iPod Software

Since the iPod became commercially available, many users have wished additional functionality, and those among those users savvy enough with software and programming were able to come up with unofficial iPod software to fulfill their wants.

The official iPod software itself is (as of the fifth generation) reportedly the Pixo OS 2.1 operating system, along with PortalPlayer’s Digital Media Platform. This Digital Media Platform is actually a “system on a chip” that comes with support for customizable firmware, audio decoders, and other software development tools. The iPod interface is also reportedly based on the Pixo Toolbox software (this software was available when Apple was just creating the iPod).

At present, iTunes and the iPod interface are not the only pieces of software that can be associated with and supported on the iPod. Third party software and programs designed to run on the iPod are commonly called iPod hacks, although unlike what the name implies almost none of these software have malicious intent. (However, use of third party software may indeed void the iPod’s warranty, meaning that the people at your local Apple Genius Bar might not be able to help anymore if you decide to modify your iPod’s software or hardware.)

One of the most drastic and effective hacks is getting Linux to run on your iPod. A group called the iPodLinux Project has come up with a way to port Linux to an iPod, as well as a Linux user interface they have called podzilla. Linux is a full-featured operating system, and with Linux on your iPod, it becomes much more like a portable PC than just a digital audio device.

Linux on the iPod allows for the playback of previously unsupported music file formats, such as OGG files. In addition, the appearance of the interface (podzilla) can be easily modified by downloading schemes to your iPod. And, lastly and most importantly, what are called modules can now be downloaded and used on your iPod. These modules are basically applications designed for use with the iPodLinux system.

Now, as can be expected, a lot of these modules are now available, with iPodLinux having been around for intrepid programmers to play with for quite a while. Among the most popular of these are ports of games that are now playable on the iPod. Such games as Doom – a first-person shooter, Bejeweled – a puzzle game, Space Invaders – a space shooter, and even classics such as Pacman have been ported over to the iPod. Other useful hacks include increasing the memory of an iPod Nano, turning the iPod into a universal remote control, and even support for the creation of text files!

Who would’ve thought that the iPod software and hardware would be capable of all these things? And these “iPod hackers” are far from finished.

http://www.frozenipod.com/2007/ipod-software/#more-33

iTunes Music Store

If you aim to update your music files or if you are planning to download more music for your iPod, you must be knowledgeable about the iTunes music store. The iTunes music store would the legal portal you must use when downloading MP3 or other types of music files for whatever version or type of iPods you may have.

There are many ways on how you usually download MP3 files online. And whether you admit it or not, for sure, there are illegal measures you inevitably take to download music. There are numerous Web sites that exist to distribute music downloads for lesser prices, or most of the time, for free. This is actually piracy and is a form of stealing.

Now that iPods are becoming too popular and widely used by electronic consumers from all walks of life, iPods are considered staple gadgets. Portable music listening anytime, anywhere, is never the same again since people started heavily patronizing iPod products.

Apple Computer Inc, the maker of the phenomenal iPods, wants to contribute to the industry’s battle against unauthorized downloading of music. Through its iTunes music store, which is actually the legal and prescribed portal for iPod downloading of files, piracy can be prevented.

ITunes music store surely helps make sure that every song to be downloaded into an iPod is legally acquired. Thus, iTunes transactions are not free most of the time. However, downloads from iTunes are sure to be of the highest standards and quality. There are no jumping parts of the song, nor are there unwanted sounds.

Your iPod would surely take its much-needed content through the iTunes. You can also facilitate for connectivity between the iPod and your personal computer. Thus, you could easily manage your files and make use of them through the computer.

Imagine if you are still resorting to the illegal way of downloading iPod music. You are contributing to the slow killing of the music industry. Plus, you are patronizing music downloads that are of low quality. You would surely not make use of the superior iPod music superiority if you keep on using such illegal download means.

Plus, Apple Computer is ensuring that iPods would not be able to download illegal files or music. There is a program in iTunes music store that would only authorize legal and permissible downloads. Do not patronize other download services for your iPods aside from the prescribed and appropriate iTunes music store.

http://www.frozenipod.com/2007/itunes-music-store/#more-34

Listen to Stuff that Matters, Even When You’re on the Go

When Apple first brought out the iPod in 2001, it was originally meant to be a music player. A few years later, the iPod transformed and became a video player and a gaming unit as well. Today, the iPod is now more than just an mp3 player, it can even bring you news and other stuff that matters, thanks to the wonders of Podcasts.

First of all, what is a Podcast? The name is actually a combination of two terms: the first is “pPod” which is an acronym thought up by Apple meaning “Portable On Demand”. The word “Pod” has been a trademark for Apple and is used to name probably the world’s most famous portable music player, the iPod. The second term “cast” is a shortcut of the word “broadcast”, which means to transmit information for public consumption. In simpler terms, a Podcast is a broadcast for your iPod.

Generally, a Podcast is an audio file, mostly in mp3 format, that contains news and information for the listener to receive and play on his iPod, or any other mp3 player. The earliest Podcasts in 2005 were mostly recorded from radio talk shows or interviews. Now, some Podcasts contain music, research information, and even museum tours. Other convenient uses for Podcasts include school lessons, book reviews, conferences and meetings, and even public safety announcements.

Although Podcasts were originally meant to be played on the go, most people who download the files listen to them from their computers. In 2006, around 80% of downloaded Podcasts were consumed or heard on the PC, not the iPod or any other device. Very seldom do they find the time to transfer the file to their mp3 player and listen to it.

Podcasts can be downloaded from iTunes, the music store for iPod lovers, or on many news and public information sites on the web. Podcasts are about the size of a song in mp3 format, although some files playback to half an hour or longer. Some people can opt for subscriptions to get the latest and most up-to-date Podcasts available. They can do this through Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds.

RSS feeds are a way of getting updated data and other stuff on the topic of your interest, straight to your PC. You don’t need to Google or browse through many news articles to hear the latest, the RSS feeds will do the rest for you. All you have to do is open your file and consume the information. Many people subscribe to this service because it’s convenient, and they can get relevant data on the things that matter most to them. It saves tons of time and web-surfing effort.

