In the “yes” column: iTunes 9.0. Full-length album download format. Facebook & Twitter integration in iTunes. Lower iPod prices. Whole new iPod Nano with built-in video camera, FM radio tuner, microphone, speaker, pedometer, available today.

And all this under the long-awaited return of Steve Jobs.

Let’s break it down.

iTunes

iTunes got a major upgrade today in the form of iTunes 9.0, which sports a clean, fully redesigned interface and tons of enhancements both big and small:

• The big news is iTunes LP (the project formerly code-named Cocktail), a snazzy new format for downloading entire albums. Purchase a full album that’s LP-enabled and in addition to all the songs, you get full lyrics, photography, liner notes, videos, and other “extras” similar to what you might get on a DVD.
• Similar to iTunes LP is iTunes Extras, additional interactive content and “DVD Extras”-style features for downloadable movies.
• Greatly hyped was the new ability to manage iPhone/iPod Touch Apps from inside iTunes. This is something users have been begging for, for years: the ability to reorganize how Apps are displayed on your home screen.
• Genius Mix is a new function that culls together music from your playlist in a never-ending stream of like-minded songs, like your own personal radio station.
• Home Sharing lets you copy any media from one version of iTunes in your house to any other version of iTunes in your house — on up to 5 computers.
• Twitter and Facebook have been integrated with iTunes at last, thanks to little arrows next to the “Buy” button on each song, that let you do more than just buy: you can add a song to a wishlist, gift a song to someone else, or microblog about a song on Facebook and Twitter.

iPod

There was less unveiled here than everyone seemed to be hoping for, with the biggest news being the new model iPod Nano. The Nano, which Apple says is the “most popular music player in the world,” now comes with a built-in video camera, a built-in FM radio tuner, a pedometer that can be synced to Nike’s popular workout software, a microphone, and even a speaker — a first for a non-Touch iPod. Two models are available: an 8GB version for $149, and a 16GB version for $179. They come in nine high-gloss colors.

The iPod Touch saw no major enhancements, but got a price drop down to $199 for the 8GB version, $299 for 32GB, and $399 for the new 64GB version.

The iPod Classic did not get discontinued, as some had speculated it might. Instead it also got a bump up in capacity, from 120GB up to 160GB, but the price remains the same: $249.

The iPod Shuffle was another device some thought might end up on the chopping block, but it ain’t so. The device itself got no major improvements but Apple announced that new and different kinds of headphones will soon become available for the Shuffle, all with the Shuffle’s controller built into their connector cord. Five new colors were introduced for the Shuffle, which sells for $59 (2GB) and $79 (4GB). A special edition brushed stainless steel version was also shown off.

iPhone

Not to be left out, the iPhone got a little love today as well, in the form of iPhone OS 3.1, which adds the Genius function to Apps, to recommend Apps you’d like based on ones you’ve already bought. Also included is the ability to buy and download Ringtones right from your iPhone for $1.29 a pop. Apple claims to have 30,000 Ringtones available from all four major record labels. OS 3.1 is a free download that’s available today.

Looks like that’s about it, kiddies. The fabled iPad tablet remains exactly that: a fable. The Beatles catalog won’t see the light of day for a while, if ever. But we have a whole new iTunes and some mild upgrades to the various iPod models.

So are you excited by what Apple showed off today? Or was it too much hype and not enough action?

Images: Apple Inc.

Post from: EveryJoe

Apple lowers iPod prices, unveils iTunes 9

What you’re looking at is an alarm clock, digital photo frame, and iPod/iPhone dock all in one oh-so-sleek package. It sports a 7″ color LCD screen, 1GB of memory, and a retractable iPod/iPhone dock. (That last bit seems strange — an Apple-products dock, from Sony? don’t they remember they make their own media players and smart phones? — but I shan’t argue with such a handsome package.)

Sony’s ICF-CL75iP (yuck, what a mouthful) will display images culled from a USB connection, or via whatever’s stored on your docked iPod/iPhone. It will play both music and video, it comes with a built-in FM/AM tuner, and customizable options for whatever kind of sound you want it to wake you with.

