Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by Dan Knight
- 2005.08.25
This Week's iPod News
We're
adding a new section to iPod News Review that covers health
warnings - most of which are related to playing the iPod too loud.
Just remember that these warnings apply to any device with
headphones, not just iPods.
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 and Comment
iPod Health Alerts
Products and Services
Software
News and Comment
iPod Plays Winning Tune, Passes Sony in
Japan
The Guardian's Justin McCurry reports:
"The telltale white wires protruding from dozens of ears on a
busy Tokyo street say it all: these are heady days for Apple in
Japan. In a world once dominated by Sony, Apple's iPod leads the
market in digital music players, with a 36% stake against Sony's
22%.
"For an already embattled Sony, more unwelcome news arrived
earlier this month in the form of Apple's long-anticipated launch
of the Japanese version of the iTunes online music store."
Sony Takes on iPod shuffle
vnunet.be reports:
"Sony is attacking Apple's iPod Shuffle market with two new MP3
players in a similar price bracket, but with better battery life
and a screen.
"The Walkman Bean is a palm-sized MP3 player that comes with
1 GB or 512 MB of storage and 50 hours of battery life. The
models will be priced at £99 and £79 respectively."
Note: The 512 MB iPod shuffle sells for £59 and the
1 GB model for £75.
iPod mini to Switch from Hard Drives to Flash
Memory?
iPod Hacks reports:
"There have been rumors over the past few months indicating that
Apple may turn the iPod mini into a Flash-RAM player, saying
farewell to the Hitachi 1" hard drive that currently serves as the
storage core of the unit. Further indication that this may soon
come to pass comes from Tom's Hardware who recently reported that
Samsung may be in the process of wooing Apple over from hard drives
to Flash memory for certain members of the iPod family."
IBM's SoulPad: iPod-based Wearable PC
iPod Hacks reports:
"As CNET reports, researchers at IBM's Wearable Computing
division have developed software that allows the user to carry
around their entire desktop environment on an iPod or other
portable storage device. The software, known as SoulPad, installs
on a user's PC and allows the stored desktop environment to be
accessed via USB or FireWire....
"IBM has been testing SoulPad on a 60 GB iPod photo using
Knoppix (a flavor of Linux) as the autoboot OS in conjunction with
VMWare Workstation to establish a stable, virtual PC
environment."
United Airlines Canada Giving Away iPods, US
Trip
iPod Daily News reports:
"United Airlines announced today that it will celebrate the
fifth anniversary and success of its Canadian Web site with a
contest, giving away three iPod minis 4 GB, one iPod 20 GB and
a grand prize of 50,000 Saver Award miles allowing for one pair of
United Economy, roundtrip tickets for travel from any United
gateway in Canada to any of the more than 150 destinations United
flies in the continental United States.
"Prizes are subject to the Official Contest Rules and applicable
United Airlines ticket terms and restrictions, including the Saver
Award Rules."
iPod Health Alerts
Tinnitus: Ringing in Your Ears
4hearingloss.com reports:
"These days anyone who's into music carries an iPod or another
brand of MP3 player, such as the Creative Labs Zen MP3. They give
music lovers the opportunity to carry their entire CD collection in
their pocket.
"You don't even need a particularly big pocket because the mini
iPod is so small and slim and light. They look slick and their
functionality is fantastic; you turn the volume up and change
tracks by stroking the super sensitive click wheel on the front,
Apple have put all the buttons underneath.
"While many people claim to be in love with their iPod and some
are quite simply unable to function without it, a few are beginning
to find that when they take their earphones out, that the music
just doesn't stop. The problem is that portable music players are
damaging users' hearing. The irritating hum that sometimes rings in
our ears, known as tinnitus, is becoming a potentially serious
issue for people playing their music at very high levels.
Apparently the people worst affected by tinnitus are commuters, who
try and drown out the sound of trains, traffic and other peoples
music, by turning their own iTunes up as high as they will go."
