iLounge

Apple will face several challenges in bringing its iTunes Movie Rentals service to the European market, according to a new report. During his keynote address last week, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said that he was “dying” to expand the service internationally, and added that it would happen later this year. The International Herald Tribune reports that in order to make that happen, the company will need to overcome “legal and regulatory hurdles, copyright challenges, scheduling conflicts and technological issues.” “The biggest challenge that we have is just the structure of the market,” said Kevin Obi, senior vice president for digital assets at NBC Universal in London. Earlier this month, the European Commission warned that significant barriers face those attempting to develop digital media distribution in its 27 member countries. “Europe’s content sector is suffering under its regulatory fragmentation, under its lack of clear, consumer-friendly rules for accessing copyright-protected online content, and serious disagreements between stakeholders about fundamental issues” like copying of digital works, said Viviane Reding, the EU commissioner who oversees media, in a statement. Reding said that she would propose ways to make it easier to sell content online by midyear.

Other challenges facing Apple include the system of staggered release schedules for films both in theaters and on DVD, which often vary from country to country. “Content distribution in Europe is very tricky,” said Carl Gressum, a senior analyst in London with Ovum, a telecommunications and media consultancy. “It’s very hard to do pan-European deals.” In addition, some politicians worry that making it easier to sell movies across the European market might also widen the door for Hollywood films, which is a problem in smaller countries that fear it could cause a decline in their own cultural industries. Despite the challenges, the article suggests, Apple may be more familiar with these challenges than most of its competitors, due to its negotiations with the European Commission over iTunes pricing, which led to Apple lowering its iTunes Store music prices in the UK to match those across the rest of the continent.

According to statements made by Advanced Info Service chief marketing officer Sanchai Thiewprasertkul, the Thai-based mobile operator is collaborating with Singapore Telecom and Australia’s Optus to launch the iPhone throughout the region. “Mr Sanchai said that AIS, in collaboration with SingTel and the Australian mobile operator Optus, were discussing phone volumes, marketing terms and business model partnerships,” the Bangkok Post reported. Optus is a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Telecom, and SingTel owns 21.4 per cent of AIS; however, Sol Trujillo, CEO of competing Australia telecom Telestra, has said he had conversations with Apple about bringing the iPhone to the country. It was previously reported that Apple was in talks with AIS to launch the iPhone in Thailand, but Sanchai also warned that Apple’s demands for revenue sharing may prove to be a sticking point in the negotiations. “Given our one baht a minute of airtime, it would not make sense and would be impossible for us to share revenue with Apple,” Sanchai said.

Use of digital music players is growing among youths, with more than half of those naming iPod as their brand of choice, according to the results of a new study. NPD analyst Anita Frazier, who recently contucted a study called “Kids and Digital Content,” said that “the average age of first use of portable digital music players has declined over the last three years.” According to the study, 31 percent of kids aged 6-10 now use digital music players, and 54 percent of those use an iPod. A majority of those users said they use an iPod nano. Youths aged 2 to 14 who own music players have an average of 125 songs, 10 TV shows and 15 movies on their device, Frazier said. “By third grade, half of the kid population in grade school has an MP3 player,” said Paul Metz, senior VP at C&R Research. Several factors are said to contribute to the proliferation of the players among youths, including hand-me-downs from older family members, more lower-priced, kid-friendly players, and kids’ desire to be more like adults. [via Macworld UK]

Apple has announced that it is adding a new pink iPod nano to its lineup. Like the other non-silver colored iPod nanos, the pink model will be available only in an 8GB capacity. “Customers are going to love the gorgeous new pink iPod nano,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing. “The pink iPod nano is perfect for people who want a great new color this spring, or who are searching for a special Valentine’s Day gift.” The new pink 8GB iPod nano is available now and sells for $199.

Adding to the iPod’s library of games, Namco Bandai has released Pole Position: Remix ($5), an updated version of the classic forced 3-D perspective car racing game. As with the original, you need to complete one lap within a time limit to qualify to race in a multi-lap race, and attempt to steer, shift, and avoid both trackside obstacles and other race cars to continue driving. The company has added new selectable tracks such as Wonder, Misaki Point, and mirror versions of each, as well as other exclusive, unlockable content such as “themes” based on other Namco games. Additional photos and details are available in our Pole Position: Remix First Look.

Makayama has released VoiceDial, a new third-party iPhone application that lets users control their devices with their voice. The application, which requires a jailbroken iPhone, lets users dial contacts with their voice, and also supports voice-activated application and bookmark opening. The software uses a modern speech recognition algorithm that compares what the user says against voice samples that the user records and assigns to various contacts, applications, and bookmarks. Makayama VoiceDial is available now and sells for $28.

