Are you ready for a whole wallop of Apple rumors? Well get out your biggest spoon, because this latest round is going to make for a huge scoop of iPod and iPhone-flavored goodness. For starters, a smaller, cheaper iPhone is apparently in the works that will compete directly against the official successor to the Motorola RAZR (most people just refer to it as the RAZR2).
The new Apple cell phone -- it's being referred to as the iPhone Nano, but it could very well take on a more conventional form factor like the RAZR's clamshell or the RIZR's slider -- is rumored to hit shelves before Christmas, selling for an unsubsidized price of about $300. This places it much more within the reach of the average consumer, just as the shuffle and the nano did for the iPod line. In order to reach this price, Apple will likely ditch the multi-touch display and just go for a circular scroll wheel.
The other side of the coin shows a new iPod. That family of products is clearly due for some sort of update and it seems like the newest iPod will borrow features from the first-generation iPhone. It's unlikely they'll go multi-touch, but the new music player will probably get a bigger screen, more storage capacity, and "other valuable features which often come at lower prices."
http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/340/C12850/
Friday, July 13, 2007
Apple Retains Its Touch for Design
"Apple makes revolution accessible to everybody," says Paola Antonelli, curator of architecture and design at New York's Museum of Modern Art, hailing the glossy black iPhone as yet another milestone in product design.
Like the iconic Apple products that preceded it, the glass-face iPhone, with its rounded-edge, slim silver frame and multi-touch display screen combining phone, iPod and Internet access, is likely to influence the design of more-mundane household appliances such as refrigerators and microwave ovens. "The interface on this phone is not only easy to use and have fun with, it's universally understandable," Antonelli says.
The candy-colored translucence of iMac computers, beginning with Bondi blue in 1998, set off a wave of color in irons, vacuum cleaners and sewing machines. Three years later, the clean lines and click-wheel control panel of the iPod started showing up in ovens and ranges.
Apple simply sets the bar higher for everybody, Antonelli says. "It's been decades since we have seen a company with such design power."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/11/AR2007071100408.html?tid=informbox
Using portable music player in lightning is dangerous
A Canadian doctor Thursday warned in a report in the New England Journal of Medicine that using a portable music player such as an Apple Inc. iPod outdoors when lightning threatens can be dangerous.
"Most people hit by lightning get away with minor burns," said Dr. Eric Heffernan at Vancouver General Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia, who is also the lead author of the report, which looks at instances of people who are struck by lightning while attached to electronic devices.
"It's because skin is highly resistant and stops electricity from entering the body. It's called the flashover effect -- although it can stop your heart and kill you."
Being plugged into earbuds -- a style of tiny headphone -- or other electronic devices can change the physics of flashovers.
Contrary to some urban legends and media reports, electronic devices don't attract lightning the way a tall tree or a lightning rod does.
"It's going to hit where it's going to hit, but once it contacts metal, the metal conducts the electricity," said Dr. Mary Ann Cooper of the American College of Emergency Physicians and an ER doctor at University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago.
When lightning jumps from a nearby object to a person, it often flashes over the skin. But metal in electronic devices -- or metal jewelry or coins in a pocket -- can cause contact burns and exacerbate the damage.
The report tells a incident where a 35-year-old jogger was caught in a thunderstorm in a Burnaby, B.C., park in June 2005. He was hit by lightning, which is bad enough, as he stood under a tree listening to music from his iPod.
The doctors didn't blame the iPod for attracting the lightning, they did say it contributed to his injuries. "Although the use of a device such as an iPod may not increase the chances of being struck by lightning, in this case, the combination of sweat and metal earphones directed the current to, and through, the patient's head," they claimed.
