Date Archive > May 2005
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May 27, 2005
Apple knowledge base: Watching videos in iTunes 4.8
This week I was adding some music videos that I had stored on my hard drive into iTunes and I ran across a problem with one of them. I went to the Apple support site to verify the file types of the video files that iTunes can handle (QuickTime .mov and MPEG-4 .mp4) and I found this document, iTunes 4.8: Watching videos, in their knowledge base and it was helpful. As the title would suggest, the article is a nice overview of video in iTunes and it's a good resource to answer some basic questions.
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iGuy: I stand, therefore I am
Category: Culture | Comments (1)
AppleInsider: the iPod shuffle to get more muscle?
AppleInsider says, "Samsung Electronics and Toshiba are aggressively planning to ramp up their output of 8Gbit NAND flash chips in preparation for the new Apple-branded players, says the report by DigiTimes." They go on to state, "Rumors of a new iPod using 2GB flash memory have been steady over the past two months."
Doubting the veracity of 2GB and 4GB shuffle models is done easily enough. What would be the new price points? To me, a lot of the appeal of the shuffle model is its low price. What would Apple do with the mini model then? Seems like they shouldn't have two models with the same storage capacity. What I think we can glean from this report though, is that Apple does seem have some changes on the way.
I've read recently that flash memory technology is going to take off in the coming years and that we can expect to see dramatically increased storage capacities. So it's a given that Apple could up the shuffle's muscle. But where a huge amount of data storage is appropriate for the standard iPod, I don't really think it's keeping with the spirit of the shuffle. I'd be quite happy with a 1GB shuffle (mine is a 512MB model), as I think that's plenty of music to shuffle to. If you've got more music on it than that, I'd want to access it with a screen and with the standard iPod interface.
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May 26, 2005
iShop: No longer will you be clueless in the grocery store
Although I'm really tempted, I've never listened to my iPod while shopping in the grocery store. Most times, there's just too much stuff going on around you that you want to be aware of. That, plus I think that I scare people when I recite along with Jim Morrison the spoken word section of The Doors' The End really loudly (you know, "The killer awoke before dawn...")
With the use of little mp3 files you add to your iTunes library and then sync to the iPod, Silvanti Entertainment can help you can create grocery lists. Add each "song" (item) to the on-the-go playlist and then you can reference the items while wondering around in the store. They've premade over 300 foodstuffs, but I would imagine that it would easy enough to create more or change the pre-installed ones.
Related:
iPod-TV: Television listings on your iPod
Wirus podType: Type on your iPod, sort of
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
wiPod: Use Your iPod as a Wi-Fi Locator
Via: TUAW
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Speck Products iGuy, Stretch Armstrong for the iPod Generation
What do you get when you behead and disembowel a Stretch Armstrong doll, then paint him white? Well, Speck Products' new iGuy, of course. Announced today, it is so wacky and completely over-the-top that you can't help but think it's cool. He It sells for $35 and is available now. So, go ahead and take out your frustrations on this little anthropomorphic Oompa Loompa, just remember that your iPod is in there.
By the way, I never thought that I'd include the words "behead and disembowel" in an iPoditude post.
Update: Collin over at MethodShop writes, "if the Pillsbury Dough Boy and Stay Puft had a kid." ...shudder...
Category: Cases | Comments (0)
May 25, 2005
My iTunes star rating system explained, or, live music is where it’s at man.
I like live music a lot. Studio recordings are great in that you sometimes get really good sound quality and production, and if those elements are mastered correctly, they can make even mediocre music enjoyable to listen to. But it is playing live that gives the performers a chance to shine and show their merit as a musician and entertainer. I like it when a band adds something to their live songs - change the intro, a different solo in the middle, even different lyrics - are all welcome changes to spice things up. The live experience of sharing the music between audience and performer is really what it's all about. There is a power and a feeling of reunion that comes from this experience when it's done right.
The star rating system in iTunes is really useful. I've read all sorts of unique applications of it, but I've developed a somewhat original method to rate tracks sourced from a live recording (versus studio recording) that some may find useful. Click through for the explanation.
Continue reading "My iTunes star rating system explained, or, live music is where it’s at man."
Category: iTunes | Comments (1)
May 24, 2005
New Micro line of HeadRoom headphone amplifier and DAC
HeadRoom has announced a new Micro Line of aural goodies. They offer two models in the line so far, the HeadRoom Micro Amp and the HeadRoom Micro DAC, both list for $299. HeadRoom states, "The Micro line is the perfect balance between being small, conservative with battery power, and liberal with head-pleasingly good sound." These new devices use 1/8" connection jacks, and feature aluminum enclosures with urethane bezels. There is no question about it, I absolutely need one of these.
Via ipodstudio
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Apple earbuds: Why I like them (and no, I’m not deaf)
You don't have to travel far on the Internets to find criticism of the Apple earbud-style earphones included with every iPod. It is an almost unanimously held opinion that for any discerning listener and lover of music, they fall short of giving you sonic nirvana. I won't disagree with that.
It shouldn't surprise you though, that the "free" earphones you got with the iPod aren't the rockinest. Ever since I saved my allowance and bought my first Sony Walkman cassette player, every pair of packed-in earphones I ever got sucked. "Price-points", shared economics, back room deals, plus some other terms that I don't understand are probably to blame for this almost-universal decision by consumer electronics companies to skimp on the earphones. But you don't hear companies like Etymotic, Shure, or Sennheiser complaining, do you?