So how do RSS feeds help you get the information you need? First, you need to get software, called an RSS aggregator, that collects RSS feeds for you. Microsoft Network recommends some RSS aggregators for download: SharpReader, FeedReader, NewsGator, RSSBandit, and many more. When you go to a news website to read an article, say on Stem Cells and Heart Disease, you can find an orange RSS icon on that article. When you click on it and follow the instructions for subscription, your aggregator will be notifying you on new updates on that topic of choice. Soon enough, you’ll be receiving Podcasts or other relevant articles on Stem Cells that you can listen to and enjoy.

After that, how do you get the Podcasts onto your iPod? If you’re not the type to hear your Podcasts over your computer, you can listen to them on the go. You can download another kind of software, called a Podcatcher, which gets the RSS feeds and synchronizes the files from your PC to your iPod. One popular type of Podcatcher is the iPodder, though other programs are currently available.

In some cases, Podcasts may be purchased or downloaded with a set of typewritten transcripts, so you can read the text while listening to the audio. Podcasts have become an efficient way of transmitting information across the globe. More and more people are considering it for disseminating relevant data to their peers and colleagues. Portable music players have really evolved from simply providing entertainment. They empower us with knowledge, too.

http://www.frozenipod.com/2007/listen-to-stuff-that-matters-even-when-you%e2%80%99re-on-the-go/#more-36

One iPod with Extra Glaze, Please

Since the dawn of the New Millennium, our iPods have been put on this earth to serve us well. They provide entertainment in the form of music, video, and games. They give us important information wherever we may be through Podcasts. Because of this constant dependence that we developed on our iPods, it takes a toll on the small device as well.

The iPod is known to be a sensitive device, and a fragile one at that. Many users have reported that even when in a protective case, the iPod can still get minor scratches on its surface. In 2005, online news reports have gathered complaints from iPod Nano owners about the screen that scratches so easily. Some of the buyers even returned their Nanos to the stores due to this problem.

So Apple has been bragging about the great features of its iPod, and how versatile it is when it comes to providing entertainment, but how do you remedy the scratchy scenario? Good thing smart iPod followers came up with great accessories that give your iPod the extra nine lives it deserves.

First up, we’ve got the iGlaze. No, it’s not a sugary coating over a hot doughnut. It’s a nifty protective shield from the Moshi/Aevoe company, which prevents scratches on your Nano’s surface. At the same time, it does not compromise the clarity of the display or the sensitivity of the jog dial controls.

The iGlaze retails at about $27, and is available at iPod stores or online. It comes in five colors, and you can simply stick it on the front plate of your iPod Nano for added protection. The iGlaze adds an additional 0.7 millimeters to your Nano. It has a see-through window that protects the screen, and the bottom part is colored and houses a protective cover for your jog dial. An already scratched iPod Nano can look new again just by sticking on the iGlaze, and if you want to change the color again, you can easily remove it, too.

Another popular screen protector sold online is the invisibleSHIELD, which sounds like its straight from a Fantastic Four comic book. In reality, the materials used on this shield are similar to what the military uses for protecting helicopter blades. These clear adhesive films simply stick on the surface of your iPod to give it a longer-lasting life. The invisibleSHIELD offers custom-made cuts for any electronic device that needs protecting, like PDA’s, mobile phones, and others. They even have one available for the touch screen of the iPhone. It retails at $19.95 per piece for the iPod.

In 2006, Griffin Technology also came up with an iPod scratch preventer, called the iClear. It’s a custom-fitted transparent polycarbonate case that encloses your Video iPod, 1st generation iPod, or even your iPod Nano. It does not add bulk to your unit, and does not cover the jog dial nor the LED screen. There are openings on the sides to accommodate the headset, the dock, and the switch. You can purchase the Griffin iClear case for about $20.

The iSkin Company, which designs protective cases for Apple products and even portable video game consoles, came up with a twist to the ordinary polycarbonate shell for the iPod. Their iSkin Claro is a polycarbonate case outside lined with a 0.5 mm silicone layer inside. You simply snap them on together to encase your iPod. There are also windows for your LED screen, jog dial, and access for your headset and cables. When in the iSkin, your iPod can also be upright with the integrated kickstand. It costs around $40 for each iSkin Claro, but you can also purchase Claro Slims, which come in different colors to enhance your case.

You no longer have to complain about your ultra-vulnerable iPod getting dings, scratches, and cracks. If you take the time to know the good stuff that can offer your device protection, then your iPod will surely be thankful. It’s a wise investment that is worth every cent. Our devices will stay with us as long as we know how to care for them. Your portable player will be more than happy to give you years and years of the entertainment you need.

http://www.frozenipod.com/2007/one-ipod-with-extra-glaze-please/#more-37

Take Your iPod for a Ride

Let’s face it, as much as we humans need air to survive, iPod lovers can’t leave home without their music players. The iPod has evolved ever so quickly since its conception in 2001, and it is said to have revolutionized the way we listen to music. The iPod now comes in varied forms, sizes, and memory capacities, from the simple iPod Shuffle, to the ultra-cool fifth generation iPod with video.

What’s great about these iPod improvements is that there are even newer ways of taking our iPods wherever we go. The iPod accessories that are available today are more than just for extra attractiveness and style, but they possess functionality as well. Take for example, the various iPod travel gear in the market. You can enjoy your iPod features, even when you’re on the road.

When driving, you can easily access your iPod controls with an iPod Windshield Mount. It consists of a dock and a suction cup which securely attaches to your windshield. The mount minimizes vibration by tightly clamping your iPod. There is even a swivel shaft that is flexible enough to let you adjust your iPod to face any direction. The Windshield Mount is easy to install and remove, and costs only $19.95.

If you don’t want your iPod hanging from your windshield, you can opt to buy the iPod Vent Mount, which securely clips onto horizontal heater or air conditioning vents in your car. It supports the iPod Mini, iPod Nano, Video iPod, and even the iPhone. You can also swivel the vent mount to face left or right. The Vent Mount costs $25. If the vent isn’t your ideal place for your iPod, why not place it in the cup holder? Belkin came up with TuneDok, which securely carries your iPod when placed in the cup holder. It looks just like a cup with an iPod mount attached to it, but it’s sturdy and provides great support for your device. It retails at $29.

