Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by Dan Knight
- 2006.01.26
This Week's iPod News
PowerBook,
iBook, iPod, and other portable computing is covered in The 'Book Review. General Apple and Mac
desktop news is covered in The Mac
News Review. News about Apple's transition to Intel CPUs and
other Intel developments is covered in The Macintel Report.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News
Tips
Products
Software
News
iSee 360i Video Recorder for iPod Chosen Best
of Show at Macworld
PR: Zoran Corporation has announced that its Zmedia-based
technology powers the portable iSee 360i video recorder selected
Best of Show at Macworld.
The iSee 360i
video recorder for iPod, from Advanced Technology Office, LLC (ATO)
and powered by Zoran, is the first and only portable media player
that enables users to record video content directly onto most Apple
iPods and then to view it on a high-quality 3.6" LCD screen. The
iSee video recorder allows millions of iPod owners to add the power
of video to their device while also dramatically expanding the
universe of content playable on the iPod.
"Our long term partnership with Zoran has produced the iSee 360i
video recorder that allows millions of iPods owners to add video
recording to their device and has produced a new category of
consumer product that we are proud to deliver to market. We believe
consumers will be very pleased with the larger 3.6 inch screen and
the extended four-hour battery life. We appreciate the high level
of expertise and support extended by Zoran to help us deliver this
Best of Macworld product," said John C. Scott, ATO cofounder and
former Apple executive.
"Zoran remains focused on delivering the highest quality audio
and video technology for consumer devices. We are always pleased
when our customers, such as ATO, gain well-deserved recognition for
their innovative designs using Zoran technology. Zoran's Zmedia
initiative is extending our high performance technology to smaller
hand held portable devices that are quickly gaining favor with
millions of consumers," said Dave Pederson, vice president
corporate marketing.
Tips
How to Accurately Determine Your iPod's Battery
Life
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"If you feel you aren't getting the most out of your iPod
battery, perform the simple test below before considering battery
service or replacement. This test will help you determine how much
life (playback time) you are truly getting from your battery. You
may find that all you need to do to increase your battery's
performance is to follow the guidelines on the iPod battery
website.
"Note: The iPod battery indicator shows approximately how much
charge is left in the battery. In some iPods, you may find that the
battery indicator shows some charge left, but your iPod stops
playing because the battery is, in fact, empty. In other cases, the
battery indicator may show less than a full charge even though
you've fully charged it.
"Additionally, the battery meter may not update to show a full
charge (after you've charged it) until after the iPod hard disk
spins up. This does not necessarily mean something is wrong with
your iPod battery."
Brief summary: Starting with a fully charged battery, run your
iPod until it stops. Be sure to note start time and stop time.
Link: How to
Accurately Determine Your iPod Battery Life
Products
Monster's FM Transmitters for iPods
PR: Monster has announced the launch of iCarPlay Wireless
Plus for iPod nano and video and iCarPlay Wireless Plus for iPod
Shuffle. Monster's latest products allow iPod users to play stored
music wirelessly through virtually any FM station on their car
radios while simultaneously charging their iPods.
"Ever since we released the iCarPlay Wireless Plus for
iPod, it has been an incredibly popular product. That product made
it convenient for these iPod enthusiasts to listen to their tunes
through their car stereo systems," explained Noel Lee, The Head
Monster. "We are now releasing two products so that iPod nano,
video and shuffle users can have the same high quality music
experience and keep their players charged at the same time. These
new products include digital FM tuning, programmable presets and
fast charging for clear stereo sound wherever they go."
With some FM transmitters, finding an FM frequency clear enough
to play stored music through can be difficult, especially while
driving through different areas and terrain. To counteract these
issues, iCarPlay Wireless Plus for nano, video and shuffle can be
tuned to almost any clear FM station, so the music lover has full
FM tuning flexibility in getting the best possible sound.
Connecting is easy. Simply tune the car stereo to any clear FM
station, tune iCarPlay Wireless Plus to the same station, hit play
on the player, and that's it. The presets can be changed any time a
clearer station is desired. For added convenience, you can preset
up to three of your favorite stations.
For added flexibility and convenience while listening, these two
products feature Monster Smart Digital Charging technology that
rapidly recharges the connected iPod.
