Matts iPod News

MyVu LCD goggles for iPod Video

2006-05-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

MyVu LCD goggles. 320x240 resolution, US$270. You know you want to look like that Star Trek guy.

Football iPod cases

2006-05-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

Get your Football (aka Soccer) iPod Cases that are in the colours of your favourite country. US$15.

Mitsubishi's "i" car

2006-05-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

Mitsubishi are selling their "i" car (only in Japan currently) that comes with an in-dash iPod Nano dock allowing your iPod to be controlled with the stereo. We need more of these kind of devices!

Gizmodo
Engadget

Tunewear iPod Hi-Fi

2006-05-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

Now you can wear your iPod HiFi around your neck with a custom leather strap. Buggered if I know who'd want to do so...

Gizmodo
Engadget

Learn foreign languages with iLingo

2006-05-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

Now you can Learn Foreign Languages on Your iPod. iLingo comes in a European (French, German, Italian, Portugese, Russian and Spanish) and Asian (Cantonese, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin Chinese) packs, contain recordings by native speakers and costs US$40-50.

Incidentally, I love Gizmodo's opening paragraph here:

"To be American means that it’s your inalienable right to visit a foreign country and get upset at the locals for not knowing English."

Hehe!

Super Mini Sound Box

2006-05-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

A tiny USB powered mini speaker. 2 Watts ain't going to shake the walls but if portability is your prime consideration it'll be a winner. US$15.

Thomas Pink's iPod-concealing Commuter Shirt

2006-05-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

Sick and tired of having your iPod stolen? Common thievery isn't a major problem in Melbourne but if you're paranoid or live in LA then this iPod-concealing shirt may be the ticket.

Audio iThunder iPod iBoom iBox

2006-05-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

Another Boom Box for the iPod. The Audio iThunder has a dock surrounded by a couple of four inch speakers, is available in white or black and costs US$200.

JBL Radial iPod Speaker System

2006-05-10T23:08:00.000-07:00

JBL have released the Radial iPod Speaker System. A circular speaker surrounds your iPod - and it packs quite a punch too with 60W of power. Looks pretty too. Costs US$300 though.

iPod cassette case hack

2006-05-10T23:02:00.000-07:00

Simple hack to use an old cassette case as an iPod holder. Cheap and svelte!

Griffin PowerDuo iPod Charger

2006-05-10T22:59:00.000-07:00

Griffin finally got around to making an iPod Charger that comes with both a powerpoint and cigarette lighter adaptor. USB only. US$40.

H2OAudio Case for Nano

2006-05-10T22:54:00.000-07:00

If you're keen to do a bit of splashing about in the water you need to make sure your iPod stays dry. The H20Audio Case promises to do that for US$80.

iTrip mini universal mod

2006-05-10T22:52:00.000-07:00

Modify your iTrip mini so it works with any device.

PortalPlayer still an iPod playa?

2006-05-05T01:01:00.000-07:00

Engadget reports that PortalPlayer, after being dissed by Apple, may by vying to win back some business - they now have a chip that can help with video playback. Bring on a true Video iPod I say.

Apple wins on two fronts

2006-05-05T00:57:00.000-07:00

Breaking news [err, well it was when I read it a few days ago!]: France folds on their DRM stance (remember the fuss from last week?) and Apple renew their contracts with the big four music companies and maintain their 99c pricing structure (in the US).

iHome iH36W

2006-05-05T00:51:00.000-07:00

The iHome iH36W is one crazy dock/speaker set/FM radio/TV audio decive that's designed to be installed beneath a cabinet. Cost is US$199.99 which puts it at the pricey end of the spectrum but it's pretty feature packed...

Dock breakout

2006-05-05T00:48:00.000-07:00

Another DIY dock breakout design - access every pin in the iPod dock.

The iBoom

2006-05-05T00:47:00.000-07:00

Turn an old skool boom box into a classy (depending how you define 'class') iPod speaker set - and remember to use the cassette holder to store the iPod. Dubbed the iBoom this is one kit that Napolean Dynamite would think was "sweet".