Sadly, it’s not a touchscreen, but then again, I can see that going bad if you wanted to hit the snooze bar and the snooze bar was part of the touchscreen. Most of us would destroy the screen after a single night. Instead, there’s a nice, big snooze bar up on top, and about a dozen other buttons sprinkled throughout to take care of all your tasks and settings. Plus, there’s that awesome retractable iPod/iPhone dock that sliiiiides out on the right side, or disappears back in if you don’t need it.

The ICF-CL75iP is expected to arrive around the beginning of October with a pricetag somewhere in the $200 range. I can’t imagine ever spending that much money on an alarm clock, but then… when I stare lovingly at this thing and the drool slips past my lips, my wallet seems to want to open all by itself…

Source: Sony Insider.

Image: Sony Electronics Inc.

Post from: EveryJoe

Best. Alarm clock. Ever.

Invitations went out this morning to media, though they were sparse on details. It was pretty much just the image you see above, with the embedded “rock & roll” tagline, and the date and location listed. (Oh Apple, how you love to tease.)

Speculation has been going like mad for months now on what major announcements Apple might have up its fruity-red sleeve for this event. Of course we can expect lots of chest-beating over the enormous sales figures that the iPod and iTunes Store continue to generate. And the newest generation of iPods will no doubt be unveiled — there’s already talk that the iPod Touch as well as the iPod Nano line will be getting built-in cameras.

The current-generation iPod family

There’s also “Cocktail,” which is the code name for a new full-album download format that Apple has been working on for a while as a means of attracting customers away from single sales towards full albums. And there’s been a lot of talk about Apple’s long-held ambition of bringing the Beatles catalog to iTunes — which couldn’t possibly find a better event to premier at, with Beatlemania enjoying a new surge in popularity thanks to the pending release of The Beatles Rock Band video game. A game that is releasing the same day as Apple’s press conference.

All signs indicate that the most lusted-after new product being worked on under Apple’s super-secret roof — the touchscreen computing device nicknamed the iPad — will not be unveiled at the iPod event. But hey, Apple’s surprised us before, and if they were to accelerate their expected shipping schedule so that the iPad could be available in time for Christmas, September would be the ideal time to show it off.

What do you hope to see Apple announce at the iPod event?

Images: Apple Inc.

Post from: EveryJoe

Apple iPod event happening 9/9/09

Nicholas Woodhams at the age of 23 is running away with lots of cash but he has done so illegally and now he has to pay $648,568 in damages to Apple, $8,066.85 to the US Postal Service, and has to return ill-gotten wealth which includes a house in Michigan, an Audi S4, Ariel Atom 2, Honda motorcycle all amounting to around $ 1.4 million dollars because of mail fraud and money laundering charges. On top of these, he has to serve 13 months in prison, a big setback for a young lad.

Nicholas Woodhams is the man behind iPodMechanic which exploits Apple’s advance replacement system for the iPod which was then resold as new through his website. Also, he was able to exploit Apple’s iPod warranty service program where you can get the company to make repairs even after the warrant has expired.

In the advance replacement system, you can request for an iPod shuffle replacement by entering a credit card number that is valid for replacements. Apple sends the iPod shuffle right away and waits for your busted iPod, if it doesn’t receive the iPod in a given period, it then charges your credit card. What Nicholas did was to use credit cards with valid replacements but did not have the balance to be charged upon either it was overdue it’s limit. Nicholas got over $75,000 dollars of iPod shuffles and resold them as new iPods through iPodMechanic.

In the warranty scheme, Nicholas replaced the casing of the iPod shuffle that did not have warranty with a case that still has warranty. They sent it to Apple for repairs and again sold them as new.

Apple was so mad at it that they filed a suit on June and Nicholas seeing he didn’t have a way out, pleaded guilty early July and now has to suffer the consequences of his actions. I think this guy is a genius placed and used illegally. He may have thought to earn a few bucks here and there when he finally realized he can make millions out of this scheme. At 23, he isn’t skilled enough to keep his operations in check and be able to get out of it quickly.

I just hope he realize his mistake while in prison and use his intelligence in the right way.

Image from Apple.

Post from: EveryJoe

iPod Mechanic Pays Big

In other words, these technology gadgets may regard as just wants and what’s important may be the people and love around you. Worth thinking eh?

