Can I transfer music from my iPod onto my Mac?

This is actually easy once you know the secret of working with the iPod as a regular device, rather than as a special auto-synchronizing device. Of course, the sync feature is one reason the iPod is so popular, but just for a few minutes, let's disable it, okay?

Plug your iPod into the target computer and launch iTunes.

In addition to the usual "Library", "Podcasts", "Party Shuffle", etc,. you should also see your iPod on the left side. Click on it to select it.

Now, along the bottom right edge of the iTunes window are a bunch of little icons: click on the one that looks like a tiny iPod. It'll bring up this configuration window:

Notice here that I do not have either of the first two selected, but rather have "Manually manage songs and playlists". That's what you want to select too.

Now, close the preferences window and go back to the main iTunes window. You should still be looking at all the songs that are on your iPod. To copy them onto your new computer, simply select all the songs by using Edit --> Select All then drag them all onto the "Library" entry in the left column.

Give it a few minutes to copy everything and you should be set to go with a restored iTunes library. Phew!

Once that's all copied over, go back to the iTunes preferences and re-enable the autosync feature if you want.

Note: Since I don't have any music I've purchased from the iTunes Music Store, I am not sure what happens with registered music when you do this type of copy. My guess is that it'll just as for you to reauthorize your computer, but perhaps someone who has tried this copying technique with authorized music can share what happens?

http://www.askdavetaylor.com/can_i_transfer_music_from_my_ipod_onto_my_mac.html

BlackCoat with integrated iPod controls

Apple sold 14 million iPods in the Christmas quarter of 2005. Which accounts for why there are 700 iPod accessories soon to be wearing Apple’s “Made for iPod” logo – 700 different products which are all iPod accessories - no wonder Apple decided to charge a fee to trade off the success of its iconic MP3 player. As we’ve already noted, the world’s automotive manufacturers are clamouring to offer iPod integration and now the first wave of wearable technology manufacturers are doing likewise. One of the latest announcements is from Kyono which is marketing what it hopes will become the male equivalent to a woman’s ‘little black dress.’ The BlackCoat Work is a lightweight jacket made from water resistant stretch cotton and is scheduled for release in March 2006 at US$179. The BlackCoat Work is one of four new lightweight outerwear designs for Spring 2006 that will include integrated controls for Apple iPods. As with similar MP3-player jackets already released, the BlackCoat Work user hooks the iPod up to the jacket and controls the play, pause and volume controls from the sleeve.

Koyono founder Jay Yoo prefers to think of himself as an inventor, rather than a fashion designer and considers Elektek smart fabrics “to be the next zipper.”

Yoo says, “We think the Eleksen fabric control technology opens up a vast array of possibilities for how we can effortlessly integrate with our technology. We are looking at how we can use this innovation in all our designs.”

ElekTex is a unique five-layer laminate of electrically conductive materials that transforms fabric into an electronic touchpad. The technology replaces the hard touch pads, flexi-circuits and polymer switches, which limited the growth of the wearable electronics market. ElekTex, which is lightweight, flexible, durable and washable, is revolutionizing design across the consumer electronics and wearables sectors.

Kyono designs will wear the Made for iPod logo, “assuring customers that an electronic accessory has been designed specifically to connect to iPod and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.”


http://www.gizmag.com/go/5052/

Toyota introduce iPod integration kit

Toyota has released an iPod integration kit which provides a direct link between your car’s audio system and an Apple iPod. The connection is housed inside the glovebox of the car, providing a simple plug and play option from iPod to stereo that also act as a charger. The iPod can then be completely controlled by using the car’s audio head unit, or (where fitted) the controls on the steering wheel. The integration kit can be installed into any current Toyota and Lexus model, and is compatible with most versions of iPod.

Because the iPod can be kept out if sight in the glovebox of the car, there is no need to constantly unplug the device from your car radio when it is parked. The security benefits of this are obvious, as you can lock away your iPod from prying eyes at all times.

The iPod integration kit provides the ability to operate all audio functions from the car’s head unit, allowing you to select and play tracks, scan, fast-forward, rewind etc. Additionally, if the battery on the iPod runs, low, the kit will automatically charge the unit as you drive.

The Toyota iPod integration kit is very easy to install, and has earned official approval from Apple, who have certified it as a “made for iPod” product. The cost of the unit is approximately £150 (US$300).


http://www.gizmag.com/go/7945/

Ipod Freezing Prevention

Proper care of a personal item is a must most especially items of great value. Most of the time, a person has a tendency to value an object if it is important to him. This is why many people who own an Ipod are so serious in preventing possible damages to their units. A great way to manage this kind of procedure is to know Ipod freezing prevention.

