iLounge

Wolfson Microelectronics, provider of audio chips for the majority of iPods dating back to the original 2001 model, has been passed over as a supplier for third-quarter 2008 editions of the iPod nano and iPod touch, according to Reuters. Previously omitted from the iPod classic, which has generally been praised for an impressively low noise floor, as well as the first-generation iPod shuffle, which Apple previously acknowledged as the family’s best bass performer, Wolfson’s audio chips have nonetheless remained key components in other iPod models, including full-sized iPods, iPod minis, and iPod nanos, as well as the iPhone. These Wolfson-powered models have earned respect for their neutral presentation of audio, as well as criticism for weaknesses in bass extension and noise levels. Apple is believed to have used a relabeled Cirrus Logic audio chip for the iPod classic, and a SigmaTel part for the first-generation iPod shuffle, with both Cirrus and long-time Apple supplier Samsung vying for roles in future iPod audio hardware.

Updating three titles previously available only for fifth-generation iPods, Kaplan and Apple today re-released the 2008 versions of SAT Prep Reading, SAT Prep Writing, and SAT Prep Math in a downloadable format compatible with the iPod classic and third-generation iPod nano. Though sold through the iPod Games section of the iTunes Store, the titles are actually not games, bur rather educational software designed to help high school students prepare for the well-known U.S. college admissions examination, offering tutorial, quiz, and tip modes described in our First Looks above. The Kaplan 2008 SAT Prep programs sell for $5 each, and leave only six iPod Game section downloads unconverted for the iPod classic and iPod nano.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office today published a patent granted to Apple, Inc. which broadly covers the iPod’s use of a touch-sensitive scrolling surface for accessing media in combination with on-screen and possibly audio scrolling cues. Titled “Touch pad for handheld device” and originally filed in 2006, U.S. Patent 7,348,967 describes a handheld music player that “includes a controller disposed inside the housing and configured to acquire motion information from the touch pad assembly and to control various features of the music player based on motion information provided by the touch pad assembly. The features include at least moving the visual indicator through the list of songs. The direction and speed of the movement of the visual indicator is based at least in part on the direction and speed of the finger sliding across the planar touch surface of the touch pad assembly.” The associated images (pictured) show an early (first- or second-generation) iPod, with a touch wheel and separate control buttons for selection, track forward/backward, play, and pause. As explained, the patent could conceivably cover certain post-iPod touch-based media players, such as recent Microsoft Zunes. [via MacNN]

Apple has released software 1.3 for fifth generation iPods. According to Apple, the software contains bug fixes, and supersedes all previous versions. iPod Software Version 1.3 for fifth-generation iPods is available now through the Update feature in iTunes.

Apple has dropped its prices on the iPod classic and iPod nano (wth video) in several European markets by 10-20€. In France, the 4GB and 8GB iPod nano models have dropped from 159€ and 209€ to 149€ and 199€, respectively, while the 80GB iPod classic was reduced from 259€ to 249€ and the 160GB model went from 359€ to 349€. In Germany and Italy, both nano models saw price reductions of 10€, while the iPod classic was reduced by €20. Similar price cuts were seen in Spain, as well. These cuts follow similar drops for the iPod touch, which saw its French pricing reduced by 20-30€ back in January.

Update: Apple has also reduced its prices on the iPod nano (with video) and iPod classic in Canada. The 4GB iPod nano dropped from $169 CAD to $159 CAD and the 80GB iPod classic was reduced from $279 CAD to $259 CAD; similar price adjustments were also made to the 8GB iPod nano and 160GB iPod classic.

Alongside the re-release of Mini Golf, Electronic Arts today released Scrabble as a downloadable game for the third-generation iPod nano, iPod classic, and fifth-generation iPod. Mini Golf was originally released in 2006 as one of the first iPod games, and lets players putt their way through three themed courses, complete with various obstacles and secret shortcuts. Based on the popular crossword game, Scrabble lets players vie for high score by forming words from individual lettered tiles on a 15-by-15 game board. Both games are currently available from the iTunes Store and sell for $4.99 each.

Note: At the time of publication, the Mini Golf game notes have yet to be updated to show compatibility with the third-generation iPod and iPod classic, although the game does appear in the section of the iPod games page set aside for updated titles.

Apple debuted a new iPod touch ad this evening during “American Idol” on Fox. The ad shows ten iPod touches displaying various features, laid out on a wooden table similar to those found in Apple’s retail stores. During the commercial, some of the units are shown close-up to highlight the features further; towards the end of the ad, hands reach out and grab the touches off the table as the words “Everybody Touch” are displayed. Features highlighted include the Safari browser, the Weather application, email, Notes, the photo browser, Cover Flow, Maps, and video playback. Brendan Benson’s song “What I’m Looking For” is featured in the spot and the track information is also briefly shown on screen. You can now view the ad on Apple’s web site.

