Apple introduces new iPods, software updates

Apple Computers held a press conference titled "It's Only Rock and Roll, but we like it" on Sept. 9. During the press conference, many announcements were made concerning everything Apple.

First, we saw a complete update to the current iPod line-up. The iPod Classic saw a jump from 120GB to 160GB, the iPod Touch got a price reduction--the lowest model is now $199 for 8GB--while the more expensive Touches got an increase in performance and storage with a 32GB version running $299 and a 64GB edition for $399.

Hands down, the biggest upgrade that was given was to the iPod nano. It received a new glossy metal finish, a larger screen (now 2.2 inches), and a slew of other smaller features. Though the biggest of all was the addition of a video camera--one of the smallest this reporter has even seen--and microphone. The nano now allows one to shoot 640x480 full-motion video and upload it to YouTube in one click.

The smallest iPod, the Shuffle, also got a minor alteration and now comes in many new colors.

Though iPods were hardly the only thing mentioned at the event. Apple announced the release of iTunes 9.0, which now supports "iTunes LP", giving album buyers from their service numerous new bonuses, and a new iPhone-to-computer interface that makes organizing your iPhone much easier. Also, a minor update was applied to current iPhones and iPod Touches, which boasts no huge features, but is required in order to sync with iTunes 9.0.

Even with all of this, one of the biggest surprises was the return of Apple Computer founder Steve Jobs to the stage. Jobs had recently undergone a liver transplant, taking a leave of absence from Apple for five months, according to CNN.

All the products mentioned at the event are available now--though if one plans to buy through an outlet such as Walmart or Best Buy, it may take a few weeks to obtain the new devices, but they are all currently ready-to-buy on Apple's website.

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Zen X-Fi2 launches as Creative's first touch-screen MP3 player

For those Creative faithful who were a bit disappointed that the Zii Egg wasn't launched as a fully baked-and-branded media player for the masses, the company is about to make it up to you. This morning, Creative unveiled the Zen X-Fi2, a second-generation device that adds a touch screen and TV-out capability to the already solid X-Fi foundation. The new player features a 3-inch, touch-sensitive, TFT LCD capable of displaying up to 262,000 colors, and by the looks of it, this new Zen carries over the excellent icon-based menu found on other players in the line.

At 4 inches long by 2.2 inches wide by 0.4 inch deep, the Zen X-Fi2 is quite a bit longer than the previous-generation model and more inline with the size of the iPod Touch, though it's still smaller overall. It also appears to offer some sort of home button, but we're happy to see that Creative elected to orient this player in landscape mode, making it standout from the touch-screen masses. In addition to the updated navigational method, the Zen X-Fi2 features direct TV-out capability, though you will need to purchase a cable accessory to take advantage of it.


Credit: Creative

Other than that, the features largely carry over from the Zen X-Fi. Creative continues to offer support for multiple audio (MP3, secure WMA, Audible, AAC, and FLAC) and video (WMV9, MPEG4-SP, DivX4/5, and XviD) formats as well as JPEG and BMP photos. There's an external speaker for sharing the tunes, a built-in mic for making voice recordings, and an onboard FM radio with autoscan and 32 presets. The X-Fi2 also has basic PIM functionality for syncing calendar and contact information, and you can wake to your own music via the alarm clock feature. Naturally, the player still includes the fully adjustable X-Fi sound enhancement features, and there's now a microSD card expansion slot for adding more memory (though no word on whether the content will be integrated into your main library).

(Credit: Creative)


The Creative Zen X-Fi2 will also come preloaded with a variety of content, which is something that hasn't been a standard offering in the past. You will get nine eMusic tracks as well as an audiobook (James Patterson's "Maximum Ride") valued at $19.99. What is not mentioned is whether the device will offer any wireless features for updating content on the go or even accessing a basic Web browser. (And it's doubtful that this player would offer Bluetooth...or Mac-compatibility, for that matter.)