Foldable Apple speakers

2006-05-05T00:45:00.000-07:00

A cute set of speakers that folds into the shape of an Apple and contains a dock. For the Apple loyalists among you.

DIY Switch mode iPod charger

2006-05-05T00:44:00.000-07:00

Hack a Day is trying to get the community to help build a Firewire iPod charger, required for 3G iPods. They also link to a USB power source which will be useful for the later models.

Samsung to replace PortalPlayer

2006-05-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

There was some big news a week or two ago that Apple were dropping PortalPlayer as their supplier-of-choice for some of the chips used in the iPod. Poor PortalPlayer - their stocks took a massive dive (check out around April 19th) after the announcement.

Anyway, it's been revealed that Samsung are going to be the replacement. You'll remember that Samsung also supplies the flash memory for the iPod Nano - I dare say they're doin' alright.

Bella Corporation's Catapult

2006-05-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

Bella Corporation recently announced the Catapult, a device that uses an iPod (or, actually any USB 2.0 drive) for storage from a DV or HDV video camera. It takes a Firewire stream from a camcorder, digitizes it no the fly and stores it on the drive. Coming second-half 2006, expected to be less than US$300

Design your own iPod super dock

2006-05-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

Engadget are running a detailed series of articles on how to create your own iPod super dock. It will allow you to breakout all of the connections of a standard dock. Awesome if you're the DIY type.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

iPod PocketDock Combo

2006-05-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

A simple device, the iPod PocketDock Combo simply plugs into an iPod (video or Nano) dock and allows you to plug in standard USB or Firewire cables.

Griffin PowerJolt

2006-05-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

Griffin has always had a car charger for the iPod but they've recently updated their product. Only for 4th Gen models and later (ie devices that can be charged via USB).

Ads in iTunes

2006-05-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Wonderful. Looks like we'll be getting ads in iTunes.

High-end iPod speaker systems review

2006-05-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

Ars Technica recently reviewed three high-end iPod speaker systems, including the Apple Hi-Fi.

Personally I'd recommend buying a proper stereo and hooking your iPod to it.

[BTW sorry for the lack of updates, life has gotten in the way! Expect a slew of posts today.]

Use an iPod headphone as a microphone

2006-04-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

Some of you may already be aware that you can use your left iPod headphone as a microphone but here is a nice how-to.

[Thanks J-Man!]

Beatles music to be sold on iTunes

2006-04-14T00:23:00.000-07:00

The fab four's music will be offered for sale on iTunes. I love the Beatles and understand that this is a pretty big deal. The more people that listen to the Beatles the better IMO. But I'll buy 'em on CD, thanks.

I've held off for years buying any Beatles album. My plan is that one day I'll buy the $300-odd box set that you can get in JB. Oh yes, it will be mine.

Ars Technica
Gizmodo
Engadget

5Gb, 10Gb nano's coming?

2006-04-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

More rumours; Will the nano's be coming out in larger capacities soon? Perhaps by the end of May?

iPod Mono-Strap Backpack

2006-04-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

Control your iPod with your backpack. Would be handy when skiing! US$100.

Bluetooth iPod Rumors

2006-04-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

Bluetooth-enabled iPod rumours are rampant!

Zofunk iPod Cases

2006-04-11T18:59:00.000-07:00

Nice cases from Zofunk - 1mm thick and impressive since, even though they cover the click wheel it still operates as normal. US$25.

iBikeMount

2006-04-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

Another "i" product. A bike mount for your iPod nano. US$30.

Nyko nano Sound Stage

2006-04-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

Brushed aluminium mini speaker system for your nano. With remote, charger and dock! US$99.

Paint your nano to protect it!

2006-04-11T18:55:00.000-07:00

J are offerring a paint scheme that can protect your iPod nano. And make it look very colourful. US$65.

Hidden iPod Commands

2006-04-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

A terrific reference how to access the "secret" iPod commands (hard reset, diagnostics and disk mode).

All-in-One Speaker

2006-04-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

This is one big-ass speaker.