Abilene Christian University has announced plans to supply all incoming freshman with an iPhone or iPod touch as part of an initiative to enhance learning through the use of technology. According to ACU Chief Information Officer Kevin Roberts, freshmen will use the devices to receive homework alerts, answer in-class surveys and quizzes, get directions to their professors’ offices, and check their meal and account balances – among more than 15 other useful web applications already developed. The plan has gained attention from Apple and Ivy League universities — Roberts recently gave a presentation at Apple headquarters to company executives and selected leaders from universities including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Duke, Stanford, Oxford, Princeton, and UCLA outlining ACU’s “creative vision for converged media devices.”

“We are not merely providing cutting-edge technology tools to our incoming students,” said Roberts. “We are also providing the web applications that ensure these tools will become critical to the students’ learning experience. Because 93 percent of ACU students bring their own computers with them to college, we are choosing to take them to the next level by providing converged mobile devices.” Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, ACU provost, said, “This is exciting to me, not only because we’re giving students new tools, but because we are transforming the learning environment. The extensive research that’s been done on campus in the past 10 months has prepared us to launch with freshmen this fall, and research will be ongoing as we expand the program in the future.”

Designed to appeal to iPod, PDA, and cell phone owners without access to portable chargers, Smarte Carte’s Charge Cartes are now appearing in airports across the United States. Equipped with three white iPod Dock Connector cables and nine additional blue cables that have popular cell phone and PDA plugs at their ends, a Charge Carte offers 30 minutes of rapid recharging time for $3, enabling you to connect your iPod and charge up to half of its battery capacity. An LED countdown timer lets you know how many minutes of power remain.

The stations can be placed by airport operators at any location, including in departure areas or baggage claims, enabling users to charge up while they’re waiting to leave. Like the company’s baggage cart rental services, the Charge Cartes accept credit cards; unlike them, the Cartes do not accept cash.

Gameloft S.A. has released its Bubble Bash game for the iPod nano (with video), iPod classic, and fifth-generation iPod. Bubble Bash is a puzzle game set in an “island paradise” that features 100 evolving levels and a variety of power-ups, and appears to resemble Taito’s Puzzle Bobble. In the game, players toss multi-colored bubbles into the sky to pop three or more of the same color, in an attempt to break up a larger cluster of bubbles before they drop to the bottom, and time runs out. In addition, obstacles such as “angry monkeys, spiders, and parrots” try to stop the player, and 17 different bubbles allow for added strategy. Bubble Bash is available now from the iTunes Store and sells for $5.

Just released as a downloadable game for the iPod classic, third-generation iPod nano, and fifth-generation iPod, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Aegir’s Fire ($5) places you in control of a pirate ship on a series of quests to find treasures, sink enemy ships with cannonballs, and track down the five daughters of Aegir. Wind, the types of power-ups you find for your cannons, and both the speed and strength of your ship will influence your success; you can buy your way into better ships, including the Black Pearl, as you earn money. A map screen lets you travel from Europe to Africa, Hawaii, the Maldives and Caribbean on quests, and of course, familiar faces from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies make appearances as well.

Orange has launched a promotion in which it is offering a free 8GB iPod touch to UK customers who sign up for an 18-month business plan. Customers must visit a participating store and sign up for an Orange Solo, Orange Venture or Orange Momentum 18 month business plan at £35/month and above to be eligible for the promotion, which is available while supplies last. “The work/life blur often means doing work in your free time. We want to redress the balance and encourage our customers to take time out of their working day for themselves and the iPod touch is a great me-time device with which to do that,” said Martin Lyne, director of small business, Orange UK. While Orange is the official iPhone carrier in France, the device is offered by competing carrier O2 in the UK.

Sega of America boss Simon Jeffrey recently praised Apple for its iPod gaming efforts, as well as for its iTunes payment system. Speaking in an interview with MCV, Jeffrey said, “The iPod is arguably the most pervasive cross-demographic piece of consumer electronics today. There are no age or fashion barriers to iPod adoption, and making Sonic available to tens of millions of iPod owners really is a fantastic opportunity for us.” While keeping quiet on possible future releases, saying, “We don’t have anything to talk about at this time in terms of future projects, but naturally we are thrilled and honoured that Apple chose to partner with Sega,” Jeffrey went on to praise Apple for its iTunes billing and payment system. “iTunes and Apple’s whole banking/payment system is flawless,” he said. “They have to be one of the smartest companies in the world. Being able to buy a game and have it on your iPod with a couple of clicks is just brilliant.”

For the third time since the introduction of the iPod touch in September, 2007, Apple has updated the device’s packaging, this time in an especially noteworthy way. Following the release of early iPod touch boxes bearing the image of Corinne Bailey Rae, and subsequent models with Macy Gray, current iPod touch boxes feature the image of former Beatles member John Lennon as part of artwork from Lennon Legend, a collection of his past work. The song “Imagine” is playing on the iPod touch featured on the package.