Danger of Permanent Damage to Hearing
Irish Health reports:
"The massive popularity of iPods and other portable music
players could mean many more people will develop hearing loss,
according to experts.
"If the volume through headphones is too high, there is a real
risk of permanent damage to hearing, they say."
Aussie Government: 'Turn Your iPod Down'
iPod Observer's Bryan Chaffin reports:
"The Australian government is expected to release a report
recommending that iPod and other digital media device users turn
the volume down, according to a report from the Sydney Morning
Herald. The research was conducted by Australia's National Acoustic
Laboratories, and will warn of increasing instances of tinnitus
(ringing in the ears) and general hearing loss from listening to
the devices with the volume too high."
iPods Give an Earful
Sky News reports:
"Owners of iPods face increased risks of tinnitus and other
hearing problems according to Australian researchers.
"One quarter of iPod users and other portable music players are
damaging their ears by blasting tunes into them.
"Sydney's National Acoustic Laboratories found around 25% of
those surveyed were listening to their players at volumes similar
to small power tools.
"The team predicted increased levels of tinnitus because people
were unable to adopt "responsible" listening habits."
Products and Services
Tux Stands Dress Up iPod and iPod mini
[PR] The
Plasticsmith announces the release of tux for iPod, the first
elegant stand for Apple's ubiquitous music player. Tux is a
protective pedestal that is designed to be placed on the desk, next
to the stereo, on the night stand or any place where you regularly
listen to your iPod with headphones or connected to speakers.
Available for iPod and iPod mini, it comes in two versions, upright
and tilt. Its side supports are built from extra-thick,
flame-polished acrylic, slotted for a perfect fit and easy loading
and unloading. Tux suspends iPod above the base, supporting
charging and syncing with iPod's cable while secured. It is
available in two color themes, black-based or white-based, with
clear sides on all models and 3M nonskid pads for stability and
protection of table tops.
At launch,
all eight models will be sold exclusively through Plasticsmith's
online store at $35 each (plus $3 shipping and handling).
Founded in 1974, The Plasticsmith was the first company to
announce a full line of accessories for Mac mini, including the
mini Tower, mini Skirt, and Grandstand. It also designed and
produces Lapvantage, the ergonomic laptop stand.
Belkin TuneSync Lets You Listen to Your
iPod While It Charges
[PR] Belkin's new TuneSync for iPod integrates an iPod
dock with a five-port USB 2.0 hub. It adds a convenient stereo-out
jack that lets you listen to your music by connecting your stereo,
powered speakers, or headphones while the iPod charges. With its
slim and elegant design and top-load dock, the TuneSync saves you
valuable desktop space. It will be shipping in North America in
November 2005.
Designed to
work seamlessly with all your USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 devices, the
TuneSync lets you connect up to five USB 2.0 devices, such as your
printer, scanner, hard drive, digital camera, thumb drive, media
readers, and more to your computer. LEDs monitor your device
activity for master power status and all port activity.
Benefits
- Charges and syncs your iPod or iPod mini
- Includes a stereo-out jack ideal for connecting your stereo,
powered speakers, or headset
- Lets you easily monitor port and power status with LEDs
- Features over-current detection and safety
TuneSync for iPod - $59.99
smartCharge Flexible Car Charger for
iPod shuffle
[PR] SendStation Systems, creators of the popular
PocketDock line of iPod adapters, announced the smartCharge
all-in-one car charger for the iPod shuffle. With its unique
design, smartCharge is poised to become the platinum standard in
iPod shuffle car chargers.
"The smartCharge's design clearly makes it the most
suitable match for the iPod shuffle," says André Klein,
SendStation Systems' founder. "If you are looking for the perfect
companion when taking your shuffle on the road, smartCharge should
be your first and only choice. No other charger better reflects the
sleek lines of the iPod shuffle."
smartCharge not only has awesome good looks, it's also the most
compact car charger available: The single-piece, cable-free design
weighs a mere 30 grams (1.1 oz.), slips easily into virtually any
pocket, and can thus be taken anywhere.