Needless to say, I want it.

iPod volume limiter software

2006-04-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

Apple are going to release an update to the iPod Nano and 5th gen software that will allow users to set a maximum volume limit. The limit will optionally be locked down with a PIN number.

Gizmodo
Engadget

France vs Apple

2006-03-31T15:33:00.000-08:00

There has been a great deal of commotion recently about France having voted to approve the 'music interoperability bill'. The bill intends to force companies, specifically Apple, to open their DRM so others can use it.

If passed, the bill would allow consumers to purchase songs from the iTunes store and play it on any device that implements the Apple DRM.

Note that they're not against DRM per se, they're trying to break the monopoly that Apple has by untying their iTune music store to the iPod.

It's clearly a progressive decision in favour of all consumers.

Unfortunately, Apple will not - can not - play in this game. Their only course of action will be to exit from the French market. Why? It's widely believed that Apple makes very little money from sales from their store; it seems that their business model is built around using cheap sales from the music store to entice people to buy iPods. If you break the tie between the store and iPods their business model fails.

Anyways, here are a few articles explaining the situation:

French lawmakers approve bill to open iPod, iTunes
Apple: French law will result in 'state-sponsored piracy'
French law would have 'minimal' impact on Apple
DRM, for better or worse

It was also discussed on JJJ's hack, available as a podcast from here:

France and iPods

[Thanks to Jeremy for prompting me to blog about this!]

Update: The French bill has been watered down

Jetta-iPod remote mod

2006-03-28T20:45:00.000-08:00

A nice example of how to build a remote control into the steering wheel of your car. Mounted in carbon fibre no less.

iPod Book

2006-03-28T20:43:00.001-08:00

Hide your iPod inside a book! Look more intellectual, it pulls the chicks.

Eight iPod hacks, mods and tricks

2006-03-28T20:43:00.000-08:00

We've talked about most of these hacks before but it's nice to have them in one place.

Giant iPod in Australia

2006-03-28T20:42:00.000-08:00

Looks like Apple are planning something big for their 30th anniversary. The 893,240 metre square iPod, located near an abandoned mineral mine in Western Australia, can be seen using Google Earth - it's that big.

It's worth reading the back story...who said gambling doesn't pay? :)

Boakes
Google Earth Blog
Gizmodo
Splatt
Cameron Reilly

iPod Protector

2006-03-28T20:36:00.000-08:00

Make your own iPod protector to stop the screen gettin' all scratched up.

Woody iPod Blaster

2006-03-28T20:35:00.000-08:00

For the ultimate in tacky, check out the Woody iPod Blaster bag, crafted out of quality vinyl with a wood print.

Belkin announces TunePower

2006-03-24T13:56:00.000-08:00

If you're looking to squeeze out an extra few hours of play time outta your 5G iPod then Belkin's TunePower may be the battery for you. US$80, adds a few (they claim six) hours of life to your iPod.

iNES

2006-03-21T17:40:00.000-08:00

iNES is a project to port a Nintendo Entertainment System emulator to the iPod. Brought you via the fine folks at iPod Linux.

iLuv Battery Booster

2006-03-21T17:39:00.000-08:00

iLuv makes batteries for the 5G iPod and for the Nano. Get up to a 55 hour battery life for US$85!

iPod Linux on 60Gb 5G iPods

2006-03-21T17:37:00.000-08:00

It's now official - iPod Linux now works fine on 60Gb 5G iPods.

Automatically get TV shows on your iPod

2006-03-21T17:36:00.000-08:00

Anything that uses Bittorrent, RSS and an iPod is OK with me. Transpodder uses a combination of simple, freely available tools to automatically suck your favourite TV shows from the Internet into your teeny little iPod. Now all we need are some good shows to watch since Battlestar Galactica finished...

Clip M

2006-03-21T17:32:00.000-08:00

Another one of those Bluetooth headsets that can switch between your iPod and your mobile phone. Looks good and priced reasonably at US$52.