In addition, they emphasized that it's not just iPods people have to be concerned about -- anything similar that requires headphones or even cellphones being held to the ear during the storm could result in similar injuries.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-07/13/content_6368912.htm
Belkin unveils new iPod cases
Belkin has introduced several new cases for iPod, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle. The Statement cases for iPod nano, available in “Charm” and “Style” for $25, feature heart or line art laser-cut into leather, as well as an included wristlet and interior mirror. The “Fitted” Pocket Blues for iPod and iPod nano are made from high-end denim material, feature a functional denim Click Wheel protector, and include a carabiner. They will also sell for $25. The 2Face REversible for iPod features an interactive, reversible 2-in-1 design with a graphical pattern, and offer full screen protection and navigation access. It sells for $25 as well. The View Acrylic Case for iPod sports a thin design and offers “True-sense” functional Click Wheel protection, as do the Etch Remix Metal cases for iPod and iPod nano. The Etch Remixes also feature machine etched graphics on the aluminum protective face cabinet, and are available in silver, black, blue, and pink. The View Acrylic Case for iPod and the Etch Remix Mteal cases for iPod and iPod nano sell for $25. Finally, the Sport Armband for iPod shuffle features lightweight rubber construction, water resistance, and reflectors for nighttime use. It will sell for $20. The new line of Belkin cases for iPod, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle will be available in August.
http://ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/belkin-unveils-new-ipod-cases/
Five False Myths About The Ipod Battery
Be it from critics or distinguished competitors, the Apple iPod has received many criticisms throughout the few years it has been in existence. The favorite target for complaints is the iPod battery. Most of these claims against the gadget are false, however. Below, you'll be able to read about the most famous, or infamous, of these myths, as well as a rundown of the facts.
1. That the iPod battery lasts for only 16 months. This is, perhaps, the biggest myth in the industry. The iPod's built-in battery is meant to last for a long, long time. In fact, the first batch of iPods, released over 4 years ago, are still functioning well, which is testament to the fact that the batteries are indeed long-lasting.
2. That the iPod's built-in battery can never be replaced. This is false. It can be replaced. What makes people think otherwise is the fact that the iPod's casing is not designed to be opened by the consumer. If the battery starts showing some defects, the consumer can send in the iPod unit for replacement within the warranty period of one year from the date of purchase. If the iPod unit is returned after the said period has elapsed, the consumer only needs to pay $59 for a new battery pack for his iPod.
3. That when the iPod battery runs its life, the user will lose all the files he has stored in his iPod unit. Technically, this is not true. Your audio files will be stored in the iPod's hard disk, which is not really functionally dependent of the battery. However, if you would return your iPod unit to Apple because of some battery defect, and the latter sends back a new unit instead of the old one with a new battery, you'd most definitely lose all your saved files. The solution is simple, however. Store all your audio files in your iTunes library. Thereafter, you could always re-synchronize your new iPod unit with your favorite audio files.
4. That overcharging your battery would destroy it. Ipod uses lithium ion batteries. Overcharging, per se, does not damage them. However, if you will use your iPod while its battery is in a continuously fully charged state, you'd run the risk of making it age faster, and in the process, shorten its life. A fully charged lithium ion battery matures at a more rapid pace than an optimally charged lithium ion power source.
5. That the Ipod Nano's packaging makes a false claim by stating that its battery life will last for 14 hours when it could only muster 7 hours. The claim of 14 hours is the optimal battery life that the iPod Nano can deliver, but a lot of factors will determine this. If your iPod unit has many programs running at the same time throughout the day, for example, you'd consume its reserved power at a faster rate. If your iPod battery has been serving you for many years now, it wouldn't be able to give you the optimal battery life span it could otherwise promise.
http://www.hotdeals4all.com/Articles/Five_False_Myths_About_The_Ipod_Battery.php
1. That the iPod battery lasts for only 16 months. This is, perhaps, the biggest myth in the industry. The iPod's built-in battery is meant to last for a long, long time. In fact, the first batch of iPods, released over 4 years ago, are still functioning well, which is testament to the fact that the batteries are indeed long-lasting.
2. That the iPod's built-in battery can never be replaced. This is false. It can be replaced. What makes people think otherwise is the fact that the iPod's casing is not designed to be opened by the consumer. If the battery starts showing some defects, the consumer can send in the iPod unit for replacement within the warranty period of one year from the date of purchase. If the iPod unit is returned after the said period has elapsed, the consumer only needs to pay $59 for a new battery pack for his iPod.
3. That when the iPod battery runs its life, the user will lose all the files he has stored in his iPod unit. Technically, this is not true. Your audio files will be stored in the iPod's hard disk, which is not really functionally dependent of the battery. However, if you would return your iPod unit to Apple because of some battery defect, and the latter sends back a new unit instead of the old one with a new battery, you'd most definitely lose all your saved files. The solution is simple, however. Store all your audio files in your iTunes library. Thereafter, you could always re-synchronize your new iPod unit with your favorite audio files.