A built-in 3.5 mm (1/8") industry-standard audio jack allows you
to hook up any cassette adapter or use line-in sockets found on
many car stereos without constantly re- and disconnecting the iPod
- just grab your iPod shuffle and go.
A unique feature of the unit is that the docked iPod shuffle can
be tilted 72°, giving the user convenient access to the
shuffle's control buttons.
An invisibly integrated LED displays power status, and the
easily replaceable fuse protects the attached iPod shuffle. By
attaching a USB-iPod docking cable, smartCharge can also be used to
charge fourth generation iPods and iPod minis.
Built and tested to Apple standards with topnotch quality,
smartCharge carries Apple's official "Made for iPod" badge.
PivotDock: Smallest Docking Station for
iPod shuffle
[PR]
August 24, 2005 &endash; SwitchEasy Limited is proud to
announce its first product &endash; PivotDock.
PivotDock, with its patent pending design, is the smallest
docking station for the iPod Shuffle, freeing iPod Shuffle owners
from the maze of connecting wires and large, bulky plastic
docks.
Featuring a
positive-click 180° pivoting design, the PivotDock
significantly reduces the spatial footprint of any docked iPod
Shuffle, safely tucking it within a smaller space and minimizing
the chances of accidental breakage.
PivotDock also features a bright green LED status light that
offers an additional "Bling" element for the shuffle. The PivotDock
is compatible with Mac and PC, and supports USB 1.0/2.0 ports.
PivotDocks will be available for shipping on September 9th,
2005.
To celebrate the worldwide launch of the new product, PivotDocks
are available at a limited time "Early Bird Online Special" at
$9.99 plus shipping and handling charges.
PivotDock has a suggested retail price of $15.99 and can be
ordered online.
DecoDock Lava Edition
[PR] Pressure Drop has announced the DecoDock Lava
Edition, a colorful and stylish addition to any desktop. With a
glossy black base and glowing red LEDs, the DecoDock Lava Edition
provides users with a simple, sultry way to connect an iPod shuffle
to their computer. DecoDock Lava Edition sells for $28.99 and is
now shipping in limited quantities. Pictures and more information
can be found at pressuredropinc.com.
"You
too can enjoy the striking combination of red and black shared by
other members of the iPod family," said David Gawlowski, President
of Pressure Drop. "With DecoDock's flexible Art-Techo design we're
not limited to a single configuration or style - how many other
docks remind you of an erupting volcano or a certain district in
Amsterdam?"
DecoDock is also offered with white LEDs and the following base
colors: cobalt blue, obsidian black, silver, white, pink, and
green. All colors are currently shipping and available for $28.99
at pressuredropinc.com or from one of our approved domestic or
international resellers.
DecoDock was the first stylish dock designed to complement and
enhance the iPod shuffle and provides an elegant solution for users
who want a simple, artistic way to connect their iPod shuffle to
their computer. Designed in the classic Art Deco style, the
DecoDock's lighted columns tower over a brilliantly colored and
graceful arc, enhancing the pleasing simplicity of the iPod
shuffle. The iPod's plastic cap can be stored in the back of the
DecoDock, a unique feature designed specifically to help prevent it
from getting lost.
DecoDock Lava Edition - $28.99
Icesuit Shuffle
[PR]
Icesuit Shuffle is a durable and flexible iPod shuffle protective
sleeve. It protects your iPod shuffle against everyday hazards and
scratches.
- Protects your iPod Shuffle from bumps and scratches
- 3 different colors to fit your mood
- Elastic adjustable armband included
- Silicon rubber material prevents your iPod Shuffle from
slipping and sliding
- Access to all controls
Specifications:
- Net Weight : 0.2 oz
- 1 year warranty
MSRP: $19.99
Dock Adapter for iPod shuffle
[PR] This essential add-on for the iPod shuffle lets you
connect iPod accessories with the Dock Connector through the
shuffle's USB port. The Dock Adapter for iPod shuffle gives your
shuffle the flexibility to work with such enhancements for iPod as
battery packs, mobile power cords, iPod speakers, and USB/FireWire
cables that have the Dock Connector.