I like the Apple earbuds despite their shortcomings because their sonic faults are mostly subtractive in nature. They lack treble, they cut off the bottom end. But they don't add anything except for a little harshness in the upper mid range and lower treble. This makes them easy to live with. Sure, when I listen with them I find myself wondering what that recording would sound like with my Ety's, or Grado's, but I can forgive their sins. By the way, I do think they sound better with the foam pads on. In addition, and in typical Apple fashion, they look nice and they're well made. The cable is flexible and durable, and they're really comfortable and easy to put in and take out of your ears.
They may not produce the most beautiful sound waves to ever grace my canals, but everybody has their faults, and at least these are easy to forgive.
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Site updates
Hey, I made some changes to the site yesterday and I've got a few more in the works. Although I liked the way it looked before, I think the type is a lot more readable now. If you've got an opinion or a suggestion, I'd be glad to hear it. Leave it the comments of this post or use the contact form to email me.
Thanks,
David
Editor
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May 23, 2005
Retrospective “The god of iPod” a good read
Australia's The Age has published a rather lengthy article that examines the history of Steve Jobs, iTunes, and the iPod. It is not quite clear if it is an excerpt of the forthcoming book iCon, but it is definitely not the text excerpt that ran on Wired magazine's site a couple of weeks ago (see Steve Jobs Buys a Washing Machine). Anyhoo, it's a good read in that it provides plenty of technical details and yet gives you with an insight into the cultural influences and thought process of The Steveness.
Read The god of iPod at The Age.
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May 20, 2005
Weekend reading
I'll be watching the Formula 1 Monaco Gran Prix this weekend, but if you're looking for something iPod related:
- iTMVS and flash iPods: AppleInsider reports a bunch of interesting speculation including the feasibility of an iTunes Music Video Store (really not a bad idea), and of higher-capacity, more feature-rich flash memory iPods. Read Briefly: flash iPods, iTMVS?, Jobs' N2N, Hon Hai, more...
- Renew those free Pepsi songs: MethodShop.com reminds us that you must renew those free songs from Pepsi bottles by May 23rd.
- iPod your ride: Apple has posted the iPod In Your Car page that contains information on car manufacturers that currently include iPod integration and includes links to manufacturers of iPod/auto integration systems.
- AppleScript Hero Strikes Again: Doug, every iTunes-using mac-owner's AppleScript hero, has released a set of Automator actions.
- iPods make history, literally: Following the success of his last iPod-as-food contest, Mike Davidson is holding a "Great iPods in History" contest. Again with this contest there are a number of really excellent entries, but unlike last time there are some duds too.
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The week in iPod cases
Lots o' new cases this week (should probably credit iPodlounge for finding most of these):
- Burning Love USA: New pouches in different colors and fabrics. I like these a lot. Burning Love USA
- IpodStyles: They're selling a line of iPod pouches (they call them sleeves) very similar to the aforementioned Burning Love products. Big selection of colors and designs. They look nice.
- Incase Designs: They've introduced simple neoprene sleeves for the iPod shuffle. They feature a silk screened pictograph of the shuffle's controls on the outside of the case, which although I'm sure it's useful, looks kinda funny and makes me chuckle. Nothing on the Incase web site about them, but iPodlounge has lots of pictures.
- Tunewear: They've got a new aluminum sleeve for iPod shuffle. There is a big, hooked clip on the back that looks pretty serious. The pretty silver colored aluminum is strong and light. I like this a lot, but judging by the pictures it looks like it might not protect the shuffle's corners. See aluminum clipwear.
- Booqbag: They've introduced the most menacing sounding of iPod cases yet seen, the Venom for regular iPod and iPod mini. Coddle your iPod baby in suede and leather. Not too expensive either ($30 and $45).
Check out my review of the Moshi iPouch if you missed it earlier this week. Now I've taken to just carrying the iPouch in my WaterField gear bag, even when my iPod is not in it, so I can use it to clean my iPods and sunglasses if necessary. Gotta love it.
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Peter Kinne wooden iPod case
I'll say it again that I'm a fan of iPod accessories made of natural materials. Wool, felt, wood... they're comforting, attractive, and durable. Well, Peter Kinne Design produces a unique wooden case for the iPod mini. It's made from about 50% recycled materials, "wood from old hot tubs and tables, and stainless steel from salvaged bikes," features a "positive-lock closing system" and sells for $39.00. He's working on a case for the 4G iPod as well.
Judging from the picture, it makes the iPod mini look a bit dorky, but I still like the case.
via BoingBoing
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Again with the PodGear: FirePower World Tour
PodGear just announced their new product of the week (I tell ya, these guys must employ a whole team of Oompa-Loompas to keep cranking out all of these new products). The FirePower World Tour is an AC charger with international plug adapters to charge your iPod. Specifically, the charger can accommodate 110–240 volts and the adapters are designed to work with UK, US, European and Australian electrified wall holes, which is my highly caffeinated way of saying electrical outlets. MSRP is £19.99 and it's available now. Circumnavigate the world without worry that your iPod will run out of charge, now that's a load off.
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May 19, 2005
Flickr Feature
The image reads, "15,000 Songs To Make White People Dance Like This" at sirgeoph's photostream on Flickr. From the funny looking chin (I hope that's a beard), to the jaggedy line of the white earphone cable (looks like the artist had a little too much coffee), I'm about to bust a seam.
Category: Culture | Comments (1)
