Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by Dan Knight
- 2006.02.23
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.
For current iPod prices from a variety of sources, see our
Best iPod Deals.
News and Comment
Tips
Reviews
Products
Software
News and Comment
iPod Scores Big with Olympians in Turin
The Baltimore Sun's Abigail Tucker reports:
"Over the weekend, snowboarder Hannah Teter told her boyfriend
that she planned to listen to his band's song 'Communicate' on her
iPod during her Olympic halfpipe routine. This made him a bit
nervous.
"'It's a heartbreak song, basically,' said Eli Lieberman, 28,
whose tune is about lost love and 'cascading' tears. 'I was like,
uh, Hannah, don't you think that's a little mellow?'
"Apparently she did not. As the world now knows, Teter - who was
seen dancing before her final run - won gold Monday. And when she
told journalists about her secret groove, Lieberman's punk reggae
band made out pretty well too: Strive Roots' Web site, which
averages a few thousand hits a month, scored 37,000 one morning
this week alone.
"But the biggest winner of all may have been Apple, maker of the
tiny iPod that soared to glory along with Teter. This Olympics,
U.S. snowboarders have competed while listening to the personal
music device, and skiers, speed skaters and other Olympians from
all over the world have been observed listening raptly during
practice and before competing."
Link:
iPod Scores Big with Olympians in Turin
Beware the 'Pod Slurping' Employee
CNET News.com's Will Sturgeon reports:
"A U.S. security expert who devised an application that can fill
an iPod with business-critical data in a matter of minutes is
urging companies to address the very real threat of data theft.
"Abe Usher, a 10-year veteran of the security industry, created
an application that runs on an iPod and can search corporate
networks for files likely to contain business-critical data. At a
rate of about 100 MB every couple minutes, it can scan and download
the files onto the portable storage units in a process dubbed 'pod
slurping.'"
Link:
Beware the 'Pod Slurping' Employee
iPod, the Audiophile, and Lossless
Compression
ExtremeTech's Loyd Case says:
"Being an audiophile is not easy these days.
"To be fair, I'm not one of the 'golden ears' set. You know the
type - they can't stand to listen to music unless they're sitting
in the stereo sweet spot, and the music is played from a vinyl
record on a manual turntable with a moving coil cartridge, through
their monoblock tube amplifiers and tube preamp. Call me a 'silver
ear' audiophile. I'm picky about speakers, and I can't listen to
music with too much lossy compression for long periods of
time....
"Recently, I lamented how little attention lossless playback had
gotten in my commentary on Ten Failed Tech Trends for 2005. An
alert reader noted in the ExtremeTech forum that Apple had started
supporting a lossless codec, and even supported playback of Apple
Lossless on iPods. So I naturally had to pick up a 60 GB iPod and
re-rip my CD collection using iTunes.
"While the iPod and iTunes combination is certainly a potent
one, I'm not quite in love with it...."
Link: iPod
and the Audiophile
Tips
About the iPod Universal Dock
An
updated Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"Any model of iPod with a dock connector can fit perfectly into
a single Universal Dock through the use of interchangeable inserts
called Dock Adapters. The iPod Universal Dock includes five dock
adapters:
"You simply insert the Dock Adapter that fits your particular
iPod model, then plug in your iPod. When you want to connect a
different-size iPod, simply pop out the Dock Adapter and insert a
new one."
Link: Learn About
iPod Universal Dock
Reviews
Logitech Wireless Music System for iPod
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"Logitech may be keen to associate its Wireless Music System
(WMS) with Apple's ubiquitous digital music player, but the fact is
it will happily work with any brand of MP3 player, with a Mac, with
a PC and even with a transistor radio if it's got a spare 3.5mm
headphone socket. Whatever you connect WMS' compact transmitter to,
it will beam to the receiver unit placed anywhere up to 10m
away...
"This makes for some interesting usages. The obvious one is to
link the computer in one room to the hi-fi in another, in much the
same way Apple's Wi-Fi based Airport Express box does. More
interestingly - and this is the one Logitech is pushing - is to
plug one onto your iPod, Creative Zen Vision:M, iRiver T30 or
whatever and turn it into a remote control. The bizarre thing: your
remote is also your music store. Weird, huh?"
Link:
Logitech Wireless Music System for iPod
Products
iPod nano Add-on Supports Old iPod Add-ons
The Register's
Tony Smith reports:
"US manufacturer Battery Technology has come up with a rather
neat accessory for iPod owners who've downsized to a Nano from an
older third or fourth generation player, or from an iPod mini. It's
a connector that allows you to plug almost all of your old
headphone accessories into your new player.
"The u-Link clips onto the Nano's dock connector and into the
player's earphone socket. On the other side is a new 3.5mm socket
and remote control slot ready for old iTrips, remote controls,
iBeams and other accessories."
Link: iPod
Nano Add-on Adds Old iPod Add-ons
iShirt T-shirt for iPod shuffle
PR:
PodShirt offers specialized apparel designed to show off your iPod
shuffle. Using a patent-pending magnetic clasp system, the iPod
shuffle attaches seamlessly to the clothing to become part of the
apparel design.