New iPod commercial

2006-03-21T17:31:00.000-08:00

Apple have a new iPod commercial that I've seen here on cable TV. Very slick, as you'd expect from Apple.

iPod dock in ya keyboard

2006-03-21T17:28:00.000-08:00

Razer have announced a keyboard with a built-in iPod dock. USB2, US$99.

Skype on your iPod

2006-03-17T02:39:00.000-08:00

Holy cow, you can now run Skype on your iPod!

[Admittedly in a kludgey fashion!]

Upload CD's directly to your iPod with the iUpload

2006-03-17T02:37:00.000-08:00

The iUpload is a fancy device that allows you to rip your CD's without the need of a PC. It even can make use of an internet connection to download and tag the ripped mp3's. Ugly but effective.

How iPods Work

2006-03-17T02:35:00.000-08:00

If you're new to the wonderful world of iPods you may just be wondering how they work. Howstuffworks recently wrote an article - How iPods Work - that will satisy your curiosity.

Hardwood case for your iPod

2006-03-17T02:33:00.000-08:00

iWood now offer hardwood cases for the 5G iPods. I try to avoid case announcements but this is too smooth to ignore.

MAME Cabinet

2006-03-17T02:32:00.000-08:00

Further on the MAME news, someone has built a mini arcade "cabinet" around their Nano. Looks sweet!

Pac Man on your iPod

2006-03-17T02:29:00.000-08:00

MAME, the awesome arcade machine emulation software, is beginning to be ported to the iPod via the iPodLinux project. You can - right now - play Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man on the Nano and 5G iPod's.

KeySpan TuneView

2006-03-17T02:27:00.000-08:00

A remote control with a difference; the TuneView displays the iPod or iTunes library on it's onboard display. You can then choose the songs to play out of your stereo from the comfort of your lounge suite.

Make your own privacy filters for your iPod

2006-03-17T02:25:00.000-08:00

If you watch pr0n on your little iPod video on the train in the morning you may want to check out how to make these filters that reduce the viewing angle of your iPod screen so only you can see it.

iTunes Agent

2006-03-05T21:03:00.000-08:00

If you're one of those weird folks that likes iTunes, well, I can't really help you on an emotional level. And if you've bought a non-iPod mp3 player then I don't want to help you. But I'm such a nice guy that I will.

iTunes Agent is an nice piece of software that will sit between iTunes and your favourite non-iPod mp3 player allowing you to use the damned music management software with your equally-damned music playing device. Hope you're happy. ;)

Via MAKE: Blog.

iFloat, Waterproof iPod Case

2006-03-04T11:25:00.000-08:00

The iFloat is a waterproof case for your iPod. It even has a small audio speaker so you can use it as a boom box (minus the boom - the speaker is small!). I'm just not sure I'd be able to relax in the spa knowing that my precious iPod was toe-ing the line of electronic death protected only by a thin plastic box... US$40 available in Brookstone stores (but not yet online - let me know if anyone wants me to bring one back).

iPod Shuffle Beanie

2006-03-04T11:22:00.000-08:00

Wear beanines? Check. Have iPod? Check. You're a beanie wearing, iPod toting badass and you need to get your head into the iPod Shuffle Beanie. You know you want it. US$22.

iBoxers for Women

2006-03-04T11:20:00.000-08:00

Want to buy your Significant Other an iPod? She's not keen on the idea, right? Maybe you should buy her these iBoxers for Women as 'wrapping paper'. :)

Kensington Entertainment Dock 500

2006-03-04T11:17:00.000-08:00

If you're looking to easily and stylishly connect your iPod to your TV and home stereo, the Kensington Entertainment Dock may be a good option. It will charge your 'pod and has a remote control. US$105.

TEN NaviPlay Bluetooth Stereo Headset

2006-03-04T11:13:00.000-08:00

Bluetooth is flavour of the month it seems. TEN Technologies just released a set of Bluetooth-equipped headphones specifically designed to be used with your iPod. They also sync up with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones so when a call comes through it can be switched over. US$200.

DLO Ships TransDock Micro iPod Charger/Car Adapter

2006-03-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters has begun shipping their Transdock Micro. It is a car charger and FM transmitter that has the differentiating feature that it can also charge other USB devices. It also has an auxiliary input to allow you to play a seperate sound source through the FM transmitter. US$70.

