Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by Dan Knight
- 2005.11.17
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 and Comment
Tips
Products and Services
Software
News and Comment
Apple Quietly Bundles Anti-scratch Case with
iPod nano
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"Apple has apparently begun bundling a soft fabric slip-case
with its iPod nano, recent buyers of the diminutive digital-music
player have claimed.
"According to a forum post on iPod fan website iLounge, the new
cases are white and stamped with the iPod logo. Essentially it's
the same type of case that ships with the new video iPod, but
slimmed down so the Nano fits more snugly."
Link: Apple
Quietly Bundles Anti-scratch Case with iPod nano
SunnComm Denies Plans to Shatter iPod Users'
Eardrums
The Register's Ashlee Vance reports:
"DRM maker SunnComm has denied that it is behind a new form of
technology that would paralyze iPod users downloading illegal songs
with high-pitched screams pumped through their headphones.
"SunnComm on Tuesday issued a statement that 'published reports
circulating online that state SunnComm is creating a new kind of
DRM under a joint venture with a competitor named Macrovision' are
'absolutely not true.' The 'reports' or rather report in question
claimed that SunnComm and Macrovision had teamed with Apple and
Microsoft to create a DRM system that would scorch the earbuds of
naughty P2P users with 250 decibels of screams. Of course, 250
decibels would be quite the accomplishment since a rocket firing
from a launching pad comes in at 180 decibels and a shotgun reaches
just 170 decibels. You can see where this is going."
Link: DRM
Maker Denies Plans to Shatter iPod Users' Eardrums
Posers May Abandon iPod
Webuser's Quentin Reade reports:
"People who buy an iPod to 'look cool' are more likely to switch
to another brand of MP3 player next time around.
"According to a study, almost one-third of consumers who cited
improved social status as the primary reason for purchasing an iPod
are likely to switch brands.
"Those who purchased an iPod because of brand familiarity or the
recommendation of trusted friend are significantly less likely to
switch brands (8 per cent and 14 per cent respectively)."
Link: Posers May
Abandon iPod
iPod Finger Newest RSI Diagnosis
PR: The British Chiropractic Association has posted a
warning of risks from using MP3 players
First there was text messaging injury, then came Blackberry
Thumb, now the latest RSI injury to come to fruition is iPod
Finger. With sufferers coming forward in America, the British
Chiropractic Association (BCA) today warns that the condition could
soon be commonplace in the UK.
'iPod finger' is an injury that affects the finger of music-mad
consumers who are constantly using the scroll-wheel or buttons on
their MP3 players to organise their song library, update playlists
and adjust volume of their favourite artists.
Portable music jukeboxes are the most fashionable item on the
highstreet today, with people listening to their favourite songs on
their way to work, in the gym and even at home. Arguably the market
leader is Apple's stylish iPod, a slim line MP3 player not much
larger than a credit card, which can store in the region of 1500
songs. This has launched the phenomenon of listening to your
favourite tunes wherever and whenever you want - to such an extent
that users in U.S. have developed a debilitating medical condition
from it.
Although complaints of MP3 player-related injuries have not
reached high levels as yet, the British Chiropractic Association's
Dr Carl Irwin feels that it is only a matter of time: "Hand-held
music machines are extremely popular and users are constantly using
small, difficult buttons with the same finger in a repetitive
motion. The nature of modern technology means that these devices
are only going to be getting smaller and I would not be surprised
if hand and finger related injuries become one of the most common
RSIs that chiropractors treat."
"Young children are particularly susceptible - their bones and
muscles are not fully developed, meaning they are at more risk than
adults. The best way to avoid injury is to flex your hand muscles
as this will keep the blood flowing and will break up the
repetition. Varying the finger that you use to operate your MP3
player will also prevent injury"
Link: British Chiropractic
Association
iPod Marketing Exposed
SmartHouse's David Richards reports:
"The chances are that during the next 12 months you or your
children or someone in your family will want to purchase an Apple
iPod, an iPod accessory or a Mac Computer.
"So what is it that makes the iPod so unique and why is it
driving sales across a multitude of devices from receivers to
in-wall mounts to music systems?
"The answer is one company - Apple. In the space of five years
they have done more to simplify technology than most other
technology companies. They have delivered dynamic innovative design
and friendly 'less intimidating' technology that consumers are
buying in droves. Even Mac hardware sales are up 48 per cent and
rising off the back of the boom in iPod sales.
