Date Archive > June 2005

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June 30, 2005

T3 says 2GB and 4GB iPod shuffles, plus 8GB iPod mini coming for sure

T3 reports that a reliable source tells them that the rumored larger capacity shuffles are on their way. The article states, "According to our lead both the 2GB and 4GB shuffles are definitely set for release." What's more, T3 goes on to say that a new 8GB iPod mini is in the works and that Apple will keep only the 6GB version for sale alongside it.

Well, this makes sense from a product positioning standpoint. The rumored larger capacity shuffles would necessitate the need to pump up the capacity of the mini models, in my opinion. Suddenly, my 512MB shuffle seems so wimpy.

Category: News | Comments (2)

Today’s reading

Stuff I'm reading today:

- Editorial: Apple's Porno Podcasts, Explicit and Unlabeled by Kirk McElhearn at iPodlounge: I'm totally against censorship and completely for Kirk's idea. I have to think Apple will start to tag these 'explicit'.

- Shuffling at Daring Fireball: I've said it before, and I'll say it again, excellent blog. But that first line sounds familiar...

- Existing Motorola handsets talking to iTunes 4.9 at AppleInsider: How cool is this? The interface is pretty much what I had in mind. Exciting. I hope this works out for Apple. I think it can be a compliment to iTunes/iPod, but it won't be a replacement.

Category: News | Comments (0)

June 29, 2005

New Apple knowledge base articles: all about the podcast

Today Apple posted four new knowledge base articles that contain information about the new podcast features of the iPod and iTunes. The articles are:

- iPod: Doesn't display a Podcasts menu or has two Podcasts menus

- iPod: About screen may include podcasts in the total number of songs.

- iPod: Previous and Next buttons now go to chapters in an audiobook or podcast

- iPod shuffle: Playing audio books and podcasts

Timely updates for one of the best knowledge bases and support sites out there.

Update: They added another one today: Podcasting Frequently Asked Questions

Category: Resources | Comments (1)

Pixelgirl’s monsters for iPod mini

I think that I'm sensing the beginning of a trend here, or at least I hope so; this is the second "scary monster" iPod case that I've posted about in as many weeks (first one here). This one from the Pixelgirlshop and created by artist Marty Flint, will scare all of the 2-year olds in your neighborhood with it's fuzzy synthetic fur and big, long, sharp vinyl teeth (not really sharp, just vinyl). It's a flap-style pouch with a Velcro closure and the face - I mean the scary, mean face with the gaping mouth ready to eat small iPods - is on the back of the pouch. There are holes for the sync cable, Click Wheel, and headphone cable and a clear vinyl window covers the display. It's available in light green right now, the photos also depict a pink one, and it sells for $30. There is also a taller version designed to hold a mini and iTrip combination.

Via iPodlounge

Category: Cases | Comments (0)

iPoditude Review: Big iPod shuffle case roundup

I've assembled 10 different cases for the iPod shuffle and I've lived to tell you about it. This one was a lot of fun to do, and I'm impressed by these products, there is not a dud in the lot of them.

I thought that now would be a good time to perform a product review like this, since many of the big iPod accessory companies have debuted at least one case for the iPod shuffle. I was also thinking that a group roundup format would provide information about each case in an interesting and digestible manner. But, what do I know?

Click through for the full review.

iPoditude's iPod shuffle case roundup test: Look at all the cases!

Continue reading "iPoditude Review: Big iPod shuffle case roundup"

Category: Reviews | Comments (13)

June 28, 2005

New Coach Zebra iPod mini case: It’s hairy

Coach, puveyours of fine quality cow skin the world over, have debuted a new iPod mini case. The Zebra case (not made of real zebras) features a 12” strap with dogleash clip, a belt clip, and windows for the display and Click Wheel. It comes in black and white (of course) and sells for $98. It's really quite nice looking and I'm sure it's very functional as well, but that type of leather that still has the hair attached just freaks me out.

via iPodlounge

Category: Cases | Comments (0)

Site news

And if all of this talk about new iPods and iTunes software isn't enough for today, I wanted to tell you about some upcoming plans for iPoditude. I've got two exciting product reviews coming up. They are group "roundup" tests, the first highlights iPod shuffle cases and the second is for all of the hybrid lanyards/clips/key chains that are out there now. Each test comprises multiple products from multiple manufacturers and I'm hopeful that this group review format will prove to be valuable to people. If so, I can conduct more of them in the future. Look for the iPod shuffle case roundup tomorrow, and the other one later this week.