Scoshe BlueLife connects iPod via Bluetooth

2006-03-04T11:08:00.000-08:00

If you aren't happy with the audio quality of your iTrip (or favourite FM transmitter) maye the Scoshe's BlueLife is for you. It is a Bluetooth-based transmitter/receiver combo that can wirelessly transmit your tunes. Not cheap at US$200 but coolness rarely is.

Encyclopodia

2006-02-28T15:50:00.000-08:00

Using that wonderful iPod Linux you can now have an encyclopedia in your iPod.

iPod Powered Safety Light

2006-02-28T15:49:00.000-08:00

If you need another way to happily drain your iPod's battery then this safety light may be the ticket. Useless really.

DVD to iPod video

2006-02-28T15:48:00.000-08:00

Use free software to convert DVD's to the iPod video format. Don't tell anyone we told you about this. ;)

Half Life on the iPod Nano

2006-02-28T15:44:00.000-08:00

You can play Half Life on the iPod Nano - amazing! You'll need to run iPod Linux but there's clear instructions if you follow the link.

MixPod

2006-02-28T15:43:00.000-08:00

If you're an aspiring DJ but can't be jacked learning how to use vinyl then this iPod mix box may be the device for you!

Apple's big announcements (New Mac Mini, iPod HiFi, Leather case)

2006-02-28T14:49:00.000-08:00

So Apple had their big announcements today...nothing really that extraordinary unfortunately, although the Mac Mini's are getting pretty desirable!

Basically there are three product announcements here:

Mini's have been updated to use the new Intel chipsets
A semi-portable HiFi system was released
A leather iPod case was revealed

A bit ho-hum really. No way I'd buy an Apple HiFi system (WTF? Give me a Denon or some other reliable-brand surround sound system puh-lease) or the leather case though the Mini is looking more attractive all the time. If they'd only add DVR capabilities to it I'd buy in an instant.

Anyway, as always Gizmodo and Engadget covered the news very well.

Gizmodo
iPod Hi-Fi Stereo
New Mac Mini
Live-Blogging: The Apple "fun" Announcement (via Valleywag)

Engadget
Apple Intel Mac mini hands on
Apple iPod Hi-Fi hands-on
Apple intros $99 leather iPod case
iPod Hi-Fi brings music to the masses
Apple's Intel Mac minis: Core Duo at 1.67 GHz, Core Solo at 1.5 GHz
Live from the Steve Jobs Keynote -- "Fun new products"

The 10 Strangest iPod Accessories Out There

2006-02-27T12:27:00.000-08:00

What's the whackiest accessory you have? Is it as strange as any on the Top 10 strangest list?

iPod BoomBox (?)

2006-02-27T12:25:00.000-08:00

Another "maybe, could happen" post; ThinkSecret reckon Apple are going to announce a new BoomBox at the press release tomorrow. I'll try to keep you posted!

Pink Tie Nano case (?)

2006-02-27T12:10:00.000-08:00

This US$85 pink tie has a built-in Nano pocket in the back so you can listen to you favourite songs and still look chic.

The TuneFlex for Nano

2006-02-27T12:09:00.000-08:00

Griffin is now shipping the TuneFlex, a US$40 dock and charger that you can use in the car. Notably it has a flexible steel arm that allows you to place your Nano at a suitable location. All you then need is some way to get your tunes to play through your car stereo (I like my iTrip!).

uLink Backward Compatibility Adapter for nano

2006-02-27T12:06:00.000-08:00

You can now reuse all of your existing iPod accessories on the Nano with this adaptor. It replicates the headphone jack and the little silver plug that the older models had (and the older accessories relied on). At only US$17 it seems pretty well-priced to me!

Zicplay iPod Remote

2006-02-27T12:02:00.000-08:00

An awesome remote allows you to control your iPod from distance, while it's happily connected to your stereo. Further, there's a little display on the remote that mirrors the iPods display. Neat.

