UGN Info Manager UGN Info Manager
Apple has reposted the 1984 advertisement and sneaked an iPod into the act. Really did it well too. See it at Apple's ads department
There was a heated discussion on the InfiniteLoop mailing list about the new iPod Mini. That $50 more would get you so much more. One of the responders put out this quote and pretty much stopped the wining: "Overpriced eh? Check this fabulous piece of machinery out then! (Note the claim of being shown during the Steve Job's keynote has been removed.) ... it's a RIO
This is really big news. The first place I saw the story was on Forbes via one of my many e-mail alerts, but it also has appear in numerous other locations since. Apparently Apple is going to produce an iPod in HP Blue and ship it to HP. HP will start putting iTunes on the desktop of their computers and that will drive sales of both. Of course, this might mean that Apple will actually start to make money on the iTunes store. Hopefully there will be more license deals in the works. Full story at:
http://www.forbes.com/home/newswire/2004/01/08/rtr1203409.html
and http://news.com.com/2100-7354-5137473.html
or the official Apple press release. , or the official Apple press release.
Not much else to say. HP CEO does say a lot of nice things about Apple. It was over 30 years ago that they had an employee named Steve Wozniak. See it at: News dot com
This is in PC Magazine's January 10th issue. At CES, Alpine Electronics demonstrated car audio units called iPod Ready that are capable of connecting to and controlling Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod player. Read More at: Alpine-usa.com
Dave Storm who writes a weekly column called the "Web Informant" took on storage devices this week. Starting out by saying "Remember the floppy disk? I haven't had one on any of my computers that I routinely use and I don't miss them at all." But he goes on moving through each generation of media until he gets to a portable hard drive. Of course, his drive of choice is the iPod. I think that is one thing that people never stop to think about when talking about the price of the iPod over another music player. That is, it isn't just a music player. MP3s are nice, but, to be able to transport useful files in the drive that also can play MP3s really makes it worth while. Read Dave's article!
Go the Apple Knowledge base for this one. Specifically:
http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n60920
Learn how to use iPod's controls at:
http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n61122
How to Put iPod Into Disk Mode:
http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n93651 info.apple.com
Over 100,000 pre-orders already in for the world's smallest 1,000-song music player the iPod mini -- and it's engravable! Read more...
iMsafe 2, the backup tool for Mac OS X makes quick work of backing up your Mac, iPods, Pendrives and remote Macs on the network to your USB or FireWire HD. It even files a detailed backup report for every backup task, making it easy to keep track of backups. Read more...
Here's a new form-fitting, durable silicone skin for your iPod Mini that offers superior ergonomics and protection -- enhances the beauty and elegance of the iPod mini (Sounds like a condom ad doesn't it?) See "Mini Skins"
Apple has announced they are moving the worldwide availability of iPod mini to July due to the much stronger than expected demand in the U.S. far exceeding the total planned supply through the end of June. Apple expects to ramp up its manufacturing of the iPod mini to meet worldwide demand in the July quarter. Apple PR
Got an iPod? Protect your investment and reinforce your "cool" with the new "EVO" ("proof of evolution") skins from iSkin. A completely redesigned rotary RevoClip for a secure connection and an improved screen protector that maintains an ultra-clear view -- PLUS new "glow-in-the-dark" colors for your new iPod iSkin
Writing in Mac Observer, John Kheit writes about Apple's application and suggests that they should have patented the Mac GUI in 1984. If they had, things would be much different today. Read the article at: Macobserver.com ... or Read more...
Aided by continued strong sales of its iPod digital music player, Apple Computer on Wednesday posted second-quarter sales and earnings that topped expectations.
For the quarter ended March 27, the Mac maker said it earned $46 million, or 12 cents per share, on revenue of $1.91 billion. That compares with earnings of $14 million, or 4 cents per share, on revenue of $1.48 billion for the same quarter a year earlier. Apple actually sold more iPods than Macs. ZD Net chimes in at:
http://zdnet.com.com/2102-1103_2-5191631.html?tag=printthis
and more can be seen at UGN News
Got a mini? You need this iPod skin -- built like the one that made the iSkin eXo2 and eVo famous, the iSkin Mini gives your iPod Mini complete surface protection and ergonomic construction without sacrificing the appearance, size or functionality! Protect that investment
Adam Engst tell about how he didn't want to use the iPod earbuds as they hurt his ears and he wanted to play back the music from the iPod through his PowerBook G4. He found an answer in Chris Breen's book, "Secrets of the iPod. It is a utility called PodMaster 1000. Read Adam's TidBITS newsletter (Subscribe, it's free and MUGs can reprint with credits.) And check out Podmaster's web site
According to an article by Jim Dalrymple at Computer World, the new Apple iPod division will enable other consumer electronic devices. This in turn will encourage third party development of add-ons. This is yet to be seen but it is an interesting concept. Read more...
