iLounge

“The Macintosh iLife” author Jim Heid takes a closer look at iPod Software 2.0.1 and its eight improvements.

Apple has released the iPod Software 2.0.1 Update.

What’s New in iPod Software Update 2.0.1:
 
• Better support for Asian languages
• Enhanced On-The-Go playlist functionality
• Improved playback performance
• Improved handling of mp3 VBR songs
• Fixed artist sorting
• Improved backlight
• Improved alarm clock
• Fixed left/right channel swapping

New in Windows Update:
• USB 2.0 synchronization
• Support for Audible.com
• Support for multiple iPods on one computer
• Shorter connection times
• Better overall performance

Leander Kahney of Wired News has written an article about Activaire, a company offering rented iPods loaded with a customized catalog of music to restaurants, nightspots, clothing boutiques and hair salons. In an earlier report Philadelphia DJ, Adam Porter (DJ Botany 500) offers a similar service and is also mentioned in the Wired News article.

Christian Cantrell at Sparkshop has posted a comparison review of his ‘old’ iPod 20GB and his ‘new’ iPod 15GB.

The NEW iPods do have the volume cap that was introduced in the iPod firmware back to version 1.2.x already built into them. But Apple seems to have overdone it: the European iPod’s max-volume is so low, that you can’t use your iPod in crowded places like a subway or bus. You simply can’t hear the music at an efficient level! According to user’s tests the volume is about 25-30% lower then with the US version.

But not only the headphone jack is capped, also the line out: That means, that if you connect your iPod to a stereo at home or in the car, you have to turn the volume of that stereo way up what in many cases is causing sound-distortions.

There are plenty of people complaining about that on the net. What is striking is that Apple simply deletes those threads from their discussion board after a day or two.

Danielle Demetriou of Independent Digital UK reports:

A reader has spotted another iPod clone at MP3mall.net. The Vonee Digital Jukebox M7 20GB has a similar look to the iPod as well as it being white. We’ve tried to learn more about the company Vonee, but found nothing of revelance on the Internet. Recently we reported that Apple had ‘threatened to sue’ Samsung over its latest Yepp MP3 player (in which they changed the design before releasing it to the public), and this makes us wonder if Apple is seeking other possible lawsuits as well.

Patrick Rapa of the Philadelphia City Paper interviews DJ Botany 500 who is renting iPods with customized catalogs of music to area businesses.

Jimmy Guterman has written an article suggesting that Apple sell customized, high priced iPods containing music from a recording artist already on it.

Charles Wright, columnist of The Edge, writes an opinion peice about all things iPod:

MacMinute via BusinessWeek reports that Apple had ‘threatened to sue’ Samsung over the physical similarity of its Yepp YP-900 MP3 player to the iPod. Samsung has backed down from the threat and will be redesigning the Yepp player before releasing it to the public.

Mind’s Eye Entertainment and Inksword.net are looking for a handful of beta testers for a new interactive fiction game that is in development for use with Apple’s new iPod. The game is a series of notes that are hyperlinked together, giving you the feel of the “Choose Your Own Adventure” books from the 1980’s. Beta testers must have a new iPod (10, 15, or 30GB models using iPod Software 2.0).

MediaChest, an old multimedia Java based multi-platform software adds iPod support. Although iPod support is in beta stage, it’s completely functional. 100% Java implementation (no external MP3 player program required) and open source makes this program valuable for people who don’t want to stay with one platform and are also interested in adding iPod support.

Tom Robinson at Macteens.com has posted a photo tutorial on how to dissect your old iPod after having accidently slammed a car door on his iPod 5GB. He decided to take it apart and auction the parts on eBay, after which he received about $230 not including the damaged hard drive.

AnandTech has posted a long (15 webpages) and comprehensive review of the iPod. MusicMatch, XPlay and iTunes 4 as well as taking the iPod apart are covered in the review.

Globe staff writer, Michael Prager doesn’t share Apple’s view that the new iPods are as ‘improved’ as they say they are.

Two nights ago I left my iPod in a cab. I hailed it at 3:00 AM after working an 18 hour day of lifting and moving. I put the iPod down to take my wallet out and forgot to pick it up. I didn’t take notice of the cab company (there are at least 12 companies in Toronto). I called a few of the majors up and left a description, but I am not optimistic.

I just want people to understand that they need to label their iPods. I had looked into various services of pre-made stickers with serial numbers or having it engraved but I never got around to it. Even if someone found it and wanted to return it they couldn’t.

I bought the 10GB model in August 2002 and I can honestly say that I have used it almost every single day. My next paycheque is going to be dedicated to buying a new 10GB model, but I wish it didn’t have to come to that. I can’t afford the 15 or 30GB models, but I eventually plan on buying the dock and remote.

Please people, even if it’s an ugly sticker with your email address on it, please label your iPod.

A new Apple Store for Education ‘Buy a bundle’ promotion is offering a $200 rebate when you buy a qualifying portable and iPod. If you add a Canon printer you’ll get an additional $100 rebate. The promo excludes the iBook with CD-only configuration. Offer good for qualifying products purchased between May 30, 2003 and Sept. 27, 2003. “Products must be purchased by from the Apple Education Store for Individuals or a participating Apple Authorized Campus Reseller”

AppleMatters writer, Hadley Stern writes about iPod becoming a digital wallet - not just for music storage, but also photos and video.