Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Griffin TuneBox - another iPod shuffle speaker syste

If you've got a Shuffle and you're after some speakers Griffin have the product for you!

Griffin TuneBox - another iPod shuffle speaker system

iPod - with Video?

Apple intends to make some sort of announcement Sept 7th and everyone is, as usual, rumouring like crazy.

One of the possibilities is a video iPod:

What's in Steve Jobs' pocket?

Via Geeky Info.

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Apple To Unveil iPod Cellphone Next Week?

Many people are talking about how Apple may (finally!) reveal the iPod cellphone that has been rumoured for almost an eon.

From Slashdot: Apple To Unveil iPod Cellphone Next Week?

iPod speakers

Not actually constrained to outputting the delightful sounds of an iPod, these speakers are nonetheless an awesome piece of work:

Via MAKE: Blog.

Monday, August 29, 2005

Rivet for the iPod Shuffle

If you need another Shuffle accessory check out the GRAB

Via Gizmodo

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Crunching the Math On iTunes

Have you ever noticed that iTunes continuously picks the same songs when it's meant to be on random? I haven't. Nor has Brian Hanson, the author of How Much Does iTunes Like My Five-Star Songs?

Via Slashdot .

The Fall 2005 FM Transmitter Shootout

If you're in the market for an FM transmitter for your iPod then check out iLounge's FM Transmitter Shootout.

Via Engadget.

Thief brings Apple retailer's stolen iPod into store

Humorous tale of a stolen iPod and an unlucky thief.

Thief brings Apple retailer's stolen iPod into store

Via Engadget.

iTunes is upsetting the big labels

Quite a few folk talking about how some of the bigger labels are getting a bit cheesed about the pricing of iTunes tracks. The labels would prefer to charge more for new songs and less for cuts from the back-catalogue.

Personally I'd just like to have the goddamn Australian iTunes site open. Not that I'd buy anything from it.

Slashdot : iTunes Might Lose Labels

Engadget: Apple and the major labels headed for a showdown over iTMS pricing

iPod Trenchcoat Makes It Sexier

The iPod Trenchcoat is a case for your iPod - with built-in speakers.

From Gizmodo: iPod Trenchcoat Makes It Sexier

Have a ball with the iSphere sound system

Hey cool! Another dock. What's good about this one? It's in the shape of a sphere. Really.

Have a ball with the iSphere sound system

Via Gizmodo.

Griffin iFM

If you're jealous of that friend of yours that has an iRiver because it's got an FM tuner (seriously, who listens to radio these days!?) then Griffin may have the product for you. The cute little iFM.

Griffin iFM

Via Gizmodo.

Armored iPod

If you ever get called out to participate in a war, rest assured that your iPod will be able to join you...

From Gizmodo: Armored iPod

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Rumors of a flash based iPod Mini may not be exaggerated

Even more ammunition to the "iPod Mini will be flash-based soon" battle. My advice: Don't buy an iPod Mini unless it's really cheap.

Via Ars Technica: Rumors of a flash based iPod Mini may not be exaggerated

iJoy ZipConnect Massage Chair plays tunes

A chair that massages you. While you listen to music through the inbuilt speakers - including a bassy subwoofer. And, of course, there's an iPod module so you can dock our favourite music player to your chair (does that sound weird to anyone else?).

From Engadget: iJoy ZipConnect Massage Chair plays tunes

PivotDock for iPod Shuffle

The PivotDock allows you to choose which direction your iPod Shuffle sticks out.

Required? No. Useful? Maybe. Just.

Gizmodo: Pivotdock for iPod Shuffle

Engadget: Swivel your shuffle with the PivotDock

Announcing SleepTune

SleepTune is a piece of software that can put iTunes to sleep after a specified amount of time.

Still now sure why...

a) you would want to
b) you are using iTunes

But if you do want to and do use iTunes then check out SleepTune:

Announcing SleepTune

[via Sahil Malik's blog.]