Note: Requires 5V+ of USB power to charge your iPod shuffle.
Compatible with power and audio accessories only. iPod photo
accessories and car integration kits are not compatible with the
Dock Adapter for iPod shuffle.
*Will not sync when used with a FireWire cable. However, power
and audio will be compatible.
Operating Instructions: iPod shuffle must be in the ON position
(in either shuffle or play-in-order mode) to charge when used with
the included AC or DC adapter.
Advantages
- Charges your shuffle using your Dock Connector's power
cord
- Works with any Belkin TuneBase™
- Provides pass-through audio
Power Pack for iPod shuffle - $34.99
FastMac Ships Longest Lasting Battery
for Click-Wheel iPod
[PR] FastMac announced that it has begun shipping the
longest lasting battery upgrade for Apple's 4th generation iPod
with Click-wheel. All customers that placed preorders through the
company's website will receive their shipments in the next few
days, along with their free gift with purchase. FastMac has also
extended the free charger with iPod battery offer until midnight,
August 31st, 2005. Orders placed via the company website will
receive their choice of a free travel charger or cigarette lighter
adapter.
FastMac's TruePower battery upgrades replace the iPod's original
internal battery with a larger capacity and longer lasting advanced
power cell battery. The upgrades offer 20-70% more capacity than
the original OEM battery and up to 7.5 times as many charge cycles.
This is accomplished through the use of a patented nanoparticle
technology called TruePower, which significantly slows the
degradation of the power cells inside the battery. This allows the
battery to run cooler and longer, thereby allowing FastMac to
provide the industry's only 2-year warranty.
"With the non-scratch tools that we provide, installing
batteries into 4th generation iPods is easier than ever," said
Michael Lowdermilk, Business Development Manager for FastMac
Performance Upgrades, Inc. "We're the only company that also
provides the Torx T6 screwdriver needed to remove the interconnect
board that stands between the battery and the iPod. And,
professional install is just 24 hours away for those that need
it."
TruePower technology can be found in batteries for the following
types of iPods:
- iPod Gen 1 (with Scroll-wheel) $39.95
- iPod Gen 2 (with Touch-wheel) $39.95
- iPod Gen 3 (with Touch-wheel & Dock Connector) $29.95
- iPod Gen 4 (with Click-wheel) $29.95
Each battery upgrade from FastMac carries a 2-year warranty
& includes all necessary installation tools (non-scratch) and
instructions. 24-hour installation services are available for an
additional $39.95. Using a box in the mail service provided by DHL,
FastMac will pickup the customer's iPod, install the battery and
provide a light clean up before shipping back to the customer, all
within 24 hours.
"FastMac's use of TruePower technology has ignited a firestorm
of interest in other potential uses and applications," said Michael
Lowdermilk, Business Development Manager for FastMac Performance
Upgrades, Inc. "This is just the beginning- we are looking forward
to incorporating this technology into other products, such as
batteries for digital cameras and smart phones."
About TruePower
TruePower is the name of an innovative new technology designed
to extend the life of ordinary Lithium Ion cells, commonly used in
most rechargeable batteries. More than 4 years in development, this
patented technology allows tiny ceramic particles (each less than a
millionth of a millimeter in size) to be integrated into the
molecular structure of the chemical binding agent found inside each
Lithium Ion battery. These particles then link-in with each other
& a proprietary energy management circuit to create an
extremely dense and highly conductive layer on the surface of a
capacitor-enhanced battery pack. This combination delivers the
power necessary to satisfy the pulse demands placed on most
batteries, whilst ensuring the protection of the Lithium cell
matrix. This results in battery packs that can be recharged many
more times as well as yielding longer run times per charge. Whereas
ordinary battery packs start losing their power within a few
months, TruePower-enhanced battery packs continue giving consistent
power for long periods, allowing OEMs to offer warranties of 2
years or more. More information about TruePower is available via
the website:
About FastMac iPod Batteries
FastMac's iPod battery upgrades utilize TruePower technology- a
patented material & energy management circuit that is designed
to protect the battery's internal lithium crystal matrix from
damage caused by power spikes. These spikes occur when the iPod
demands a sudden high current peak- for example, to turn on the
backlight or to load the next few songs. Over time, these power
spikes decrease capacity, runtime and battery life, eventually
rendering the power cells unusable. Through the use of TruePower
technology, the energy management circuit is able to smooth out the
power spikes and lower the rate of decay. This protects the battery
and leads to a longer lifecycle. Not only does this extend the
usability of the iPod, it also helps the environment by curbing the
depletion of chemicals and plastic materials used in battery
products and reducing the number of waste batteries sent to
landfills. More information about FastMac's battery upgrades is
available via the website.