Sales of the iPhone through O2 have come just shy of the UK mobile operator’s expectations, according to a new report. Citing unnamed sources, the Financial Times reports that actual sales were around 190,000 units in the first two months following the iPhone’s UK launch, falling just short of the 200,000 units the company expected. O2 declined to comment on iPhone sales figures, but said it was “delighted with the response to the iPhone, which has seen unprecedented levels of customer satisfaction,” and added that the iPhone is the company’s fastest-selling handset ever “by a significant margin.” The iPhone is also sold in the UK by Apple and Carphone Warehouse; in early December, O2 chief Matthew Key said that iPhone sales were currently in line with expectations.

Apple is in talks with Thailand’s Advanced Info Service about the iPhone’s launch in the country, according to a statement made by an AIS executive. “We are negotiating on details, including a revenue sharing standard. Apple needs a local operator to promote iPhone,” said Prattana Leelapanang, assistant vice president for Advanced Info Service’s wireless business marketing. Leelapanang gave no details of when the talks might be completed. AIS has 24.5 million wireless customers, representing about half of the Thai cellular market; Apple has previously said that it plans to launch the iPhone in Asia sometime in 2008.

AT&T has announced details of its iPhone business plans, and is now offering the handset to business customers. In addition to an eligible voice plan, business customers wanting to add an iPhone to their account must also sign-up for a 2-year service agreement or a renewed 2-year agreement and must add one of three Enterprise Data Plans for iPhone to their account. Enterprise Data Plans for iPhone include unlimited data, Visual Voicemail, and either 200 ($45), 1500 ($55), or Unlimited ($65) SMS text messages a month. In addition, two separate Global Data Plans are available — 20MB for $25 a month, or 50MB for $60 — for business users who travel internationally. In addition, qualified Corporate Responsibility Users and other corporate-liable users who activate an Enterprise Data Plan for iPhone by March 31, 2008 may be eligible to receive a service credit in the amount of $25 per month through December 31, 2008. [via Engadget]

Recent comments made by Apple CEO Steve Jobs and NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker suggest that the two companies may be ready to resume negotiations in regards to the sale of the studio’s television shows on the iTunes Store. “We’ve said all along that we admire Apple, that we want to be in business with Apple,” Zucker said in a recent interview. “We’re great fans of Steve Jobs.” In a separate interview, Jobs said, “We’ll put it back together on the TV thing. Everybody lost (when Zucker pulled his content off iTunes). But NBC is a great company, and Apple is a great company.” “Fortunately,” Jobs half-joked, “there was a writers’ strike, so it didn’t matter as much as it might have.” In August, NBC announced it would not renew its contract to sell its television shows on the iTunes Store, and eventually pulled its lineup from the Store in December; however, NBC Universal has been announced as a partner on Apple’s new iTunes Movie Rentals service, further suggesting that the stalemate between the two companies may soon be at an end.

Imoeba has introduced its new Alpine line of environmentally-friendly iPod cases. The cases are made from bonded leather, a man-made material comprised of leather scraps. “Our Alpine iPod cases are ideal for consumers wanting to make more green lifestyle choices,” says Lawrence Leung, Chief Executive of Imoeba. “The look, feel, quality and durability of the cases is as close to genuine leather as you can get, does not harm animals and are incredibly stylish. To top it all off, the packaging is made from 90% recycled and/or recyclable paper, making the Alpine case better for our planet overall.” Featuring a flip-open design with a magnetic closure and a rotating belt clip, the cases allow access full access to the screen, Click Wheel, and headphone jack, and come in either white or green. Imoeba Alpine cases for the iPod nano (with video) and iPod classic are available from bestbuy.com and sell for $20 and $25, respectively.

According to several reports, iPhone software version 1.1.3 has the ability to restore functionality to phones that were bricked during a past update. Because the software performs a complete rewrite of phone’s baseband, removing/writing over anything written by unlocking solutions, it allows users with bricked iPhones to restore the device’s original functionality, although after the update the device will once again be locked to AT&T. iPhone software version 1.1.3 is available now through the update feature in iTunes.

Proporta has introduced two new cases for the iPod touch, as well as a new case for the iPhone. The Dual Skin Silicone Case is available for both the iPod touch and iPhone, and offers two layers of silicone for added protection, with cut-outs in the upper layer that act as grips. Both layers also have cut-outs for access to all ports and controls, and the case features an open-face design and also includes a removable lanyard. Both models are available in several different colors and sell for $23 each. Proporta’s Alu-Leather Edge Case for iPod touch is a flip-open case that incorporates a thin sheet of rigid aluminum inside its leather exterior to provide added protection and a more formed fit. The interior lining is made from neoprene, and the case also features an included lanyard, access to all ports and controls, a removable belt clip, and contrast overstitching. It is available now in six colors and sells for $60.

Ambrosia Software’s iToner, one of several programs that enable iPhone owners to create and manage their own ringtones from their choice of music and other audio files, will soon see major upgrades, according to the company’s president Andrew Welch. Due shortly, a new version of the Mac OS X program will hurdle the latest limitations Apple has placed on iPhone ringtones, enabling MP3 and other audio files to be automatically converted into the special MP4 format now required for iPhone ringtone playback. A subsequent release will offer simplified editing tools for ringtones, similar to features now included in GarageBand, the Apple-developed application found in the $79 iLife ‘08 suite.