Apple Computer and BMW are developing a device to allow you to listen to your iPod on their BMW radios. Apparently, it is a plug device, not an FM broadcasting device. But surely it is more than just an audio port. Otherwise it is and will be done by others. Story was from San Jose Mercury News
Chasing our June 9th InfoManager story "iPod division at Apple could lead to other devices" InfoManager reader and "Safe Netting" maven Joe Showker writes:
> Get ready for a digital photo storeage interface and/or a video storage interface!
I believe you are also going to see the same "preoccupation" with photos that is driving the cell phone market to include cameras on their devices. The sales guy told me that cameras are now as "basic" in cel phones as voicemail was 5 years ago.
What about an ipod with a tiny camera built in! Add a 60gig drive, give it a 2 or 3 megapixel size and you've got a hit! Apple should look at a device to support the iLife suite. An MP3/photo/video device with small color screen. My tungsten T3 can do ALL that right now!!! at 399.00 -- but only has up to a 512K flash memory card. At 700+mg of storage -- non-compressed video is out.
I use the tungsten's extended screen to show video clips and teaching aids to my track team.
At a recent business seminar, part of my presentation was produced by a friend using iMovie. He dragged and dropped the work folder onto his iPod to transport to our meeting! Rather than exporting it, he just copied the work folder. As a teacher and a business man, this device would be a HUGE tool for me. Run your multimedia from: let's call it an "iPodAV" or "iLifepod"
Joe Showker
Internet Business Owner, Teacher, Coach.
According to Brad Gibson's article posted yesterday, there's a new iPod on its way featuring a 12 Hour Battery, Lower Prices. Gibson says the new white iPod, to be officially announced by Apple today via a Newsweek magazines feature article on Apple CEO Steve Jobs. The 20GB will now cost US$299 from $399 and the 40GB model will cost $399 from $499. The 15GB is being phased out. (apple.com/ipod) .... msnbc.msn.com
If you're a freshman at DUKE, you're in for a sweet ssurprise this fall -- a free iPod! No, it's not just for music. The iPods will be preloaded with such Duke-related content as information about orientation and the academic calendar; students also can download faculty-provided course content onto their 'pods.' The school estimates it will cost more than $500,000, which includes hiring a technician and the purchase of the iPods, among other research costs. An additional 150 iPods will be available for upperclassmen to borrow for courses that use the devices ... dukenews.duke.edu
PC Magazine has posted a 'first look' article of the 4th generation iPod. The article recaps the facts known about the new models, and includes pictures that compare it with older versions and offers a close-up view of the iPod mini-like click wheel. [Note: They also have an extensive guide to iPod 'wannabes' at: http://www.pcmag.com/print_article/0,1761,a=131324,00.asp Read more...
According to a new study, Apple is seeing considerable brand value growth -- the iPod has helped Apple Computer jump 24% in brand value. But we don't need to read the statistics to believe that -- the best indicator of success is when other brands start ripping you off. Just look in your Sunday news paper advertising supplements and see how many new devices are coming out that 'look' like iPods, or even mimicking the Titanium PowerBooks. The Mac Observer is reporting that Apple is threatening to take legal action against an upstart music channel if it doesn't stop a new ad campaign that resembles Apple's current iPod ads ... Read more...
Microsoft has recently been making some inroads into the music industry by providing copy protection software for major CD releases. According to this article, 80% of the complaints the companies have gotten are about incompatibility with ripping the disks to the iPod. So the companies are going to reconsider using Microsoft's software in this case. Read more...
To read the news stories, you would think that Apple knocked $100 off the price and only changed the interface. But actually it doesn't include many accessories that the old one did. Those are: the dock, the remote controller, the carrying case and the AC adapter. Other options remain available including in-ear headphones, USB 2.0 cable and the world travel adapter kit. It would seem to me that the first list above would cost pretty close to $100 to be added to the package. So no real price reduction. But then, maybe you would rather have "OnStage" for your dock and speaker system. Then that probably puts $50 in your pocket to use in that direction ... See Apple's specs
The iPod iTalk Voice Recorder makes your iPod more than just an MP3 player -- it plugs in and converts your iPod to a voice recorder with literally thousands of hours of recording time. The iTalk's built-in speaker is great for playback of voice memos or as a mini-speaker for your favorite audio book or tunes. It includes a pass-through mini jack so you can monitor your voice recording or listen to your music without removing iTalk. (See Picture) ... more info at Griffin iTalk
While you're there, check out the ROAD TRIP which begins shipping in September -- with FM broadcast to your car's sound system and auto-battery charger built in. Best of all, it keeps your iPod inputs free so you can also plug in the iTalk for on-the-road voice notes! See Picture and ... Read more...