"In an exclusive interview with SmartHouse Reseller, Greg
Joswiak, the worldwide vice president of iPod marketing, said:
'Somewhere along the way innovation in technology disappeared as
companies scrambled to deliver one product after another. Saving
money was put ahead of innovative design. At Apple we recognised
that great design and easy functionality were critical in
delivering technology products to market.'"
Link:
iPod Marketing Exposed
Apple Looks to Source Flash Memory from
Hynix
DigiTimes' Esther Lam reports:
"In order to fulfill strong iPod related demand, Apple has
started asking Hynix Semiconductor to offer quotations for
low-density NAND flash, amid a significant upcoming capacity ramp
at the South Korea-based memory maker, says research firm
InSpectrum. In line with the increased output, contract prices for
November for low-density flash have started to decline, InSpectrum
noted.
"Samsung and Toshiba are Apple's main NAND flash chip suppliers,
but sources indicated that with Toshiba needing to fulfill strong
demand from SanDisk, Apple is planning to shift to Hynix for
low-density (1Gbit and 512Mbit) parts for the iPod Shuffle."
Link: Apple
Looks to Source Low-density NAND Flash from Hynix
Tips
Duct Tape iPod Cover
TheUselessWiki has a
tutorial on how to make an iPod case out of Duct Tape.
"Let's say you just blew all your money on that iPod mini (or
whatever, you can adapt this for a nano, photo, whatever but it
might be a little difficult to do with a video iPod, since there is
less space between the edge and the screen) and now you don't have
any money left for a case. What do you do? You could bum some money
off a friend to buy one, but who needs a generic case when you can
make your own! (notice: these will start to get lint on them if you
keep it in your pocket and if made wrong, may end up damaging your
iPod's case. My iPod has never suffered damage from this case, but
nonetheless, I am not responsible for any damage done to your
iPod.) here's how I made mine with a materials cost somewhere in
the 10 to 20 cent range."
Learn about iPod Universal Dock
An updated Apple Knowledge Base Article says:
"The Universal Dock is the ultimate iPod docking solution. 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
Pairing the Apple Remote with the iPod
Universal Dock
A new Apple Knowledge Base Article says:
"The Apple Remote works with other compatible Apple products
that have a built-in infrared (IR) receiver. To prevent your Apple
Remote from interfering with other docks, computers, or IR devices
nearby, you can pair it to work only with your iPod Universal
Dock."
Link: Pairing the
Apple Remote with the iPod Universal Dock
Products and Services
i-Fusion's Truly Portable Speaker Case System
for iPods
PR: With a goal of creating a new level of portability
for iPod users, Sonic Impact has introduced i-Fusion, the first
rechargeable and truly portable speaker case system with docking
station made exclusively for the iPod and iPod mini.
Granted the
official "Made for iPod" designation by Apple, i-Fusion is like a
mini boom box built within a rugged storage case for all variations
of the iPod, including the iPod nano. In addition to the speaker
system and docking station, the case features a pop open door for
storing any size iPod and a second compartment with a lithium ion
battery and room for storing earbuds. i-Fusion is available at
http://www.si-5.com , Apple Stores, Target Stores, Circuit City,
Radio Shack, Apple.com, and many other retail locations (at a
suggested retail price of $149.99).
"For the first time within the industry, users while traveling
now can fully protect their sound system and iPod as well as
downsize their travel items from three to one," said Rich Bracke,
an executive at Sonic Impact.
At just 2.75 inches in thickness, the design makes i-Fusion an
ideal accessory for all types of iPod users in all types of travel
and leisure situations - from families on camping vacations,
college kids at the beach, professionals on business trips, to
couples sitting on their back porches.
The system also features a built-in iPod Docking Station
Connector for playing, downloading and recharging. i-Fusion can
play music up to 15 hours and it features an AC adaptor.
i-Fusion features a premium sound system using neodymium drivers
for clarity, ported speaker housings and advanced Maxxbass
technology for enhanced bass response while minimizing distortion.
The hard case also serves as an audio enhancer. Sonic Impact
engineers chose the optimal materials, size and density of the hard
case to optimize the audio output.
An iPod shuffle-compatible version of the i-Fusion - called
i-Pax - will be available in the coming weeks at Target, Apple, and
other select locations.
