10/29, 12:50pm
Apple headset would play music, record calls
A US patent filing published today suggests Apple has been researching the prospects of a wireless headset with its own media playback support. The device would operate as a typical wireless headset as a companion for an iPhone or similar device but would play music from storage built into the earphones. It could have basic music controls and a display, but with a microphone it could also use voice commands to play specific content without looking.
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10/06, 10:55am
New H2O Audio products rated for up to 12 feet
H2O Audio on Tuesday showed off three new products for music listening around water. The Surge Pro earbud headphones, the Surge Sportwrap neckband headphones as well as an updated Interval Waterproof Headphone System are all built to withstand heavy perspiration common during exercise routines, and can be submerged without any ill effects in up to 12 feet of water.
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09/21, 4:15pm
Cuts affect all models
Slightly less than two weeks after introducing new models, Apple has announced a series of price cuts to its older, refurbished iPods. An 8GB Touch is now $149, for instance, a drop of $40. A 16GB Touch is now $50 less at $199, and a 32GB model has been slashed in cost by $30, reaching $249.
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09/20, 7:05pm
Sansa Clip Plus reviewed
Nowhere is it harder to make a good portable media player than in the ultra-small, wearable field; even Apple decided it would rather go without a screen than try to fit the usual controls into something that clips on your belt. SanDisk has long thought differently and has carved out a niche for itself with the Sansa Clip, but we want to know in our full reviewif its Clip+ sequel can topple the iPod shuffle.
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09/09, 2:20pm
Same iPod designs, new storage and colors
As part of its music event, Apple on Wednesday refreshed the iPod classic and third-generation iPod shuffle. The iPod shuffle has received the most noticeable changes with new color options. Beyond the original black and silver, the screenless player will now also come in blue, green and pink at its existing $79 price. The company is also introducing a special stainless steel trim that will cost $99 at the same capacity and is rolling out a 2GB edition with the same features for $59.
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09/09, 12:05pm
iPod touch absent from reseller part number list
A leaked list may reveal today's iPod capacity changes, or the lack thereof, according to a report. Said to have been supplied by "people familiar with the matter," the list details an assortment of iPod models and colors, as well as their onboard storage in gigabytes. Significant in the collection is a new iPod classic, with 160GB of memory instead of the current 120GB. Silver and black colors remain.
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09/03, 8:55am
First time Sony leads in four years
Sony's Walkman players overtook Apple's iPods in market share for the first time in Japan in over four years, according to a study by BCN. Although Apple held the lead as recently as a month ago, a sudden surge in the Walkman's popularity and a corresponding drop in the iPod's has led to Sony just edging out Apple with 43 percent of the market versus 42.1 percent. The upset ends an unprecedented 241-week run for Apple, which took the top spot from Sony in early 2005.
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08/31, 8:50am
SanDisk Sansa Clip Plus
SanDisk launched its first new media player in over a year today with the Sansa Clip+. The major revision to its iPod shuffle competitor fits a microSDHC card slot and can use this either to expand the built-in storage or to play the company's preloaded slotMusic or slotRadio cards. It's also finally Mac-compatible and lets those users drag-and-drop music from Mac OS X Panther or later.
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08/26, 3:00pm
iPod scammer sentenced
A 23-year-old man who exploited Apple's warranty program has been sentenced to 13 months in prison, according to the Kalamazoo Gazette. Nicholas Woodhams of Portage, Michigan recently plead guilty to charges of mail fraud and money laundering; in addition to his prison time, he will have to pay $648,568 in compensation to Apple, and another $8,066 to the US Postal Service. Woodhams has been forced to surrender his house, an Audi sedan, a Honda motorcycle and over $570,000 in funds.
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08/04, 4:25pm
RunWallet Shuffle holster
Grantwood has released the RunWallet, an armband holster designed to carry important cards, keys and money alongside an iPod shuffle during a wearer's workout. The armband is stretchable, and the holster can also be attached to a person's shoe, belt or pocket. Shuffles are attached to the outside of the holster, between the storage pocket and another thin band.
