News
RollingStone.com: Chris Rock spoofs Apple iPod commercials
Chris Rock, host of this year’s twentieth MTV Video Music Awards will be spoofing the Apple iPod commercials while singing an a capella version of Justin Timerblake’s ‘Cry Me a River’ in front of a white background as part of several promo ads for the VMA. The RollingStones interview asked Chris Rock if he owns an iPod and he replied, “I got a music iPod and a comedy iPod. One is all comedy and spoken word, every speech, Kennedy, Martin Luther King, whatever.” The VMA commercials are currently airing on MTV, and the show premieres live on August 28 at 8 p.m. ET.
MacCentral: Win a 10 GB iPod
Today we at MacCentral are proud to announce a new addition to our site: a free weekly newsletter, which will be sent out each Friday featuring news, analysis, information on updates and more. To encourage people to sign up for this newsletter, we’re offering a special prize for newsletter subscribers: three free iPods.
Everyone who subscribes to the newsletter will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a 10GB iPod. One winner will be drawn each month beginning October 1, 2003. You only need to subscribe to the newsletter once—winners will be chosen from the entire subscriber base, so once you’re entered, your name will remain in the draw for future months.
MUSICMATCH Jukebox Stuck At “Preparing to Synchronize”
Apple has posted/updated an AppleCare Knowledge Base Document: The MUSICMATCH Jukebox can incorrectly report that the iPod is still in the process of synchronizing, even when the iPod has completely synchronized.
CNET: Low-tech tools rule in unplugged city
Macworld UK: ‘Two-month wait’ for UK iPods
“All iPod configurations remain available on the UK Apple Store, although there is a two to three week waiting time.
An Apple spokesman said: “There is heavy demand for iPods, and the company is doing everything it can to keep up with this”.”
Philadelphia Inquirer: Industry could embrace, not fight, technology
“That’s only a beginning. Below are a few ideas that move in the same direction. Born in a rash moment of gadget dreaming, some are wildly impractical, and others might be reality already.[...]
iPod groovebox. Your basic drum machine is a box with pads on it that trigger different sounds: You push pad A and get a booming kick drum, pad B gives you a cymbal, and so on. The iPod MP3 player comes with a rabbit’s-foot-size remote control device that has four buttons on it, controlling Play, Stop, Fast Forward and Rewind. What would happen if those four buttons triggered sounds instead of transport controls?”
iCreate magazine issues a complete guide to iPod
In Issue 2 of iCreate Magazine, Paul Newman investigates how Apple’s iPod has turned the heads of music fans across the globe, but there’s far more to this digital music player than meets the eye.
iLounge also gets picked as the number 2 web resource after Apple iPod Support - “Without doubt the most stylish iPod site on the Net, iLounge is brimming over with news, views, information on outrageous accessories and tips for better iPod usage. Make sure you register with the site and log on to the forums for the full experience.”
iCreate included a mock photo of an iPodDV device. Imagine a 3G iPod on its side, touch wheel on the right, buttons across the top of touchwheel and a large LCD display on the left, and an iSight camera attached to the left. “Record video, photographs music - 120 gb of your life, in your pocket. Say cheese” The magazine also includes a CD with an iPod Toolkit with such utilities as iPod Access 1.3, iPodViewer 2.0.1 and RIP2POD 1.0.
iPod Software 2.0.2 installed on some iPods
Apple has posted a KnowledgeBase Document with information about iPod Software 2.0.2 installed on some iPods:
“Some iPod (with Dock Connector) models include iPod software 2.0.2, which is an update used in manufacturing and has no functional changes.
Certain iPod (with Dock Connector) models include iPod software 2.0.2. The 2.0.2 version of the iPod software is an update used in manufacturing and contains no functional changes.
It is not required, and is not available as a download.”
Attention all business owners: Buy iPods for your employees
The Apple Store for Business is now offering an iPod Volume Discount Program. The program states, “iPods custom engraved with your company logo or message. Only available through the Apple Store for Business.” You can call Apple for details and pricing.