Apple Touchscreen Patent Documentation

2006-02-27T11:59:00.000-08:00

We can only hope that Apple is going to release a video iPod with a touchscreen and if this patent is any indicator (it probably isn't) then such a device may see the light of day. Or maybe not.

HOW TO - iPod mount in Element

2006-02-10T14:08:00.000-08:00

Detailed instructions on how to integrate a dock into a Honda Element.

Apple still at work on true video iPod? - Engadget

2006-02-10T14:07:00.000-08:00

More rumours! Could Apple be working on an iPod with a larger screen (3.5") that is touch sensitive? Apparently the click wheel will appear on the screen when you touch it...

Engadget: Apple still at work on true video iPod?

Gizmodo: New iPod: 3.5-inch Touchscreen?

iPods with Bluetooth and WiFi On the Way?

2006-02-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

Word is that iPods with Bluetooth and Wifi are coming.

Gizmodo: iPods with Bluetooth and WiFi On the Way?

Engadget: Portal Player adds WiFi and Bluetooth, spurring new round of iPod rumors

A Bed To Dock Your iPod

2006-02-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

Om Malik writes about a New Zealand company that is building beds that have iPod docks built-in. Nice.

Carbon Fiber iPod Case

2006-02-10T13:59:00.000-08:00

I've all but stopped publishing posts about iPod cases but I couldn't pass one up that was made from carbon fibre!

Songbird is released

2006-02-10T13:57:00.000-08:00

Songbird, the long-awaited open source application destined to become an iTunes killer has been released. Many (many!) options and basic features don't yet properly work but this puppy is worth watching.

I'm not yet ready to give up on ml_ipod but there's a lot of innovative features planned in Songbird - I'm looking forward to seeing them realised.

Boing Boing had an interview with Rob Lord, the team leader and Gizmodo also covered the news.

(Thanks Jeremy for the link - I was already aware of Songbird but it was nice to hear from you!)

1GB nano for $150

2006-02-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

Apple have quietly released a 1GB Nano for $150. At that price it's a pretty good option for a significant other who's only mildly interested in music...

Elecom's Ball-Shaped Speaker for iPod

2006-02-10T13:48:00.000-08:00

Japanese company Elecom have released 2 inch portable speakers that would be a nice match for your iPod. Available in black or white.

iPod Car Charger and Transmitter That Won't Make Your Crown Vic Look Uncool

2006-02-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

If you've got a cool new black iPod and use it in your car regularly you should check out one of these black car chargers. Covered in black leather they look funky and they have an inbuilt FM transmitter to boot.

iPod Seeing Red?

2006-02-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

Rumour has it that red iPods will be coming out soon.

Scooterworks' Vespa Stereo System with iPod dock

2006-02-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

Whack an iPod dock and speakers into your Vespa!

PS: Your iPod Doesn't Know From Romance

2006-02-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

Romantic Valentine's day attire for your iPod? WTF!?

iPod integration for factory radios

2006-01-20T22:32:00.000-08:00

If you've got the know-how and the right car stereo you too can hack your car stereo to play nice with your iPod. Fair effort.

iParty, More iPod Crap

2006-01-20T22:30:00.000-08:00

The iParty is a wirelss transmitter/receiver for your iPod Mini (they still make accessories for the Mini's apparently!) that transmits up to 50 feet away and costs US$80.

ICUITI Video Glasses

2006-01-20T22:26:00.000-08:00

Designed to play video from an iPod with Video, the ICUITI Video Glasses sport 640x480 resolution and are powered for 2.5-4.5 hours on two AA batteries. They'll cost US$549 and make you look totally ridiculous.

The best thing about this product is the girl in the ad. ;)

iPod... Baby Stroller?

2006-01-20T22:23:00.000-08:00

For you funky (and totally uncaring) modern parents you can now push your baby in a stroller while listening to your iPod!

Now Your Nano Has Showy Speakers

2006-01-20T22:22:00.000-08:00

External speakers for the Nano, due to it's small size, have been hard to come by. Until now. Only one watt but enough to get the party started!