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07/28, 3:55pm
iLuv iPod shuffle Adapter
iLuv today quickly followed Belkin by providing official details of its own remote adapter for the newer iPod shuffle. Already teased, the IEA15 gives any minijack earbud or headphone set the same controls as Apple's remote, both for click actions and for volume. The add-on is also confirmed to add full remote control to any other 2008 iPod as well as the iPhone 3GS.
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07/28, 9:35am
Belkin iPod Shuffle Adaptr
Belkin this morning addressed the complaints of those wanting to use more advanced headphones with Apple's third-generation iPod shuffle and launched its Headphone Adapter for the music player. The simple add-on gives any typical earbuds or headphones with a 3.5mm headphone jack a remote much like Apple's own pack-in model, including the ability to invoke VoiceOver. It's not known if other iPods receive similar features.
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07/16, 11:45am
iLuv iEP515 and iEP315
iLuv catered to owners of Apple's latest handhelds today with two in-ear headphone sets. Both the higher-end iEP515 and basic iEP315 are primarily treated as upgrades for the iPhone 3GS with an in-line remote and microphone in addition to passive noise reduction through its design. Their controls are also supported on the third-generation iPod shuffle, second-generation iPod classic and fourth-generation iPod nano as well as the iPod touch, where the microphone also works.
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05/28, 7:25pm
iPod shuffleTechStyle case
Speck has announced its latest TechStyle case, created specifically for the second- and third-generation iPod shuffle. The case features a compact, hard shell covered in nylon fabric that is designed to protect the device from scrapes and scratches. An integrated organizer allows users to wind the earphone cord, while a removable carabiner clip is located on the side. A removable adapter enables the case to fit both the 2G and 3G Shuffle.
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05/27, 12:50pm
iPod Shuffle OS update
Apple on Wednesday released a software update for the third-generation iPod shuffle, Version 1.1, along with a new VoiceOver Kit. The software addresses a rare issue that occasionally caused playback to stop. A number of other bug fixes have been added, along with support for the new VoiceOver Kit. The 3.9MB download is available directly from iTunes.
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05/07, 5:05pm
USBfever Shuffle cases
USBfever is shipping two additions to its line of iPod shuffle 3G accessories: a dual-pack of silicone cases, and a triple-pack of metal cases. The silicone package includes "frost white" and "smoke black" options, which guard Shuffles against bumps and scratches, along with moisture and dust. Access remains open to a player's ports and buttons.
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04/14, 9:05pm
iPod shuffle Crystal Case
GizFever.com has announced its latest iPod accessory, the Crystal Case for the third-generation iPod shuffle. The case features a lightweight ergonomic design and is made from hard clear plastic to help protect the iPod from bumps and scratches during everyday use. The form is designed to closely fit the Shuffle 3G, without covering the clip, and provides full access to all ports and controls.
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04/13, 9:55am
VoiceOver Kit 1.0.1 update
Apple has produced a minor update for the third-gen iPod shuffle, VoiceOver Kit 1.0.1. VoiceOver is the technology used to synthesize, sync and play speech on the new Shuffle; the update fixes the pronunciations for a number of unspecified artists. Also addressed are a collection of minor bugs, again unnamed. The patch is currently available only through Software Update.
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04/13, 9:35am
iPod shuffle 3G teardown
On a per-unit basis, the third-generation iPod shuffle may be one of Apple's most profitable products, says iSuppli. The research firm observes that even when factoring packaging and headphone costs in with those of the actual player components, a modern Shuffle costs approximately $21.77 to produce, or just 28 percent of the retail cost. By comparison, 49 percent of the first-gen iPod touch's $299 retail price was swallowed up by component costs.
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04/08, 11:55pm
iPod shuffle silicone case
GizFever.com has announced its latest iPod accessory, the iPod Shuffle 3G Silicone Case. Each case is created to fit firmly around the iPod shuffle 3G, to protect against bumps, scrapes and scratches, and comes in an ergonomic design. The cases are made from a light-weight silicone and come with an anti-dust coating. Six colors are currently available, blue, black, ice, pink, green and yellow. The silicone case can be purchased from the company’s website and is priced at $2.