Using a USB 1.1 Connection with 3G iPod
AppleCare KnowledgeBase Document:
“Some Windows-compatible computers may be able to connect to iPod (with Dock Connector) using a USB 1.1 connection, but this is not a recommended configuration. [...]
You may be able to connect an iPod (with Dock Connector) model to a Windows-compatible computer using a USB 1.1 connection, but this is not recommended because the connection is too slow to synchronize music. For best performance, connect iPod to your computer using USB 2.0 or FireWire. You may need to purchase and install a USB 2.0 or FireWire card to do this.”
New 50Cent video features new iPod
The new 50Cent video P.I.M.P. features the new 3G iPod. Looks like the iPod is the new pimp accessory. Bling Bling. Let’s start Pimpin’ now ...where is ma furry hat and ma Gin????
Creative CEO says Zen NX “better looking” than iPod
At a press briefing, Creative’s CEO, Sim Wong Hoo said the Nomad Zen NX is “better looking” than the iPod. Am I the only one here who thinks that they copied the iPod’s design?
“Unveiling the company’s new strategy yesterday at a briefing on its financial results, Mr Sim said it has successfully made inroads into the PDE market with its Nomad line of MP3 players.
Holding up one of its latest models - the Nomad Jukebox Zen - he proudly declared the slim, silver aluminium pocket-sized device was ‘better looking’ than rival Apple Computer’s pert but pricier iPod.”
Shortage of iPods in Australia
PC World Australia reports:
“Shoppers wanting to get their hands on the new iPod are turning to internet auction sites like ebay as Apple’s Australian stores are dogged by supply problems.
‘We’ve been flabberghasted by demand,’ Apple marketing manager, Arno Lenior, said.”
Toronto Star: Muzak to our ears
“Activaire, a New York-based company that provides mostly underground electronic music to high-end boutiques and galleries is at the forefront of what could be a muzak renaissance.
Companies like Activaire are using muzak — as in the background music that gets played in stores and malls — to build brand and identity, in co-ordination with other aspects of a store’s image, like its products and architecture. [...]
Once Activaire has selected a playlist, an iPod (Apple’s digital music player) full of songs is delivered to the client for $100 (U.S.) per month.”
National Post: That new white magic
Next generation iPod does TiVo?
Michael Sippey of ‘stating the obvious’ weblog has posted an excerpt from a concept document proposing several new features to be added to next generation iPods.
Jason Kottke’s weblog, Kotte.org Undesign has posted a rebuttal to the concept proposals, and said, “If Apple is pushing me advertisements and marketing which I can’t opt out of and are draining *my* battery while I look at them and taking up *my* hard drive space, is my iPod really mine or is it Apple’s?”
Hack for removing volume cap on European iPods
Update: The page has been removed due to a cease and desist order from Apple.
A reader has posted information and a how-to for removing the volume cap on iPods sold in Europe. EU iPods have a volume cap due to health regulations, therefore having significantly lower decibels than U.S. versions. It’s been a sore spot for many EU iPod owners and has been discussed at length in our forums. (Disclaimer: iLounge is not responsible for anything that happens to your iPod after performing this hack. Hack at your own risk.)
iPod voted ‘Best Gadget’ in InfoWorld’s Reader Choice Awards
Macminute reports that InfoWorld has released its 2003 InfoWorld Readers Choice Awards results and the iPod took top spot as ‘Best Gadget’, sweeping the competiton with 40% of the votes.
‘iPod: The Missing Manual’ book released
O’Reilly and Associates has released a new book for iPods titled, ‘iPod: The Missing Manual.’ “In this book, New York Times tech columnist J. D. Biersdorfer blows open the secret doors of this gleaming, chrome-and-white beauty. With humor and authority, she lays bare an astonishing collection of useful tips, tricks, and shortcuts…” The book covers all Mac and Windows iPod models, iTunes, MusicMatch, iTunes Music Store and retails for $24.95.
Apple posts ‘Pods Unite’ video
Apple has posted a new web page featuring the new VW Beetle/iPod promotion, “Pods Unite” along with the television ad showcasing the new duo. The iPod deal will only last through the summer so Apple says, “get in touch with your Volkswagen dealer pronto.”