Sonic Impact is a product development company specializing in
consumer audio products made for Apple iPod products and other
portable audio, such as CD, MP3, portable DVD, notebook and laptop
products; T-amp technology and specialty products.
Summary of i-Fusion Highlights:
- Features a built-in iPod Docking Station Connector for playing,
downloading and recharging.
- Recharges iPod while docked.
- Port for downloading iPod while docked.
- Powered by a rechargeable, lithium ion battery. AC adaptor
included.
- Storage compartment for iPod and for earbuds when not in
use.
- Advanced digital amplifier and neodymium speaker drivers.
- Patented Maxxbass psychoacoustic technology and ported speakers
to enhance the bass response.
- Auto standby mode to save battery and battery charge
display.
- Durable hard cover case to store and protect your built in
speakers and iPod.
- 3.5 mm input jack allows playing of older, non-docking iPods,
as well as other portable devices such as laptops, DVD players,
etc.
- Matching carrying strap for easy portability.
Link:
i-Fusion
Kensington SX 2000 Speakers for
iPod
PR: At home or in the office, the Kensington SX 2000
Speakers for iPod do something that other similar speakers can't.
Thanks to NXT's advanced SurfaceSoun flat panel speaker technology,
they deliver clearly superior bass and sound balance from both
sides of the unit. And unlike other similar speakers, they have the
power to crank up the volume without losing sound quality! About
Universal Dock: The Universal Dock provides a single, elegant way
to connect any iPod with dock connector to your iPod accessory.
iPod fits into the Universal Dock through the use of
interchangeable inserts called Dock Adapters. Available
mid-November. SX 2000 Speakers for iPod.
Features
- NXT SurfaceSound bi-directional loudspeaker technology delivers
remarkable sound from both the front and back of the speaker
unit.
- Produces superior frequency response (better highs and lows) at
higher volumes than similar speaker systems.
- Fits almost anywhere - Just 16.2" wide, 7.2" tall and only 3.9"
deep.
- Plays audio from other MP3 players, computers, etc.
- Recharges your iPod or iPod mini while playing
- Easy-access buttons control your iPod's power on/off and volume
up / down.
- "Made for iPod" design looks great with your iPod and in your
space.
System Requirements
Made for iPod and iPod mini. Also plays audio from iPod shuffle,
as well as any other audio source such as MP3 players or computers
through a standard 3.5mm headphone jack [cable not included].
SX 2000 Speakers for iPod are backed by the Kensington 1-Year
warranty.
Price: $159.99
Link: Kensington SX 2000
Speakers for iPod
High-end Headphone Amplifier for
iPod
PR:
Simpl Acoustics' Simpl A1 is a high-end audio component designed to
enhance the iPod experience. Simpl A1 provides the power necessary
to support the performance needs of high-end headphones. Using
Simpl A1 allows iPod to function at a lower volume setting which
ultimately increases iPod battery life. Simpl A1's high power
amplifier prevents the iPod's internal amplifier from clipping or
distorting.
- Audiophile-grade amplifier improves sound.
- Supports performance needs of high-end headphones.
- Extends life of iPod Battery.
- podGrip technology is compatible with all full-sized iPods (not
for use with iPod mini).
- Simpl A1 can be used to amplify any audio device with a stereo
mini jack connection.
The Simpl A1 has been reduced from $149 to $99.
Link: Simpl A1 High-end Audio Add-on
for iPod
Tetran Cable Winder for Earbud
Headphones
PR: Tetran is the fun cable winder for your favorite
iPod or MP3 player's earbud headphones. Just wind your cable around
Tetran's body and use Tetran's cute mouth as a holder for your
earbuds. The spikes keep Tetran from running away. There is a
removable ball-bearing style chain included for attaching Tetran to
your belt loop, cell phone strap, or key ring.
In addition to Tetran's functionality as a earbud cable winder,
Tetran can be used for a relaxation break. Squeeze Tetran in your
hand to relieve stress, or roll Tetran around on the floor for a
foot massage. Tetran's incredibly cute design is available in four
fun color variations: Pink, Green, Yellow, and Orange.