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04/02, 4:05pm
iPod shuffle 3G problems
Despite the player only being a few weeks old, problems are already being reported with the third-generation iPod shuffle, specifically in relation to contact with moisture. According to support discussions, play and volume controls may malfunction when used during activities associated with sweat, such as a run or a workout. Volume may suddenly ramp up to the loudest setting, or down to the quietest; play controls can become unusable, and some iPods may shut off completely.
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04/01, 3:00pm
Action Jacket armband
DLO has announced its Action Jacket armband for the 3rd generation iPod shuffle. Designed for use while working out, the iPod accessory helps keep the device attached to the person’s arm. Featuring moisture-resistant neoprene to protect the iPod from sweat, the Action Jacket comes complete with a built-in pocket and outer panel. The outer panel can be used to clip the iPod to so users can place other objects in the pocket, such as a key or money. Each armband is completely washable and sized to fit most arms.
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03/26, 3:55pm
iLuv Shuffle 3G cases
iLuv has a launched a new pair of case options, designed for the third-generation iPod shuffle. The iCC12 and iCC14 are both intended to provide protection against various scrapes and scratches. The iCC12 is a pack that includes four silicone cases, arrayed in black, white, blue and pink colors.
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03/24, 4:45pm
DealNN: iPod shuffle
Deals at DealNN today include iPods, storage, Macs and more. Most noteworthy today is a deal on the second-generation 2GB iPod shuffle in blue. It is priced at $39 at eCost.com, which is $20 less than Apple charges for this refurbished model. It holds up to 500 songs and can get up to 12 hours of continuous playback on a single charge.
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03/20, 4:50pm
Apple refurbs: iPods
Apple's online store is offering a wide range of refurbished products including unibody MacBooks, current-generation iPods and more. For a limited time get the previous-generation 2GB iPod shuffle for $39. Other Shuffle selections include the 1GB model in current-generation green, pink, and blue is also $39, while the 2GB version is $59 and is available in the same color options. The 8GB iPod nano is priced at $129 and comes in orange, green, purple, blue, pink, silver, yellow, and black. Unibody MacBook models start at $1099 for the 2.0GHz model with 2GB of memory and 160GB hard drive and go up to $1899 for the 2.4GHz model with 2GB of memory and a 128GB solid state drive.
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03/20, 11:30am
Man steals 9,000 Shuffles
A Michigan repairman has been charged with fraud and money laundering perpetrated against Apple, writes the San Francisco Chronicle. Nicholas Woodhams is said to have fraudulently stolen over 9,000 iPod shuffles, of which "thousands" were then sold for $49 apiece. Filings at a federal court in Grand Rapids suggest that Woodhams took advantage of Apple's website, which lets users ask for a replacement Shuffle if they have a valid serial number under warranty.
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03/19, 10:00pm
iLuv iEP505
iLuv has launched its latest media player accessory, the iEP505 earphones featuring a sound-isolating design. The earphones provide an in-line volume control, which the company plans to upgrade with support for navigation controls on the latest iPod shuffle. The company claims the drivers are engineered for improved audio reproduction and frequency range.
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03/18, 10:45am
Five granted Apple patents
Apple has been granted five new patents by the US Patent and Trademark Office, documents note. Among the more interesting to the public may be one for a unique iPod dock, shaped to fit a car's cupholder; the device would solve the problem of creating a solid mount in a car while potentially charging a player and/or feeding audio out of it. A spool could be included to keep cords organized, and sleeves could be supplied to cope with different cupholder sizes. As the patent was originally filed in 2005 however, Apple may be unlikely to turn it into an end product.
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03/16, 5:50pm
Apple refutes DRM claims
Apple has refuted recent claims that the new iPod shuffle integrates DRM technology to prevent third-party companies from making compatible products without paying fees. iLounge and the Electronic Frontier Foundation noted the presence of a chip behind the buttons on the in-line controls, leading to the presumption that the component provided authentication for the signal.