As shown in the photos here, Lennon’s image now graces a surprising number of iPod touch packages, including the “old” $279 8GB model without the January Update Mail, Maps, Stocks, Notes, and Weather applications, and the “current” $299 8GB model with these applications. Similarly, the “old” 16GB model is available for $380 without the applications, while the current 16GB iPod touch sells for $399 with the applications included. Apple also packages the newly released $499 32GB iPod touch in the Lennon box. The company has previously suggested that it would temporarily discount and phase out iPod touches without the updated applications; it was not known whether these models would receive box updates to distinguish them from later models.

[Editor’s Note: This story was updated based on reader comments - thanks Jeff + rTwelve!]

Apple recently released iPod classic Firmware 1.1.1, which appears to fix a problem where an audible hiss was apparent when the unit was turned off. Some users have speculated that the hiss was a byproduct of a feature that allowed the classic to wake from sleep upon insertion of headphones; that feature no longer works in 1.1.1. Other users have complained of audio still being audible even when the volume is set to zero (an issue that pre-dates this update); Apple has a support document on the issue, which says “If you want the iPod audio to be silent, press the Play/Pause button to pause playback.” iPod classic Firmware 1.1.1 is available now through the update feature in iTunes.

Gameloft S.A. has released two new games for the iPod nano (with video), iPod classic, and fifth-generation iPod. Naval Battle: Mission Commander is a Battleship-style strategy game in which the player positions his/her ships on a grid, and then hunts square-by-square for enemy ships on a similar grid. The game features five original game modes including standard rules and a campaign mode with 18 missions, eight modern high-tech ships with different map sizes and destructive surroundings, and a multiplayer mode. Chess & Backgammon Classics is a two-games-in-one package that includes both classic games. The interface allows users to play both games on either a 2-D or 3-D rendition of the gaming board, with further playing surface customization afforded by different themed skins. The games also feature full help and tutorial systems, as well as move coaching. Gameloft S.A.‘s Naval Battle: Mission Commander and Chess & Backgammon Classics are available now through the iTunes Store and sell for $5 a piece. For more information on Naval Battle or Chess & Backgammon, check out our First Looks articles.

Based on recent checks in Asia, Banc of America has said it believes iPod production is being cut, while iPhone production orders remain volatile. According to the firm, iPod March quarter production numbers appear to have been noticeably reduced, down between 10-20 percent from early January, and down 30 percent or more from early December. The group believes these new figures suggest that Apple may see a 5-10 percent decline in iPod unit sales year-over-year, compared to the company’s forecast for five percent growth year over year, for the March quarter. Banc of America also said that its recent checks indicate that iPhone production has bounced back, following heavy production cuts in December and early January.

Contrary to a study presented last May, a new U.S. Food and Drug Administration study shows that iPods, and other portable media players, are unlikely to cause cardiac implantable pacemakers to malfunction. FDA researcher Howard Bassen and colleagues tested a variety of iPods, and found they did not produce enough of an electromagnetic field to interfere with installed pacemakers. The researchers used a saline-filled bag to simulate the human body, a coil sensor to pick up electromagnetic emissions, and tested four different iPod models: both a fourth- and fifth-generation iPod, an iPod nano, and an iPod shuffle. “We measured magnetic field emissions with a 3-coil sensor placed within 1 cm (half an inch) of the surface of the player. Highly localized fields were observed (only existing in a one square cm area),” the researchers wrote in a report published in the journal BioMedical Engineering OnLine. “Based on the observations of our in-vitro study we conclude that no interference effects can occur in pacemakers exposed to the iPods we tested.”

In a recent research note, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said he believes Apple is working on more internet-enabled iPods in an effort to move the brand beyond the portable music player market. “We believe that the iPod touch is the first of several Internet-connected iPods that Apple is currently developing,” Munster said in the note. “With 70% market share, we believe Apple is in the driver’s seat in terms of transforming the portable music market into a portable computing market.” Munster’s comments in some ways reflect those made by Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer during the company’s first quarter results conference call, in which the exec described the iPod touch as “the first mainstream Wi-Fi mobile platform.” Munster also reiterated his buy rating and $250 price target on shares of Apple’s stock (AAPL).

Following Apple’s release of the latest software for iPod classic, version 1.1, some users are reporting that the device now emits pulses of electrical current through its bottom line-out audio pins when it is turned off. According to a series of reports on the Head-Fi audio forums, in which users frequently connect high-end headphones to their iPods using bottom-connecting amplifier accessories, static-like noises and distortion can be heard from the turned-off iPod classic, resulting from what user Nine from Littleton, Colorado reports as “~.5v of DC on the line out whenever the iPod is off.” 

“This could be really bad for your headphones if you are connected through a DC coupled amplifier (like my mini^3),” the user says. “I also plugged it into my scope, and verified the .5v is usually just DC, but that occasionally (maybe 10% of the time) it’s got some triangular pulses on it.” While this issue does not appear to affect the classic’s headphone port, and won’t impact the majority of iPod users’ headphones, those using Dock Connector-based amplifiers may want to downgrade their iPods to an earlier version of the firmware, or exercise caution when using other iPod accessories. [Thanks, Larry]