The good news is you won't have to wait long to take advantage of Creative's first touch-screen MP3 player. The Zen X-Fi2 is set to be released at the end of September in 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB models for $129.99, $179.99, and $229.99 respectively.






Credit: Creative

Creative ZEN X-Fi2 optional accessories:
Slim and stylish black leather case - $19.99
Silicon skin protects the player from knocks and bumps, available in clear and pink - $14.99
Customized screen protector - $9.99
AV cable brings digital pictures and videos with audio to the television screen - $19.99
ZEN USB power adapter charges the player via USB without the need to plug it into a PC - $29.99

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Apple iPhone OS 3.1 Update Now Available

Back in June, Apple had pushed first beta of iPhone OS 3.1 SDK to the developers for testing and fixing the bugs existing in the iPhone OS 3.0 update. At the Rock and Roll event, Apple announced the availability of iPhone OS 3.1 software update. This 3.1 update is free for iPhone users and for iPod Touch users with 3.0 update running on their device. The new Genius Recommendations feature now suggests applications (apart from music) based on those installed on the device. Along with number of known bug fixes, the iPhone 3.1 update brings new features.
Apple has branched out the iPhone OS update making it separate for iPhone and iPod Touch devices. Like the iPod Touch updates are being pushed as iPhone OS 3.1.1 update while for the iPhone Apple pushes it as iPhone OS 3.1 update. The iPhone owners can choose ringtones from the iTunes Store and download them wirelessly. However, the downloads over 10MB require WiFi Connection so looks like there's a limitation or download cap for downloading over data connection.



List of enhancements coming with new iPhone OS 3.1 update:


•Improved syncing for music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and photos
•iTunes U content organization
•Redeem iTunes Gift Cards, codes, and certificates in the App Store
•Display available iTunes account credits in the App Store and iTunes Store
•Save video from Mail and MMS into Camera Roll
•Option to "Save as new clip" when trimming a video on iPhone 3GS
•Better iPhone 3G Wi-Fi performance when Bluetooth is turned on
•Remotely lock iPhone with a passcode via MobileMe
•Use Voice Control on iPhone 3GS with Bluetooth headsets
•Paste phone numbers into the keypad
•Option to use Home button to turn on accessibility features on iPhone 3GS
•Antiphishing Warnings for fraudulent websites in Safari
•Improved Exchange calendar syncing and invitation handling
•Fixes issue that cause some app icons to display incorrectly



The iPod Touch owners who haven't updated their devices with iPhone 3.0 update can now buy it for $4.45 (Rs. 214 approx.), slashed down from the earlier $9.95 (Rs. 480 approx.). And after that, the iPhone OS 3.1.1 update can be downloaded for free and flashed.

The new iPhone 3.1 firmware can be downloaded using iTunes. However, to use the Genius Mixes, App management, and iTunes U content organization features, you will need iTunes 9 installed on Mac or PC
.

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Sharp goes portable with two new iPod speakers launched

We've seen our fair share of iPod speakers, the vast majority of which don't let you take them on the go. Sharp today has announced two new iPod speakers for such a task, the DK-AP8P and the DK-AP7P.

The larger, more powerful AP8P has a very unique design, with its front face plate also doubling as the system's control panel. The magnetic cover actually comes off the system itself which makes for an interesting remote control. The AP8P and AP7P both offer 2.1 sound with built-in subwoofers and compatibility with iPods and the iPhone. Better yet, the portable systems will charge your music player while docked.

Both models include an internal battery that should net you around six hours of playback. Also, both units have auxiliary line inputs that will let you connect any device with a headphone jack. Keeping with the on the go mentality, each also includes a soft carrying case.


The DK-AP7P





(Credit: Sharp)
The DK-AP8P and DK-AP7P will be available in a glossy black finish this month for $190 and $130, respectively

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Much awaited 32GB and 64GB iPod touch launched

If you wanted your ipod to store more of your favorite music of videos then, no need to wait more. At the iPod event, the 32 GB and 64GB capacity.