Next, you'll want to visit Derrick Story's article "Voice Recording Magic with the iPod" -- a handy tutorial that shows you how to get started, then challenges your creativity with some nifty ideas about how to use your iPod and available tools for recording. While you're there, also check out Derick's inside scoop on the Mac OS X Conference, upcoming this October 25-28. These 'faves' among others are found on ... Fred's Faves page in the User Group Network
Everyone knows about iPod doing music. But Duke is giving their students iPods and other schools are loaning them to students. I can assume that the iPod is used in Music Appreciation class, but where else can it be used. History? Listen to the speeches of JFK, Martin Luther King, etc. See what else in the story on the Palm Beach Daily News web site ... palmbeachdailynews.com
iSkin Inc. has rolled out their new eVo2 for the click wheel iPod (4th Generation)-Superior Protection for Apple's Market Leading Personal Music Player -- designed to offer all round surface protection. The iSkin eVo 2 now ships with an upgraded reinforced rotary RevoClip, and improved screen protector that maintains an ultra-clear view of the iPod's screen with an all-new six point soft contact base that reduces the possibility of your screen scratching. The eVo 2 allows devices like the iTrip to connect seamlessly while maintaining solid protection by featuring a thinned down top surface with beveled edges. The iSkin eVo 2 sells for $29.99 ... www.iSkin.com
Veteran Macintosh expert Scott Knaster announces the release of his newest book, Hacking iPod + iTunes -- filled with tips and hints for using Apple's iPod to play music and do much more ... Read more...
iPods have become the device of choice for most savvy Apple and Windows users for transporting huge volumes of data along with their favorite tunes. They've also become an easy target for criminals. If you use your iPod to transport sensitive files check into Pod Secret. Install it onto removable media such as an iPod or thumb drive and its encryption will keep your data safe. It's shareware and only costs $29.95. A 7-day trial is available. (MacOS X & Windows) OS X download; Windows installer or, jump on over to ... Pariahware.com
On Friday, news was buzzing that Costco.com will begin selling the iPod mini in time for Christmas! (October 1st) Get the Pink, Silver, and Blue versions of the iPod mini for $270 (SRP: $250) The good news is Costco.com is bundling 15 free iTunes tracks as well the Apple iPod Armband station, which retails for $30. (Picture) ... see costco.com
It was not a good day for Sylvain Demongeot when his wildbits.com internet hosting provider shut the site down on behalf of Apple.
"We have learned that unauthorized Apple iTunes software code is being used in a computer program called iPodDownload 1.0 ... You must remove the offending link/files within 24hrs or your account will be closed..." said ProHosting.com
Demongeot's iTunes plugin allowed users to easily copy music from an iPod. While Demongeot did comply, the site was shut down for a short period. Demongeot says: "I am still waiting for an explanation on what iPodDownload is supposed to violate -- Apple never contacted me!"
A number of blogs now offer the download in defiance of Apple's order, one is running a pool on how long it will take Apple to come after the blogs. These are easily found with a quick Google search. The plugin is free.
As of yet, no evidence to support Apple's claims has been announced. So much for due process. See: wildbits.com
One of those DUH! Moments. IDC which doesn't estimate future sales, made the statement that as portable music devices become cheaper due to savings in hard drives and ram, the iPod will lose some of its market share. That market share was over 50% for 2003 according to IDC. However, personally I feel that day is a couple of years away as the new HP iPod's increased distribution will help keep the iPod at high levels. Read more...
TiVo is offering a limited edition 20GB iPod with its logo etched on the back as part of its newly launched TiVo Rewards program.... www3.tivo.com
Air France is now offering a free Apple iPod Mini to every customer who books a l'Espace Affaires business class ticket from the United States to a European destination. It must be purchased by 11/15 and travel completed by 1/15/05. Read more about such promotions at ... incentivemag.com
BusinessWeek's Alex Salkever asks if Apple's refusal to open the iPod/iTunes system will jeopardize the future of iPod and iTunes.
"If Apple licenses FairPlay, it could sacrifice some sales and profits from its iPod line in the near term. But over the long haul, sowing the seeds of mass adoption of its DRM standard and its iTunes music software will help ensure that Apple's own future hardware offerings aren't marginalized." Read more...
Archos has been showing its Gmini XS200 20GB music player, billed as "the world's smallest" 20GB hard drive-based digital audio player. (2.9" x 2.3" x .7") Users can delete, rename, copy and move files, and create folders directly on the device -- without using a computer. It also supports MP3, WMA, WAV, and data storage for $250 [Picture] ... see the full story...
As Apple's iPod moves fast into the mainstream, many users shun the telltale white earbuds. Behold the closet iPod lover, some of whom are not too keen on the growing hordes of plebes with new iPods. See Leander Kahney's Cult of Mac ...