If ever your iPod runs out of juice, and there isn’t a wall outlet within sight, don’t worry. You can buy a Travel Charger for only $8.99. Using the lighter jack in your car, you can listen to music, and at the same time, charge your iPod on the road. It has an LED power indicator, and is specially designed to protect your iPod from excessive charging.

You can even charge your iPod without using your car’s lighter jack. The iPod 9-Volt Emergency Charger is the new way to go. It’s a compact device that fits in any standard 9V alkaline battery, so you can charge your iPod anytime and any place. It has an LED indicator that tells you when charging is complete. There is even a convenient key ring attached to the charger. You can buy this item for only $9.99.
If you can’t afford those fancy speaker docks for your iPod, why not use your car’s FM radio to play your mp3 songs? With the iTrip FM transmitter, you can simply attach to the top of your 3rd and 4th generation iPod, select any radio station on the dial, and voila! Your mp3’s are playing on your FM radio. It requires no batteries, and uses only a tiny amount of energy from your iPod. It automatically shuts off after 60 seconds of silence to save power. It’s available for a friendly price of $29. However, it is not compatible with the Video iPod or the iPod Nano.

Aside from your FM radio, you can convert your age-old cassette player into an mp3 player, too. The Belkin Mobile Cassette Adapter snugly fits into your car’s cassette player, and with a cable plugged into your iPod, you can listen to mp3’s through your tape player. It has a 3.5mm connector, so you can use it to play tunes from your iPod, CD player, any other mp3 player, or even your laptop. At only $25, you can enjoy your tunes even when you’re on the go, just make sure you have a working cassette player.

Your iPod is extremely lucky to have these brilliant gizmos to work with. Your iPod doesn’t have to be stuck to your PC or speaker dock at home all day long. You can even place it anywhere in your car, so you can safely drive and enjoy your favorite music.

http://www.frozenipod.com/2007/take-your-ipod-for-a-ride/#more-38

The iPod Just Got Sporty

These days, it’s not unusual to hear about brand names joining forces to think of a great new product that promises to be double its worth, like LG Electronics and Prada and their stylishly expensive phone. It’s also not strange to see a sports star endorsing a new digital device, like Dwyane Wade’s Sidekick, or David Beckham’s Motorola RAZR2. With these gimmicks in mind, Apple also thought of a way to spice up its already too-hot-to-handle iPod.

Just when you thought the iPod couldn’t get any better, Apple came up with another bright idea: merging with Nike to bring working out and music appreciation to a whole new level. Introducing the Nike + iPod Sport Kit, a new twist from the two big companies, that made waves in the third quarter of 2006.

In order for you to fully appreciate this system, you need three not-so-inexpensive things. First, you’ve got to have an iPod Nano, available from your friendly neighborhood electronics store at about $100 to $200. Next, you need a pair of Nike+ shoes, like the Nike+ Air Zoom Moire, which retail for about $110. Lastly, while you’re at your Apple Store, grab the Nike + iPod Sport Kit, which will seem to be an easy buy at $29.

So the system works like this. Inside the left shoe of the Air Zoom Moire is a small 1.25 inch hole where you place your pedometer, which is included in the Sport Kit. As you walk, jog, or run, the pedometer digitally records your number of steps, calories burned, and distance covered. Like with any conventional pedometer, you need to preprogram basic information about yourself first, like height, weight, and pace length.

When your Sport Kit pedometer records your workout information, it wirelessly transmits these data onto your iPod Nano. While listening to your favorite tunes, a voice prompt will inform you how time elapsed as you have been jogging, your distance, and calories. The voice will also let you know how much farther you have to go before your workout ends.

After your workout, you simply sync up you iPod Nano to your computer, and your workout data will be viewed. Athletes and sports experts believe this is a great way to monitor one’s progress when performing a workout.

One tiny glitch with this system is that the pedometer’s battery is irreplaceable, and of course it will die out on you. This may happen after approximately 1000 miles or about a year of use. You just have to buy another Sport Kit for that, so the $29 will seem to be expensive later on. According to CNET, the pedometer should also be turned off when aboard an aircraft, since it does transmit wirelessly. Also, to conserve the battery, it is advisable to switch off the transmitter every time you finish a workout.

Aside from the Nike+ Air Zoom Moire, there are other shoe styles that possess the tiny hole you need for the Sport Kit pedometer. However, it is also recommended to place your pedometer elsewhere, if your shoe doesn’t sport that hole. Most pedometers are worn on waistbands or armbands. Nike makes armbands for this purpose available at about $29. But if you want the system to work with your iPod Nano, note that you will be wearing an armband for that, too. Your armband may not be able to fit both the Nano and the pedometer at the same time. You may want to reconsider having too many devices strapped on to you while working out.

One of the fun features that are added to your iPod is the PowerSong, which you can use to motivate you for your workout. You can also set your playlist depending on the pace or difficulty of your workout. There are even downloadable workout playlists on iTunes. Also, you can change the voice prompt to be either male or female, or even none.

Working out has never been more high tech and fun with the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit. For you to completely enjoy the experience, it really is quite an investment. According to critics, the Sport Kit system does make you want to continue working out even longer. For health fanatics out there, that’s great news.

http://www.frozenipod.com/2007/the-ipod-just-got-sporty/#more-39

IPod’s Groovy Factor

WHAT do flying plastic pigs, dancing daisies and robotic Barbie dolls have in common? An iPod.

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Lars Klove for The New York Times

The robotic D.J., called FUNKit, rocks to the music. More Photos »

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FUNKit robotic D.J.

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IPods Get Jiggy

With more than 90 million players sold worldwide since its introduction in 2001, the iPod has spawned a lucrative accessories industry. At least 3,000 types of iPod extras have received Apple’s blessing — mostly no-nonsense options like cases, earbuds and amplified speaker systems, including the $300 SoundDock line made by Bose.

But another trend is developing, one more playful and not always with Apple’s approval or knowledge.