Additional Monsterous features include:
- Three backlit programmable "favorite station" preset
buttons
- Easy-to-read, dimmable LED display
- Digital FM tuner - change presets when clearer reception is
needed
- 24k gold contacts for optimal signal transfer and corrosion
resistance
- 3.3 foot (1 meter) cable for convenient connection
The iCarPlay Wireless Plus for nano and video retails for
$79.95. The CarPlay Wireless Plus for shuffle retails for
$59.95.
Link: Monster
iSongBook Portable iPod Music System
PR: Not just another "jump on the bandwagon" iPod audio
system, the iSongBook brings new and innovative features to the
table. The iSongBook utilizes the new "Universal Docking Station"
from Apple that fits all iPod models. The flip-down dock charges
your iPod while it plays and stows away when not in use. The second
speaker detaches from the main unit for true stereo imaging, up to
6 feet with the built-in cord.
The iSongBook also features an AM/FM tuner, 5 station
presets, on-demand backlight, sleep timer and an alarm. Wake to a
pleasant tone or to your iPod, the choice is yours. The credit-card
sized remote controls all of the iSongBook functions, (except
on/off), and many iPod functions, such as playlists and albums.
There's a stereo headphone jack for private listening and an
auxiliary input for use with other devices. The magnetically
shielded drivers allow for the iSongBook to be placed near or used
with televisions or computers.
The best part is the iSongBook is portable! It's small enough to
fit in your backpack or suitcase and operates on 6 "AA" standard or
rechargeable batteries. It even features a built-in battery
charger. With all of these features packed into this "Made for
iPod" product, why settle for anything less?
Please Note: Certain remote functions may not be compatible with
older iPod software. To update your software, log on to
www.apple.com/ipod/download
iSongBook was awarded the "Plays of the Year 2005" Award from
Playlist Magazine in the "Best Transportable iPod Speakers"
category.
- Type: FM/AM Digital Portable Stereo Radio with iPod Dock
- Drivers: 2 x 2.5" (2 x 6.35 cm) full-range
- Receiving Bands: FM: 87.5 - 108 MHz AM: 520 - 1710 kHz (522 -
1629 kHz using 9k Step)
- De - Emphasis: 75µSec UL/50µSec CE
- Dimensions: 11" W x 6.19" H x 2.19" D (27.94 cm W x 15.72 cm H
x 5.56 cm D)
- Weight: 2.81 lbs. (1.28 kg)
iSongBook Carry Bag
The iSongBook Carry Bag is the perfect accessory. It helps
protect your iSongBook from Mother Nature and everyday wear and
tear. Take your iSongBook everywhere.
Tivoli Audio products carry a one year warranty against defects
in materials and workmanship. Please consult the dealer from which
you purchased this product for warranty service or repair.
Price: $329.99
International: €449.00 CE220V version
Link:
iSongBook Portable iPod Music System
Bart, Tweety, Scooby Doo, and Others Protect
iPod nano
PR: Iconz combine eye-catching artwork with complete
protection for the iPod nano. Part of an exclusive collector's
series, these highly durable cases feature pop culture icons that
cover the entire face of the iPod nano and a translucent back.
Iconz offer play-through control for the Click Wheel and built-in
screen protection. Iconz come in a variety of officially licensed
designs.
Grab your Iconz today, because each of these hot styles
will only be available for a limited time!
- Officially licensed designs
- Built-in screen protection
- Play-through Click Wheel protection
- Translucent back
- Durable construction
Not available outside the United States (except for Speed
Racer)
- Iconz - Tweety for iPod nano
- Iconz - Scooby Doo for iPod nano
- Iconz - Batman for iPod nano
- Iconz - Speed Racer for iPod nano
- Iconz - Simpsons for iPod nano
- Iconz - Star Wars for iPod nano
- Iconz - Sponge Bob Squarepants for iPod nano
Price: $24.95
In-Stock and available for shipping today.
Link: Iconz for iPod
nano
Software
Ollie's iPod Extractor Puts iPod Tunes Back on
Your Mac
PR: If you've lost some or all of your music library but
still have the tracks on your iPod, Ollie's iPod Extractor is the
application for you. Featuring a one-click interface, just sit back
and watch Ollie's iPod Extractor recover your songs. While this
will copy files from any iPod to any Mac, it will not create
duplicates of songs already in your library. Additional features
include syncing of playlists, song ratings, and play counts.
New in this version: Syncing of playlists
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.3 or later.
System support: PPC/Intel
Free
Link: Ollie's iPod
Extractor
iPod Deals
For current iPod prices from a variety of sources, see our
Best iPod Deals.