You know a product has made it when it begins appearing in the pages of your Sunday paper circulars, on the shelves of the local Radioshack, and now, even at Costco. As the iPod inches its way into the realm of consumer household words, a never ending cavalcade of third-party add-ons and gizmos are sure to follow. ... see the full story...
According to this article form The Retail Merchandiser, Ultimate Electronics has a broad selection of accessories and has a staff trained to help you select them. While these stores are in the DFW metroplex, I haven't stopped in to see for myself. Once I do, I will report back. Full story at ... retail-merchandiser.com
iPod Photo that lets you take your entire music and photo library with you wherever you go, with up to 25,000 digital photos -- display them on its stunning high-resolution color screen... Read more...
Sounds like a science fiction film. That story in the New York Daily News tells about how we can now download "tattoos" for our iPods from http://www.hp.com/music. That along with the label paper available at most stores that sell HP's iPod by Apple, you can decorate and help protect your iPod. Bet it is hard sometimes to tell who's iPod is who's in a dorm setting.
So get down to your local RadioShack and pick up the paper. The downloads are free. Of course, you can create your own as well. www.hp.com/music
The iPod U2 Special Edition puts U2 and Universal Music Group (UMG) together for a unique new U2 iPod - gorgeous black enclosure with a red Click Wheel and custom engraving of U2 band member signatures ... ... see the full story...
The experts like Bob LeVitus, Tony Bove and Cheryl Rhodes present articles on GarageBand, iTunes, iPod, and iLife with free PDF excerpts; plus free chapters and excerpts from iPod & iTunes For Dummies and iLife '04 All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies Read more...
According to this article, some posh hotels are providing an iPod to people who stay there. Of course, at the end of their stay they have to return it. I suppose though that this could be a "try it" type promo, like Apple ran with the early Macs. Read more...
While I am learning more and more about iPods and all the neat things you can do with it, this is one of the new things. BiblePlayer reads three different version of The Holy Bible to you on your iPod using the notes feature.
Of course, this means using the rather small iPod screen. ... see the full story...
This week, two hot ones from O'Reilly, just in time for the holidays... Hacking Games by Simon Carless lets you do things game creators never intended! Then enjoy the Fan book for iPod Fans by Yasukuni Notomi, and learn all the inside tricks with iPod. Share your book discoveries with the rest of the community! It's in the UGN Mug Bookshelf
iSkin has rolled out its ultra-clear, colored screen protectors called "Shades" for use with the company's iPod and iRiver protectors ... see the full story...
Apple released its iPod Updater 2004-11-15, which includes iPod mini Software 1.2 for iPod mini and iPod software 3.0.2. for iPods with a Click Wheel ... www.apple.com/support
Here's a great gift idea for any iBook, iPod, PowerBook, Treo, or Xbox owner on your holiday list -- nice guidebooks that get you up and running quick ... each under $15. See the Mug Bookshelf
PodShop realized there's a real problem with the new high-style finishes on iPods and iBooks. iDrops is an all-in-one product for cleaning, polishing, protecting, and removing scratches from Apple's iPod (all models), iBook, and other smooth acrylic finishes. It's rather pricy at $15, but a 1.7 ounce bottle goes a long way. Read more...
Cult of Mac's Leander Kahney writes: "After nearly three years of almost daily use, my trusty old iPod was starting to give up the ghost. But thanks to a new install-it-yourself battery, it has a new lease on life -- and it's even better than new. Wired News tested a $40, high-capacity, 2,100 mAh (milliamp hour) replacement iPod battery from Newer Technology. It was easy to install and delivered 22 hours of continuous play -- more than double the play time of the original battery.... Read more...
Migo for the iPod is software that blogger.com can keep all your data and files on your iPod so that no matter what computer you are at, you have your files and apps. The only problem is, it is strictly for the PC. But then, it is possible to install a Mac system on your iPod and run any Mac from it. however there has been some concern that if the iPod is used to boot a Mac, it could shorten the life of the iPod's hard drive. Meanwhile, Migo sounds like a good piece of software for a PC iPod user to have. More details at ... migoforipod.com
Just in time for the holiday shopping rush, Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) announced it is shipping the much-anticipated DLO iBoom - Boombox for the iPod. ... ... see the full story...
A new high-capacity 1800mAh Lithium-Polymer iPod battery offers 46 percent more capacity than the one Apple installed into 1G and 2G iPod models ($30.) For the same price as Apple's replacement battery, you can get the ultra-high capacity 2100mAh NuPower with 70 percent more capacity! The iPod batteries also include two non-scratching installation tools and a detailed instruction installation manual. Check out Newer Technology
Have a great week...
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