Call it iSilly, a growing number of products in which fun is emphasized over function, and cute or irreverent often trumps wow. All of these items, some costing as little as $10, have been created to plug into an iPod — or, in many cases, any audio source that has a standard 3.5-millimeter headphone jack.

Last fall, KNG America released an animated robotic D.J. complete with spinning turntables and stereo speakers that flash with blue L.E.D. lights. Called FUNKit, the device, which costs about $100, is designed specifically for the iPod. When a player is attached, it becomes the head and upper body of the D.J. that rocks to the music, spouting phrases like “drop the beat,” as its right arm scratches a faux record.

“People looked and saw the popularity of the iPod and tried to figure out how to capitalize on it, like those scavenger fish that swim under sharks,” said Shelly Hirsch, a toy industry marketing specialist and chief executive of the Beacon Media Group.

Greg Joswiak, vice president of iPod product marketing for Apple, said the growing number of products designed to plug into an iPod helps prove that the iPod has become “a cultural phenomenon.”

“If you look at it from the consumers’ standpoint, they have a consumer electronic product that becomes more valuable over time,” he said. “We’re adding these accessories, adding capabilities.”

Any speaker accessory that attaches to the iPod by way of the proprietary 30-pin connector in the player’s base must be licensed by Apple, he noted. Those that do, including the FUNKit, can usually also permit full control of the iPod through the speaker systems and charge iPods’ batteries.

Those that do not, and are not counted as official iPod accessories, are “less interesting,” Mr. Joswiak said. That judgment has not dissuaded toymakers like Lee Schneider, president of the Commonwealth Toy & Novelty Company, a major maker of plush animals and dolls.

“We look at not only the toy business, but what’s happening in the world, and the trends in the marketplace, from a fashion standpoint, from a technological standpoint,” said Mr. Schneider, surrounded by shelves of battery-powered flora and fauna in his company’s Manhattan showroom. “We then take and see how we can interpret these trends into fun trends that children and young adults would love to have.”

Last year, he said, “iPods were becoming the rave of the world.” Mr. Schneider said that he and his executives had asked themselves a single question: “What can we do to make something that could be utilized with iPod?”

First, he said, the company came up with a name that would tie its prospective line of products to iPod. The result was iPals, which Commonwealth quickly registered and trademarked. Next, the company moved to define the personality of an iPal.

The first iPal, released last year, was a shaggy, plush creature resembling a teardrop-shaped extraterrestrial with stereo speakers for eyes positioned on long, flexible stalks. The shaggy iPal plugs into any audio player with a standard headphone jack, avoiding the need for an Apple license.

Mr. Schneider said the original iPal, which cost about $25, was intended for “tween girls who want to have something cool and fun in their room.”

Then came the Movin’ and Groovin’ line of potted plants, also $25, “probably the best introduction in the history of my company,” Mr. Schneider said. The plants, some wearing sunglasses and others a pink purse over a leafy limb, gyrate to music played through a speaker hidden in the plant’s pot.

There is also a line of dancing snakes (soon to be joined by dancing dragons), both $25, as well as plush speaker systems for children called Smonsters and Plumplers, about $15, and Mini iPals that will cost $10. In the works is a dancing plant as tall as a third grader (“a room décor piece”) for $80.

“I look at this almost like the Lava Lite of the 2000s,” Mr. Schneider said of his creations.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/22/technology/22ipod.html?ex=1329800400&en=78cfe636b9ba604e&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

The Must Have iPod Auto Accessories

Are you listening to your iPod while driving? If yes then you must buy proper iPod auto accessories. So what are the essential Auto Accessories? Read on…

Music helps us relax, relieve stress and even change a bad mood to a good one with the right type of music. Music helps us exercise, meditate, energize and express our feelings; it is not surprising that most of us want to carry our favorite tunes with us wherever we go whether we are in the car, walking, jogging or in the house. The iPod offers us the possibility to carry a huge selection of music anytime we want and now you can listen to it in the comfort of your car with the right iPod auto accessories. One of the first iPod auto accessories that you must invest in if you want to listen music from your iPod in the car is an iPod car mount so you don’t misplace your iPod, which is very thin and light and therefore can anytime slip on the floor where you may step on it and cause it damage.

There are several types of iPod car mounts available to fit your requirements; most of the car mounts for the iPods can be fit in the cup holder so it is secure and does not cause clutter others can be placed in the AC vent from where you can access it with ease in order to change a song or control the volume. The next essential iPod auto accessory is the iPod car charger with which you will be able to charge your iPod as you wish without having to access your computer and thus, ensure that it will provide you music for as long as you like. In iPod car chargers too you will find that several different types to match your iPod type and needs.

Must Have Stuff

In order to always drive safely you need to ensure that you are listening to the music from your iPod on the car speaker and not through the earphones, which will impair you from hearing any warning signs that may occur on the road such as, a ambulance, fire or police siren that requires you to pull on the extreme right in order to give them priority. In order to connect the iPod to the car speakers you will require the connection device that is compatible with your type of iPod and car.

Where to Find iPod Auto Accessories

The best place to shop for iPod auto parts is at the Apple Inc. online store or at the iStore, which is recommended by Apple and is dedicated to providing everything you need for any type of iPod available on the market even the now discontinued iPod Mini. Start enjoying your iPod in the car as well with the right iPod auto accessories, which will make listening to music or anything else that you wish from your iPod safe and easy.

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gayasri_Gamanayake

The iPod and the Vacuum Tube Sing a Warm Duet

IPODS are fine for listening to music on the go, but sometimes people want to cast headsets aside and hear their playlists piped through the living room by a sound system.

Manufacturers offer dozens of devices that do this: the iPod pops into a docking station in an updated version of a boom box, and can be flicked on from the sofa by remote control. But the quality of the music will depend in part on the system that amplifies the signal from the iPod.

Now, to create the special rich sound that audiophiles love, manufacturers are selling docking stations for iPods and MP3 players with amplifiers based on an old but resilient technology: vacuum tubes.