4. That overcharging your battery would destroy it. Ipod uses lithium ion batteries. Overcharging, per se, does not damage them. However, if you will use your iPod while its battery is in a continuously fully charged state, you'd run the risk of making it age faster, and in the process, shorten its life. A fully charged lithium ion battery matures at a more rapid pace than an optimally charged lithium ion power source.
5. That the Ipod Nano's packaging makes a false claim by stating that its battery life will last for 14 hours when it could only muster 7 hours. The claim of 14 hours is the optimal battery life that the iPod Nano can deliver, but a lot of factors will determine this. If your iPod unit has many programs running at the same time throughout the day, for example, you'd consume its reserved power at a faster rate. If your iPod battery has been serving you for many years now, it wouldn't be able to give you the optimal battery life span it could otherwise promise.
http://www.hotdeals4all.com/Articles/Five_False_Myths_About_The_Ipod_Battery.php
Thursday, July 12, 2007
CES Unveiled
CES Unveiled is a CES press event that allows… well, press, to get a preview of some of the hottest items to be on display during CES. With over 80 exhibiting, we were able to check out some interesting products and talk to companies in a slightly less hectic atmosphere than on the actual showfloor come Monday. We have already posted several Spotlight articles covering the most interesting gadgets, doodads and even some really cool software applications. You can check out these articles and much more in our Pre-CES coverage. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to cover each company and product in-depth, so here is our coverage of some of the companies whose products didn’t make it into our Spotlight articles.
Sandisk
Sandisk had a small demonstration set up to showcase their V-Mate video memory card reader. The V-Mate can capture and record analog video content directly to a flash memory card. Recorded videos can then be easily transferred to portable devices such as laptops, portable media players and cell phones. Additionally the V-Mate can schedule recordings based on channel, date and start/stop times. The plug ‘n’ play device needs no drivers and doesn’t even require a PC to operate.
Gaviri Technologies
The Gaviri guys are going to try giving Google a run for the desktop search software. While normally I’d say they didn’t have a chance, but they do seem to have a leg up. Their software will connect to all kinds of devices, spreading across desktops to laptops and PDAs. If they’re any good, I think they’ll get picked up like a cheap YouTube.
Interactive Toy Concepts
Once again Interactive Toy Concepts was back at CES Unveiled buzzing journalists with their impossibly tiny radio controlled helicopters. New to the lineup is the Blade Runner Recon chopper with 2.4 Ghz video camera mounted in the nose. Now spying on your friends and neighbors is more fun than ever. QVGA quality video is displayed live on the 2.2” video screen embedded on the radio controller. An additional USB connection allows for image uploading and memory expansion. On the way for Summer ‘07 is the Blade Runner 4. The next evolution in the Blade Runner series is more stable and nimble than before with an increased range of over 10 meters and it can even perform side to side full body roles. Also keep your eyes open for radio controlled cars, planes and snow mobiles from ITC as well. Interactive Toy Concept choppers are available at Radio Shack, eHobbies and other retailers.
Honda
Honda’s got their Asimo running around frolicking with the press folk, at least on the big-screens they’re showing him off on, which is really just a good example of the halo effect, how doing one seemingly-irrelevant project well can really bolster the image of a company in its entirety.
http://www.thetechlounge.com/article/340/CES+Unveiled/
Sandisk
Sandisk had a small demonstration set up to showcase their V-Mate video memory card reader. The V-Mate can capture and record analog video content directly to a flash memory card. Recorded videos can then be easily transferred to portable devices such as laptops, portable media players and cell phones. Additionally the V-Mate can schedule recordings based on channel, date and start/stop times. The plug ‘n’ play device needs no drivers and doesn’t even require a PC to operate.
Gaviri Technologies
The Gaviri guys are going to try giving Google a run for the desktop search software. While normally I’d say they didn’t have a chance, but they do seem to have a leg up. Their software will connect to all kinds of devices, spreading across desktops to laptops and PDAs. If they’re any good, I think they’ll get picked up like a cheap YouTube.