Link: TuneWear Tetran
Cable Winder for Your iPod's Earbud Headphones
Belkin TuneCast Auto for iPod Compatible
with nano and 5G iPod
PR: Belkin Corporation announces the compatibility of its
TuneCast Auto with iPod nano and 5G iPod, as well as with iPod 3G,
4G, and photo. The device allows you to listen to the music from
your iPod through your car's FM radio. Unlike other FM
transmitters, the TuneCast Auto powers and charges through your
car's cigarette lighter - eliminating the need to drain power from
the iPod itself. Its new design and ample features make for an
easy, convenient solution to listen to your iPod on the road. The
TuneCast Auto will be shipping in North America in late November
2005.
TuneCast Auto for iPod (F8V7101) - $59.99
The TuneCast Auto features two programmable memory slots, which
allow you to toggle between two channels. A blue, backlit LCD
provides for easy viewing day or night, and a VELCRO tie reduces
cable clutter in your car. And its included dock connector attaches
securely to your iPod. By simply plugging the TuneCast Auto into
the dock connector on your iPod and your car's cigarette-lighter
outlet, you can enjoy your iPod tunes on the go.
Benefits
- FM Transmitter: Transmits on FM channels 88.1 MHz - 107.9
MHz
- Channel Up/Down and Power: Scans in 1/10 MHz intervals
seamlessly
- Surface-Mount Clip: Holds your TuneCast Auto in place while you
drive
- LCD Display with Backlight: Shows FM frequency and battery
status
Link: Belkin
podguard: Invisible Protection for Your
iPod
PR: podguard has introduced a world-first, high-tech
invisible film to protect the iPod against scratches, marks and
fingerprints.
"The iPod
nano and iPod video look like becoming the most successful iPods
yet" said Matthew Bickham, podguard's CEO, "With the addition of
podguard, iPod owners can relax knowing that their iPod is
practically indestructible to damage."
podguard is a clear, thin film that is easily applied to the
iPod nano or iPod video to protect against scratches, marks and
fingerprints. Practically invisible when applied, podguard protects
an iPods surface, screen, and mirrored back while still providing
complete Click Wheel control and visibility of the color
screen.
"With the go-anywhere size of the iPod nano, many owners have
found scratches and marks an unfortunate side-effect; with podguard
they can use their iPod without resorting to bulky cases for
protection."
The most
seamless protective product available on the market, podguard is
practically invisible when applied to the iPod nano and can be
removed leaving no trace or damage to the products surface.
Key features include:
- Invisible when applied
- Includes film for both front and back protection - Provides
full Click Wheel control
- Screen coverage and protection
- Protects from marks, scratches and fingerprints - Removable
without leaving a trace
- Easy application
- Available for iPod video and iPod nano
podguard is available worldwide immediately for a retail price
of $17.95 (US), through the product website (www.podguard.com). All
purchases of podguard include free worldwide shipping and come with
a 60 day money-back guarantee.
Link: podguard
Belkin's New Cases Keep 5G iPod
Protected and Stylish
PR: Belkin has announced four new cases for the 5G iPod
that meet the various needs of the 5G iPod user. Designed to
reinforce Apple's latest iPod that displays video, Belkin's cases
specifically address various aspects of user functionality while
still maintaining a sleek-yet-simple aesthetic design. These cases
will be available in North America in early December.
Kickstand Case for 5G iPod (F8Z068) - $29.99
The Kickstand Case integrates a convenient stand display so
you can comfortably and easily watch video from your 5G iPod. Its
versatile, detachable carabiner clip lets you safely carry your
iPod anywhere. You have full access to your screen and click-wheel
through a durable, protective, plastic screen cover. The Kickstand
Case is constructed of fine-grain leather and is available in black
and in white.
Classic Case for 5G iPod (F8Z071) - $19.99
The Classic Case in black safeguards your iPod with a durable,
protective, plastic screen cover and a sturdy, double-stitched case
design in fine-grain leather construction. The screen cover also
lets you enjoy full access to your iPod and click-wheel. And, its
convenient, built-in belt clip helps manage your excess earbud
cables.
Holster Case for 5G iPod (F8Z074) - $19.99
The Holster Case, which comes in black and is constructed in
high-grade PVC, completely protects your iPod with a durable,
full-enclosed design. You can conveniently attach your iPod in
various positions with its built-in, rotating belt clip. The Case
features a detachable lanyard that makes carrying your iPod easy
and versatile.
Flip Case for 5G iPod (F8Z069) - $29.99
The Flip Case, available in black and in white, completely
protects your iPod with a sturdy design that fully envelops your
iPod. A durable, protective, plastic screen cover allows you to
enjoy full access to your iPod screen and click-wheel. Its
convenient, built-in belt clip helps manage your excess earbud
cables. The belt clip can also be used with an adhesive knob to
secure the iPod on the dashboard.