Most people think of vacuum tubes as relics, long replaced by transistors. But a pocket of audio enthusiasts still values the tubes’ warm tones. Guitar heroes favor vacuum tube amplifiers in their instruments, many recording engineers tend to use vacuum-tube equipment in their studios, and some listeners pay thousands of dollars for high-end tube-based stereo systems and CD players.

Now Roth Audio, a company based in Reading, England, is appealing to the inner audiophile of iPod users with its Cocoon MC4, a compact docking station and amplifier topped by four vacuum tubes that glow when the power is on. Pop an iPod into the dock, and you have an odd couple: The iPod, apotheosis of the slim, portable and digital, and the flanking vacuum tubes that are fat, stationary and utterly analog.

Despite the retro look of the tubes, their audio characteristics may give iPod-stored music an additional, welcome dimension. That’s because most people store their music in compressed formats rather than in “lossless” formats, where data is not removed. Given these limitations, said Mark Schubin, an engineer and media technology consultant, “a vacuum tube can deal with the degradation in a potentially better and more pleasant way than a non-vacuum-tube amplifier.”

To enjoy a full range of sound, it’s still better to use lossless formats — vacuum tubes can’t restore data that’s been stripped away. But regardless of the storage format, “if you put an iPod into a docking station with good pre-amplification, it’s going to sound a lot better than putting it into a cheap one,” said David Chesky, a composer and co-owner of Chesky Records in Manhattan, which uses vacuum-tube-based recording equipment.

The Cocoon isn’t cheap: it will sell for $649, said James A. Roth, managing director of Roth Audio. But in the costly world of high-end vacuum-tube audio equipment, that’s a relatively modest price. After the tubes in the Cocoon do the pre-amplification, the audio signal goes to a solid state amplifier for additional power.

The Cocoon has audio inputs at the back for a CD player or a generic MP3 player. The docking station handles all types of iPods except the Shuffle. The units began shipping this month, Mr. Roth said.

He has already introduced another brand of vacuum-tube amplifier to the United States market: the Fatman iTube ($649), distributed by Bluebird Music in Toronto. The Fatman has a different look than the Cocoon.

“The Cocoon goes well on a desktop,” Mr. Roth said. “The Fatman is more for the living room.”

The Fatman comes in two parts: an amplifier and a separate docking station. The vacuum tubes are covered by a grill that can be removed for an elegant look, but popped back on if fingers need to be protected from the tubes’ considerable heat. The Fatman has a 27-key remote control that handles not only standard functions like play and pause, but also treble volume, bass volume and even backlighting.

The Fatman has two amber vacuum tubes, as well as a green tube. “I added that third, green tube for fun,” Mr. Roth said. “It shows you the music level. The higher you turn it up, the more it bounces up and down.”

BOTH the Cocoon and the Fatman come with a pair of white cotton gloves, to be worn to protect the high-gloss metal surfaces from fingerprints during handling. To assemble and try out both machines, I donned a set of the gloves, as did a friend who helped me.

The Cocoon hooks up easily to speakers, by using the red- and black-ringed connectors called banana plugs that come with it. We selected 110 volts as the setting for the transformer, rather than the 230 volts used abroad, and plugged the transformer into the AC wall jack.

Then we turned on the transformer and started the machine. Gradually, the tubes began to glow. Then we popped my iPod into the dock and tried out recordings in both compressed and lossless formats. A Brahms sextet poured out in an impressive stream, even in the compressed version.

Then we hooked up the Fatman. Unlike the Cocoon, it has a built-in transformer, and it was already set for 110 volts. After we connected the dock and the amp to the stereo speakers, plugged both components into the power outlet and flipped on the switch, the power light illuminated on the amp, but not on the docking station.

After 15 minutes of testing the connections and manual controls, we finally noticed the remote control and tried it, feeling foolish not to have done this sooner. The blue indicator light on the docking station immediately flashed on, and we were in business.

Jay Rein, president of Bluebird Music, said that ours was a common mistake. “If the blue power light does not automatically come up when you plug in the docking station, press the Power On button on the remote,” he advised in an e-mail message.

The Cocoon, the Fatman and other vacuum-tube amplifiers for iPods are relative newcomers to the United States consumer market. For instance, Lyric HiFi in Manhattan, a center for high-end audio equipment, does not handle any vacuum tube-based docking stations. But Leonard Bellezza, co-owner, said the accessories might soon be popular.

“Everybody has an iPod,” he said. “So anything you can attach to an iPod sells.”


http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/business/yourmoney/15novel.html

The New 5th Generation Apple IPods

To date, there has been a number of Apple iPod models. Well, with the release of the new iPod Video, there are now officially three iPod models for the 5th generation of iPods. The earlier 4th generation models, including the popular iPod Mini, iPod Photo, U2 and 20GB iPod are now officially history.

The three official 5G iPod models include the iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano and iPod Video. What's the difference between this new range of iPods and the previous 4G models? Broadly speaking, the differences are:

Hard Disk

Two of the new iPod models, iPod Shuffle and iPod Nano, are based on flash hard disk technology. This new hard disk is ultra slim and is able to withstand shock and vigorous movement. Unlike 4G models, this make the iPod Shuffle and iPod Nano ultra slim and allow them to be used for vigorous activities, including sporting activity, dance, accidental drops, etc. Previous 4G models were less robust and vigorous activity tend to cause possible malfunction.

Battery life

Battery life on the 5G iPod has improved tremendously. One of the major complaints about 4G iPod was the short battery life(8hrs) and battery life draining away quickly after heavy use. The new iPod lasts up to 14 hrs and has a better battery lifespan.

Color is standard

Unlike 4G model, where the iPod Photo model was the only model with color, the new iPod Nano and iPod Video comes standard with color screen and playback.

Choice of video

With the new iPod Video, there is now a range of activities, including data, music, photo and video that can be supported on one iPod. Previously, video was not available as an option.

Standardized casing

The 4G iPod included the multi-color iPod mini, with a choice of pink, blue, green and silver. The only option for black was the U2 model.

Today, the colors has been standardized to black or white (except iPod Shuffle - White only). In addition, all iPod casing has been standardized to hard acrylic instead of the anionized aluminium for iPod Mini and hard acrylic for the other models.