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03/16, 1:40pm
EFF attacks iPod shuffle
Apple is headed in the wrong direction with the redesigned iPod shuffle, claims the Electronic Frontier Foundation. The public advocacy group notes that while Apple has mostly disposed of DRM in terms of music files, it has effectively added more by limiting which audio hardware can connect to the player's headphone jack. If not used with official Apple earbuds, the player will require an adapter or officially-sanctioned third-party headphones.
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03/15, 7:55pm
Shuffle adapter announced
Dexim has announced its Shu-Lip charger for the iPod shuffle 3G. The device provides a USB 2.0 connector on one end and a headphone jack on the other, allowing a USB-to-iPod connection for both charging and syncing the newly announced iPod, but without a cord between separating the two ends. The new charger features an aluminum casing designed to match the aesthetics of the Shuffle.
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03/14, 8:20pm
Shuffle has DRM issues
Apple's new iPod Shuffle has added a new layer of hardware DRM, possibly preventing third-party companies from reverse-engineering the Shuffle technology in order to build headphones. Electronic Frontier and iLounge have discovered an Apple authentication chip DRM (Digital Right Management) requirement that will mean third-party headphone makers will have to pay fees for the authentication chip and design headphones with the chip included. The authentication chip provides a legal means to prevent headphone makers from reverse-engineering the Shuffle output to create a set of headphones that work with the new iPod. Apple could sue any companies that attempted such an effort for DCMA violations.
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03/13, 6:05pm
Refurb. iPod roundup
A vast selection of refurbished iPods are currently on sale at Apple's online store. Starting at $39 is the 1GB iPod shuffle, in current-generation pink, blue, or green. The 2GB model is also available in the same color options for $59. The previous-generation 4GB iPod nano, in silver, is now priced at $79. Get a 4th generation, 8GB iPod nano in orange, green, purple, pink, silver, black, yellow or blue for $129. The 16GB model is priced at $169 and is available in the same colors as the 8GB model. Also priced at $169 is the 80GB iPod classic in black or silver. For just $40 more get the 120GB Classic, now $209. First-generation and current-generation iPod touch models are available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB configurations. First-gen. configurations are priced at $179, $219 and $299 respectively while the current-gen. configurations are priced at $199, $259, and $349.
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03/12, 10:40pm
Shuffle disassembled
The crew at iFixit has already disassembled the new third-generation iPod shuffle, exposing the tiny innards. The processor, flash memory and RAM are all contained in a single, multi-layered chip. The dime-size battery also takes a minimalist approach, offering a capacity of just 73 mAh. The smaller battery cuts a few hours of playback time from the previous version, with the claimed runtime now at 10 hours.
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03/12, 10:25pm
Photos of new iPod shuffle
We have dozens of hi-res unboxing photos of Apple's new iPod shuffle, showing the form-factor change. Similarly to latest-generation iPod nano, Apple has chosen to move away from the shorter case and switch to a taller, more rectangular housing. The company apparently placed the small size at a high priority, integrating a dime-size 73 mAh battery that cuts two hours of playback time from the previous generation. Surface buttons have been removed and replaced with in-line controls on the headphone cord. The system still allows standard headphones to be used, but without any pause or volume controls.
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03/12, 8:50am
iPod VoiceOver speaks
Apple has made significant changes in its latest third-generation iPod shuffle, one of them being the addition of its VoiceOver function. The new feature enables the Shuffle to speak the names of a song and artist, and pronounce them in one of 14 different languages. In order to make this work, iTunes integrates with the iPod, reads the song information, and uses the VoiceOver Kit to generate the pronunciations. Because of the player's design, users will receive a different voice depending on what computer is used when syncing.
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03/11, 3:05pm
Shuffle 3G earbud support
People looking to use headphones of their own with the newest iPod shuffle will have to be patient, Apple is said to have confirmed. The problem arises from the control scheme for the updated player, which has shifted almost entirely to proprietary Apple earbuds. At the moment the player is rendered useless without them, Apple notes.
