The iPod Blog
http://www.ipod-newsdesk.com/blog/
iPod Newsen2008-01-21T17:22:25-08:00Reminder, 10% off new iPods with
http://www.ipod-newsdesk.com/blog/ipod-accessories/ipod-photo/reminder-10-off-new-ipods-with.html
Filed under: iPod Family, Deals If you're shopping for a new iPod this week, Daniel Jalkut at Red Sweater reminded us that you can get a 10% discount on a new iPod any day at your local Apple Store if you do one simple thing: bring in an old iPod to trade in. The program's been around since 2005, but it's always worth another mention. There are plenty of other options for recycling an old iPod, including some that will give you credit -- check them out. Rumor has it that some retail outlets are discounting iPods as well... Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>iPod PhotoJim2008-01-21T17:22:25-08:00News: ezGear announces new iPod
http://www.ipod-newsdesk.com/blog/ipod-accessories/ipod-speakers/news-ezgear-announces-new-ipod.html
EzGear has announced several new iPod accessories, including two new alarm clocks, a new speaker system, and a new line of armbands for both the iPod and iPhone. The ezWake WK3 iPod Alarm Clock is a small, iPhone-compatible alarm clock that uses audio components similar to those used in the company s larger units. It will be available in March for $50. The ezGear XL90 Sound Bar speaker system for iPod incorporates seven speakers two
]]>iPod SpeakersGuido2008-01-21T17:20:49-08:00iPoll: How many iPods have you
http://www.ipod-newsdesk.com/blog/ipod-accessories/ipod-software/ipoll-how-many-ipods-have-you.html
Since Macworld 2008 didn't announce any new iPods, I thought this would be a good time to survey iPod owners. Are you on your first, second, third, or fourth iPod? Apple has sold more than 100 million of the little buggers, so I'm a little curious about how ...
]]>iPod SoftwareRyan2008-01-21T16:49:25-08:00Designer Macworld Part 3:
http://www.ipod-newsdesk.com/blog/ipod-accessories/ipod-mini/designer-macworld-part-3.html
OmniGroup is one of my favorite Mac application developers. They make slightly niche, slightly quirky, but always very well-crafted and innovative applications that take full advantage of the technologies built into the OS. Omni were showing off their new OmniFocus application, for those who are fans of the GTD approach ...
]]>iPod MiniSean2008-01-21T14:56:31-08:00Nearly Identical Fake iPod [Portable Media]
http://www.ipod-newsdesk.com/blog/ipod-accessories/ipod-headphones/nearly-identical-fake-ipod-portable-media.html
Cunning and clever iPod knockoffs are popping up across the globe. This one specifically was seen in Istanbul. Look at how well those geniuses crafted this'"they even labeled it as an iPod and use the proper lowercase i. I could hardly tell a difference, but the only way I knew it was a fake was because it featured an FM tuner and everyone knows Apple is too cool to use FM tuners in their MP3 players. They use magic fairy dust! Fake iPod spotted by reader [The Inquirer]
]]>iPod HeadphonesJoe2008-01-21T14:33:55-08:00Editorial - Toshiba's Price Slash of HD DVD Players Bad for
http://www.ipod-newsdesk.com/blog/ipod-accessories/ipod-batteries/editorial-toshibas-price-slash-of-hd-dvd-players-bad-for.html
In the aftermath of Warner's selection of Blu-ray over HD DVD, Toshiba is reeling from the decision and is slashing prices of its HD DVD players. However, gaining market share isn't what they're after.
]]>iPod BatteriesJason2008-01-21T13:25:03-08:00Gaming: iPhone Finger
http://www.ipod-newsdesk.com/blog/ipod-accessories/free-ipod/gaming-iphone-finger.html
Filed under: Gaming, iPod Family, iPhone TUAW reader Alex Cahiz pointed us to this New Creatives page showing a design for Van's Finger Fracture for iPhone and iPod touch. It's hard to tell how close this design is to being a reality -- whether it's just a concept design or whether there will be a real product. I couldn't find any further details at the Vans website but if it is for reals, it looks like it would rock. According to the writeup, the game uses the touch screen to steer your skateboard and allow you to pick various equipment to perform tricks and earn points. It's unclear whether the accelerometer would be used as well. To read more as well as to see other screen designs, pop over to the New Creatives website. [Via NotCot] Readers suggest that these are lifted screen shots--so we're going to go with either "Concept Design" or "Internet Hoax" for now. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>Free iPodJim2008-01-21T12:10:41-08:00iTunes 24-Hour Movie Rental Limit Hacked, then
http://www.ipod-newsdesk.com/blog/ipod-accessories/free-ipod/itunes-24-hour-movie-rental-limit-hacked-then.html
The 24-hour limit on watching Apple's new iTunes movie rentals was briefly hackable. Gizmodo reported early Thursday that simply playing with your system time -- either setting it forward before watching a movie, or backward after watching a movie -- confused iTunes and allowed effectively unlimited watching time for your movies. In a follow up report, the site noted that Apple has now disabled that workaround, restoring the company's 24 hour time limit on watching movies.