Link: Belkin
The DLO PodFolio Soft Leather Case for
the iPod
PR:
The Podfolio for iPod nano features full-frontal clear screen
protection, soft supple cushioned leather and flip-up cover The DLO
PodFolio is an elegant, soft leather case for the iPod nano and
provides padded protection for the scratch-prone nano glass finish.
The padded flip cover lets you keep the face of the nano covered
while it is stored or in use. The Podfolio for iPod nano has a
see-through front window that covers and protects the nano's
delicate surface. You don't have to remove your iPod nano from the
Podfolio in order to select your music or photos. The Podfolio for
iPod nano also features a discreet opening along its bottom to
connect headphones or earbuds.
It compliments the nano's polished complexion, but most of all,
the new Podfolio for nano protects the iPod nano's surface with
padded leather and a clear protector that covers the entire front
of the player.
Quick Facts
- Supple, soft, leather case protects your iPod nano from
scratches, nicks and dings
- Padded cover flips up to reveal complete see-through access to
all front controls and screen
- Clear front window preserves iPod nano's screen, click wheel
and front glass finish
- Connect headphones via discreet opening along the bottom of the
case
- Luxury enclosure compliments either the traditional white or
cool black iPod nano
PodFolio for iPod nano - $29.99
Link: The DLO PodFolio
Elegant, Soft Leather Case for the iPod
Speck ToughSkin for iPod Video
PR:
The ToughSkin ruggedized iPod cover provides rugged protection and
fashion for your 30/60 GB iPod video. Its one-of-a-kind design
customizes the popular rubberized skin for extreme lifestyles.
Includes ToughSkin, belt clip and screen protector.
Black ToughSkins are shipping. Clear ToughSkins will begin
shipping November 21.
Features:
- Fits both 30/60 GB iPod video
- Ruggedized bumpers provide ultimate protection
- Durable screen protector
- Removable belt clip
- Strong, tear resistant material
- Available in clear and black
Usage:
Insert belt clip nub if desired and rubber spacer for 30 gig
iPod if needed. Slip iPod video thru screen cutout. Stretch corners
around top of iPod. Insert screen protector rubbery edges down,
underneath the edges of the screen cutout. Clip on belt clip, plug
in headphones and turn on your tunes!
Price: $34.95
Link: Speck ToughSkin
for iPod Video
Belkin Adds Two New Stylish Cases for
iPod nano
Belkin announces two new
additions to its case lineup for iPod nano. The Classic Case and
Holster Case both keep with the nano's minimalist industrial design
approach while still offering various aspects of user
functionality. These cases will be available in North America in
early December.
Classic Case for iPod nano (F8Z070) - $24.99
The Classic Case in black safeguards your nano with a durable,
protective, plastic screen cover and a sturdy, double-stitched case
design in fine-grain leather construction. The screen cover also
lets you enjoy full access to your iPod and click-wheel. And, its
convenient, built-in belt clip helps manage your excess earbud
cables.
Holster Case for iPod nano (F8Z073) - $24.99
The Holster Case, which comes in black and is constructed in
high-grade PVC, completely protects your nano with a durable,
full-enclosed design. You can conveniently attach your iPod in
various positions with its built-in, rotating belt clip. The Case
features a detachable lanyard that makes carrying your iPod easy
and versatile
Link: Belkin
Software
The Human Brain on the iPod
PR: SylviusVG, iPod edition - a visual glossary of
the human brain and spinal cord, combines audio (mp3 files), visual
(album art) and text (notes) content into a pedagogically-sound
learning tool for the iPod, containing over 400 structures and
terms.
This isn't just a publisher sticking a bunch of photos on a
photo iPod or text notes under extras and calling it a book - it's
a hybrid approach that uses the iPod's pedigree as a music player
to become a truly useful visual study guide.
It is currently in use at Duke University.
Link: The Human
Brain on the iPod
iRocker Guitar Companion for iPod
PR: iRocker is the perfect guitar companion for beginner
guitar players and pros alike. Designed specifically for iPod,
iRocker comes packed with essential guitar skill-building tools:
Guitar Tuner, Virtual Chordbook, Metronome, and Riffs! Have an
amazing musician's tool at your fingertips anywhere you bring your
iPod.