However, the hard acrylic casing used for the 5G iPod models seems to have a tendency to scratch as reported by many iPod user websites. It is advised that a iPod casing or protector film be purchased for the new 5G iPod immediately. A good selection can be found here.

Compact Clickwheel

The iPod Clickwheel was previously a scroll wheel that was designed and supplied by a 3rd party. The new iPod clickwheels are now designed and produced by Apple itself. The functionalities are similar but users reported better response feedback.

Headphone jack

Headphone jacks for all iPod models, including the very first 1G iPod up till the 4G models, has always been on top of the iPod. The iPod Nano breaks ground by having the headphone jack at the bottom.

Which iPod model to choose?

As of this writing, the iPod Video has only been out for less than 2 weeks. The current 5G range of iPod seems to be the most complete and versatile thus far, and we can see that the 3 different models are essentially targeted at different segments of the iPod user market. A basic guide to choosing the right iPod model can be broadly classified as:

iPod Shuffle

The iPod Shuffle is obviously targeted at users who have a lower budget or those who only have an occasional need for a music player. The Shuffle comes without a screen and user can only choose to listen to music in a sequence or have it shuffled randomly. Because of it's lower price, this model has become a choice for those who desire for an iPod but may not have the neccessary budget.

iPod Nano

The iPod Nano is now the mainstream iPod model with the exit of 4G iPod models. With a size and thickness slightly larger than a credit card, this is now a runaway favorite iPod model. Users have a choice of data, music and photo with this colored screen iPod.

iPod Video

The newest kid on the block, the iPod Video, is desired by those with a higher budget or who wish to watch video on their iPod. It has a slightly larger screen than the iPod Nano and play a crisp 30 fps video display. With not many iPod videos available for download as yet, we'll need to see if this model can overtake the iPod Nano as the mainstream iPod model.



http://www.selfseo.com/story-10860.php

Apple I Pods, Why Are They So Popular?

These days while your just walking around school, work, the mall, or just about anywhere you’ll see many people listening to their Apple I-Pods. You might see some with cool accessories such as portable speakers, cool looking cases, voice recorders, FM transmitters, remotes and much more. Lets face it the Apple I-Pod has become the most popular mp3 player around and it doesn’t seem like it will loose that #1 spot anytime soon with all their new little inventions. So what makes the Apple I-Pod so popular?

Some may say the design is what makes it popular and makes them purchase an I-Pod and some may say the fun accessories that come with it. Also a few people may have bought it just because everyone has one and they just want to fit in. They’re many reasons why people buy I-Pods; you will just have to find yours.

Apple I-Pods started out just playing songs. Then moved on to having photos, then pod casts and now it even plays videos! I-Pod MP3 players do just about everything and more. Not only are they good for many things, they are now also very thin and light. They can fit in your pocket without you even feeling it in there and still have room for just about everything else. With your Apple I-Pod you can watch video pod casts, music videos and your favorite TV shows. You can browse your old memories with the photo slideshows, complete with music. If you love reading you may also read books with audio books it has. But of course most of you already know how good of an mp3 player I-Pod’s are and probably already have one. In this case you must get some cool accessories for your Apple I-Pod.

Accessories for your I-Pod can be a great extra feature to everything the great MP3 player has to offer. Impress your friends with the new portable speakers you get for your I-Pod. With portable speakers you can leave your Apple I-Pod in your pocket while you’re taking a walk and have the speakers amplify all your songs for you. If you are not near your I-Pod while it’s playing with the speakers you may also use a remote to change a song or pick another song with simply a click of a button. You may also want to buy a voice recorder for your MP3 player to record memorable moments. If you are a musician you may also use the voice recorder to record songs you play or sing. If you jog daily for a good exercise and would like to listen to your I-Pod you can also get a sports sleeve for it. Apple I-Pods have just about every accessory it needs out there and now it’s your job to find some and for great prices. If you are interested in buying some accessories for your I-Pod you should first try browsing around http://www.splaytech.com



This article was written by Shakib Nassiri, CEO of SplayTech For more information about I-Pods, I-Pod accessory products, or any other consumer electronics products please visit http://www.splaytech.com

Apple IPod Nano Revolutionizing the Mp3 Player World

I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that the advent of the Apple iPod revolutionized mp3 players. The look, the style, the sound quality, the navigation, the features, the seamless integration with iTunes and other services, all these separate components added up to a spectacular and revolutionary mp3 player. Each new mp3 player that Apple has released has pushed the envelope for design and all around use. First they miniaturized the iPod with the iPod Mini. Then they miniaturized that, and by getting rid of the LCD screen were able to offer the Shuffle for unheard of low prices for an iPod. Now they've gone to the next level. The Apple iPod nano.

But will it really revolutionize mp3 players? Yes. And here's why:

Size and Storage

Take the iPod, shrink it, shrink it again, and then shrink it one more time and you have the iPod Nano! It's no thicker than a pencil and slides right into your back pocket without even noticing, literally! The nano is smaller than most other flash mp3 players, but has something that none of them do: 2GB and 4GB file capacities. No flash mp3 player has the kind of file capacity that the nano has. And what this means is that you can store a previously unheard amount of music on an mp3 player with no moving internal parts, i.e.- a completely skip free player.

Signature iPod Quality

Remember that this is an iPod, so you have unmatched usability and sound quality. The player comes with the Apple signature click wheel and navigation system. It hooks up seamlessly with iTunes and other standard Apple software. The sound quality, as with all iPods, is excellent.

Brand New Features

The iPod nano comes with a full color screen which can display multiple image file formats in a crisp high quality format. It also now syncs up directly with Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express for contacts and colander functions and to-do lists. One of the coolest and most useful new features the nano comes with is a stopwatch and lap timer. Because it's small and flash based, the nano already is great for working out, but the stopwatch can record many lap times and then give you shortest, longest, and average lap, as well as your overall time and individual lap times.

The Cool Factor

What can I say? The iPod nano just oozes cool from every angle. It's small and sleek. The colors are hot. The navigation is excellent. It can play music or audio books, display pictures, or even do both at once!



