned ISO 14001:2004 certifications
with 99% of the content being recyclable. Also 71% of the IVY chair
is manufactured from recycled content, which is the highest in the
industry. Additionally, with the use of the recycled poly fabric,
the recycled content increases to well over 80%.
Rudd Seating pioneered the
first generation of fully active ergonomic computer chairs almost
25 years ago with the Rudd Cyborg ergonomic chair. They now offer
you the latest technological advances in ergonomic seating with
their new IVY ergonomic computer chair.
Rudd has incorporated TechnoGel in the seat, which is an
innovative material developed in Europe for the Healthcare industry
by BAYER AG. The Rudd IVY with TechnoGel seat adapts to your
anatomy in a three a dimensional way. It increases the bearing
surface and achieves a balanced distribution of your body's weight
thus optimizing the blood circulation and reducing the pressure
points by 60%.
The Rudd IVY office chair also has a breathable mesh upholstery
on the back to keep you cool. It takes an innovative ergonomic
computer chair manufacturer like Rudd to make things gel! You can
also add a coat hanger to the outside back.
No matter what upholstery color you select, the Rudd IVY desk
chair will always be green - environmentally speaking.
ErgonomicHome.com is a leading Internet retailer specializing in
advanced ergonomic products for office and home use. They have been
awarded a Yahoo Store 5-star rating for excellent customer
service.
El iPodo 1.1.2 Utility for iPod Browsing
PR: El iPodo is
a small utility to let you browse your Apple's iPod and copy files
to your hard disk.
The author writes: "Don't forget that this program as been
created for "my own" needs, so don't complain if it don't have
features of others shareware/freeware, but you can still send me
your suggestions and maybe I will add them ;)"
Tested on iPod 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, mini, and shuffle iPod.
New in this version: (CHG) Coding changes (preparing for next
version)
System requirements:
El iPodo is freeware.
PodGuide Generator 0.0.8
PR: PodGuide
Generator is a little app that allows you to fill in your
PodGuide data (PodGuide name, track info, track pictures) and it
then generates a PodGuide - a spoken tour guide - for you. Just add
the MP3 files, zip it, and submit it to PodGuides.net.
New in this version:
- Added the possibility of including longitude and latitude GPS
coordinates.
- Adjusted the template HTML file so that long PodGuides still
display properly as a HTML.
System requirements: OS X 10.2 or higher
PodGuide Generator is freeware.
LoadPod Launches the LoadPod Affiliate
Program
PR:
LoadPod officially launched its Affiliate
Program this week. Designed for publishers of iPod-related
and music-related blogs and websites, the LoadPod Affiliate Program
allows publishers to earn additional revenue simply by pasting
affiliate code into their site and letting their readers do the
rest.
Become a member of the LoadPod Affiliate Program today and earn
a commission on all LoadPod services purchased by customers you
refer to the LoadPod website. Place a LoadPod banner or text link
on your site, and any purchase of LoadPod services resulting from a
click-through will earn you a five percent commission. This applies
to any customer who clicks through from your website to
LoadPod.com, and then purchases our services at any time during the
thirty days that follow. You can log in at any time in order to
track your sales and accumulated commissions.
Sign up for the LoadPod Affiliate Program today and begin making
money.
Nikkipod.com Unveils New iPod shuffle
Cases
PR: ipodlounge.com's
Larry Angell reports:
"Nikkipod.com has announced the availability of its handmade
designer cases for the iPod shuffle. The cases are made of
water-resistant vinyl and come in seven different materials,
including textured gator, ostrich and snakeskin varieties in an
assortment of colors. The cases are lanyard compatible, and feature
a Velcro™ closure and built-in belt strap."
Capdase Intros iPod Armband, Remote
Skin
PR:
ipodlounge.com reports:
"Capdase has introduced a new iPod armband and a silicone
protector for Apple's iPod Remote."
iPod Deals
For current iPod prices from a variety of sources, see our
Best iPod Deals.