Logitech Wirelessly Links iPod to Home
Entertainment System
[PR] Logitech has introduced the Logitech Wireless Music
System for iPod, which allows people, in a matter of minutes, to
wirelessly connect their iPod or MP3 player to a stereo or speaker
system, share their digital music out loud, and control the music
using their player as a remote control.
The Logitech Wireless Music System for iPod is a complete,
two-piece, plug-and-play solution: a music transmitter connects to
any portable music player's standard headphone port and a music
receiver plugs into a home stereo receiver or multimedia speakers
through an RCA port or a 3.5 mm jack. There's no complicated home
network needed.
"The goal with this product is to make it easy for portable
music player owners to share their music collections through their
high-quality home-entertainment speakers," said Ray Weikel,
director of product marketing for Logitech's Audio Business Unit.
"The Wireless Music System for iPod is perfect for dinner parties.
From the couch or dining room table, people can skip tracks or hop
from playlist to playlist, using their player as a remote
control."
The Logitech Wireless Music System for iPod relies upon the
Logitech Music Anywhere(TM) wireless technology to deliver a
reliable, persistent connection and ultimate plug-and-play
simplicity. The transmitter and receiver are paired at
manufacturing, ensuring they will instantly connect when plugged
in, and remain connected. This proprietary technology provides
crystal-clear digital audio quality and features adaptive frequency
hopping, helping the products overcome any potential wireless
interference. The music transmitter sends audio streams directly to
the receiver at a range of up to 10 meters (33 feet).
The Logitech Wireless Music System for iPod will be available in
the U.S. and Europe, beginning in October. The suggested retail
price is $149.99 in the U.S.
SpeakerCraft MODE Allows You to Control
Your iPod in up to Six Rooms
[PR] SpeakerCraft, America's largest manufacturer and
innovator of architectural loudspeakers and custom installation
products, announces the upcoming release of MODE, the Music On
Demand Experience. The MODE, a full-color, wall-mounted screen
interface with a scroll wheel and push button controls, allows home
owners to access and control all of their multimedia equipment -
including their iPod - in up to six rooms of the home.
MODE will support up to six multimedia devices through the
SpeakerCraft MZC (multi-zone control) system - including hard drive
music servers, satellite radio, AM/FM radio tuners, and all other
sources that respond to infrared commands. The key feature of MODE
is its ability to control and display all content stored on your
iPod in up to six rooms, a feature not available on any other
multi-zone home install system. In addition, MODE's sleek design
and interactive display screen strike a perfect balance between
style and functionality.
"Having lived with an iPod since its introduction, I have always
been thrilled with its ease of use and complete access to music and
audio content," explains Jeremy Burkhardt, President of
SpeakerCraft. "It is the music server of choice. MODE will now
allow people to enjoy the iPod experience throughout their home
with the same ease and convenience."
MODE will be available starting in the fall of '05 from any
SpeakerCraft dealer. To find a dealer near you or to learn more
about SpeakerCraft, visit:
iDJ Mixing Console for iPod
[PR] The iDJ is a 2-channel mixer that
enables mobile DJs and iPod enthusiasts to seamlessly integrate
their portable music libraries with other music and sound
reinforcement systems - transforming the iPod from a personal music
player into a source playback device. With its compact form factor,
comprehensive feature set, and a blue on white aesthetic appeal
that blends perfectly with the iPod, the iDJ makes the music more
accessible and the party better than ever.