No modification is needed to your iPod shuffle. Simply place it
over the clasp area of the shirt and it locks into place. The
shuffle stays firmly attached even with vigorous activity. A quick
pull easily removes it from the shirt.
The magnetic clasp system has been tested extensively with the
iPod shuffle. Since the shuffle uses solid state flash memory it is
unaffected by magnetic fields.
iShirt will only work with the iPod Shuffle. The magnetic clasp
may damage the hard drives in the iPod mini or standard iPod.
The clasp is removable so you can wash the shirt. Care
instructions are included with the iShirt.
PodShirt sells for $28.99 and comes in Medium/Large/X-Large
Link: PodShirt
iKitty iPod Toy and Protector
PR: Meet iKitty-
the cutest toy and case for you and your iPod nano! iKitty is fun
and functional - offering great rubberized protection, bendable
kitty tail, and screen protection for your iPod nano. Available in
white (good kitty!) and black (bad kitty!).
Features:
- Fits both 2 & 4 gig iPod nano
- Kitty Cat shape provides cute style and protection
- Durable screen protector
- Bendable Kitty Tail!
- Access to all controls while in the case
- 4 legs, 2 ears, and a whole lot of personality!
Insert iPod thru
iKitty's bottom slot. Insert screen protector, rubbery side down,
under the edge of the screen cutout. Bend tail to express desired
emotion. Meow!
iKitty is made of Silicone. The screen protector is hard ABS
plastic with a soft rubber edge to further protect the screen.
Because most cats look pretty much the same. They've got the
'cat shape', with two pointy triangular ears, 4 legs and a tail.
There are so many breeds of dogs with so many different looks- we'd
never be able to please all the dog lovers out there.
iKitty fits both 2 and 4 gig iPod nanos in both black and white.
You have full access to all buttons and controls while in the
iKitty case! There are cutouts for the hold switch, headphone jack,
port plug, scroll wheel and screen (screen protector
included!).
Price: $24.95
Link: iKitty iPod Toy and
Protector
Titan Taking Preorders for iPod nano Cases
PR: GizMac Accessories LLC, designer and manufacturer of
innovative products for the Apple platform, announce the Titan iPod
Nano cases are now available for preorder.
GizMac announced and displayed the new Titan iPod cases in their
booth at the Macworld Exposition last month. The new Nano iPod
cases are part of GizMac's emerging line of cases for the Apple
iPod.
"What
separates the Titan iPod case from the competition, is the many
number of ways the Titan iPod case can be worn," says Tim Cave,
founder of GizMac, "The other great feature of our Titan iPod case
is the incredible anodized aircraft aluminum finish, anodizing
produces amazing colors not found in plastic, rubber or leather
iPod cases…purple, gold, pink, aluminum and black will be
our initial colors for our iPod nano cases, future colors will
include blue, orange, red and others."
"'Cause Everyone Wears Their iPod Differently" is the motto of
the Titan iPod case for a good reason, the included carabiner clip,
arm band, belt clip with 360 degree rotation (for vertical,
horizontal or any position in between) and lanyard accessories
provide a wide range of ways to wear the iPod case. The Titan goes
even one step further with the ability to easily change whether the
top or the bottom of the iPod nano case faces upward or downward,
providing unmatched flexibility in an iPod case.
In addition to its unique look from using anodized aircraft
aluminum, the Titan iPod nano case also provides a superior
strength to weight ratio by the use of lightweight metal. Not only
does the aluminum Nano case protect the iPod, but the included
screen and scroll wheel protector also shield the iPod from other
potential damage.
Further details on the new Titan Nano iPod cases can be found on
the GizMac Accessories website. Information can also be obtained by
calling the Southern California corporate headquarters at (800)
475-1677.
Link: GizMac
Accessories
IceWear nano & IceWear nano Ultra
Clear
PR: After a string of success with IceWear for other iPod
models, TuneWear released IceWear nano in September of last year,
only a few days after Apple released the iPod nano. available in a
single pack as well as a three pack, IceWear nano was an immediate
sensation. Well, we are not about to start resting on our
laurels.
We've made IceWear nano better! At the same affordable price,
and still including the protective TuneFilm to keep your iPod safe
from scratches, IceWear nano now also comes in Ultra Clear. Just
like the rest of the IceWear series, IceWear nano Ultra Clear
utilizes high density silicone as found in diving masks and our
patent pending Rib-Technology to protect your iPod nano, however,
this time it is crystal clear. For the traditionalists out there,
regular IceWear nano will also still be available, so now you have
the choice.
We think that the iPod nano is the most beautiful iPod yet, and
you need the serious protection that only TuneWear's IceWear with
the included TuneFilm can offer to keep it that way.
IceWear nano and IceWear nano Ultra Clear do not cover the wheel
or the screen, rather it is intentionally left open for complete
control and view. That is the way AppleDesigned the iPod nano and
that is the way we leave it. Instead we have added embossed edges
around the screen to help prevent scratching.