The MODE wall-mounted iPod interface

"Can I have a wall-mounted interface to my iPod please?" "Certainly sir!"

via Engadget: The MODE wall-mounted iPod interface

TruePower Extended-Life iPod Battery

Extend the life of your iPod battery:

via Gizmodo: TruePower Extended-Life iPod Battery

iTunes AKA ROKR Phone FCC Leak

Rumours of Apple releasing iTunes to a mobile platform are solidifying after the recent discovery of documentation in a Motorola handset:

iTunes mobile detailed in Motorola user manual

[via Gizmodo: iTunes AKA ROKR Phone FCC Leak]

New iTrip

I own an iTrip. It usually works fantastically - it's been great to have it on long road trips where I can cue up a hefty playlist and just let the tunes play through the car's FM reciever. Sweet.

Oh yea, verily do I love thee, iTrip.

But it's not without its problems. The main one is that it can be a total pain in the arse to choose the broadcast station. Sometimes after playing the 'mp3 config' tunes, the red LED flashes, then nothing. The device sometimes just seems to be impossible to 'tune'. It can have a mind of it's own. And, even if it does tune consistently, it's still difficult to change the station quickly (like if a damn community station interrupts your transmission). Don't even think about trying to change station while you're driving.

It now looks like those days will soon be behind us as Griffin Technologies, makers of the iTrip, are releasing a new model. This puppy has an LCD display, showing the broadcast station, and a knob to control said station. The iTrip form and general slickness is retained but the improved ability to easily change station is wicked-cool.

On top of that you can now also select between "DX" and "LX" modes. LX means stereo, as per the original iTrip. DX is mono. "Totally crap" I hear you scream! However, the kicker is that mono transmissions are clearer and have a greater transmission distance. Very useful if, like me, you listen to a lot of podcasts.

Finally, there is the neat auto-volume feature. With the original iTrip you had to be careful setting the volume of the iPod. Too loud and the audio clipped. Too soft and the transmission sufferred or you had to crank up the volume on your reciever, introducing noise. The new model controls the iPod, setting the volume to the optimal level.

Even though it'll be US$50 I'm ready to upgrade (maybe I'll wait awhile for the price to dip just a little). Read more about the new iTrip here:

Review: iTrip (LCD)

[via Gizmodo: New iTrip LCD Reviewed (Verdict: A++++ Would do business with again)]

Monday, August 22, 2005

The iPod log dock

Rustic. Not the first word that comes to mind when thinking about iPod docks but you should keep an open mind, yo.

From Engadget: The iPod log dock

iPod Mini Becoming a Flasher?

More news slash rumours about iPod minis being replaced with flash memory.

Via Gizmodo: iPod Mini Becoming a Flasher?

Yet another iPod is doomed story

Many competitors want chunks of the online sales market - currently dominated by Apple - even though it's still early days for that distribution method:

Via GigaOm: Yet another iPod is doomed story

Nightmare Before Christmas iPod

Another stupid 'special edition' iPod. Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas.

From Engadget: Nightmare Before Christmas iPod

How would you change the Mighty Mouse?

Engadget discusses how Apple's recently released Mighty Mouse could be improved:

How would you change the Mighty Mouse?

I haven't tried the device so I don't know what it's like but I had to chuckle at this opinion:

"Hurl faeces at it and then give it to a fundamentalist islamic and fire a grenade at him."

Subtle.

The next governor of California: Steve Jobs?

If he promises to give residents free iPod's I'm sure Steve will be elected.

From Engadget:
The next governor of California: Steve Jobs?

Tux iPod Stand

If you need a stand for your iPod then you could do worse than the sexy Tux stand.

Via Gizmodo: Tux iPod Stand

Nokia N91 Update - Umm... Nix that iTunes Thing, Guys

It seems that there'll be no iTunes mobile service on the N-series Nokias:

From Gizmodo: Nokia N91 Update - Umm... Nix that iTunes Thing, Guys

Denon Smart Life: iPod-Lovin' Home Cinema System

Denon have released a home theatre system that you can plug your iPod in to. The kicker is the "virtual iPod" - when you plug in your iPod it provides you with a lovely interface on your TV so you can select your music. Awesome stuff.