- Two universal iPod docking stations will accept all model iPods
with bottom connector and charge while connected
- Large iPod navigation controls
- 3-band EQ with gain control on both channels
- Dedicated microphone input with tone and level control
- Phono/line inputs for adding additional devices on both
channels
- USB connectivity (PC and Mac) enables iDJ to function as a
music-loading base
- iPod's recording capabilities supported by iDJ for voice memos,
etc.
- Turntable spindle receptacle enables placement of the iDJ on a
turntable
- Zero tolerance precision switches/knobs for a tight, precise
feel
Link:
iDJ Mixing Console for iPod
Software
iFeedPod Syncs RSS Articles to iPod
[PR] Download your favourite RSS feeds to your iPod. Read
them anywhere.
A small and simple utility for downloading RSS feeds to your
iPod. Requires Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger. Requires an iPod or iPod
mini with Notes facility. Version 1.02 fixes a problem with
creating new feeds - the proper entry is now created.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.4.0 or higher.
- An iPod that with the Notes feature.
iFeedPod is freeware.
Anapod Explorer Integrates iPod, Windows
Explorer
[PR] Anapod Explorer is the most advanced Windows iPod
software available, offering full iPod management through full
Windows Explorer integration under My Computer, easy drag and drop
iPod transfer and iPod backup, PDA function support, web page
interface access to your iPod through a built-in web server,
powerful search and reporting capabilities using a built-in SQL
database, and much more, all in one compact package.
Anapod Software currently supports the following devices:
- Apple iPod shuffle
- Apple iPod mini: First Generation
- Apple iPod mini: Second Generation
- Apple iPod: First Generation (mechanical wheel)
- Apple iPod: Second Generation (touch wheel)
- Apple iPod: Third Generation (touch wheel)
- Apple iPod: Fourth Generation (click wheel)
- Apple iPod: Fourth Generation* (click wheel and color
display)
- Apple iPod photo
- Apple iPod U2 Special Edition
- iPod+HP (same as 4th Gen Apple iPod)
* Some are calling this "Fifth Generation". Regardless, Anapod
supports all iPod models available in the market.
- All storage capacities (GB) are supported.
- Compatible with all iPod firmware versions.
- iPod must be formatted for Windows.
- Runs on Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, and XP.
New in this version:
- Anapod PhotoSync: This release adds the ability for Anapod
Explorer to transfer photos to the iPod photo and iPod with color
screen. To access this feature, click on the Sync button in the
Anapod Explorer toolbar. PhotoSync works similarly to the photo
synchronization feature in iTunes, allowing you to select a photo
folder and individual albums to transfer to the iPod. Anapod
PhotoSync supports the transfer of JPEG, PNG, GIF, and BMP images,
full-resolution original image transfer, album grouping, and the
full complement of iPod-supported image types including thumbnails,
full-screen, slideshow, and NTSC TV display format.
- Support for Folder-Based Album Art: In previous releases,
Anapod would only automatically assign album art for files with
embedded art. This release adds the ability for the user to specify
a set artwork filename (e.g. cover.jpg, artwork.png). Anapod will
then look for an artwork file by that name contained in the same
folder as the audio file when transferring.
- Added "Play on Computer" feature for Anapod Shuffler.
- Added support for extracting album art from MP3 files with
embedded BMP images.
- The Comment field is now available for use in MorphLists.
Link: Anapod
Explorer
4G iPodLinux Installer
[PR] An iPodLinux installer for 4th generation iPods,
iPod photos, and iPod minis.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later
- iPod (4G, photo/color, or mini)
4G iPodLinux Installer is freeware.
iPod Deals
For current iPod prices from a variety of sources, see our
Best iPod Deals.