The iPod’s performance increased and now you can browse faster & play games in better speed. iPod touch brings innovative features with a news improved 3.1 software.

Checking your email or browsing web is just more easier than ever. The built in Wi-Fi gives you an edge over others. The Genius Mixes feature allows you to view mixes.

In the Cover Flow, you can get your music listed on. The 3.5-inch screen is just good enough for your movies.






Access iTunes Store for more and more music. Visit Facebook and be in touch with friends with your iPod touch.

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Verizon Wireless to launch Nokia 7705 Twist

Gone are the days when the stereotype rectangular mobile phones dominated the market. Breaking the tradition is the square shaped Nokia 7705 Twist which will be available through Verizon Wireless.

The 7705 Twist boasts of a 2.4-inch, 262K TFT QVGA screen. The multimedia handset packages a wide range of interesting services such as VZ NavigatorSM, V CAST Music with Rhapsody, V CAST Video, Visual Voice Mail, Mobile Broadband Connect and Corporate Email. The Nokia mobile phone sports a 3.0 megapixel camera with flash and auto-focus capabilities. The camera also facilitates users to capture videos.

With the Twist, users can easily access mobile email, mobile web mail, chat and blogs. The handset measures 2.71″ x 2.71″ x 0.59″ and weighs around 3.44 ounces. The black colored mobile phone features Xpress-on covers in black and purple. The QWERTY device offers a talktime of up to 270 minutes and standby time of about 312 hours. The handset supports EV-DO Rev. 0, Bluetooth, HTML browser and more. Further, by switching on the Habitat mode, users can manage their calls and messaging history effortlessly.

Nokia Twist will be available for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and is inclusive of a new two year customer agreement. Rebate will be offered in the form of a debit card. The Nokia handset will be offered on Verizon Wireless’ official website from September 13. The mobile phone will hit Verizon Wireless Communications Stores beginning September 21.

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Apple puts iTunes on Facebook with free downloads

Apple has taken iTunes to the Facebook platform, adding its brand as a "friendable" member of the social networking site and creating a Facebook application that hands out special offers to connected users.

Facebook users can become "fans" of iTunes, which installs the new "free on iTunes" app for them and provides a link to the iTunes Indie Spotlight Sampler, a free mixtape of 20 tracks.

"Fan of the iTunes page on Facebook?" the apps asks. "Be sure to check back here frequently for free music, TV shows, movies, and more from the iTunes Store, exclusively for our Facebook fans."

Apple has maintained a Facebook fan page for some time, which posts links to new albums, music related apps, and links to free iTunes U content. The Indie Spotlight Sampler was first posted last month, and the download track offer is good through the end of September. iTunes currently lists 1.8 million Facebook fans.

Apple's social networking strategy of promoting offers and downloads on Facebook complements new features in iTunes 9 which allow users to post items to their Facebook page or add them to their Twitter feed.

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Leyio launches new iPod-friendly PSD

The Leyio PSD ('Personal Sharing Device') range gets a new addition this week, with a cheaper £99 8GB model launched, just in time for a new iPod-friendly firmware update.

The original 16GB Leyio now costs £129, and continues to baffle many of us in the TechRadar office.

While some of us have started regularly using the device for sharing data, music and movies with mates, there is still a 'confused by Leyio' contingent that refuses to accept the PSD is worth its asking price.

iPhone-friendly data sharer

Perhaps the forthcoming firmware update that will add simplified file transfer support for iPhone and Pod - and loads of other mobiles and wireless PMP devices – will be the point at which the Leyio comes into its own.

You can also make use of the Leyio's ultra-wideband connection (UWB) to literally flick your files through the air to other Leyio users at 10MB per second.