From Gizmodo: Denon Smart Life: iPod-Lovin' Home Cinema System

Here's hoping the system comes to Australia (yeah, right!).

iPod Model Cries, World Begins Spinning Out of Control

I know people that would be an iPod silhouette model for free but hey Mandy, you're free to whinge that you only got a measly $1500.

iPod Model Cries, World Begins Spinning Out of Control

2GB and 4GB iPod shuffles?

2GB and 4GB iPod Shuffle's may soon hit the market. Price drops for iPod Mini's seem to substantiate the claim...

Engadget
2GB and 4GB iPod shuffles?
Samsung slashing prices on 4GB memory modules for a flash iPod mini?

Gizmodo
2GB Shuffle (??)
4GB Shuffle (??)

iGuy is Such a Player

A blog written by an iPod case. Funny, but a little 'eh'?

Via Gizmodo: iGuy is Such a Player

iPod alarm clock

How to use the iPod alarm clock feature.

Via Geeky Info: iPod alarm clock

Sunday, August 21, 2005

The iPod and God

If you're big on the bible thang then you'll be happy to know that you can now purchase the iPocketBible.

Via Phil's 'Geeky Info': The iPod and God

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Booting an x86 Virtual Machine from an iPod

Not quite as impressive as it sounds, researchers are just using the iPod as a USB storage device to store the whole OS:

Discussed on Slashdot: Booting an x86 Virtual Machine from an iPod

Bluetooth Wireless Module for iPod

Stream audio from your iPod over Bluetooth:

From Gizmodo: Bluetooth Wireless Module for iPod

Pricey but high quality compared with the FM transmitters.

Belkin Dock Adapter - Make the Shuffle a Real iPod

For you Shuffle-owning cheapskates who've always desired a full-on iPod here's a dock adaptor that'll get you some of the way there:

From Gizmodo: Belkin Dock Adapter - Make the Shuffle a Real iPod

'Course you've still got stuff-all storage space... ;)

Linux on a 2G iPod Mini

If you've got a 2nd Gen iPod Mini and a hankering to play with Linux on it here's a how-to guide:

From Hack A Day: Linux on a 2G Ipod mini

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

PowerJolt

A car charger from Griffin that let's you charge your iPod via USB:

PowerJolt

Remember that only 4th Gen iPods, shuffles, mini's and photos can be charged via USB.

I've got the older PowerPod that does the same thing but via Firewire for us 3rd Gen folks.

Gold Burberry iPod Case for the Rich, Inbred

Not much to say really. An expensive Burberry case for the iPod.

From Gizmodo: Gold Burberry iPod Case for the Rich, Inbred

Sunday, August 14, 2005

iPods, Guns, and Craigslist

Tip: Don't buy an iPod from this guy:

From Gizmodo: iPods, Guns, and Craigslist

More on the iPod Patent Shuffle

Microsoft and Apple are bickering about who invented the portable music player.

From Microsoft Watch: More on the iPod Patent Shuffle

iPod Subway Maps

If you're the owner of an iPod Photo and take public transport every day you may be interested in this:

From MAKE: Blog: iPod Subway Maps

Did I mention that they only have Boston, Chicago, New York, San Fran, DC, and Hong Kong covered currently? Yeah, poo.

iPod Video - The Silent Film Era

Own a 1st, 2nd or 3rd Gen iPod? Want to play video - in monochrome - on it? With no sound?

iPod Video - The Silent Film Era

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Japanese Musicians Defy Sony by Joining iTunes

And why not? Sony sucks ass [1]. Damn I hate the memory stick.

From Slashdot: Japanese Musicians Defy Sony by Joining iTunes

[1] I actually believe Sony's make solid hardware but they screw up most of their products by insisting on proprietry technologies, which is totally against "Matt philosophy". Memory Stick is my current bugbear but ATRAC wasn't terribly long ago - and they had such wonderful potential with MiniDisc but insisted on overpricing it and just making bad decisions with its implementation. OK, rant over.

Mopah

Too cool. A scooter that will not start unless you dock your iPod. It's effectively using your iPod's serial number as a key!