With IceWear nano or IceWear nano Ultra Clear, your iPod nano
has all ports open for easy access. Headphones, bottom dock
connector, screen and wheel control are all open . So you can use
the USB docking cable, hold switch, click wheel, all without having
to remove IceWear. You can also use many of the third party
accessories available that use the 30-pin port at the bottom of
your iPod. Pretty cool, eh!?
TuneFilm
We launched TuneFilm with our products for the iPod nano and it
has been incredibly successful!! As they say, when you are on to a
good thing, stick with it. And that is exactly what we at TuneWear
decided to do. We have included TuneFilm with all IceWear nano
products, including the new Ultra Clear. TuneFilm is an adhesive
protective film that covers the screen, click wheel and reflective
back surface of your new best friend, keeping it looking as good as
it did the day it came out of the box.
Link: IceWear
nano & IceWear nano Ultra Clear
Monster iCruze Now Available at a New Low
Price
PR: Monster has announced that the iCruze is now
available at a new lower price. The iCruze, which connects an iPod
directly to a car's stereo allows consumers to play their entire
music collection through their car audio systems by acting as a
virtual CD Changer.
The cost of the main iCruze unit is now $69.95. The optional
display for iCruze is now $39.95. Additional interface connecting
cables and/or interface modules that match specific car models may
also be required, which range in price from $9.95 to $29.95
depending on the complexity of the OEM stereo. This means that a
customer can put together a complete iCruze package for $149.80
(that is a $280 price reduction for a complete iCruze system as
compared to the previous pricing). It also means that some
customers who only need an iCruze and an Interface Cable, and who
choose not to purchase the LCD Display can own iCruze for as low as
$79.90.
"As the iPod continues to strengthen its reign as the world's
most popular digital music player, we at Monster are excited to
provide the solution that will allow music lovers to play their
tunes wherever the car takes them," explained Noel Lee, The Head
Monster. "With an affordable price, tremendous and easy-to-use
functionality, and a host of compatible vehicles, the Monster
iCruze makes it even easier for iPod and iPod mini users to listen
to their entire music collection in their cars."
"The iPod is the world's most popular digital music player,"
said Bob Borchers, Senior Director of iPod Automobile Integration
for Apple. "Monster's iCruze provides an excellent way for music
lovers to directly connect their iPod to their car audio system to
listen and control their iPod in their car."
Monster iCruze provides a way for a "direct connection" to most
car audio systems. By acting as a virtual CD Changer, existing OEM
radio/CD controls (including steering wheel controls) can access
different playlists and songs. As an additional benefit, iCruze
charges the iPod while driving.
iCruze can be self installed, or better yet, Monster has an
agreement with MobileToys Incorporated as Monster's National
Service Provider for iCruze.
Monster iCruze utilizes exclusive SoundGate technology that
enables the connection of an iPod directly to a factory-installed
car stereo or Alpine M-Bus compatible aftermarket car stereo
through the CD changer port. Utilizing the iPod's dock connector,
the direct connection to the car stereo results in ultra-high
quality sound and performance. Additionally, iCruze users can
navigate playlists and tracks directly through their car stereo CD
changer controls (and steering wheel controls too, if equipped), as
well as control volume. Each CD changer disc selection corresponds
to users' favorite playlists with as many tracks as desired in
each. A six-disc CD changer offers access to six playlists. A
ten-disc CD changer offers access to ten playlists. And configuring
playlists for optimal use with iCruze is simple and offers access
to all tracks on the iPod.
Taking into consideration an automobile's limited dash space,
iCruze was designed to install using as little space as possible
and is most often installed in or under the dash behind the car
stereo. The dock connector cable can be installed so the iPod can
be hidden away in the glove box, center console or can be
dash-mounted. While professional installation is recommended for
the best performance, iCruze comes with an installation guide and
how-to CD-ROM for those familiar with car audio installation
techniques and factory car stereo removal.
The optional iCruze dash-mount LCD display is available to
further enhance the iCruze for iPod driving experience. The display
is a multiline, 20-character blue backlit LCD text display that
displays song name and artist information, making iPod playlist
navigation even easier. The display connects to iCruze via an RJ-11
(phone jack) connection and easily mounts onto the dash.
For additional product information, pricing, dealer locations,
and to find out exactly what iCruze hardware is required for
specific car makes/models, visit the website.
Software
iPodDisk Copies Music from Your
iPod
PR: iPodDisk is designed to make it easy and intuitive to
copy music off iPod; it enables you to do so within the Finder, or
whatever application that can read files.
New in version 1.3:
Enhancements:
- better debugging support.
- reduced iPodDisk.app size from 12.4M to 3.3M.
- redirect http requests to ipoddisk web site.
- added support for a new top-level directory "Albums".
- performance boosts via removal of unnecessary modules.
- upgrade http engine (lighttpd) to 1.4.9.
- upgrade glib2 library to glib2-2.9.0.
Bugs fixed :
- fixed bug 4: if multiple tracks have a same title, only one of
them is accessible.
- fixed bug 3: keep track order in playlists.
- fixed a bug in Panther due to kextload.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.3 or later.
System support: PPC
iPodDisk is free.
Link: iPodDisk