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03/11, 9:05am
Redesigned iPod shuffle
Apple on Wednesday released a surprise redesign of the iPod shuffle. The player now comes only in black and silver colors, and has switched to a tall and even smaller design, completely omitting any surface buttons except for a three-way switch that toggles song shuffling as well as power. Volume and track control are now handled exclusively through an in-line remote on the earbuds, in a manner similar to other earbuds for the iPhone, Nano and Touch.
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03/06, 12:30pm
Apple refurbs: iPods
Apple's online store has a variety of refurbished current-generation iPods and Mac accessories. Starting at $39 is the 1GB iPod shuffle in blue. For $59 is the 2GB iPod shuffle in pink. The 8GB iPod nano is priced at $129 and is available in purple, blue, silver, black, orange, pink, green, and yellow. Also available is the 16GB Nano for $169 in the same color options as the 8GB model. Current-generation iPod touch models are available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB configurations for $199, 259, and $349. Accessories include the wireless Mighty Mouse for $59, wireless keyboard for $69 and 24-inch LED cinema display for $799.
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02/13, 4:00pm
Apple refurbs: Shuffle
Currently the Apple store is offering a variety of refurbished products from iPods to to Mac accessories. Starting at $39 is the 1GB iPod shuffle in purple, blue, green or silver. For $20 more ($59) get the 2GB shuffle in previous-generation silver, purple, green and blue or current-generation green, pink and blue. Three unibody MacBook models are available: for $1,099 is the 2.0GHz model with 2GB of memory and 160GB hard drive; the 2.4GHz model with 2GB of memory and 250GB hard drive is $1,399; last is the 2.4GHz model with 128GB solid state drive for $1,899. Mac accessories include the wireless keyboard for $69, the AirPort express base station for $79 and the Time Capsule in both 500GB and 1TB capacities for $249 and $399 respectively.
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02/06, 4:20pm
Apple refurbs: iPods
Apple's online store is currently offering a wide variety of refurbished iPod models from the iPod shuffle to the first generation iPod touch. One gigabyte (up to 240 songs) iPod shuffles are available starting at $39 and come in purple, silver, green, and blue. Two gigabyte (up to 500 songs) models are also available for $59 and come in the same colors as the first as well as current-generation blue, pink, and green. Previous-generation 8GB iPod nanos are priced at $99 and hold up to 2,000 songs. Current-generation 16GB iPod nanos in yellow, pink, green, purple and orange are priced at $169 and can hold up to 4,000 songs. First-generation iPod touch models come in three storage capacities: 8GB (up to 1,750 songs) for $179, 16GB (up to 3,500 songs) for $219, and 32GB (up to 7,000 songs) for $299.
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01/27, 7:55pm
Apple refurbs: new iPods
The Apple Store now offers a new variety of refurbished Apple products that include several current-model iPods as well as aluminum-unibody MacBook and MacBook Pros at reduced prices. The latest-generaton 1GB iPod shuffle is available in silver, blue, pink and green colors for $39. The current iPod nano is available in 8GB ($129) and 16GB ($169) configurations with a multitude of colors choices such as black, yellow, pink, blue, green and purple. Apple TV in 40GB and 160GB configurations are available for $199 and $279, respectively. The 2.4GHz unibody MacBook has 2GB of RAM and a 250GB hard drive for $1399. The unibody MacBook Pro model is offered with a 2.53GHz processor, 4GB of memory and a 320GB hard drive for $2149.
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01/06, 6:05pm
Apple refurbs: Shuffle
Today at the Apple store there is a wide selection of refurbished Mac products including iPods, MacBooks and Mac accessories. Starting at $39 is the 1GB iPod shuffle in purple, silver, green or blue. Other iPod models include the 4GB Nano in silver for $79, the 8GB Nano in pink for $99, the 80GB Classic in black is $169, and the 8GB iPod touch is $179. Two MacBook Air models are offered, the 1.6GHz model with 80GB hard drive is $999 and the 1.8GHz model with 64GB solid state drive is $1,299. MacBook Pros start at $1,799 for the 17-inch, 2.33GHz model with 2GB of memory and a 160GB hard drive and go up to $2,299 for the 2.6GHz model with the same memory and hard drive specs as the first.