It's only a thesis project at the moment so put away your credit card...for now. :(

Via Engadget: Mopah: the iPod powered scooter

Logitech Drops Two New Portable Speakers...

...that are iPod friendly.

via Gizmodo: Logitech Drops Two New Portable Speakers

iBeat Glowing Earbud

Some glow-in-the-dark earbuds. 'Cause you know you need 'em.

Via Gizmodo: iBeat Glowing Earbud

Troubleshooting Your iPod

A few tips to help out if your iPod does start playing up (it does happen!):

Troubleshooting Your iPod

Via Geeky Info (Hi Phil!).

Apple's iPod Interface Patent in Jeopardy

I don't like patents. Especially software patents. I subscribe to the Richard Stallman school of thought on the topic. So I'm wrapped to hear that Apple had their patent application for their software denied recently.

via Slashdot: Apple's iPod Interface Patent in Jeopardy

Switched On: When Clock Meets Dock

If you want to wake up to your iPod's glorious tunes then here's a solution for you!

via Engadget: Switched On: When Clock Meets Dock

Apple barely a contender in South Korean MP3 player market

Looks like our favourite little gadget ain't so hot in South Korea.

via Engadget: Apple barely a contender in South Korean MP3 player market

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Apple Canada to reimburse iPod owners for digital music tax

We're not Canadian, but some of us have to work with Canucks.

Via Engadget:

Apple Canada to reimburse iPod owners for digital music tax

The ultimate iPod accessory - up to 4 hours of pleasure

OK, hopefully noone gets too offended, but here is a, well, exciting use for your iPod. ;)

Via 'Brush (thanks mate!) from eBay:

The ultimate iPod accessory - up to 4 hours of pleasure

5th-generation iPods to get in-house scroll-wheel, replaceable batteries?

Some discussion about the next-gen iPods:

via Engadget: 5th-generation iPods to get in-house scroll-wheel, replaceable batteries?

Makrolon Shuffle Sheath

Another iPod Shuffle case, via Gizmodo:

Makrolon Shuffle Sheath

Sonneteer’s Bardaudio line delivers high-end wireless audio streaming

Via Engadget:

Sonneteer’s Bardaudio line delivers high-end wireless audio streaming

It's not iPod-specific but I thought you may find it useful nonetheless. And there's a photo of an iPod connected to the device. :)

Use a DB9 serial interface on your ipod

From MAKE: Blog:

Use a DB9 serial interface on your ipod

Monday, August 08, 2005

PodGear HouseParty

Nice looking iPod dock. From Gizmodo:
PodGear HouseParty

Sunday, August 07, 2005

Play DOOM on your iPod

From MAKE: Blog:

Play DOOM on your iPod

I love those kooky folks at iPodLinux! Now they've squeezed enough juice out of a lowly iPod to coax it to play Doom. Amazing.

HOW TO replace your iPod's Battery

From MAKE: Blog:HOW TO replace your iPod's Battery

I know I'd want longer battery life from my third-gen.

Thursday, August 04, 2005

ITMS Japan Launched

While we still wait for the iTune Store to open in Australia, Japan waits no longer.

Retro CD Player case for iPod

Make: Blog has reported a damn cool case, a Retro CD Player case for iPod. Less likely to get nabbed!

The Monitor Audio i-deck iPod Music System

From Engadget: The Monitor Audio i-deck iPod Music System.

So many iPod docks, so little money.

iLounge reviews Ignitek’s iCarrier iPod speaker system

From Engadget: iLounge reviews Ignitek’s iCarrier iPod speaker system.

Looks nice! Though at three feet tall it makes your iPod look rather, well, little.

Mighty Mouse Review Round-Up

We've all seen the Mighty Mouse here's a number of reviews of the delightful little rodent.

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Obligatory first post

We all heart our iPods. You know you do! If not then you're in the wrong place, bubba. This blog is going to keep track of any iPod-related news and if you don't like that, well, just, I don't know, go somewhere else or unsubscribe or something. But don't come here. This site is too cool, too hip and just too iPod-related for you. ;)