But what about the huge number of PC owners who don’t have an easy way to create iPhone ringtones? Welch promised a near-term solution for Windows users, though perhaps not in the most immediate iToner release. The Mac version of iToner sells for $15 and is currently available for users of the iPhone’s older 1.1.2 system software.

XtremeMac has introduced its InCharge FM transmitter for iPod. The InCharge FM is designed for in-car use and is compatible with common 12-volt power outlets found in automobiles. It also charges connected iPods, offers stereo/mono modes for optimal transmission, and incorporates PureFM technology by Quintic and other proprietary audio enhancements. An in-line control unit offers a display, tuning and station preset buttons, as well as a play/pause/next track button to allow for quick song selection without using the iPod. “Our first FM transmitter was the first to use an LCD for tuning, and a subsequent version was the first compact unit to use an external antenna,” said CEO Gary Bart. “We have continued that path of innovation by integrating Pure FM technology into InCharge FM.” The XtremeMac InCharge FM transmitter is now available for pre-order and sells for $70; it is expected to begin shipping in the coming weeks.

GizMac Accessories has announced that its Titan Clear iPhone case will soon be available in two new colors. The Titan Clear is made from clear polycarbonate, and features built-in vertical and horizontal kickstands, an included thin film screen protector, as well as a rotating belt clip holster. Previously only available in clear, the case will now also be available in smoke, a form of black, and pink; both colors change slightly in different lighting conditions due to the transparent nature of the cases. “GizMac’s original Titan Clear for iPhone case is great for people that want to see the Apple iPhone through crystal clear polycarbonate, but the addition of colors will make the difference for others,” explained Ken Vitto, Marketing Director for GizMac Accessories. GizMac’s Titan Clear for iPhone in smoke and pink will be available later this month and will sell for $35.

EzGear has announced several new iPod accessories, including two new alarm clocks, a new speaker system, and a new line of armbands for both the iPod and iPhone. The ezWake WK3 iPod Alarm Clock is a small, iPhone-compatible alarm clock that uses audio components similar to those used in the company’s larger units. It will be available in March for $50. The ezGear XL90 Sound Bar speaker system for iPod incorporates seven speakers — two tweeters, four midrange speakers, and a separate vented sub-woofer — and offers 35 watts of power. Other features include an integrated iPod dock that supports charging, a LCD display, remote control with iPod menu navigation, auxiliary input, a built-in AM/FM radio, and iPhone compatibility. The XL90 Sound Bar will ship in March, and will sell for $300. The ezWake WK10 Alarm Clock Radio for iPod is a 2.1 speaker system with 2 stereo speakers and 1 vented subwoofer, ezTouch controls with a large snooze button, remote control with the ability to navigate all iPod menus, a dimmable display, dual alarms, a line-n jack, AM/FM Radio with 20 presets, and an integrated Universal Dock. The ezGear WK10 Alarm Clock comes in black or white and will sell for $100. Lastly, the company announced its ezGear Ultralight Armbands for the iPod nano (with video), iPod classic, iPod touch, and iPhone. They are made of lightweight breathable neoprene and include a reflective material on the front for safety and a clear screen protector. The ezGear Ultralight Armband line will be available later this month and will sell for $25 each.

In addition to the list of winners, and new photographs, we’ve just finished posting videos of the 2008 Best of Show winners and finalists. Take quick peeks at the interfaces for the next generation of iPod on-TV docks, speakers, iPhone headphones, and much more: links to each of the videos are available in our 2008 Best of Show feature article here. YouTube glitches may require you to manually advance the play head once after the first few seconds. Enjoy!

ProClip has introduced new in-vehicle Device Holders for the iPhone and iPod touch, iPod classic, and iPod nano (with video). The holders, manufactured by Brodit AB in Sweden, are custom made and device specific, and attach to vehicle specific ProClip dashboard mounts. ProClip holders may also be attached to other manufacturers’ vehicle mounts or any other flat surface, and the Padded Holder with Tilt Swivel tilts 15 degrees in any direction for optimal viewing. “Securely and conveniently mounting handheld devices like the Apple iPod, without damaging a vehicle’s interior, is what we do best,” says Bjorn Spilling, president of ProClip USA. “We offer mounting solutions that are custom designed for virtually every car in the world, and for all popular handheld devices.” ProClip Device Holders for the iPhone, iPod nano (with video), iPod classic, and iPod touch are available now, and sell for $25-$35.

iSkin has introduced the iSkin Fuse case for iPhone, which blends dual layer impact-resistant polycarbonate with a shock absorbing soft inner liner for added protection. The Fuse allows for full screen, sensor, port and antenna access, and also features an integrated flexible Dock Connector cover and compatibility with iSkin’s revoClip. The iSkin Fuse will be available by the second quarter of 2008 in a range of colors; pricing has yet to be announced.