]]>Free iPodPeter2008-01-21T11:54:03-08:00Will iTunes rentals play on a 5G iPod?
http://www.ipod-newsdesk.com/blog/ipod-accessories/ipod-speakers/will-itunes-rentals-play-on-a-5g-ipod.html
Filed under: Macworld, iPod Family, iTS, iTunes, Bad Apple The long-rumored iTunes rental service is finally up and running. For many users, the most attractive part of the service (and certainly the only part that really sets it apart from any of the other online rental options) is the ability to transfer your rental to an iPod, iPhone/iPod Touch, or third-generation Nano for playback on the go. Actually, let me rephrase that: your iPod Classic, iPhone/iPod Touch or third-generation Nano. That's right boys and girls -- if you are one of the millions who have 5 and 5.5G iPods with video, no iTunes rentals for you. I suppose that's one way to get people to upgrade. There was an explosion of applause during yesterday's keynote when Steve Jobs announced rental compatibility with every iPod. Something tells me that if it had been understood that it only included every current generation iPod, the response might have been more akin to the boos that erupted when it was announced that the iPod Touch software update is $20. Update: Evidently, Steve did say "current generation iPods" - in any event, it was not made clear that 5/5.5G iPods would not be compatible. I mean, I for one was not expecting the message below when trying to test out this whole Rentals scheme: So, why are previous generation iPods incompatible with iTunes Rentals? Pure speculation leads me to believe that the whole authentication-chip for TV-out "update" to the Classic is at the root of the incompatibility. I guess it would just be too much of a risk for Apple (and the movie studios) to allow 5G customers connect their iPods to a TV via an open TV-out cable so that the SD content could then be captured using the analog hole. Because really, circumventing the iPod rental system using TV-out is how people really want to pirate digital media. Not through BitTorrent or breaking the actual iTunes copy protection. No, individuals are going to capture the analog signal from the TV out on their iPod and then convert that back into digital, all for sub-DVD quality movies. Makes perfect sense. (Not.) Well, at least I now have an actual reason to look at buying an iPod Classic aside from capacity. Still, this and the lack of Front Row rental access is not really doing the best job of convincing me that iTunes rentals have a place in my digital life. Update: As some of the comments have pointed out, the reports about the iPod Classic's only working with certified Apple TV-out cables might be untrue. I don't have an iPod Classic so I can't verify it one way or another. Again, that was just pure speculation on my part for some logical reason for 5/5.5 G incompatibility. Update 2: After looking at iLounge's dissection of the AV cable, I feel confident that an authentication chip is infact required for the new models. If this is related to the iTunes rentals remains unknown. Other comments have raised the question of the quality of the rentals being too high for the 5G iPod. This I can unequivocally state is NOT true. As a test, I went ahead and bought "Chuck & Buck" from iTMS. Not only was the file size identical (1.06 GB), iTunes itself saw no difference between buying the movie and renting it. I was able to transfer the newly purchased copy of the film to my iPod with absolutely no problem. This is NOT a matter of hardware not being capable, it is a decision for whatever reason, not to update the software on older generation devices to work with the new rental system. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>iPod SpeakersPerry2008-01-21T10:23:59-08:00Free on iTunes - Termination, Artists, Exquisite Corpse and
http://www.ipod-newsdesk.com/blog/ipod-accessories/ipod-cables/free-on-itunes-termination-artists-exquisite-corpse-and.html
If you're looking for free stuff that has nothing to do with Macworld then you've come to the right place. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, The Artist Den, Exquisite Corpse...Oh, OK, and Steve Jobs' keynote as a free download, too!