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12/31, 5:00pm
Analyst on iPhone nano
Apple will likely offer a new iPhone in the first half of 2009, with a lower price-point and new baseband processor, according to analyst Craig Berger of Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co. The forecast adds more fuel to the speculation of an iPhone "nano", to which Berger noted that "we believe this device is on its way." He expects the new phone to be preceded by a smaller version of the iPod shuffle that could be launched sometime in the first quarter of the year.
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12/26, 4:35pm
Apple refurbs: Shuffle
Apple's online store is currently offering a wide variety of refurbished products from iPods to Mac Pros. One and two gigabyte iPod shuffles are priced at $39 and $59 respectively and come in silver, blue, purple and green. The 160GB iPod classic is available in black or silver for $249. MacBooks start at $849 for the 2.1GHz model with 1GB of memory and 120GB hard drive. The 2.0GHz Mac mini with 1GB of RAM and 120GB hard drive is also available for $679. Mac models top off at $4099 for the 3.2GHz Mac Pro with 2GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive. Mac accessories include the wireless keyboard for $69, the MacBook Air external SuperDrive is $79, and two Time Capsule models are featured in 500GB ($249) and 1TB ($419) configurations.
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12/16, 8:00pm
Apple deals: refurb iPods
Apple's online store is offering a variety of refurbished iPods at reduced prices. Three iPod touch models are featured; the 8GB model for $179, the 16GB model for $219 and the 32GB model for $319. Two iPod shuffle models are also available; the 1GB model is $39 and the 2GB model is priced at $59, both models come in purple, silver green and blue. 8GB iPod nanos are priced at $99 and come in green, blue, silver, and black. Lastly is the 160GB iPod classic priced at $249 and is available in black or silver. Other refurbished items include the 40GB Apple TV for $199, the wireless keyboard for $69, AirPort Express base station for $79 and the MacBook Air external SuperDrive for $79.
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12/15, 9:40am
Taiwanese iPhone unlocked
Buyers of the Taiwanese iPhone will find it unlocked, reports say. Although the phone's official carrier in the country -- Chunghwa Telecom -- has in the past insisted that the phone would only work on its network, in practice, the new iPhone will accept SIM cards from other carriers' networks without any hardware or software hacks. The only tradeoff, users say, is that Chunghwa's Hami services become inaccessible.
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12/05, 4:00pm
Apple refurbs: iPod
Apple's online store is currently offering a variety of refurbished iPod models at reduced prices. Starting at $39 is the 1GB iPod shuffle that holds up to 240 songs and comes in in green, purple, green, blue and silver or for $59 is the 2GB Shuffle, that can hold up to 500 songs, in the same colors as the 1GB model. The iPod nano is $99 for the 8GB model that holds up to 2,000 songs and is available in silver, blue, green, or black. 80GB iPod Classic models hold up to 20,000 songs and are $169 while 160GB Classics are $249 and hold up to 40,000 songs, each comes in either black or silver. Lastly is the iPod touch in three capacities, 8GB (1,750 song) for $179, 16GB (3,500 songs) for $219 and 32GB (7,000 songs) for $319.
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12/03, 12:15pm
Widespread iPod shortage?
iPods are becoming increasingly difficult to find in the wake of last week's Black Friday sales, says Kaufman Bros. analyst Shaw Wu. Immediately following the sales, the only vendor to report any shortages was Amazon, which lengthened its lead times to 11 days for the 8GB iPod touch, and three to five weeks for the 16GB player. The company's situation has since been made even worse however, with 8GB lead times matching those of the 16GB model, making it virtually impossible to buy an 8GB player in time for Christmas.
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12/02, 5:15pm
DealNN: MacBook, iBook
Today's deals at DealNN include a variety of Apple products at reduced prices. Starting at $59.98 is the second generation 2GB iPod shuffle in green at 6ave.com. BuyDig.com has reduced the price on Microsoft Office 2008 to $99 from the MSRP of $430. The refurbished 1GHz iBook G4 is available at Buy.com for $329. MacConnection.com is offering the new aluminum 2.0GHz MacBook for $1149 after mail in rebate.
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