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Apple iPod - Why Apple Dominates the Mobile MP3 Player Market

Noticing a growing market for mobile MP3 players, Apple released the original iPod in late 2001, and it was quickly destined to be a huge success. It was exactly what people wanted.. It had a simple interface, it had a large storage capacity, and it was extremely attractive and recognizable. It was only compatible with the Apple Macintosh though, which extremely limited their sales possibilities.

The iPod did end up driving up Apple Macintosh sales though, since a small percentage of people actually migrated over to the Macintosh computer just so they could use an Ipod. It wasn't enough to drive sales of the iPod up though, Apple needed a bigger market, they needed the Windows market, which was (and still is) much larger than the Macintosh market.

In 2003 Apple released a new iPod that came with iTunes, which was compatible with both Macintosh and Windows systems. This was when the real explosion of sales occurred, since so many more people could use them with the Windows platform.

The iPod Keys to Success

# Simple Interface - The Apple iPod has an extremely simple interface, needing only a few seconds of use to be able to master it.

# Large capacity - The current regular ipod has a 30 or 60 gigabyte storage capacity, which 30 gigabytes equals about 6000 songs. Even the smaller versions have a larger than normal capacity.

# It's visually attractive - They made it look very sexy, appealing to just about everyone, and is now extremely recognizable.

# Windows and Mac compatibility - When they crossed over to the windows market, they more than tripled their market, literally reaching anyone that owned a computer

These are the things that really make the Apple iPod dominate the mobile MP3 player market, reaching over 70% of the market share. Apple never simply wanted to dominate the market with one product though, they're still releasing new products at an alarming rate, each of which are doing extremely well.

# iPod Mini - This was Apple's first iPod spinoff, attempting to appeal to a younger market, being the first to come in different color, and it was much smaller than the original iPod. It didn't have as large of a capacity as the original, but it was still large enough to hold a lot of songs.

# iPod Nano - Apple retired the Mini, and came out with the Nano, which was even smaller than the Mini, at about a quarter of an inch thick. The nano has exploded onto the market with it's extremely small size, and has capacities of 1, 2, and 4 gigabytes.

# iPod Video - This was a replacement for the basic iPod, and the most recent addition to the iPod family of products. the iPod Video not only plays songs like the original, but plays video files as well, and they bumped up the capacity to 30 and 60 gigabytes.

# iPod Shuffle - The iPod Shuffle is Apples first attempt at the flash drive market, since all of their other products have spinning hard drives. The shuffle replaces the user interface with just a few buttons, and prides itself on the "shuffle" feature, after it's name. It is the smallest of the iPod line, at about the size of a usb memory stick, and has capacities of 512 megabytes and 1 gigabyte, appealing to those that don't need much space and want something extremely small.

The iPod has created a whole slew of other markets as well, from audio companies implementing ipod connectivity support in car radios, clothes companies creating ipod pockets, and other third party companies creating tons of ipod accessories, like carrying cases, protective sleeves, docking stations, the list goes on and on.

It's no wonder why the iPod dominates the market, with Apple's ingenious marketing strategies, great features, and appealing looks of their products, the iPod is destined to dominate the MP3 player market for some time.



http://www.selfseo.com/story-11531.php

The Ultimate Guide to Video iPod

Alright. So after all that hype about having a practical way of watching TV and movies while on the go, you have finally gone and bought yourself the new iPod. Now what?

Well, let’s see. There are so many options squeezed into one slim, 2.5” LCD screen media center that it’s going to take a lot of time going over each one of them. So let’s do take it one at a time, shall we? This guide is going to take over all the options you’ve got and how to convert absolutely anything and everything – DVDs, TiVo video, messy AVIs, muxed MPEGs and more to iPod compatible video – all within OS X. And along the way, we’ll teach you a couple of iPod tips and tricks, too!

Handling Those Nasty Scratches

When you take your iPod out of the box, your first order of business should be to protect your investment. You don’t want any of those nasty scratches from appearing on your precious media box, do you? It’s a complete eye soar and one you can completely avoid.

The good thing about this new iPod is that its design is slightly different from that of the nano, which according to most users scratch easily. The new iPod has better chassis and doubled-layered, probably to protect the LCD monitor. But if you want to make sure that your iPod doesn’t show any scratches, most users recommend plastic cases, such as The Invisible Shield. If not, you can always get the white model, instead of the black one.

What Videos Can You Play?

Let us briefly go over the kinds of videos that your new iPod can support. According to Apple’s website, the video specifications of the new iPod are the following:

• H.264 video: up to 768 Kbps, 320 x 240, 30 frames per sec, Baseline Profile up to Level 1.3 with AAC-LC up to 160 Kbps, 48 Khz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats.

• MPEG-4 video: up to 2.5 mbps, 480 x 480, 30 frames per sec, Simple Profile with AAC-LC up to 160 Kbps, 48 Khz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats.

For the newbies, this might all sound a little too confusing. What’s with all the numbers? Don’t worry because chances are you only need to remember a few of those for you to get the most out of your new iPod.

First, let’s start with H.264 video. The highest video bitrate with the H.264 codec is 768 kilobits per second. The biggest picture size for your H.264 movie is 320 pixels wide by 240 pixels high, which is incidentally the exact dimension of your iPod’s screen. Your iPod can play H.364 video at framerates up to 30 frames per second. Every one of the applications that we’ll be using encodes with the Baseline Profile. Your audio needs to be encoded as AAC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48 KHz, and it can be in either stereo or mono. As long as you follow all the guidelines, your movie can even be a QuickTime movie or an MPEG-4 movie file.

The other option you have is the MPEG-4 video, which supports a much higher bitrate than H.264 video – 2500 kilobits per second. Using higher bitrates will also create larger files, which means that you’ll have less space for additional songs and movies, but more segments of your favorite movie. The biggest picture size for your MPEG-4 video is 480 pixels wide by 480 pixels high – three times as many pixels than your iPod’s screen in capable of displaying. Your iPod will shrink the picture proportionally so that everything fits on the screen. Again, the iPod can play videos up to 30 frames per second and your audio and file format options are the same as H.264 video.

So Which One is Better – H.264 or MPEG-4?