Ipod is relatively popular in today’s generation of music lovers. Because of the versatility of the item, many people are opting to buy one for their own use. This has lead to the increasing demand of Ipod mp3 players in the market. Many individuals are finding it more practical to own an electronic gadget from a trusted manufacturer. However, no matter how high the credibility is, these gadgets are still susceptible to damages and error concerns. Sometimes, the built it program freezes.

There are various available ways to prevent Ipod Freeze-ups. As a matter of fact, these procedures are so easy to do. Even a new user can easily incorporate ways to prevent future damages. All it takes is to know the proper way of taking care of the unit.

The first procedure is to check regularly for the integrity of the music file one plans to download. The user should be able to identify if the mp3 computer file has a virus infection or corrupt. Like many downloadable files, a corrupt music entry can cause the Ipod to freeze while playing the music. Certain aspects of bad data intrusions may be transferred to the Ipod unit.

Another possible prevention method is to keep the Ipod unit away from items that have electromagnets or radiation. Some of the most common electronic items that have these components are television units, radio cassette and even cellular phones. There are some properties of radio waves that can cause the Ipod software to freeze. The electronic signals processed in the microchips of the Ipods are sensitive to external energy waves.

The last thing to do for Ipod freezing prevention is to always check the main parts of the unit. An owner can first check the batteries, the connection cords and the sockets for possible physical damages. Clearly, a damaged part may also cause some disturbances in electronic processing inside the Ipod unit. Thus, the user might experience freeze-ups. Valuing one’s property is the best way to make the most out of money’s worth. Buying an Ipod unit requires a considerable amount of money, the owner should always bear in mind that proper use is always necessary. Following these Ipod freezing prevention measures can prolong the lifespan of the unit.



http://www.frozenipod.com/2007/ipod-freezing-prevention/#more-5

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

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 Replacement Batteries

It’s been a long while since you have gotten your iPod, and maybe you feel its time to ask around about replacement iPod batteries. Maybe you have noticed several battery issues already, and think that battery replacement is the solution.

Apple itself offers an iPod Battery Replacement Program. If your iPod’s battery does not hold electrical charge as well as it used to, or in other words if its battery life has shortened, but is otherwise unharmed, Apple can replace the iPod. There is a service fee of $59, plus $6.95 for shipping.

This option is of course the most reliable choice for battery replacement. The iPod itself is replaced with a new, used, or refurbished unit. The service may not be available; however, if your existing unit has been exposed to accident or abuse and has been damaged because of these.

Availing of this service is easy if you have access to the internet. On the Apple support website, you will find an iPod service request form. After checking and reading the terms and conditions, on-screen instructions will be available to guide you through the rest of the steps in getting your iPod’s battery replaced.

The data and music on the iPod will not be preserved, so it would be best to back the iPod up using iTunes on your computer before submitting it for service. The replacement iPod usually ships back in a week or so - or in two to three weeks if the original iPod had been personalized by Apple (the replacement unit will automatically be personalized with the same text).

Third party replacement batteries are also available. These are usually cheaper than having your iPod replaced by Apple. As mentioned before, if the iPod has been damaged by accident or abuse it may not be eligible for the official Apple service program anymore. These third party solutions would be the only choice in that case.

The iPod’s case was not designed to be opened by users, but these third party batteries usually come with tools and detailed instructions for doing just that. Less tech-savvy users may want to stay away from the do-it-yourself battery replacement options: saving some tens of dollars is well and good, but what if you’re tinkering costs you the iPod itself?

These users might want to inquire about the unofficial services available that would replace their iPods’ batteries for them, at about two-thirds of Apple’s price. These services also usually do not replace the actual iPod unit, but only the battery, unlike Apple’s service.

Whether you have Apple replace your iPod battery (and your iPod itself) or purchase instead replacement iPod batteries from a third party manufacturer, good care will prolong the life of your new batteries. Guides to the proper charging and use of these batteries are available in Apple’s own support documentation, as well as in other places on the internet.



http://www.frozenipod.com/2007/ipod-replacement-batteries/#more-29

iPod Repair

You need an iPod repair if your iPod suddenly stops working. You must be so hooked up with this portable music player that you would practically not be comfortable without it. But just like any gadget, iPod is susceptible to breaking and would surely cease operating after some time. For some cases, the device may undergo damages that can manifest as soon as after the purchase.

If you are seeking for an iPod repair service, Apple Computer Inc, the manufacturer of the device, is offering such repair services. You would be sure that the service would be safe and would ensure that you iPod would be totally okay. But if you want other repair services from other repair technicians, you can still actually do so. It would cost less. However, prior to that, make sure your Apple warranty is expired or you would break it.