The second thing I've got to say is after these roundup tests iPoditude will be holding some product giveaways. I've got some good stuff from companies such as Speck Products, PodsPlus, itzkitz, and Vaja to give away.

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The new iTunes v4.9 reveals ‘iPhone’ references

It didn't take long for code sleuths to uncover references to the long awaited iTunes phone in the new iTunes software version released this morning.

TMO reports that these settings are embedded:

Among other instructions include, "iTunes will automatically fill your mobile phone with a random selection of songs from your library. You may fill your mobile phone with a different selection of songs by pressing Autofill in the mobile phone playlist."

In a related post today, AppleInsider reports that Cingular might carry the new 'iPhone' in the US and that Motorola might reveal it (again, again) as early as next week.

Category: News | Comments (0)

More info at Apple

If you're interested, I've found some more information about iTunes' podcasting support at the Apple web site that you might look at:

- "3,000 podcasts. One place."

- "Podcasting. The next generation of radio."

- "Your favorite shows, to go."

Category: News | Comments (0)

iTunes v4.9 is here: The Podcast revolution officially starts… NOW

This morning, Apple Computer said, "iTunes 4.9 with Podcasting is here" and have released iTunes v4.9 with automated Podcast support. Steve Jobs is quoted as saying, "Podcasting is the next generation of radio, and users can now subscribe to over 3,000 free Podcasts and have each new episode automatically delivered over the Internet to their computer and iPod."

Apple has made available podcasts for such well known sources as Adam Curry, BBC, The Dawn and Drew Show, ESPN, Newsweek, and select NPR member stations. There is also a new link in the iTunes store to upload your own podcast. iTunes v4.9 is available for both Mac and Windows and the download is free. Get it via the Software Update function in Mac OS X or at apple.com/itunes.

Category: News, iTunes | Comments (1)

Other iPod model changes

Along with the new version of iTunes and the changes to the regular iPod model line up, Apple has made some other changes to its product line that are significant.

- The U2 edition gets a color screen, a price drop to $329, and full support for photo display.

- The 1GB iPod shuffle gets a price drop to $129. That prices it just 30% above the 512MB model and would make me choose it over the smaller one.

- All Click Wheel iPods (including minis) get a software update to enable a new Podcast menu. Go here for the iPod update.

Category: News | Comments (0)

“iPod photo” is dead, long live iPod!

Apple today has announced that all full size iPods are now equipped with a color screen and the ability to store and display photos. The iPod photo moniker will no longer be used. Starting now, Apple is selling two iPod models, a 20GB for $299 and the big'un 60GB for $399.

A welcome update! These changes will probably suprise no one, but it's good to see, nonetheless. Another solid incremental update to the iPod product line.

Category: News | Comments (0)

June 27, 2005

It’s a case! It’s a purse! It’s iPouch!

iPouches are stylish, flap-style iPod cases that, to me, when combined with the long strap, look a lot like a little purse. iPouches feature windows for the iPod's display and clickwheel, a small pocket on the inside of the flap for stowing your earphones, and a Velcro closure. Each happy little iPouch comes with an adjustable, removable strap and a carabiner. I'm going to quote the web site here because it just gets way too complicated, most iPouches are made of, "80% PVC Expanded, 20% Knit Back Fabric (Knit Back Fabric: 65% Polyester & 35% Cotton)." The Katya Line, with Swarovski gem accents, run $25 and the other iPouches sans-sparkles are $20. They've got iPouches in the works for iPod mini models as well.

Thanks Jon

Category: Cases | Comments (0)

June 24, 2005

Flickr Feature

Not only does Kyle Jones has an impressive collection of iPods and Pixar figurines (Mike Wazowski!), but he's noticed something very interesting about the colors all of these kool toys - they match. Exactly. Coincidence? I wouldn't be surprised if it was part of Steve Jobs' master plan. (I'm just assuming here that everyone knows Steve Jobs runs both Apple and Pixar, and if you didn't know that before, maybe this post makes more sense to you now.)