Well, that’s a tough question really as each format has their ups and downs. Arguably, H.264 is preferable considering how it offers high quality and a file size that is much smaller compared to MPEG-4. When it comes to picture quality, however, both formats are comparable, especially when encoded at the higher supported video settings.

As for speed of encoding, most people agree that H.264 video takes longer than standard MPEG-4. Take for example a two-hour movie. When you convert that to iPod using H.264 codec, the process could take considerably longer (especially with QuickTime Pro’s pokey Export: Movie to iPod video option).

Where to Download Videos for Your iPod

If you’re tired ripping movies from your DVD collection or you’ve used up all your movie files in your computer, then it’s probably time for you to look for other sources of iPod compatible videos. Below are some good sites that offer iPod video files that are both free and legal!

• ChannelFrederator.com – If you like to watch short animations while taking a breather, this is the place to look in.

• PodGuide.tv – It’s not called “PodGuide” for nothing.

• Channel 101 and Channel 102 – Brilliant downloadable shows are up on offer.

• The iTunes Music Store’s podcast section – One of the best things about the new iPod is that Apple has bundled it with their updates on iTunes. Now, you can download loads of free videos from the store for your daily dose of iPod-casting.

• Apple iTunes – Sometimes you just have to go to the source of the source to find what you’re looking for.

• Archive.org – This site is great for old videos and movies.

Watch iPod Videos on Your TV

Say what?! Yep, it’s true. And for some users who prefer widescreen as opposed to pocket-TV, this is the best thing about the new iPod. Now, outputting your iPod videos to any TV is easy. Just use a special video cable (and it doesn’t even be the one sold by Apple), output it through your iPod’s headphone jack, and voila! You’re a couch potato, baby!

If you’re more interested in watching videos on your TV, you may want to go with the MPEG-4 format since it can support the bigger 480 x 480 picture size. When you encode widescreen movies and output them to a TV, the pixel limit is usually 230,400 pixels. So when these larger images are displayed on your TV, you’ll get to see all those extra pixels.

Okay So You Can Watch Videos on TV, Big Deal…What About My Other Videos?

When you download video files from the web or file sharing networks, some of these files may not be marked as iPod compatible. Does that mean you can’t play them on your iPod? Well, the good news is that it’s easy enough to find out.

Tip #1 – Open iTunes

The easiest and less time-consuming way to determine whether a video is iPod-supported or not is to simply open iTunes with your iPod connected. Afterwards, drop the video file directly into your iPod’s library. If the video is copied into your iPod, it means it’s compatible. If it’s not, then your iPod won’t be able to play it.

To copy the video to your iPod, just select Manually manage songs and playlists in the iPod tab of your iTunes preferences.

Tip #2 – Add Video to the iTunes Library

The other way of finding out if your video files are iPod compatible is to add your video to your iTunes library. Just right lick the video and select Convert Selection to iPod. You will receive an alert from iTunes on your screen, telling you if your video is already compatible. If it’s not, your movie will be converted to a compatible H.264 video for you.

We should probably mention that you don’t really need to add videos to your iTunes Library in order to add them to your iPod. Just drag and drop videos from the Finder straight onto your iPod in iTunes. Again, make sure you’ve enabled the manually manage option.

You can also add songs and videos to your iPod’s library from any computer that has iTunes. Just make sure that you’ve enabled the manually manage option in iTunes. If your iPod was originally formatted on a PC, you can add files from both PCs and Macs. However, if you have a Mac-formatted iPod, you’ll only be able to add files from other Macs.

Tip #3 – Open the file in QuickTime

Alternatively, you can also find out if your video is iPod compatible if you open the file in QuickTime. Next, Select Window: Show Movie Info. In most cases, your video should be iPod-ready if the format is H.264 or MPEG-4, the audio is ACC, and the size of your video is 320 x 240 (or smaller) for H.264 or 480 x 480 (or smaller) for MPEG-4. Also, look at the data rate and make sure it’s not over 900 kbits/sec for H.264 or 2600 kbits/sec for MPEG-4.

In most cases, the bitrate reported by QuickTime would include the video stream and the audio stream (normally 128 kbits/sec) so don’t wonder if the video is shown to have a higher bitrate.

I have a lot more information available at me website, be sure to click by and have a look.

Thanks for reading and I hope you find this information useful.

Ian Richardson

Ian's website gives you the insider secrets about Video iPods. Please visit the site for more information on Video iPods.



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An introduction to iPod Mini

Ipod Mini was first released on February 20, 2004 and it delighted many. Being a smaller edition of Apple Computer’s Ipod first generation moveable audio player, it’s variety in colors (comes with limited colors, silver, gold, blue, pink, and green) appealed to the broader market. The Ipod Mini could be operated with both Macintosh and Windows PCs.

The iPod mini’s quality was the click wheel, where four buttons were placed above the wheel. To use one of the buttons, a user had to drive the wheel edge inner over one of the labels. The click wheel system is now normally used in the fourth and fifth generation iPods and it is as well been used in the iPod nano. Above the wheel was the monochrome display, which offers the menus or information of the presently selected track. The new generation of ipods normally has a colored screen display.

The battery life of its first generation iPod mini was 8 hours, which led to some quarrel on its small duration. This problem was later solved with the second -generation models that had a battery life of 18 hours. Like the larger iPod, the iPod Mini as well supported a crowd of file formats like MP3, WAV, AIFF and other MP4 features. It maintained its perfect integration with the iTunes Music Store and the files being downloaded there. Software wise, the iPod Mini was as consistent as the innovative iPod units.

Besides if there was something high-quality to be said about this amazing iPod mini, it’s the choice it gave the consumers when getting a digital audio player. The Ipod mini struggled directly with most renowned players like Creative’s Zen Micro and the Digital Networks Rio Carbon. The smaller display was actually one line smaller than the last models, thus warning it’s on-screen track information show to title and artist only, taking the album information off.

As the Ipod family started to grow, the Ipod mini was laid to rest when Apple launched the opening of the iPod nano. The iPod mini did not then exist in the market and stopped its production. Though it looks the iPod Mini only stayed for a while, its sway as the initiate of the click wheel would always be remembered.



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