]]>iPod CablesJoe2008-01-20T16:58:35-08:00News: GizMac adds colors to Titan Clear iPhone
http://www.ipod-newsdesk.com/blog/ipod-accessories/ipod-reviews/news-gizmac-adds-colors-to-titan-clear-iphone.html
GizMac Accessories has announced that its Titan Clear iPhone case will soon be available in two new colors. The Titan Clear is made from clear polycarbonate, and features built-in vertical and horizontal kickstands, an included thin film screen protector, as well as a rotating belt clip holster. Previously only available in clear, the case will now also be available in smoke, a form of black, and pink; both colors change slightly in different lighting
]]>iPod ReviewsSean2008-01-20T16:19:51-08:00The iTunes iApplication Delivery
http://www.ipod-newsdesk.com/blog/ipod-accessories/ipod-cases/the-itunes-iapplication-delivery.html
Filed under: iPod Family, iTS, iPhone Well, I've finally had a good look at the iTunes way of delivering iPod touch and iPhone applications. The iPod touch upgrade package arrived as a package using the ipa extension and is stored in a "Mobile Applications" folder. Like many Apple bundles, the ipa package is in fact a zipped archive which you can easily unzip and examine. Inside, I found a package manifest and the deliverable. The manifest was in human readable form, the actual "product" (which is nothing other than a simple text properly list that enables the iPod touch features, already installed during the 1.1.3 upgrade) is encrypted. There is a sinf that accompanies the product and a p7b that supports the manifest. Both of these use encryption technology to protect the integrity of the manifest and to limit access to the deliverable. These details are extremely similar to way iTunes currently ships its iPod games and ensure that whenever third party applications begin shipping that they won't be easily pirated. Thanks everyone who tipped us off about this Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>iPod CasesChris2008-01-20T16:01:55-08:00Slew of new features--including movie rentals and HD video--en route to Apple
http://www.ipod-newsdesk.com/blog/ipod-accessories/free-ipod/slew-of-new-features-including-movie-rentals-and-hd-video-en-route-to-apple.html
Apple TV's updated functionality provides access to movie rentals and HD content (Credit: Apple) Update: Check out three related videos with more info on the forthcoming Apple TV upgrade: Steve Jobs comments during his keynote address; the video guided tour on Apple's Web site; and a summary from CNET's Donald Bell. This post has also been updated since its original publication with additional information. The Apple TV just got a whole lot more useful. Steve Jobs unveiled a major feature update to the Apple TV today during his Macworld keynote address in San Francisco that aims to transform the device from a TV-based iTunes media viewer to a more full-featured media-on-demand device. The hardware will remain the same, with the entry-level 40GB model dropping from $300 to $230, but a free software upgrade--available in two weeks--will add the following functionality: ...
]]>Free iPodMichael2008-01-20T15:24:06-08:00iPO at MWSF - A Closer Look at
http://www.ipod-newsdesk.com/blog/ipod-accessories/ipod-adaptors/ipo-at-mwsf-a-closer-look-at.html
SAN FRANCISCO - Chestnut Hill Sound makes the GEORGE, a high end digital audio system for iPods with some unique features. Most significant is the unique remote control. TMO spoke with the CEO, Steve Krampf, to find out more about this award winning home audio system.
]]>iPod AdaptorsAlex2008-01-20T15:22:14-08:00News: Proporta debuts new cases for iPhone, iPod
http://www.ipod-newsdesk.com/blog/ipod-accessories/cheap-ipods/news-proporta-debuts-new-cases-for-iphone-ipod.html
Proporta has introduced two new cases for the iPod touch, as well as a new case for the iPhone. The Dual Skin Silicone Case is available for both the iPod touch and iPhone, and offers two layers of silicone for added protection, with cut-outs in the upper layer that act as grips. Both layers also have cut-outs for access to all ports and controls, and the case features an open-face design and also includes a removable lanyard. Both models are available
If you're shopping for a new iPod this week, Daniel Jalkut at Red Sweater reminded us that you can get a 10% discount on a new iPod any day at your local Apple Store if you do one simple thing: bring in an old iPod to trade in. The program's been around since 2005, but it's always worth another mention. There are plenty of other options for recycling an old iPod, including some that will give you credit -- check them out. Rumor has it that some retail outlets are discounting iPods as well... Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>
Cunning and clever iPod knockoffs are popping up across the globe. This one specifically was seen in Istanbul. Look at how well those geniuses crafted this'"they even labeled it as an iPod and use the proper lowercase i. I could hardly tell a difference, but the only way I knew it was a fake was because it featured an FM tuner and everyone knows Apple is too cool to use FM tuners in their MP3 players. They use magic fairy dust! Fake iPod spotted by reader [The Inquirer]
TUAW reader Alex Cahiz pointed us to this New Creatives page showing a design for Van's Finger Fracture for iPhone and iPod touch. It's hard to tell how close this design is to being a reality -- whether it's just a concept design or whether there will be a real product. I couldn't find any further details at the Vans website but if it is for reals, it looks like it would rock. According to the writeup, the game uses the touch screen to steer your skateboard and allow you to pick various equipment to perform tricks and earn points. It's unclear whether the accelerometer would be used as well. To read more as well as to see other screen designs, pop over to the New Creatives website. [Via NotCot] Readers suggest that these are lifted screen shots--so we're going to go with either "Concept Design" or "Internet Hoax" for now. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