Tune Perfectly
Guitar tuner offers crystal clear recordings of a perfectly
tuned guitar. Hear a perfect E and tune the E string of your
guitar, and so on, all without carrying around a pitch pipe or
tuner. For the pros, iRocker offers a variety of different tuning
methods: Standard, Drop D, Half-Step Down, and many more.
Chords! Chords! Chords!
The Virtual Chordbook displays chord diagrams on the iPod
screen, showing the correct fingering for each chord. You can also
pop in your earbuds and listen to chords as you work on your
instrument. Virtual Chordbook offers over 30 essential chords,
major and minor, to start writing your own songs and learning your
favorites.
You've Got Rhythm
iRocker's Metronome ticks off at 10 different speeds, keeping
you in perfect timing with every song you strum.
Jam Session
Riffs lets you play along with 5 different chord progressions.
Rock an incredible solo over the blues and rock riffs. Jam anytime,
even without a band. All you need is your iPod to rock on!
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.2 or later OR Windows 2000 or XP
- iPod with dock connector on the bottom (including the iPod
nano, iPod mini and the Click Wheel iPod).
- NOT compatible with the iPod shuffle, or any iPod that was
purchased before May 2003. This includes any iPod that has a wheel
that physically moves or a direct FireWire connection on the
top.
- 50 MB free space on the iPod
- iTunes (version 4.7 or later required)
Price: $19.95
Link: iRocker Guitar Companion
for iPod
iPodder Squeezed, Becomes Juice
PR: Want to listen to Internet audio programs but can't
when they are scheduled? This program lets you create your own
custom online audio anytime, anywhere. Really.
Juice (formerly known as iPodder) is a media aggregator which
automatically downloads podcasts to your computer or portable
device based on a RSS feed, leaving you 'one-click-away' from
latest media feeds. The whole process is done on it's own, so you
don't have to select files, search for them or click links to
download the media. All you do is specify some feeds and wait to
get yourself the podcasts. All you have to do is decide what your
going to listen.
Why should I squeeze Juice?
- Juice is free
- Juice supports more than 15 languages
- Juice supports multiple media players
- Juice is free software licensed under the GPL (open
source)
- Juice's primary purpose is to manage podcasts
- Juice has a built-in directory with thousands of listed podcast
feeds
- Juice auto cleanup, authentication, centralized feed management
and much more
- Juice is accessible for blind and visually impaired users
- Juice is fresh!
Features:
- Juice for the Mac and Windows platform (and soon, Linux)
- Graphical user interface and tray icon
- Scheduler inside to setup recursive and timed downloads
- Progress bar inside
- BitTorrent support
- iTunes/Mediaplayer integration
- Downloads are automatically divided by folders
- Playlists ordered by Feed
- Application memorizes the history to prevent double
downloads
- Half downloads will be restarted in new session
- Automatic placing of content on your iPod (Mac only)
- Standalone application (no extra applications needed)
- Easy to use
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.2 or later.
Juice Receiver is free software licensed under the GPL.
Link: Juice
iPodDisk: A Free Utility to Copy 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.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.4 or later.
iPodDisk is freeware.
Link: iPodDisk
Video2Pod Converts Movies to iPod Video
Format
PR: The new iPod of the fifth generation allows you to
store and, of course, play back up to 150 hours of video material
with a screen resolution of 320 pixels wide by 240 pixels high.
Video2Pod was especially devised for the optimal conversion of a
movie to this size.
At startup, Video2Pod shows you a list of all movies stored
inside the Movie folder within the Users folder. The program
recognizes all movies compatible with QuickTime. Just double click
onto any movie, and it is played in a new window. Once you have
decided to convert a movie to your iPod, simply select the
particular movie you wish to convert, and start the conversion
process. You have the option of directly loading the movie into the
iTunes movie library or simply save it onto your hard drive.
The iPod Video can play two video formats: MPEG-4 and MPEG-4
H.264. While the latter does achieve a better quality, the
conversion process with H.264 takes a little longer.
The settings also allow you to influence size and quality of the
movie you are converting.