"A song takes just one second to transfer via UWB, making Leyio much faster than Bluetooth or wi-fi," claims the company. "And with most of us carrying around more digital data than ever, from holiday snaps to business documents, the Leyio now makes it easier to connect to your favourite gadgets – and even those belonging to your friends."

Of course, the only real (and quite major) caveat here is that you need to find other UWB users (ie Leyio-owners) to flick your data across to.

Share files wherever you may be

"In the next few weeks, users will be able to transfer tracks directly from their iPhone to their Leyio, simply by using a USB cable, in the same way that they can already share information from their iPods," says Bruno Maurel, CEO of Leyio.

"Leyio is designed to allow you to share files wherever and whenever you choose, whether you're in front of your computer or not. And, by being compliant with other devices – iPods, digital cameras, mobile phones – Leyio makes sharing on- and off-line simpler than ever. Also, since Leyio is about accessibility, we have introduced a new 8GB model that is our most affordable yet."

The new 8GB model also gets additional microSD support and is out next month in October for £99. See more over at Leyio.com.

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Sony's Walkman overtakes Apple's Ipod in Japan ...

SONY'S WALKMAN is back and it is giving Jobs' Mob a good kicking in the Land of the Rising Sun.

The Walkman, which was the icon of the 1980s, has been doing the unthinkable and usurped the Apple icon amongst the technology savvy Japanese.

To be fair it is not the cassette version of the Walkman, although that would be incredibly funny to see in the shops again beating the Ipod, but another MP3 player.

The Japanese company's share of portable music players sold climbed to 43 per cent in the week ended August 30, nosing past Apple's 42.1 per cent. Apple has held the top slot in personal music players since January 2005 in Japan.

Apple has rushed to point out that its range of exploding Iphones has cannibalised its Ipod sales. Iphones were not included in the BCN figures because it is a phone and not an MP3 player.

However there are other reasons why Sony is back. First, it has gained market share after introducing inexpensive models including the W series of cordless players that sell for under $108.

Sony also has better sound quality than Apple and it does not have the same crazy Itunes requirement.

Analysts say that it is too early to tell if the Ipod is going to suffer in the same way in Europe or the US.

Both outfits are seeing interest in MP3 players fall. Sales of portable music players in Japan fell by 13.5 per cent in August. This is the fifth straight month of decline, according to BCN.

The hope is that new models from Apple and Sony will lift sales again. Apple will be releasing its new wave of Ipods next week.

On July 30, Sony increased its sales forecast for digital music players to 6.7 million units for the year ending March 2010 from its May estimate of 6.3 million. It flogged 7 million last year.

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Toshiba JournE beats Apple to the Touch Tablet punch

With Apple Inc. largely expected to reveal a pricey Netbook-busting Apple Tablet computer (the iPad) before the close of 2009, Japanese tech heavyweight Toshiba is looking to tempt some of the iPad’s prospective buyers with its newly unveiled JournE Touch Tablet platform.


Beyond the really rather fetching aesthetics borrowed from the company’s line of JournE digital photo frames, the JournE Touch Tablet comes equipped with the associated consumer appeal of touch-screen functionality and an attractive price tag of around $365 USD (€250 Euro).

Powered by an ARM-based processor and 1GB of internal storage, the JournE Touch Tablet comes complete with a 7.0-inch touchscreen display (the same size as the original ASUS Eee PC), a customised version of Windows CE 6.0 Pro, the mobile iteration of Internet Explorer, and the portable connectivity and convenience of 802.11b/g Wi-Fi.

According to various reports surrounding Toshiba’s latest slice of portable computing, other contributing aspects include support for 1080p video through a built-in HDMI slot, memory expansion via microSD, and external device compatibility through included USB slots.

Announced this week by Toshiba Europe’s general manager, Marco Perino, during an official press conference, the JournE Touch Tablet is expected to arrive during quarter four and will also receive the content support of its own online application store – just as soon as Toshiba has finished building it.

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