Interactive Toy Concepts
Once again Interactive Toy Concepts was back at CES Unveiled buzzing journalists with their impossibly tiny radio controlled helicopters. New to the lineup is the Blade Runner Recon chopper with 2.4 Ghz video camera mounted in the nose. Now spying on your friends and neighbors is more fun than ever. QVGA quality video is displayed live on the 2.2” video screen embedded on the radio controller. An additional USB connection allows for image uploading and memory expansion. On the way for Summer ‘07 is the Blade Runner 4. The next evolution in the Blade Runner series is more stable and nimble than before with an increased range of over 10 meters and it can even perform side to side full body roles. Also keep your eyes open for radio controlled cars, planes and snow mobiles from ITC as well. Interactive Toy Concept choppers are available at Radio Shack, eHobbies and other retailers.
Honda
Honda’s got their Asimo running around frolicking with the press folk, at least on the big-screens they’re showing him off on, which is really just a good example of the halo effect, how doing one seemingly-irrelevant project well can really bolster the image of a company in its entirety.
http://www.thetechlounge.com/article/340/CES+Unveiled/
Spotlight: Belkin TuneStudio
This evening at the Pepcom Digital Experience Belkin introduced the TuneStudio for the 5th gen iPod video. TuneSudio is a 4 channel mixer that allows you to mix and record high quality music and voice directly to an iPod. Users will be able to record up to 4 different audio sources (microphones, instruments, auxillary sound input) to create increased production value tracks. TuneStudio can also be set up as an external USB sound card accepting audio inputs from PC sources and can output to a PC from TuneStudio’s wide array of connector inputs. The full feature list includes:
* Records directly to iPod in 16-bit, 44kHz quality
* Streams audio through built-in USB interface to and from a PC or Mac® computer
* Each channel is equipped with 3-band EQ, pan and level controls
* Phantom-power-enabled XLR inputs provide up to 60 dB of microphone gain
* High-quality stereo compressor with makeup gain enhances audio dynamics and keeps audio levels within recording limits of the iPod
* Features one-knob compression control
* LEDs indicate master audio level, power status, peak indication, compressor activity, and recording status
We can see this unit possibly becoming an ideal set up for podcasters as it is small enough to take out in the field and has a relatively small footprint ideal for a backroom studio. While obviously not a replacement for a full studio set up, DIY recording artists can shuttle audio signals to and from their PCs or Macs (most likely their Macs) via the USB connection. And at an MSRP of $179.99, it is considerably cheaper than renting out a studio. And as it saves your sessions to an iPod, getting your band’s music out onto the interweb doesn’t get much simpler. We’re about as far from studio musicians as can be, but the rows of gain knobs and columns of pretty recording level LEDs impressed us...flashing lights and switches are our weakness. The TuneStudio will be available in the summer of 2007 and will be introduced at the Mac World Expo 07 tomorrow, January 9th.
http://www.thetechlounge.com/article/343/Spotlight+Belkin+TuneStudio/
* Records directly to iPod in 16-bit, 44kHz quality
* Streams audio through built-in USB interface to and from a PC or Mac® computer
* Each channel is equipped with 3-band EQ, pan and level controls
* Phantom-power-enabled XLR inputs provide up to 60 dB of microphone gain
* High-quality stereo compressor with makeup gain enhances audio dynamics and keeps audio levels within recording limits of the iPod
* Features one-knob compression control
* LEDs indicate master audio level, power status, peak indication, compressor activity, and recording status
We can see this unit possibly becoming an ideal set up for podcasters as it is small enough to take out in the field and has a relatively small footprint ideal for a backroom studio. While obviously not a replacement for a full studio set up, DIY recording artists can shuttle audio signals to and from their PCs or Macs (most likely their Macs) via the USB connection. And at an MSRP of $179.99, it is considerably cheaper than renting out a studio. And as it saves your sessions to an iPod, getting your band’s music out onto the interweb doesn’t get much simpler. We’re about as far from studio musicians as can be, but the rows of gain knobs and columns of pretty recording level LEDs impressed us...flashing lights and switches are our weakness. The TuneStudio will be available in the summer of 2007 and will be introduced at the Mac World Expo 07 tomorrow, January 9th.
http://www.thetechlounge.com/article/343/Spotlight+Belkin+TuneStudio/
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