New in version 1.0.3:
- While loading the thumbnails placeholders are displayed
- The video preview windows shows the resolution and length of
the video
- Problems with minimizing solved
- Minor problems solved
System requirements:
- Apple Macintosh
- Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later
- QuickTime 7.0.3
- iTunes 6.0.1
- iPod 5g (Video iPod, 30 GB or 60 GB)iPod Video
$10 Demoware
Link:Video2Pod
DVD Copy 4 Makes File Conversion for
Portable Video Players Fast, Easy
PR: InterVideo Inc. responded to the current lack of
content for portable video players today by announcing that its
award-winning DVD Copy 4 software can be used to convert
unencrypted(1) videos for high-quality playback on portable devices
such as the iPod, Memory Sticks and mobile phones. Widely
recognized as one of the industry's easiest and most comprehensive
copy and DVD burning applications, DVD Copy 4 combines all of the
tools users need for video duplication, conversion and reproduction
in a single, affordably priced solution.
With simplified copy, conversion and burning capabilities, DVD
Copy 4 is ideal for consumers who want a fast, easy way to protect
and share their personal CDs, DVDs, video, music, photo and data
files as well as road warriors, mass-transit commuters, and others
who want to enjoy their multimedia files while on-the-go.
"Personal video players are the next step in the evolution of
portable entertainment," said Steve Ro, CEO and President of
InterVideo. "But people are discovering that they can't play most
of the downloaded video clips and home videos they've accumulated
over the years without converting them. With the latest version of
DVD Copy, we've made the conversion process so simple, even a
novice can do it. And by combining conversion and copying
capabilities in a single solution, we're giving consumers a growth
path to the future. They can use the software now to make identical
duplicates of their personal videos in just three steps. Then, when
they purchase one of the new portable video players, they can use
the same software to convert their videos to the format required by
their device."
Equipped with a fresh, new intuitive wizard-like user interface,
consumers can quickly convert files on their hard drive into a DVD
formatted disc, the DivX format, the new iPod's native format, or
the 3GPP/3GP2 format for mobile phones. DVD Copy 4 also supports
the Sony PSP Video Format, enabling movie enthusiasts to copy their
favorite video clips to Sony memory sticks and play them back in
the popular Sony PSP video console.
For the three-step copying process, users simply select the
source, the drive destination and the video output format. Files
can be copied as a DVD, DVD Image, Video CD, Super Video CD, WMV,
DivX Avi, 3GPP or 3GPP2, MP3, MP4 (PSP) or WMA file. The software's
powerful Autofit feature automatically determines how much
compression is needed to produce the best-looking results for the
output selected.
DVD Copy 4 is also equipped with advanced customization
capabilities that enable more experienced users to personalize
their DVD/VCD content to suit their individual viewing habits and
available space. With these capabilities, they can remove unwanted
subtitles, languages, titles and chapters, or even merge titles
from several different DVDs/VCDs onto a single disc.
InterVideo DVD Copy 4 is available now at InterVideo's website
and Japan retail outlets. It will be available through leading US
retail outlets including Best Buy, CompUSA, Fry's
Electronics, and Microcenter within the next few weeks. Compatible
with Windows 2000 and XP
Link: DVD Copy 4
Makes File Conversion for Portable Video Players Fast,
Easy
YamiPod iPod Manager
PR: YamiPod is a freeware application to efficiently
manage your iPod under Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux. It can
be run directly from your iPod and needs no installation.
It also has extra features such as lyrics support (with web
search), RSS news and podcast support, remove duplicates, easy
notes editor (with multipage support), songs synchronization,
playlists export and much more.
Here's a brief description of the features in YamiPod:
- stand alone program, no installation required
- iPod is automatically recognized
- mp3 and AAC files can be copied to/from iPod
- read/write access to mp3 ID3 and AAC infos
- lyrics support (with Internet auto search and Unicode
support)
- playlist support (On-The-Go included)
- playlists import (PLS,M3U)
- playlists export (PLS,M3U)
- full Unicode support
- auto-download new versions
- advanced song import/export settings
- 2 restore features
- built in music player
- iPod informations
- 2 search features
- remove duplicated tracks
- find lost music files
- easy ratings edit
- PC to iPod synchronization
- create and edit notes (with Unicode support)
- automatically update song playcounts
- News RSS and podcasts to iPod upload
- Growl support (Apple only)
- export song lists to HTML or plain text files
- multiple iPods support
- Audioscrobbler support
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.2 or later.
YamiPod is free.
Link: YamiPod
iPod Deals
For current iPod prices from a variety of sources, see our
Best iPod Deals.