Via: Designcrave
Image: Kyle Bean

Post from: EveryJoe

Disposable Nintendo DS & Other Tech Stuff

Image: Applestore.com

Recently I came across a report on iLounge.com that said that there was a discussion in the Apple Forums that said that some iPod Shuffle 3g users were having issues with the new earphones that come with the new shuffle. The new earphones for the new Shuffle feature a volume control on the right earbud cord.

the issue appears to be linked to moisture and sweat, which seems to interfere with the in-line controls. Users have repeatedly reported that the volume randomly increases to maximum when working out or running during use, while a subset of users said that the unit unexpectedly turned itself off shortly after the volume increase.

If you’re sweating excessively chances are some sweat is going to run down the wire and possibly interfere with the controls. I’m not saying that this is right and that Apple is not at fault here, but they know that these products are used for various reasons to include working out. I think they need to take measures to insure that this doesn;t become a problem by at least making them water resistant.

Post from: EveryJoe

Monday Music: iPod Shuffle 3G Issues

Based on the shared experiences of 6,054 active golfers, the new application gives both putters and long-ball hitters access to Zagat’s trusted ratings and reviews for 1,149 top golf courses across the U.S.

“GOLF BY ZAGAT is the ultimate companion for any golf enthusiast,” said Tim Zagat, CEO of Zagat Survey. “It puts all of America’s top courses in the palm of your hand. Your golfing buddies will be green with envy.”

The application is immediately available through the Apple App Store for $4.99.

(photo credit: Newscom)

Post from: EveryJoe

Golf by Zagat

DLO Homedock HD (Image: DLO.com)

With devices like these transitioning the picture from the small iPod screen to a much larger screen I often wonder how much resolution is lost in the process. I imagine there has to be some kind of pixelating and whatnot somewhere in there. Here are some quick facts via their website.

• Enjoy your iPod on your high-definition TV via HDMI connectivity and video upscaling to 720p or 1080i
• View and navigate iPod directly on your TV with the intuitive user interface
• Full-featured RF remote for iPod control from the comfort of your couch
• Pure digital audio via optical digital output
• Ready to go right out of the box – AV Cable included, and no computer or wireless network required
• On-screen Album Art delivers the complete iPod experience
• HomeDock HD charges your iPod while securely docked
• Compatible with all dockable iPods

DLO Homedock HD Rear View (Image DLO.com)

That’s right, all dockable iPods. If you want one of these additions to your HD home theater you’re going to have to come out of the pocket about $255. You can find the Homedock HD at Best Buy, Target, Sams Club, The Apple Store and various online resellers.

For more information and to see a demo of the Homedock HD in use visit. dlo.com.

Post from: EveryJoe

Homedock HD For Your iPod

SXC.hu

1. MP3 player with 40+ of your favorite songs – a good list of your favorite music can really give you extra energy to give you a great workout.
2. Good running/Xtraining shoes – your comfort while exercising can’t be emphasized enough.  Working out can be hard enough without any physical pain or problems with your shoes.
3. Breathable mesh shorts/shirts – stay cool while you workout with high technology workout clothing.  Your skin will be able to breathe and you won’t get overheated.  Also, mesh doesn’t restrain your range of motion.
4. 2-3 cold bottles of water – You need to stay full hydrated while working out.  Cool water is the best way to keep you hydrated and your body at a low temperature.  You should never be deprived of water.
5. Watch – This is the least important of the 5, but a watch can tell you when your rest should be up, how long to hold your exercise, if you’re lagging, and whether you are done.

Post from: EveryJoe

Items That Help Your Workout

Vuzix iP230 Video Eye-wear

The Vizix iP230 plugs in the port at the bottom of your iPod and draws it’s power from your iPod so there is no extra power source involved. The eye wear makes it look as if you’re watching a 44″ tv from about 9 feet away. Is features built in earphones in the arms of the eye wear so you don;t have to worry about using your external ear-buds. The iP230 weight only a quarter of a pound and can be found for a pretty fair price these days. Shop around a bit and you might find them for under $70.00.

What are the drawbacks of the iP230? Well, you can’t use them with an iPod Touch or iPhone. There are also reviews that say the video is not as crisp as on your iPod screen, but everyone seems relatively satisfied with this product.

Image via Powergadget.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Vuzix iP230 Video Eyewear For Your iPod