While some say that undergoing repair would make your iPod’s performance deteriorated, experts believe otherwise. Of course, iPod repair would do you an advantage because you would be able to enjoy your iPod again after it has been damaged. Repairs would help you generate savings because iPod repair is still farm less costly than actually buying a new unit of the music player.

You see, while it is true that brand new units of iPod are truly better than the old or the slightly used ones, you can save significantly higher amounts of money if you would be patient to bear using your old and reliable iPod. By the way, it is estimated that the gadget would last long if proper care and regular damage repair services are maintained.

Through iPod repair services, you could opt not to buy a brand new iPod unit. You could just spend a little amount of money for the repair services and voila, you can enjoy listening to your music tracks again, anytime, anywhere.

Good iPod repair services can also be an opportunity to fine tune or make the settings of the iPod good. You might be an expert to using your gadget already, but for sure, there are manufacturer settings that you know little of. Setting these manufacturer standards would surely make your iPod perform better.

Overall, subjecting your iPod to an appropriate iPod repair service would be to your advantage. Aside from customizing your music player gadget, you can be sure that any damages, both minor and major, would be fixed and offset.



http://www.frozenipod.com/2007/ipod-repair/#more-30

Tips for caring for your iPod

There are several tips for caring for your iPod. Because your iPod is a truly well loved device, you are rendering significant importance to it. Thus, you should always make sure that your iPod is safe and secure. And when you say safe, it does not mean that you should always keep your iPod at a secure place. Of course, you need to use the gadget whenever, wherever you need it. Thus, there should measures that should help you protect the device.

Like any other device, the iPod is very fragile. Thus, avoid dropping the gadget to the floor whenever possible. If that happens, make sure you would never accidentally do it again. You could use an iPod sock where the iPod could be safely placed for such protection. Because of the accessory’s soft cushion, you can be sure the iPod would still be safe even if its drops. Plus, such socks also provide temporary protection from moist and water drops.

As fro operating the iPod, you are allowed to operate the device continuously for about 12 to 14 hours non-stop. Although there is no specific warning about using the gadget much longer than that, be aware and let the device take some rest. You know that any machine running 24 hours nonstop is more susceptible to troubles.

Use the iTunes music store to download music files. The online portal has been specifically instituted for iPod users’ downloading requirements. Now, you can also download videos from this store.

Another tip would be to invest even in cheap silicon cases. You know that the exterior of the iPod very well says a lot about the entire device. It is true that the case makes or breaks the iPod, at least, in terms of being fashionable. Many such cases are sold in the market and you would not have a hard time finding and buying them.

Another problem surrounding iPods is the cords, which tend to tangle. To resolve problems with earphone cords, you can opt to buy wireless headsets in the market. These accessories are far more expensive than the conventional earphones but they are highly functional, very beneficial and are extremely fashionable.

For the battery, the makers of iPods advise users to operate the device in temperatures ranging from 0?C up to 35?C or 32?F to 95?F. Do not leave the gadget under direct exposure to sunlight because the battery might be the first to be affected, which might lead to explosion. Likewise, do not leave the iPod inside the car when you are parking under direct sunlight. The temperature would surely rise and in turn might directly pressure and heat up the battery, which can cause explosion or fire.

There are many tips for caring for your iPod. But overall, the best tip would be to love your device and responsibly use it.


http://www.frozenipod.com/2007/tips-for-caring-for-your-ipod/#more-32

Apple Computer Now Emerging As An Anti-Competitive, Narrow-Minded Company That Prefers To Limit Consumer Rights Rather Than Expand Them

Apple is taking more heat over its anti-competitive practices regarding its iPod copy protection technology. The French online music store Virgin Mega has now filed a legal complaint against Apple, saying that Apple is engaged in anti-competitive practices by refusing to license the copy protection technology used in its iPod consumer electronics devices. This is yet more news about Apple's anti-competitive stance on music.

Real Networks recently called on Apple to open up its Fairplay digital rights technology so that other competing music services could transfer music content onto Apple's iPod players. But Apple apparently isn't really interested in open music standards. In fact, today Apple is beginning to act a lot like the MPAA or the RIAA, both of which strongly promote closed, proprietary digital rights management schemes for limiting the copying and the transfer of music from one device to another. Apple is apparently playing the same game now by blocking competing music services from being able to easily transfer music content to iPod devices.

It is a monopolistic practice by Apple, no doubt, and it runs counter to the philosophy of the Apple community, which has traditionally been far more open and fair-minded. Perhaps this is an indication of a fundamental shift in the philosophy of Apple computer. From here forward, the company seems intent on monopolizing its relationship with consumers and limiting their options rather than expanding them.




http://www.newstarget.com/000497.html