The long-rumored iTunes rental service is finally up and running. For many users, the most attractive part of the service (and certainly the only part that really sets it apart from any of the other online rental options) is the ability to transfer your rental to an iPod, iPhone/iPod Touch, or third-generation Nano for playback on the go. Actually, let me rephrase that: your iPod Classic, iPhone/iPod Touch or third-generation Nano. That's right boys and girls -- if you are one of the millions who have 5 and 5.5G iPods with video, no iTunes rentals for you. I suppose that's one way to get people to upgrade. There was an explosion of applause during yesterday's keynote when Steve Jobs announced rental compatibility with every iPod. Something tells me that if it had been understood that it only included every current generation iPod, the response might have been more akin to the boos that erupted when it was announced that the iPod Touch software update is $20. Update: Evidently, Steve did say "current generation iPods" - in any event, it was not made clear that 5/5.5G iPods would not be compatible. I mean, I for one was not expecting the message below when trying to test out this whole Rentals scheme: 
So, why are previous generation iPods incompatible with iTunes Rentals? Pure speculation leads me to believe that the whole authentication-chip for TV-out "update" to the Classic is at the root of the incompatibility. I guess it would just be too much of a risk for Apple (and the movie studios) to allow 5G customers connect their iPods to a TV via an open TV-out cable so that the SD content could then be captured using the analog hole. Because really, circumventing the iPod rental system using TV-out is how people really want to pirate digital media. Not through BitTorrent or breaking the actual iTunes copy protection. No, individuals are going to capture the analog signal from the TV out on their iPod and then convert that back into digital, all for sub-DVD quality movies. Makes perfect sense. (Not.) Well, at least I now have an actual reason to look at buying an iPod Classic aside from capacity. Still, this and the lack of Front Row rental access is not really doing the best job of convincing me that iTunes rentals have a place in my digital life. Update: As some of the comments have pointed out, the reports about the iPod Classic's only working with certified Apple TV-out cables might be untrue. I don't have an iPod Classic so I can't verify it one way or another. Again, that was just pure speculation on my part for some logical reason for 5/5.5 G incompatibility. Update 2: After looking at iLounge's dissection of the AV cable, I feel confident that an authentication chip is infact required for the new models. If this is related to the iTunes rentals remains unknown. Other comments have raised the question of the quality of the rentals being too high for the 5G iPod. This I can unequivocally state is NOT true. As a test, I went ahead and bought "Chuck & Buck" from iTMS. Not only was the file size identical (1.06 GB), iTunes itself saw no difference between buying the movie and renting it. I was able to transfer the newly purchased copy of the film to my iPod with absolutely no problem. This is NOT a matter of hardware not being capable, it is a decision for whatever reason, not to update the software on older generation devices to work with the new rental system. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Well, I've finally had a good look at the iTunes way of delivering iPod touch and iPhone applications. The iPod touch upgrade package arrived as a package using the ipa extension and is stored in a "Mobile Applications" folder. Like many Apple bundles, the ipa package is in fact a zipped archive which you can easily unzip and examine. Inside, I found a package manifest and the deliverable. The manifest was in human readable form, the actual "product" (which is nothing other than a simple text properly list that enables the iPod touch features, already installed during the 1.1.3 upgrade) is encrypted. There is a sinf that accompanies the product and a p7b that supports the manifest. Both of these use encryption technology to protect the integrity of the manifest and to limit access to the deliverable. These details are extremely similar to way iTunes currently ships its iPod games and ensure that whenever third party applications begin shipping that they won't be easily pirated. Thanks everyone who tipped us off about this Permalink | Email this | Comments
Apple TV's updated functionality provides access to movie rentals and HD content (Credit: Apple) Update: Check out three related videos with more info on the forthcoming Apple TV upgrade: Steve Jobs comments during his keynote address; the video guided tour on Apple's Web site; and a summary from CNET's Donald Bell. This post has also been updated since its original publication with additional information. The Apple TV just got a whole lot more useful. Steve Jobs unveiled a major feature update to the Apple TV today during his Macworld keynote address in San Francisco that aims to transform the device from a TV-based iTunes media viewer to a more full-featured media-on-demand device. The hardware will remain the same, with the entry-level 40GB model dropping from $300 to $230, but a free software upgrade--available in two weeks--will add the following functionality: ...
